While I have not handled the T-Mag, I agree on many points with UK Ken, and like him have a fairly extensive collection of Spydercos and have carried some that others would consider strictly safe queens. Like him also, I do hope the T-Mag sells well for Spyderco but I don't view my knives as an "investment" so the fact that the T-Mag may someday be worth money is not an incentive for me to run out and buy a bunch to squirrel away.
Steelman wrote:"Gimmick" ???? I find it amazing how negative people are about a knife they have'nt even handled!. Too funny, it makes me wonder what people said the first time they saw a Spyderco Worker with the hole in the blade and a two screw clip. Ahh, it's just another "Gimmick" knife. Not for me is probebly what a lot of people said. And then they handled it and happen to see what an amazing knife it was.
:D
Sorry if the term offended you, or anyone else. Perhaps "novelty knife", the term Spyderco themselves used to categorized the Meerkat in some dealer catalogs, would be more palatable to you.
The Spyderhole served a purpose, and while it looks odd its purpose and advantages are obvious. The same with a pocket clip, at least as far as purpose goes. Some people, myself included, still find it of little or no benefit to us personally, but can accept its inclusion as long as it can be readily and neatly removed. "Better" steel can always be understood, if not always appreciated.
This is different. I cannot see any way it is technologically superior to the UKPK, but can see several "downsides" to it. Getting locked out of your hotel room might be funny. Getting locked out of your office, or being unable to pay for your groceries, might be less so. Then there's the question of life expectancy. To the best of my knowledge all magnets loose strength over time. If, as most who have handled the T-Mag have said, the magnet's grip is relatively weak to begin with, how long will it be acceptably effective. The blade retention on the UKPK at least inspires confidence, the T-Mag, from what those (aside from Jurr) who have handled it have said, does not.
For me, the most whiz-bang non-locking folder in the world is still technologically inferior to a halfway decent locking folder. IF (and that's a huge if) I were to want to carry a non-locking folder I would opt for a traditional looking multi-bladed slipjoint with stainless or brass bolsters and natural material scales. If I'm going to carry a folder with a single 3" blade, it will definitely lock and almost certainly have a Spyderhole, but I'd carry a front-lock Byrd or a BRK Native before I'd carry a T-Mag.
Edited to add: One last thought, I wonder what Canadian and British customs will think of it. If the blade releases from the closed position easily enough "flick", will they confiscate them as "flick knives"?
