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) was introduced in 2008.
Appearance in catalogs
The C123 Sage appeared in the following catalogs (older, newer):
- 2008 Spyderco Mid-Year Product Supplement (C123CFP)
- 2009 Spyderco Products (C123CFP)
Designer
Spyderco
Lock variations:
- Michael Walker
- Chris Reeve
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."[1]
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 CF | PE | CPM-S30V | 2008- | 179.95$ (2009) | Walker Liner Lock | N/A | Full Flat | Wire | LH/RH, TU | |
C123? | TI | PE | CPM-S30V | not yet shipping | ? | Reeve Integral Lock | N/A | Full Flat | Wire | RH, TU |
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 | ? | ? | ? | ? | ? | ? | ? |
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 | ? | ? | ? | ? | ? | ? | ? |
References
- ↑ The C123 Sage Walker Liner Lock in Spyderco's online catalog
Pictures
See e.g. this thread on the Spyderco forums.