Next Possible Sprint Run, Let's Talk?

[JSumm]

On the larger knives, grip is a big reason I prefer larger models. Just more comfortable and I feel like I have better control. Though not as much as I used to, I was a wierdo that used my knife a lot for food prep. I still do, but mostly when I travel. Larger models made that easier, so it just kinda stuck with me. Feel in pocket doesn't change much especially with the lightweights, so might as well carry a larger knife for more versatility.

[capt.carl]

That's awesome to hear. I have been gravitating toward longer blades the more I have been doing this as well.

[WilliamMunny]

I don’t really understand what 4” of blade would be primarily effective for besides a folding tactical blade. I’m really confused by a lot of people who sometimes refer to models like the delica, native, Caly3, sage etc. as small pocket knives. I feel as I’ve noticed the knife edc hobyists starting to prefer unnecessarily larger blades. I think most use folding knives have are for normal level multi-purpose utility use, because of there compact and ease of carry nature, and around 3” of blade has proved to be mostly effect for that, as I recall Sal saying once. I wish the Caly3 will also eventually make a return with the upcoming release of the lightweight 3.5.

Hi Tristan_david,

Some of your question has been answered by Dan, Vivi and Zrows. Handle size and blade function are a big part of it. I'm not sure tactical has much to do with it. A larger blade will do anything a smaller blade will do, even if choking up is necessary. A smaller blade will not do everything a larger blade will do. This is especially true in things like food prep. I've been a knife user/Afi all of my life and I've always preferred a 4.0" blade.

I'll also add some theory/observation. I've noticed that since the Great Buck 110, and the 50 years following, the trend has been for knives to get smaller and smaller, World-wide. I believe this is partially due to the public perception that a knife can be used as a weapon, and that laws regarding the size of knives has trended downward in blade size. This is really irrational thinking caused, in my opinion, mostly by ignorance as has been shown by the 9/11 hijackers using box cutters. Most knife violence is done with kitchen knives, and like with guns, trying to make the crime go away by trying to eliminate the tool used, has not been proven to be an effective solution.

Now I see the trend in knives going back up again. I've designed many knives in my career, of all sizes. Lately, I've been designing larger knives. As mentioned, the Police 4, the stretch 2 XL and I'm also working on larger 4" versions of some of my 3.5" designs.

While I carry a 4.0" Stretch 2 XL quite often, if I am forced to defend my self with a knife, I'll grab my "Swick" first. Just some of my own thoughts to share.

sal

Sal,

I think you are correct about blade sizing, that people wanted smaller then are now looking for larger knives. I personally love the Manix 2 and think it is a great size at 3.5” but I have found the Manix XL at 4” to be too big. In context due to my job I can carry anything I want but I am in a business suit 95% of the time and the XL just has trouble fitting in my pocket. I am going to to try a PM2 Cruwear Micarta as my next EDC when it comes back in stock (can’t wait), I also think that will be a great size knife for my use case.

For me anything 3” and less just feels too small, even with no choil, it’s just small in the hand. It might be more handle size than blade size. My Alcyone has as much cutting edge as my Manix but feels small. Don’t totally count these small knives out as they can be great for a gateway for non knife people. That new Ambitious is a great knife for people who might be intimidated by something larger.

It is also geographically based on what is socially acceptable. A big folder might get some odd looks in New York City, DC or San Francisco. But a 8” fixed blade on your belt won’t even get a second look in Maine or Wyoming.

[Tristan_david2001]

All responses to my last post are appreciated, of course I’m just sharing my opinion wasn’t trying to offend, we all have our preferences and justification for them, I wouldn’t discount any of those reasonings you all have stated for preferring a larger blade, I just believe the majority of modern pocket knife uses don’t really require much extra blade length than around 3”, and in my experience I’ve been quite surprised with how versatile for food prep it can be for that as well. My main concern being is I hope the most recent resurgence in larger pocket knife popularity doesn’t contribute to knives like the caly3 not being explored with going forward, which I think is a beautifully refined and versatile classic for a folding knife in its size range.

[RamZar]

I've noticed that since the Great Buck 110, and the 50 years following, the trend has been for knives to get smaller and smaller, World-wide. I believe this is partially due to the public perception that a knife can be used as a weapon, and that laws regarding the size of knives has trended downward in blade size. This is really irrational thinking caused, in my opinion, mostly by ignorance as has been shown by the 9/11 hijackers using box cutters. Most knife violence is done with kitchen knives, and like with guns, trying to make the crime go away by trying to eliminate the tool used, has not been proven to be an effective solution.

sal

Unfortunately, lots of truisms in those sentences!

[skeeg11]

I've noticed that since the Great Buck 110, and the 50 years following, the trend has been for knives to get smaller and smaller, World-wide. I believe this is partially due to the public perception that a knife can be used as a weapon, and that laws regarding the size of knives has trended downward in blade size. This is really irrational thinking caused, in my opinion, mostly by ignorance as has been shown by the 9/11 hijackers using box cutters. Most knife violence is done with kitchen knives, and like with guns, trying to make the crime go away by trying to eliminate the tool used, has not been proven to be an effective solution.

sal

Unfortunately, lots of truisms in those sentences!

Don't want to get political here, but in my best Jack Nicholson impersonation attempt, I say to the left wing anti-knife people, "You can't handle the truth!"

[JD Spydo]

Another of Sal's casual bombshells.

It sure has my attention. And if you can make a good thing even much better then why not.

Which is another reason I would like to see Massad Ayoob doing another blade design ( especially a folder).

I've even wondered if a better version of the JD Smith might be possible?

[ZrowsN1s]

I don’t really understand what 4” of blade would be primarily effective for besides a folding tactical blade. ...........

..................
While I carry a 4.0" Stretch 2 XL quite often, if I am forced to defend my self with a knife, I'll grab my "Swick" first. Just some of my own thoughts to share.

sal

I had a similar thought, I do carry knives for defense, the majority of which are between 2 - 3 inches. I carry the big knives for utility work. For example today I'm carrying the Shaman, P'kal, and SE Dragonfly Salt.

[vivi]

All responses to my last post are appreciated, of course I’m just sharing my opinion wasn’t trying to offend, we all have our preferences and justification for them, I wouldn’t discount any of those reasonings you all have stated for preferring a larger blade, I just believe the majority of modern pocket knife uses don’t really require much extra blade length than around 3”, and in my experience I’ve been quite surprised with how versatile for food prep it can be for that as well. My main concern being is I hope the most recent resurgence in larger pocket knife popularity doesn’t contribute to knives like the caly3 not being explored with going forward, which I think is a beautifully refined and versatile classic for a folding knife in its size range.

Try being a fan of 4-4.5" blades.

Police 3 was around a decade?+? with no sprints.

No sprints of the millie in years.

Manix XL has been around for about a decade and has been run in three steels.

Catcherman discod.

Stretch XL (Granted its new) only available in vg10 so far.

Resilience has much, much fewer options than the tenacious.

Small knives like para 3's and 2's and delicas and dragonflys seem to get sprints and blade shape variants and waved damascus bolstered glow in the dark san mai tool steel variety, while the Police 3 got....vg10.

Things have gotten a lot better for us the past few years with the Stretch XL, Resilience upgrade, Millie 2 announcement and Police 4 getting a few varied runs, but I do not think you have anything at all to worry about.

[akapennypincher]

Not trying to hijack but why term Sprint Run? Not limited run, or limited edition.

Why Sprint Run, what is history behind term

[p_atrick]

I know this is a sprint thread, but I’d like to add a bit more about the 4 inch knives. The P4LW opened my eyes to how comfortable a big knife can be. At the same time, it feels so much smaller in pocket than I expected. I get a lot of knife with fewer trade offs. Not sure I’d feel the same about the Buck 110. The design is key.

[sal]

Not trying to hijack but why term Sprint Run? Not limited run, or limited edition.

Why Sprint Run, what is history behind term

Hi Pennypincher,

I'm sure you have noticed over the years that much of what I do or have done in design, construction of marketing is not "traditional" I came up with the term "Sprint Run" to distinguish a short limited run from normal production. I also established that a "Sprint Run" would always use something different from earlier runs so as not to hurt the value of earlier production or earlier Sprints. We don't generally change tooling on a "Sprint Run", but we'll change materials, like handle and/or blade steel.

Hope that helps.

sal

[SaturatedCat]

Anything other than a Native in SPY27. I really like that steel but can’t make the Native work for me.

Might be a good opportunity to offer the top 5 Spyderco’s in SPY27 as a new 100% Spyderco line. Spyder scales + Spyder steel, made in Spyder City USA. I got dibs on the first Dragonfly2!

If they made a G10 Manix XL in spy27 then they could sign me up immediately!
Depending on the price i would even get a dubbel.

Sign me up for Gayle Bradley 2 in Spy27. Though to be honest, I'd take the gayle Bradley 2 in ANY stainless, even VG-10. The non-stainless steel is the only thing stopping me from buying with the constant humidity where I live.

[akapennypincher]

Not trying to hijack but why term Sprint Run? Not limited run, or limited edition.

Why Sprint Run, what is history behind term

Hi Pennypincher,

I'm sure you have noticed over the years that much of what I do or have done in design, construction of marketing is not "traditional" I came up with the term "Sprint Run" to distinguish a short limited run from normal production. I also established that a "Sprint Run" would always use something different from earlier runs so as not to hurt the value of earlier production or earlier Sprints. We don't generally change tooling on a "Sprint Run", but we'll change materials, like handle and/or blade steel.

Hope that helps.

sal

I get your explanation of why you choose SPRINT, verses other word.

[sal]

Hi SaturatedCat,

Welcome to our forum.

sal

[Evil D]

I just want a full SE Ulize.

[JD Spydo]

I just want a full SE Ulize.

I'm still with you on that one Bro. I just know in my gut that would be like having a mini-chainsaw in your hand. A full SE version of the ULIZE would cut rope and cordage like a laser. With that blade design on a full SE blade you would always have the advantage of an aggressive "Angle Of Attack".

The more I think about it a full SE ULIZE would make a great blade for potential emergency situations. Even if the serrations are similar to the ones on the new C-60 Sprint Run.

[Evil D]

I just want a full SE Ulize.

I'm still with you on that one Bro. I just know in my gut that would be like having a mini-chainsaw in your hand. A full SE version of the ULIZE would cut rope and cordage like a laser. With that blade design on a full SE blade you would always have the advantage of an aggressive "Angle Of Attack".

The more I think about it a full SE ULIZE would make a great blade for potential emergency situations. Even if the serrations are similar to the ones on the new C-60 Sprint Run.

These two models are like distant cousins. They have quite a lot in common with each other, and I'd say if I could only have one it would definitely be the Ayoob, but I still think there is a massive potential for a full SE recurve (aka, a not-reverse S shaped blade). The Ulize is also another super weird looking design like the Ayoob that really needs to be held and used to fully appreciate and understand. They're both on the far end of the forum following function spectrum and I think they both got overlooked by most people because they just look weird.

[Caz]

Regarding 2 to 3 inch blades vs >4 inch blades, I’d prefer the largest most comfortable blade just as I would prefer the max amount of ammo in a carry firearm… but it needs to be comfortable and legal for me. I can’t have ANY knives if I’m in a lil cell.

So for carry, I’m limited to 4 inches. Since I want the largest but most comfortable carry, that means that the majority of my knives are around the 3 inch mark unless I start wearing jeans with deeper/wider pockets. For example, a Stretch 2 is positively uncomfortable in any pant pocket for me, I love that knife but I cannot carry it unless wearing a jacket. An Endura is doable but sticks out vertically (as opposed to the pocket hogness of the Stretch 2). So those are nixed due to the comfort issue.

Aside from legal carry requirements, for me, the decision will come down to comfort (grip size, folded knife size, width and height). If a blade was 4 inch AND fits comfortably in my hand as well as pocket, then I’m buying it in all my favorite colors.

Priorities:
1) be legal for whenever I reside or travel
2) be the largest blade that is comfortable for me to carry.

….

3) not be pink, yellow, green, or orange

[vivi]

Since I want the largest but most comfortable carry, that means that the majority of my knives are around the 3 inch mark unless I start wearing jeans with deeper/wider pockets. For example, a Stretch 2 is positively uncomfortable in any pant pocket for me, I love that knife but I cannot carry it unless wearing a jacket. An Endura is doable but sticks out vertically (as opposed to the pocket hogness of the Stretch 2). So those are nixed due to the comfort issue.

you ever try iwb? pocket depth isn't an issue that way. I also find it more comfortable than front pocket carry.