Curious and Irritated

[dashunde]

I dont get it... Spyderco uses more blade steels than I can count on both hands (not really but...), and they never seem to have the best steels matched up with the high-end handle materials... WHY NOT??



Right now I'm trying to decide if I'm going to settle for either a Calypso Jr in AUS-8 with the Micarta handle, or the Jr in VG-10 with the Lightweight handle.

When it comes to knives I do not like to settle.



What I really want is a Jr with a VG-10 blade and a Micarta handle.



Overall, they tend to match the best blade steels with the cheaper handles or the cheaper blade steels with the nice handle materials. What is the logic behind this? Sal? Is this a price point thing?



Logic and price aside, this constant mis-matching has shot down many Spyderco buys for me over the years.



Am I the only one with this perspective?



And Sal, how can I get my mitts on a Calypso built as described above?

[jyork]

Well my 2 cents worth, I partially agree. I would really like to see the VG-10 steel in a Calypso jr with micarta handles. I carry a Calypso jr lightweight and love the blade. I also have a jr in micarta but wish it have the better steel. Waiting for more in VG-10!!

Jey

[shootist16]

I really like VG-10. It has been an excellent performer for me. What I really want is a Wegner in VG-10, with a slightly larger hole and the eccentric pivot like on the Military. I would be a happy camper.

Dennis Bible

[sal]

Hi Dashunde. Interesting observation. Different reasons for different models. There is less "overall plan" than you might imagine. example;

We made the Calypso jr in both steel and micarta handles to test the design. AUS8 is a good steel that will serve most well. It is also less expensive, which permits a lower intro price. Remember, we're testing the design for a future FRN mold (expensive). We were also testing grind choices (flat & hollow).

At the time, we were still testing this "new" steel called VG10 which no one had ever used in production before (the Moran).

When we finally decided, (flat grind, textured FRN, VG10). We tooled up and produced the model. The Calypso jr FRN is a very fine working partner in the "reliable high performance arena".

The larger Calypso has both the micarta and VG10. Last I heard SFO had a few left. They were discontinued.

Hopes that helps "heal" the irritation.

sal

[dashunde]

Sal, thanks for taking the time to reply.

I appreciate your testing and tinkering prior to producing the FRN...You got it right <img src="smile.gif" width=15 height=15 align=middle>

However, the &quot;better&quot; Micarta versions still get cheated out of the fine VG-10 blade no matter how one looks at it.

Lets look at this line for a second...
&quot;&quot;AUS8 is a good steel that will serve most well. It is also less expensive, which permits a lower intro price.&quot;&quot;
IMHO(and probably others), we dont view the Micarta versions as &quot;intro&quot; knives... Thats left to the FRN's and their attractive price.
In other words, so-be-it if the price goes up a bit to get the Micarta(AND SS) versions with the best blade steel you offer.
I for one, wouldnt mind at all spending a few more bucks to get the best you have to offer on the same knife.

[sal]

Hi Dashunde. We'll consider that in the future when testing new designs.

sal

[NavAv]

Hi Sal. I've been away for a while. This has been interesting as I have been waiting for the JD Smith in January with VG-10. This will have a micarta handle, no? Also, is it still in the works?

[sal]

Hi NavAv. Still in the works. should be shipping in the next coupla' months.

sal

[Tom Percy]

I've noticed in a few different postings, reference to &quot;SFO&quot; . Who or what is this ?

[cutler34]

Hi Tom
It's the Spyderco Factory Outlet.I think it's available through the website http://www.spyderco.com/

Regards
Ricki
info@outdooredge.com.au
Spyderco Club Member

[toothed]

Ditto what Dennis said...plus black anodized clip (&amp; spacer too if possible).

[sgtmike88]

LMAO shootist ... Keep pluggin' that Weg II <img src="smile.gif" width=15 height=15 align=middle>