Lil' Temperance2 - discussion

[tomoto]

+1 for Wire clip :D

[The Mastiff]

I really have to admit I have an admiration for Sal for really keeping the end users in the design process.

I earlier expressed my desire for a longer bladed version at this price point.

I do admit to having both the S30 leaf, and the 440V Rhino horn version of the traditional version.

Positives: I always loved the ergonomics, and also the lock. This was the knife that got me used to the comp lock, and accepting of it from a edc viewpoint.

I like the knife, and have gone on record as having stated so here in the past. I guess my point is that it's too big for a small knife, and too little for a big knife if it's going for a redesign.

3 inch to me, is a smallish, or in between size. The rest of the knife says "full size, serious knife that has some tank in it"

I guess that's why I reacted the way I did to a knife I already like enough to own .

Too little for a big knife, too big for a little knife. Not a logic filled argument. Heck, taking this stance on a knife I like isn't logical, but It's the way I feel. Joe

[araneae]

I am surprised at the number of votes for a wire clip when it will limit the knife to a 2 position carry (tip up only). I like tip up, just surprised to not see more wanting a dip down option.

[tpro68]

Meerkat low-rider wireclip +1.

[type00rev]

Sal,
Thanks so much for giving us the opportunity to share our desires/ideas. I'm currently not a Lil' Temp owner, but I've had the pleasure of using and carrying a friends' while in Iraq. I can't wait for the new one to be released. I think this knife is great. I love the width and height of the grip......you can really get a handle on that lil' sucker!! The blade is great at 4mm stock, the 3" leaf shaped blade is nice, but I'd like to see an offering in 3.5". I love the clip....the holes are great for controlling fast grip changes.

My suggestions are:

1. Stay with S30V or S90V
2. Stay with G-10 or milled, peel-ply CF w/finger grooves and dimples (I'm interested in seeing your revision to the finger grooves)
3. Thick liners
4. Give it a heavy duty, drilled clip (NO WIRE CLIP PLEASE)....make it deep carry, just smooth it out a bit. The holes are nice IMO. Also, drill the scales and liners for tip up/down, L/R.

Thanks.
-Michael

[vampyrewolf]

military clip, they don't move when you catch a door frame

[JLS]

I know I'm a broken record here, but the clip decision needs to be based off of what this knife is intended for.

A heavy use/MBC knife should NOT have a wire clip.

If you're carrying it for those reasons, a few scratches on objects from when you were careless or bumped into things won't matter as much as a good solid draw when you need it.

I think the only exception to this so far is the P'Kal, and it is a very specialized knife.

[type00rev]

military clip, they don't move when you catch a door frame

You're absolutely right about that!!

[catamount]

past. I guess my point is that it's too big for a small knife, and too little for a big knife...

I understand there are legal limits in many places, but that pretty well summarizes how I've come to feel about 3" blades.

The good news is that there is also a model with the Superhawk handle & lock, and a leaf shaped blade, in the works. Presumably, the blade on that will be well over 3".

[Manix Guy 2]

As much as I have come to admire the wire clip , the E4 / D4 clip makes more sense for this knife in my opinion . MG2

[kbuzbee]

Man, people sure do support their clips:

Can't go wrong with a wire clip :D

My favorite Spyderco clip would be the Dodo's wire clip.

A heavy use/MBC knife should NOT have a wire clip.

Give it a heavy duty, drilled clip (NO WIRE CLIP PLEASE)....make it deep carry, just smooth it out a bit. The holes are nice IMO. Also, drill the scales and liners for tip up/down, L/R.

I get the arguments but the overriding one for me is "will I carry it?" The most "functional" clip in the world won't make any difference if it isn't in my pocket.

For me, that means a low ride wire a la Caly 3. Like others, I can replace a stamped clip (or have it replaced if I'm going for nicer "looks". :D ) but since we are being asked, that is my vote.

And honestly, I don't get the 'can't be 4 way' ding on wires. Sure it can. It's just a different attachment method. A 4 screw hold down plate would do it (and pay homage to the original clip style). I don't need that but if that's the stopping point (yes, I know, there are others) let'r rip.

Ken

Ken

[kbuzbee]

Our handle is a wider. We cut off the tips of the finger grooves and made several models until we got the shape of the "belly" of the handle to work ergonomically.

There has to be room for a lock and this knife needs a strong lock.

I'm going with the 4mm blade. Liner as I mentioned (full, skeltonized, thick for lock strength). I'm guessing that in lock break tests, the tang will shear the lock.

AWESOME!!!!

Thanks Sal!

Ken

[dogrunner]

This is a link to an old post - what I did with my Lil T (with apologies to Lil T lovers everywhere). The handle modifications that Sal is describing do not sound this severe, but it is what worked for me. Still one of my all-time favorite folders.

http://www.spyderco.com/forums/showpost ... ostcount=7

[kbuzbee]

with apologies to Lil T lovers everywhere

No apologies needed. As long as it works for you. I still like the original but that is a nice job.

Ken

[KaliGman]

Personally, I would not change the handle much, if at all. The handle is one of the iconic things about the Temp. In addition, there is definitely a market for the large or full size handle, MBC rated, small bladed knife. When bad things happen, it is easier to access, use, and retain a grip on a full size handle. I personally like the idea of a 3.25 or 3.5 inch Rhino version of the Temp with the clip changed (clip from the P'kal, but with a bit less "grab," or perhaps one with an "index" indentation, like the Gunting). I think that a 2 inch to 2.5 inch version would be the Martial Blade Craft knife to have in jurisdictions that are enforcing sub-3 inch blade length statutes. I do know that the sub-3 inch thing is gaining steam in Europe-- In addition to what I have read about this issue, I was recently interviewed for an upcoming article in the Russian knife magazine, Prorez, regarding the use of small blades (equal to or less than 3 inches in length) for self-defense, and was told that small knives were a "hot topic" in some areas of Europe right now.

My suggestion, for what it is worth, is make a 3.5 inch bladed version Grande Temp and a 2.5 inch bladed 'Lil Er Temp, handle very similar or identical to the previous Temp, but with an updated clip. Oh--and black G-10, foliage green, (a navy blue or a nice dark grey would be good as well) handle slabs--no "look at the bright beacon in my pocket" orange for this MBC rated blade please.

[Spygineer]

This is a link to an old post - what I did with my Lil T (with apologies to Lil T lovers everywhere). The handle modifications that Sal is describing do not sound this severe, but it is what worked for me. Still one of my all-time favorite folders.

http://www.spyderco.com/forums/showpost ... ostcount=7

Looks nice, Dogrunner! Well done.

[SoCal Operator]

I wish I had the skill to do that, nicely done!

[A.M.]

Alright, since this thread is still hot I decided to take a comparison pics of some Lil' Temps and a Superhawk. The bottom is a picture is a modded Lil' Temp (not sure who did the mods). Anyhow it basically gives you an idea of what a "melted" grip looks like. The mods were well done but personally I prefer the original grip.

[brandonreed2008]

I don't understand why others think that a heavy use knife shouldn't have a wireclip. I guess I am just thinking of what I have to do at my work and that sometimes I am in a position that it's not possible for me to pull the knife straight up out of my pocket. After thinking about that I checked out my assist 1 wire clip verses my endura 4's. If I am in a position where I have to pull my knife out sideways and a little up I would rather have a more flexible wire clip than a stiff full clip. And I'm not sure why you need a smooth draw for anything but a SD knife :rolleyes:

[JLS]

What part of a 3" blade MBC derived knife doesn't scream self-defense?

That's why it needs to be a smooth draw!