I handled it in Amsterdam and thought it was awesome. Nice and light, laser fast flipping action, slim and slicey blade, and I like the symmetrical handles. I think most of you are commenting on how the design doesn't look right because you're seeing it in macro photos. If it were narrower you wouldn't like how it felt in hand, which is much more of a priority in a knife that's going to be used. I really can't think of a situation where I wouldn't want to carry this knife, and I'm not even a huge frame/liner lock fan. I'm in.
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The New Southard, Why do Away with the framelock?
- Thread starter Brendtech189
- Start date
That's what I was thinking too. Aesthetically, a slimmer handle would look great, but as it's not very tall the grip would be uncomfortably small. It looked really comfortable in Eric's hands on the video. Either way, there'll probably be aftermarket handle scales to suit nearly everyone's tastes.
The Ion looks to me to be an almost perfect EDC. I am very happy with the linerlock and symmetrical scales. I understand that the knife feels good in the hand with a "full-sized" handle, but it simply doesn't have to be so disproportionately bulbus and angular in profile to accomplish that. Compare it with the framelock version which feels just fine. The main problem is with the unnecessary straight lines and sharp points. They serve no practical function. Thinner is not really the issue. It would be easy to retain a substantive handle and still have smooth lines that would feel even better in the hand and pocket. With such a fine basic design, why not have a handle that complements that design rather than detracts from it? The knife just begs to "flow", to be more "organic". I'm kind of surprised Brad agreed to this design. Seems very out of character compared to his other work. I plan to buy an Ion. I'd just like it to be all it could be straight from the producer. To me, it's a mark of respect to Spyderco that I've commented at all. Last I'll say on this.
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- Jan 18, 2015
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I'm confused, does this Ion collaboration not look like the actual Southard design which it was based upon? The Ion is different than the actual custom for the "sake of being different"?
I saw photos awhile ago but can't find them to compare again to see...
Not sure why there is such stubborn resistance against it here. I like what I saw in Mr. Blondes thread, but I'm hoping to handle one before making a full judgement call. I haven't been fortunate enough to handle the actual Southard variant...
I saw photos awhile ago but can't find them to compare again to see...
Not sure why there is such stubborn resistance against it here. I like what I saw in Mr. Blondes thread, but I'm hoping to handle one before making a full judgement call. I haven't been fortunate enough to handle the actual Southard variant...
Looks pretty faithful to me (I like the Ion's refinements better actually). I guess I don't see the unattractive bulbousity and angularity you do. The scales appear to be about as thick as the blade stock, which is ~0.115" (<1/8"), which means the overall thickness is likely around 3/8".
Oops, one more comment... Thanks for a photo of the original, it helps. I hadn't seen it. Yes, they are very similar, right down to the fatter butt. But the original clearly has smoother contours. Even the "points" are more beveled/rounded. That's the main thing I'm talking about. With just a little extra effort the factory models could match that. I have no argument with the thickness. Finally, yes I'm probably nit- picking and if I want it my way maybe I need to get the real thing. But I'll likely just buy the Ion and trim it down how I want it. My intent was not to be bitchy. I am a Spyderco fan. I just saw room for improvement on a model of particular interest. Sorry if I've ruffled feathers.
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Thanks for those photos, appreciate it! :thumbup:
Yeah, silhouette looks very close!
Biggest difference I see is the blade grind fade line (I don't know the word for it).
On the Ion it appears the butt of the handle is a more acute angle, and the line on the blade between flat grind and tang is at the same angle to compliment eachother (and aiming across the centerline of SpyderHole). Actual Southard has a fade on the blade, and a more upright line at the butt of the handle. Also appears a bit more organic.
I really like both!
Yeah, silhouette looks very close!
Biggest difference I see is the blade grind fade line (I don't know the word for it).
On the Ion it appears the butt of the handle is a more acute angle, and the line on the blade between flat grind and tang is at the same angle to compliment eachother (and aiming across the centerline of SpyderHole). Actual Southard has a fade on the blade, and a more upright line at the butt of the handle. Also appears a bit more organic.
I really like both!
No sweat. I know everyone here just wants to see the best products come out of these collaborations. I'm just happy we can have discussion with actual photos and first-person accounts, instead of the cryptic one-liner descriptions from the previous year. I've been looking forward to this model quite a bit, because it'll derail me from ponying up for an Avo.
I too favour softer profiles, and Bob Leedy, your idea of rounded or beveled edges suits my fancy. Without the skill and equipment, I'd much rather Taichung/Spyderco handle it as well, because you know they'll do it right.
Speedholes, that 'fade' is also one of the parts I like more in the Ion. The front of the flipper guard is also shaped to match the handle, which I find to be a nice touch. I kind of wish the wire clip screw supplanted that final handle scale screw at the tip of the butt.
I too favour softer profiles, and Bob Leedy, your idea of rounded or beveled edges suits my fancy. Without the skill and equipment, I'd much rather Taichung/Spyderco handle it as well, because you know they'll do it right.
Speedholes, that 'fade' is also one of the parts I like more in the Ion. The front of the flipper guard is also shaped to match the handle, which I find to be a nice touch. I kind of wish the wire clip screw supplanted that final handle scale screw at the tip of the butt.
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- Dec 6, 2012
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This has to be the best Southard thread in the forum. The Ion is a little bit bigger than I'm comfortable with, but I'm really liking it...a lot, so I can adjust my thinking.
204P is what Eric mentioned in the IWA video Mr. Blonde posted. S30v is what was on the Amsterdam prototype in the lovely photos. Either one would be great. I'd also be happy with CTS-XHP or S35v if it came down to that because a formal folder with a slicer grind just needs a steel with a long lasting working edge.
Hmmm.... not to sure I like the look but using one may change that. The chubby handle vs. the blade just looks like the design balance is off. I do think that the weight and ergos may make it a great user.
ps. Bring on the Nirvana!!! THAT is THE most exciting, well balanced, and stunning Spyderco I've seen in the 2015 releases. I'm buying 2 once they are released no matter what the price.
ps. Bring on the Nirvana!!! THAT is THE most exciting, well balanced, and stunning Spyderco I've seen in the 2015 releases. I'm buying 2 once they are released no matter what the price.
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- May 8, 2013
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When I asked Brad, he told me s30v is what he expected but that things could change.