Ever seen a Worker like this? (3 new Spydercos from Japan)

[GoldenSpydie]

Hi all,

I found my way over to Raukuten International about a week ago to browse their Spydercos. It is a little like a Japanese version of Ebay.

I instantly found one seller (Asagaya Shinkai) that had a bunch of weird Spydercos that I had never heard of. Among them were some very odd looking workers. A quick Google search revealed that these were rare, Japan-exclusive Workers made by G. Sakai.

I ordered three of them, and a few days later, they arrived! :D

The only info that I could find is:

1. The Spyderco "Everest" is a C01 Worker blade in a C13 Pro-Venator handle. It has a blue mountain symbol with the words EVEREST 1991. It was apparently made to commemorate the Swedish Everest expedition, as that expedition carried blue Spyderco Delicas.

2. The Cocobolo inlaid knife is also a C01/C13 hybrid, but with the Kraton replaced with wood. The mother-of-pearl (MOP) version has the entire scale covered by the embellishment, so I don't know if it, too, is a C13 hybrid or a straight Worker.

3. Rycen posted a thread a long time ago with pictures of the Cocobolo and MOP Workers, claiming that they are Moki factory customs. So at least one other person has a set.

Any info that anyone has is greatly appreciated. Oh, and BTW, these models need to make their way into Spydiewiki.

Pictures! In the first pic, the top knife is a regular (full-production albeit discontinued) C13 Pro-Venator.

[SpyderNut]

:eek: :eek: :eek: Holy cow, man! This very well may be the find of the century! Very nicely done.

[Jazz]

Really cool knives, especially the wood one. Thanks for sharing.

[The Deacon]

Very nice acquisitions. I've see photos of the Everest Worker and "mixed pearl overlay Workers. Can't say I recall ever seeing a cocobolo inlaid Worker before, but I had a Japanese market cocobolo inlaid ProVenator for a while before trading it to another collector.

[adancingmonkey]

Oh god i love the Fried spy Dal co-dragon knife they have on sale in G-10. No joke
http://global.rakuten.com/en/store/revo ... m/c28gpfg/" target="_blank

[GoldenSpydie]

Thanks for the replies, guys!

I checked a thread on the subject of the Everest, and it appears that the SKU is C003. So that would make it a Hunter? :confused: Between the C13 and the C01, I can't see where C003 came from.

Also, I found the quote from Sal:

"The Everest model is a Worker blade in a Pro-Venator (Pro-Grip) handle that was made for the Japanese market only to commemorate the Swedish climbing team reaching the top of Mount Everest. The actual model carried by the team was a blue serrated Delica."

@ The Deacon: So your Cocobolo Pro-Venator had the standard Hunter blade? It is interesting how many variations there seem to be.

[rycen]

Those look familiar

http://www.spyderco.com/forumII/viewtop ... =2&t=49289" target="_blank

[GoldenSpydie]

Those look familiar

http://www.spyderco.com/forumII/viewtop ... =2&t=49289" target="_blank

Very nice. Do you still have those?

An interesting observation: Mine has almost black pearl for the "stripes," while your knife has white stripes.

[xceptnl]

GS, those are beautiful new Spydies. I am jealous of the Cocobolo.

[rycen]

Yes I still have them. Your pics are much better than mine though.

[billy blade]

Very nice!

[LC Kid]

Hi Folks!


This could easily be the Catch of the Century! :D

So good looking 'Tuxedo Workers'

[GoldenSpydie]

Hi Folks!


This could easily be the Catch of the Century! :D

So good looking 'Tuxedo Workers'

Thanks! "Tuxedo Workers" I like it! :)

[bh49]

Very nice find

[victorf]

Joined this forum because rekindled interest to collect Spydercos Sprint Run knifes.

I also have an vintage '94 Pro Venator. Bought it new and still looks new. Having problem getting replacement clip. Rubber insert is long gone on clip from usage on another knife. I retired the Pro Venator as EDC with an Benchmade AFCK and swap clip (same fit) back in '95. Would be nice to get another original clip for keep sake or an Spyderco stainless equivalent fit without rubber just so to keep it all Spyderco.

Called warranty department but no one call back! Just sent email for follow up, then ran into this post on the forum and seeing my knife! What timing.

Here is mine saved in Photobucket used as pointer:

[The Deacon]

Would be nice to get another original clip for keep sake or an Spyderco stainless equivalent fit without rubber just so to keep it all Spyderco.

Called warranty department but no one call back! Just sent email for follow up, then ran into this post on the forum and seeing my knife! What timing.

Spyderco may be able to help you. However, AFAIK, that particular clip hasn't been used on anything for years, and the Kraton does tend to wear out, so there's a fair chance they don't have any left. If they don't have it, you might consider a call or email to G Sakai, the folks who made the Worker and ProVenator for Spyderco.

[sal]

Hi Victorf,

Welcome to our forum.

sal

[victorf]

Thanks Paul for the suggestion!

And Sal for the worm welcome!

I got an email from Spyderco and provided directions to order replacement clip direct.

Victor

[SpyderEdgeForever]

VERY COOL! I am so happy for you. That is an excellent find!

Welcome to the forum, thank you.

My favorite one is the top one, with the Pro-Venator handle.

[Mr Blonde]

That's an awesome find, congrats! And thank you for sharing these wonderful images!