Off the wall - clipless Kopa ... ?

[On Edge]

I am a big fan of the Kopa. I know some others here are as well ... but I am trying to gauge interest in and the long shot possibility of Sal and crew ever revisiting that beautiful graceful design, with the (considered) improvement of making it clipless ...

I for one would be interested in a completely new "run" of varied handle materials, as in the first run ... but potentially with different materials (or not). Aside from that, I think the size/design/steel choice/execution was outstanding and would like to see those aspects remain, (with the aforementioned omission of the clip).
I know we have evolved, I know we are striving for constant improvement - one of my favorite things about Spyderco is the relentless pursuit of improvement, leveraging user feedback and Sal's "vision" ... but to this day, everyone from casual onlookers to collectors to hunters and gatherers are intrigued when I pull out a Kopa - they want to see it, want to handle it, want to know where to get one ... maybe it's just me but I think it's a highly functional tool wrapped in a very classy design and while I myself have a couple, I would like to see it resurrected ...

Anyone else share these sentiments ... ?

[Qcrazy]

I've always loved this design too, though I have been chasing my own Spyderco demons since the spyderbug bit. I have never owned a Kopa, I would like a full collection like others here have, I've just never put my money out for this knife. I too would like to see a resurgence though prefer clipped knives, I'm ready to buy.

[xceptnl]

I share your feelings and I would have to say that Roman (bh49) has been carrying the flag for the clipless Kopa for years. I own a few and do love them as a dressier alternative to the Dragonfly or Caly Jr. It always rides in my front left pocket when carried and I actually like the clip for added purchase when opening the blade, but it does detract from the beauty of the knife, IMHO. I have removed the clip before and carried mine in the watch-pocket, but this is a much less functional carry for my daily uses. Bottom-line, I would love to see a revival of the Kopa models in new handle materials regardless of a clip or no clip.

[The Deacon]

Thanks to Steve Rice I already have two clipless Kopas, but I'd still love to add least one that came that way from the factory to my collection. Given that the scales are slightly domed, I think one of the wood grain Dymondwood/Pakawood laminates would be an excellent choice for them. However, I'd be up for just about any scale material, as long as it sits between a pair of bolsters unmarred by visible fasteners.

[paladin]

A SECOND run of Kopas is a brilliant suggestion...

And I SECOND that motion!!!

As for a clipless Kopa, IMHO, you'd get a great reception for that idea also.

I know at least a couple of members who'd additionally suggest nixing the Boye dent... :eek:

It'd be wonderful to have a re-release of the original handle offerings in larger runs than 600 so that everyone who'd want a couple could buy them...

Expansion of the series into some different natural materials would be exciting...Stag seems a "natural" choice... :D

A totally smooth stainless Kopa like the original stainless Kiwi would be very intriguing also... :cool:

And since the original offering, a few attractive new synthetics have been "invented" that would be classy enough for the Kopa...

Thanks for starting this thread!!! :)

[On Edge]

Thanks to Steve Rice I already have two clipless Kopas, but I'd still love to add least one that came that way from the factory to my collection. Given that the scales are slightly domed, I think one of the wood grain Dymondwood/Pakawood laminates would be an excellent choice for them. However, I'd be up for just about any scale material, as long as it sits between a pair of bolsters unmarred by visible fasteners.

Thanks, Paul ... I knew you'd be here ... I have contacted Steve a couple of times, starting way back when you and I first discussed ... and he absolutely will NOT entertain the idea of doing that mod again ... I know, you told me so, but I still had to try ...

Thanks to all for weighing in - apparently I'm not alone!

:cool:

[Ignaz]

I really hope they bring back the Kopa. It is one of the very few "gent's folders" Spyderco has made. It would also be a welcome change in the catalog compared to all the "tactical" and "heavy duty"designs which are very present at the moment.
If Spyderco plans to produce this knife again I think they should remove the clip and the "boye dent" as well. I also hope they don't ruin the appearance of the knife by screwing it together.

[paladin]

Thanks to all for weighing in - apparently I'm not alone!

That may be an understatement ( hopefully )...

For instance, when I began my reply to your original post there were no responses...I thought I'd be first to respond... :cool:

By the time I'd finished revising, I'd been shot out of the saddle multiple times...@ 10 AM on a Tuesday morning! :eek:

Maybe it's a good gauge of the interest for the resurrection of the Kopa...I hope so!!! :D

[Ignaz]

A totally smooth stainless Kopa like the original stainless Kiwi would be very intriguing also... :cool:

I agree. I would buy at least two.

[RadioactiveSpyder]

I'd be SO in for a run of Kopa 2's (note the apostrophe!) :D!!!

[paladin]

I'd be SO in for a run of Kopa 2's (note the apostrophe!) :D!!!

I see what you done there! :cool:

[On Edge]

I cringe a little at calling it the Kopa2, (although I guess you would have to), as my hope would be that Spyderco keep it as close as possible to the original ... only delta I'm interested in is the eradication of the clip and the "land" in the bolster where it attached.I have no problem with the Boye dent, nor do I care if it is there.
I just love the solid, graceful, elegant execution, and would like that all to stay intact.
Of course we are a community, and I am just one voice ...

Here's hoping ... !

[bh49]

apparently I'm not alone!
:cool:

Absolutely. You are not alone. Most likely I will be interested. All depends on scales.
Kopa is the knife, which triggered in 2005 my Spyderco addiction. I was looking for gents knife and somebody on BF advised Kopa. I loved my Cocobolo and when I find out about Spyderco plans for 17 variants with different scale materials, i signed -up myself for entire set. But I never had all 17 variants: Spyderco discontinued Kopas after #16. As far as I understand there was some lack of demand, which is easy to understand: Kopas were fairly expensive and with 3-4 variants annually for many it wasn't easy to keep-up. Fortunately, I had sufficient funds to feed my addiction. But I do not have full set anymore. Still own 8 most favorite variants.
I carried my Kopa Cocobolo for years, mostly clipless in my watch pocket and always thought that clipless Kopa would meet my desires much more. I also would love to see Kopa dentless and blade stock 2 mm. I was always puzzled why Kopa need 3 mm thick blade, when bigger knives like 75 mm Persian and Delica are fine with 2.5 mm? Still 3 mm blade and dent are not deal breakers.

[bh49]

A SECOND run of Kopas is a brilliant suggestion...
And I SECOND that motion!!!
It'd be wonderful to have a re-release of the original handle offerings in larger runs than 600 so that everyone who'd want a couple could buy them...
Expansion of the series into some different natural materials would be exciting...Stag seems a "natural" choice... :D
A totally smooth stainless Kopa like the original stainless Kiwi would be very intriguing also... :cool:

Unless Spyderco rules were changed, Spyderco would not make discontinued product. Any sprint should be at least slightly different than original product. Clipless will do this.
I believe that 600 will be sufficient. During the time, when Kopa was in production, the knife was fairly popular on the Forum, but nobody ever had a problem to buy as many as they needed. I can recall only one variant: Black Quince, which was sold fairly fast due to be significantly less expensive than any other variant. Still it wasn't sold in a day or a week. Some variants were available at dealers for many months and few for years. So I strongly believe that 600 is enough. If it less than minimum order, than may be two runs 600 of each will be a good idea?
There is one more concern and only Spyderco has an answer: Can Moki make Kopas again? Sal commented about some issues at Moki.

[Ignaz]

Unless Spyderco rules were changed, Spyderco would not make discontinued product. Any sprint should be at least slightly different than original product.

What about the aqua salt for example? It has been discontinued but apparently it will be in production again. And it's not a sprint run.

There is one more concern and only Spyderco has an answer: Can Moki make Kopas again? Sal commented about some issues at Moki.

I hope there won't be any problems with Moki because they are great and made some of the best Spyderco knives.

[tvenuto]

Indeed, the Aqua Salt is an example of a re-released model. It's worth noting, however, that they added a black coating which distinguishes it from past runs.

[bh49]

Unless Spyderco rules were changed, Spyderco would not make discontinued product. Any sprint should be at least slightly different than original product.

What about the aqua salt for example? It has been discontinued but apparently it will be in production again.

New Aqua Salts will have different SKU due to TiCN coated blade and different color of SE handle. Old Aqua Salt PE was FB23BK, new - FB23PBBK. Old SE - FB23YL, new FB23SBBK

[jmh58]

I am in!! John :)

[paladin]

There is one more concern and only Spyderco has an answer: Can Moki make Kopas again? Sal commented about some issues at Moki.

Yup...I remember that now... :o

Whatever the issues are I hope they get them sorted out-- cause it would be a sad day having to close a chapter on one of Spyderco's most iconic suppliers/makers/fabricators.

Also good points on the run numbers and production changes...thanks! :)

[paladin]

As a sidebar...

What would be the proper term to refer to the realationship Moki, et. al. has with Spyderco...just so I can get it right without offending anyone? :confused:

thanks in advance... :)