FB04 First Perrin FB Bowie

[The Mastiff]

Greetings. I've been looking around for one of the first edition FB04, larger Perrin Bowies for EDC, not collecting. I was wondering if anybody here can enlighten me as to how rare, What I'd expect to pay for a NIB example, and opinions on feel and grip of it in comparison to the newer model? Thanks, Joe

[Peter1960]

Joe, I'm a big fan of the FB04 and it's one of my EDC's. I have #435 and #436. #435 with a selfmade (no wasn't me :o ) kydex sheath is in EDC-rotation. Me likes the narrow handle a lot. During my time as collector I handled ~ 7-8 Fred Perrins and the only thing I've to complain is the original sheath, doesn't hold the knife in a proper way or blade rattles in the sheath.

Compared to the FB 15 it's the better one - IMHO

This year I saw thirteen offers on Ebay-US for the Fred Perrin; price range from € 66,- up to € 119,- for NIB condition.

I say: Go for it :)

PS: One last thing, the black blade variation looks extremely tactial.

[Mr Blonde]

I can't comment on values etc... as that's not my 'niche' in collecting/using spydies. However, the Perrin Streetbowie is like your favorite kitchen knife that's made ready for outdoors use as well. The kraton/frn grip is more 'sticky' and a bit larger than the micarta of the streetbeat. The 'feel' is very similar though. The factory sheath isn't 100% from the box, it rattles. I managed to fix this recently using a few minutes with a hairdryer to tighten the 'throat' of the sheath. It works quite well, but I bet Mike Sastre will make a much better sheath. I gather the knife is well liked by MBC players too, if you're into that.

Wouter

[Mike Sastre]

The FB04 Perrin Street Bowie is one of my absolute favorite carry knives, and the one I go to when I'm going beltless, as when wearing sweats or running shorts. One of my New York customers talked Sal out of one sans sheath at the NY Show (sheaths weren't made yet), sent it to me for one of my customs, so I was actually making sheaths for these before Spyderco. Great knife for anything you'd want to use a knife for, but particularly excels at SD. I was surprised (and disappointed) that it was pulled from the line-up, but apparently this is another one of those models that wasn't appreciated until it was gone. In my opinion, this is the PERFECT knife for James A. Keating's Drawpoint Method. Retrofitting your Spydie sheath's mini-TekLok with one of Spyderco's new "G" clips will allow the beltless carry of these as well.

[The Mastiff]

Thanks Very much peter, and Mr.Blonde. Just what I wanted to know.Thank you for the heads up on the sheath rattle. Come to think of it, I'd heard of it before but had forgotten it.

Mike, Thanks for the information and especially the pictures of the grip. They are the first I've seen of the texture. If I manage to find one I can afford ( just a matter of time) I'll contact you again. The picture of the beltless carry is right up my alley. I often walk the dog late at night. One night the leash got so tied up ( more than one dog then) all I could do was cut it. One little dog was getting pulled one way by my mastiff, but tied to a tree. Fortunately I was able to get my endura out and open quickly but a fixed blade would have been much better in that situation.

Once again, thanks

[SimpleIsGood229]

I would love to see a sprint run of the FB04 with Micarta handles to match the Street Beat. Can't find the drooling smiley anywhere...

[sal]

It is my understanding that we are making a run of those as an exclusive for Fred Perrin. Black blade, military green handle, black kraton inserts.

Some will be going to collectors getting all variations, but they will be delayed due to the many new models that arrived at the same time.

Fred should be receiving his first shipment very soon. You could probably get one from him.

sal

[Slatts]

Great news, Sal. That really caught me off guard, but is a very nice surprise. I've a few Perrins in the kitchen, but could always use another. I'll be very happy to have one with my number on it!

[Shike]

Mastiff:

You can get one here

http://www.szaboinc.com/index1.html

[Manix Guy 2]

This is one for some reason I find a beauty to myself . MG2

[The Mastiff]

Shike, Thanks a bunch.

This is one for some reason I find a beauty to myself . MG2

MG2, I agree. The smaller one is a fine knife also, in fact a must have IMO. There are reasons I want the bigger one also. I mean besides just greed. :)

It is my understanding that we are making a run of those as an exclusive for Fred Perrin. Black blade, military green handle, black kraton inserts.

Sal, ever surprising us. Whenever you pull one of these surprises out I wonder how many others there are you can't tell us about. That's the nature of the business I guess. You do tell us what we need to know and that's what counts. :) Joe