C04 Executive

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The C04 Executive and the larger sized C03 Hunter were Spyderco's response in 1983 to customers requesting models with a robust blade tip. The C04 was discontinued in 1994, when it was replaced by the C32 Spur that added Kraton inlays to the handle and came with a modified blade.

Appearance in catalogs

The C04 Executive appeared at least in the 1986, 1990, and 1993 annual Spyderco product catalogs. (other catalogs in 1983-1993 range?)

Designer

Sal Glesser [1]

History, mentionings from the forums etc.

  • Originally named the Clipette, the C04 Executive became known as that after an idea by Steve Gartin[2]
  • Dinosaur Bone C04 - Executive "Gift" Knife thread on the Spyderco forums.

Sal Glesser says: The Dino bone executives were made in the mid 80's. We made 30 pieces to say thank you to a number of people that had helped us with the line. Vendors, crew, associates, etc. The knives were made by our original vendor in Seki-City. We are still working with them today. I worked with the father and the son. Eric is working with the grandson. Long term partnership. The handles were put on by Bill Wirtle of Santa Fe Stone Works out of dino bone he had on hand. He did a beautiful job[3].

The Dinosaur bone executive was ordered by Sal Glesser and given away as gifts. 10 were given to the employees at that time, the rest given away to Vendors like G. Sakai and some customers. [4]

Information from the Spyderco catalog on the web

Not listed.

Variations

All Executive variations are made in Seki-City, Japan, and have a

Starting in the early 90's, the edges of the scales are beveled.

Starting around 1992 a "G-2" stamp was put on the blades. Shortly before discontinuing the Executive, the stamp was changed to "GIN-1".

The Dinosaur bone onlaid version was made in 30 pieces for Spyderco by Santa Fe Stoneworks and given to employees and others which had done a lot for Spyderco.

SKU Handle Edge Steel From/To MSRP Note Number made Grind Clip Clip positions Collectors club
C04P Stainless Steel PE GIN-1/G-2 1983-1993 40.95$ (1986), 88.95$ (1993) RH and LH versions available N/A Hollow Metal LH+RH, TD
C04S Stainless Steel SE GIN-1/G-2 1983-1993 40.95$ (1986), 88.95$ (1993) RH and LH versions available N/A Hollow Metal LH+RH, TD
C04S (Dino) Stainless Steel with dinosaur bone onlays SE GIN-1/G-2 mid 80's N/A Made on order from Spyderco by Santa Fe stoneworks 30 Hollow Metal RH, TD N/A

Most collectible variation

Questions regarding collecting the C04

  • There are open questions marked with '?' above. Any answers?

Technical information

Measurements (mm and grams) of the C04 Executive:

Length overall Length closed Length blade Length edge Hole Ø Blade thickness Weight
144mm 84mm 60mm 54mm 11mm 2.54mm 91g

Measurements (inches and ounces) of the C04 Executive:

Length overall Length closed Length blade Length edge Hole Ø Blade thickness Weight
5 3/8" 3 5/16" 2 3/8" 2 1/8" 7/16" 1/10" 3.2oz

References

  1. Sal Glesser's original comment can be found on Spyderco-Forums [1]
  2. As mentioned in this thread
  3. Sal Glesser's original comment can be found on Spyderco-Forums [2]
  4. As stated by Sal Glesser in an email to the author

Pictures

C04S Executive

See e.g. the "Executive" thread in the Spyderco forums.

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