Reveal 16! Live!

[TkoK83Spy]

As we've seen the past couple years, seems like the market has slowed down a bit, even with sprint runs. The cost of everything else going up, on top of knives, has many people changing their priorities and spending habits. Many sprints and exclusive releases have sat for much longer than in the past. I'm going to guess that will continue and people should be able to find the knives they desire.

[aicolainen]

I liked this reveal, mostly for the trends it's indicative of, and less because money is burning in my pocket to be converted into any of this.. though some of that might happen with time.

In no specific order:

The NAND has elements that I really like, but I'm not sure the overall package is for me. I will have to wait for some in depth reviews before I decide to take my chances or not.

G-10 bugs, that one caught me by surprise. We're so good at wanting anything but the variants Spyderco decides to make, but this time they got ahead of me. These versions makes so much sense, and I didn't even realise it before Spyderco decided to make them. A G-10 Grasshopper is definitively on my list.

The Sage salt wasn't so much a surprise, as Eric has already revealed it, but it's nice to see that it's approaching availability.
Since it's first reveal I've realized that CBBLs might not be for me, so a Sage salt is much more relevant than it was back then and might end up replacing my M2 salt.

The Gooney is another one that probably isn't for me, but linerless, 9cr Byrds.. I hope I'm spotting a trend here.
And such a great backstory as well!

Spynano with its 3.7mm 2.56 inch blade, also not for me, but as someone with small-ish hands I find it interesting in a more positive regard than @Mushroom that the blade length ended up where it did and welcome the fact that some small folders are just made for people with smaller hands rather than for arbitrary legal length limits. Making the best knife possible within the engineering restraints of a certain design/idea, and not hampering it unnecessarily by targeting a specific legal length. With the miniscule "overlength" in question it's still a very valid point to bring forward, just not something that needs to win out in all design considerations, all of the time. Legal requirements and blade length requirements will vary across all hand sizes, so ideally there's room in the lineup to allow for large handled knives with short blades and short handled knives that packs as much edge as possible. In addition to the opposite - which understandably will be the most common alternatives. So while .06 of an inch may not matter all that much and hence not making this the best example of such prioritization, a part of me hopes this was intentional rather than an oversight. And even more so; indicative of a trend.

If I should balance all this positivity out with a touch of criticism, there are some inconsistencies in the specifications. For someone as obsessed with details as me, it's kind of hard to do my thing when I don't fully trust the data :D

[SaltyCaribbeanDfly]

Fun Fact about the Gooney -
This knife was created from a sketch submitted here by forum user @Albatross four years ago!

Also, you are correct to say the blade looks like the bill of a "Gooney" (also known as an "Albatross." ) That was the design intent.

This knife has a fun back story that, probably, not many people are aware of -

In an unrelated thread asking about a K390 Shaman, Sal answered a question from Albatross but ended the post with a question of his own -

Hi Albatross,
[...]
Also, Albatross, If we were to make a byrd model called the Albatross, what should it be?

sal

As anyone would do, Albatross provided input and a sketch!

Hi Sal,
[...]
Wow, I'm flattered you would ask my opinion on a potential model. Given the agressive look Albatrosses have, I think a Wharncliffe blade would be perfect. It also would be a nice nod to the shape of the Albatross' beak. The Byrd line seems to be missing a good utility Wharncliffe blade. Since the CaraCara 2 is 4", it might not make sense to go larger, unless the market is there for it. A 3-3.5" blade, hump-less, Wharncliffe, in a budget line, would be perfect for no-nonsense tradesmen and do-it-yourselfers. I do have a very rough sketch of a Wharncliffe blade I've been dreaming of.
download/file.php?id=37222&t=1
image.png

Boom - Sal likes it! Short and sweet response.

Hi Albatross,
[...]

I'll think about your byrd idea. Harrier 2 handle might work? 3.5" blade.

sal

Quick confirmation from Albatross -

Hi Sal,
[...]
The Harrier 2 handle looks perfect and 3.5" is definitely nice sweet spot for blade length.

Thank you for your consideration and all the info!

Four years later here we are in Reveal 16 with the "Gooney" as an upcoming release.
https://publications.spyderco.com/view/541740483/8/


https://www.spyderco.com/catalog/detail ... rade-/2584

So, thats that! In a matter of four forum posts in a totally unrelated thread, the Gooney was born. In a way, it's kind of like the "Jazz Delica," except this is the "Albatross Harrier 2." Gotta love Spyderco!

Yup gotta love Spyderco, awesome story Nick!

[Doc Dan]

And again I wish the Native 5 would work better for me in ergos and as a cutting tool (don´t get me wrong, it is a good knife no doubt, but just for my hand and use Delica or Chap are better in that size range) - as I always say: To me it probably is the coolest looking Spydie, even more so with the Micarta the Curcarta version offers...

Agree 100%. The N5 simply does not fit my hand, at all, but looks good. I have one because someone generously gifted it to me years ago. I wouldn't buy one, though it is a really good knife. I prefer the Delica. I like the Chaparral, too, but they are now out of my price range.

[standy99]

Raced to the back to see what the next Mule was…

[RugerNurse]

Para 3 salt is an awesome looking one. Was tempted for the lightweight version but I might wait for this one.

[Fastidiotus]

[skeeg11]

+1

[cody6268]

For me, as EDCs.

Manbug Hawkbill. My second was the Ladybug Hawkbill, and I think the meatier handle will be better as a work knife for light duty.

Gooney--My nonscientific research has found that the recurve in many old sheepsfoot folders results in a really great cutter that isn't as difficult to sharpen as full SE or even a hawkbill. Thus, darn near perfect edge on it!

G-10 Bugs. Perfect for keyrings and even carrying around my neck.

[SpyderEdgeForever]

Sal and all, that Manix 2XL with Spy27 steel is beautiful! I like how the butt end of the handle curves to give an ergonomic secure

[mikey177]

For those wishing there were more new designs in the Reveal. Taken from the Temperance Salt request thread:

This maker has not worked with H2 or Magnacut. A Salt version in LC2 would certainly not be any less expensive than the current Sprint. Let's see how this Sprint goes.

'This project with the Temp 1 began a long time ago. We have a number of other models already in queue with this maker. It is much easier to make a fixed blade that a high quality folder. Trying to "squeeze" in a Salt version would delay the other projects. Caly 2.5, Caly 3, Caly 3.5, Caly 4 plus a few others that have been already waiting a long time. They are a small group of very skilled men and women.

I recognize that there are many variations of existing models being asked for, and there are 15 - 20 new models that are "in-the-works" at various levels. We love you for your interest but we are dealing with capacity issues in almost all of our resources. Our new factory in Golden is coming on line, machines are being put into place, and out Golden Knife-Makers are working very hard to increase production in Golden, which they have been doing every month. Keeping up with demand for our current models and bringing out new models always begs the question; What do we want to drop off, in order to make room for a new model. That's why we created "Sprints'". Our latest "Reveal" has a mix of both variations of existing models and some new.

We thank you for your interest and appreciate your support.

sal

[SpyderEdgeForever]

The Caly 3.5 LW is a great idea.

[ekastanis]

Going by the pictures Spyderco have decided to omit the full length backspring / 4-pin construction that the G10 HH UKPK had. It’s a 3-pin in the photo.

Unless it’s just a cut and paste photo of the FRN model?

The sample shown at SHOT show had it so fingers crossed the production model does too

[zhyla]

The SpyNano looks nice, but a flash batch with titanium will most likely be around $300. So it’s just a pretty picture to me since I’m not interested in that price range.

Everything else is just a steel variant. I know a lot of people get excited about steel, especially the Salt variants, but I don’t. And I had such a bad experience with the one Byrd knife I bought that I pass over them since. So not much of a reveal IMO.

Which is fine, we don’t need a steady stream of new stuff to buy.

[ekastanis]

The SpyNano looks nice, but a flash batch with titanium will most likely be around $300.

https://www.knifecenter.com/item/SP268M ... anium-lock

[zhyla]

The SpyNano looks nice, but a flash batch with titanium will most likely be around $300.

https://www.knifecenter.com/item/SP268M ... anium-lock

Still over my personal knife price but that’s a lot more reasonable than I thought! Thanks.

[ekastanis]

Still over my personal knife price but that’s a lot more reasonable than I thought! Thanks.

A little pricier than the larger Spymyto but I guess that’s what a year (and a MAP hike) will do.

[Enactive]

The Sage Salt, CruCarta Native 5 and Chief are intriguing for sure.

For me, the Gooney piques my interest the most.
I prefer the round hole, but will buy the Gooney soon after it is released.

[skeeg11]

Correct me if I'm wrong, but isn't the Gooney the first locking Byrd made sans liners? That's even more exciting to me than the 9Cr14 blade steel.

Nonetheless, if they did switch to 9Cr14MOV as their defacto steel in their budget line and the Byrds, that would really be big news. In that case, I can see an Astute in my future as well.

[Bolster]

Late to the party, but looking at the reveal, the Magna-Sage got my attention.