NEW!!! - Spot/Swick - Pics

[RLR]

It is here! The concept of the new SPOT. Sal personally sent me a proto to test and share for input here, so knock yourself out. I will include a quick pic - sorry about quality, too excited to set up proper light box - and first impressions:

IMPRESSION: a winner on all counts! S30V. Sharp, SOLID, perfect grinds. Ergos better than original because of blade in line with wrist angle. The finish is great (stonewash I think) and all the insides are polished and free or burrs. Cutting? S30V Wharnie? What do you think! Great. I'll do side-by-sides a little later, with better pics, comparing to original.

Sal, a personal THANKS for a great knife and the chance to help out Spyderco. A plus is that I have a nice piece numbered 5 / 05. WOW!

PICS:

[RLR]

Better Pics:

[999]

MMMMMMMMM!


Any chance of in-hand pics please?

[vass]

rlr ! look into my eyes, you are feeling sleepy, you dont want the knife, you want to give it to me, snapping my fingers, you are awake and you dont remember anything ! yes please just send it to me free off charge ! :)

[RLR]

For Lefties and Righties:

[Clay Kesting]

Never quite got round to getting a Spot, something never seemed quite right about it. OTOH I'll be on to one of these in a flash, I can already see it clipped on to a rucksack strap or climbing harness.

clay

[RLR]

The new handle is better:

1) beefier
2) thicker stock
3) the horn under the finger hole adds to grip and solidity (works in reverse grip, pinkie through hole)
4) the spine texturing is much better, not rough but grippier, and directional.

It's a great peeler - potatoes, apples, melon rinds... awesome. Paper and cardboard = awesome. Wood (shaving) = awesome.

Swick slashes as effectively as the Spot (with less hang up of tip in fibres) and now offers penetration (which the Spot lacked). The other cool use is sliding the tip under a knot, zip cord, whatever, and rocking on the spine - more effective than the Yojimbo style blade.

Can't say enough good about this one... all it needs is a sheath (with tec-loc) that can go horizontal on belt or hang vertically from gear. May work with someone on a Kydex rig...

[Mr Blonde]

I'm pleasantly surprised that showing pics was OK!! Very nice refinement of the SPOT. I like the finish too, I hope that can remain in production. Oh, and I want 2, one PE and SE. The blade looks like a winner, plain and simple. It should be a real crowd pleaser, for both utility oriented customers and MBC fans. I know that a wharnie is a great utility cutter, and the La Griffe origin of this design combined with the Yojimbo's success as an MBC player, should make the Swick appealing to MBC players.

Just make the kydex sheath, form fitted as opposed to injection molding, and as small and versatile as possible.

Wouter

[RLR]

Sal and I have discussed pics. He wants feedback to assess feasability, demand, etc... so make your comments folks, and I'll keep testing.

I would love to see this one go to production.

RLR

[gabo]

I am in the process of filing my SPOT into a warnie, but I think I am keeping the "beak" on the end, not as stabby, but practical for my purposes. I also dipped the handles(I have 2) in plastidip.
I like the new prototype. Might not need the plastidip. Will certainly be on by buy list.

[Hapkidoin]

Ive always been interested in a design like the spot, but the blade shape was not quite what I wanted. All I can say about the prototype is... WOW!!!!!!!!!!

I love the Wharncliffe married to the current handle design. Like Mr. Blond, you could count me for two. One for the wife and one for myself.

[CKE]

It looks off...but in the hand pic is very appealing. I hated the SPOT the first time I picked it up. After thinking about it for a few weeks/months I had to have it. I love my SPOT and think I will be very happy with the new and improved one.
The angle of the blade looks off, but in the hand it lines up correctly to what I like so it looks all good. Thanks for posting and thanks Sal for letting us see pics.
Craig

[b-elliott]

Just Great! More money to spend this year :rolleyes:

[4 s ter]

RLR

Is the finger hole in the Swick really smaller than the hole in the SPOT as it appears in the second image in your first post?

The hole in the SPOT just fits my finger, anything smaller would be unusable.

David

[spyderknut]

Man, I gotta start working harder. Must have more :spyder:

[Dr. Snubnose]

I guess I would have to handle one to be sure...looks promising...I wish the blade was a tad bigger...I still like the shape design of the spot...till I handle one the jury will still be out...Doc

[Russell92]

Looks great, now there's yet another spydie I need to have. I hope the sheath is well made and not overly bulky. Tek-loks always seem to make the sheath so much bigger and harder to conceal; I'd like to see something like a belt clip that reduces the bulk of the sheath. Also, I'd prefer an even longer blade, the closer to 3" the better IMO.

[LONE WOLF]

The spot didnt fit my index finger well, so I dont think I will buy this one with the smaller hole.

[224477]

Hello guys,


YUp! It seems to be wonderful, although there is a think Id like to change.
I would like the "ring" to be the same, or a rounded one, as on the SPOT, I dont like the square-like one much.

[death-bringah]

QUESTIONS:

-4mm thick?

-Is “Swick” an acronym for something? (S.W.I.C.K.?)

-Will there be “value totem-esque” holes in the blade?

-What about that “folding S.P.O.T.”?

COMMENTS:

-Respectfully, I think the horn under the hole is a good idea…I’d bet it would help prevent the blade from rolling forward around the index finger onto the middle finger (never happened to me, but it could have)…if so, maybe it should be even bigger or more prominent.

-The thickness is good.

-Nothing (no Micarta) on the handle is good.

-Please do NOT make the finger-hole a smaller size than the original.

-Please make a serrated version. (I would be getting both.)

-Kewl!

my thanx…

[spydutch]

I've never bought a fixed blade so far(think it's difficult to edc).I have never handled a spot so far(I'm not in the position to try first before I buy). Maybe this will be my first fixed blade. I like the blade shape of the old spot better though( I'm a sucker for strange blades) but maybe the new shape is better. Maybe I should buy a Yojimbo first so I can compare the blades ( Dodo vs Yojimbo)

[DAYWALKER]

Aloha RLR!

W :eek: W!!! I like it! Count me in on one... ;)

God bless and test safely :cool:

[i.v]

i must say i never really liked the design of the spot.. but this... this i like :D

[RLR]

SWICK = "swift and quick" per Sal.

- The hole is smaller, and to me that was good (stopped at second knuckle and that's OK in my books).
- Original hole (incl. bevel edge) = 24mm. New hole (no bevel) = 22mm.
- The stock is thicker. Original = 2.5mm. New = 4mm.
- Actual cutting edge = 55mm or 2 1/8"

Here are 2 shots of the handles overlapped - tough to show, but it does answer some of your questions:

[Dr. Snubnose]

spydutch...YOJIMBO!!!....Now your talking....Doc

[AllenETreat]

I'm pushing this topic Back To the Top ( BTT ) that's one
IMPRESSIVE take on Fred Perrin's La Griffe!

People, get those wallets ready!

AET :D

[sal]

Since this design was prompted on the forums, from an existing design, I decided pics would help input.

The hole is slightly smaller and was one of the questions I need input on.

The finish is the cheapest, rough tumbling.

The 5/05 is the date of mfr (May 05). We made 9 pieces. RLR and J.Davey each have one for test and forum communication.

Fred Perrin is getting one. I have one.

sal

[RLR]

I am in good company. The hole size is perfect for me, but there are a few that want that extra 2mm.

Nine protos is still pretty cool - 1 of 9 it is. Thanks for clearing it up.

I just want to thank you again for being so open and hands on with your ELU's - even a nobody up in Canada. You are the man.

Cheers - RLR

[Echo63]

Very nice
I would prefer the larger hole of the spot, i will buy one of these if they ever make it too production
i would aslo love a S30V, 4mm thick, spot type blade (reverse S)

[Stevie Ray]

I dunno .... I've got several Spots and carry a black one for exercise and on vacations. What I like about the current SPOT is the fact that it's like a bird's talon ... or some sort of claw ... sorta kinda ..... Other than the fact that the blade is exposed ...it's unseen once drawn... And ..., never seen at all unless drawn.

I know this is very subjective, but when I carry the SPOT, I carry it in the palm of my hand .... a smaller 2nd knuckle size hole won't get it for me.

NOW ..... :D ..., what I might suggest is a .... slightly longer handle with a pointed end ... Long enough so that it sticks out beyond my palm .. a.k.a. Karambit .. That would make it very different from the current SPOT regardless of blade shape. I appreciate the new design, but let's face it, this knife isn't for slicing apples and meat ... For the new one, I'd take a longer ... thicker handle and same blade and be super happy.

I'm gonna buy at least one regardless, but .... my 2 cents ..

#38

[Mr Blonde]

Why the smaller hole? I never had or heard of any problems with the previous hole size.

I don't mind the rough finish, but as a knife knut I would pay more for a satin finish. The knife looks good as is, but a potential deal breaker for many would be the sheath. Any plans for sheath design yet?

Wouter

[CKE]

Wouter, you bring up a good point. The sheath will make or break this one. Any pics of a sheath design????

[Dodge]

I would need the bigger hole of the spot. As for the finish I really don't mind the tumbled look, I would end up paracord wraping the handel any way. SO yes count me in.

[golem]

Yeah, cord wrapping may require a larger hole. But I have no problem with a small hole if the handle is thick enough.

Sal, now you are feeling very sleepy and will do what I am going to say...
Make the stock thicker, make the stock thicker, make that damn stock even thicker... :D

[WORKER#9]

That Blade Kicks Ass!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I Am With Mr Blonde The Sheath Is Important, Personally I Would Like An Inside The Waist Band Kydex Sheath As An Option. I Really Like Inside The Waist Band For Defensive Type Small Straight Blades, I Really Am Not Into Neck Knives. #9

[Civilian]

Looks great to me where do i send my check?

[death-bringah]

I often have my SPOT on the 2nd knuckle for some cuts.

In a self-defence situation, I would want to choke up on the blade, have it all the way down my finger.

And I have frequently put my THUMB through the finger-hole of my SPOTs, to make incisions, on the sides of boxes, for example.

I would think that the larger the hole, the more grip-angle options there would be…not to mention that the knife would “fit” more people…I remember reading posts from some who said their hands were too big for the current model SPOT. I know that no knife will ever fit everybody, but perhaps the hole should be enlarged instead of ensmalled?

I have also handled and owned some Lagriffe wannabes that had a very small finger-hole…extremely annoying, if not unsafe, when they get “stuck” on your finger.

my thanx…

[death-bringah]

http://www.knifecenter.com/knifecenter/spyderc/images/fbo9.jpg

…would be my preferred design…it has the option of neck-carry, but those who don’t dig that can remove the ball chain and use the tec-lock, or even some other device like a G-clip for attachment to a belt or waist band.

I found that the horizontal top tube did not add so much to the sheath as to make it unwieldy or bulky. In fact I think that this particular Ronin sheath is the most versatile sheath released by Spyderco so far…I know there were other sheaths for the Ronin, but I don’t think they are as good or versatile.

If a “vented” sheath is necessary, but likely to damage the blade, how about filling it full of spyder-holes?

Question:

Is “rough tumbling” the same as the (rust-prone) bead-blast finish? If so, does that mean this will not be intended for neck-carry? Or will it be available in H1 steel?

take care…

[thom lambert]

Nice design Sal! I would vote for the larger hole size as well. One of the things I like so well about the current SPOT is the option to leave it hanging from my finger for a short time, while I do something else with my hands. In the garden and the studio, this is what makes the SPOT my favourite utility knife. That little trick won't work if I can only get my finger in to the second knuckle.

Thom

[RLR]

There is no sheath, and I am just going to get one made up for me and to test... so, post your ideas and drawings, etc. right here before I get 'er done.

[kjunx]

Great Design Sal! Depending on Market Price I could see myself buying 2 for myself and 1 for my girlfriend. I think this blade shape has more of an everyday utility feel to it. The sheath is very important as well, I'll be curious to see the designs of it. It would be nice if the sheath had an option of a pocket clip much like the other spyderco folders have and it sits low enough in the pocket (or in the waist band carry) to not be noticed. Maybe drilling a few other holes in the handle to allow for wrapping? At any rate, like the design hope it goes to production.

Folding SPOT/Swick? Is this still in the works?

[thombrogan]

That's excellent!

And it's made in 440C at a Spot-like pricepoint, I don't see the sheath being a deal-breaker. There are knife and sheathmakers who make very affordable sheaths in kydex, boltaron (Concealex), and leather.

[999]

...made in 440C...
Did I miss something?

Pictures look great RLR!

I would prefer the hole to stay the same size as the previous SPOT. Would the handle lose anything by being slightly larger? I understand it has to fit most people but small hands would also fit a larger handle, but IMHO not so well the other way round. Blade looks great. Don't mind about the finish as long as it isn't black!

I like the horn on the hole as I think it would make it easier (if a little risky :p ) to choke up on the blade. Also it could stop rotation of the blade onto the fingers as death-bringah suggested.

Thumbs up from me! I think this is nearest to what I consider a perfect utility knife.

[bpfsu]

Looks great, but I have to agree with the others, I like the hole size on the SPOT.
Would definitely need a sheath, and I'm sure we can come up with a good design by putting all of our massive brains to work ;) . Will definitely need one if it goes to production.

[dgardin]

Lol, I prefer this style blade, and would love to clip something this small onto my web harness, or backpack.

let me know when these are coming out and any ideas at the price...

later
Drew

[Yojimbo]

Great knife, count me in for two, but please please enlarge the hole, i like to slide the knife beyond the second knuckle where it can dangle freely, so i still have dexterity in my fingers. remember that the ring is ment to keep the knife on the finger. This way you can still use my hand for grabbing cloth, pushing etc. With a knife that doesn't slide beyond my second knuckle there is the possibility that i break that finger when i should use my hands. So please enlarge the hole, if possible. the hole on the SPOT was barely big enough.

For the rest it's the perfect design! :D

[UK KEN]

Hello All

This is a huge improvement on the original......when will it be ready for sale? :D

Ken

[Michael Cook]

Why, this would even make a good forum knife! :p

[Yojimbo]

indeed , maybe someone should drop a note to Sal and give him a hint? :rolleyes:

[Fozzy]

The Spot didn't do it for me. This does. More practical and comfortable in the hand bt appearance.

[thombrogan]

I think SWICK should stand for "Spyderco's Wicked Insanely Cool Knife", but, then again, that's most every knife they make. ;)

[sal]

Very cool Thom, thanx.

SPOT (Self Protection Option Tool) didn't work in places like the UK where the word "protection" was not permitted. They do have some unusual rules, but so do most countries, by USA values. I' sure they think us to be odd as well.

I wonder how they'd think about the word "insane"? ;)

Actually "Swick" is a manufactured word that synthesized Swift and Quick.

sal

[Blades]

I like the look of the Swick(4mm) better then the Spot. The Spot never felt "right" to me, I don't know if the Swick will "feel" okay to me or not, but between the two, I would buy the Swick.



Blades

[thombrogan]

I wonder how they'd think about the word "insane"?

Thank you and RLR!

Maybe there good be a rename for our British and other European friends?

Saintly Worthwhile Intensely Cultured Knife

For dieters, it could be a totem of strength:

Stop Wanting Ice Cream Knife (that particular model could be a GIN-1 trainer with which to practice MBC and Crossada drills to stave off cravings).

[Yojimbo]

Satisfactory Wife Inauguration Celebration Knife? :rolleyes: aka "wedding knife"

[Piet.S]

Wife inauguration? :confused: Is thats what its called, these days? :rolleyes: