Would there be any interest in a smaller Perrin?

VultureParade

VultureParade

Joined
Apr 25, 2003
Messages
369
I've considered purchasing the Perrin model in the past, but the overall length of the knife kind of turned me off from it. I think the design is simple and almost perfect for a utility/self defense knife, but I just don't have any way to carry it around with me given it's size.

The recent discontinuation of the model got me to thinking that maybe Sal would be up to reconfiguring the design a bit. Fred Perrin is a genius and like I said, he knife design is almost perfect.. Just a bit on the large side for me and maybe others which is why it didn't sell that well. I hate to see the design discontinued especially when I would have been all over it if it was just a bit smaller.

I was wondering if anyone would be interested in a smaller Perrin model? I think a smaller Perrin would fill the fixed blade gap in my every day carry.

Something like a 3 1/2 inch handle with a 3 inch blade? Maybe even a 4 inch handle?

What does everyone think? Would there be interest in smaller Perrin model? I'd love to see one, might even buy two. I'd love to here your input.

-Bryan
 
I'd most definitely be interested. That would be about the size of the Nimravus cub and thats about prefect for me.

I'm not among the taller folk so the longer blades tend to 'dig' into me in certain sitting positions.

I have to be honest though and say that most buyers are not generally into fixed blades that small. Even the current version didn't stack up very well against the Cold Steel blades at the local store here. To some bigger and cheaper price equals better.

But hey put me down for at least one if such a project should ever happen!
 
It would be cool to have one with mabye a 1" shorter blade. But don't shorten the handle! It is the right size as it is, anything smaller would be too small.
 
The only reason I didnt buy one in the first place was because I couldn't legally carry it. :grumpy: I am limited to 4" and under.

I would be on a smaller Perrin in a heartbeat.
 
I've said it in the past and I'll say it again, YES!!! YES !!! YES!!! All jokes aside, I too would be all over a smaller Perrin. Especially if it was in S30V! Personally I just don't think that the demand is enough to make it happen. :(
 
The only reason I didnt buy one in the first place was because I couldn't legally carry it.
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That was a problem for me too. I guess technically in New Jersey I could carry it, but our knife laws are a little vague.

Man, a smaller one in S30V would be great. I'd gladly snatch one up in VG-10 but S30V....

Yeah, I don't see it happening even though I'd LOVE to see it happen. I don't know how much modification would have to be done to the design to get it into a smaller footprint, but wouldn't a bladeforums sprint run of a new, smaller Perrin be awesome?!? *sigh* If only such things were possible.

One idea is to make the knife minus the sheath, that might save manufacturing cost a bit since most of us would just get a custom kydex sheath made for it anyway.

Spyderco doesn't really have a small or medium fixed blade in the tactical category to offer right now. I would love to buy a fixed blade from Spyderco but they just don't offer anything fitting my needs.

Maybe Sal will read this post and give his take on the matter. In the meantime I'd really like to hear other thoughts on the issue. Thanks to all who have responded so far.

-Bryan
 
The Perrin is smaller than it looks. I wish it was BIGGER! I would love to have a Perrin with a blade 8 inches long and two inches wide.
 
I'm sure it could be done, and it would turn out real well, after all Fred Perrin himself is known for his smaller knives. He already has a couple of models that are effectively a smaller version of his Spyderco fixed blade. (I think Laci Szabo has them www.szaboinc.com/ )
 
a 4" or even 3.75" at S30V would be great.
This fixed blade is a utility blade, not an all out rough use blade like the BK&T 7/9/10, and having a shorter blade makes it easier to carry.
I do admit that it looks rather benign for such a blade, and smaller than it looks.
 
I make a knife I call an "SSB" (Steve's Street Bowie) that is, surprise surprise, my take on Fred's Street Bowie. I made one for Nemo and he said Fred was cool with me using the general design, but there are some important differences anyway. Mine have blades around 3.5-4" and the size is quite nice. Here are a few pics of the one I made for Nemo. The knife is done on 1/8" thick 1" wide 1084, so it's really a nice, slim package. I've got one in the works right now, in fact. I haven't paid too much attention to the production Spyderco version, but knowing what the handles are like on my Moran I would guess that the FB04 is quite a bit thicker/longer than the version I make. For reference, I have one of Fred's originals and it's slim like mine with a little longer and wider blade, but it's the best one I've had/made. Can't beat the original, although I try! ;) Now, whether there's enough interest for a new production run of a mini-Perrin, who knows, but I doubt it.

nemo.jpg
 
What handle material is that Steve?

And what do you charge for a piece like that?
 
BOK said:
What handle material is that Steve?

And what do you charge for a piece like that?
Click to expand...

I'll drop you an email about pricing (wasn't trying to advertise, by the way, just show what a smaller SB might look like!). The handle on this one it, believe it or not, maroon linen Micarta! If I remember right I finished it to 220 grit and left it at that. At that grit black linen Micarta looks really gray (like the TOPS handles) and maroon looks almost pink. Over time it'll absorb oil and dirt from use and become a nice dark maroon color, or you can treat it with WD-40 or oil to speed up the process, but it still retains some nice grip.
 
Looks like some kind of wood from the pic. That is a beautiful looking piece.

Nice work Steve!
 
Thanks. The nice thing about Micarta finished this way is that when it gets wet the fabric material swells a little and gives really nice grip. I think Fred's Street Bowie design is the best all-around knife design there is for this type of knife, and it looks normal, which is a big plus. Tough to beat!
 
You're killing me here Steve!
I wish I could order another from you. :grumpy:
Hey guys- Steve's work is A-OK.
Trust me. I have 2 of his knives. Good Stuff.
 
:D Thanks! I think this makes Rugger the world's top authority on my knives, actually! :D He owns almost a year's worth of production! ;)
Here are a couple of pics of my Street Bowie from Fred's shop. According to Nemo it was made by Fred's top student, Pepe, under Fred's supervision. Sweet knife! It's D-2 with Fred's usual hollow chisel grind. The one I'm currently working on is going to be somehwhere in between the one I made for Nemo and this one. The main differences will be a double convex blade, Japanese style hamon heat treat and overall a slightly smaller/thinner/slimmer build. Get one of Fred's Street Bowies because you will not be disappointed!

streetbowie.jpg

streetbowie2.jpg

streetbowieperspec.jpg
 
A 3" blade in S30V, WOW! It would make a great kitchen paring knife and just the right size for EDC. Sal, if you are reading, put me down for a couple.
 
I think the Perrin is perfect as is. A 5" blade may sound too large, but the Perrin handles more like a smaller knife. I would not mind seeing an S30V Perrin in the future. Right now, my main wish it that Spyderco will reconsider and decide to keep this blade alive instead of discontinuing it.
 
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