Meerkat

[Caleb]

Can somebody tell me something about the mysterious meerkat?

great thanks!!!

[vampyrewolf]

Clay Kesting has pics and info...

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...

[Clay Kesting]

Caleb,

The Meerkat is derived from the Navigator, and is a similar size but may have a choice of Navigator or Cricket style blades. The big difference is the lock which is released by rotating the scales in relation to each other. Sal did say originally that the blade would be AUS-6 to keep the price down but I haven't heard any more on that score lately.

Clay

Don't worry that the world might end tomorrow, in Australia it's tomorrow already.

[lokelani]

Greetings~
The MeerKat will be available this year in PlainEdge only. The blade steel is AUS 10 & the handle is black G10. The clip is left or right hand carry and is tip-down. Serrated edge models will be available next year. Cost will be $49.95.
Hope this helps.
Aloha~
Patti@SFO

[Clay Kesting]

Thanks Patti. I know a lot of people will be pleased that the steel has been upgraded from AUS-6 to AUS-10. I might even have to get one myself now <img src="smile.gif" width=15 height=15 align=middle>. Can you say what blade shape (shapes) they will come with.

I should have mentioned in my last post that those photos were taken by the late James Mattis after Blade 2000 with Sal's permission. Here's another.

Clay

Don't worry that the world might end tomorrow, in Australia it's tomorrow already.

Edited by - Clay Kesting on 8/16/2001 1:11:41 AM

[mundele]

Meerkat... Will it have a full flat ground blade. like the dragonfly, military, calypso jr. etc (gosh I hope so)

[The Stare]

This is very interesting and exciting for me. I'm very curious about the indentations in the handle. Have they ever been clearly explained?

The price with G-10 handles and better steel is lower than the FRN Cricket -- I think. At least I assume when someone from Spyderco states a price it is going to be the MSRP. Whichever blade shape it has, it will be apparently made from better materials and priced lower. Positively makes my Scottish blood burble.

Was the blade length ever stated? If it is close to the length of either the Navigator or Cricket, then it sounds like it will be eminently useful, as well as cute.

When????

Stare

[Clay Kesting]

Stare,

I believe the indentations are to aid in unlocking the knife. The Meerkat is derived from and is a similar size to the Navigator.

Clay

Don't worry that the world might end tomorrow, in Australia it's tomorrow already.

[Caleb]

Thanx for the pictures and for explanations I really want to buy it!

[sal]

Hi lokelani. I think that you might be a little confused? Handle is FRN. Steel on the current run being made in Golden is 440C. After the 1st of the year, the Seki version will be AUS-6.

You are correct in that the Tip down clip is left or right. Plain edge only for now. drop point only for now. Cricket style blade will also be available after the 1st of the year. Sorry Patti.

sal

[Clay Kesting]

Here's another picture. I couldn't post it until I got a program that would shrink it down to the right size.

Clay

Don't worry that the world might end tomorrow, in Australia it's tomorrow already.

[Caleb]

Hi Sal,what will be the cost of the seki version?
Thanx in advance.

[sal]

Hi Caleb. cost should be the same.

Thanx for the pic Clay. Actually, the production version is a little different and nicer than the early protos.

sal

[The Stare]

Thanks, Clay for the explanation and pics. A very interesting looking knife. I gotta be sure to try to get one with the 440C blade. Looks like it could take hours figuring out the various potential grips. Cool!

If I understand this right, the Cricket-bladed Meerkat will only ever be available in AUS6? Or will that one be made in Golden?

[lokelani]

Sorry Sal <img src="sad.gif" width=15 height=15 align=middle>
That'll teach me to try and be informative before I actually have the product in my hands. I've been anxiously awaiting the MeerKat myself. Quite a few will be going out as Christmas presents. Product should be available at your local dealers within the next few months.
Aloha~
Patti@SFO

Clay~~~~how'z the new bambino?

[Clay Kesting]

G'day Patti,

Little Lachlan is doing just fine. I'm not sure if it's because we are more experienced parents but he is the happest and most contented baby I've ever come across. I'm in the process of scanning some pictures to send to you and Joyce.

Take care,
Clay

Don't worry that the world might end tomorrow, in Australia it's tomorrow already.