Spydie Impala

[Sam Vimes]

I notice a distinct lack of talk about these knives. What's the story, were they distinctly unpopular for any particular reason?

[The Deacon]

Can't really put a reason to it Sam, beyond acknowledging that your observation is correct. Some knives just never attracted a following, others, which look at least somewhat similar to a detached observer, practiaclly have fan clubs. As an example, to my eye, the large Wegner and the Terzuola Starmate seem fairly similar, except for the fact that both lack a choil. I can't see that as a negative for the Impala, though I will admit to being strongly prejudiced in favor of them. Truth is, if all three were available left handed, the Impala would be my first choice for exactly that reason. It may just be that fewer people, especially here in the US, are familar with Ed Scott. On the other hand, IIRC, those here who do have the Impala have commented favorably about it.

[bladese97]

:spyder: :spyder: :cool: :spyder: :spyder:I've allways loved the Impalla(****...It's named after one of the Hottest rides:cool :) , but never cared for liner locks that much :o :)

[Sam Vimes]

It's named after one of the Hottest rides

Doesn't mean much on this side of the pond I'm afraid . The only Impala that I've ever heard of is an African antelope with bloody great horns.

[pedro navaja]

There was a Chevy model Impala which in the 60's achieved classic status and perhaps in '57 but I think then it was the Bel Air.
I do remember an Impala convertible with a 409 engine; however I don't believe that is where the name for the Spyder came from. :)

[Piercieve]

I've been looking for one with a gutting hook for a buddy of mine, but I've had no luck as of yet. I'm trying to get it for his b'day, anyone know where to find 'em?

-Pierce

[Sam Vimes]

http://worldwideknives.com/SPYDERCO/spyderco4.html

http://www.amobhitman.com/catalog/produ ... Plain.html

http://www.bestknives.com/spc7im.html

http://www.moonrakerknives.co.uk/spyderco.htm

http://www.extremeoutdoorgear.co.uk/ima ... derco.html

Lord knows if any of them actually have them in stock though.

[stoneman]

Had it not been for the addition of the paw prints, I would've been all over the impala. Looks a little off with cutouts like that. Perhaps a single :spyder: cutout but all those little lint catchers just don't do it for me. It's too bad, I'd love to add one to my hunting gear but I'll have to try to find an older model (pre-pawprints) :)

[Juana Navaja]

Had it not been for the addition of the paw prints, I would've been all over the impala. Looks a little off with cutouts like that. Perhaps a single :spyder: cutout but all those little lint catchers just don't do it for me. It's too bad, I'd love to add one to my hunting gear but I'll have to try to find an older model (pre-pawprints) :)

I might be wrong but you might be referring to the ocelot. Listen to your girlfriend, that is exactly what I tell my husband

[zenheretic]

I don't know why anyone would buy one.

[amen74]

I don't know why anyone would buy one.

Neither do I. I'll take that Sig though. :p

[Slatts]

The Impala is a great knife and especially valued by those who have used it for its' primary purpose of skinning game. I can attest that it does good work on deer and wild hogs. Strangely though, :rolleyes: so does the Delica, Dragonfly, and several other :spyder: s.

[Agent Starling]

I notice a distinct lack of talk about these knives. What's the story, were they distinctly unpopular for any particular reason?

I can only say that I've never heard of this knife...so many Spydies, so little time...plus I guess it would depend on how long people have been into Spyders...me I'm too busy collecting my wharnies and hawks right now... :D

Agent Starling

[zenheretic]

The impala has a great handle shape for a work knife. Work knife in this instance meaning something you would be using long enough to create blisters if it didn't fit well. Many handle shapes feel good, but if you used them long, would hurt your hands (like Chad's Boker designs). The Impala is not one of those, it should feel good and not have hot spots for the majority of folks.

My personal theory on the reasons for lack of popularity are two-fold. 1) Somehow marketing painted itself in the corner in regards to hunting/skinning knife which mysteriously self-secluded many potential patrons who would have enjoyed the model. 2) There were so many other great options at the time of this model that it was overshadowed.

Even to this day, folks are restricting their thinking into only skinning. It is a giant Jester shaped blade, you can use it for plenty of other applications.

[JaM]

It's still one of my (must have) favorites. One day I'll buy one for sure, I think it's actually one of the first spyders I saw on the interweb "back then". :)

[stoneman]

I might be wrong but you might be referring to the ocelot.

:o :o :o boy is my face red. don't see how I didn't notice that boo boo. sorry bout that :o :o

[Manix Guy 2]

I love the Impala as a hunter folder , works like a Champ in the field . As a lefty it is only used during Deer season . I must agree with Zen's comments about this knife . If it had been offered as a lockback or lefty /righty liner it may still be in the line up , it is a very well thought out folder in my book . I rarely buy a righty but this is a keeper for me . MG2