The New Southard, Why do Away with the framelock?

Brendtech189

Brendtech189

Joined
Jul 12, 2012
Messages
2,174
I like my Spyderco Southard as much as the next guy but why on earth would Spyderco do away with the framelock? That made the knife. Now it looks like a lite, weak, flipper that has lost its way. I am still interested to see it in hand but man this is really a buzz kill when I first heard about it. Any other opinions out there regarding the "new" Spyderco Southard?
 
The model it's based on is also a liner lock knife. I think a liner lock might work better for a flipper, actually. I just hope the final product has a fairly thin handle.
 
Mrdeus. Thx for the link. Hmm I could see this one joining my org Southard. Hope the price is right :)
 
Southard collaborations with Spyderco are money in the bank. You'll likely see more framelocks coming out of this relationship in the future.

As mrdeus mentioned, the Ion is based on the Trot model, which is a linerlock. I think this knife is targeted for EDC that can be dressed up for business/formal occasions and lighter usage than the original Southard Flipper, hence the lighter design.
 
Obviously can't make a full judgement call before handling one, but I'm actually a little happy to see this Ion as a nested liner-lock instead of frame-lock.
Allows for a more symmetrical handle, and won't have inconsistency issues with flipping depending on your finger grip, like some frame-locks. Maybe just simply for variety sake as well... already have so many frame lock flippers!
 
I don't think there's a huge strength difference between a framelock and a liner lock, and as others have said, I'm looking forward to having symmetrical handle scales and materials
 
I don't mind a liner lock at all, and I will be checking out the ION. But still, it seems like it might be a step down from the Southard and the Rubicon. Hopefully the price reflects that. Also, for a Southard, who has amazingly fluid designs, there seems like there is something unresolved in the design of the ION. I can't put my finger on it, it just looks a bit off somehow. A bit handle heavy maybe.

Then there's the Nirvana. Wow. If you took away the Spyderco logo and the hourglass clip, you wouldn't be able to convince me that it isn't a Rassenti custom. Really amazing work.
 
I have no problems with the smaller ION coming with a liner lock. I'm actually glad to see it, since the liner lock allows for uniform scales which look good on the smaller version IMO.
 
Thanks for the input guys but I am with Humble on this one. It just somehow doesn't look right. I can't quite figure it out. But we will have to see, and yes the Spyderco Nivana is going to be epic. As I have said, as long as its not over $500.00 I'm in as fast as I can find one. The only stat that I am really interested in is comparing the same customized Rassenti Nirvana and the Spyderco Nivana's width from scale to scale. Any guesses? The spyderco looks thinner but I guess it comes down to blade stock and Peter's I'm sure is thicker. Both S90V though, even though some Rassenti's are xhp.
 
humblerodent said:
Then there's the Nirvana. Wow. If you took away the Spyderco logo and the hourglass clip, you wouldn't be able to convince me that it isn't a Rassenti custom. Really amazing work.
Click to expand...

yeah, that Nirvana does look next-level awesome, just scared to find out the pricing on it. my guess is the ion is going to be much more within my reach, but if price were no object I have to admit I'd probably try to snag a Nirvana first ... and then also buy an Ion.
 
humblerodent said:
I don't mind a liner lock at all, and I will be checking out the ION. But still, it seems like it might be a step down from the Southard and the Rubicon. Hopefully the price reflects that. Also, for a Southard, who has amazingly fluid designs, there seems like there is something unresolved in the design of the ION. I can't put my finger on it, it just looks a bit off somehow. A bit handle heavy maybe.

Then there's the Nirvana. Wow. If you took away the Spyderco logo and the hourglass clip, you wouldn't be able to convince me that it isn't a Rassenti custom. Really amazing work.
Click to expand...
I hear ya on the design...I'm no expert but I think if the handles were contoured in a way such that there was a smoother, more gradual transition from blade to full handle thickness, it would look a lot nicer and imho result in a more fluid design. If I pick one of these up, that's what I would be tempted to try....
 
I agree totally with comments in the post above. The handle really needs to be slimmed down and smoothed out. Given the great blade shape it would be a shame if the final production knives retain those blocky, angular scales. The handle is way too big for that beauiful trim blade and needs a softer, narrower profile with more curved contours and edges. (Take a clue from the Endeavor or the Sprig.) I've EDCed the framelock Southard for about 2 years and love it. Very versatile and rugged. The Ion would complement it perfectly as a lighter duty alternative. I'd like to buy one, but would be much happier if it came from the factory without my having to use a file, etc, to make it right. Just my opinion of course but I feel strongly about it.
 
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Bob Leedy said:
I agree totally with comments in the post above. The handle really needs to be slimmed down and smoothed out. Given the great blade shape it would be a shame if the final production knives retain those blocky, angular scales. The handle is way too big for that beauiful trim blade and needs a softer, narrower profile with more curved contours and edges. (Take a clue from the Endeavor or the Sprig.) I've EDCed the framelock Southard for about 2 years and love it. Very versatile and rugged. The Ion would complement it perfectly as a lighter duty alternative. I'd like to buy one, but would be much happier if it came from the factory without my having to use a file, etc, to make it right. Just my opinion of course but I feel strongly about it.
Click to expand...

This. Looks awful. That handle doesn't match the design aesthetic at all in my opinion.
 
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