Spyderco's First Traditional Knife

Also thank you for posting in this topic, Mr. Glesser! It's pretty neat that you would respond to a thread like this.
 
Alnamvet68 said:
It took me about a month or so to really see the beauty and functionality of this little gem. I went from "...here we go again with another short lived Spyderco abomination..." to gee, I really like it.
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Indeed, same here. I have probably looked at the pictures in the first couple of pages of this thread fifty times by now. The design seems like it would be a very nice whittler, with the longish handle to blade ration, the choil for fine detail, and a tip that is shaped so you could run your index finger along the blade for detail work using the tip. It just seems like a really nice little piece, and I can be honest, I've never held a shoddy Spyderco product. Even their inexpensive Chinese made knives have good fit and finish. I say that as a non-Chinese-knife buying guy!
 
Sal Glesser said:
Actually, I would be curious as to what the "Traditionalists" would think. We never thought about what "classification" of knife it might be. The design served a function and was a bit different than other knives that could be used to serve the same function.

sal
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Hi, Sal!

This traditionalist thinks of it as another Spyderco. Different, yes. Traditional, no.

As a fan, collector, and user of traditionals, I think of Spydercos as useful tools. But it's not my grandfather's pocketknife.

This one looks like a fine tool designed for a specific niche. But we shouldn't try to fit the round hole into the square peg of traditional slip joints.

Someday, I'm going to get a Spyderco. (Been saying that for many years.). But every time I have some money for a knife, I end up with a Case baby doc or a GEC Barlow. I don't really understand it myself.

But keep makin' those useful tools, and eventually I will bite!
 
Fit the round hole into a square peg of traditional slip joints. That was good I think it could pass as an traditional hole or not. I still don't like it but I have many knives I didn't like but they grew on me.
 
If I had to class it, I'd class it as transitional, but that isn't a good marketing term. It reminds me a bit of some of the older Al Mar knives, like the bird series. It has features that fit into both camps, but it doesn't fit neatly into either without a bit of shoehorning.
 
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Sal Glesser said:
Actually, I would be curious as to what the "Traditionalists" would think. We never thought about what "classification" of knife it might be. The design served a function and was a bit different than other knives that could be used to serve the same function.

sal
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My experience with the Traditional Forum is they are inconsistent and cannot be pinned downed to anything logical. For example, a 100 year old design, the lever lock german switchblade, cannot be discussed on that forum. It is not traditional. Same thing if you put a very small thumb stud on a single bladed Case trapper and a liner lock, but an electrician's knife with a liner lock is traditional.

A Buck 110 is touted as the first of the modern tactical knives...but is traditional on the Traditional Forum. A late 20th century knife design made with with modern materials and by modern methods, such as a Tony Bose Zulu pattern with carbon fiber and integral bolster/liners milled on a computer controlled machine is considered a traditional knife.

For them they are proud that it's like porn...they know it when they see it. :)
 
If the price is right, I'd absolutely buy one. I like the thought that went into the design. I say this as someone who like "traditional" knives, but is in no way enslaved to brass liners, pinned joints, bolsters, etc. I definitely do like slipjoints, however, and have been encouraged by the budding market for more slipjoint knives that don't exhibit the characteristics (or flaws) of Grandpa's pocket knife. Spyderco has been on the forefront here. Some domestic Chinese manufacturers have also had some interesting non-traditional slipjoints, which only sporatically make it to American shores. There's a world of European slipjoints and friction folders that almost never seem to turn up in the usual American commercial channels.

It's interesting how The Byrd slipit Wings model seems often overlooked, as a modern slipjoint with traditional styling. Ahead of its time, I think.
 
The only definition I see for Traditionals that is super consistent is that it's "my father/grandfather's pocket knife." Which is a pretty good one, in my opinion. But, it also means that one day, all Spydercos WILL be traditional. ;)
 
A non-traditional traditional, bug-embossed airline knife called the Roadie with one and a half holes and a manicure-friendly opening system. What's not to love. Time for my meds.
 
Well, it's available now from GP Knives...free yourselves from the man caused artificial constraints, dump your meds, fire your psychiatrist, and get yours now.:D
 
I don't really care for lanyards myself. I'm never sure if I should just pull on the cord and fling the knife into my hand or what...
 
yes well at least on knives that feature holes you have the choice to not to attach a lanyard. with no hole there's no option.

on a small knife like this (if a hole was included) i would throw a tec suspension clip on it.

all that said, i don't hate it and spyderco is still number uno in my world :)

sorry for off topic just my two pennies on the knife but as sal stated, this little guy is not classified or considered a traditional.
 
I like it. I won't label it.

I don't need a knife I carry/use to be "traditional", "tactical", "hybrid", etc. I need it to do what I need it to do.

I like when manufacturers come out with new designs, whether they work or not. If I think the knife does what I need it to (cut, carry, and fit my hand well enough), then I buy.

I have a friend whose collection is huge. It has blades from many genres. His theme for the collection... I like it so bought it.

I won't put myself into a clique. It is way too "high school". I like the knife, I like Spyderco, and think I have a need for that knife. So when I can, I will get one.
 
It's all good man, lots of people like lanyards and even throw a cool fob on them. Some look cool. I just don't personally have a purpose for them... the option is nice, of course. I know some users will drill through a bolster to add one if necessary.
 
Sal Glesser said:
Actually, I would be curious as to what the "Traditionalists" would think. We never thought about what "classification" of knife it might be. The design served a function and was a bit different than other knives that could be used to serve the same function.

sal
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I spend most of my BF time in Traditionals, and I suspect the general reaction to the Roadie there will not be positive. The Roadie isnt my cup of tea, but I bear it no malice. Who knows, it might become the next Delica for Spyderco.

Myself, I happily carry both moderns and traditionals. There's plenty of room in knifespace for both. :)
 
northard haha that's classic..

yeah, i only actually have a few lanyards tied on my paras but like i had mentioned on the roadie, a suspension clip (maybe some g10 or micarta scales) would set it off IMO.

usually i pop tec clips on my victorinox knives..it makes them a little more comfortable to carry.

kudos to spyderco for all the innovative designs though.
 
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