Obscure But Yet Extremely Cool Past Models

[JD Spydo]

Today I was going through a couple of my older Spyderco catalogs as I do every so often. And a some older, past models being what I consider really obscure, but yet cool and admired models that really grabbed my attention. One is the C-57 ZOWADA model and the others are the fixed blade SPOT model and SPUR model as well. None of these made it big at the box office but I personally always found them to be intriguing.

The Zowada model is one that I think was a victim of being ahead of it's time. The ZOWADA model was one I was always intrigued with but never got much fanfare. The other two models I mentioned just never really got any traction for whatever reason. Now I'm sure a bunch of you long time Spyder Brethren also have had models that you've considered to be "obscure" and overlooked>> but yet really cool models. It would be so interesting for you all to name some of the ones you consider to be obscure but yet really cool.

And I think I'll also throw that Breeden RESCUE model in the mix as well. I think if that model would have been available with TEETH it would have sold much better IMO. I'm really interested to see which past models you all thought were cool but never made it big on the sales charts.

[Enactive]

The Schempo Kris is my fave.

I also got to handle an original NIB OG bone Jess Horn, which is also an all time classic.

[Ranger_Ike]

I really like the looks of the bolstered Schempp Persian. Not sure how sales went or how old it even is, but it just looks so good. And it looks like it would be a really good edc knife.

[Ranger_Ike]

The Schempo Kris is my fave.

I’ll agree that the Kris does look really cool!

[MileHiKnifeGuy]

One of the things that I always found to be frustrating is that knives don't have a longer run before they are pulled to never be seen again. I understand all of the manufacturing limitations to keeping so many models available and current but I would love to see sprint runs of some of the older models.

[Enactive]

My sense is that Spyderco is very good about re-releasing discontinued models-- but mostly they have not been models I've been interested in acquiring. I do have at least 5 models that are re-releases of discoed models, all acquired new in the past 4 years.

[Dunc5]

My first Spyderco was a Scorpious , I loved it and the shape reminded me of a dolphin. I had to sell it when my kids were younger and my wages low to pay the bills. I have a Stainless Delica now which is the closest I can find to it. I really miss the Scorpious though

[sal]

Hi Dunc5,

Welcome to our forum.

sal

[Bolster]

New rule: Can't post a "cool past model" unless you show a photo of it, too!

[Dunc5]

Hi Dunc5,

Welcome to our forum.

sal

Thank you Sal , I’ve been a Spyderco fan for years and recently re fell in love with them again. I have several models now and I think the Para 3 is my favourite but my next holy grail is the native salt but they seem to be pretty elusive at the moment

[Tristan_david2001]

the original stainless steel handle poliwog is a pretty darn obscure looking little knife, for having a simple 2” utility/edc blade shape similarly featured on a lot of other models, everything else about it is really functionally unique.

[JD Spydo]

The Schempo Kris is my fave.

I’ll agree that the Kris does look really cool!

What I've always found interesting about the KRIS model is that when it was in the main line up it didn't get much fanfare. But ever since The KRIS model got discontinued it seems to be slowly but surely gaining popularity over the years. It's most definitely on my list as a candidate for a Sprint Run.

Right now I've got the ZOWADA, KRIS and possibly the JD Smith all 3 as new Sprint Run candidates. However the JD Smith was sort of popular in it's day. The JD Smith is not a really obscure model like some of these others we are talking about.

Another Recurve model which I've also considered as "obscure" among the old school Spyderco models is the SPYKER model. I like it about as much as I do the KRIS. I would love to see what both of those recurves could do with TEETH.

[JRinFL]

JD, I'd love to see many of the old models come back, but I have to ask myself if I'm willing to pay $400 or so each to see it? Would I pay $300 each?

[JD Spydo]

JD, I'd love to see many of the old models come back, but I have to ask myself if I'm willing to pay $400 or so each to see it? Would I pay $300 each?

Well the C-60 Cruwear Ayoob seems to be flying off the shelves at $200+. Some of these older models were truly awesome designs that maybe just need some updated materials i.e. newer/better blade steels and upgraded handle materials.

Not sure if the C-60 Ayoob would qualify as an obscure model because it always had a dedicated cult following. The ZOWADA always intrigued me as a really super upscale design but yet it never was a hit on the sales charts. But oh how I would love to see a C-57 Zowada model with Cruwear, M390 or even M-4 blade for that matter. And add a really classy Micarta handle and I'm sure it would probably sell at least as good as the Cruwear Ayoob has done so far.

Not sure what a KRIS model with a facelift would cost but I bet it's one model that could be done successfully and be affordable at the same time.

[zuludelta]

I've always liked Chris Knutson's Introvert, it's basically a folding version of the Swick:

20221007_132751.jpg (22.76 KiB) Viewed 1831 times

[grasshopper]

I’m in agreement with JD, the ZOWADA was definitely ahead of its time.

Another obscure model that doesn’t (to me) get much recognition is the
Vesuvius model. Early adapter of the compression lock and a good size blade.
Maybe because it was done in FRN instead of micarta?

[Skidoosh]

I like the captain, I picked up a used one that's in pretty bad shape but love the design, I'd love to see an updated steel on it.

[remnar]

I agree with whoever it was that said we need pictures. I'll try to help: Here's a sprint run Zowada from 2010.

[remnar]

The rarely seen Impala by Ed Scott is a cool design and so is the Ocelot by Tim Wegener. Both have jimping toward the tip of the blade to allow for better traction when your pointer finger is resting on the spine. The Impala also comes with a version that has a gut-hook where the forward jimping is located.

[Enactive]

A few pics of the Kris.