C53 Peter Herbst

The C53 Peter Herbst is a custom collaboration with a drop-point blade and an rounded handle. The first production run of the C53 featured a titanium handle with anodized blue accents, and a 440C blade. Only a limited number of knives were released. Production then moved to Japan in 2001, where the C53 was made with an almite coated aluminum handle and an ATS-55 blade. The C53 Peter Herbst was discontinued in 2002.

Appearance in catalogs

The C53 Peter Herbst appeared in the following catalogs:

• 1998 Spyderco PDR catalog
• 2001 Spyderco PDR catalog
• 2002 Spyderco Dealer catalog

Designer

Peter Herbst

History, mentionings from the forums etc.

Description from the 1998 Spyderco catalog for the C53 Peter Herbst (Titanium)

Peter Herbst, a German knifemaker with over fifteen years of experience, is known for his quality and integrity. He brings European elegance and expertise to his first collaboration with Spyderco. This piece was created especially for the international market, with a sleek rounded handle that is designed to lay comfortably in the hand. Formed of high-tech titanium for exceptional toughness, the handle includes an electrically blued pattern and a Linerlock. The drop-point style blade takes a good edge and accommodates a wide range of uses. The overall size and shape of this folder make it a pleasure to carry and use.

Discussion on the Spyderco forums:

• C53 Herbst comparisons of the original titanium version and the C53 and the later aluminum version.
• C53 Herbst : Titanium or almite handles?.
• Peter Herbst, explaining the production history of the C53.
• Question about Peter Herbst ti model, explaining the collectability of the titanium version.

Information from the Spyderco catalog on the web

Spyderco Herbst Aluminum

Joining forces with German knifemaker Peter Herbst, this was Spyderco's inaugural European custom collaboration. Peter is recognized for fusing high tech materials together with Old World craftsmanship. The C53 is embellished with geometric channels cut into the aluminum handle. It features a linerlock with an eccentric pivot pin and offset arc ramp. This allows the knife to self-adjust the linerlock's position as it wears over time. The C53's design exposes a small section of serrations along the bottom-front end of the handle. These tiny teeth serve as a sure-grip resting spot for the forefinger while grasping the knife. Positioned for tip-down carry, a stainless steel clip enables the folder to hunker down comfortably in the pocket. The blade is a drop-point pattern, made of ATS-55 stainless steel with a 3.1 inch (78mm) cutting edge. A stylish combination of European tradition and sleek modernism.

Variations

The C53 Peter Herbst has been made in Germany and Japan and features a:

• Walker Liner Lock
• Drop point-style blade
• Hollow grind

SKU	Handle	Edge(s)	Steel	From/To	MSRP	Note	Number made	Grind	Clip	Clip positions	Collectors club
C53	Titanium	PE PS	440C	1998 - 1999	$179.95		Less than 600	Hollow	Metal	RH, TD
C53	Aluminum	PE	ATS-55	2001 - 2002	$174.95			Hollow	Metal	RH, TD

Most collectible variation

The C53 with a titanium handle, blue anodized accents and a 440C blade. These were made in limited numbers in Solingen, Germany.

Questions regarding collecting the C53

Some interesting questions we are looking for an answer to:

Questions with an answer:

Technical information

Measurements (mm and grams) of the C53 Peter Herbst:

Variation	Length overall	Length closed	Length blade	Length edge	Hole Ø	Blade thickness	Weight
C53 Titanium	182mm	104mm	78mm	73mm		3mm	113g
C53 Aluminum	182mm	104mm	78mm	73mm		3mm

Measurements (inches and ounces) of the C53 Peter Herbst:

Variation	Length overall	Length closed	Length blade	Length edge	Hole Ø	Blade thickness	Weight
C53 Titanium	7.156″	4.093″	3.063"	2.875"		0.125"	4oz
C53 Aluminum	7.156″	4.093″	3.063"	2.875"		0.125"