Spydercard in Ti ?

v34 · #1

I carry the Spydercard in my wallet and find it a bit thick but I'm prepared to suffer for the advantage of a full size folder. The weight however cries out to be reduced. How about a Ti handle and as this will change the balance considerably it would suit "Q" type cutouts. What does everyone think.

Tom Percy · #2

Lightening the blade by means of cutouts similar to the Q&R is probably the only way to lighten the weight of the Spydercards. I have had mine in my wallet for over a year now and have not found the weight all that bad. To change the handle to Ti and add the cutouts would add cost to the price, and that may be enough to cut sales....

Still worth batin around though. We may even see a new model out of the discussions.

ronybear · #3

I LOVE THE IDEA!!! I won't carry the Spydercard in my wallet because of the weight! Even if you did not use the titanium, which I think would be great, how about the lazer cut outs like the "Q" & the "R"??? Or how about an Almite coated Aluminum??? Let's get some more input from people and maybe we can convince Sal & Company to try a sprint run!!!

"LOVE DEM SPYDIES!"
AKTI Member #A001251

Philip357 · #4

I am in.
(A few months ago I also enquired if a carbon fiber or Ti Spydercard was not possible).

thorin hammer · #5

I would go for a Ti handle Spydercard. I carry a Spydercard now and didn't notice the weight after carring it for a couple of days. I don't think cutouts would be a good idea though, I have enought trouble getting it in and out with it getting caught on my wallet. I think it needs to be as smooth as possable.

Ehh, supposed to be Thorin... : )

Brian_Turner · #6

Sal addressed this a while back on BFC. The cost of machining Ti to form the handle would be prohibitive.

#7

As Brian said, expensive. I also question Ti for the lock (which is made from the handle) on this model.

This is a price point model with much competition. We can make the perfect piece for wallet carry, but for two obstacles;

1) The cost would be high and the number of potential customers is reduced.

2) It would have to displace another model waiting on line for production and tooling money.

sal

v34 · #8

I understand the limitations re ti for the handle(cost/lock suitability) But a simple cutout would go a long way to reduce blade weight.

Pointshoot · #9

Given the use of titanium for such products as backpacking kitchenware, firearms and such it seems that there is a market for items that offer the lightest possible weight. (I have bought titanium examples of both campware and firearms.) - - Given the simplicity of the Spydercard handle when compared to something as difficult to machine as a firearm, - I hope that the company will reconsider their position on this some time. In addition, titanium won't rust and that's a very desireable quality in something carried close to the body. I would be willing to pay a substantial premium for a titanium Spydercard. Thanks - - Pointshoot

toothed · #10

I think aluminum would be a better choice of handle material than titanium. Aluminum would be easier to work with and cost less. Almite coating would allow numerous coloring options and would be slick and elegant.

The titanium handles on the Lum did not result in a lightweight knife. Perhaps there's a misconception here. It seems that the titanium either needs to be made thick to be strong on its own. Alternatively, if the titanium is used as a tough, thin "skin" (scale)then it seems a liner made of some other material is needed for supporting strength. Just my opinion. I also like the Spydercard but don't carry it often due to its weight.

Pointshoot · #11

toothed - some interesting points in your last post. - - I'm no metalurgist or mechanical engineer, but I own a Taurus revolver that is all titanium except the barrel liner and some of the working parts are stainless steel. (And there are other manufacturers that have firearms using this metal for major frame components.)This makes a product lighter and stronger than steel, (and we're talking an application much tougher than that of a credit card knife). - - If someone comes out with a credit card knife of good design in truly light weight (say the same as a little Boker ceramic blade folder that I have that weighs in at 1.5 oz) I'll sure buy one ! - - Pointshoot

Pointshoot · #12

Now there's an idea! A credit card knife with a titanium handle and ceramic blade. Perfect for those times when one would use a credit card knife - - - when you forgot or didn't want to carry another knife but wanted to have one available to you all the time. Here's a knife that won't be left home "due to its weight". Just my .02 worth. - - Pointshoot

Pointshoot · #13

After the discussion I went out and took a look at a Spydercard with plain blade. I was very impressed by the quality of workmanship and the intelligent design of this knife ! So I am a proud new owner of one, my first Spyderco knife <img src="smile.gif" width=15 height=15 align=middle> Still, the thing is a bit heavy for the use for which I would put it to most - - - as an impossible to forget, have it with me everywhere, but seldom used knife. I will get in line to buy another if they can par the weight down. Cut-outs? Titanium? (I'd personally pay double for this. I've paid more for a knife in the past and didn't have it with me when I needed it.) Thanks, - - Pointshoot

The Stare · #14

Titanium is stronger than steel by weight -- not dimension. To be as strong as the current card, a titanium model would necessarily be thicker. I have serious doubts it would be a better knife if it were substantially thicker than it is.

Stare