CLIPIT COPILOT

[NancyA]

Hi, looking for some guidance re: the above knife. I inherited my father’s knife collection and as I try to catalogue them, I haven’t been able to find information on this particular knife. It is a CLIPIT COPILOT Right Hand Plain Edge (SE-9PLT) with a spiderweb on the handle. I contacted SpyderCo & they suggested I post the knife here.
Thank you in advance!

[cabfrank]

Welcome to the forum. I'm sure help is coming.

[Mushroom]

Hi Nancy,

You can find more information about the CoPilot on the SpydieWiki - https://www.spydiewiki.com/index.php/C09_CoPilot

The Spydiewiki is an invaluable resource for researching information about Spyderco.

The version you have appears to have from the C09 CoPilot that was made from 1995-1998. It has a stainless steel handle and the blade steel is "Gin-1 Stainless." It was made in Seki City, Japan.

The Spyder engraving on the handle is not stock and appears to be custom work. If the word "SERENE" does not mean anything to you, that might be the name of the artist the did the engraving work.

[rycen]

Sorry for your loss

Here’s some information on post number 12

viewtopic.php?t=34821

[Mushroom]

Sorry for your loss

Here’s some information on post number 12

viewtopic.php?t=34821

Great find! That provides a lot more information.

It appears that the engraving was done by Serene Manufacturing for the retailer AG Russell. (agrussell.com) They offered two customized versions with the same engraving, one with this stainless steel handle and one with a bone handle.

"Variety Designation: C09 SERENE (STEEL)
Model: C09 CoPilot
Description: Embellished model with laser-etched decoration
Embellished by: Serene Manufacturing
Handle scales: Stainless steel
Blade Steel Type: Gingami-1; steel type marked on blade
Blade Markings: SPYDERCO GIN-1 STAINLESS / SEKI-CITY JAPAN
Producer: G. Sakai (Seki City, Japan) for Spyderco (knife only; embellishments by others)
Blade edges offered: Spyder Edge, Plain Edge
Original box:

Comments: Produced for retailer A.G. Russell




"

[cabfrank]

Yes, sorry for your loss. I hope you find a little pleasant distraction here.

[Rob-F]

Yours is quite beautiful, Nancy! I believe you will keep it always!

[Doc Dan]

That was a great pocket knife design and that engraving is a plus. I don't have anything to add other than to compliment you on that knife.

[sal]

Hi Nancy,

Welcome to our forum. Sorry for your loss.

I designed the model for airline travel, back then when you could carry small knives on a plane. I remember there was a couple of journalists that flew to Africa with their CoPilots in their pockets. Used them to dress out all of the animals in Africa and flew home with the knives in their pockets. I's an unusual model with an interesting history.

sal

[Infinite Zero]

I designed the model for airline travel, back then when you could carry small knives on a plane.

That’s very interesting to learn. In a way, the Copilot and the Roadie share some DNA.

[N. Brian Huegel]

The Serene series was an aftermarket line that was produced by a Florida jewelry manufacturer/importer over 30+ years ago. The owner was an ex-pat living in Bali by the name of Barry Haims, who returned to the US periodically on business. They produced a number of knives using closeout patterns from Victorinox (Swatch), Wenger, and Spyderco with their own handles, both sterling, bone and stainless. They also made a sterling and stainless handled series (Esquire model) on contract for Wenger as well. Some of the work was done in the US, but also in Bali where I suspect the bone handles for these Co-Pilots were made. The line was sold to various cutlery and jewelry shops, but not exclusive to AG Russell as we sold also these Co-Pilots at the time.

nb

[NancyA]

Wow! You all are amazing!!
Thank you so much for all the info! My father certainly looked at a lot of his collection as artisan pieces and it is so interesting to learn that there is even special history of those that were mass produced!
Thank you all for your kinds words of condolence
My father’s passing was quite a few years ago, but as he collected many things, this is my first attempt at tackling the knives! As you all know, knives require a lot of research
I may be back asking more questions as I unpack more.