Spyderco 2013 Prototype Video – Jot Singh Khalsa Sprint Run

The Jot Singh Khalsa returns for a sprint run. I definitely noticed the difference in production quality of this sample, compared to my micarta original. The grinds look cleaner and the fit & finish is way better. As a lefty, I really appreciate the added clip mounting option.  I realize this design looks unusual, but it’s a very functional EDC and with these upgrades it should be an even better user.

Spyderco Titanium Fluted Military Mini-Review

Hard work is its own reward, but sometimes it’s hardly work and the reward can be amazing. I got this wonderful Military with fluted titanium handles recently and it is an amazing piece.

 

The fluted pattern on the handle transforms this otherwise large ‘working’ folder into an elegant gentleman’s knife. However, the  ‘fluting’ of the titanium handle does more. The first titanium Military was a solid piece, a tad heavier than most expect from a titanium handled folder. I’m sure this is because the handle on the Military is much bigger than most other production folders. The fluting removes a lot of the weight. To me, the fluted Ti Millie handles like a regular g10 Millie.

 

I showed the knife to a few non-knife people and they all agreed that it was a ‘pretty’ knife. At least that’s one thing we agreed on when it comes to knives.

 

The lock on my version doesn’t feature the steel inset in the locking bar. It’s not an issue on this specimen, the lock is perfect and it hasn’t travelled since I got it. It probably went through a hundred or more opening/closing cycles over the past two weeks.

 

The blued anodizing is done by hand and has held up fine so far. The knife has seen about two weeks’ worth of pocket time and has been washed and rinsed thoroughly after some kitchen chores, the bluing hasn’t faded yet – but it’s still early. I did give the knife its first sharpening session yesterday. Not that it really needed it, but the edge wasn’t quite how I want it – so out came the Sharpmaker.

 

And this is what makes this knife extra special to me; it was a gift from the Spydercrew for my work on the report of the new prototypes since the Amsterdam Meet. To which I can only reply: “You’re more than welcome, and thank you! Wow, seriously?! What a gorgeous Military!”  Generally, I don’t like to show off, but for this one I make an exception. I think you’ll understand.

 

If you like the Military design, this is the knife for you. The venerable design has been proven thoroughly over the years. The titanium handle adds a more durability and lock strength, while the fluted design and bluing add sophistication and class. Moreover, the fluting process also results in a rounded or ‘ 3D’ handle, it’s more comfortable to grip than the flat G10 slabs. Best of all, the weight and feel in the hand is close to the lightweight G10 version.  This is a special knife and it will be produced in small numbers. IIRC, about 50 pieces a month.

PS The inspiration to use a mirror as a background for these pictures came from fellow-spyderknut Whynot on the Spyderco Forums, check out his amazing picture-thread.

Spyderco 2011 Prototype Video – Native 5

 Eric Glesser goes over the design and construction of the upcoming Native 5. Eric explains not onle the main features of the knife but also points out some of the challenges in design and construction. Both the G10 and Fluted Titanium Native Prototypes are shown.

 



Spyderco 2011 Prototype – Techno

The Techno is a little tank-like folder reminiscent of the Leafstorm. Just because the folder is short, is no reason for it not to be built like a tank. The ergos were nice. I do hope the production model will have a polished blade, rather than the bead blasted blade on this prototype. I’d also prefer a tip-up option for the clip.

 

Spyderco 2011 Prototype – Szabo Folder

Apparently Laci Szabo is a ‘big guy’ and this knife fits the man; it’s big. The blade length is around 4,5 inches and it used a compression lock to hold the blade open. The Spydercrew did some extensive lock testing so the lock matches Laci’s style of MBC. This involves a reverse grip with the edge out and plenty of trapping and cutting. A separate mechanism is used to hold the blade closed. I tried depressing the compression locking tab while the blade was closed, and indeed, the blade stayed put. The blade doesn’t come out until you want it too. I have no need for an MBC folder for carry or in my collection, but I’m positive this will appeal to many others. Plus, Laci’s logo is way cool.

Note: Eric corrects himself in the video, but to make it clear – this prototype has a CPM S30V blade not a VG-10 blade.

Spyderco 2011 Prototype – Lum Tanto Sprint

After all those Lum Chinese folders, it is probably high time for the tanto to see a sprint run. The G10 has a rougher pattern than the usual foliage green G10 handles. I’m not sure if that was just for the prototype or whether this pattern will be used for production. The tanto tip is something to behold, many different facts. Tough to shoot, I feel lucky I got that shot of the tip. How about making a sprint run of the fixed blade Lum Tanto Sal? Perhaps with a red G10 handle? That one is definitely missing in my collection.

 

Spyderco 2011 Prototype – Balance SS

The first Balance concept model was shown a couple of meets ago and I and a few other spyderknuts had been pushing Sal to put this little gem into production. Last year it finally happened, and now we got to see the Stainless Steel model.

It’s thinner than my CF version, more slippery too. Still, Ed’s magic with ergonomics prevents this folder from being too slippery in the hand.

At first I thought the lock on this prototype was completely travelled over, but on closer inspection I noticed that the lock-up was just right. I would recommend rounding of the sharp lower corner on the locking tab. I think it could be a little hotspot when the knife is used for a longer period. 

I think I’d like to see the Balance a bit thicker, perhaps use some thicker Ti slabs? Then again, that would probably drive up the price too much.

Since I already have a nice CF version, this one probably won’t make it to the very top of my wish list, but I’m sure I’ll end up with one before the year is over.

New Spyderco Lum Family Photos

With two new Chinese Folders in the pipeline, I figured I get in some new family photos while they all still fit in one frame.  When reviewing these pics, one question popped in my head: “Which one is your favorite”?

 
(photos revised in October 2012) 

To me, that’s like asking to choose your favorite child! They’re all good, just a little different. The emerald green version was my first and I bought it when my collection consisted of maybe 10 spydies. Yes, it’s hard to believe I once had only 10 spydies, I know. Because I had so few spydies, I carried that green Chinese Folder along with my Li’l Temp almost non-stop for more than a year. It’s seen a lot of use and I can’t see myself ever getting rid of it.

The blue Lum wasn’t love at first sight; I was more into ‘tacticals’. Only when it wasn’t available anymore, I started to want one. I was ready to accept that I just couldn’t get one, when the following Christmas my wife hands me a little gift wrapped box and lo and behold, the Blue Chinese Folder! I love using it during spring or summer; the blue color gives it a ´light and warm´ feel.

When the black ZDP 189 Sprint Run Chinese Folder was announced, I had the cash and the required dealer-relationship to pre-order this bad boy. Unfortunately, one’s patience was tested severely. IIRC it took over a year from the knife’s announcement before it was shipped. The ZDP blade wasn’t as finely finished as my Stretch 2; there was some patina straight from the box. This was a bit of a bummer, but a little ‘super’ polish from AG Russell fixed that permanently. In fact, after the polishing job I not only got the start of a mirror polish, but the ZDP blade just refuses to stain. I tried mustard, balsamic vinegar, lemons etc… but the ZDP 189 has refused to stain to this day. For me, the knife now has this weird –but nice- ‘tough gent’s folder’ vibe to it. I carry it a lot more now.

The foliage green Lum was a regrettable departure from the sleek and classy colors of the previous incarnations. To me, foliage green should be reserved for ‘working’ or ‘tactical’ designs, not gent’s knives like the Lum Chinese Folder. This sprint run didn’t fly off the shelves like the ZDP sprint, so after a while I figured ‘what the heck, let’s complete this collection’. It’s proven to be a nice ‘regular carry’ knife.

The emerald green and blue Lums are reserved for special occasions and they will always be special to me. The ZDP and foliage green sprint runs see the most pocket time these days. Since I adhere to Sal’s maxim that states something along the lines of “Not using the knife is missing 80% of what we put in it”, I guess my favorite Bob Lum Chinese Folder is the ZDP189 sprint run with the black almite handle. Still, ask me again when I receive the carbon fiber and XL variations, and I may just change my mind.

Michael Janich presents the Spyderco Warrior

Michael Janich presents the new Spyderco Warrior fixed blade. He shares details about the design’s history, technical features, the sheath and the knife’s MBC applications. I’m sorry about the crappy sound, it’s the best my camcorder could do.

Spyderco Production Prototype Video – Matriarch Sprint Run

Michael Janich presents the Matriarch Sprint Run prototype for 2010. He goes over the main features of the knife and its history.