Steel Junky's - need opinions

Sounds interesting, but I would be more interested in sprint runs of the FRN Calypso Jr. and/or Military in different steels.



- Frank
 
I guess if it is to go forward, first question would be preferences for blade shape and length. Probably a warnscliffe, drop point, like the Stretch, or a leaf spear like the Caly would offer the most funtion. I would also guess 3" - 4" would be a workable length.

I think I can create an ergonomic handle. I think full flat grinds would be simple and consistent. 3m thick (approx .120) would be available in most steels. We'll skeletonize (weight reduction) and drill the handle so aftermarket scales can be attached.

I'm sure someone "out there", like STR could come up with scales.

We have at least 3 sheathmakers involved in making sheaths for Spyderco's. So there is variety there.

The second question would be what steel would we like to begin with to test the concept and see if we want to continue.

I can use any of the steels that we are currently using, and I can probably chase down few hundfred pounds of others.

I know Crucible will work with us (great group). I met with Sandvik at the SHOT show and they are also intested to work with us. Hitachi, Takefu, Myodo, and Aichi are always making good stuff. Timken Latrobe as well. There's also European steels, N6909Co, Damasteel, etc.

I will try a run of 500 pcs and see what happens.

sal
 
how wide would the blades be? With 3mm stock and a full flat grind, I'd say 12-15mm would be fine for me. The drop point of the Victorinox large blade, also similar to my Scagel style folder, is a profile I really like. Short nose with a bit of curve, centered tip and lots of straight cutting edge for the length.

I guess starting steel depends on where you'll make the first ones. I wouldn't mind 52100 for a first US piece, to help with the bushcraft project and to make it distinct as a carbon steel Spyderco. Alternating high and low wear resistance would be fun-ZDP, then 13C26, then S30V, then AUS8, then D2, then 8CR13MoV, etc.
 
ooh, double post-for handle scales, are there replacement scales for older models sitting in stock we could buy? Just shape and drill the handles to accomodate them. It'd be slender, but I'd even take something like the frn Delica or Endura 4 scales on a matching handle shape.
 
Is the goal to have the same price point on each of the different steels? If not, choose the least expensive of the "exotic steels".

Perhaps a steel that is relatively new? Like the ZDP-189 or S125V?

Also, if there are only 500 made, is it reasonable to think that there would be any in the SFO, or will they be sold out before ever being produced? (I'd like to look at one before buying)
 
I guess I'd like to see a leaf spear, or drop point, but wouldn't have a problem if it ends up being a Wharncliffe. A 3 to 4 incher sounds just right to me. As for the steel I'd really like to see a tool steel like 3V, A2, 52100, or anything that isn't real common to see on a production piece. I'm really looking forward to this thanks Sal.
 
CuriousOne said:
Is the goal to have the same price point on each of the different steels? If not, choose the least expensive of the "exotic steels".

Perhaps a steel that is relatively new? Like the ZDP-189 or S125V?

Also, if there are only 500 made, is it reasonable to think that there would be any in the SFO, or will they be sold out before ever being produced? (I'd like to look at one before buying)
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We normally operate on fixed margins based on mfg costs & materials used. Each mule will probably be a different price. The goal here is to provide pieces that the ELUs can use and compare.

I don't know that SFO will have any, except maybe to deliver to locals that that preordered the piece. We are hoping that they will be sold out befre they are finished. We don't want to inventory pieces.

sal

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"When you go to buy a drill, you don't want a drill...what you want is a hole. Keep sight of the goal".
 
Sal Glesser said:
We normally operate on fixed margins based on mfg costs & materials used. Each mule will probably be a different price. The goal here is to provide pieces that the ELUs can use and compare.
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With that in mind two ideas:

1. Make it like a "gateway drug". Make it semi-inexpensive but nice enough to attract a big crowd. Goal is to have hundreds of folks asking for more, right? Are you able to challenge your suppliers to find out who can produce the knife first? Choose the first steel based on that.

2. Make knives that can double as kitchen knives. That way, when someone's collection is "complete" they also have a nice kitchen knife set? (I don't know if this idea is even possible...) For that reason, I like the blade style.
 
Thanks for doing this for us Sal.

I'd love a leaf shaped blade. 4 inches better than 3 in a fixed blade. IMHO

A nice carbon steel (your choice is better than mine:D ) and a H1 blade would be a sure buy. I'd probably buy a few others, but restraining myself would be possible there;)

Sverre
 
Good idea, however it is done. I don't really care what steel they are made from, pretty much anything better than "surgical stainless" or 420j2 would be interesting. Small fixed blade to reduce cost. Making the knife so that is is usable in the kitchen is a good idea. It gives an easy testing realm for anybody.

Thanks Sal for educating and making good products for us ELUs. :thumbup:
 
I think a leaf spear blade would be best. I personally would like to see a 3" blade so that it can be carried easily.

I would also really like to see it in 52100. M2 and simple carbon steels taken to very high hardness would be interesting as well.
 
Even with the latest interests in edge stability, I see nothing wrong with starting off with SGPS, Cowry-Y, or CPM154.
 
Even with the latest interests in edge stability, I see nothing wrong with starting off with SGPS, Cowry-Y, or CPM154.
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That's the spirit! Everyone and their mother has blades of S30V and other common alloys.

Such offerings serve both:
- Those curious about uncommon/promising/exotic alloys, and;
- Spyderco Marketing, since user-feedback is an excellent indicator of market acceptance of these blade alloys in future Spyderco models.

Keep 'em cheap-as-possible, consistent with alloy cost, acceptable profit margin and stated mission as 'mules'.

I would be pleased to be shamelessly 'exploited' as a Spyderco Marketing contributor!
 
I'm in !! I really like the idea, and am looking forward to try and make my own handle + sheet. I would prefer a droppoint though, but it really doesnt matter...

Best regards,

JaM
 
I'm in.
Being a City dweller I'd like to see a blade that I can use in the situations I find myself in most often. That means it needs to be sheeple friendly or I will only be able to test it on the weekends.

For those reasons I vote for a 3 inch leaf shape.

I also would definitely like to see it come with a finished edge.

Steel? CPM-125V, ZDP-189, BG42 to start then a "tool" steel.

Add my vote for a tang shape that allows us to create an ergonomic handle and the testing environment is complete.

So, where and when?

Sean
 
I think I will have some funds (if Sal stops coming up with all of these great sprint runs), so I may be able to get in on this depending on price. I have had a very positive experience with SGPS, and would love to see some of the steels that Thom Brogan mentioned or some 13C26. I'm partial to leaf shaped blades with full flat grinds, but a drop point like the stretch or a wharncliffe would suffice. I would like a fixed blade closer to the 4" range. STR could definately make a nice handle, or I can screw something together (though it would definately be screwy). Nice, thin edge would be nice, and knowing Spyderco I would say that's a given. It may be interesting to get unsharpened edges from the factory, I know I would like mine that way to see what I could manage, though I'm probably in the minority there.

Mike
 
Sal,

Were you considering this to be a North American exclusive? If not, would you (or could I) mention this idea on the British Blades forum? It may help swell the ranks a bit...

Sean
 
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