What do you consider a Variant?

[Eric Isaacson]

I'm looking for the consensus of the group here. What do you consider to be a variant. It is obvious on some, such as the Trickster Mojo or the BM pics that were recently post. But what other knives could fall into that variant category.

Do you think it would be anything that wasn't a standard production model? Or does it have to be truly unique? How about if Tan Micarta was used when the standard CG used Black, what if a few blades were crinkle coated when the rest of the run had smooth coat? I've heard some of the 5/16" Busses called variants before, but don't consider this to be the case.

So let's hear your thoughts on this, there may not be a clear cut answer but it would be nice to know what others think.

 

[Andrew Lynch]

Originally posted by Eric Isaacson
How about if Tan Micarta was used when the standard CG used Black, what if a few blades were crinkle coated when the rest of the run had smooth coat? I've heard some of the 5/16" Busses called variants before, but don't consider this to be the case.

I don't consider those cases to be variants. I think Jerry has the right to call something a variant.

For me, the tough thing is whether a blade that someone has had specially modified to fit their needs by the shop (having the spine rounded for example) is a variant or not.

Interesting topic Eric, I hadn't really thought about this much before

 

[joeshredd]

just my two bits worth, but I would think anything that deviated from a standard set of parameters on a specific model should be considered a variant... even if it's something as simple as having to use a different color micarta 'cause you ran out of the usual color, and you weren't gonna get replacement stock until after the snow storm... and somebody just couldn't wait an extra day... does that make sense? And then of course, there are the basic variants within a model itself: like Benchmade has serrated blades, non-serrated, plain blades or coated blades - those would be variants on a basic model... So I guess I see two forms of the idea of 'variant': one would be anything varying outside the basic parameters, and two, all the standard variations within a basic model style...
Thanks for lettin me blather...

 

[gundy]

To me, I think it would be broken down into two areas;

Variants = anything from the standard line of products.

GFD Variants = Jerry's sick minded CBL enthrived madness taken out on a perfectly good peice of INFI!

Interesting subject Eric!

 

[Dark Nemesis]

To me variants are not always going to be "one of a kinds", but will be nothing close to the actual "model map" if a close enough model even exists. Best example would be the SH series. If it's a SHE with a top grind, that's a modified SHE not one of Jerry's variants. Of course, Jerry being the supreme ruler in these matters, has the right to declare whatever the frick he wants a variant

Issues like micarta color and all, really can't be considered variants. Hell, half the time the Micarta doesn't even look similar on a standard batch of 100 knives (i.e. AD's). If you head down that road by declaring them variants, then who is going to be god over what was shading differences or variant micarta choices. Just wouldn't work....

This can be a sticky topic, especially when it comes to sales. One person may consider their knife to be a variant and worth and additional $300, the interested party may think the seller is on crack.