A few years ago, I got a very nice little folder from knife maker and frequent Spyderco collaborator Ed Schempp; a Balance. It wasn’t just any Balance, it featured some Damascus customization, but with a twist.
You see, Ed didn’t replace the standard VG-10 blade with a Damascus blade. No, he replaced a handle scale with one custom made from Devin Thomas stainless Damascus. It’s a slightly thicker steel than the very thin factory handle scales. And it helps to get a better grip on an already ergonomically designed knife.
The Balance was, in my opinion, the folder for people asking Spyderco to make a small ladybug-type folder with a clip. The regular production version is light, flat and small enough to actually carry on your lapel. The customized Balance, as well as the carbon fiber version, have been in my carry rotation for quite some time now, and they still get a turn every once in a while. They make an especially great carry companion while wearing a suit.
The Spyderco Schempp Balance is rarely seen or discussed and it has been out of production for a few years now. Still, this is an underestimated design in the Spyderco line-up. I predict it will become quite collectible in the future, especially this one…
Click here to see Ed discussing the design of both the Balance and the Equilibrium, and here for Eric’s presentation of the Balance. Back in 2010, I got to shoot some photos of the prototype Carbon Fiber Balance and in 2011 the prototype Balance in stainless steel.
SpyderCollector 
The Balance is one of my favorite designs and your custom version is sweet! I have a real appreciation for designers who can make a little knife fit the average hand well enough to become a functional tool and not an exercise in miniaturization. Another favorite, the Jester, does this as well.
Thanks Jimbro! And I agree, you could make an argument that the real skill in knifemaking is making a tiny folder work well.
[…] Balance is a classy gentleman’s knife, especially my customized version from Ed Schempp himself. I’d love to see a more ‘pedestrian’ version, e.g., in a sprint run […]