Rare Variation of the Spyderco Lum Chinese Folder

[Mr Blonde]

The Lum Chinese Folder is one of those designs in the Spyderco line-up that I’m really excited about. I appreciate its rare combination of amazing looks and incredible functional utility. I managed to collect most, if not all, of the variations of the Chinese Folder. So you can imaging I am very happy to come across this rare variant of the Chinese Folder!



This particular knife started its life as part of the Sprint Run Chinese Folder with a blue almite handle, and then it was laser engraved at the factory with this bug-in-the-web pattern. This engraving service, and in particular this design, was advertised by Spyderco in one of its catalogs in the early 2000s. However, I’ve never seen such a Chinese Folder ‘in the wild’.



The knife itself was in excellent condition. It looked like it was only used for opening mail or boxes until the edge lost its factory-edge. A quick touch-up on my Sharpmaker got the edge back to its proverbial hair-popping sharpness. I also brushed out the lint in the handle and applied a few drops of oil in the pivot to make this unique Chinese Folder 100% functional again.



The handle has no damage at all from use or carry, I couldn’t find any scuffs or scratches anywhere. I’m very happy to add this unique variant to my collection of Spyderco Lum Chinese Folders.



Have you seen a similar Chinese folder in the wild, or in your collection?

[JD Spydo]

The Chinese Lum wasn't the only model they did that "Spyder & Web" design on. Because I used to have a NATIVE and an ENDURA model both that had that. It is nice looking and I thoroughly agree with you there. There were a few variants of that Chinese LUM because I had three of them at one time. I love just about everything that the late Bob Lum did.

I never liked Tanto designs until I got the Spyderco C-46 Tanto folder>>it was a completely different animal that any other tanto that I had owned up to that point. I really believe that Bob Lum was truly ahead of his time on several of his designs.

[The Deacon]

Nice catch Wouter! I've seen just about every all stainless Spyderco from the early years of this century with that style "bug and web" laser engraving and a few of the almite ones from that same era with it as well, but never a Lum Chinese Folder.

[Johnnie1801]

Congrat's on the nice score, that sure is a beauty, I wish they'd bring that back :)

[Doc Dan]

I like that laser etching. Spyderco could/should offer that as a factory custom option on Ti, stainless, and aluminum handled knives. We order a knife direct from Spyderco, have them etch it, and then ship it to us. Very fast and simple.

[TheKnifeCollector]

That is absolutely gorgeous!!

[bh49]

Great catch, congrats

[Sharp Guy]

I like it!!! I haven't had opportunity to handle one of the Lum Chinese folders and they haven't really appealed to me.....until now! That looks like a really great knife!!

[SpyderNut]

That is a beauty real, Wouter. Nice catch! I have one just like it in Gunmetal Blue, sans the spiderweb etching. I've always loved Bob Lum's designs.

[SG89]

Nice!

[ronT2]

I love it, nice find. I just love the buttery smoothness of my nishijin lum.

[jabba359]

Cool find! I really like that laser engraved design!

[Peter1960]

My concrats Wouter, I've never seen this design on a Chinese Lum before and this means something, as I share your love. When you say it's factory lasered, what is your source of that information?

[Bruceter]

I was able to get my green one engraved when the service was being offered.


Bruceter

[LC Kid]

Hi Mr. Blonde!


And congrats for such wonderful catch! :D

I've seen the Spyder @ Web laser engraved Lum' Chinese folder in a pic at some Forum, but certainly never saw one in the wild. :rolleyes:

[farnorthdan]

Nice catch Wouter, that one looks brand spankin new, beautiful

[JAfromMN]

Now that's a beauty

[Evil D]

I'd love to have that engraved into some of my G10 handles.

[Peter1960]

Wow, for years nothing and then two engraved almite Lum Chinese in one thread! Congrats to you also, Bruceter :)

[Mr Blonde]

My concrats Wouter, I've never seen this design on a Chinese Lum before and this means something, as I share your love. When you say it's factory lasered, what is your source of that information?

My direct source is the former Spyderco employee that I bought it from, but I also recognized that it matched the color and pattern of the engraving that was offered for the Chinese Folder in the 2003 product catalog.