Spyderco byte - June 2017
The Spyderco byte June 2017 e-newsletter was sent out on 30 June 2017, and it contained the following articles.
The Salt Series - The Salt 2 & The Tasman Salt 2
MSRP: $124.95 - $139.95
Origin: Japan
Since its introduction in 2004, Spyderco’s revolutionary Salt Series™ has continued to set the standard in high-performance knives specifically designed for use in and around the water. The series proudly showcases the extraordinary properties of H-1® steel—an amazing nitrogen-based alloy that is not only 100% immune to rust, but, as an austenitic, work-hardening steel, is also far tougher and more flexible than conventional carbon-based steels.
Recently, the Salt Series experienced another quantum leap with the addition of LC200N blade steel. LC200N is also a nitrogen-rich alloy, but it achieves its hardness through a conventional heat-treatment process. While it does contain a trace amount of carbon, its high nitrogen and chromium content give it superior corrosion resistance and toughness, even at the high degrees of hardness required for knife blades. These properties make it an outstanding blade material for knives that will be used in or near the water, in exceptionally humid climates, or knives that will be carried deeply concealed near the body.
Consistent with our passion for Constant Quality Improvement (C.Q.I.), we’re proud to announce yet another advance in the evolution of this remarkable family of knives—the second generation of Salt Series folders.
Our first-generation Salt folding knives were based on the handle designs of the Delica® 3 and Endura® 3 models. Introduced in 1998, the Delica and Endura 3s eliminated the old-school molded integral pocket clip in favor of a reversible steel clip. Secured by a threaded barrel bolt assembly that did double duty as a lanyard hole, the metal clip mounted to the butt end of the handle and supported ambidextrous tip-up carry. The handles of those knives were one-piece injection-molded fiberglass-reinforced nylon (FRN), complete with Spyderco’s dimpled “Volcano Grip™” texture pattern.
Shortly after the Salt Series was launched, Spyderco transcended the Delica and Endura 3 with our improved fourth-generation models. The handle designs of the Delica 4 and Endura 4 incorporate a number of significant advantages over their predecessors. In addition to improved ergonomics, they feature our high-traction Bi-Directional Texturing™ pattern for outstanding grip security, even when wet. They also offer the versatility of a four-position pocket clip that supports both tip-up and tip-down carry on both sides of the body and makes carry and operation of these designs 100% ambidextrous.
One of the features of the fourth-generation handles—nested, skeletonized stainless steel liners—provides excellent structural strength and a solid anchor for mounting the clip. While this is an advantage on the Delica and Endura, it is a liability on knives intended for use in and around water, since the internal cavities of the handle scales can retain water. As such, we continued to use the third-generation handle designs on all our Salt models because of the virtues of their one-piece FRN construction… until now.
The handles of our new Salt models are identical to the Delica 4 and Endura 4 patterns, but with one major difference: Instead of nested liners, the handle scales are molded from solid FRN and include four sets of threaded stainless steel inserts to allow attachment of the four-position clip.
The first two second-generation Salts to be released are the Salt 2 and the Tasman Salt 2. The Salt 2 combines all the salient features of the Delica 4 Lightweight model with the 100% rustproof advantages of H-1 steel, a black-coated titanium pocket clip, and special non-rusting handle hardware. Like its predecessor, it is available with a high-visibility yellow handle and satin-finished blade and with a black handle and non-reflective black TiCN-coated blade. Both these versions are offered with a choice of PlainEdge or fully serrated SpyderEdge cutting edges.
Built on the exact same handle, the Tasman 2 integrates all the salient features of the Delica 4 Lightweight, the 100% rustproof advantages of H-1 steel, and the powerhouse cutting ability of a hawkbill blade profile. It will be available in both PlainEdge and SpyderEdge configurations and with a choice of a black or yellow handle.
All versions of the Salt 2 and Tasman Salt 2 will be shipping soon. Additional second-generation Salts—including larger knives based on the Endura 4 handle profile—will join them in the coming months. In true Spyderco style, even our best knives keep getting better!
Salt 2
Overall: 7.25in / 184mm
Blade: 3.00in / 76mmm
Edge: 2.65in / 67mm
Weight: 2.1oz / 60g
Grind: Hollow
Origin: Japan
'Tasman Salt 2
Overall: 7.05in / 179mm
Blade: 2.80in / 71mm
Edge: 2.455in / 62mm
Weight: 2.1oz / 60g
Grind: Hollow
Origin: Japan
Edge-U-Cation®: The Evolution of the Spyderco "MEET"
All smart companies value feedback from their customers about the products and services they provide. The really smart ones actively solicit that feedback through the use of focus groups and other types of consumer research. But the ultimate way for a company to connect with customers and understand what they really want is to do it before that company even makes the product—during the concept and prototype stages.
The risk of this approach is that a company might “tip its hand” and reveal its plans before they can bring the products to market. The reward, however, can be much greater. Done properly, engaging knowledgeable, passionate consumers early in the product development stage can help a company avoid corporate “nearsightedness” and focus its efforts on the projects its customers really want. That revolutionary concept is what Spyderco “Meets” are all about.
A Spyderco Meet is a limited engagement event in which company founders Sal and Gail Glesser and/or their son Eric share prototypes and concept models of the knives we are considering manufacturing with a select group of knife enthusiasts. Besides the knives themselves, they share the story behind each design, its logic, its special features and intellectual property, and Spyderco’s aspirations for the market we hope to reach with it. In return, we are rewarded by the honest reactions and insightful feedback of the attendees, which we use to prioritize, modify, and sometimes even abandon our plans for each model.
Meets are typically organized by key members of the Spyderco staff and close friends of the company, often with the assistance of our major distributors. Notice of an upcoming Meet is generally posted on Spyderco’s General Discussion Internet forum and registration is done on a first-come, first-served basis until the planned capacity—normally less than 100—is reached. Attendees often travel great distances to participate in Meets and are rewarded not only with rare glimpses into Spyderco’s product development plans, but with gift bags packed with one-of-a-kind souvenirs created specifically for these special events.
Spyderco’s first Meet was held in Amsterdam, the Netherlands, in 2004. Since then, we have returned to Amsterdam numerous times and have conducted other Meets in England, Germany, Colorado, and most recently, Taiwan. Although only the participants in each Meet get to see all the knives we share (typically more than 50 models), thanks to the generous help of our close friend “Mr. Blonde,” our Amsterdam Meets also result in “sneak peeks” of some of our upcoming models. Mr. Blonde graciously posts high-quality photos and descriptions of these models on his web site, Spydercollector.com, and on Spyderco’s General Discussion forum.
Meets are a uniquely “Spyderco” institution. They allow us to connect with our customers in ways that no other company in the cutlery industry can. We are extremely grateful for that and look forward to expanding this unique tradition in the years to come.
UPDATE Reinhold Rhino
Designed by Michael Reinhold, the Reinhold Rhino is one of the most eagerly anticipated designs in Spyderco’s current catalog. Unfortunately, the first production run of this knife did not meet our stringent quality-control standards. We could not, in good faith, release it knowing it was less than what our customers—and the knife’s designer—deserve.
After careful consideration, we have decided to move production of the Reinhold Rhino to our manufacturing facility in Taichung, Taiwan. To take full advantage of their proven expertise, we have also decided to upgrade the design to make it truly worth the wait. The upgrades that will be incorporated into the Rhino will include:
- CTS® XHP blade steel
- Peel-ply textured carbon fiber/G-10 laminate handle scales
- Phosphor bronze washers
We understand that this plan of action is a departure from the original concept of the Reinhold Rhino; however, we are confident that it is the best way to achieve a worthy, high-performance expression of Michael's design. Based on the change of materials, the Rhino will receive a new SKU. We will share that information and any additional details concerning its pricing and availability as soon as they become available. Thank you for your understanding and patience.
Blade Show! 2017
Blade ® Magazine’s 36th annual BLADE Show and International Cutlery Fair will be held June 2-4, 2017 at the Cobb Galleria Centre in Atlanta, Georgia. The world’s largest knife-focused event, this amazing show brings together manufacturers, dealers, custom knifemakers, collectors, and knife enthusiasts from all over the globe. The Spyderco Crew will be there in force to show off our complete product line and debut our 2017 Mid-Year Product Guide featuring dozens of new knives scheduled to be released by the end of the year. Visit us at booth #23 and be among the first to see our newest products!
2017 Mid-Year Product Guide
It’s been almost six months since we released our largest, most ambitious catalog ever. Since then, we’ve not only rolled out many of the new products featured in its pages, we’ve also developed an impressive array of even newer knives and accessories scheduled for release before the end of 2017. To introduce those products in style, we’re proud to announce the Spyderco 2017 Mid-Year Product Guide. This stunning 24-page supplement to our main catalog showcases more than two dozen new designs, Sprint Runs, and variants of popular current models that will be released in the coming months.
For instant gratification, you can view or download the Mid-Year supplement by visiting the catalog page of our web site. You can also request that a printed copy be sent to you by completing the request form on that page. Established Spyderco dealers can rest easy, as a printed copy of the Mid-Year and updated price list will be mailed to you automatically.
What’s new from Spyderco? Get our Mid-Year supplement and find out. We’re sure you’ll be as excited as we are!
Law Enforcement Seconds Sale
On April 30, 2017, Spyderco conducted its first Law Enforcement Seconds Sale at our Factory Outlet store in Golden, Colorado. A smaller version of our famous Fall seconds sale, this event was organized specifically for law enforcement officers and first responders in Colorado to give them an opportunity to purchase cosmetically blemished knives and select overstock items at deeply discounted prices.
This inaugural event was organized in close cooperation with the Denver Police Academy and attracted officers, firefighters, and other first responders from various jurisdictions around the Denver metropolitan area. The sale was a tremendous success and we were honored to have the opportunity to share our products with the brave men and women who attended and personally thank them for their service to the community.
Gift Guide!
June is almost here and that means Father’s Day isn’t far behind. If you’ve been wondering what to get for the special father figure in your life, relax. We’ve got you covered with a variety of hand-picked items to fit every budget. Show Dad how much you care with these best-selling knives and accessories:
204MF Tri-Angle SharpmakerTM $104.95
C223GPS Para 3 ComboEdge $199.95 (Multiple Variations Available)
C152RNP Chaparral Rafir Noble $199.95
FB38GP Junction $309.95
