Timed for a Pro-Grip update - Need input

Sal Glesser

Sal Glesser

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We think it is time to update the Pro-Grip. The design philosophy is for a "Hunting design" with EDC capability. I do have a rough plan in mind. My current plan is an up-size to 3.5"-3.75" blade, full flat grind VG-10 and a new name. I have some thoughts and dwgs, but I would like to hear your input.

sal
 
Sounds great to me only with G10 Scales please.
Oh and a new name "Spyderco Outfitter"
 
Always liked the looks of this knife with SS and rubber inserts, but never found one in plain edge. (Don't know if plain edged ones were made?) It looked to have a good utilitarian bladeshape and non threatening look also.
 
There are some PEs.I have seen them on ebay a few times.I am going to look into finding one next week.
 
For SOME reason (Sal?) the plainedge is out of production.

I posted a desire for one, and got a response from Mike at New Graham. He had 4, now he has 3!

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Upsizing this knife would be great. I hated the clip at first, but have grown to like it more. The rubber is just too grabby (hence the name pro grip).

A slightly larger version, plainedge, and yes, G-10, would be great.

In ANY Spyderco, a larger hole is better than a small one.
 
Maybe also make it "lefty-friendly" with an ambidextrious pocket-clip?
 
Sounds like a very good plan. I would keep the blade around 3.5 inch VG10 (either hig flat grind or high flat saber grind), loose the rubber inserts and make either G10 scales or SS handles with G10 inserts, keep the lockback design (with blood and guts on it the ball lock seems like it would be a bit too slippery), drill the handle to allow for tip-up carry. Please either offer a PE version, or offer it in the 70/30% PE/SE combo edge configuration.
 
It's been mentioned in the past that this model is a consistent best-seller. I wonder, though, how many people actually use it for hunting (rather than a fixed blade) and how many just use it as a general utility knife. It might help guide your design if folks can give you some information on this topic specifically.

Another point to consider is the large price difference between the current FRN model and SS model. At $75, how well does the SS model sell? Some of the modifications mentioned might put the price in that range or beyond. With the Impala at over $100, I don't know how much room there is for high-end models here. On the other hand, the competitor's model (Kabar Dozier, with a lesser steel) is priced at $20. I think you are going to have to hit the $45 range with this knife to have a market. Your company, of course, has better data to decide this stuff, but these are some things that come to my mind.
 
Sal,

Glad you asked. I've always thought the Pro-Grip was very close to the Wegner Jr. and liked both, but yearned for some "fixes". You mentioned a couple...flat grind and VG-10. A couple of more suggestions might be: add a compression lock and the ability to tear it down and clean it in the field. I like the compression lock more than the liner lock. Hope you see things MY way! ;) Thanks Sal.
 
FUC*IN' AWESOME PLAN Sal.
I would love: ""Hunting design" with EDC capability", and "up-size to 3.5"-3.75" blade, full flat grind VG-10". Fits my dream so far, with a nice size thumb hole.
I personally use my Spidies mostly for food prep.. You know how when cutting cheese the blade usually shows resistance to going effortly through the cheese? Well, you know how on 'cheese knives' they have hole/s along the blade to break the vaccum with the cheese? I was thinking, what about engraving a .5-1 mm deep spiders web on each side of the blade to break the vaccum. It would be innovative. Have you found the Q's and R knives to cut through cheese and the like, good? (I personally don't own any q's or r's and wouldn't know). -Aaren
 
keep metal off the handle!!!!:D

AND make sure to offer a PE!!!!!!!!!:D every model ought to have a PE option!
 
I think a larger blade and full flat grind in VG-10 is perfect. Once again, I understand my fellow Spydernuts wanting G-10, but Spyderco will go bankrupt if all of their knives end up with $150+ list prices. I know from personal experience that sometimes its nice to have a less expensive knife to carry and use, and it's good if the less expensive knife is still made of qwuality materials.:)
 
Originally posted by Sal Glesser
My current plan is an up-size to 3.5"-3.75" blade, full flat grind VG-10
sal
Click to expand...

:eek: :eek: :eek:

I'm there!

Ideally it would be available in plain edge. I like the g-10 idea, but that really depends on the market segment you are trying to capture. If not g-10, I agree with Carlos... 3d FRN w/ bi directional volcano grip.

And a nice large thumb hole.

What are the pro's and con's of different colors?

Pro's:
  • Different color may be found easier if dropped in the woods
  • Different color may be more sheeple friendly

Con's
  • Depending on color, may not have mass appeal
  • May not be "subdued" enough for some hunters/outdoorsman

About the name, if you give it a hunting name it will kill the edc/mass market appeal. Take a look at the Wegner. Awesome knife. It makes a great EDC, but more marketing should have pushed the edc aspect. Your average Joe may not look at it if it is marketed strictly as a hunter. By all means say that it is an excellent hunting knife, but package it as more of the edc aspect.
 
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