Anybody like to see Spyderco use natural materials more ?.

[Evil D]

In general I agree with you, but visit Cuscadi web site or their facebook page. I would never think about this, but I found there absolutely stunning Paras and Manixes with wood scales. Currently I have Norfolk pine craving.

Oh I agree they look outstanding, I just don't think I'd want to EDC one. I would rather have some natural linen micarta or something earthy looking.

[chuck_roxas45]

I like modern materials for modern folders. I'm starting to look at traditionals and I find that I'm liking the traditional materials and scales on those too. :)

[BobmG8]

This is an interesting discussion. I still prefer G10 handles on my folding knives. I even have G10 and Titanium covering my iPhone 5, Hogue crafted the G10 back plate for this limited run of Element Cases. It's a very durable material.

[The Deacon]

Major case of mixed emotions here. On the one hand, I'm a huge fan of natural materials and probably one of the most constant and vocal proponents of them on this forum. On the other hand, when I look at the current Spyderco lineup, I don't see one knife that I can honestly say I'd like "better" with natural material scales unless other, even more unlikely, changes were made to them.

The Caly 3 Damascus would look great with natural scales, but would need to have the etch contrast toned down considerably or be offered with a plain VG-10 blade. It would also need to have no provision for clip mounting and no Boye dent. Those things are fine on tactical knives, but look totally wrong on a more refined knife. Kind of like mounting A Chaparral variant would look great with natural scales, but only if it had smooth front bolsters like those on the CF Damascus Caly 3 and no provision for clip mounting. Same drill with the Native 5 and omitting the spine bevel sure wouldn't hurt. As for the Sage, I know the Sage 4 already has wood scales but all the screws and furrows make what could have been a thing of beauty into just a thing. A version with smooth bolsters and no clip would be a joy to behold.

[PMBohol]

One wood that looks good for knife scales is Tasmanian Myrtlewood in the burl form. Some beautiful wood there. http://images.search.yahoo.com/search/i ... yrtle+burl

I am sensing a generational shift maybe as younger folks prefer the synthetic materials whilst the older folks have fondness for wood and bone etc. Anyone else sensing this?

[bh49]

Oh I agree they look outstanding, I just don't think I'd want to EDC one.

Do you mean that you wouldn't EDC this one? The picture by Cuscadi.

[bh49]

The Caly 3 Damascus would look great with natural scales, but would need to ...........be offered with a plain VG-10 blade. It would also need to have no provision for clip mounting and no Boye dent. Those things are fine on tactical knives, but look totally wrong on a more refined knife. Kind of like mounting A Chaparral variant would look great with natural scales, but only if it had smooth front bolsters like those on the CF Damascus Caly 3 and no provision for clip mounting. Same drill with the Native 5 and omitting the spine bevel sure wouldn't hurt.

Paul, I agree on the most. I certainly will take bolstered Caly3 with plain VG10 blade over almost any Damascus and I think that N5 will look better without bolsters due to width/length ratio.

[The Deacon]

I think that N5 will look better without bolsters due to width/length ratio.

IDK, Roman. Granted, these were based on the original Native so they have the blocky jimping, and I may be prejudiced because I'm the one who "phootchopped" them, but I think they look pretty **** good all dressed up.

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[Donut]

That's an interesting looking Kopa-Native.

Would it have to come with the Kopa style clip problems?

[xceptnl]

That's an interesting looking Kopa-Native.

Would it have to come with the Kopa style clip problems?

Brian, what were the Kopa clip problems? It was before my time and I always assumed the cries for a clipless Kopa were just preference.

[The Deacon]

Brian, what were the Kopa clip problems? It was before my time and I always assumed the cries for a clipless Kopa were just preference.

Two possible answers, not sure which Brian was referring to. From a clip user's standpoint it would be that the cutout in the center of the clip, while attractive, weakens it and there have been reports of broken clips. From the perspective of those who prefer to remove the clip, unlike most 3 screw clips which leave only three easily filled holes, when you remove the Kopa's clip you're left with this hideous hole in the bolster...



It can be improved considerably, but it takes considerably more work and can't be eliminated completely. Here are my two user Kopas, modified by STR. There's still a slight depression in the bolster, but it's nowhere near as noticeable....

[Cheygriz]

I'll take carbon fiber and kydex over wood and leather any day. :) :spyder: :)

[bh49]

IDK, Roman. Granted, these were based on the original Native so they have the blocky jimping, and I may be prejudiced because I'm the one who "phootchopped" them, but I think they look pretty **** good all dressed up.
[CENTER][/CENTER]

I like Cocobolo Native, but probably would take it bolsterless :) The wood is very nice.

That's an interesting looking Kopa-Native.
Would it have to come with the Kopa style clip problems?

Please, no clip, no extra holes.

[Donut]

Brian, what were the Kopa clip problems? It was before my time and I always assumed the cries for a clipless Kopa were just preference.

Sorry, I forgot to check back on this thread. Yeah, they cut into the bolster, left a rough edge if you took the clip off.

Tony posted some of his handle mods and he had to do quite a bit of work on the finishing of the clip cutout.

Isn't the bolster mainly there to improve the looks? I would think 2 slots for a wire clip might work, but then you have a big screw in the middle of the bolster.

[xceptnl]

Sorry, I forgot to check back on this thread. Yeah, they cut into the bolster, left a rough edge if you took the clip off.

Tony posted some of his handle mods and he had to do quite a bit of work on the finishing of the clip cutout.

Isn't the bolster mainly there to improve the looks? I would think 2 slots for a wire clip might work, but then you have a big screw in the middle of the bolster.

Thanks for the responses Brian. I would personally not mind the wire clip option on a Kopa and on a redesign, maybe the pivot and clip screw could be assimilated?

[akaAK]

If natural materials are used I would also prefer that spyderco didn't go the route of the Sage 4. The more I look at it the less I like it. This is a shame on such an incredibly well made knife. A pocket clip is prefered but I can live with one configuration like the Millie and Para 1's to avoid holes all over a natural material handle.

Some of the knives I have seen on this forum (Deacon's bolstered Stretch. some of the Cuscadi wood handled Para 2's, native 5's and Millie's) would be in my pocket immediately depending on cost.

That being said I actually really like G10 and FRN as a user knife handle material.

[dialex]

...i understand the ethics of mass producing thousands of bone handled knives eg maybe a concern...

I don't think it's a reason to worry at all. I presume all those steaks and burgers leave a lot of bones behind after being processed.

Otherwise, as far as handles are concerned, I like Spyderco especially for its FRN and G-10. For brass and wood there is always Case and Buck.

[Bladekeeper]

I don't think it's a reason to worry at all. I presume all those steaks and burgers leave a lot of bones behind after being processed.

Otherwise, as far as handles are concerned, I like Spyderco especially for its FRN and G-10. For brass and wood there is always Case and Buck.

From yourself fella I appreciate your opinion I feel though those brand are stuck in a stagnating look .
As from your perspective doing what you do , the mix of a modern blade and shape with the hole but old scale material would be a cool look though ?.
I do see the pov though leave that look to those that do it I just feel spyderco could offer a fresh alternative on it too .
For the bone your bang on giraffe shin for example is left by deceased giraffe in abundance after leading full lives .
Just those who would turn to other methods to $ in I worry although the reality is these guys have no choice its this or see the family starve .
Its such a complex emotive topic I thought I'd approach it sensitively cheers for the input ATB :) .

[RanCoWeAla]

I prefere all stainless construction with G10 handle scales. In other words something that is impervous to most substances. I have a collection of classic slip joints with Bone and other natural handle materials and brass liners which are the hardest knives in the world to collect because they are so much trouble. I have a collection of Sptderco's that I have never done anything to. Even something as simple as a few drops of oil will ruin Bone handles or turn Stag dark when the knives are stored for long periods of time and will cause rust on the Brass liners. That's what I like most about Spyderco's is the all stainless construction and G10 handles that doesn't make taking care of them a full time job.

[dialex]

...As from your perspective doing what you do , the mix of a modern blade and shape with the hole but old scale material would be a cool look though ?...

It is a delicate balance but I am sure that a talented maker (like, for instance, the Russian knifemaker Dmitri Sinkevich) can come with something.