A Smaller D'Allara?

[Gibsoniam]

Over in the Sal's Casual Bombshells thread, Deeker posted that on Bladeforums someone asked for a smaller D'Allara, and Sal's response was "we're working on it, and waiting for response to the drop point D'Allara". (All paraphrased).

Rather than hijack the mentioned thread, I thought I'd start a new one for this specific topic of discussion.

I have yet to buy a D'Allara DP, but I've handled it a bit. I would buy instantly a 3" edged version in a smaller handle (Native/Calypso sized). The main reason I have not bought the current knife is I find it a big large for EDC and my uses.

What does everyone else think? Aside from casting your vote for a Junior edition D'Allara, any improvements/changes you would make? Maybe since the Junior is only development stages, we can all help direct it! :D

I'd like to see it with the same style ball lock it has now, instead of the newer one on the Pickle. I also am not fond of the smooth oval on the handle, I think the circle logo looks better by itself, otherwise I do like the texture pattern on the handle. I'd prefer S30V on the blade, too.

Ah... dare to dream! :D

[smcfalls13]

What does everyone else think? Aside from casting your vote for a Junior edition D'Allara, any improvements/changes you would make? Maybe since the Junior is only development stages, we can all help direct it! :D

The only thing holding me back from buying a D'Allara is the thickness of the handle. The thing is HUGE in the hand. I'd like something a little thinner that does have as much bulk in my pocket.

Not sure about the pickle lock yet though, having not handled it. It could be an improvement, but I won't know until I get the chance to play with it.

[deeker]

A little thinner and lighter would be all I'd ask for in a smaller version of the the D'Allara. Would that then make it D' Jr.?

I like the lock, 3D grip and wire clip.

[uhiforgot]

Both deeker and smcfalls have good points:

The D'Allara is an awesome knife, but it's HUGE! While feeling big in the hand, it's comfortable in the hand, and extremely ergonomic with the 3D shaping of the grip. Going to a smaller handle would obviously cut down on weight, but leaving all of the elements of the current handle would create a good heft and balance.

I as well would be pleased to see a D'Allara around the size of a Delica or Native. Even the :spyder: marketing department could agree with this. Most ELU's (especially the non-fanatics) are more prone to a smaller EDC, and I'd be willing to bet that in general, the :spyder: 's around the Delica/Native size are AWESOME sellers.

I know that :spyder: uses current model sales to feel-out whether or not to create a new version based on sales, but this is one that I would have to disagree with that approach. A smaller D'Allara is going to fall more into the very popular "compact" part of the market, and someone looking for a knife like that right now would be scared away by the size of the current D'Allara.

Sal, I've said this before, but "please hear me out!"

PLEASE build a D'Allara Jr. for a sprint run, and use the feedback from THAT to make your marketing decision. I would jump on that knife in a split-second, and would be glad to use the hell out of it and let you know how it does.

-Jeff

[HoB]

The lock is the best on the d'Allara. I would love a d'Allara which is just a tad slimmer, doesn't even have to be much smaller.

[PSU]

I have never handled a D'Allara but I have seen it in comparison photos. Seeing it next too a 93mm rescue and a Salt makes it look huge. IMO the handle is just too big & girthy for an EDC.

However, I do like the ball-bearing lock, wire clip, & blade shape. I think that a smaller/thinner version might be good. But then it would probably be too similar to the existing Rescue Jr. models.

Tom

[ront]

The current D'Allara DP in one of my favorite knives. It is carried every day. It does feel so very good in my hand. It is a big knife, but I am a bigger guy and it hides pretty well in my pocket. I like everything about it. IMHO it is in direct competition with the BM Griptilion 550. There is a large and a small model(555) of that knife and it does well in sales. I think that alone is just begging Spyderco to make a smaller version of the D'Allara DP. I would buy one in a heart beat!!
I would also support the sprint run option if at all possible.
Thanks for listening Sal!!

Ron

[Irish Lager]

If a smaller D'Allara hit the marker i would buy one for sure, the main reason i dont have the DP yet is due to lack of funding, but also i wouldnt be able to EDC it with the current blade length. I think the smaller DP blade version would cater to a wider variety of customers and would sell extremely well in its price range.
J

[Gibsoniam]

I don't think any kind of availabiliy would be too soon at all, if a smaller version is just now in the design stages. However, I'll add my support for a limited run to test out its market, kind of like was done with the initial batch of UK Penknife. Beta testing, if you will.

I think a way to "help" shave some of the length for a smaller version would be to convert the foremost finger grip on the handle into a 50/50 choil with the blade, as on the Native and UKPK.

As others have pointed out, with the sculpted handle and ball lock, the D'Allara and a D'Allara Jr "Slimline" edition would give the BM Griptilians a run for their money, and in my opinion beat them up and down the block. :D Especially with spyderedges!!! :eek:

[Gibsoniam]

Resuscitating... Trying to keep the thread alive...

:D

[Mr Blonde]

A smaller shorter D'Allara? For me, a Delica 4 or Native 3 would do the trick, but those have different locks. Nah, the idea doesn't really appeal to me yet. Especially, how would it be different from existing models?

Wouter

[gull wing]

I bought a D'Allara DP because I ordered from a site that showed it as 3 1/8" blade instead of the correct 3 1/2". I love the handle, lock, and most of all the blade, but the bulk is more than I can handle most of the time.
You bet I would buy a scaled down version, say 3 1/8" blade.

The weight will be hard to cut down significantly because of the steel surrounding the ball. That is ok by me.

[sotyakr]

I had also been all set to get a D'Allara DP, but have held off so far for the reasons mentioned above. If there's something coming down the road that's closer in size to the Native, I'm there.

I could probably get used to the full-sized D'A DP as a work EDC. Heck it might even balance out the weight of Motorola HT I carry on the opposite side!

[Axlis]

Since I'm in love with the ball lock, this is one I'd love to see :D. I believe a smaller version would do quite well, I know I would like one!

[JohnyKwst]

I'd love to see a smaller one.

[999]

Surely the whole point of having a handle like this is so it is more ergonomic in use. I know it's likely to be carried 90% of the time but when you want to use it the handle is designed to be an advantage. Look at the whole Native I (vs) Native III discussion.

I'd love to see a smaller one but please don't compromise on the handle. As others have said, it looks to be in direct competition to the Griptilian (and hence minigrip) which isn't exactly selling itself on its steel. The name gives the game away really. There's more to a knife than the blade!

[Gibsoniam]

After skimming the hawkbill thread, it occurred to me that the full sized D'allara might be a good match for a larger hawkbill. My apologies if that has already been mentioned, as I said, I only "skimmed" the thread. :)

I also think that a D'Allara Jr. should come in drop point and rescue, just like it's big brother. AND, if there WERE a hawkbill version, a small one of that, too. :eek:

[smcfalls13]

After skimming the hawkbill thread, it occurred to me that the full sized D'allara might be a good match for a larger hawkbill. My apologies if that has already been mentioned, as I said, I only "skimmed" the thread. :)

I also think that a D'Allara Jr. should come in drop point and rescue, just like it's big brother. AND, if there WERE a hawkbill version, a small one of that, too. :eek:

You read my mind ;) I mentioned it yesterday, in response to JD's Dodohawk idea. The D'Allara is a great platform for various blade shapes. It's inexpensive, heavy duty, and the BB lock is much improved from the Dodo, so less chance of lock failure.

I'd like to see a Wharnie as well.

[spydutch]

I love my D'Allara DP/CE, but I would go for a smaller one as well.

But please make that one fully serrated :D

[TheKnifeCollector]

I just recently acquired the D'Allara 2, and I LOVE it. I am a woman, and have small hands (wear size 7 glove, if that helps you at all.), and the D'Allara 2 fits great in my hand!! I EDCed it last night on my PT job, and was very comfy clipped to my BDU pocket and it is very comfy clipped to my right front jeans pocket. I too would buy a smaller D'Allara!!