Folks,
Here is my dilemma. I am going to buy a plain edged, stainless Police model soon. This will happen as soon as I complete a deal on a couple of fixed blade knives I’ve got going with another forumite.
So, when I make the trip to my local dealer to select my plain edged stainless C07, should I pick a current specimen; “new-in-box” ATS-55 bladed model w/ David Boye dent in it’s locking lever or instead the slightly-used-looking demonstrator model from the showcase. That knife is the older, discontinued version w/ GIN-1 steel and no David Boye dent. Truth is, I think I may like the knife better w/o the DB dent and this is the only way I know to get one; at least locally. Besides, I think I may be able to swing a better deal on the display model.
I currently own a new style serrated stainless Police and it’s become my most-of-the-time EDC due in part to it's visual appeal and slimness. I love this knife. However, I think I’ll probably get even more use out of a plain edged variant and it seems like it might be good to have a slightly different model than my other one. Hmmmmmm.
Your thoughts, my esteemed knife-toting brethren?
Jeff/1911.
Edited by - Jeff/1911 on 8/22/2001 10:01:58 PM
stainless Police model - new versus old?
J Smith,
Interestingly, I am looking forward to owning the bigger version of the knife (Rookie II) you just bought. This way, my friend at work and I compare them. If they are to be as similar as possible, then the "no dent" rule will have to stand.
Below is a picture of the stainless Rookie and Police together, these are of the serrated variety, but you get the idea.
Jeff.
Edited by - Jeff/1911 on 8/23/2001 1:32:33 AM
Interestingly, I am looking forward to owning the bigger version of the knife (Rookie II) you just bought. This way, my friend at work and I compare them. If they are to be as similar as possible, then the "no dent" rule will have to stand.
Below is a picture of the stainless Rookie and Police together, these are of the serrated variety, but you get the idea.
Jeff.
Edited by - Jeff/1911 on 8/23/2001 1:32:33 AM
Although I do not have a Police model knife, I have a other Spyderco's with a dent - notably the SS Rescue Jr. and Native. I much prefer "dented" to non-dented.
Instant lock release find is the best advantage, feels good to the fingers or thumb and I happen to like the way it looks. Good luck deciding.
By the way, the Rookie is smaller than the Police.
"Chance favors the prepared mind" - Louis Pasteur
Instant lock release find is the best advantage, feels good to the fingers or thumb and I happen to like the way it looks. Good luck deciding.
By the way, the Rookie is smaller than the Police.
"Chance favors the prepared mind" - Louis Pasteur
I have an ATS-55 plain-edge Police model that does not have the Boye dent. Truth to tell, I may prefer it without the dent, but it is a nice feature to have. Like my fully serrated, my plain-edge(which I had a year before my serrated) is an awesome cutting machine.
I have seen some very old Police models that look like the blade had a thick saber grind instead of the hollow grind. I much prefer the hollow. One thing I do like about the older models is that Gin-1 is more stain-resistant.
Jim
I have seen some very old Police models that look like the blade had a thick saber grind instead of the hollow grind. I much prefer the hollow. One thing I do like about the older models is that Gin-1 is more stain-resistant.
Jim
Ashram, James Y,
Thanks for your response. You've helped a lot. I wondered whether I would be giving up much to choose GIN-1 over ATS-55, as I know that the production change to ATS-55 from GIN-1 was presumably an upgrade... I think I'd find the better stain resistance of GIN-1 a real bonus, perhaps more important than increased edge retention, assuming there is any difference in this area. It's useful to me to hear your favorable opinions of GIN-1.
The idea of getting one of the models that is no longer being produced appeals to me.
Decisions, decisions.
Jeff/1911.
Edited by - Jeff/1911 on 8/27/2001 10:36:22 PM
Thanks for your response. You've helped a lot. I wondered whether I would be giving up much to choose GIN-1 over ATS-55, as I know that the production change to ATS-55 from GIN-1 was presumably an upgrade... I think I'd find the better stain resistance of GIN-1 a real bonus, perhaps more important than increased edge retention, assuming there is any difference in this area. It's useful to me to hear your favorable opinions of GIN-1.
The idea of getting one of the models that is no longer being produced appeals to me.
Decisions, decisions.
Jeff/1911.
Edited by - Jeff/1911 on 8/27/2001 10:36:22 PM
Hello to all of you . My name is Jurphaas and I am a first time guest in this forum. I follow the forum on a regular basis but have not responded before. I must compliment many of you with the patience and courtesy that you've paid my countryman 'Hanibal'. I had a hard time with his posts.
In concern of the Police model, I own a '92 C07TI , a Police Model with ATS-34 blade and titanium handles that I use for my EDC. This is my all time favourite tactical folder.
This specific model was the very first production knife with an ATS-34 blade ever. ATS-34 was the steel of choice with many custom makers in the late 80's and early 90's. Also Titanium had just became more readily available on the open market since the military restrictions on its sale were lifted. This knife was an exclusive from the Cutlery Shoppe and very few were made (1000 pieces -Sal?) . Already Spyderco proofed to be a leader in the industry and has not lost any momentum yet. I happen to know Sal personally and I know that he is always on the look out for the best materials for his knives. Sal is always two to three years ahead in thinking. This makes him an extemely interesting guy.
I believe also that in the view of a collector the old and discontingued models are to be favoured over the new and current models. This might not be true to the user and the EDC knives that will take the road day in, day out. Older models tend to gain in value over the years and will enhance a collection because of their rarety. The Police has been and still is a high volume knife and only the 'specials' as the Ti model and the Gary Blanchard model and the Black-Ti model will gain in value over the years. So far, so good.
In concern of the Police model, I own a '92 C07TI , a Police Model with ATS-34 blade and titanium handles that I use for my EDC. This is my all time favourite tactical folder.
This specific model was the very first production knife with an ATS-34 blade ever. ATS-34 was the steel of choice with many custom makers in the late 80's and early 90's. Also Titanium had just became more readily available on the open market since the military restrictions on its sale were lifted. This knife was an exclusive from the Cutlery Shoppe and very few were made (1000 pieces -Sal?) . Already Spyderco proofed to be a leader in the industry and has not lost any momentum yet. I happen to know Sal personally and I know that he is always on the look out for the best materials for his knives. Sal is always two to three years ahead in thinking. This makes him an extemely interesting guy.
I believe also that in the view of a collector the old and discontingued models are to be favoured over the new and current models. This might not be true to the user and the EDC knives that will take the road day in, day out. Older models tend to gain in value over the years and will enhance a collection because of their rarety. The Police has been and still is a high volume knife and only the 'specials' as the Ti model and the Gary Blanchard model and the Black-Ti model will gain in value over the years. So far, so good.
Jurphaas,
Welcome to the forum. Sal sure treats us well, that's sure.
I am envious of your Titanium ATS-34 Police model. That sounds like one great knife. I have kind of decided that the older model is the one I will want too. I have become somewhat of a collector myself, and if I decide after buying the older GIN-1 model that I "need" one in ATS-55 I should be able to obtain one easily enough. The reverse would likely not be true, at least not locally. After playing around with my large Calypso lately (no DB dent) and my serrated S/S Police (DB dent) I think I truly do prefer the model w/o the dent...so that's another reason to opt for the older version.
I appreciate your response, and the benefit of your experience.
Cheers, Jeff/1911.
Welcome to the forum. Sal sure treats us well, that's sure.
I am envious of your Titanium ATS-34 Police model. That sounds like one great knife. I have kind of decided that the older model is the one I will want too. I have become somewhat of a collector myself, and if I decide after buying the older GIN-1 model that I "need" one in ATS-55 I should be able to obtain one easily enough. The reverse would likely not be true, at least not locally. After playing around with my large Calypso lately (no DB dent) and my serrated S/S Police (DB dent) I think I truly do prefer the model w/o the dent...so that's another reason to opt for the older version.
I appreciate your response, and the benefit of your experience.
Cheers, Jeff/1911.
Perhaps I should be more specific with my last question. For those of you who have experience with both ATS-55 and GIN-1; how would you compare them for edge retention, ease of resharpening, and perceived sharpness once you're done.
Does GIN-1 perhaps behave more like AUS-8 than ATS-55? How would you compare their grain structure in terms of "fineness"? I've heard it said that AUS-8 has a very fine grain structure, and this gives it it's reputation for sharpness. I'm using this steel as an example. I love the way AUS-8 gets so insanely sharp with relatively little effort.
Thanks for any help you can offer. Jeff/1911.
Does GIN-1 perhaps behave more like AUS-8 than ATS-55? How would you compare their grain structure in terms of "fineness"? I've heard it said that AUS-8 has a very fine grain structure, and this gives it it's reputation for sharpness. I'm using this steel as an example. I love the way AUS-8 gets so insanely sharp with relatively little effort.
Thanks for any help you can offer. Jeff/1911.
Hi, I once cut through a car tire , complete with steel belting with a Gin 1 version , didn't do the blade much good but after some sharpening , and polishing with metal polish
the blade was (and still is) almost as good as new .I definitely don't have a problem with Gin 1 .As i don't make a habit out of cutting car tires off their rims I cannot comment on the suitability of ATS 55 for this task !
the blade was (and still is) almost as good as new .I definitely don't have a problem with Gin 1 .As i don't make a habit out of cutting car tires off their rims I cannot comment on the suitability of ATS 55 for this task !