frn Grasshopper or slippy bug/finch?

[spankone]

I modded a byrd finch into a slippy a few months back and its a great little beast for the uk. are there any plans to make an frn/g10 baby slippy.

I liked the grasshopper and lady bug but I traded them some time ago besacuse I dont like metal handles and the lock on the ladybug rules it out for uk edc.

[spankone]

I guess I'm alone on this one then :rolleyes:

[ryanandty]

I don't know if they know the answer to your Q?. But if you're thinking you'd like to see a slick slippy Byrd or FRN honeybee, then I guess that'd be cool. OH! Dude, the Slipit kiwi is rumored to be incoming.

Edit: I just realized that it would have SS handles. Maybe you can get it modded with some bone or something.

[spankone]

the kiwi looks cool though.

the finch would be a perfect baby slipit though its allready like a mini ukpk

[RJNC]

FRN Grasshopper!

[polarbear]

For me a Grasshooper FRN with an upgrade in blade steel would make the perfect EDC or keyring. Even at twice the current cost it would still sell by the shed load.

[The Deacon]

Problem with FRN handles is the start-up cost. While FRN itself is cheap, the molds are quite expensive - $30,000 and up was quoted a couple years back, probably even higher now. You need to be sure you're going to sell enough volume to justify that. To further complicate things, you'd be up against the perception that the FRN version of any given model "should" be less expensive than its SS counterpart.

Might be more feasible for Spyderco to see if they could make a SlipIt version of the FRN Ladybug or Byrd Finch using the existing handle and modifying the metal parts only.

[224477]

And what makes a FRN Grasshopper better over a FRN UKPK which is already out?
I am just wondering... :rolleyes:

[RJNC]

G-10 Grasshopper would be great.

[The Deacon]

And what makes a FRN Grasshopper better over a FRN UKPK which is already out?
I am just wondering... :rolleyes:

Size I'd imagine Jano, perhaps due to intended carry mode. Grasshopper is close to the limit of what I'd put on a key ring, UKPK would be way over that line. :D There also the perception issue among the general public. Whether we agree with it or not, narrow blades seem to raise fewer eyebrows than broad ones.

[224477]

Paul, I was more thinking people always request new models and later the model needs to get discoed because its not selling that well. I cant name any valid example now, but I guess you know what I mean. I would simply put the SS Grasshoper on keychain. The FRN molds are expensive, just for short runs.

[The Deacon]

Paul, I was more thinking people always request new models and later the model needs to get discoed because its not selling that well. I cant name any valid example now, but I guess you know what I mean. I would simply put the SS Grasshoper on keychain. The FRN molds are expensive, just for short runs.

Oh heck yes, Superhawk comes to mind, but I may even have been one of the prime instigators for at least one of them. :eek:

Also agree about the startup costs for FRN models, which is why I suggested a SlipIt version of the Ladybug or Finch, if their existing handle could be used, as potentially more feasible alternative for a small knife. RJNC's suggestion of a G-10 Grasshopper might work too. No clip, so no need for liners, so assuming the backspring, blade, could be reused and the diameter of the pins maintained, the start up cost would be minimal.

I just see the UKPK as being in a different size class, that's all.

[spankone]

I feel we are on the same wave length

[burntrice]

I made this post over on the BB forums a while back and got an interesting reply..

Quote Originally Posted by burntrice View Post
I wish spyderco would fill the gap between the grasshopper and the urban. Larger and better materials than a grasshopper, smaller than the urban. Would make a perfect edc.


"I think I'm right in saying that there is another Spyderco due in the random insect range, that's going to be bigger than the Grasshopper."

[Jay_Ev]

I made this post over on the BB forums a while back and got an interesting reply..

Quote Originally Posted by burntrice View Post
I wish spyderco would fill the gap between the grasshopper and the urban. Larger and better materials than a grasshopper, smaller than the urban. Would make a perfect edc.


"I think I'm right in saying that there is another Spyderco due in the random insect range, that's going to be bigger than the Grasshopper."

I'm pretty sure the Dragonfly is:
1. Bigger than a grasshopper
2. Smaller than an Urban
3. Is an insect

[ChrisR]

With the success of the FRN UKPKs I predict a surge of interest in FRN handled knives, especially in the UK :) I just love the way the FRN UKPK slips into my back pocket and I hardly know it is there ... unlike the G10, which feels more sturdy but you know you're sitting on a big penknife :rolleyes: :D

[burntrice]

I'm pretty sure the Dragonfly is:
1. Bigger than a grasshopper
2. Smaller than an Urban
3. Is an insect

Its also a lock knife though. I should have said but i was talking about a slippy in this range, and yes uk knife laws suck.

[The Deacon]

Not an insect name but, IIRC, there's a slippy version of the Kiwi in the works.

[RJNC]

I'm anxiously awaiting that slip-it Kiwi.