Let's talk about the Solo...

[xrob]

All,

I need a little help on some old Spyderco knives. Waaay back in the early 90's, Spyderco released another line called the "Solo." These were designated with an SO (for Solo) rather than a C (for Clipit) and from what I can tell, they made three of them. There's a little mention of them on the main site in the "across the years" section.

There is so little info on these out there, so I am wondering what everyone knows. I have come across an SO02S which is an excellent little knife with micarta scales. The biggest thing of note: no spyder hole. Apparently, none of the solos had it. Instead, they have a little piece of metal that assists with the opening. All in all, I really like this knife.

It seems like the Solos were there in the beginning, but didn't last long (although I think the SO03 was made later than the 01 and 02...1995?). I've read some back-threads that touched on these, including one that said that this was not really a true spyderco knife. The blade says Spyderco, but other than that, I really have no idea.

I'm looking for any and all information on this line and these knives. And while we're on the subject of spyderhole-less knives, what about the Laguiole? I've only seen one of these come up for trade/sale in the past year and it was gone before I even knew about the post. I'd love to get my hands on one of these...

Ok, Spyderjunkies, the gauntlet has been thrown down! Let's hear all that knowledge.

Thanks,

x

[ghostrider]

Don't know a whole lot, other than that they were imported by Spyderco. They had one listed on the site at SFO within the past year on closeout, but since gone. It had a blade of AUS-10.

[The Deacon]

xrob, if you download the PDF files that Ted scanned of the early Spyderco consumer catalogs you will find the Solo knives listed in a few of them, starting with the earliest he has, the 1993. The Laguiole is shown in that issue as well.

I have never handled a Solo, and have been under the impression that they were not marked Spyderco anywhere on the knife. Any pictures I have ever seen only show SOLO markings. Are you sure they say Spyderco on the blade?

The Laguiole is an interesting piece, and as you say a hard find. The Solos show up on eBay with somewhat greater frequency. Will admit that my belief that they were not marked Spyderco has kept me from having any real interest in them.

[Stevie Ray]

I just got up, so I'm too lazy to go find these knives, but there were several scale variarions on the early Solo (and I think ... 2 sizes). If memory serves correctly, I've got one in plain SS, micarta, some sort of stone, and the Aus-10 button lock. I do not believe the Solos are labeled Spyderco, but I'll confirm that after the coffee finishes brewing .. :D

[The Deacon]

Well the '93 brochure, in addition to Micarta, shows one in Corain and another in black micarta on one side with a round MOP inlay, and white micarta on the other with a round red bone inlay. '94 shows the small one in FRN and the two larger ones in black micarta.

[Stevie Ray]

The are labled Solo on one side and Seki City Japan on the other .... Here are the one's I've managed to find (I've left the button lock out of this) . The one version is Corian and not stone ... Just couldn't remember. :D Both the Corian and the micarta versions of the knife come with a little leather pouch.

[Jurphaas]

Sometimes in the past Sal had design ideas that he felt were just too good to let go but would, because of different reasons, not fit into the Spyderco Clipit range. He thought of a way to still offer these ideas and started the Solo brand build in Japan.
All solo knives are Sal designs. The best known Solo model is the gentleman's knife pictured in this thread. There were two sizes large and small and several handle materials like Micarta, Corian, stainless steel and FRN. Then there was the button release model. An simple utility FRN knife with a button relase LinerLock. Much as the, just as rare, little "Bulldog" model from the early Al Mar series. All Solo models are very rare and very collectable because they were never offered in large quantaties. The rarest of all is the "Day & Night" gentlerman's folder with scales of black and white micarta fancied with inlays of a white pearl "Moon" in the black and a red colored "Sun" in the white scale.
These have been advertized only once by Ironstone but were never sold because during the production in Japan, the white Micarta showed to be too brittle as it cracked during the assembly of the knives.
I happen to have gotten two of them from Sal as a present years ago. I believe that within a couple of years these knives may appreciate very well dispite the cracks. I'll ask Ted to make some nice pictures and we will post them tomorrow. :)
Jurphaas.

[jfm]

I've posted this in another thread here, but here's a BF thread from 1999 where Sal discusses the Solo line history.

http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showt ... light=solo


Hope this helps.

Joe :spyder:

[Jurphaas]

As promised, the pictures of the Sun and Moon Solo model. (pictures by Ted). Eat your heart out!

Jurphaas

[The Deacon]

Very nice knife Jurr, and Ted's photos are so much better that the '93 catalog illustration. Imagine he was happy for the chance to show off and use his new toy too. :D

[JD Spydo]

AS much as I have been absorbed in collecting Spyderco knives and virtually anything else with Spyderco's name on it I am almost ashamed to say that I have very little knowledge on Solo, G-Sakai, Moki or any of the other ventures that Spyderco was involved in. I don't see too much about it even in the Spyderco Story book.

Does anyone know of any other sources of info on them?

I spent about an hour today going through some of my older Spyderco catalogs and some of the G-Sakai were really some very good looking knives as well as the Solo knives. That G-Sakai GS110 Deer Hunter knife is one of the best looking hunting knives I have ever seen.

It is surprising sometimes what you overlook and it was right there in front of you all along :cool:

[Stevie Ray]

[quote="Jurphaas"]As promised, the pictures of the Sun and Moon Solo model. (pictures by Ted). Eat your heart out! ]
Very nice ... I sure would like to add one of these to the three in the picture above ... In spite of the nasty mouse pad ... :D

[xrob]

All,

Thanks to everyone for their input and insight. Paul, my apologies. In my first post, I noted that Spyderco was on the blade. I must have been confusing it with another recent acquisition, because when I pulled it out again, just the "Solo" and Seki marks are present. I do have a nice Spyderco box for it, which has a handwritten SO02S on it, making it the only real link to the mother company.

From what I can see (thanks to JFM for the excellent link and subsequent background by Sal), I have the longer Solo, which was limited to less than 500 pcs. Black micarta scales on both sides, serrated, and a really nice piece. There is a plain edged version of the same knife on eBay right now. Bidding is a little under $70. Not bad for a 15 year old knife with less than 500 made.

I have a feeling that the relative obscurity of these, combined with the lack of the Spyderco name on the blade has resulted in a somwhat forgotten place in Spyderco's history. Ted et al, thank you for posting informative and nicely detailed photos. Now, if only I can figure out what other ones to buy...

[jfm]

The Solo Button Lock (or "Solo 5") is an interesting piece. It's more utilitarian than the micarta scale versions, but with G10 scales and AUS10 steel, it's worth a look. Very nice blade size and shape (though I wish it were not a combo edge). I like to carry it when I feel like something in between my dragonfly and calypso jr or delica. Very slim profile.

Here is a thread with Sal's discussion of the button lock:

http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showt ... light=solo

And here is one with pictures:

http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showt ... light=solo

Enjoy!

Joe :spyder: