How "R" you?

[JD Spydo]

I just came into a new blade today. It is one of the older Spyderco "R" models. I personally never knew much about this blade other than what I found in the "Spyderco Story" book. I know that it is kind of a takeoff from the "Q" knife but I have a feeling that there is a story behind this fine, unique blade. I have heard they are 3 times as rare as the "Q"s. Mine is made from ATS-34, NIB and an Almite coated Aluminum handle. Were there other blade steels used? Were there many variations of them like the "Q"s?

OK I'm all ears :) :spyder: :cool:

[J Smith]

There were only 600 PE and 600 SE.
I have been looking for a PE.

[4 s ter]

They certainly are difficult to find. I managed to pick up a PE model in a package deal which included it and a blue G-10 BladeForums Native a couple of years ago :D Unlike Jeff (J Smith) I'm looking for a SE model.

David

[JD Spydo]

Mine is a fully serrated model. It is also a numbered one as well. Do either one of you guys know how many of them were numbered. I think all of the Spyderco Carbon Police models were numbered. Being it was such a limited run I'll be willing to bet there were not hardly any variations in the model either. Also I had a guy give me a used "Q" knife as well. I wonder if it would bring anything at all. I would sure like to get a PE to go with the one I got now. I like this "R" a lot better than any of those "Q"s I have even seen. :cool: :spyder: :)

[tommyb]

I bought a seratted model NIB at a gun show for $60 about a year ago. It has been my favorite knife ever since. I hate to carry it because I don't want to mess it up but I hate to not carry it also. As well as being super cool it is a perfect size and so thin you can forget you have it on you.

[The Deacon]

Were there other blade steels used? Were there many variations of them like the "Q"s? OK I'm all ears :) :spyder: :cool:

Very nice find JD. ATS-34 is the only blade steel, black almite the only color, all blades have the same pattern, same with the handles. As you may have already noticed it is, if not the only, definely one of the few, models that does not have the Spyderco name marked on the blade. Another rather unusual touch is that collector numbered pieces are numbered on the spine, rather than the flat of the blade.

You may also be interested in the info below that Sal posted a few years ago, in answer to some questions regarding the "R", just prior to its release...

We have 1200 pieces scheduled to build. After collectors and crew, probably about 900 available to ELU of the first run. We might make additional runs if demand is there. We didn't plan on logo or premium pieces because it is so expensive to build. Not too many will want to ante up. Although it would be a very classy piece for any that would.

The blades (ATS-34) are cut in Colorado, then shipped to Seki where the knife is completed and shipped back to Colorado for final QC, collector numbering, etc. An international cooperation. The skeletonized anodized aluminum handle is strong and light. Conventional "front" lockback and stainless clip (tip up for the majority preference). About "Endura" size. Lousy for food (cuts well, but has to be rinsed). But otherwise a very "fine" carry piece.

I have one in PE. I think it is one of the most ergonmic designs :spyder: ever produced and feel somewhat sad that the design was, to some extent, wasted on what amounted to an expensive novelty item. One of my personal goals is to have enough money put aside by the time I retire to underwrite a run of a solid blade, solid handle "Second Generation R".

[JD Spydo]

Yeah Deacon I did notice that the collector number was on the spine. You are right on all of your observations as usual. I got a feeling that this one needs to go into the safe and then maybe try to sell it 5 years down the road. I have also taken that course of action with my numbered, German made factory first Peter Herbst and my plain edge Gunting. There are a few of these babies that are serious collector's pieces and I do believe that this be one of them. :cool: :spyder:

[The Deacon]

Agree with you 100% on that JD. Sad but true that between the almite handles and the unique blackened clip, its just way too easy to pick up pocket rash. Heck, I got mine fairly cheap because the clip has some wear around the edges, and I still hesitate to carry it. Almost funny considering I'll drop a C27 in my pocket without a second thought. But the reality is that I'd have to abuse the Horn to damage it, while just rubbbing around inside a pocket can mess up the finish on an R.

Now try to visualize one with a solid, flat ground blade, solid liners, and, to retain the "flavor" of the original, trusswork FRN scales with a "frosted" finish (like the Cento III). Then to make it even better, add traction grooves to the ramp and choil. Now that's one knife they'd have to pry from my cold dead fist.

[sal]

One of my personal goals is to have enough money put aside by the time I retire to underwrite a run of a solid blade, solid handle "Second Generation R".

Hide 'n watch, Deacon

sal

[Phalanx7.62]

JD, you must have scored that one of of Ebay, right? Lucky number 2 if I am not mistaken? If so, great score. I was watching that auction, but thought the knife would go for much more coin than it did.

Congrats.

Robb

[JD Spydo]

NO I did not get the knife off Ebay. I saw that other one go this last week for about $177 I think but that was not me. I bid on an R knife about 2 to 3 months ago but no cigar. I got this one from a private individual who is selling off their Spyderco collection. I did get one little nice knife on Ebay though. Check out Ebay item number 7126917068. And please don't get mad at me :D :spyder: :cool:

[Senate]

only 25$ for a terzuola jr! damnnnnnnnnn :cool:

[fret]

JD,you were the only bidder? You got a deal. Don't know how I missed that one? LOL. I keep getting sniped there at the last moment. Oh well...

[JD Spydo]

You know guys I really don't believe in luck per se but I don't know any other way to explain that one. I hear that the Terzuola Jr. is about 3 times as hard to find thah the big one ( model C-15). I am grateful. I just got it in the mail today and it is in mint condition but without the box ( hope that don't hurt the value). :spyder: :)
Oh by the way Fret I will tell you how I got that one: It was a "buy it now" and it had only been listed about 20 minutes they told me. :D

[spyderknut]

I R fine, thank you.

My search for an R however, continues...

[Senate]

BIN price at 25$!!!!!!!!! argggg it's killing me! :confused:

[Bruceter]

One of the "stars" of my collection is a PE "R".
I had it and my Paramilitary out at the same time the other day and was amazed at how close they were in profile. The para is quite a bit thicker but the blade and handle shape are very close to each other.

Bruceter

[hardkiss]

i was one of the losing bidders on that #2 R..it would have been great to win it..it went for more than $190..real nice knife..i would loved to have won that..i did win the dragonfly blue lapis..the Q was my first spyderco years ago and everysince i have been hooked..****, i even have the spyder tattooed on the back of may calf..

[JD Spydo]

Back to the "R". How long a tenure was it manufactured? How many were numbered? Were there any other colors? Was it originally meant to succeed the "Q"? I know; I ask too many questions. :spyder: :)

[JD Spydo]

Hey I got another Idea!! Let's get the Great Spyder Factory to make a Hawkbill blade in the same way the "Q" and the "R" were made. A skeleton type Hawkbill blade. DR. Lecter are you hearing this??!!!!! :D :spyder: