What happened to aluminum scales?

E

ekaagan

Joined
Jan 10, 1999
Messages
100
What happened to the idea of aluminum for handle material on some of the Spyderco knives? I still have a first generation aluminum Police clipit and I LOVE IT. I sold my steel Police because it was too heavy for field carry. My aluminum police never stained or warped, although it did scratch up a bit. I'd love to get some of the other models in aluminum, but it's either steel, zytel (yuk), or G-10 (too expensive). Aluminum has the strength without the weight.

EK
 
I agree - the TufRam Police was a real gem, and the other TufRam models were nice too. I understand the scuffing problems on the original, uncoated Police, but what was the trouble with these? Galling around the pivot? Cost? Or - lemme guess - they just didn't sell?

I'd swallow my Pro-Grip for a TufRam police with Civilian-style Kraton grips....

------------------

-Corduroy
(Why else would a bear want a pocket?)
 
I'll second this preference. The aluminum would be a nice option imbetween Zytel and steel. I have been keeping my eyes open hoping to find some of these older models in stores, but no luck yet.

------------------
Bill
"Walk softly and carry a big folder... and a small folder... and a SAK... and a multi-tool..."
 
Current plans are to get back into aluminum. The original aluminum Police had galling problems. Solved with the thin nylon washers. The tufram was added because of customer compaints about scratches. I think both aluminums (coated and uncoated) were very nice knives and I still carry one in my "knife cycle". Ultimately, to do a good job polishing the aluminum to accept the tufram was very costly. Not enough of the ELU would pay the price to keep the volume of sales high enough to keep them on the shelf. Too many SKUs, too much inventory, somethings gotta go. The new "R" is aluminum.

The Walker and Navigator have aluminum versions. There's more coming.
sal
 
Sorry Sal, but would you explain the secret code words for me? One more thing about aluminum over steel--no corrosion. Stainless steel is just that, stain-LESS, but aluminum is better for the handle.

I want to see you do some of the smaller models in AL, Calypso Jr, Rookie, Delica, etc.

Thanks for the response.

EK
 
I've seen the Al Navigator, but an aluminum handled Walker? I've got to stop coming on these forums because I find something new that I want almost everyday. Is there a Al handled Walker? I've always liked that model but couldn't justify the price for the carbon fiber one and didn't care for he zytel linerlock concept.

Danelle,
Since Sal is gone is this a question you could answer for me?
Thanks
Paul
 
I'm not Danelle, but I'm gonna answer, OK?

Head over to Ironstone:

http://www.fe3stone.com/orderproc/index.cfm

They show an Almite-coated aluminum Walker, though it's not immediately obvious from the picture. Pretty good price, too.

------------------

-Corduroy
(Why else would a bear want a pocket?)
 
Ekaagan,

By "code words" I assume you mean "ELU" and "SKU". These mean, respectively, "end line user" and "stock keeping unit".

Any person or entity that buys knives is a customer, so Spyderco uses the term "End line user" do distinguish regular customers like you and me from other buyers--wholesalers and retailers--who buy knives but don't actually put them in their own pockets.

A "stock keeping unit" is a particular version of a knife. Take the Endura, for example. You can get it in the following :

1. Zytel handle, plain edge
2. Zytel handle, serrated edge
3. Zytel handle, plain/serrated edge
4. Steel handle, plain edge
5. Steel handle, serrated edge
6. Steel handle, plain/serrated edge

That's six "SKU's". From the manufacturer's standpoint, it's difficult and expensive to produce and maintain inventories of so many different varieties of everything. The ELU's want endless variety, and Spyderco wants to make us happy but not tie up machines and warehouse space with knives only a few people will buy.

I hope this helps.

David Rock
 
Thanks Corduroy,
I've looked at the Ironstone page several times but missed the Al handle Walker. It looks just like a zytel one in that little bitty picture. Something else to add to the list.
Paul
 
David, excellent explanation!

------------------
Bill
"Walk softly and carry a big folder... and a small folder... and a SAK... and a multi-tool..."
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top