Spyderco byte - November 2016

The Spyderco bye November 2016 e-newsletter was sent out on 29 November 2016, and it contained the following articles.

The FB38GP Junction

MSRP: $299.95

Wholesale: $149.95

MAP: $179.97

Origin: Taiwan

Gayle Bradley’s Junction is a versatile, all-purpose fixed-blade knife that is ideal for hunters, backpackers, and outdoorsmen on the go. True to the custom version that inspired it, Spyderco’s production version of the Junction’s blade is precision ground from PSF27—an incredibly tough spray-formed tool steel that is one of Bradley’s personal favorite blade materials.

The spray-forming process is used in some industrial applications to spray molten steel onto a form, creating a complex, near-finished shape that requires very little finish machining. Although this method is not used when producing bar stock for knife blades, like the particle metallurgy process, spray forming rapidly solidifies molten steel into small particles. This “freezes” the component alloys of the material so they cannot “segregate” or settle and produces steel with an ultra-fine, extremely homogenous grain structure.

PSF27’s alloy composition includes chromium, molybdenum, vanadium and a generous 1.55% carbon. In simple terms, this makes it very similar to that of D2 tool steel—long a cutlery industry standard. However, because of its unique properties, it offers greater wear resistance and significantly better chipping resistance. Like D2, its chromium content is 12%—just below the official threshold for stainless steel—so care should be taken to maintain it properly.

From a design perspective, the Junction’s blade features a broad profile, a full-flat grind, and a gracefully curved belly. The synergy of these elements creates impressive edge geometry that reduces cutting friction and allows the blade to tackle both delicate tasks and extreme cutting chores with equal ease. For maximum control and strength, the Junction features a wide, ergonomic handle and a subtle integral guard that helps keep the user’s hand from sliding forward onto the edge. Its sturdy full tang is nestled between slim, smooth G-10 scales that are permanently attached with stout tubular rivets that ensure superior structural strength and allow the knife to be easily lashed to a pole as an improvised survival spear.

The Junction comes complete with a custom-molded Boltaron® sheath and a versatile G-Clip™ attachment that allows it to be configured for vertical, horizontal, or diagonal canted carry. The G-Clip can be attached to both faces of the symmetrical sheath to support a wide range of belt carry and clip-style inside-the-waistband carry positions.

The next-best thing to one of Bradley’s coveted custom fixed blades, the Junction is the ideal companion for all your outdoor adventures.

Overall: : 8.45in 215mm

Blade: 4.15in 105mm

Edge: 3.63in 92mm

Weight: 4.1oz 116g

Grind: Full-Flat

Origin: Taiwan

The C214TIP Advocate

MSRP: $369.95

Wholesale: $189.95

MAP: $221.97

Origin: Taiwan

The all-new Spyderco Advocate represents a new direction in folding knife design from Gayle Bradley. It reflects his recent focus on more tactically oriented knives while maintaining all the key qualities and attributes that make his designs so special.

Like many of Bradley’s coveted custom knives, the Advocate's blade is precision machined from CPM® M4—a high-performance particle metallurgy tool steel renowned for its extreme edge-holding ability. The full-flat-ground, PlainEdged™ blade includes a fully functional Trademark Round Hole™ for traditional one-handed opening methods, as well as a prominent index-finger flipper that also functions as a lower guard when the blade is open. Special friction-reducing ball-bearing washers on each side of the blade’s pivot ensure an ultra-smooth action and lightning-quick deployment regardless of the opening method used.

The Advocate’s distinctive handle consists of two painstakingly machined solid titanium scales. Their outer surfaces are carefully radiused to provide a comfortable, ergonomic grip and treated with a stunning “orange peel” texture that is both visually appealing and provides a subtle non-slip texture. The reverse-side scale is machined to create a high-strength Reeve Integral Lock (R.I.L.) mechanism that is complemented by a hardened stainless steel interface. The interface ensures long-wearing, steel-on-steel contact between the lock face and blade ramp and also serves as an overtravel stop to preserve the lock bar’s proper spring tension. To minimize weight, the handle boasts an open-backed construction style that also simplifies cleaning and maintenance. A reversible hourglass clip provides convenient left or right-side tip-up carry and guarantees that the Advocate is always poised and ready for action.

A spectacular reflection of Gayle Bradley’s latest design and knifemaking efforts, the Advocate is also a proud new addition to the Spyderco family of flipper-opening folders.

Overall: : 8.04in 204mm

Blade: 3.49in 89mm

Edge: 3.23in 82mm

Weight: 3.6oz 102g

Grind: Full-Flat

Origin: Taiwan

Designer profile: Gayle Bradley

Gayle Bradley is a name that should be very familiar to Spyderco fans. One of our most prolific collaborative designers, he has also been instrumental in inspiring our efforts to adapt exotic, high-performance blade steels to commercial knife production.

A proud native Texan, Bradley began making custom knives in 1988. As his skills and reputation as a maker steadily grew, so did the demand for his meticulously crafted blades. By April 2002, he hit the tipping point and decided to become a full–time knifemaker. That decision is one that both he and his devoted customers will never regret.

In addition to being a voting member of The Knifemakers Guild, and a former member of the Board of Directors of The Texas Knifemakers and Collectors Association, Bradley is also a former competitor and world record holder in BladeSports International cutting competition. The demanding challenges of competitive cutting provide an excellent opportunity for courageous custom makers to test their blades. In Bradley’s case, it also gave him an exceptional understanding of the finer aspects of knife design, edge geometry, steel selection, heat treatment, and real cutting performance. That understanding is what continues to distinguish him and his knives from his knifemaking peers.

Bradley is best known for making high-end fixed-blade and folding knives using the finest materials and time-tested old-school craftsmanship. To date, his traditional custom designs have inspired Spyderco collaboration models such as the Bradley Folder™, the Bradley Folder 2, the Air™, the Bradley Bowie™, and the new Junction™ fixed blade. Bradley’s collaborations, however, are much more than just knife designs. They also mirror his use of exotic, high-performance steels like CPM® M4 and PSF27, faithfully translating his elite custom work to factory-made knives and in the process significantly pushing the envelope of production-knife blade steels.

Never one to rest on his laurels, Bradley has recently been concentrating on developing designs with a more tactical flavor. Not surprisingly, his tactical blades are every bit as impressive as his utilitarian designs—and every bit as inspiring. His latest folder collaboration with Spyderco—the newly released Advocate™—is proof of that.

Gayle Bradley is a remarkable combination of designer, craftsman, and salt-of-the-Earth American patriot. We are honored to be able to share his designs with our customers and to have him as a member of the Spyderco team.

Breast Cancer Awareness Month

National Breast Cancer Awareness Month (NBCAM) is an annual international health campaign to increase public awareness of the disease and support efforts to work toward a cure. Observed annually during the month of October, NBCAM is a time of many organized events to support those affected by breast cancer and raise funds for cancer-related research and treatment. This month, many members of the Spyderco Crew participated in Denver-area walks and other charitable events to help support this extremely worthy cause.

New website

You asked for it, and you got it! This month, Spyderco launched its all-new, totally redesigned web site! In addition to a fresh new look, Spyderco.com now offers greatly improved functionality that allows you to find exactly what you’re looking for easier than ever before. Its search functions now make it possible to easily sort our knives by key features—including blade steel, blade length, handle material, and even weight— so you can quickly find the perfect knife for your needs.

We are extremely excited to have our new web site online and look forward to making it even better as we move forward. Please visit the site, explore its many new features, and feel free to share your feedback and comments.

Need something engraved for your customer?

Engraving orders need to be in by December 13th For Guaranteed Christmas Delivery. Please contact your Sales Representative for additional information.

Holiday Order Shipping For Guaranteed Delivery by Friday, December 23rd:

UPS 2nd Day Air – Orders must be received by end of day Tuesday, December 20th UPS Next Day Air – Orders must be received by end of day Wednesday, December 21st

Applies to continental USA and additional charges will apply

Holiday hours

As the Holidays approach, we know you are looking forward to some well-earned time off with your friends and family. So are the members of the Spyderco Crew. To help you plan ahead, please note the following dates that we will be closed to allow our Crew to enjoy time with their loved ones. HOLIDAY HOURS As the Holidays approach, we know you are looking forward to some well-earned time off with your friends and family. So are the members of the Spyderco Crew. To help you plan ahead, please note the following dates that we will be closed to allow our Crew to enjoy time with their loved ones.

The Spyderco office will be closed on:'

Friday, December 23rd and Monday, December 26th

Monday, January 2nd

The Spyderco Factory Outlet store will be closed on:

Saturday, December 24th and Monday, December 26th

Monday, January 2nd

Also closed on Sundays

Thank you for your cooperation and understanding.