Two Brand New EXPERIMENTAL Models

J

J AlanClay

Joined
Oct 3, 1998
Messages
65
I have heard that there are two new experimental models soon to be available...considering the fact that the Calypso Jr and Dragonfly were also experimentals, I am really excited....can anyone give details on steel type, handle materials, blade sizes ETC! Thanks, Jeff
 
jeff,
i saw more than two experimantals at spyderco.
it hard to know what knives you saw or heard so it is a bit difficult to give you an answer.
 
I know at the Blade Show last year, Spyderco had a display cabinet full of prototypes. Knives you could only dream off. So there is no telling what the experimentals may be. I bet they'll be cool.

Blades
 
One cool thing I love about Spyderco is that they bring their prototypes to shows and put them in people hands and ask for "HONEST" opinions. A company who really likes feed back will go far in this industry. A company who fears feedback and only keeps new designs in house and then springs them only unsuspecting ELU's will have a few winners but they will also have a ton of bombs.

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Best Regards,
Mike Turber
BladeForums Site Owner and Administrator
Do it! Do it right! Do it right NOW!
www.wowinc.com




 
Hey Guys:
Thanks for the quick responses....the new "experimentals" that I am talking about AREN'T PROTOTYPES.....they are actual new knives being released to retailers...the knifecenter is advertising their arrival within the next few weeks but even they don't know specifics!!!! thanks, JEFF
 
So what's the difference among experimental, prototype and concept models?

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"It is better to understand a little than to misunderstand a lot." -- Anonymous


 
Hi Titan - hope you're enjoying your Military!

To answer your question: Experimental = unnamed model gets put onto the market to test how well it will sell. Spyderco will then decide if there is enough demand to warrant the experimental becoming a SKU. Prototype = is the development of a new SKU. Up to several models (maybe more) made prior to putting the knife into full blown production. Concept = these are designs in which Spyderco is just merely thinking of producing. They want to show ELU's these designs to get their feedback on. If feedback is favorable, then Spyderco will look into going with full production on the concept model(s). Hope this helps!

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Dexter Ewing
Knife Reviews Moderator

"The keystroke is mightier than the sword"



[This message has been edited by Dexter Ewing (edited 02 May 1999).]
 
I hope that these experimentals aren't the sub-3" blade variety.
Most of these types of releases seem quite small; I think Spyderco has already got the high quality small-folder(around 2"-3" blade) market pretty much in their grasp.
Unless they possess a 'radical' uniqueness from all the other small-folders they already have in production, I can't see Spyderco adding more small SKUs to their line.
I like the idea of releasing experimentals, but I'd like to see more 3.5"+ blade experimentals.
Just my opinion.

Ken
 
Agreed, I think the "full-size" market is the area to focus on because they sure have alock on neat little knives. Looking on their web site there are two models in this range coming up: the J.D. Smith design shows a practical, functional design that doesn't ring my bells aesthetically, but the Shabaria - wow! Forgive me if I don't try spelling the designer's name, but I am nuts over this knife. I'm always a bit leary of very radical designs, but this one looks to me like a real winner in the hand as well as an aesthetic marvel. And a nice reverse-curve blade on a Spyderco? Sign me up!!!

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-Corduroy
(Why else would a bear want a pocket?)
 
hey corduroy.. i liked your bit on the shabaria.
i'm going to see the desighner in two days
he will love to hear it.
is there any other forumites that can give some thoughts about what they think about the new shabaria.. i'm sure mr.bradichansky
[the desighner]will appriciate the input.
 
I was in love with the Shabaria at first sight. The 'only' single gripe from me is the amount of liner that is exposed to release the blade. I truly think the knife would look just as(if not more) attractive, if the exposed liner area was minimized.

It's projects like the Shabaria that keep Spyderco fresh and cycling in my mind.

I remember Sal saying that the original prototype or custom version had a 5" blade, now that would be a helluva Sypdie.

Ken
 
that is correct ken,the original shabaria prototype was a "5" version.
but spyderco decided it might have been a little too intimidating.
althuogh it is big enough i have to agree that this knife could have been mighty cool in a "5".
 
Scorpio,
Pass on that I'm also waiting for the Shabaria. What a cool looking knife. The thing that gets me is it being based on such an old design.

Blades
 
too intimidating
Click to expand...

That's right up there with too muscular, too big, too strong, and too fast. Limited thinking! Come on, let yourself flow within the force and the dark side will come to you!

Only the dark side can make the <font size=4>Spyderco Megafolder</font> a reality.

<font size=1>Yeah, that's right, I edited it and it's still this goofy. But it still beats doing homework.</font>




[This message has been edited by Gwinnydapooh (edited 03 May 1999).]
 
Thanks, Dex. My Military still rocks!

So is it a linear process: concept to experimental to prototype to full production model?

I hope Spyderco would post pictures of its concept/experimental/prototypes here in June so that us unfortunate international fans who cant go to Atlanta can drool/pant/lust and give our feedback, FWIW.
 
I hope Spyderco would post pictures of its concept/experimental/prototypes here in June so that us unfortunate international fans who cant go to Atlanta can drool/pant/lust and give our feedback.
Click to expand...

You know, that doesn't sound like a bad idea. I can see Sal's point that too often when picture is posted of a concept model, people immediately think it is going into production. Perhaps there could be a forum or thread on here where things like concept model pictures could be posted. With everyone knowing that they are simply concepts, maybe more feedback without criticism? Just a thought.... OK, you caught me.. I just wanna see that big Native.
redface.gif
Ooooh, just realized, that sounds bad. But, you know what I mean!!

O_D
 
While we're on the Shabaria, I want to throw in my compliments to E. Bradichanski and Spyderco on the execution of a fine looking reverse curve blade.

PLEASE keep this beauty on 'very' limited availability. Just the thought of seeing a ton of these everywhere makes it seem, well...common. Which is unfitting for such a unique design.

Thanks,
Ken
 
I don't think that even with massive availability you'd see Shabarias everywhere. Like the Jot Singh Khalsa, it's a radical knife of limited appeal. Please don't make them too hard to get!

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-Corduroy
(Why else would a bear want a pocket?)
 
Titan's pic shows the SP100 (serrated) and SP99 (plain). I just got the SP99 and what a sweet little knife. I actually like it better than the G10 version. Is this the knife which was only offered overseas as described in a previous thread?
 
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