Spyder Classics: C-51 Rookie model

[JD Spydo]

If there is just one model that would come to most people's minds when thinking of a Spyderco icon it would most likely be the POLICE model is what most people would say. But during the ATS-55 Era Spyderco probably did one of their most genius moves when they introduced the C-51 Rookie model. The Rookie model is basically a somewhat smaller version of the POLICE model. I've even heard the ROOKIE model called the POLICE Jr.

With that said I've had a couple of knife fans ( Non-Spyderco) I've spoke to that told me that if they were ever to buy a Spyderco model it would be the Rookie model. And again that was from a couple of people who were not Spyderco fans per se. If they ever made what many may call a "perfect" EDC folder in size and scope I believe it is fair to say that the ROOKIE model is one that stands out. My personal favorite is the G-10 handled version. So let's talk about the Spyderco ROOKIE model from the late 90s era.

[austrian_spyder_fan]

I'm searching for a Rookie since I'm in Spyderco collecting. I'm a Spyderco Fan and Collector only a little more than 6 month's but i found out that i like the littlle ones and mid sized.
I like the Police Design, but didn't buy one yet, because it's to big for me.
So please bring back the Rookie Sal and Eric.
Or someone has so much of them and sells one to me :D

ASF

[JD Spydo]

I'm searching for a Rookie since I'm in Spyderco collecting. I'm a Spyderco Fan and Collector only a little more than 6 month's but i found out that i like the littlle ones and mid sized.
I like the Police Design, but didn't buy one yet, because it's to big for me.
So please bring back the Rookie Sal and Eric.
Or someone has so much of them and sells one to me :D

ASF

That's why so many other people, even non-Spyderco people think that the ROOKIE model is a perfect sized folder to be an EDC. Why the ROOKIE didn't become a permanent model like it's big brother i.e. the POLICE model is beyond me :confused: . Because like yourself most people think that the POLICE model is just too big for the "average" person and "average" knife user. But the ROOKIE is just right in size>> believe me there are lots of people that totally agree with you

[James Y]

I thought that the Rookie was a part of Spyderco’s regular lineup, but wasn’t permanent because it was DQ’d for lack of sales. I liked the Rookie (mine was SS), but I could see it getting sort of lost in the shuffle, what with the Delica and other similar medium-sized folders also around. It probably wasn’t a model that non-knife afi’s would have been aware of.

Jim

[Sumdumguy]

It was the name that killed this one.

Who want's to be a rookie? :p
Officer, may have been a better option.

Personally, I love the knife. I'd take a Sprint

[Larry_Mott]

Here's my squad :)

[Mushroom]

Ever since the K390 Police 4 was released, I've been dreaming of a K390 Rookie! Would still love to see a Rookie sprint in K390, swedge included!

[StuntZombie]

A PE stainless Rookie was my only knife my sophomore year of college, and it along with a Leatherman served me well during that time. I don't know what happened to that knife, but I definitely miss it. I think it would do well as a lightweight variant. It offers a little bit larger blade than the Manbug or Ladybug, while still remaining somewhat thin.

[austrian_spyder_fan]

Ever since the K390 Police 4 was released, I've been dreaming of a K390 Rookie! Would still love to see a Rookie sprint in K390, swedge included!

Well this whould be cool.
I whould buy one, no better two!

[yowzer]

I have one of the green G-10 Rookies from an old sprint run. It's a knice knife. The regular Police is just too big for me, but I love the blade shape with that swedge (I wish the newer Police variants kept that instead of going FFG), which makes the Rookie attractive. I'd go for a new one in anything better than VG-10 (Hap-40, anyone?), with swedge.

[Peter1960]

This thread needs more Rookies ... :p

[Reject]

:D And more Rookies :p



Next to the Delica.

[Peter1960]

Match Rookies Peter1960 - Reject ==> 4:5 :D

[JuPaul]

I've said it before: I'd love a new Rookie sprint. I'd also love a version in between the Police and Rookie with a 3.5" blade. Sorta the "endela" of the Police family. The Pookie? The Rolice? :p

[Sumdumguy]

Forgot all about the partial liners. Can we get one with full liners?

I may be weird. But that single liner REALLY digs at my OCD.

[elena86]

Bring it back. In spyderedge of course :spyder:

[Cl1ff]

I really like the swedge.

[aicolainen]

The Rookie is yet another Spyderco I was unaware of until recently, when I started visiting this forum more frequently.
I’ve probably mentioned it before, but even though it’s way more tactical than I prefer, and a blade shape that doesn’t really lend well to my typical applications, I don’t care. It is probably the best looking Spyderco I’ve ever seen. Even the partial liner doesn’t bother me.
I really want one. But I don’t need one, so paying crazy money to scalpers is out of the question.

I like how it looks with the grey G-10, so if there’s ever a sprint run, I’d prefer if they keep that, but the steel could very well be K390 :D

[yablanowitz]

Hah! Found an old picture with my Rookies in it.



I have the opposite problem from most folks here. I like the Rookie, but the handle is a little too short for my hand. I find it interesting that it has a shorter handle and longer blade than the Delica.

[aicolainen]

I find it interesting that it has a shorter handle and longer blade than the Delica.

I think that is part of the reason I find it so appealing. It appears more balanced, visually.
And with my narrow paws, I don’t think I’ll have any issues getting a firm grip.

BTW - this thread is not good for me.