View Full Version : Spyderco Bushcraft Knife
C_Claycomb
10-08-2008, 23:27
Sal has given the OK for some photos to go up of the new Spyderco Bushcraft knife. This is something that has been in the pipeline for some time now. The Spyderco part was sparked off by UK Ken back in 2006, but we had been looking at the possibilities of a BCUK knife before then.
While the BCUK project went on hold, Sal at Spyderco pressed ahead with a collaboration based on one of our designs. A manufacturer has been found and as those that attended the Spyderco Meet in Leeds last February will know, some prototypes were produced. At present an updated prototype is being worked on which will incorporate some of the suggestions made following post Leeds testing.
Basic design is to be 1/8th stock, parallel skeleton tang, and stabalised wood handle.
http://i289.photobucket.com/albums/ll235/gps_deseng/SpyderFeathers.jpg
For other pictures, taken at the Amsterdam show please see...
http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php?p=5874016&posted=1#post5874016
Sweet! I'm tickled they went with 1/8". :cool:
Is that a hole in the blade or just a bad picture?
Is that a hole in the blade or just a bad picture?
That's not just any hole, that's a spydie hole. :lmao:
wentworth
11-08-2008, 02:00
Wow that looks great.
Any idea on the price? even a rough estimate?
Wow that looks great.
Any idea on the price? even a rough estimate?
I would estimate it would sell at £80-100.
Ogri the trog
11-08-2008, 09:40
Hmmmm,
Not really sure what to think. I followed the thread on BB about the development of the Spydie Bushie, but didn't think that this would be the result. I find most Spydies to be visually agressive or purposefull, but for me, this example has a big UK/European Bushcraft influence rather than US Survival - I cant shake the stereotype sorry.
Some of the things that supprise me are;
The near clone of a woodlore blade profile - I expected some sculpting/filework of the spine.
Stabilised wood scales - Good to see, but I expected black kraton with rubber inserts.
Spydie hole - "It's too small!", again I expected something akin to a Byrd hole that could be used for striking a firesteel or scraping an arrow shaft. Being that small, I would be cautious of using it for meat prep as it looks difficult to clean properly.
I have no doubt that, being a Spydie, the material, geometry and quality will be very high.
Despite my earlier comments, I would like to handle one to see how well it suits my hand - as it is "in the hand" that my knives either 'come alive' or 'die'.
Thanks for showing Chris.
Ogri the trog
Paganwolf
11-08-2008, 09:47
wow cool another woodlore clone :rolleyes: Im with you Ogri, this doesnt strike me as a Spidie, stablised wood scales on a spidie ? Kraton would have made for something different, im not a lover of the 5 mm choil either its a waste of a bit of blade ive never understood why knife makers do that? its probably because they are makers and not users eh ;)
Thumbs down from me.:(
i like it, i thiunk it's different enough from the woodlore to stand out, and has enough of the spyderco influence in it. I like the fact that spyderco just tried to make something that worked rather than going for an outlandish design for no reason.
Also, who would really prefer kraton to stabilised wood? wood is an infinitely nicer material and i think it's the right choice for this sort of knife
Ogri the trog
11-08-2008, 11:23
Looks like I've opened another can-o-worms,
Please don't get me wrong, I do like wood as a knife handle, but I also see that it has some down-sides. Wood offers a good, confident grip (so long as it fits the hand) and correctly treated, remains comfortable for extended periods. However, it can suffer in the wet (I know it is stabilised) both the wood itself and the grip that it offers. A kraton/rubber handle could be molded similar to a mora, carrying a Spyder logo, and be capable of the occasional trip through the dishwasher to clean it up. I also think that a synthetic handle might offer better "wet" grip than stabilised wood.
As to the hole - it almost looks as though the blade was ground from second-hand stock. Do any other fixed blade Spydies have a hole?
I'm sorry to say that, at the moment, it's another woodlore clone with a slightly different handle - something I could easily knock up myself.
Ogri the trog
Paganwolf
11-08-2008, 11:46
I think your missing the point Nat there are hundreds of knives out there like this one, woodlore clone stabalised wood scales etc etc, this comes from a manufacturer of mass produced knives that have a sertain style, this one hasnt got that style its a drab looking woody clone that you can get from a large number of knife makers around the globe for probably the same price this ones going to cost but with a custom maker you can choose scale material etc, i would have thought spyderco would have jazzed it up to their other knives standards, it looks like they could have had some bum advice on this knives styling :twak: spyderco are usually innovative and sexy this one looks bland and same old same old, come on spydey break the mould some thing new is needed! :slap:
maybe ya'll worrying too much about what it looks like without having used the thing, it looks a bit like a woodlore, but then don't most bushcraft knives? this kniofe has thinner stock, a different handle shape and a slightly different blade shape. At the end of the day all spydercos are designed to work well, with looks being a secondary concern.
and the round hole is a spyderco trademark on all of their knives- even all of the fixed blades. It could be used as a forward lanyard maybe
C_Claycomb
11-08-2008, 13:51
Wow, where to start.
I don't know what the finished knife will cost. This is something that only Sal can answer and probably won't be revealed until the knife is ready for sale.
Not sure about the sheath yet. We sent Sal a prototype ambidexterous leather sheath with eyelets at strategic points to allow for neck and baldric style carry. We haven't had any feedback as to the feasability of the design. Leather isnt' something that Spyderco have used before. I like Kydex, but leather would suit this style knife better.
There is the possibility that a version using modern materials, stainless blade and synthetic handle, and a flat grind, will be considered, but that is still in the air.
As for being a Woodlore clone, come on :lmao: Its no more a clone than the Skookum is a clone of the BCFK because it too has a plate on the butt.
While there are plenty of custom makers making full tang scandis, I have been hard pressed, since Wilkinson Sword went under, to suggest a production knife like this when asked by newcomers to suggest a knife. Here is a chance for people to by a production knife, with closer controls on heat treatment and fit and finish, than you might get by going with a hobby maker.
Oh yeah, all Spyderco fixed blades have the hole. Its a trade mark.
any idea when it'll be available chris?
I like it!! :D
Personally, I'm glad they didn't go with Kraton for the handle. :yuck: Then I'd have to haul my dishwasher out into the field just to wash my knife. :lmao:
http://www.ted.tweakdsl.nl/bush1.jpg
That hole looks very odd. I can understand it's a Spydie trademark and see it's purpose on the folders, but it looks very strange there. I'd prefer it moved down to the tip so you could use it to lever in a guillotine action, if it has to be there.
I also sympathise with the arguments against a wooden handle. I guess a wooden handle still has to be hand-finished, at least to some degree. I'd have thought man-made of some description would be easier to mass produce and hence cheaper.
I guess I was expecting more of an "upmarket mora" than a "downmarket woodlore/custom".
Paganwolf
11-08-2008, 17:57
The scales look very poorly fitting on that pic too Hoodo, they look slapped on. That ridge will cause hot spots and be uncomfortable in use, or is it just that picture?
That was due to problems with the scales being fitted in a humid enviornment and then being sent to Sal in Golden where it is a bit warm! The scales shrank, but I believe they weren't stabalised. Chris knows the full story better than I, needless to say it is a prototype knife, so not what will definitely be for sale at the end.
I must say, I still have my reservations about the hole. It's just the look of it, I can't help but think countersinking it like the DKPK would look a bit better.
C_Claycomb
11-08-2008, 18:10
Its a prototype. The wood was unfinished and came from a very humid area to a very dry one, ie Golden in February...so cold all the moisture is frozen from the air. The scales shrank rather badly after they left the maker, that is part of why we are going with stabalised wood. Micarta was considered, but it was thought that most people interested in bushcraft would prefer wood of some sort.
As a point of interest, the cocobolo scales on the original prototype that we sent Sal hardly shrank at all, despite staying for over a year in the Colorado climate.
Paganwolf
11-08-2008, 18:16
Ah ok :240: :bluThinki We eh ,sorry chris i didnt know you was involved in it no wonder you got tetchy about the woodlore clone bit , :sad6: ;) Micarta would be good more fitting with a spyderco product, best of luck..
Celt_Ginger
11-08-2008, 19:12
Did Ray Mears invent the spearpoint knife balde shape? No? then how can any knife shaped like that be a clone? I think people are getting fixated on NOT having anything to do with Mr Mears in case they seem to be a "Mini Mears" or else they think that by not having an origional Woodlore they will look like cheap skates. Has a woodlore knife become a designer label? It would be like me saying I was going to design a shovel. Does every other shovel that looks remotely like mine make it a clone? If Ray could have patented his knife shape, he probably would have, but as it's not an origional design, he probably couldn't copyright it.The blade shape works, but I would definately lose the hole in the Spyderco blade. Imagine cleaning out a fish with that hole there, then putting it back in a leather sheath...........that would stink in an hour or two.
Paganwolf
11-08-2008, 19:17
Nope but how many knives that look like the woodlore knife were about before Ray brought his full tang scandi design out? not many buddy. Not knocking the design its tried and tested, i just thought Spyderco would have had something spydie thats all :sulkoff: :rolleyes: ;)
Celt_Ginger
11-08-2008, 19:52
I wouldn't have a clue how many types there were before Ray launched his Woodlore knife, but then again as long as there was one, that would make Ray's knife the clone? Ray Mears popularised "Bushcraft" in the UK, but I don't think he invented it. We could spend all evening picking holes in each other's agruments, but I'm not that type of person. The knife shape is a very good one, regardless who makes it. Lots of manufacturers make claw hammers, and they are all the same shape, but we don't call them "Stanley" clones, do we?
Nope but how many knives that look like the woodlore knife were about before Ray brought his full tang scandi design out? not many buddy. Not knocking the design its tried and tested, i just thought Spyderco would have had something spydie thats all :sulkoff: :rolleyes: ;)
I feel that it is starange that you automatically expect a spyderco bushcraft knife to fall in line with a spyderco tactical folding knife. They already have a range of syderco styled outdoors knives, with kydex sheaths and micarta handles. I think it is proof of the spyderco team's commitment to designing a good knife that they are willing to focus simply on what they think makes a good knife rather than what people expect from them. This product is something new for spyderco and it looks to me like they have looked at what is on the market, came up with their own design and tried as hard as they can to make a good knife in a "bushcraft" style.
i really don't see what's not to like?
helixpteron
11-08-2008, 20:54
Hmmmm,
Not really sure what to think. I followed the thread on BB about the development of the Spydie Bushie, but didn't think that this would be the result. I find most Spydies to be visually agressive or purposefull, but for me, this example has a big UK/European Bushcraft influence rather than US Survival - I cant shake the stereotype sorry.
Ogri the trog
I believe that this is the entire point, given that the UK Government, CPS, Police Forces and media are enaged in a knee jerk reaction against knives, rather than addressing the relatively low criminal use of knives.
I in no way mean this as critisism, simply as my understanding as to the proposed purpose of the tool defining its appearence.
So much about knives can be down to taste don't you think...? I've no wish to denigrate spyderco knives...they're clearly very popular and highly regarded but without disrespect to those who buy them, they would never be on my list. On this one, the alignment of the pins doesn't appeal to me, I don't like the blade hole and I don't like the downward slope at the butt of the knife. I'm afraid you may feel my tastes are boring but my preferences are for some of the Bison models, the F1 and maybe the Woodlore, though I doubt I'll ever own one. At the end of any debate on the relative technical merits of a knife, the question of choice can often be subjective and how a knife feels to the user...:)
Can't beat a good old knife debate to get the juices flowing, eh..? Off for a cold shower now..:soapbox: :lmao: :lmao:
My two pence worth ;)
If the hole is going to stay, as it probaly will - being a Spydie trademark, so as has been said then move it so it can be used.
When this goes into mass production will good fitting quality wood scales be hard to achieve or is a Micarta type material going to be more achieveable.
As I said my 2p's worth............I await incoming :p
Nope but how many knives that look like the woodlore knife were about before Ray brought his full tang scandi design out? not many buddy. Not knocking the design its tried and tested, i just thought Spyderco would have had something spydie thats all :sulkoff: :rolleyes: ;)
I rather like it. I had my doubts about this project 2 years ago, but for the opposite reasons. Spyderco make tactical knives. Knives for a essentially a martial purpose, predominantly paramilitary, tactical folders. The design and materials that they use, sophisticated steel alloys and synthetics, reflect that purpose perfectly. But could they produce a bushcraft knife, which is essentially a benign purpose. I had my doubts. A "tactical" bushcraft knife would of been a classless embarrassment IMO and I was cringing at the thought of it. I think spyderco should be applauded for breaking their mold in producing this. Yes, it's essentially a westernized scandi and we see plenty, but they dont see plenty in America and I cant think of a major commercial manufacturer making one anywhere. The profile looks good and it's enough of a departure from the woodies as to definitely not be a "clone" ...unless you call every full tang scandi a woodlore clone. I handled a prototype a couple of years back made by Chris and that was an absolute beauty and very non-woodlore, although that was a convex grind.
I also think the hole is a good idea, though I cant be sure of the size in the picture, I think maybe it could benefit from being larger, around 1/2" dia, then it could be used for sizing/shaving/straightening arrow shafts, striking firesteels and wotnot and not just a trademark.
I agree the choil could be smaller though, even a couple of mm would help.
The ill-fitting scales are irrelevant ...it's a prototype. If they are ill-fitting on the production versions, then that would be the time to make issue.
Anyone know what steel they are planning on using?
Good job Spyderco. :)
I like it!
Not sure about the hole, but I don't really dislike it. You could fill it up with epoxy and "glow in the dark-powder" :D
Paganwolf
12-08-2008, 07:44
I also think the hole is a good idea, though I cant be sure of the size in the picture, I think maybe it could benefit from being larger, around 1/2" dia, then it could be used for sizing/shaving/straightening arrow shafts, striking firesteels and wotnot and not just a trademark.
I agree the choil could be smaller though, even a couple of mm would help.
The ill-fitting scales are irrelevant ...it's a prototype. If they are ill-fitting on the production versions, then that would be the time to make issue.
Making the hole functional is a bloody good idea after all it will be a bushcraft tool :cool: there are some knives out there that have the metal of the tang showing a mm or so around the scale so i was just asking as i was interested, I make you right about the need for a good mass produced knife and its good to dabate its prototype amongst people who can see the good and bad points i wish spyderco every bit of luck with it, micarta scales sound like a compromise and would probably lend its self more to mass production, look forward to seeing what the final outcome is :naughty:
Im really new to this hobby and personally find it really hard to choose an upgrade from my Frosts Clipper. Call me a sado but I would absolutely love a copy of a Woodlore as I cant afford an original.
I know very little about knives and their construction so I limit myself to buying mass produced brands im familiar with (eg Fallkniven) and after having a quick scout about the web I dont see much in the £80 - £100 bracket that I would buy.
So, I guess from a novice' perspective this Spyderco would be ideal, gets my approval for sure.
When will it be available to order? Any more news on the actual price, really hope it stays under £100.
Regards, Jon.
Don't think it will be under 100£, but i sure hope so. It will probable be manufactured in some ultra fancy steel like the crucible steels. It doesn't has to be that fancy for me. A fine grained steel like O1, A2 or another tool steel would suffice for me. Looks like claycomb's prototype is carbon.
Michiel
Don't think it will be under 100£, but i sure hope so.
As has already been stated in this thread only Sal can comment on the price, a figure from anyone else is nothing more than a guess.
It will probable be manufactured in some ultra fancy steel like the crucible steels. It doesn't has to be that fancy for me. A fine grained steel like O1, A2 or another tool steel would suffice for me. Looks like claycomb's prototype is carbon.
Michiel
Its going to be O1.
See post 2 of this thread: http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php?t=564623
Personally I quite like it, I am glad they went for 3mm as the blade thickness is my main problem with the woodlore. My only niggle is there not being a smooth curve over the spine and top of the handle, I would like to see that.
I think the price will be the decider for me, it would be nice if it was cheap enough that you wouldn't be scared of modding it then people could strip the scales off and put what ever they wanted on there.
I think the price will be the decider for me, it would be nice if it was cheap enough that you wouldn't be scared of modding it then people could strip the scales off and put what ever they wanted on there.
I think this is a very valid point! - in fact if sal sold the blades as blanks I think loads would buy them for that reason alone;)
I like it - I do think the spydie hole looks a little odd - i think it is just too small, it kinda looks out of proportion / almost accidental at the moment but as it is just a prototype things like this will probably be ironed out anyway
I for one am looking forward to production:)
Dougster
12-08-2008, 18:46
If they sell this in a variety of steels and as a blank it may have the chance to be THE number one bushcraft blade in the UK.
I really like the shape and although I'm getting happier with 01 if it were CPM3V or RWL34 it would be a belter, but's that's just me dreaming.
I'd be thrilled to get my mitts on one of these - especially as a blank blade.
Native Justice
12-08-2008, 19:22
I know some people here helped in the design considerations of this knife offering so please excuse me in advance but I thought it unusual that they chose the blade pattern they did for their prototype especially with some of their folders already looking like ideal candidates for fixed blade scandis. Look at the Endura especially ... the style and grind of this blade, except for the thumb ramp and the hump in front of the pivot, would be an ideal scandi design. The sabre grind could be very readily replaced with a scandi, but having done enough woodcraft with it I have found it really wouldn't need to be changed since it removes wood very easily. I also like the 01 steel but am also surprised they didn't try to come up with something in their spectacular VG10 at least.
Alright, enough ranting for now,
NJ
(s'pose I could run up to Spyderco and talk to them about it as I live about 10-15 minutes away, LOL. BTW, anybody needs help with a purchase from them let me know. I don't work for them but would enjoy helping you guys if I can ...)
C_Claycomb
12-08-2008, 22:26
When the project first kicked off Sal was talking of 52100 bearing steel, but apart from manufacturing problems, there were huge logistical problems getting this in sheet stock from the source in Europe to the manufacturer in Taiwan. When we looked at manufacturer's prototypes back in February, one was done in D2 and two in O-1. I was a little dubious about the D2 and although Charles May, and a few other custom makers have been turning out Scandi ground knives in D2, CPM 3V, S30V and the like, I found the D2 too difficult to sharpen in this style.
This knife was meant for bushcrafters, not knife junkies. Users rather than collectors. While a lot of bushcraft enthusiasts are also very keen on knives and can quote blade steels with the best, there are quite a lot who really don't care as long as it works and can be sharpened. I would have been very happy to see A2 used, but I believe there were some issues with availability. O-1 does work and its only disadvantage is that it will rust, but that hasn't stopped loads of people carrying it.
While we in Britain see O-1 as rather ho-hum ordinary, it is not so in the US where it is not nearly so prominent in the hand made market, possible as a result of the ready availability of many other cutlery steels.
When we started talking to Sal about the bushcraft knife project we were just intending to offer advice and to be a clearing house for information on what people here liked and what they wanted in a knife. Reading the discussions on the various dedicated knife forums we quickly became concerned that Sal would be led down the route of a semi-tactical knife, or to something much bigger than most folk here would want. Again, the people posting advice were knife enthusiasts and the pure bushcrafters were rather under represented :D.
bushwacker bob
13-08-2008, 00:47
[QUOTE=C_Claycomb;425970]
there are quite a lot who really don't care as long as it works and can be sharpened.
QUOTE]
The silent majority.:approve:
It looks a very useable knife, good blade size, grind and thickness. The curve on the rear end may not be aesthetically pleasing, but from experience, would be comfortable for prolonged use. It reminds me of the Alan blade 'packpal' which has a very good reputation as a user.
Buckshot
13-08-2008, 08:42
Personally I like it.
I think it's different enough from the woodlore to not make it a clone and it's traditional enough to appeal to many.
The fact it will have Spyderco on the blade will mean it has following from the fans but it is also designed as a user and I'm sure a very capable one at that.
Well done Chris and Sal I say
Mark
steven andrews
13-08-2008, 10:19
The Spyderco "trademark" hole in fixed blades makes them look minging.
I have bought a Spydie fixed blade with a hole in the blade (an Aqua Salt) but that is a work knife. I don't care what it looks like.
But "Bushcraft" knives are meant to look nice, aren't they? :rolleyes:
Dougster
13-08-2008, 11:50
I understand that 01 is easy to sharpen and works well - but is there milage in making this in CPMS30V or VG10 AS WELL?
There has been talk of bushcrafters and kife junkies - but there is a huge overlap too.
The skookum is in CPM3V which is much tougher and as most of us carry DC sharpeners they work well too. A piece of wet and dry sharpens the harder steels well and inexpensively.
I think the biggest seller for this blade, as it's manufactured by Spyderco COULD be the range of metals it's made it.
It looks like a very well thought through blade, but in supersteel and micarta, whilst not necessarily the most beautiful, could be an awesome alround knife.
Don't get me wrong, I really like like the looks of this knife! O1 is good for me, as would RWL or any other fine grained steel.
It does ABSULUTELY not look like a woodlore clone. I'm very happy with the design, and will probablt buy a knife or blade if that's possible.
All in all:
Sal and the spyderco team have always made great knives. I have confidence this knife will be no different.
Best regards,
Michiel
The burning question to my mind is: when will these become available?
Hole or not, it's a fine looking blade that I know will be beautifully made.
The silent majority.:approve:
It looks a very useable knife, good blade size, grind and thickness. The curve on the rear end may not be aesthetically pleasing, but from experience, would be comfortable for prolonged use. It reminds me of the Alan blade 'packpal' which has a very good reputation as a user.
Most definitely. That rear curve is taken exactly as-is from Chris' proto and when I handled it, it was one of the most (surprisingly) pleasing aspects of the knife. It's an extremely comfortable handle design.
C_Claycomb
13-08-2008, 16:42
Regarding the steel.
I know that the super steels are sharpenable with the right kit. I have some of that kit, but quite a few don't. The D2 prototype I tested came with bevels that were not absolutely, perfectly, flat. They were very close, and it was very sharp, but the O-1 example worked better, so I set to work to make the bevels dead flat. It took me 45 minutes and I ended up using 120grit wet and dry on a sheet of glass. My red DMT just didn't shift the metal fast enough to be practical in my opinion.
At the same time that I was testing the O-1 and D2 Spyderco, I was also fortunate enough to have a slightly used;) A2 Skookum that needed a little attention. It was LOADS easier to flat sharpen. If a range of steels were on offer then there would be a place for one of the super steels, as there is on the Skookum, but if you have to use just one steel, let it be the one that will suit most people and most situations.
Additionally there is still the issue of logistics on steel supply for the chosen manufacturer. You might note that while Spyderco offer a lot of different steels, they don't have all the knives made in the same place. I don't know for sure, but I would hazard a guess that all the VG10 stuff is made in Japan, where the steel is made. The S30V offerings are made in the US. The Jerry Hossom range of fixed blades are made in Europe and use N690Co. Sal said that there was no capacity for this project in either their US facilities, or their suppliers in Japan.
On the shape of the butt, well, it isn't the most beautiful way of finishing the handle of a knife that I have seen, but most of the handles that I think look great have turned out to be a bit impractical or uncomfortable when I have handled them. Spyderco like to say that they make "Fugly" knives, functional, if a little ugly :D So I am not worried about how it looks so much as how it feels.
Hi Chris,
As you are in "the loop", do you know when Spyderco are going to have this ready for sale?
ATB, Jon.
I've already commented on this knife over on BB and don't have anything new to say so forgive me if I'm repeating myself.
I know the design is nothing new to us and we are very used to Woodlore style knives but there's nothing wrong with that. Spyderco's main market is the US where this type of knife is less well known and they may be the first mass-market manufacturer to offer one for sale there.
I think it looks like a good knife, even the "Spydie Hole" could be useful although it does look a little odd at first.
I'll be interested to see how much it costs, if its not expensive then it's certainly a knife I'd consider purchasing.
I think it's brave of Spyderco to make a radical departure from their usual designs and personally I hope that its successful.
Well, I'm not sure about 'owt else, but I reckon Chris is just hitting random keys with some of these steel names! :rolleyes:
:D
There’s lots of questions about when and how much and the fact is that we don’t know, this is a long term project that we’ve been involved in for a couple of years with Spyderco. We were conversing with them about a knife and they wanted to use the design that we had. It works, it does a great job, it’s not a clone and I think that it’s a great knife and Chris did a great job with it :You_Rock_ . This is a bushcraft uk project with Spyderco aimed at bringing a good knife to market and that’s what’s happening, be patient, it’s not here yet but it’s close.
The handle is very comfortable, if you use strike the butt you turn the blade away from you and it creates a nice platform that doesn’t kill your hand like some. It’s comfortable in a fist grip both forward and reversed, it’s comfortable choking the blade. It’s a good knife to use for prolonged periods and it’s tough enough to continue as a user for years and years through all the activities one uses a knife like this for. :D
I think it looks like an excellent knife and as it would be backed by Spyderco's reputation for quality is likely to sell well.
The hole would stop me buying it though. It could well be a reservoir for bacteria and make field cleaning of the knife difficult. Just a personal view.
It looks like a very well thought through blade, but in supersteel and micarta, whilst not necessarily the most beautiful, could be an awesome alround knife.
I like the prototype as is, but I'd love to see Spyderco use economies of scale to bring a supersteel / micarta version to market at a reasonable price too.
As for the Spydie-hole, I think they should either reverse-engineer a purpose for it or, if they simply want to keep it as part of the Spyderco identity, maybe stamp/etch a virtual "hole" to retain the visual effect. However, even if it stays as is, if all the other aspects of the finished knife were right I would still buy it.
I'm looking forward to seeing how this progresses
Rat
Craft Geek
05-12-2008, 07:02
The price is $299.95 and it is made in Taiwan.
I had high hopes for this one but I think for less than that price I can get a custom made knife from a local maker.
The price is $299.95 and it is made in Taiwan.
I had high hopes for this one but I think for less than that price I can get a custom made knife from a local maker.
The price is high, but having said that many of Spyderco's prices are.
Dougster
05-12-2008, 13:02
The price is high, but having said that many of Spyderco's prices are.
The golden ones are, the Chinese ones are amazing quality and price. I have a tenacious that cost me just over £20.
If this had been $200 it would have been a serious contender I feel.
For about another £40 you can go to Mr Mitchell for a knife at the current exchange rate and get something to get REALLY excited about.
I don't feel this is the fault of Spyderco, a brand I have huge respect for, but the exchange rate recent change adding £50 hurts.
I have a feeling the street price on these will be way less than the MSRP.
demographic
05-12-2008, 17:16
Looks alright to me but I am fairly sure there will be some soft handed person out there that will worry about blisters, another who won't like it cos its sheath isn't like a custom knife and several more won't like the grind.
Of course its not a proper bushcraft knife till its laid on a bit of wolf fur/spiked into a random bit of wood and had its photo taken then put back into its pristine drawer with the other 15 practically unused blades:)
Chainsaw
05-12-2008, 17:23
The price is $299.95 and it is made in Taiwan.
I had high hopes for this one but I think for less than that price I can get a custom made knife from a local maker.
Sorry to ask but where did this information come from, is it factual? Not being cheeky but just curious. Seems a lot...
Thanks and regards,
Alan
Landy_Dom
05-12-2008, 19:01
Of course its not a proper bushcraft knife till its layed on a bit of wolf fur/spiked into a random bit of wood and had its photo taken then put back into its pristine drawer with the other 15 practically unused blades:)
:lmao: :35:
Native Justice
05-12-2008, 21:00
FYI
Spoke with Rachael at the Spyderco Factory Outlet (my home away from home don't ya' know, lol) and she said they were expecting the Bushies in January and the price usually isn't set until the product is actually released for sale.
Be safe.
NJ
johnnytheboy
05-12-2008, 22:24
I wish they would just put it on the market, I'm gonna buy one.
i had a play with one of Chris's knives from which the spyderco bushcraft( i believe) takes many of it's cues.
it really is a very good knife, i've had customs that were much worse quality, if the production blade is up to the same level as the proto it will be well worth the street price, though the RRp would still shock me
C_Claycomb
30-01-2009, 23:34
Nothing new.
I heard Sal was sending you a few knives chris.
C_Claycomb
31-01-2009, 13:39
News to me :dunno:
I have made it a point not to nag, hound, or chase Spyderco for information.
The last I heard about the project was at the start of December when the catalogue was published and the MSRPs were announced, and that wasn't a proper update on what was happening.
Sorry, but it sounds like you have heard something more recently than I have.
Ah, just found this:
http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php?t=614388
:lmao:
Guess we will have to wait and see what the post brings.
JonathanD
31-01-2009, 13:57
I'm looking forward to this one. Love Spydies, hate waiting :banghead:
I really want to know if the sheath will have a firesteel slot.
C_Claycomb
01-02-2009, 15:12
Well, the one that we sent Sal as a starting point prototype did not have a fire steel loop. This was something that was discussed and it was decided that on ballance it was more trouble than it was worth. I don't know what Spyderco's take on our sheath design will be, but I put together something that was ambidexterous with three or four carry options. In that case the inclusion of a fire steel loop made the sheath too wide and more complicated than wanted for something to be produced in quantity.
I have seen one too many fire steel react to chemicals in leather and either just corrode away at a fearful rate, or in a couple of cases, to actually make a mongy mess of the leather itself. Even in a Kydex loop, if the sheath gets wet regularly, a fire steel can disappear within a couple of months.
The conclusion that was reached, for this project, was that while some people like the loops, others don't, and if keeping the means to make fire on you at all times was the goal, it was just as ably served by having a mini tinder kit in your trouser pocket.
Well, the one that we sent Sal as a starting point prototype did not have a fire steel loop. This was something that was discussed and it was decided that on ballance it was more trouble than it was worth. I don't know what Spyderco's take on our sheath design will be, but I put together something that was ambidexterous with three or four carry options. In that case the inclusion of a fire steel loop made the sheath too wide and more complicated than wanted for something to be produced in quantity.
I have seen one too many fire steel react to chemicals in leather and either just corrode away at a fearful rate, or in a couple of cases, to actually make a mongy mess of the leather itself. Even in a Kydex loop, if the sheath gets wet regularly, a fire steel can disappear within a couple of months.
The conclusion that was reached, for this project, was that while some people like the loops, others don't, and if keeping the means to make fire on you at all times was the goal, it was just as ably served by having a mini tinder kit in your trouser pocket.
Never was a fan of firesteel loops.
Say Chris, I'd be glad to check out one of those prototypes if you are too busy. Save Sal some shipping charges too. http://www4.gvsu.edu/triert/emoticons2/innocent.gif
What are the fire steels made of anyways? Just a high carbon steel like 01?
Our 'firesteels' are ferrocerium rods, not steels for flint.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ferrocerium
cheers,
Toddy
C_Claycomb
01-02-2009, 20:44
Why that is very kind of you Hoodoo...thinking of Sal's postage expenses ;)
How about we get Sal to send the knife to you, then after you have played with it for a few weeks, you forward it me? :D
Or we could do it the other way around and you try it on the return leg?
Any way that it works I think it safe to say that you will get to have a play!
Why that is very kind of you Hoodoo...thinking of Sal's postage expenses ;)
How about we get Sal to send the knife to you, then after you have played with it for a few weeks, you forward it me? :D
Or we could do it the other way around and you try it on the return leg?
Any way that it works I think it safe to say that you will get to have a play!
Well, I was just kidding, of course. :D I did enjoy playing with the original though. :cool: I am looking forward to the release of this one. That hole in the blade should make it light to carry. http://www4.gvsu.edu/triert/emoticons2/innocent.gif
It's now February (someone earlier mentioned something about January...). Is there any sign of these being made available to the bushcrafting public soon? They look good, sound good and I'm interested despite the duff exchange rate.
JonathanD
08-02-2009, 22:06
all is quiet :(
If Spyderco doest get these out soon I'm going to buy a Bark River..
Native Justice
16-02-2009, 19:23
New scouting report. They still don't know any more than they did a month ago about the release date.
Also, if you're a sharpening geek like I am, you might want to take a look at their Golden stone (fine grit ceramic Duckfoot) which just came out and their 8x3" UF benchstone. I walked out with one of the 8x3" UF benchstones and love it. Puts a killer mirror finish edge on that will whittle hairs without much effort.
Are there any more up to date pics of the finished article?
JonathanD
16-02-2009, 21:50
New scouting report. They still don't know any more than they did a month ago about the release date.
Also, if you're a sharpening geek like I am, you might want to take a look at their Golden stone (fine grit ceramic Duckfoot) which just came out and their 8x3" UF benchstone. I walked out with one of the 8x3" UF benchstones and love it. Puts a killer mirror finish edge on that will whittle hairs without much effort.
What happened to your info in the post that stated Spyderco were no longer using 01,. was it false, unsubstantiated or a mistake :confused:
C_Claycomb
16-02-2009, 22:33
Well, I had a box in the mail at the end of last week, which contained two very nice looking knives in stabilised maple, along with a prototype sheath for evaluation and return.
The most visible changes, after the handle material, is that the grind now comes very close to the handle, and the stock is now 1/8th with a parallel tang.
I don't expect there will be any reason for Sal to object to me posting pictures of the knives, but I wasn't able to photograph them over the weekend, and what with working late this week, the next chance will be this coming weekend. Sorry.:(
Not sure about posting pictures of the sheath yet though.
Is the sheath well made? Is it also made overseas?
So the tang is now thinner but still 300 dollars.... hmm Can you get some crappy photos up tonight or tomarrow? They dont have to be the best ever.
C_Claycomb
17-02-2009, 08:41
Sorry, but I don't get home till after dark and my camera gear isn't up to taking knife pictures by flash. They don't look that different from the earlier protos anyway. If you really want some pictures, and can't wait, drop me an email and I will take some form of image and mail it to you.
I am thinking though that if you are in that much of a hurry to buy a knife then I am sure you will be very happy with one of the BRKT offerings. I don't mean that to sound brusque, but the Spyderco knife seems unlikely to be released for a little time yet (lets say months rather than weeks, just to be on the safe side) and there is no point in folks getting wound-up because it hasn't been released and they need a knife now. I'm basing this on my own experience of having waited for gear release that has run close to some other deadline.
Native Justice
17-02-2009, 19:09
What happened to your info in the post that stated Spyderco were no longer using 01,. was it false, unsubstantiated or a mistake :confused:
Rats, was hoping no one had seen it yet ... it was a mistake. I looked at the specs for the wrong knife in the catlog. Got all fired up and went off half cocked with my earliest post. My sincerest apologies.
JonathanD
17-02-2009, 21:52
Rats, was hoping no one had seen it yet ... it was a mistake. I looked at the specs for the wrong knife in the catlog. Got all fired up and went off half cocked with my earliest post. My sincerest apologies.
:D oh poo :beerchug: :D
C_Claycomb
17-02-2009, 22:08
Right, got some photos...
http://i289.photobucket.com/albums/ll235/gps_deseng/IMG_0637.jpg
http://i289.photobucket.com/albums/ll235/gps_deseng/IMG_0645.jpg
There may be some minor changes at the front of the handle, and the production handle wood may look different.
Front of the handle is going to look a little like this. (NB, this is one of mine, not Spyderco's ;))
http://i289.photobucket.com/albums/ll235/gps_deseng/PICT4250.jpg
Smoother entry into a sheath and easier to clean.
Very cool. Does the steel stick out at all on the spine of the handle? It almost looks like its not flush with it. how long is the handle?
C_Claycomb
17-02-2009, 23:01
I can just feel the tang, no more. The wood is stabilized, so its stayed where it is meant to. The handle is 4.75" long.
UCBerzerkeley
18-02-2009, 09:04
Any clue if they plan to turn this into a 'staple' of the Spyderco line, like the Endura, or will it be a sprint run made in limited quantities?
Very, very nice. Good, sharp point, good width on the grind, handle looks super comfy. They are doing this right imo.
UCBerzerkeley
19-02-2009, 05:19
Very, very nice. Good, sharp point, good width on the grind, handle looks super comfy. They are doing this right imo.
I agree, looks fantastic. I love my mora 510 to death, but someday it may take a back seat for one of these
am i the only one that thinks this this knife looks like 99% of all other bushies with a hole in the blade? :dunno:
Dont get me wrong, i like it, but i just thought it would become something more come the later stages of development. I either feel it should offer something different or have a reasonable price tag come release day!
Dan
UCBerzerkeley
22-02-2009, 03:39
am i the only one that thinks this this knife looks like 99% of all other bushies with a hole in the blade? :dunno:
Dont get me wrong, i like it, but i just thought it would become something more come the later stages of development. I either feel it should offer something different or have a reasonable price tag come release day!
Dan
I don't want to sound vanilla, and maybe I am in the minority in thinking this, but I don't see much reason for "something different" in a "bushcraft" style blade. this is spyderco's entry to bushcraft, and i think they have a potential winner if the price is reasonable through retailers.
although i would have gone for A2 instead of O1, heh, although no doubt O1 has proven itself time and again
They are nice looking knives. Like all the "bushcraft" knives, though, including the ones I make, its a variation on a theme. There must only so many variations you can come up with. Why put a hole in the blade? Well, why not, after all, what are mosaic pins for? Decoration.
Will they really stick to the stabilised wood?
I quite like the shape and look of it, but I think I'll stick to what I have got!
I have always thought spyderco to be a dynamic and innovative company, not afraid to make things differently. Whilst i like the design and aesthetics of this knife i just feel that spyderco are now just jumping on the bushie bandwagon in an attempt to gain a piece of the pie!
This will become more apparent when the RRP is revealed. I kinda just expected a something that little bit special which at the moment i am not sure this is.
Dan
C_Claycomb
22-02-2009, 21:30
Dan,
There are quite a lot of posts now on this forum, British Blades, Blade Forums and Spyderco's own forum covering the things you raise in your posts.
You are not the first to voice disappointment that Spyderco have not been "dynamic and innovative", but it has already been pointed out that
A) If this is successful there is the intention to make a flat ground S90V version with carbon handles,
and
B) Just how to you define dynamic innovation? Spyderco make a lot of knives in VG10, S30V and H1 with synthetic handles, using wood and O-1 is a big departure for them, whereas VG10 and Micarta or G10 would be sort of ho-hum normal. If you can find another company of similar size and standing who is offering knives in O-1, please can you let me know. I have thought it a fairly rare thing and if I am in error I would like to know.
Be fair to Spyderco, they did not jump on this so called bandwagon without a lot of outside persuasion. It was UK Ken who first asked them to look at making such a knife in the first place. Anyway, if the product is good, what is the problem? If it cost more than you wanted, don’t buy it, you will be no worse off than if they hadn’t tried, if it’s affordable to you, as a consumer you have more choice with no personal cost. Is it worse that Spyderco try to make a knife for the bushcraft market than it is for them to make money from the military, police, fire service, hikers, hunters, fishermen, divers, martial artists, competitive cutters and knife collectors?:confused:
MSRP was announced and discussed at great length a couple of months ago. But that was in Dollars and we will have to wait and see what it finally retails for in the UK.
Spyderco could have set out to design a knife from their own research and completely off their own bat. Most likely, if that had been the case, we would all still be waiting and it might never have happened. If it had happened, the resulting knife would have undoubtedly looked more like what most folk think of as a Spyderco and would probably have shown a lot more US influence. Would it have had a single bevel? It certainly would have been a thicker bevel, probably thicker stock. There would have been less width sculpting in the handle. If it had been made in the US it would probably have been S30V, innovative, but a pain to sharpen if done as a single bevel, however you need to remember that Spyderco have no spare US capacity, nor any in Japan. The end result would probably have sold fine in the US and to knife enthusiast here, which might be the main market anyway, but it was hoped that this design would appeal to a slightly wider group. Outdoors enthusiast who are not steel junkies, who typically don't like Spyderco because they think their knives are ugly and too tactical, and who wanted a comfortable full tang scandi, of guaranteed quality, to take into the woods and use. It wasn't meant to look like a Spyderco Bushcraft Knife, just a bushcraft knife.
Thankyou for the reply chris and for tying up afew loose ends i had in my head. one thing that puzzles me a little still though is that why would people campaign for spyderco to create a knife of such similar design and specs to the majority of all other "bushcraft" knives, when there are so many other options available that are all so similar? why would you pay (for instance) £200 for a mass produced knife when you could get your own custom knife made to your own specs for the same price? other than for the sake of owning a "spyderco bushie?"
I am a spyderco fan and this is in no way an assault on them as a brand and i also own a few different "bushcraft knives" i just wonder if these knives are going to be aimed at the "user" and offered in sufficient numbers at suitable price or whether they will be simply become a "collector" knife and become the next woodlore?
I have not meant to offend anybody involved with this project and would greatly like to see it become a success and beneficial to everbody!
Dan
sandsnakes
23-02-2009, 09:33
As such I am not a 'knife' man, but I got to play with it this weekend and it was a very nice tool to use. Felt good in the hand and was comfortable in the palm. Very high quality of finish.
Sandsnakes
I got a chance for a quick go with this. Liked the feel and way it worked wood. Great edge. My only downs were the handle is well silky - which could be fixed with quick wipe over with fine wire wool and the sheath is pants (IMO).
Cheers for letting me have a go Chris. PS found your cord!
Native Justice
23-02-2009, 19:33
Thankyou for the reply chris and for tying up afew loose ends i had in my head. one thing that puzzles me a little still though is that why would people campaign for spyderco to create a knife of such similar design and specs to the majority of all other "bushcraft" knives, when there are so many other options available that are all so similar? why would you pay (for instance) £200 for a mass produced knife when you could get your own custom knife made to your own specs for the same price? other than for the sake of owning a "spyderco bushie?"
I am a spyderco fan and this is in no way an assault on them as a brand and i also own a few different "bushcraft knives" i just wonder if these knives are going to be aimed at the "user" and offered in sufficient numbers at suitable price or whether they will be simply become a "collector" knife and become the next woodlore?
I have not meant to offend anybody involved with this project and would greatly like to see it become a success and beneficial to everbody!
Dan
I think your assumption that the intended market is directed at the knife nut rather than a more diverse market might be a tad unfair.
I think Spyderco was shooting for a market which includes anyone who may be an outdoors person who needs a trustworthy bush tool/knife and who may not have the experience necessary to obtain one with quality hopefully surpassing the average United Cutlery piece of crap. I personally believe that's their intent in a nutshell.
The future product introduction, which is dependent upon this knives success, might well be considered for the rest of us who are looking for a "premium grade" alternative (hmmm, the average scandi or woody is rarely seen clad in CF scales and with 90V steel that only the most experienced of us might have the remotest chance in hell of sharpening with anything but diamond stones, hones or steels). OK, rant over.
C_Claycomb
23-02-2009, 19:45
Cheers Rod :)
Dan,
Don’t worry, I am sorry if I sounded offended…blasted internet really doesn’t quite cut it for conveying tone :p
You make good points and while I could once again go through explaining the whys and wherefores that have brought us to this point, they wouldn't necessarily answer those questions particularly well. I will tell you what though, while I think it most unlikely that this will become anything like the next Woodlore, I would be mortified if it did, and pretty disappointed if it just got bought by collectors.
If this is successful there is the intention to make a flat ground S90V version with carbon handles....
oh my, now you're talking! :cool:
love the look of those proto's. i'm looking forward to getting one, well, see what the street price is eh?
cheers, and.
The wood lore is only popular because of Ray Mears using it. I doubt he will buy one of these and use it on his show.
I think a S90V with carbon fiber handles would be a big mistake. Micarta would be the best handle choice, no matter the style or blade steel. All the wood does is make the price go up. Something the non knife knut does not need. I still think the price is way too high for a non US made knife. BRKTs are way, way less. At 300 dollars the street price will be around 190-220.
proadventure
22-10-2009, 13:23
Just a quick note to say that this is due in to the UK in the next few weeks, retail has been set at £210.
Just a quick note to say that this is due in to the UK in the next few weeks, retail has been set at £210.
I was told the New Year (by the importers). I suppose you could say that 10-12 weeks is a few weeks. :D
clancy84
26-12-2011, 22:22
just to let u no i got mine from usa 5 months ago and noticed after getting it about 3 weeks of ownig it the tang on the handle startert to develope brown spot like it was oxadizing so i took it off with flitz mettle polish and rubed vasaline on it there still there but not notesable unless u realy look shame coz it is a nice knife but the sheat is pants and rusting that quick not worth the mony realy.im sorry about the spelling as i was always an outdoors person and never did like moden ways
Johnnyboy1971
26-12-2011, 22:31
Damn this is an old thread resurrected.
I have three of these knives now and each one is a joy to use. My latest was in G10 and looks as it did the day I received it, my older ones are well used now but are among some of my favorite knives to use. The handle on one has a wee crack but Mr superglue fixed that. In the new year I plan to clear out all my knives down to just three users, heavy camp knife, bushy style and a small necker so watch this space as there will be some nice blades going quite cheap.
I'm very happy with mine. It's not only a very effective knife it's a comfortable knife to use :D
Just had a looksee and I can find no rust marks on mine at all :) and it's no drawer queen. Mine has micarta scales because Chris knows fine I use mine in the damp and wet.
That said, mine's in a sheath made by LuckyLee and I have no idea what the Spyderco sheath looks like.
I clean off any gunk, dry it, strop it, and put it back in it's sheath, but that's the only fussing it gets.
Disappointing for you though clancy84, especially if you bought it in from America. No idea what Spyderco might say about the spotting you have :dunno:
cheers,
Toddy
Johnnyboy1971
26-12-2011, 22:32
Damn this is an old thread resurrected.
I have three of these knives now and each one is a joy to use. My latest was in G10 and looks as it did the day I received it, my older ones are well used now but are among some of my favorite knives to use. The handle on one has a wee crack but Mr superglue fixed that. In the new year I plan to clear out all my knives down to just three users, heavy camp knife, bushy style and a small necker so watch this space as there will be some nice blades going quite cheap.