CALLING ALL "SALT" LOVERS! Ideas for a new "salt" knife.

[Donut]

The aspect in those pictures is horribly wrong, I think. I am going to look for a catcherman vs ayoob pic.

[w3tnz]

The aspect in those pictures is horribly wrong, I think. I am going to look for a catcherman vs ayoob pic.

I get the size difference, I just can't see the functional advantage of the ayoob, shorter, taller, thicker- stronger maybe? There are plenty of in hand pics but I couldn't find a comparison, so just used stock images. Then of course there is the blade angle and materials, but I don't have an issue with linerless FRN in terms of strength..

[Surfingringo]

I get the size difference, I just can't see the functional advantage of the ayoob, shorter, taller, thicker- stronger maybe? There are plenty of in hand pics but I couldn't find a comparison, so just used stock images. Then of course there is the blade angle and materials, but I don't have an issue with linerless FRN in terms of strength..

Maybe compared to the catcherman it could be a more multi purpose knife. The catcherman is a very specialized knife, which probably appeals to a very limited audience. (Like me) I think something like the Massad could accomplish a fair bit of what the catcherman does, yet appeal to a much wider audience. I always forget that not everyone who uses the salt line is a fisherman...the majority probably are not. I hear lots of people comment who love using them in the garden. Others just want a rust proof edc...heck, some even whittle with them. . The way I see it, if we can come up with a design that gets a large number of those people interested, then we've got a better chance of actually seeing something happen.

Is the massad such an idea? I don't know, but I can definitely see how the design could have merit for MY uses as a "all in one" boat/ocean/fishing knife. I'm actually warming up to this design pretty quickly (though I would still prefer a 4" blade). And I could definitely see it appealing to a broader audience than the catcherman.

[Donut]

In my opinion, the interesting thing about the Ayoob is that while in hand, the blade really leans down to give you more reach.

[Divo]

The way I see it, if we can come up with a design that gets a large number of those people interested, then we've got a better chance of actually seeing something happen.

Exactly my thoughts, my friend . . .
Most knives people mention here are discontinued ones. Most likely because they are too exotic and therefore not good sellers.

To make a new Salt a success it needs to be a seller.
You not only need to look to your own individual eyes but also fromout Spyderco. An approach from a wider perspective will work best.

And in that perspective I go back to what I said earlier.
When browsing the Spydergo catalogue I find in the Salt line mainly a couple of smaller and some midsized knives. On the other end of the range where you maybe could expect a bigger one, there is an open spot.

To make the range more complete the focus should be on a bigger one. Personally I prefer a new design instead of updating an existing.
When you would ask me if there is a demand for a bigger one in general. Yes I think there is. Especially as an outdoor knife it will work perfect for a large and diverse group of people.
Selling points could be:
1] The H1 steel
2] The stout build
3] Versatility
4] New Multicolored handle.

To make it a seller it also should not being uber-expensive.
When it would become an outdoor related stout one, there is also no need for fancy enhancements. a simple design is even recommended.


Sal asked us to think logical and to start with size.

I gave you here my ideas, when people have other solid ideas and valid arguments to justify a particular size, bring it in please.

[Surfingringo]

Wow, I cleaned some fish today with my reground pacific salt...the knife has literally been reborn! I am extremely happy with the new sharper tip I put on the knife! I know there is a reason it comes with the tip it does, but I'm really happy with the customization I made for my specific uses. CE would be even better. :eek:

I have been thinking a little bit about all our grand ideas and schemes for the perfect salt knife, and it brought to my mind the story of how the military model was born. Someone asked Sal a question and he answered it with a knife that has become legendary.

I couldn't have designed the military. Sal did. I know a few things I want in a salt knife and I've listed em. Now I 'm going to shut up and leave the design to those who know what they're doing.

Thanks to everyone else for all the thoughts and input on this thread. Let's see what happens. :) .

[Donut]

Today I am carrying my Goddard Jr sprint. It has no liners, micarta scales, a screw on clip (tip down), combo edge, a flat spine.

At home I have a Burgundy Goddard sprint with no liners, FRN scales, a barrel bolt clip (tip up), combo edge, a flat spine. Plus, this thing was made in Japan. I'm not sure if it's Seki or Moki. It's like 99% of all the things we are asking for, it just needs to be made in H1 with rust proof hardware.

*edit* I wonder if it can be made with the screw hardware that other Salt models have been migrating to.

[BilMacGil]

I'd like to see Spyderco's take on a sailor's Salt knife, a 3" folder with a marlin spike and a modified sheepsfoot blade

[twinboysdad]

Totally time for Mr. Glesser to weigh in and see where we are. This is exciting and I am stoked to see where this boomerang lands!

[Divo]

I have been thinking a little bit about all our grand ideas and schemes for the perfect salt knife, and it brought to my mind the story of how the military model was born. Someone asked Sal a question and he answered it with a knife that has become legendary.

I couldn't have designed the military. Sal did. I know a few things I want in a salt knife and I've listed em. Now I 'm going to shut up and leave the design to those who know what they're doing.

Thanks to everyone else for all the thoughts and input on this thread. Let's see what happens. :) .

Really unbelievable. . . .
You started this topic especially to beg for more Salts and to share ideas.
Further a lot of cry cry salt salt chit chat. :rolleyes:
Sal ask people for input, following logical ways.
There is your chance.
Next is a bunch of nonsolid ideas with exotic discontinued knives.
And now after 8 pages your final idea is that you have none??

geeze :confused:

[Donut]

Yeah, I had to go back to read the OP to figure out what Gringo was looking for.

1. Large
2. Combo Edge
3. Pointy tip

It would be nice to have a summary of what we came up with.

I'm thinking that if Gringo stops now, he'll end up with the small plain edge knife that other people, who probably don't go anywhere near water, suggested earlier.


What we need in a Salt knife is something that people who fish or work on boats would find useful. That's where a good market should be.

[Blerv]

Yeah, I had to go back to read the OP to figure out what Gringo was looking for.

1. Large
2. Combo Edge
3. Pointy tip

It would be nice to have a summary of what we came up with.

I'm thinking that if Gringo stops now, he'll end up with the small plain edge knife that other people, who probably don't go anywhere near water, suggested earlier.


What we need in a Salt knife is something that people who fish or work on boats would find useful. That's where a good market should be.

I perceived it as an open discussion for everyone who wants a new Salt to contribute, not a few people. My natural slant is towards something more refined, small and classy, as it's severely lacking in the Salt line. It's also more likely to be legal in more places. That's just one opinion though among many.

The Catcherman H1 was exactly what many people want and while it was neon green (:rolleyes :) per Sal, it was a bad seller. Additionally the Pacific Salt is basically an Endura3 which dimensionally isn't much smaller than a Military. The Aqua Salt was a big H1 fixed blade and discontinued. The Spyderhawk H1 perhaps one of the more iconic maritime oriented designs...also discontinued.

While there is an exception to every stereotype, I would say most commercial fishermen aren't knife snobs. They care more about their vessel and crew than their flashlights and folding knives because that's what makes them the money. That statement comes from knowing MANY folks who have seiners that start at half a million bucks and they carry 6-LED flashlights and SAK's.

[Surfingringo]

I have metioned plenty of features I think are important.
1. Large bladed folder
2. Combo edge
3. A more solid design
4. A finer tip

Essentially a sturdy knife that will excel at boat, ocean, fishing, and fish cleaning duties. A sturdy jack of all trades outdoor/fishing folder. That's what I would like.

Sure, I could get really specific and describe exactly what blade angle it should have and what handle materials, etc. But why? I reckon Sal and his crew are pretty **** competent at knife design. If they want to use any of these ideas in a new salt knife then they will probably do a much better job of incorporating them into an overall design than I could hope to.

Lance

[Surfingringo]

I perceived it as an open discussion for everyone who wants a new Salt to contribute, not a few people. My natural slant is towards something more refined, small and classy, as it's severely lacking in the Salt line. It's also more likely to be legal in more places. That's just one opinion though among many.

The Catcherman H1 was exactly what many people want and while it was neon green (:rolleyes :) per Sal, it was a bad seller. Additionally the Pacific Salt is basically an Endura3 which dimensionally isn't much smaller than a Military. The Aqua Salt was a big H1 fixed blade and discontinued. The Spyderhawk H1 perhaps one of the more iconic maritime oriented designs...also discontinued.

While there is an exception to every stereotype, I would say most commercial fishermen aren't knife snobs. They care more about their vessel and crew than their flashlights and folding knives because that's what makes them the money.

Yes sir. Every bit of that is true. I'm still hoping for something that checks off a lot of my boxes, but everyone has a voice in this. This isn't "surfingringos wishlist" just because I started the thread. :) . That's why I'm stepping out of the debate. I mentioned what I thought were important features (to me) and gave my reasons. Everyone else gets to do the same. Now we see what happens. I'm not too worried about it. I'm gonna take my pointy tipped pacific salt and go fishin! :)

Bless

[w3tnz]

While there is an exception to every stereotype, I would say most commercial fishermen aren't knife snobs. They care more about their vessel and crew than their flashlights and folding knives because that's what makes them the money.

You don't have to be a "knife snob" to know the value of a good tool that will make your life easier and potentially save it. Show me a boat without a knife on it, not every skipper will have the latest and greatest, but it doesn't mean they don't want it or would not make full use of it given the chance. Your claiming there is not what your asking for? What about the dfly? Ladybug salt ? The only thing I see lacking in the H1 line is a multipurpose combo edge.

[Surfingringo]

Really unbelievable. . . .
You started this topic especially to beg for more Salts and to share ideas.
Further a lot of cry cry salt salt chit chat. :rolleyes:
Sal ask people for input, following logical ways.
There is your chance.
Next is a bunch of nonsolid ideas with exotic discontinued knives.
And now after 8 pages your final idea is that you have none??

geeze :confused:

Hey divo, I would be happy to stop whenever you are ready. I honestly don't want to put you on ignore because sometimes you have relevant things to say when you aren't trolling. I will drop the sarcasm if you will stop trying to create conflict. Deal?

[Evil D]

My natural slant is towards something more refined, small and classy, as it's severely lacking in the Salt line. It's also more likely to be legal in more places. That's just one opinion though among many.

How awesome would it be to get an H1 Air? That would bring us back around to the H1/liner lock issue, but it would make a sweet knife.

Here's one nobody has mentioned...how about an H1 Large Kiwi? There's your G10 backlock. Just drop the liners and make it full G10. It would be more classy than the rest of the H1 lineup, and should have enough edge length to get a decent amount of serrations in for a combo edge.


Off topic, that just made me envision a full SE Large Kiwi.....drool.

[w3tnz]

Do you guys have offices based in Atlantis or something? What's the draw of h1 for a gents knife?

[twinboysdad]

THIS is why I politely tried, in post #149, to corral this thing and let Sal weigh in on what he actually wants to make.

We have the dudes who don't want something they can't carry...I get it, amigos. I roll biz casual tucked in M-F and rock a Caly 3.5 and any bigger would be an issue to my customers and to my skinny *** having to sit on it in the car. Got to have the wire clip too.

BUT I also try to be a doer on the weekends and active as I can be with my twin 5 year old boys. I like an Endura or Millie size and want to hit the pool with the boys, cut my grass, repair/destroy things around the house, lift/run, catch some bream, and grill up some fare for the wife. I want a big blade with a rugged, robust nature.

I think the gents/edc aspect is close with the Salt/Dragonfly but see where these dudes are going with adding G10 and refinement. I am a Caly 3.5 guy for cryin out loud.

The Pac Salt could be the hard use answer with a finer tip and 1/4 PE, but why stop there? Sal is willing to build a (his words) more robust H1.

I hate to sound like a child but can we have both? Sort of a Millie/Para or E4/D4? Instead of splitting this into two sides, let's think in terms of both!

[Evil D]

Do you guys have offices based in Atlantis or something? What's the draw of h1 for a gents knife?

Versatility is my guess. You can go around doing any EDC chore with a gents knife than you can do with a tactical knife, but you do it with much more subtlety. Not everyone wants to carry a mall ninja knife, even when they're fishing.