Worker C01P

[Redman]

Longtime reader, first time poster. I'll probably take some heat for this, but...



I own approx 30 knives, mostly locking folders. I purchased my one (and only, for the time being) Spyderco in the mid 80s, a Worker C01P. I have carried it daily since day one. I have looked all over the net for another one (yes, I know they are discontinued), but all I can find is the serrated version. I was excited when I heard about the commemorative edition that was coming out. Somewhere on this forum, I saw a couple of pics posted, and I was rather disappointed. The edges of the handle are now beveled, and the screws that hold the knife together are visible. This has changed from the original (see attached photos.) Anybody else feel this way?

I have to say, I've been given Benchmade, Kershaw, and CRKT, and they are all fine knives. But as all of you can attest, it's the Spydie that stays clipped in my pocket.



Redman



Maybe I do or maybe I don't, but I ain't gonna play your sap!<br /><a href="/forums/attachmentarchive/3140-7-worker1.jpg" target="_new">View Attachment...</a><br /><br /><a href="/forums/attachmentarchive/3140-7-worker2.jpg" target="_new">View Attachment...</a><br />

[scolby]

Well Redman, the plain edge was discontinued in 1995, so if you can find one at a dealer, that would be a pretty lucky find.

I am with you on plain vs. serrated and that the Worker is one of my favorite folder designs. I have one of the early PE Workers with the square scales and I have the Commemorative Worker.

Pros/Cons:
Steel: VG-10 vs. Gin-1 - Got to got with VG-10 here.
Scales: Bevelled Almite Coated Aluminum vs. Square Edge Stainless - I like the light weight of the aluminum, and the bevel edges are comfy. Downside, damage to the aluminum is irreversible and they are less durable. I, like you prefer the Stl Stl. While II like exposed screws in many folders, the phillips head screws (while they may be practical for some) have always looked cheap to me.

Overall, I probably still prefer the original plain edge (probably nostalgia). I would like to see the Worker blade shape in a different platform altogether. Different lock syste, and different scale material like micarta or CF (or Ti). But for marketing reasons, I am certain this will never happen. Probably need to find a custom maker willing to scavange the blade and put it on an entirely different platform.

The Worker blade is still the best overall medium folder shape I have used for utility purposes.




&quot;Chance favors the prepared mind&quot; - Louis Pasteur

Edited by - scolby on 12/20/2001 12:16:07 PM

[Carlos]

Hi Redman,

Since a welcome would be belated, thanks instead for joining in.

AFAIK, the visible screws reflect the different construction technique required by the different materials. None of the steel handled Clipits have visible screws/rivets, and all of the aluminum handled Clipits do.

The Commemorative Worker has an aluminum handle, and thus the inevitable visible screws.

I should also note that the bevelling was added to the steel handled version some years ago -- though obviously after you purchased yours. It was not a new addition to the Commemorative Worker design.

Here is a pic (borrowed from Ebay) of the final Worker for those who haven't seen it:

Edited by - Carlos on 12/20/2001 12:09:05 PM

[toothed]

Redman, you have mail.

[chinook]

Got this one on ebay a few months ago. It is marked 0121 of 1000 so there are 999 of them running around somewhere (altho some may be serrated)

Comparing it to my newer version... in addition to the unbeveled edges there are a few other differences. There is no lanyard hole, the Spydie Hole is smaller, the blade grind appears flatground rather than hollowground and is not as high as the newer one. The older has a higher polish on the handle and the knife is a lil thinner overall. And there is no steel type designated on the older one.

Holding them, they feel the same other than the slightly thinner older one. The elder may give slightly better purchase to the hand due to the sharper edges, butt the beveled edges are more comfortable when gripped hard.

Disguised as a responsible adult

[jyork]

Call SFO, last year they still had some of the 2 screw stainless workers from a run a few years back and they were trying to get rid of them for around $60-65 if I remeber correct.

Jey