Amsterdam Meet 2011 Report

[Ankerson]

Thanks Ed, I'm happy with the way the pics turned out. However, it's probably the same with making knives, the more you do it, the more you see how things could be better. I'm not quite happy with some of the colors; steel is actually very hard to shoot with artificial light.

I will send a current one of the bride and princess, take care!

How true. :D

Indoors and having to use high apertures to get the depth of field and lighting right isn't easy at all.

[ChrisR]

As someone who has struggled for years to get depth of focus (in wildlife macro) I can really appreciate the work and experience that has gone into making these photos :)

[Mr Blonde]

This new part, pictured below the FRN Slipit, is part of Spyderco’s constant quality improvement or CQI. The blade on the FRN models closed to easily for many customers so the Spydercrew looked at it and decided that the backspring needed some improvement. This ‘forked’ spring offers just the right kind of resistance.



You don’t have to worry about dirt getting in there; the fork only opens when the folder is opened, when the blade is closed the fork compresses so nothing can get stuck in there. To give you an impression of the effectiveness of this new spring; when I tried to one-hand close this knife, I dropped it. I didn’t expect this resistance on an FRN slipit. I just hope I can backorder a handful of these springs to upgrade my collection of FRN slipits.

[vito72]

Very nice pictures and models!
Until now i wish to have the Des Horn its exactly what i was waiting, and the Dyad want be nice too but i wish to know how long will be the Dyad blades.

[Ankerson]

As someone who has struggled for years to get depth of focus (in wildlife macro) I can really appreciate the work and experience that has gone into making these photos :)

Shooting at F16 and higher and getting the lighting right ain't easy. :eek:

Macro lenes are very shallow when you get around 1:1.

[Simsmac]

I always eagerly await the annual appearance of this thread. You take such awesome photos Mr Blonde! Nice work.

Models I am in love with already:
H1 Dragonfly- I love the look of the hollow grind and the yellow FRN. This is gonna be a winner.
Dyad- I've always been drawn to the design of the original; it's such a neat design. The blue color is quite handsome looking.

Other models of interest:
SS Balance- I'm hoping this one will be relatively inexpensive. I really wanted the CF version, but it was way too pricy.
FRCP Manix- I really am interested about how this one feels in the hand, especially since it'll be so light.

[araneae]

I just hope I can backorder a handful of these springs to upgrade my collection of FRN slipits.

That would be very nice, I won't hold my breath on being able to buy just the spring though. I was a bit disappointed with the closing resistance and have been holding off on buying any more until the spring was tweaked to a higher resistance.

[Creepo]

the Dyad want be nice too but i wish to know how long will be the Dyad blades.

I can help you out with that: SpydieWiki

[Mr Blonde]

Finally the Squeak is gearing up for production! Last year it was still a concept model, but now it’s ready. As small as it looks, it is one of those folder that seem to immediately find their home in the palm of my hand. As an innocent looking folder that complies with any possible regulations, this should be a great lightweight folder around the office or when traveling. I like to think of it as a ´universal opener of stuff´.

[ChrisR]

This new part, pictured below the FRN Slipit, is part of Spyderco’s constant quality improvement or CQI. The blade on the FRN models closed to easily for many customers so the Spydercrew looked at it and decided that the backspring needed some improvement. This ‘forked’ spring offers just the right kind of resistance.

Do you know whether these springs have already shipped? I noticed a big improvement between the drop-point (very weak spring) and the leaf-bladed FRN, with a much stronger spring, like the G10s.

[ChrisR]

Oh man ... that Squeak has virtually got my name written on it - it looks perfect. All the ergos of the Chicago and Dragonfly brought together into a SLIPIT ... I *have* to have one :D

Anyone know how the N690Co steel stands up against GIN1, S30V, VG10 etc? Are they US made or Japanese?

[Mr Blonde]

The only Byrd at this year’s meet, the Tern, is a slipit. It looked to me like a Byrd counterpart of the regular UKPK. The action was smooth and the ‘lockup’ solid. It could be a nice entry model for those interested in the Spyderco Slipit series.

[Creepo]

I presume the Squeak will also be sporting the forked backspring?

[Mr Blonde]

Do you know whether these springs have already shipped? I noticed a big improvement between the drop-point (very weak spring) and the leaf-bladed FRN, with a much stronger spring, like the G10s.

I do recall Eric saying "We're putting these springs in now", or something similar.

[rororo64]

Wow, thats one of the nicer byrd models Ive seen. Im really digging the blade shape

[Mr Blonde]

How true. :D

Indoors and having to use high apertures to get the depth of field and lighting right isn't easy at all.

It makes me wonder about those wonderful glamour shots that Ichiro Nigita always shoots for Surefire Magazine and the gunmagazines, they're always shot in the dark. If you alter the color setting of your picture on purpose, you don't have to worry about steel looking 'real' or not. :D

[ChrisR]

Well, at least the Byrd Tern will be a cheap "must have" :D

[Ankerson]

It makes me wonder about those wonderful glamour shots that Ichiro Nigita always shoots for Surefire Magazine and the gunmagazines, they're always shot in the dark. If you alter the color setting of your picture on purpose, you don't have to worry about steel looking 'real' or not. :D

It's called Tripod, fast glass and a ton of shots at different settings, lighting and keeping the few that look good. :D

Most Pros shoot brackets also so equipment really helps a lot.

[vito72]

I can help you out with that: SpydieWiki

Thanks!

I have to learn to wait before speak! I have to add at my wishlist the squeak too!!!

[ChrisR]

Anyone know how the N690Co steel stands up against GIN1, S30V, VG10 etc? Are they US made or Japanese?

I think I just found the answer in an old thread where Sal said:

440C is really not a good comparison. N690Co Chrome is lower + the addition of cobalt changes the properties. Think of N690Co as a European VG-10.

sal

Which I guess makes the Squeak an Italian-made knife, which rings bells too from previous threads :)