Carbon Fiber?

[sal]

Spyderco has made a few models in Carbon Fiber inthe past. First the "shiny" carbon fiber and we did one in a grippy "peel-ply" CF.

We do have a few more models coming out in CF. The general tendency at this time is "peel-ply".

We have a new Military run in "Peel-ply" CF in BG-42 that should be shipping in the next few weeks. 1500 pcs.

My questions are:

1. Do you prefer the "shiny" carbon Fiber or the "Peel-ply" carbon fiber?

2. What models would you like to see in limited CF runs?

sal

[redhawk44p]

I prefer the grippy peel ply. I do not want my hand slipping onto a Spydie blade. :eek:

[dedguy]

i have handled neither but i know i don't like the shiney CF so i'd say the grippy stuff.

[Mr Blonde]

So far, I've only seen the peel-ply on pics and it looks a lot like G10. Based on that, I like my Carbon Fiber to be shiny.

Perhaps 'user' models are more suited to the peel-ply carbon fiber, and the shiny stuff is better suited to gent's knives.

Shiny Carbon fiber:
- Kopa
- Viele II
- Mini Persian

Peel-ply:
- Paramilitary
- Mini Manix

Wouter

[JD Spydo]

I always did like the first type of CF you used. There are 3 of them I have made with the older CF that I will never part with. My shiny CF Cricket for instance that I use for a money clip is truly a long term keeper for me.

However that newer Military CF handle that I aquired about 3 months ago is so much better for practical, everyday use I think it would be great just to use that from now on. IF I was going to actually use or EDC a knife I would go with the "peel ply" hands down. However I do think that for "collector's purposes" that the older, shinier stuff does look great in a showcase but for function ( which is mainly what I am after) it is a slam dunk to use the "peel ply".

However I think there is also an aspect of "Don't Throw Out the Baby With The Bathwater" type of consideration here to look at too. I would still do some knives which would mainly be slated for "collector type" knives to still be done in the older, shinier type CF as well. Such as very limited editions, anniversary commemoratives, re-introducing very old maybe almost forgotten models of the past would sure be cool with the shiny stuff. It wouldn't be a blanket decision for me at all.

Models I would like to see resurrected with CF in limited edition runs would include the C-01 Worker, C-54 big Calypso, C-77 Spyderhawk, C-50 Centofante II, Big C-44 Dyad and the C-60 Massad Ayoob :cool: JD

[V-1]

I think Mr. Blonde is on to something. Maybe use both, Peel-ply CF on hard use knives and shiny, smooth CF on gents knives?

How about doing inlays of Peel-Ply CF within a shiny, smooth CF frame to add visual distinction and grip? Just a thought. It's adding a lot of machining and other costs but it might look cool and improve function.

With the current line up, I'd like to see a Carbon Fiber 75mm Persian sprint run. I've been carrying a production model ever day to work since November '05 and I love it. It'd make for a nice little SD piece with Peel-ply CF scales. The 75mm Persian would be perfect match for any CF scales really.

With models out of production, I'd like to see a Peel-ply CF Rookie with a ZPD-189 or VG-10 plain edge blade with Boye detent lockback. :D Now that would be very cool...to me. :D

[bh49]

Perhaps 'user' models are more suited to the peel-ply carbon fiber, and the shiny stuff is better suited to gent's knives.

Wouter

I do not have any CF Spydercos yet, but I agree with Wouter. I would love to see shiny Kopa and peel-ply users.
Roman

[WOTANSON1]

Well Sal, I like the "shiny" CF as I'm a big fan of Micarta neither of which I find to be slippery. I'd like to see a run of CF SE Enduras, tip up of course .

Cheers,
Rob

[steeldust]

Thanks for the update Sal! I will be getting a cf milly to check out the peel ply and BG-42. I prefer the grippy material, like the G-10 on the Dodo! I would like to see the peel ply on the Tasman salt and the Spyderhawk PE (ZDP-189). Is the Superhawk still slated for CF peel ply? Thanks for your time!

[will_77]

I prefer the "peel-ply" of my s30v carbon fiber military, and look forward to getting one of the newer militaries also. I would say the paramilitary would be a logical choice for the cf treatment.

[flipe8]

I tend to like the more textured CF and would love to see it on the last Walker(not necessarily the Klotzli) or maybe the Rookie. I also really like the Dragonfly or any of the little big knives. Out of curiosity, would the knives have dual liners? That's a BIG plus for me as well! Thanks.

[Native Justice]

I agree with Blonde ... peel ply for the working knives, polished for the gents knives. BTW just picked up the CF Military PE in the S30V (and a Lil' Temp PE in 440V) this weekend. The weight difference is considerable (like a lightweight folding machete!) and spooky sharp. Very, Very, Very Nice!

[flipe8]

I also tend to think the smaller the knife, the more grip it should have, be it through ergos, texture, or a combination of the two.

[lerman]

I agree with Mr. Blonde.

I would like to see a shiny CF endura (old model) sprint!!! :)
or a karambit.

but the bast is a dragonfly with shiny CF and a Ti bulster

[sal]

The SuperHawk is slated for peel-ply CF. But the steel is VG-10 (4mm). Nested Compression Lock.

sal

[WhyNot]

We can dream...Can't we?

-Shabaria (Any handle - shiny, peel-ply, whatever!) Just new Shabaria!
-The same goes for Dyad Large and Small
-The same goes for Chinese Folder

Shiny:
-Kopa
-Kiwi
-Kris
-Massad Ayoob
-Viele
-C25/C50 CENTOFANTE

Peel-ply
-Worker
-Rookie
-Calypsos
-UK/DK Pen knifes

Thank you, Sal!

[Crafft]

So far, I've only seen the peel-ply on pics and it looks a lot like G10. Based on that, I like my Carbon Fiber to be shiny.

Perhaps 'user' models are more suited to the peel-ply carbon fiber, and the shiny stuff is better suited to gent's knives.

Shiny Carbon fiber:
- Kopa
- Viele II
- Mini Persian

Peel-ply:
- Paramilitary
- Mini Manix

Wouter

Good thinking Wouter.

With you all the way!!!

[cmd]

My first CF spydie was a Police model, fully serrated. While it was a pretty knife, it was as though the handles were made of glass. I sold it because it seemed like the only thing is was good for was looking at. It was heavy, slippery, and fragile. I am not interested in having any other knife with this handle material, with the exception of it being used as a decorative inlay.

Since then I have had no desire for any CF Spyderco until the Military came out in the new Peel Ply CF. It is one of my favorite knives. The knife is light, rigid, grippy, durable, and attractive. I would be happy to pay a little extra to have this handle material on any knife.

The other kind of CF that I enjoy as a handle material is the style done by William Henry. This style would be nice to see on gent's knives such as the Kopa or Dragonfly or Jester.

Some others that I would like to see in peel ply CF?
Spyderhawk
Calypso
Calypso Jr.
Mini Manix
Lum Chinese
Police
Para-Military

And of course, a special run for the Delica and Endura possibly even with the old blade profile. I prefer the new profile but using the old would be interesting.

Chris

[redhawk44p]

Perhaps 'user' models are more suited to the peel-ply carbon fiber, and the shiny stuff is better suited to gent's knives.
Wouter

I agree, the best of both worlds. Shiny gent knives and grippy users.

[Ging]

I like the idea of shiny gents knives and grippy work knives.

What about a CF UKPK or one (or more :D ) of the Salt series?