Ti Herbst> What's the scoop

[JD Spydo]

I have a Spyderco knife that lot of Spyder-heads consider to be one of the "holy grail" of Spyder collectibles. It is a Titanium handled, factory first, numbered, German made Peter Herbst, with 440c blade steel. For a knife that is supposed to be so envied I don't see much info floating around on the knife.

I haven't even seen the Aluminum ATS-55 model of the Peter Herbst on Ebay in quite some time. Is this knife really a "holy grail" or is it just a rare knife that few people care anything about such as the C-14 & C-45 Stainless handled Rescues or the Aluminum handled Blackhawk.

I have seen one of these Ti Herbst, Spydercos go for over $300 on Ebay but that has been over a year ago. So what's the scoop??

[rycen]

IMO Holy Grail no rare yes.There were so few firsts (Ti) that they are hard to come by.In the more recent past on ebay I have seen a few firsts go for 150-180.

[JD Spydo]

IMO Holy Grail no rare yes.There were so few firsts (Ti) that they are hard to come by.In the more recent past on ebay I have seen a few firsts go for 150-180.

Well Rycen I know for a fact that I saw one of these go for over $300 once. I admit that has been some time ago. Let me ask you this>> In your's ( or anyone elses) opinion would you hold this blade for the long haul or would it just be wise to cash my chips in and go for something more tactical ( which is what I like the most anyway)?

It really is amazing to me because here of late I have inquired with 3 veteran Spyderco collectors to try to get some info about this blade and nobody seems to know much about it. I just wonder if it will explode some day. Who would have ever predicted this current pandemonium with the Spyderhawk :eek:

It is even more amazing to me that the knife was not a big success :confused: . Like I said last week about the Stainless handled Rescues>> I truly think they are some of the most quality built Spyders I have ever seen. But yet no fanfare hardly at all with that model either :confused:

[swede]

Hello JD,
Well, "explode" may be too big a word, but given the rarity, I think it's worth holding for a while.
I bought one at a gun show 4 years ago, new, PE, # in the 200s for about $100.
I personally think the design is a bit too "continental" for my tastes (apologies to our many European Forumites). Very different styling, resembling a customized Ford Falcon somewhat. Handle is comfortable, but the blade hole (on mine at least) is very chamfered, making one-hand opening hard.
After all the comments about QC on these, I checked mine and found the fit/finish perfect in every way. I am just a bit underwhelmed by the busy design. Actually, I may talk myself into selling mine as well!
Mt 2 cents. Dave

[JD Spydo]

Well Swede I have seen 3 of them including mine. One of Ebay a year ago, one in a friend's collection and the one I own. All of them have been the combo edge which is the one I have. I have never seen it in plain edge before. Does yours have the 440C blade steel.

Now all of the Aluminum handled ones I have seen are about half and half with the CE & PE edge varieties. And all of them have ATS-55 blade steel. Does anyone know how many ( not including the seconds that were sold at SFO here a while back) of the Titanium versions were there that made it to market? I have heard is way under 1000. Although I have number 707.

There are a bunch of "rare bird" spyders that even a lot of collectors don't even care for. Such as the fully serrated Catcherman, Stainless Rescue and 440c Meerkat :confused:

[swede]

JD,
Went back and checked. Yes, my PE Herbst is 440C, and it is #247. I thought the Ti model was about 50/50 PE/CE, but maybe not.
Dave

[rycen]

Also there were some in VG-10

[JD Spydo]

Also there were some in VG-10

Now I know for a fact and I have seen the Aluminum handled Peter Herbst in VG-10 but I don't recall of hearing about the Titanium Peter Herbst in VG-10. Like Dave says I am sure the Ti models were made of 440c.

Now it wouldn't be the first time I have been wrong but didn't VG-10 come about pretty much in the early 2000s? OH Well if I am wrong I guess I would like to know the real scoop.

Also does anyone know what year the Herbst was discontinued: Aluminum handles and all?

[DaddyBarlow]

You guys are killing me! These are awesome looking knives! 1 of my top 10.

This knife has all the makings of a true collector. Its rare, it made of Titanium & it has a sleek universal appeal to it. And I think it looks beautiful! Its a "strong buy" in my book.

I'll let the picture do the talking! :)

http://img365.imageshack.us/img365/6919/0002768bb1ov.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

[JD Spydo]

Now DaddyBarlow isn't it true that the Titanium version of the Peter Herbst is the only Herbst model that had the blue lines scribed on the handle? I personally have not seen any of the aluminum handles have any colored lines on them. The Aluminum models do have lines machined onto the handle itself but no colors.

How long was the C-53 model Peter Herbst in production?

Also does anyone remember what the MSRP was?

[GarageBoy]

NC Blades over on USN has my factory second. NICE, but failed spinewhack

[DAYWALKER]

Aloha Joe,

The Herbst has always been one of my favorite designs due to the simplistic euro-look that swede did not care for :p ! In fact, I liked it so much, that when I had the chance for a Ti 2nd, off went my Brass Lined Co-Pilot for it!

I have the Aluminum one in VG10 that was to get pocket carry, but due to the rarity of ALL Herbst models, they are safely tucked away in my GawkBox!

God bless :cool:

[rycen]

Sorry I should have said that I meant the aluminum model as to VG-10

[RWL]

Now DaddyBarlow isn't it true that the Titanium version of the Peter Herbst is the only Herbst model that had the blue lines scribed on the handle? I personally have not seen any of the aluminum handles have any colored lines on them. The Aluminum models do have lines machined onto the handle itself but no colors.

How long was the C-53 model Peter Herbst in production?

Also does anyone remember what the MSRP was?

JD
All I can tell you is my aluminum handle Herbsts do not have the blue in the machined lines, I wish I knew more about these knives myself, they are one of my favorite, I would really like to find a Ti handle Herbst.