Amsterdam Meet 2015 report of upcoming Spyderco prototypes

[PWork]

Personally I like the looks of the FRN better, but I'm weird that way. :D :cool:

[tvenuto]

Yeah, thanks for the comparison pics......shows just how far the ARK has fallen from the gorgeous prototype. Kind of like a before and after face shot of a Victoria's Secret model taken normally and then where she has her eyes crossed and cheeks puffed out or has had a breakout of severely disfiguring acne.

What would you prefer - a slightly more expensive knife that looks great and sells well or a cheaper one that has lost its aesthetic appeal and has sales suffer as a result? Also, right now for the purpose that the ARK is built - the Swick is a far better option and far more difficult to disarm someone with a grip utilizing the Perrin hole. I was waiting for the next MT to pick up my Swick to combine shipping but I may just have to pull the trigger earlier.

Different strokes I guess. You're talking to someone who loves him some Spyderco Bi-directional texture in FRN, so to me, the knife has not lost its aesthetic appeal. Also, you posit the supposition that this change results in lower sales, which I don't believe to be true. Thus, I can't really answer your question. I'm sure the Spydercrew is interested in this critique, though, so I'm glad you voiced it even though I don't agree.

[Surfingringo]

Edit: useless clutter in Wouters thread. Bring on more great knives! :)

[yowzer]

Yeah, thanks for the comparison pics......shows just how far the ARK has fallen from the gorgeous prototype. Kind of like a before and after face shot of a Victoria's Secret model taken normally and then where she has her eyes crossed and cheeks puffed out or has had a breakout of severely disfiguring acne.

YMMV. I'll take FRN over G10 any day, and think the 2015 version looks a lot nicer. Now if only the blade was a wharncliffe...

[DougC-3]

Well, Mr. Blonde told us not be shy about discussing these things, so I'd say jewelry-like appeal was way down on the list of criteria for this design, and bi-directional FRN would be much more grippy with wet soapy hands for example (also oily, bloody, etc, hands) than G-10. Also, it's more convenient and less obtrusive to wear at all times than a neck Swick and thus gives people a second choice.

[bearfacedkiller]

I'm starting a new thread in the hopes of saving this one. You can consider this thread officially derailed.

http://www.spyderco.com/forumII/viewtop ... =2&t=67117" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

[senorsquare]

Moar knafs pleeze!

[gbelleh]

Yeah, with only one knife to discuss so far, it's not surprising the discussion has been about that knife.

[Liquid Cobra]

Yeah, with only one knife to discuss so far, it's not surprising the discussion has been about that knife.

This.

Same thing happened last year when the ark was the first knife posted followed by a break.

[Mr Blonde]

The Gayle Bradley Folder 2 features a CPM M4 blade; a steel preference that apparently came from Bradley’s experience as a cutting competition champion. The original Bradley folder has plenty of fans, and this seemed to be a more refined version of the original design. The Folder 2 was a bit narrower, lighter and thinner overall. The tip seemed to be a bit thicker than the original Bradley Folder though. For a production prototype, this was a very nicely finished piece. It was very smooth and the fit and finish really looked superb.



























Overall Length: 21,0 cm / 8.27 inches
Blade Length: 9,0 cm / 3.54 inches
Closed Length: 11,5 cm / 4.53 inches

[swigert]

wow thats a beauty, must have....

blade shape is great, definitely an improvement, I like the decision to get rid of the little chill the first one has.

What does everyone think?

Im hoping this is in the mid year supplement and we see it this year...

[bearfacedkiller]

Very, very nice. I like how it is more streamlined. Interesting that the abandoned the choil in favor of a finger guard. I always though the original was a lot like a souped up Stretch and this seems more like it's own knife. Thanks Wouter, the pics are coming out terrific.

[swigert]

Very, very nice. I like how it is more streamlined. Interesting that the abandoned the choil in favor of a finger guard. I always though the original was a lot like a souped up Stretch and this seems more like it's own knife. Thanks Wouter, the pics are coming out terrific.

I think for hard use like this is designed a really strong chill is needed like the manix 2 or a good guard like what is seen here. But the choir on the current model isn't enough I don't think for a chill on a hard user like this knife is meant to be.

[Mr Blonde]

Judging from the current popularity of the Dog Tag folders already in production, this should be another crowd pleaser. This G-10 and Carbon Fiber prototype felt significantly lighter in the hand than the current production Dog Tag folders. The scale and spacer were a bit thicker than the Titanium and Aluminum handled versions. I actually preferred this added thickness as it made the blade, for me at least, much easier to open. I also noticed that this dark prototype in G-10 and CF had a very solid lock-up and the self-close was very secure too. If I’d ever get a Dog Tag folder, I’d go for this one myself.

















Overall Length: 8,2 cm / 3.23 inches
Blade Length: 3,1 cm / 1.23 inches
Closed length: 5,1 cm / 2 inches

[swigert]

Thats the dogtag for me. Im in. Excited for squarehead also.

[FCM415]

GB2 is a must have for me.

[bearfacedkiller]

I hope we get to see the brass dogtag!

[Mr Blonde]

The Firefly made its second appearance at an Amsterdam Meet, click here to see my photos and impression from last year. The Firefly has encountered some setbacks in production, which is the reason why it is not out already. At the IWA Show in Germany I had some additional time to handle the Firefly prototype. I noticed that it felt on step smaller in size and handling than a Delica. The handle itself was a bit too short for my taste, so I would add a lanyard to fix this. The fit and finish of this prototype was pretty amazing. I could feel zero gaps between the full carbon fiber bolsters, the orange G-10 handle and the steel frame. It’s a very impressive gent’s knife.

























Overall Length: 15,8 cm / 6.22 inches
Blade Length: 7 cm / 2.74 inches
Closed length: 8,8 cm / 3.48 inches

[Joris Mo]

I really love the choil on the original GB but it could be too little protection for the hand on a hard use knife, I've noticed getting too close to the edge with cold hands while cutting branches. I do love it for fine cutting tasks..
Good news that this one can be shown, might mean it's not all that far away from being produced. :)
Loved the lighter weight on the new design, I can imagine it will be much more popular than the original.
(I will probably end up wanting 2 of both)
Will be great to have an M4 GB that's light enough to carry at almost all times! :D

[Mr Blonde]

I hope we get to see the brass dogtag!

The brass dog tag is not on the list, I'm afraid. Maybe next year.