Spyderco Forums

Does anyone else think that a ceramic slip joint carbon fiber handled knife would be simple to make and a hot seller?

A slip joint might contain the costs, but to which extent ? The difference might not be worth it relative to a classic backlock.

I think a slip joint would be awesome. I'd love to see a ceramic UKPK or Urban (FRN or FRCP). Even better if it could be totally non-metallic for zero rust possibility.

My experience with elastic ceramic so far is that it holds an edge forever, but cannot stand up to any abuse. I think that a non locking folder would actually encourage people to use it more as a cutting tool, and not be tempted to pry or chisel with it, which would greatly increase the longevity of the blades.

I'm really looking forward to someone producing a thicker blade from this material to see how it stands up. Hopefully it gains lateral strength from some additional thickness.

I have the whale version from switzerland and it held up to some good carving bushcraft tasks and I made sure to put some tough lateral stress on the edge on hardwood. It did not lose sharpness but after some good abuse it had a small edge chip. As a gentleman’s folder slip joint, it would last forever. I would want an all non metal version except for the screws and pivot

I wonder if there is a way to make it 100% non metal? That would be a definite sales point for some people, because of the 'unique' factor.

What have you done with your whale? I own that one as well, but it's our least used. We've broken the blade (off) on two of the smaller paring knives (one in a kitchen accident, the other in some testing that I really thought it would be able to handle). Our most used Rahven is the mid sized kitchen knife (the Shark, I think) and that one has held up very well so far. I'm wondering if there is a design flaw in the handle geometry of the small paring knives that is causing them to break. Both have broken at exactly the same point.

I think a gentleman's slip joint folder would be an ideal use for this material, as a starting point. I'm really interested in a mule that I can test as a backpacking/outdoors knife. If/when I get my hands on one, I hope to put on fully non-metal scales (something like micarta with micarta pins, probably) just to try it out.

I got the whale to be a test knife and to throw in my backpacking gear as an ultra light utility/cooking knife. I liked the wide blade and thought it would add to the strength. I have back ups to all my knife needs when I go backpacking and the super light whale is just a bonus knife. A ceramic knife does not need to be 100% non metal to be used as that “Unique” feature. The mule can easily be 100% non metal using epoxy and non metal pins, like micarta pins. A sheepsfoot non locking “Salt” folder would be excellent for boating.

TomAiello wrote: ↑

Thu Sep 08, 2022 7:53 am

I wonder if there is a way to make it 100% non metal? That would be a definite sales point for some people, because of the 'unique' factor.

I think you certainly could.

Delrin pivot screw
Carbon fiber button lock
Berilyium copper (non magnetic) button spring

If it weren't for the legalities, a butterfly knife format would also work quite well, using CF or Delrin for the pivots and machined G10 handles.

Thought I'd get some to gift to people, having about a 50% success rate there. Hopefully they'll replace or refund. [Edit: They refunded the broken one pretty much immediately.]

I've only heard good things about the man behind this, and his product + the fact that Switzerland is basically my neighbor.
These 3 points are telling me that one of his product must come my way sooner than later !

Thanks for the thread, really cool to read.

Sorry I haven't read through all posts but has anyone tried a balsa or basswood strop with diamond paste for refinement on their ceramic blades? Wonder if it may be a happy medium between stones and leather?

Update:

Prototype Mule team pieces tested very well in CATRA. I'm using one daily in my kitchen. Very interesting material.

sal

Interesting! And I am interested!

sal wrote: ↑

Mon Oct 31, 2022 8:03 pm

Update:

Prototype Mule team pieces tested very well in CATRA. I'm using one daily in my kitchen. Very interesting material.

sal

Sweeeeet, I am getting very excited about this one!

That's music to my ears !

Ramonade wrote: ↑

Tue Nov 01, 2022 4:03 am

That's music to my ears !

Me too! Like nails on a chalkboard to my wife tho

looking forward!

sal wrote: ↑

Mon Oct 31, 2022 8:03 pm

Update:

Prototype Mule team pieces tested very well in CATRA. I'm using one daily in my kitchen. Very interesting material.

sal

Exciting news!!! Will Spyderco make replaceable Diamond film sharpener strips to sharpen these? I am thinking removable adhesive, like a sticker or those cheap flexible fridge magnets to attach to sharpeners.

sal wrote: ↑

Mon Oct 31, 2022 8:03 pm

Update:

Prototype Mule team pieces tested very well in CATRA. I'm using one daily in my kitchen. Very interesting material.

sal

Can you comment on the flex of these knives? Thr mule is much thicker than the Rhaven knives.

No flex.

sal wrote: ↑

Wed Nov 02, 2022 2:14 pm

No flex.

Well, that’s good imho
Thanks