MILITARY KNIFE IMPROVEMENTS

[MePlat]

I know that things need improvements from time to time but what was wrong with the old ones? I have three Militarys. One with the serrated blade with the old style clip and two plain blade ones with the clip that encircles the pivot screw. These have never been used. Now the new and improved ones are out. Are they really improved or is this a way to get people like me to spring for a new one. Sometimes I wonder if the improvements are really worthwhile or not. Many people will run out and buy the "New and Improved One" when they have a perfectly good one already. What are the thoughts of others on this board? Sorta like computers. Buy the latest and best and 1 month after you get it home it on it's way to being outdated. Really now?

[sal]

Hi MePlat. Welcome to the Spyderco forum.

Our purpose in improvements to a model are to refine and create a better, safer, more functional tool. When we learn a better process or customers point out potential improvements, these are added.

We like to think of it more as "evolution" of a pattern. If you are not using the old knife, a new one will serve no purpose.

Most of the refinements are small, but serve a function. occassionally, we make a larger improvememnt.

Industrially, it would be called CQI or "Constant Quality Improvement".

When we want to create the "newest, latest and greatest", we design a totally new patttern like the ATR, Salsa, Temperance or Meerkat.

sal

[Jeff/1911]

Sal,

Awhile back you wrote in a thread on bladeforums about the new Military versions that possess the bold, black lettering cut by the new laser process. You alluded to a knife with tighter tolerances that was "safer". Can you be more specific about these particular improvements? If not, that's cool.

I am interested in these details, as I plan to add a serrated Military to my group of Spydies to complement my plain edged one. I wonder whether to look for a new one or another like the (diamond cut lettering) one I have now. I will make this decision based to some extent upon what I can find out about the newest versions. I'll likely choose one of these anyway, as then it will be different than the one I already own.

In another thread recently posted here, I mentioned to this group about how I had hefted one of the newest models and felt it seemed even smoother than the one I currently own, which I could scarely believe. The one I have is VERY smooth. I did notice the finish on the liner lock lever is now a sort of grey matte compared to the past, polished one.

Thanks, Jeff.

Edited by - Jeff/1911 on 6/17/2001 1:12:48 AM

[sal]

Hi Jeff. As I rememeber, there were a few refinements that occured about the same time as the engraving change.

We went to the arc ramp on the tang.

We changed some of the machining methods which tightened up the tolerance.

We changed the method of texture of the G10.

It was about that time we went to the black clip.

We stopped polishing the lock spring (put that expense into other areas).

BTW, we also sent our diamond engraver over to SFO and replaced it with a laser engraver in the factory. The laser is faster and more accurate.

The change of the engraving was simpy because I didn't like the original engraving which I perceived as "too ornate & flowery" for a workhorse like the Military. My fault, for those of you that prefered the old engraving.

sal

[Jeff/1911]

Sal,

Thank you for the detailed description of recent changes to the Military. This is most helpful to me.

At first I didn't like the new lettering as much either, but now that I've gotten used to it I tend to agree that it looks somewhat more "down to business". I still love the old style engraving, and so I think that I will want to get a serrated, black-lettered Military to go with my more ornate plain edge. I'll probably use the serrated model for tougher jobs, and have the fun of owning both styles in my collection for comparison.

Thanks again for your response. Jeff/1911.

[sam the man..]

Sal, I think you spoilt us with those CQIs! <img src="smile.gif" width=15 height=15 align=middle> *hee-hee!* The millie had came a long way and I'm really proud to say that I carry it everyday! <img src="smile.gif" width=15 height=15 align=middle>

Sam

have spydies will travel

[Jeff/1911]

Samo,

So far I've been carrying mine everyday too. It's just so comfortable for me to carry IWB, I can't resist. This still amazes me considering it's significant size.

Jeff/1911.

Edited by - Jeff/1911 on 6/18/2001 12:21:10 AM

[MePlat]

Well now I am planning to buy 2 of the Chinooks. Are they going to be outdated shortly with some improvements? If they are I'll just wait till the improvements are out and then I will buy them. Let me know before I drop the dough. If there are any improvements soon what are they so I will know what to look for.

[sal]

Hi MePlat. Yes, there are improvements scheduled for the Chinook, but no time line on when.

MePlat, nothing stays the same for very long. Computers, cars, knives, clothing, etc.

It's called &quot;progress&quot;. &quot;One cannot step into the same river twice&quot;.

If you have interest in purchasing designs that will not change, perhaps you should consider discontinued models. Many are collectable and are not likely to change.

Any of Spyderco's models that remain in the line will more than likely undergo some type of refinement. As time goes on and we learn more about each model, we make the changes.

This is done for your benefit and safety, not to cause one to purchase more of the same model.

I'm getting ready to trade in my truck for a newer more refined model. That's the nature of industry. It's still a good truck, but it has lotsa miles and a newer, more evolved model is available.

sal

[MePlat]

Hi Sal and all. I started this post just to get people to think about things. Sure things never stay the same. Just look at a picture of yourself made 20 years ago and then take a look in the mirror. A shock to most of us that do that. But when a product is new and improved we probaly should look at what we are saying. Are we doing it for safety if yes does that mean that the older design was unsafe? How many people were injured by the old design or by their own carelessness which we have no control over? Trying to make an idiot proof knife? Tight tolerances? Couldn't that have been done on the first go around with the sophisticated machinery we have today? Lock strenght; the same question. When we have a knife as good as Spyderco which I am a BIG BIG BIG fan of what improvements do we really need unless someone dropped the ball in releasing the knife prematurely? Probaly at some distant time in the future improvements could be possibly made if it is really an improvement that really proved useful not just a technical improvement. Just because something is a technical improvement does not mean it is a tachtical [sp] improvement. How many Military knives lopped off the finger of their user? How many slammed shut on their user? How many had their blades broken? How many were sloppy? I'll bet if these things happened it was due to abuse not the knifes fault and how to you build a knife to avoid the ocassionally irresponsible knife user or nut? Sure it could be done in a knife that probaly weighs a couple pounds.. but? Just something to think about. Were the improved knives bad to begin with? Put on the market to early? Used by a person that could tear up an anvil with a tack hammer? BTW I carry an Endura. Really love it and when I get the Chnooks I will swithch over to it full time irregardless of the people that have Knife phobia. Have a good day and lets keep the thought in mind I am going to make a knife that will endure because I made the improvements it needs before it was put on market.

[Jeff/1911]

Meplat,

Are you suggesting that perhaps Sal and Co. should not make public the information regarding ongoing improvements to their model lines? If so, that's fine. An interesting perspective, I suppose. I don't agree, but that's your opinion.

Surely though, you do not suggest that a company as obviously concerned with excellence and customer satisfaction as Spyderco clearly is, can or should &quot;stand still&quot;. If that's what you're saying, you're talking about the wrong company, no question about that.

One of the greatest things about this company to me, is their willingness and committment to ongoing improvements to their product lines. A good portion of the input for these improvements appear to come from us, the customer and I like that a lot.

By the way; Sal's comments about design changes to the &quot;new&quot; Military that I referred to earlier were part of an answer to a direct question from one of us about that model. His was a prompt, informative response that was most appreciated.

Jeff/1911.

[MePlat]

Jeff/1911: I went back and reread my post and I didn't see anywhere I said that improverments should not be made if really needed or that Sal or anyone else should be closed mouthed about if they were made. I said I brought this up for us to think about. That is all. I am not against improvements at all. Just little dinky things that really amount to nothing. Really now as good as Spydercos are what real improvement do they need? I'm sure someone will tell me some but what is that really saying about Spyderco? The ones I've seen really could not be improved on much at all except for some small improvement and I'm not sure they need that. One improvement they made that was an &quot;Improvement&quot; that was worthwhile was the metal clip that is switchable. That is the major one I can think of now.

[vampyrewolf]

You must apprecaite improvements for the better of the ELUs. Some companies do this without any user input, and the other, more respected ones, actaully listen to ELUs.

Sal normally does what we want. Unless it's too outlandish. I asked for a custom merlin, but it's not possible to get 50/50. Most things we ask for are though.

Better, more advanced, locks
Small changes to size
Different colors, and materials

Sal does well, and we should be happy for our input counting for something. He is even open sharing upgrades with us, keeping us up to date.



We all start with 10 fingers. Those with Spydies have 9 to spare, Still need a thumb. Good thing I still have 8 to spare...

[sal]

Hi MePlat, methinks I may be a bit confused.

Are you suggesting that a mfg company not bother with minor improvements, but only major ones?

Are you suggesting that products should have been &quot;made right&quot; (perfect) the first time so they don't need improvement?

Are you suggesting that because a mfg company is able to improve something through materials or technology or plain ol' &quot;learnin&quot;, that our original models were unsafe?

I guess I'm not sure where you're coming from. I'm trying though.

Cars can stop in less distance due to new &quot;improvements&quot; in materials &amp; technology than 10 years ago.

Lives can be saved now that may have perished before the knowledge to save them &quot;evolved&quot;.

The well worked fine, but I'd bet you have a faucet.

Our Military Model has an excellent track record for safety and reliability. But if we can &quot;make 'em better&quot;, we do. Why do I get the feeling that you believe that is somehow improper?

sal

[ftkinney]

i think in some ways i understaned what MePalt is getting at he likes having the 'final&quot; evoltion and that a &quot;better&quot; one wounld come out and make his less than the best he would like to own the best. right before i decided to buy the tim wenger i saw a post mentioning a &quot;wegner II&quot; so i asked when that was coming out if a more evolded wegner came out right before i whent to get mine then may be wait a week see if i liked the new one better, if or when a new one comes out if i like the feel or look of that one better maybe i'll sell or give away my &quot;older one&quot; to a friend or family menber who could use it if i needed or wanted the newer model and didn't what the other sitting in a draw. i support sal making modifications as they come about and there's no way a company can competey test a product the way a thousand users can in a years time. besides a company may wish (the lettering on the military) to do the process in a certain way but the cost is prohibitive many custumers whant the product it sells well is nolonger cost prohibitive to make the tooling investment due to custurmer demand and success of sales. i call this is the &quot;cobra&quot; theory named after carrol shelby the designer of that great race car: as improvents came about they went into the next model.

i think sals suggestion of buying discontinued modes is very intresting: their is no improvents you have the highest evelotion of that style for me that is the &quot;shark&quot; theory for 450 million years sharks have not changed (very much at least) i've had the same pair of red wing boots for 12 years they don't make these any more, their are &quot;better&quot; ones but not these.

but that's enogh about amimals and such.

sal -- out of curiosity wich spyderco(s) changed the least?



FTK

[sal]

Hi FTK. The knives that are in the line for the shortest duration usually have the fewest mods.

The Police Model in Stainless has been around for almost 20 years and has only had 10 - 15 changes over the years.

sal

[ftkinney]

thanks sal -- by the way for me at least i enjoy the evoltion (and non-evoltion) of a design thanks for all the great work.

FTK

[Mancer]

Guys come on, lets not let this thread turn nasty (not saying that is has..)

I agree with MePlat to a certain degree, that if the old knife was so good,safe and sharp it comes out as a downer to some to change it so, thats definately not a insult to you Sal, its just that you must understand some of us knife nuts have fallen so in love with various models that seeing it changed is like trying to change something which is ours, which no-one has the right to touch but us.

Now please dont take that the wrong way, its meant just to show how some feel.
Ive never been lucky enough to even hold a Mil, and I want one real bad, which I hope to get soon.
I have grown to love the look of the old model with the liner lock.
Now that the new one is out, even though it may be refined and inproved, that old one still dances in my head.

Im sure MePlat wasnt meaning it in the way you all picked it up, I reckon he meant it in the way I said here.

They all beutifully crafted blades, which took alot of talent, hard work and vision to produce, we are definately not against improvements, be they big or small.

Happy Hunting guys

MaNcEr

It's Time To Kick @$$ 'N Chew Bubble Gum

[sal]

I don't think I'm taking it in a negative way. Sorry if it appears that way. I believe it is a valid question, and I take most questions seriously.

In car collecting, there is always a &quot;last, best, right model, right year car&quot;. They are much sought after once they are discontinued.

As a mfgr, I am pushing the issue to learn more about the opinions on this issue. Just what would be the best compromise between improvement and stopping improvement? I've have always felt that improvement was best, but perhaps I am wrong in this belief.

sal

[Jeff/1911]

Sal,

If you read my previous post you'll clearly understand that I think improvement is always good, and for a company with a reputation like yours; very important.

It doesn't bother me in the slightest that the Military model I own has been improved upon to some degree, it just makes me think &quot;Wow! It was already so good.&quot; And, &quot;What a company!&quot; You know, those types of things.

I agree with your previous suggestion about buying discontinued models, for those who simply want the mose highly evolved example of a given model, for collection purposes.

The rest of us should be delighted to know that the current production knife we buy at our local store has all of the latest conceived design improvements incorporated into it's manufacture.

Jeff/1911.

[MePlat]

When I posted my message I did not mean for it to be taken to mean I don't like improvements. I do. Just worthwhile improvements. I believe some of these things are dreamed up by the manufacturers to make more money off the customers they already have. Many people will have a perfectly good knife [lets say model 1] have used it for a length of time and have had no problems with it. Bingo the factory says &quot;we have made some improvements on the model 1 to help it be more safe, sturdier, eye appealing, smoother, more user friendly.&quot; That guy will say to himself: My heavens I must get the new model 1 because it will be safer, sturdier, smoother, more user friendly. How in the world did I make it with this old model 1 that is such a slob? Keep in mind the old model 1 performed outstandingly. The factories know this. They probaly can tell you close to what percent of the owners of the old model will have to have the new model. Alot of us have done this very thing if we will admit it only to find the improvements to be of very very little help if any at all. Think about it. I'm still going to get the chinooks but my butt puckers at the thought of buying them and 2 months, 6 months or so from now the new and improved ones come out and I am then left with knives that should have been new and improved before they left the back door of the factory. As good as Spyderco's are especially the Military and Chinook's it would have to be one heck of an improvement to make them any better. Right Sal?

[stu]

MePlat,

It seems to me your question has been answered.

stu

[ftkinney]

i didn't think i was becoming negative just the varios opptions of changing and not changing a product. meplat has a point, i don't want to have to put out cash every six monthes for a &quot;better&quot; blade; while spyderco looks at like a product/process is &quot;better&quot; why not implemt it even if it is small change? sorry if i came acrost nasty. as a designer who workes with engineers and techicans every day about this &quot;better mouse trap&quot; i find it quite intresting.

FTK

[Jeff/1911]

Meplat,

I agree that there are companies that do that...pretend to improve models in an effort to cause people to buy the newest.

I just don't happen to agree that Spyderco is one of those companies. I don't believe they need to.

Jeff/1911.

[MePlat]

Spyderco may not do the things I have talked about but we must be ever vigilant concerning the fact that Spyderco being run and owned by a non perfect human [as we all are] could possible fall into this situation. I love Spyderco. I have said I own 3 Military knives, 2 Nativies, an Endura, A Delica and a Dragonfly. Now I am going to buy 2 Chinooks. Does that look like I am down on Spyderco? This will be my last post on the subject because I really didn't mean to offend anyone especially Sal who is probaly a very fine man. But there have been many fine men and women that have fallen in the ditch. Whenever someone falls off the the lofty shelf they are sitting on we should help replace them to that shelf. Better yet we should help to keep them from falling in the first place. Reality should always prevail whenever we are looking at anything; even knives. BTW what improvements does a Chinook need? Anyone want to share that with me. The Military?

[Jeff/1911]

MePlat,

I won't belabor the point either, I've said all I wanted to. Well, almost...

It's clear to me that you admire and respect the Spyderco products you own and aspire to own. No argument there.

Vigilance is good. I understand your point of view, I just don't share your suspicion, as I've been convinced of the integrity of this company, and in my business experience once this is established, it is not something that is compromised easily...usually not without a change in management of that company.

Cheers, Jeff/1911.

[John Frederick]

The Chinook needs a reversable clip (as well as many other knives out there). I REALLY want a Chinook but since Sal hinted that they are looking at upgrading to a reverse clip option I will wait and see. If I bought one now and in 6 months they upgraded the clip it would eat me alive. I can't afford to just go out and buy a second one.

[sal]

Hi MePlat. No offense taken. This is a forum for sharing knowledge, ideas and experiences. You made a valid point.

Thank you Jeff for your comment, perhaps Spyderco is and tries to be different from &quot;most&quot; manufaturers. My wife Gail says; &quot;we try to do the right things for the right reasons&quot;.

MePlat, I personally go through the same drill when I buy a new car or truck. I guess one must decide if the &quot;improvements&quot; are worth purchase of the next model, or wait for the ????

sal

[Jeff/1911]

Sal,

Just trying to tell it like it is, based upon my past experience.

Cheers, Jeff.

[Farmer Brown]

I really needed to bring this thread back to life, with the question:

Has anyone been keeping track of the improvements in the Military line?

I got to take a look at some circa 1997 examples of the Military and Police today. The Military has a metal liner on one side (only, as opposed to the two partial liners we see today), while the Police has no liners at all. Both are in G10.

Spydiewiki doesn't seem to cover it.

[JNewell]

I spent way too much time searching all the fora where Sal and Taz post and then also spoke to some excellent people at W&R. All I can tell you is that there have been a lot of changes in the past and there are some more coming very soon. Even little details like whether the pivot bolt is Torx or hex have changed several times during production. Nailing down all the changes might be nearly impossible...

[Crocodilo]

If I may humbly step in, I'd offer my opinion that evolution is a very positive thing, as long as a manufacturer doesn't rush out newer versions just for the novelty effect. If a product is good, and can be made better, one must just make sure any upgrades are solid, tested and justifiable. But the company does have the duty of improving what can be improved, and that doesn't diminish in any way the earlier versions.

Once again, my perception is that Spyderco is one of those companies, with a deep sense of responsibility towards the customer, by supporting issued models, steadily refining the current ones, and striving to, at the same time, expand their offer with different products, each tailored for a certain niche or need. That, the sheer quality of their products, and the fact that they work so well for me made me turn my little "knife collection" into a "Spyderco collection".

[gaj999]

I suspect that most of the misunderstandings stem from folks never having worked in a manufacturing environment. Virtually all companies are improving and changing their products on an ongoing basis. Sometimes it's voluntary, sometimes a supplier problem forces the issue. Improvements address manufacturability, new materials, new processes, reliability as measured by QA or warranty, and even improvements in usability or safety.

No design or process will ever be so perfect that it can't be improved upon. It's the nature of the beast. You should only ever buy a knife that fits your needs. Period. If you must have the latest and greatest and are unwilling to buy a new one every year, you should just wait until the approximate end of time to buy your knife. I suppose getting it for your last birthday would be ok, but that's so hard to predict ...

Many manufacturers hide changes to their products. Spyderco gets top marks for sharing this information with us. It's above and beyond what most companies are willing to do and I appreciate it. I can decide for myself whether the changes are improvements for my use, and plan accordingly. Thanks Sal. You guys are a class act.

Gordon

[clovisc]

this thread makes for a very interesting read.

there are certainly companies that build the notion of "obsolescence" into their product releases (sometimes referred to as "planned obsolescence), for the sake of driving sales, and industry. i think this happens most often in the world of electronics... hardware/software... an industry where devices are sophisticated enough that most consumers are not going to be in a position to examine, question, or scrutinize the workings of their product. i believe this is also the case, to an extent, with automobiles.

much of the need to "upgrade" is artificially created through marketing, advertising, and again, in the case of electronics, compatibility issues, and issues with proprietary technologies (which are often forced upon the consumer by programmers/manufacturers).

from a purely objective/cynical standpoint, the concept of creating artificial need and pushing up sales through planned obsolescence... or even manipulation through marketing... generates more business, more revenue, perhaps more jobs. you have a large world of "low-lifespan" products requiring constant regeneration, which increases volume of work, and sales. depending on how you look at things, this could be good for the economy, and employment climate.

spyderco, however, takes a very markedly different approach. they create products designed to last a lifetime. many of their products, such as the SS police and dragonfly, have remained relatively unchanged since their release, many years ago. in the case of the police -- and dragonfly -- we see original designs produced for sale in parallel with "improved" designs (police 3, G10 dragonfly). there is not a sense that the improved or advanced designs are "essential upgrades"; in fact, by producing designs at two stages of the evolutionary process simultaneously, spyderco seems to be broadcasting -- loud and clear -- that both designs have their respective advantages.

spyderco creates products that last and continue offering performance for a LONG time. i've never had a spyderco knife get tired and just "fall apart." the spydercos that i've "replaced" have never been replaced out of "need" -- either i'm lured by some new feature (such as slightly improved steel), tired of the little scratches on mine, or am just wanting something different. i have to -- literally -- make up excuses to justify buying more spydies for my EDC, as none of my EDC knives have ever "needed" to be replaced.

quite ironically, the notion of making the best and most durable product possible creates -- on the surface level -- less work, and less sales. more care and work may go into creating these long-lasting products, but the need to make them all over again, to replace obsolete or worn-out products, is no longer there. the way i see it, this is a business "best practice," a more morally/ethically appropriate approach to doing business, and a more sustainable approach to manufacturing and product design.

our current culture of buying "cheap" things only to spend more money replacing them over and over again has had a relatively short lifespan... since the 1970s or so. i think planned obsolescence has been pushed to it's limits... to the point where people are frustrated, and see the truth enough to be willing to spend more on better products that last longer. i believe the trend will continue in this direction. and that in the long run, businesses with an approach like spyderco's will have a far longer lifespan. not to mention, less trouble sleeping at night. :D

it's interesting... spyderco asked me about a year ago why sales in alaska may have decreased... which is paradoxical considering that the population, and the number of jobs, has continued growing. one of the chief factors explaining this phenomena, i believe, is that alaskans believe in using things as long as possible, and don't care how they look... as long as they function. you see -- literally -- millionaires walking around in beat-up, stained Carhartts. spyderco's products last a LONG time, and are only in need of replacement after inappropriate amounts of abuse, or losing a knife. most of the alaskans i know who have spydies have had them for years, and say things like "it's scratched up, but it's still a great knife. so i keep carrying it." i think spyderco's raw sales volumes are suffering, because their products are so durable and dependable.

[gaj999]

there are certainly companies that build the notion of "obsolescence" into their product releases (sometimes referred to as "planned obsolescence), for the sake of driving sales, and industry. i think this happens most often in the world of electronics... hardware/software... an industry where devices are sophisticated enough that most consumers are not going to be in a position to examine, question, or scrutinize the workings of their product. i believe this is also the case, to an extent, with automobiles

Well, I've got to comment here. I design electronic test equipment for manufacturing. I support manufacturing for the life of the product. Electronics is actually driven by the insane speed with which improvements in components are made. Roughly speaking, electronic components improve by a factor of 2 every 18 months. Product life cycles are extremely short as a result. Rather than spending their time planning obsolescence, electronics companies are frantically trying to keep up with technology. Obsolescence is happening even while you design, and if you don't hit a narrow market window, you are FUBARed. If knife technology moved as quickly, Spyderco would have obsoleted the lightsaber years ago.

Cars are driven more by style and advertising, but there are big variations between companies. Tooling for a new car costs stupid amounts of money. That money must be earned back by charging more. Some companies follow this model. For much of history, this was the path that US automakers followed. A new model every three years, rain or shine. Hot-selling models with years of life left in them were obsoleted. The Ford Mustang is a perfect example.

For a counter example, look at the Subaru Legacy Outback. My wife and I own a 1996 Outback. The brand-new Outbacks are little changed. As a result, Subaru has amortized their tooling across huge numbers of units and can sell their cars at a much lower price for a given performance level. You can buy an Outback today for the same number of dollars as you could in 1996. It's a much improved product in many ways, too. At the same time, the US dollar is worth maybe half of what it was in 1996. That means that the real price of that car has fallen by half. What you don't get is the latest in stylish transportation, but car buyers get to choose. It's a different market niche. You want the Delica/Endura or the latest NASA sprint run?

Gordon

[JNewell]

I hope my post didn't create any impression that changes in the Military are a bad thing, or that because someone can't create a fixed timeline and pigeonhole every knife made into a specific variant is a bad thing - nothing like that was meant. On the contrary, the Military is a signature product for Spyderco and continual improvement is a very positive thing, IMO. There are apparently a new series of improvements coming, and I look forward to them.

[Farmer Brown]

When did they transition from one - liner to two - liners?

[Crocodilo]

Speaking of Millie improvements, I believe it's about time the acquiles heel of the model is re-engineered:
Although not everyone uses it, everybody will agree it's at least nice to have a lanyard hole. The need to provide a strong point between the scales at the butt of the knife is also unquestionable. The current implementation, however, is lacking, for the flared metal tube is fragile to disassemblies (you know it, I know it, we all do it) and to drops on hard surfaces. If a complete redesign is not possible, at least chanfing the G10 a bit more around the hole and providing a screw and post that could be inserted over there, and removed when necessary, might be an adequate, achievable and acceptable solution to the problem.
Some Spydie users have improvised such a solution using "Chicago screws", but a proper screw and post, and the chanfing on the outside of the G10 would allow the screw to sit flush with the scales, keeping everything tight and not shifting the knife's balance too much.
Just a thought.

[MCM]

Were getting close with the M4 SC36.

Improvements will never stop. "I hope"

Tip up, deep pocket carry would get us closer though......:D

Agree +1 on the slip fit lanyard tube..... That one should be looked at as well.

But then we would have the perfect knife!

What would we have left to talk about?