The Pocket Hobbit

[civilian_g10]

Has Spyderco ever produced a knife similar to the Pocket Hobbit - which was a folding version of the Hobbit Warrior (pygmy warrior)?

If not, does Spyderco have any similar designs in the works? Preferably with a back lock.

[sal]

Hi Civilian_G10,

Bob Taylor was a friend of mine and I have one of his Pocket Hobbits in my office. However, I asked Bob before he passed if there was any particular model that he's want us to "Spyderize" and produce? He said it would be his "Sifu" design. But if we made any of Bob's designs, we'd use his Rolling Lock for which the patent has expired.

sal

[civilian_g10]

Hi Civilian_G10,

Bob Taylor was a friend of mine and I have one of his Pocket Hobbits in my office. However, I asked Bob before he passed if there was any particular model that he's want us to "Spyderize" and produce? He said it would be his "Sifu" design. But if we made any of Bob's designs, we'd use his Rolling Lock for which the patent has expired.

sal

The sifu is a nice design as well. Sort of looks like a derivative of the pocket hobbit - similar grip minus the guard.

From the photos I've seen of the rolling lock, it appears to be a sort of OTF deployment. How is that lock for pocket carry - would gravity or running deploy it un-intentionally?

[Danke]

Hi Civilian_G10,

Bob Taylor was a friend of mine and I have one of his Pocket Hobbits in my office. However, I asked Bob before he passed if there was any particular model that he's want us to "Spyderize" and produce? He said it would be his "Sifu" design. But if we made any of Bob's designs, we'd use his Rolling Lock for which the patent has expired.

sal

Motion carried! People are really jonesing for another big knife.

[sal]

Hi Civilian_G10,

The Rolling Lock is a good lock. Based on a Russian rifle mechanism.

sal

[jdw]

I really hope this gains some traction. I would absolutely love for this to happen.

[civilian_g10]

Hi Civilian_G10,

The Rolling Lock is a good lock. Based on a Russian rifle mechanism.

sal

Would you be concerned with accidental dis-engagement from an overly tight grip or shock to the hand during a conflict situation? My understanding is the un-lock portion is within the grip nearest the pinky.

I haven't handled a rolling lock to see how much force is required to dis-engage. Also, you think it may affect ergonomics? A reverse grip would place the lever under the index finger, which could exert much more force than the pinky in a high stress situation.

*** EDIT ***

Disregard my reply above Sal. I had originally seen a system by CRKT that I confused with the rolling lock.

[N. Brian Huegel]

Here is the patent:
https://patentimages.storage.googleapis ... 685079.pdf

The patent was sold to Benchmade in the early 2000s. They renamed it the InDraft system. As I recall they only used it in two Mel Pardue design knives, the Ambush and Mini Ambush. They were made in Taiwan. These models were discontinued a year or two after introduction and the lock mechanism was abandoned, rather like what they did with the Poehlmann Axial Button Lock (Paul Knife) after they purchased the Lone Wolf Knives.



https://www.knifecenter.com/item/BM1020 ... 48zdpEBxMY

nb

[civilian_g10]

Here is the patent:
https://patentimages.storage.googleapis ... 685079.pdf

The patent was sold to Benchmade in the early 2000s. They renamed it the InDraft system. As I recall they only used it in two Mel Pardue design knives, the Ambush and Mini Ambush. They were made in Taiwan. These models were discontinued a year or two after introduction and the lock mechanism was abandoned, rather like what they did with the Poehlmann Axial Button Lock (Paul Knife) after they purchased the Lone Wolf Knives.



https://www.knifecenter.com/item/BM1020 ... 48zdpEBxMY

nb

That's completely different from the system by CRKT that I saw. The one you posted I could get behind.

[Danke]

Here's a video where you can see the lock in action.

[civilian_g10]

Here's a video where you can see the lock in action.

That is a very nice knife.

[Danke]

Yeah I like the blade shape. They'll just have to figure out how to work the hole into this without loosing the shape or making it awkward.

I have faith.

[VashHash]

I'd be interested in a spyderco version as long as it's the same size as the original.

[Manixguy@1994]

I had the Sifu and liked the rolling lock , I gifted it to a Vietnam Vet . Didn’t the Pocket Hobbit use the lever lock , and come with a sheath ? MG2

[Mr Blonde]

Granted it would just be for my collection, but I'd -love- a spyderized Sifu or Pocket Hobbit.

[Manixguy@1994]

My bad ! The Pocket actually used two different locks after researching the model . MG2

[sal]

As I remember, Bob had to stop using the "Hobbit" name due to some IP issues.

sal

[SpyderEdgeForever]

That is kindof sad, sal, that the owners of that copywritten name would be so strict. I am a big LOTR fan ever since reading Tolkien's books from childhood. It is a perfect knife you all made with Mr. Taylor. I regret not purchasing one.
I love the compactness and the blade shape.
I saw an online pic of one made with ATS 34, a favorite alloy of mine.


Imagine a remake with FRN handle.

Infact, reading "The Hobbit' was one of the things that inspired me to develop an interest in knives. Remember the sword used by character Bilbo Baggins he named "Sting"?

[Michael Janich]

The Rolling Lock, as manufactured by REKAT, used three different lock releases, but the lock mechanism remained the same. The first was a straight lever, the second a bent lever, and the third a sliding button. All served to rotate the lock pin. Benchmade achieved that with an arcuate slot in the handle, which operated similar to a SOG Arc Lock.

Yes, Bob and REKAT did get a cease-and-desist for the use of "Hobbit" from, I believe, United Artists. Nevertheless, he continued to use his personal signature "THFH"--"The Hobbit from ****."

For those of us who grew up on articles about Echanis in Black Belt and Soldier of Fortune, here's a cool video of him demonstrating various skills. Many of the still photos that appeared in both magazines appear to have been taken during this video shoot.



Stay safe,

Mike

[SpyderEdgeForever]

Granted it would just be for my collection, but I'd -love- a spyderized Sifu or Pocket Hobbit.

Great idea