Amsterdam Meet 2014 Report of Upcoming Spyderco Prototypes

[ugaarguy]

Anti Rape Knife...is what someone else called it elsewhere..sad really...

That may have been another working title for the acronym. I'll have to check with Sam and John. It is horrible and sad that US Troops would need to wear a neck knife in the shower to avoid getting raped, but it's true. There were also plenty of male on male sexual assaults over there, so that knife is intended for everyone.

[StuntZombie]

It is a shameful origin ugaarguy, but it definitely looks like a very useful design. I could see myself using it as a skinning knife, if I still hunted.

[bchan]

I'd hope it gets some aggressive jumping for thumb and choil.

+1. I can't see the jimping from the photos.

Still, a self-defence knife in H1! Is that a first?

[Revival]

Good stuff... Thank you

[StuntZombie]

+1. I can't see the jimping from the photos.

Still, a self-defence knife in H1! Is that a first?

The Warrior is in H1, if I remember correctly.

With that handle shape, I don't see why it's necessary to add jimping.

[ugaarguy]

The prototype John sent me is pretty much identical to the Spyderco version (not in H1 of course) but it didn't even have scales. From my experience, it doesn't need jimping. The finger choil, thumb ramp, and overall blade shape really lock the knife into the hand. John is an accomplished martial artist, and Sam does historical style wood frame structure carpentry in PA. The synergy of martial artist and traditional hand tool user really comes through in their collaborations.

[bornagainprimative]

It seriously reminds me of a dragon fly fixed blade almost and that is very cool IMO.

[captnvegtble]

The Warrior is in H1, if I remember correctly.

I wouldn't call the Warrior a "self-defence" knife... maybe a self-offensive knife.

[bh49]

Great first set of pictures. Wouter thank you.

[TomAiello]

Wow. I'm definitely into that ARK. If only it was available right now...

[zhyla]

Wow, didn't know Sam's knife got picked up as a collaboration. Hope it goes into full blown production.

[DeathBySnooSnoo]

Cool looking knife. Sad reason it was developed...but that being said. I might be interested. I wear a Krein TK-1 pretty much 24/7 now...and have yet to have any rust on the D2 blade...but it hasn't seen a summer yet. So having an H1 blade might be a good idea.

I can't see a reason for any jimping to be added. With that design I bet even with wet hands and a wet knife it won't slip at all in your grip.

Thanks as always Mr Blonde! Can't wait to see more!

[Sam1911]

Hi Guys! Thanks for all the well wishes and enthusiasm!

It is imperative to me that John's vision and drive be recognized. This is HIS knife, I'm just the "messenger." :)

-Sam

[Donut]

I already checked the forums a couple of times looking for this thread. I'm looking forward to it.

That first one is an interesting Perrin inspired model.

[IG-88]

Here we go again!!! Wouter I saw you sweeting yeserday to get them all on the sensor, we all appreciate your hard work! Thx for the great pics!

The prototype John sent me is pretty much identical to the Spyderco version (not in H1 of course) but it didn't even have scales. From my experience, it doesn't need jimping. The finger choil, thumb ramp, and overall blade shape really lock the knife into the hand. John is an accomplished martial artist, and Sam does historical style wood frame structure carpentry in PA. The synergy of martial artist and traditional hand tool user really comes through in their collaborations.

I agree with your findings on the other hand the Proto shown last year featured a lanyard fob which extended the handle a little, it gave more control over the knife. This year the fob was not there and I missed it, with larger hands the handle is short and thin. I would add one when I would carry this knife.

[Sam1911]

I agree with your findings on the other hand the Proto shown last year featured a lanyard fob which extended the handle a little, it gave more control over the knife. This year the fob was not there and I missed it, with larger hands the handle is short and thin. I would add one when I would carry this knife.

I agree about the lanyard/fob, and I think I'd probably want one myself. (Though I don't actually have one on the slightly different neck knife I carry every day.)

The one issue we had with the idea was that this is designed primarily as a knife that would live on a soldier's dog-tag chain, especially in very minimalist circumstances (most usually, the shower) and that meant whatever is there is going to get soaking wet once or twice a day. So lanyard material would have to be super waterproof, or at the very least, non-absorbent.

Otherwise, one would be left with a damp and dripping "sponge" hanging around your neck after you're dressed again. Not much point in having an H1 "always there" knife that you take off every time you go to the one place it was designed for.

:)

[Left Hand Path]

One of the highlights of the Spyderco-year! Thanks in advance, Mr Blonde and others, for the great info.
I am not a neck-knife carrier, but I do like small FBs and the ARK is a nice-looking one. It should appeal to many, including fans of Fred Perrin's designs.

[Liquid Cobra]

I agree about the lanyard/fob, and I think I'd probably want one myself. (Though I don't actually have one on the slightly different neck knife I carry every day.)

The one issue we had with the idea was that this is designed primarily as a knife that would live on a soldier's dog-tag chain, especially in very minimalist circumstances (most usually, the shower) and that meant whatever is there is going to get soaking wet once or twice a day. So lanyard material would have to be super waterproof, or at the very least, non-absorbent.

Otherwise, one would be left with a damp and dripping "sponge" hanging around your neck after you're dressed again. Not much point in having an H1 "always there" knife that you take off every time you go to the one place it was designed for.

:)

This is very sound reasoning.

[Evil D]

This is without a doubt one of the best threads on this site every year. As always thanks so much for your efforts in putting this together each year!

[Mr Blonde]

The first knife that was shown and passed around all attendees, was the Sam Owens designed ARK prototype neck knife. ...

I received some important additional information on the ARK design by Sam Owens. He is not the sole designer. Mr. John Shirley played a very important role in the development of this design. In his own words, Sam Owens would like to add: “John is the vision and drive behind this. I’m just “the messenger.” That’s why it is the Shirley-Owens ARK.”