C123 Sage

The C123 Sage is a project model with several variations using the same pattern and blade steel, but featuring different locking mechanisms and handle materials. The first variation (Walker Liner Lock, carbon fiber) was introduced in 2008, and the second (Reeve Integral Lock, Titanium) in 2009.

Appearance in catalogs

The C123 Sage appeared in the following catalogs (older, newer):

• 2008 Spyderco Mid-Year Product Supplement (C123CFP)
• 2009 Spyderco Products (C123CFP)
• 2009 Spyderco Mid-Year Product Guide Supplement (C123TIP)

Designer

Spyderco

Lock variations:

• Michael Walker (Walker Liner Lock)
• Chris Reeve (Integral Lock)
• Blackie Collins (Bolt Action)

History, mentionings etc. from the forums

• Early information about the Sage project posted by "Sal" on the Spyderco forums.
• "What makes a Sage tick:" post by "gull wing" on the Spyderco forums. An inside look at the Walker Liner Lock Sage.
• First pictures by "The Deacon" and initial information about the Sage RIL "Reeve" Integral Lock in a Spyderco forum thread.

Information from the Spyderco catalog on the web

C123CFP Walker Liner Lock:

"A Sage is someone wise in judgment and experience. It’s reasonable assuming they achieved that title through trial, error and extending their best effort at every opportunity. If that definition can be applied to something tangible it would be an item created from experience and striving for quality and performance at the highest level. If said item were a pocketknife we could call it a Sage.

The C123 Sage represents Spyderco’s 30-year pledge to knife crafting and learning to make better knives at every available opportunity. The plan is to offer an ongoing series of Sage Folders with many of the different and ingenuous locking devices and mechanisms the knife industry has to offer.

This model is in recognition of knifemaker Michael Walker’s contribution to the knife industry with his creation of the LinerLock® and ball bearing detent method of locking open a folding knife. While the knife is made in Taiwan, the flat-ground blade is produced with USA made CPM-S30V. It is paired with a twill-woven carbon fiber handle and LinerLock. Categorized as a mid-sized folder, the blade is flat-ground and PlainEdged. Designed for comfort and in-the-hand-ergonomics, the carbon fiber handle is vibrant with multi-colored fibers bonded together when manufacturing the carbon fiber. The weaving runs deep, making ridges and textures for the palm to adhere to while gripping and cutting. A silhouette wire pocket clip adjusts for left- or right-hand carry."

Variations

The C123 Sage is made in Taiwan.

SKU	Handle	Edge(s)	Steel	From/To	MSRP	Note	Number made	Grind	Clip	Clip positions	Collectors club
C123CFP	Black twill CF	PE	CPM-S30V	2008-	179.95$ (2009)	Walker Liner Lock	N/A	Full Flat	Wire	LH/RH, TU	Main
C123TIP	Ti	PE	CPM-S30V	2009-	264.95$ (2009)	Reeve Integral Lock	N/A	Full Flat	Wire	LH/RH, TU	Main
C123GBL	Blue G-10	PE	CPM-S30V	2011-	199.95$ (2011)	Blackie Collins Bolt Action Lock	N/A	Full Flat	Wire	LH/RH, TU	Main

Most collectible variation

Questions regarding collecting the C123

Some interesting questions we are looking for an answer to:

Questions with an answer:

Technical information

Measurements (mm and grams) of the C123 Sage:

Variation	Length overall	Length closed	Length blade	Length edge	Hole Ø	Blade thickness	Weight
Walker Liner Lock	181mm	106mm	76mm	67mm	13mm	3mm	91g
Reeve Integral Lock	181mm	106mm	76mm	67mm	13mm	3mm	99g
Bolt Action Lock	184mm	110mm	76mm	70mm	13mm	3mm	100g

Measurements (inches and ounces) of the C123 Sage:

Variation	Length overall	Length closed	Length blade	Length edge	Hole Ø	Blade thickness	Weight
Walker Liner Lock	7 1/8"	4 3/16"	3"	2 5/8"	1/2"	1/8"	3.2oz
Reeve Integral Lock	7 1/8"	4 3/16"	3"	2 5/8"	1/2"	1/8"	3.5oz
Bolt Action Lock	7 1/4"	4 5/16"	3"	2 3/4"	1/2"	1/8"	3.5oz

Pictures

See e.g. this thread on the Spyderco forums.