Spyderco Forums

I had a sketch that I was going to submit, but it was extremely similar to the Bodacious, so they've almost made my knife. I would change a few things though:

1. Bring the edge ALL the way back to the handle. It's a small amount of edge length increase but what it does the most for me is it eliminates any snag points at the base of the blade.

2. Increase the length so it has 3.5-3.75 inches of edge length, so however long the handle needs to be to accommodate that.

3. Handle wise I'd like something between the Shaman and Bodacious. I've come to realize that for me it's actually a little easier to handle the Bodacious, something about flat scales, maybe it's because the handle is also taller? But what I'd really like are fluted titanium and/or fluted carbon fiber scales like the Native 5 got, where the whole scale is just a bit contoured from edge to edge, not just rounding the corners of the scales. I also really like the fluted texture and wish they'd do it more in general.

4. I like steel options but I'd be happy with MagnaCut or 15V.

5. If we're really dreaming, give it a thin hamaguri grind like the Zoomer got, but thinner so it slices better.

6. Make it in SE but do a custom serrations pattern where the small scallops are about twice as wide and the large are about 50% wider, and make sure they're ground lower than 15 degrees.


Maybe I'm cocky but I really think this would sell and perform very well.

If I were asked to design a knife specifically for Spyderco, I would try my hand at a fixed blade, as I don't think I can design a folder that meets my folding knife needs better than any of my top 2 or 3 favourite Spydercos. Also, there are less murky cross-border import restrictions and legal prohibitions against fixed blades in Canada (where I live) compared to folding knives.

Anyway, I've always wanted a general purpose fixed-blade knife patterned after the Filipino ginunting, with a blade length in the 5.5- to 6.5-inch range—long enough that it offers a distinct reach advantage over even the longest production Spyderco folders, but still short enough that it can be carried somewhat discreetly.

I'd want it to be reasonably affordable so I'd go for FRN handle scales, though G10 scales might be cheaper if we're doing a relatively small production run. For the blade steel, I'd ideally like AEB-L or VG10 but I'd be happy with AUS-8 if it means it will be priced significantly lower. A blacked-out TiCN coated option for the tacticool among us. Finally, for the carry system, besides the standard Boltaron sheath & G-clip, I'd like for it to come with an adjustable shoulder rig that can allow for secure inverted vertical or diagonal carry of the sheathed knife (a more practical method of carrying a fixed-blade of its size when operating a vehicle, IMO).

Mushroom wrote: ↑

Wed Jan 29, 2025 5:36 pm

Scandi Grind wrote: ↑

Wed Jan 29, 2025 5:07 pm

Mushroom wrote: ↑

Wed Jan 29, 2025 8:38 am

Fastidiotus wrote: ↑

Tue Jan 28, 2025 9:31 pm

I've long been wondering if there was a thread for people to post their own designs.

It's not usually recommended to post them publicly because of the extremely high risk of the design being stolen.

I guess I have never concerned myself with this problem because for one, I would probably never make any money for coming up with a knife design, and two, I don't feel like when comes to knife shapes that there is very much revolutionary left to do. We just recombine basic shapes that anyone else could have, and then if we actually make something, someone can steal the shape after we've made it anyway. That is just concerning knife shapes though. I have only designed fixed blades which don't have anything special to keep secret.

When it comes to material science and mechanical components like in folding knives though, particularly if it is something that could be patented, that I can see wanting to keep under wraps.

If the goal was to ever eventually work with Spyderco on a knife, Sal himself recommends keeping the design private because sharing it publicly makes it more difficult for Spyderco to work with it in general but you're certainly entitled to your own opinion.

I don’t necessarily agree and echo a lot of what scandi said personally. What about the designers spydercos collaborated with taking an already existing design that’s been shared and even already existing models of it that they take and spyderize it for many collaboration models. Unless you’ve created something revolutionary and don’t yet own a patent for it I’d agree just spreading it publicly would be more cause for concern. But simple designs by forum members being shared doesn’t sound like a concern,(because who’s gonna copy that?) if anything I think it can help a non name designer and push spyderco to decide weather it’s worth perusing depending on feedback it gets from forum members, just a thought

Tristan_david2001 wrote: ↑

Wed Jan 29, 2025 6:18 pm

I don’t necessarily agree and echo a lot of what scandi said personally. What about the designers spydercos collaborated with taking an already existing design that’s been shared and even already existing models of it that they take and spyderize it for many collaboration models. Unless you’ve created something revolutionary and don’t yet own a patent for it I’d agree just spreading it publicly would be more cause for concern. But simple designs by forum members being shared doesn’t sound like a concern,(because who’s gonna copy that?) if anything I think it can help a non name designer and push spyderco to decide weather it’s worth perusing depending on feedback it gets from forum members, just a thought

I wish I knew more about the legal logistics behind their collaborations. It's definitely something I'd like to explore in the future.

I assume this thread was primarily just an engaging forum topic so I'm not trying to dissuade anyone from sharing anything in here but was just extending some caution advised by Sal. I have a design background, so personally I love seeing what other people come up with. Share away as far as I'm concerned.

Mushroom wrote: ↑

Wed Jan 29, 2025 5:36 pm

Scandi Grind wrote: ↑

Wed Jan 29, 2025 5:07 pm

Mushroom wrote: ↑

Wed Jan 29, 2025 8:38 am

Fastidiotus wrote: ↑

Tue Jan 28, 2025 9:31 pm

I've long been wondering if there was a thread for people to post their own designs.

It's not usually recommended to post them publicly because of the extremely high risk of the design being stolen.

I guess I have never concerned myself with this problem because for one, I would probably never make any money for coming up with a knife design, and two, I don't feel like when comes to knife shapes that there is very much revolutionary left to do. We just recombine basic shapes that anyone else could have, and then if we actually make something, someone can steal the shape after we've made it anyway. That is just concerning knife shapes though. I have only designed fixed blades which don't have anything special to keep secret.

When it comes to material science and mechanical components like in folding knives though, particularly if it is something that could be patented, that I can see wanting to keep under wraps.

If the goal was to ever eventually work with Spyderco on a knife, Sal himself recommends keeping the design private because sharing it publicly makes it more difficult for Spyderco to work with it in general but you're certainly entitled to your own opinion.

I see, I was thinking more in general. I supposed Fastidiotus comment was of a more general nature, not just concerning something intended for a Spyderco collaboration.

Tristan_david2001 wrote: ↑

Tue Jan 28, 2025 11:50 am

I’ve done quite a few knife design sketches perhaps I’ll some more to this thread. But this is a design I consider to be pretty close to my ideal fixed blade design, still working on making it.. the design is much inspired by the ergonomics and blade geometry spyderco is most known for, specifically from the calypso jr folder. IMG_6774.jpeg

Sign me up for this one!

Evil D wrote: ↑

Wed Jan 29, 2025 6:00 pm

I had a sketch that I was going to submit, but it was extremely similar to the Bodacious, so they've almost made my knife. I would change a few things though:

....(Snip)...
3. Handle wise I'd like something between the Shaman and Bodacious. I've come to realize that for me it's actually a little easier to handle the Bodacious, something about flat scales, maybe it's because the handle is also taller? But what I'd really like are fluted titanium and/or fluted carbon fiber scales like the Native 5 got, where the whole scale is just a bit contoured from edge to edge, not just rounding the corners of the scales. I also really like the fluted texture and wish they'd do it more in general.

...(Snip)...
Maybe I'm cocky but I really think this would sell and perform very well.

@Evil D I think this idea alone would make your redesign a best seller

SaltyCaribbeanDfly wrote: ↑

Thu Jan 30, 2025 4:33 am

Tristan_david2001 wrote: ↑

Tue Jan 28, 2025 11:50 am

I’ve done quite a few knife design sketches perhaps I’ll some more to this thread. But this is a design I consider to be pretty close to my ideal fixed blade design, still working on making it.. the design is much inspired by the ergonomics and blade geometry spyderco is most known for, specifically from the calypso jr folder. IMG_6774.jpeg

Sign me up for this one!

Thanks for the support man, greatly appreciated:)

Just a random design. I think this had some subconscious influences from designers Fred P, Sal G & Mike J

Perrin and Janich definitely come to my mind looking at that one, but it also is it's own thing for sure. It certainly has visual appeal.

This is an easy one. Dragonfly platform, high wear resistance steel. S90V, K390, 15V, Maxamet, Rex121. This is the important part PLAIN EDGE HAWKBILL, full flat grind preferred. And the icing on the cake, G-10 with full liners.

If I keep asking, maybe it will happen. The in-between Native.

kobold wrote: ↑

Thu Feb 06, 2025 5:02 pm

If I keep asking, maybe it will happen. The in-between Native.

In between what two?

VandymanG wrote: ↑

Fri Feb 07, 2025 12:21 am

kobold wrote: ↑

Thu Feb 06, 2025 5:02 pm

If I keep asking, maybe it will happen. The in-between Native.

In between what two?

Oh, it's a 3.5 inch Native positioned between the 3" Native 5 and a 4" Native Chief.

Scandi Grind wrote: ↑

Thu Feb 06, 2025 10:46 am

Perrin and Janich definitely come to my mind looking at that one, but it also is it's own thing for sure. It certainly has visual appeal.

I’m glad you could see what I was going for! It’s a three finger grip knife with quite spacey grooves for large fingers and enough handle girth to fill the hand pretty well, in theory. If it were ever to become a real knife my further preferences would be contoured black linen micarta scales with stainless or brass pins, a patina or maybe stone wash on the flats of the blade and a high polish on the main bevels that would be hollow ground, and a steel thickness probably around 4mm, also the blades around 3.5”

My idea all-purpose edc would be a Bodacious with some Kapara features.

Starting with the Bodacious, I would add the Kapara’s style of finger groove/choil so that the cutting edge length is maximized while still being able to grip the knife right up against the blade.
I would also place a hump above the thumb hole so that the hole can also move up, in order to make sure the entire hole is accessible when the knife is closed. Ideally the hole’s perimeter would samewhat match the external arc radius of the finger groove, somewhat like with the Kapara.
A blade length of about 3.7” with standard S30V/SPY27 material and periodic runs with Magnacut and 15v.
I’m typing this on my phone and this is my first post so hopefully it turns out ok.

Hi, Marc_645. Welcome to our forum.

We hope you enjoy your time with us.

Kristi

Native chief extended to 4.75 or 5” with a back lock or compression lock.

Call it the Native Warlord.

My husband, @vandymangm, won’t post this, so I took a picture and am posting it for him! I am impressed. He has a lot of details written about the knife in the picture. Hope you like it like I do!

I’d be happy to see a factory version of my modded Yojumbo. It adds so much to my personal ergonomics and you can hold it more ways than the original. You can get your thumb on top of the blade to put some force on it or have the cutting closer to your hand so less fatigue.