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Looking thru a 98 catalog I saw a Peter Herbst # C53 listed. I have never seen one of these listed anywhere. Anybody have any experience with these? It looks interesting.
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Spydie C53
- Thread starter grantdouglas
- Start date
Looking thru a 98 catalog I saw a Peter Herbst # C53 listed. I have never seen one of these listed anywhere. Anybody have any experience with these? It looks interesting.
The Herbst would make a very good daily carry knife. Good blade geometry for utility use; good ergonomics (it seems to fit into my hand as if it was custom designed just for me); IMO good blade steel--440C (I like it); titanium handles for durability; and very smooth opening action (it was the major selling point for me).
The one thing that I did not like was the inferior finish of the blued pattern on the handle. I suspect that it may have come that way from the manufacturer. (I purchased it anyway since I thought it would be a "user" and was able to get the dealer to discount it for the imperfection--it was the only one available).
I carried it for awhile but later learned that the model, while not rare, was not widely available. The Spyderco booklet that comes with some of their knives mentions that it was created especially for the international market. Also, I thought I read somewhere that Spyderco discontinued production of the C53 due to quality control problems but may be considering another run with a different production shop. Maybe someone else can confirm or deny these "rumors" started by me.
The knife now rests in the "Hey, can't you find another knife to use" category of my collection.
Mine is a plain edge model which IMO looks nicer than the serrated version. I would recommend its purchase if you're looking for a decent daily carry knife--especially if you can get one at a good price (it may have been unfairly maligned resulting in lower market demand and price).
The one thing that I did not like was the inferior finish of the blued pattern on the handle. I suspect that it may have come that way from the manufacturer. (I purchased it anyway since I thought it would be a "user" and was able to get the dealer to discount it for the imperfection--it was the only one available).
I carried it for awhile but later learned that the model, while not rare, was not widely available. The Spyderco booklet that comes with some of their knives mentions that it was created especially for the international market. Also, I thought I read somewhere that Spyderco discontinued production of the C53 due to quality control problems but may be considering another run with a different production shop. Maybe someone else can confirm or deny these "rumors" started by me.
Mine is a plain edge model which IMO looks nicer than the serrated version. I would recommend its purchase if you're looking for a decent daily carry knife--especially if you can get one at a good price (it may have been unfairly maligned resulting in lower market demand and price).
They were made by Böker in Germany. Böker uses 440C in their better knives thus this steel? Nice looking, feeling, decent ergos but manufacturing quality was poor.
Spyderco has a new batch of these coming out next year. Look at rewiew forum. Changes are quite small
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"Good tools to sustain life, or at least make life more convenient"
-James Mattis
Spyderco has a new batch of these coming out next year. Look at rewiew forum. Changes are quite small
------------------
"Good tools to sustain life, or at least make life more convenient"
-James Mattis
Sal Glesser
Moderator
- Joined
- Dec 27, 1998
- Messages
- 11,671
Hi. thanx Tommi. The new version of the Peter Herbst design is being made in Seki City by out number one maker. The blade is now ATS-55, the handle is aluminum, no blueing. Eccentric pivot, offset arc ramp.
We didn't feel that the design had a "real chance" in the market place. The first run didn't go well. We were not able to deliver well and the maker was already busy and was not able to handle our need. He was trying to do it for me as a favor.
The new run uses the same pattern, but the serrations on the tang are exposed as they should be. The original is certainly a rare collector piece as it is the only Spyderco ever made in Gemany and there are very few of them out there.
When we do a collaboration, we like to make sure that the effort is worthy enough to give the design opportunity in the marketplace to succeed. We owe that to the designer. The Herbst is not the first, not the last collaboration design that we have had to retool.
So, please buy lots of them because we have to cover high tooling costs. (just kidding) It's a very nice piece.
sal
We didn't feel that the design had a "real chance" in the market place. The first run didn't go well. We were not able to deliver well and the maker was already busy and was not able to handle our need. He was trying to do it for me as a favor.
The new run uses the same pattern, but the serrations on the tang are exposed as they should be. The original is certainly a rare collector piece as it is the only Spyderco ever made in Gemany and there are very few of them out there.
When we do a collaboration, we like to make sure that the effort is worthy enough to give the design opportunity in the marketplace to succeed. We owe that to the designer. The Herbst is not the first, not the last collaboration design that we have had to retool.
So, please buy lots of them because we have to cover high tooling costs. (just kidding) It's a very nice piece.
sal
- Joined
- Oct 5, 2000
- Messages
- 188
Thanks for the information guys! Sal I'll be purchasing one when they come out.
I have one of the original Herbst models. About the quality... the final edge was dull and done with very large angle - but that was easily fixed with DMT aligner (otherwise the blade grinds are great!). The largest concern for me was that the liner lock goes almost all the way over, but to give it some credit... it hasn't chaged at all since the day I bought it. It doesn't go over the blade and seems to hold ok. (Of course it could not even go over the blade - no room.) So maybe I'll start using it more again. (I've been in email exchange with Sal about this, and thanks Sal - it seems to hold on after all.) The blueing seems as good as any ti blueing... you just have to remeber that it does wear out. The 440C seems very good (not as good as BG-42 or VG-10 which are the best steels I have, but not that much worse either. Gets very sharp and keeps it fairly long, and is one of the best looking blade materials), and the action is very smooth. Over all, one of the best Spydies IMHO.
Definately one of the best designs!!
If I had more money I'd already be ordering the new one to be my user! But I don't have any loose money
so I'll have to wait and see if I can get it later on.
Hugo.
ps. Sal nice changes... with both the blade and handle material changed, as well as manufacturer and with some slight design changes - seems like a new knive! (And kind of makes the old version a collectors item - which it already was anyways
)
[This message has been edited by Hugo (edited 12-11-2000).]
If I had more money I'd already be ordering the new one to be my user! But I don't have any loose money
Hugo.
ps. Sal nice changes... with both the blade and handle material changed, as well as manufacturer and with some slight design changes - seems like a new knive! (And kind of makes the old version a collectors item - which it already was anyways
[This message has been edited by Hugo (edited 12-11-2000).]
Sal, thanks for the background information on the original Herbst and the update on the new version.
I really like my "original" Herbst but based on your comments about its collectability I think I'll carry it only on special occasions to show off.
The knife that I have works flawlessly and has a very, very smooth opening and closing action--seems like the washers are made of teflon.
It's unfortunate that many Sypderco fans will not be able to experience the feel of the original. Nonetheless, I look forward to seeing the updated version.
I really like my "original" Herbst but based on your comments about its collectability I think I'll carry it only on special occasions to show off.
It's unfortunate that many Sypderco fans will not be able to experience the feel of the original. Nonetheless, I look forward to seeing the updated version.
Sal Glesser
Moderator
- Joined
- Dec 27, 1998
- Messages
- 11,671
Thanx for the support. The original model will definitely be a collector piece. Very few actually went out.
The new model will, I believe, prove to be a better user.
sal
The new model will, I believe, prove to be a better user.
sal