Thoughts on Spyderco Tropen

[Spyderman91]

Well guys, it's here 2018 mid release and I am really diggin the Tropen / the Redback.

I already put in a preorder for mine over at Knifcenter, just checked out the Bladeshow 2018 video to see some of these knives in action.

I will say I am fairly impressed, but one thing has me concerned about the Tropen. In the video at 7:25 you can see the edge of the blade intruding on the compression lock and I am wondering if this will be a safety concern. I own the shaman (love it, took it out to Yosemite this past week and it was solid on a 12 hour hike) and I am well aware of the choil intruding in the compression lock area (it's more of a friendly neighbor than an intrusion).

However, it definitely has me a little concerned (I cut myself by accident a bit more than I like to admit). Video for reference below, either way I am still very much excited for these blades to be released. Now I'm just debating on whether to get a rhino or reserve a Smock.

https://youtu.be/ke8cx8l ... e=youtu.be

[Calicoast]

This has to be a fix down the road.

To me, and maybe not, but it appears as if Eric knows it's there...and goes higher knowing he needs to get his finger out of the way on the comp to not get bit?

Pretty sure Spyderco wouldn't release a knife that could have that potentional. I don't see how you can't end up cutting yourself the way it is?
-C

[Evil D]

Someone on FB mentioned that the flipper tab hits your finger before the edge is able to. That's great but the whole flipper tab into the lock cutout is another issue I don't like so if I "fix" that the way I did my Sliverax then I get cut instead. Nope.

[dj moonbat]

If you own this knife, you're far too dangerous a dude to worry about this kind of thing.

[tvenuto]

If you own this knife, you're far too dangerous a dude to worry about this kind of thing.

Yea you might hunt snakes...FOR A LIVING!

[Some1]

The tropan is a no for me in more ways than one. The safety issue is just the final thing that said "nope, don't care to even pick one up and play with it at a knife store."

[zhyla]

Nothing about that knife interests me, but the exposed edge in the lockbar cutout is certainly strange. Seems like a liner lock would have been a better choice.

[Some1]

I wonder if spyderco will ignore this like the ball bearing issue until someone with a ton of followers makes a big deal about it on youtube causing a big argument on the forums.

[zhyla]

I wonder if spyderco will ignore this like the ball bearing issue until someone with a ton of followers makes a big deal about it on youtube causing a big argument on the forums.

I’m guessing this won’t be a long term model. Looks like something they’d make one run of just for enthusiasts. Not super pricy though...

[gundamaniac]

My bet is on the heel of the blade not actually being sharp in this current iteration of the design. And before people point out "but there's a sharpening choil!", I just have one word - Mamba.

[Larry_Mott]

I am sorry, but my verdict is:

[Flipping Addict]

Agree don't like it at all. But all the others coming look like hits to me. Have 3 pre-ordered.

[MichaelScott]

It is too big for my tastes and I am not pleased with the funky blade shape. I do not like Emerson openers. I am
more interested in the Smock and Rhino.

[ThePeacent]

Regarding the safety concerns (that to me are very real and apparent... :confused: )
It was asked:

"It isn’t a phil wilson flipper. It was designed by Paul Alexander. Eric just said it had a hole in the scale like the wilson.

@Sal Glesser are you guys aware of the issue with the sharp blade intruding into the compression lock cut out on the tropen when the blade is closed?"

Response

"Hi -------,

Spyderco and Paul Alexander go back a long ways. He's a designer for the auto industry s well as an avid Spyderco associate. He's created many designs for us, he makes 3D models and has excellent detailed drawings. We've doe a few of his designs. He really thinks outside of the box. He is Paulwa on the Spyderco site forum and is quite accessible in discussing his designs.

On the Tropen, I'll share your thoughts.

sal"

THere is hope! :D