For some time now I've been intrigued with two Ed Schempp models that were briefly discussed and then quietly disappeared into the shadows.
The Equilibrium, which was said to be a larger variant of the Balance and a thin Hawk Bill model called the Lady Finger.
I'm very curious as to the current status of said pieces if anyone in the know feels inclined to share.
Ed Schempp wrote:The symmetry of the balance represents two equal length legs of a triangle. I flattened the triangle and made the "Equilibrium". The Balance accommodates three fingers for a grip; the "Equilibrium" accommodates four fingers. The forward index finger groove is utilized in both knives...Take Care...Ed
Sequimite wrote:
The Schempp Ladyfinger has the skinniest hawkbill, handle and linerlock I've seen.
I've seen both live, and I've seen the equilibrium twice. I really like the equilibrium, and want one. It was hard for me to put down. It has kind of a wharncliffe-style blade that is excellent and it also has the same choil type as the balance. Depending on how much it would run, I may go for the custom on that one if Spyderco never chooses to make it. I want one as a straight razor.
I'm really ambivalent about the ladyfinger. It is a nice design, but it had a very feminine feel to it, hence the name I'm guessing. My lady liked that one and commented that it would make a great purse knife for her. I don't remember it being severely hawkbilled by any stretch.
"Nothing is so fatal to the progress of the human mind as to suppose that our views of science are ultimate; that there are no mysteries in nature; that our triumphs are complete, and that there are no new worlds to conquer."
Sir Humphry Davy
SolidState wrote:I've seen both live, and I've seen the equilibrium twice. I really like the equilibrium, and want one. It was hard for me to put down. It has kind of a wharncliffe-style blade that is excellent and it also has the same choil type as the balance. Depending on how much it would run, I may go for the custom on that one if Spyderco never chooses to make it. I want one as a straight razor.
I'm really ambivalent about the ladyfinger. It is a nice design, but it had a very feminine feel to it, hence the name I'm guessing. My lady liked that one and commented that it would make a great purse knife for her. I don't remember it being severely hawkbilled by any stretch.
Thanks for your input, SolidState, I think you've lured me in to the Equilibrium even more.
Could you elaborate on your comment about the Lady Finger? To me, the name implies a long, slender knife and I'm envisioning a Spyderized Texas Toothpick with a Liner Lock.
Donut wrote:Does he mean thin from spine to edge or blade thickness?
Spine to edge.
"Nothing is so fatal to the progress of the human mind as to suppose that our views of science are ultimate; that there are no mysteries in nature; that our triumphs are complete, and that there are no new worlds to conquer."
Sir Humphry Davy
The bowie is really neat, and really big. It has a really neat crossguard design.
"Nothing is so fatal to the progress of the human mind as to suppose that our views of science are ultimate; that there are no mysteries in nature; that our triumphs are complete, and that there are no new worlds to conquer."
Sir Humphry Davy
eneyman wrote:I'm more intrigued by the upcoming bowie tribute folder by Ed.. I hope we get details and images on this knife at the 2013 Amsterdam meet :)
It's pink and blue, with glitter.
Oh wait...I thought you meant David Bowie tribute... :D
kbrouwer wrote:The Balance is a cool concept but WAY overpriced. The Equilibrium would be even cooler but I could definitely see it with a very high price tag.
Small size does not necessarily equal cheap to design or produce, I would actually argue that it would pose more technical challenges to manufacture than a larger knife. Combine that with a new design likely with a lot of R&D hours and Spyderco's consumer oriented business ethic I think you will find the street price on a balance is quite fair. If you personally find that model too expensive you can pick up a ladybug for $30.
Yes, the CF one was actually shown in a SHOT show booth review, I don't know if he wants his name mentioned but I'm sure you know who did the booth review, but Ed himself showed this knife in CF. He did say for at least the CFs that he understood our issue with the price. He explained that it was partly because of the strength of the Japanese (where this knife is produced) Yen and US Dollar. He also said that the CF balance is kind of like a sprint run, it was only like 5-600 were produced. The stainless steel one is being mass produced and has a lower price but it's still pretty high.
