Spyderco byte - January 2018
The Spyderco byte January 2018 e-newsletter was sent out on 31 January 2018, and it contained the following articles.
The ClipiTool Standard and ClipiTool Rescue
The earliest known multi-bladed pocketknife was developed by the Romans around AD 200. It included a folding spoon, blade, spike, fork, spatula, and toothpick and, in many ways, was literally centuries ahead of its time.
The earliest known multi-bladed pocketknife was developed by the Romans around AD 200. It included a folding spoon, blade, spike, fork, spatula, and toothpick and, in many ways, was literally centuries ahead of its time. Today’s multi-bladed pocketknives offer amazing versatility in compact, extremely affordable packages. They range from basic patterns like the classic Boy Scout knife to sophisticated folding tools that offer more than 30 different functions. However, despite their usefulness, conventional multi-blade designs all suffer from the same limitations. The smallest ones are true pocketknives and must compete with coins, keys, and other items at the bottom of the pocket. Their larger, more capable counterparts are often too large for comfortable pocket carry and require a belt pouch. Perhaps more importantly, the various tools on these knives rely on traditional nail nicks or notches to get them open. Together, these shortcomings often make using these tools a slow, tedious, fingernail-breaking experience.
Spyderco’s unique ClipiTool™ family overcomes these challenges by combining the functionality of the classic multi-blade pocketknife with the advantages of clip carry and our Trademark Round Hole™. The result is a revolutionary new class of everyday-carry tool that rides conveniently at the top of the pocket and can be instantly accessed and easily opened.
Introduced in 2014, Spyderco’s first three ClipiTool patterns paired a non-locking, slipjoint primary blade with folding secondary tools that included scissors, a serrated blade, or a combination bottle opener/flat-bladed screwdriver. The signature round holes in both the blade and secondary tool made opening them a breeze and proudly proclaimed their Spyderco identity. Their satin-finished stainless steel handles also included hourglass clips for convenient top-of-the-pocket carry. These distinctive features quickly earned the ClipiTool concept an audience of devoted end users. They also inspired requests for additional designs offering other tools and functions. In response to that demand, we are proud to announce the new ClipiTool Standard and ClipiTool Rescue.
The ClipiTool Standard
C208GP
MSRP: $79.95
Origin: China
The ClipiTool Standard elevates the original concept of the ClipiTool family to a full-sized pocketknife with two additional folding tools. The star attraction of this design is a full-flat-ground leaf-shaped blade crafted from 8Cr13MoV stainless steel. Unlike its smaller slipjoint brethren, the PlainEdge™ primary blade of this ClipiTool locks securely open via a stout LinerLock mechanism. It is complemented by a folding can opener/small screwdriver and a bottle opener/large screwdriver with a wire-stripping notch. Both screwdriver heads are hollow ground to ensure a secure fit in slotted screws. Although they do not lock, they are supported by sturdy slipjoint spring mechanisms to keep them open during use and feature “half-stops” at the 90-degree point that allow the handle to be used for extra leverage. Like the primary blade, both tools are precision machined from 8Cr13MoV stainless steel and feature textured index-finger choils and generously sized Trademark Round Holes. A defining feature of all Spyderco knives, the round hole proudly identifies the knife’s pedigree and allows all three tools to be swiftly and easily opened with only one hand.
The handle of the ClipiTool Standard is built on a framework of nested stainless steel liners, textured black G-10 scales, and solid stainless steel backspacers and springs. Its screw-together construction ensures the precise alignment of all parts, and a two-position hourglass clip provides a choice of right-side tip-up or tip-down carry.
Overall: 7.90 in / 201 mm
Blade: 3.50 in / 89 mm
Edge: 3.05 in / 77 mm
Weight: 4.2 oz / 119 g
Grind: Full-Flat
Origin: China
The ClipiTool Rescue
C208GP
MSRP: $79.95
Origin: China
Sharing the same basic handle construction and design as the ClipiTool Standard, the ClipiTool Rescue offers three different folding tools optimized for the needs of first responders. Its primary blade is full-flat ground from 8Cr13MoV stainless steel and combines a classic sheepfoot profile with our fully serrated SpyderEdge™ to create the iconic “rescue” pattern. Pioneered by Spyderco in the early 1980’s, this dynamic synthesis provides extreme cutting power while offering the safety of a blunt tip.
For more specialized rescue cutting chores—like quickly removing clothing or boots from an injured person—the ClipiTool Rescue also features a high-performance hook-shaped cutter. Sharpened only on its interior surface, it cuts with impressive authority while greatly minimizing any risk to the victim. Like the primary blade, the rescue hook is supported by a LinerLock mechanism to lock it securely open during use.
A non-locking, hollow-ground screwdriver blade rounds out the selection of tools and provides an additional level of functionality. Again, all three blades are crafted from 8Cr13MoV stainless steel, feature textured index-finger choils that allow a secure, “choked-up” grip, and include Trademark Round Holes for quick one-handed access.
Practical, innovative, and incredibly functional, the ClipiTool Standard and Rescue are proudly redefining the concept of the multi-bladed pocketknife.
Overall: 8.01 in / 203 mm
Blade: 3.61 in / 92 mm
Edge: 3.15 in / 80 mm
Weight: 4.2 oz / 119 g
Grind: Full-Flat
Origin: China
Making our best even better
One of the core principles of Spyderco’s approach to business is Constant Quality Improvement, or C.Q.I. In simple terms, C.Q.I. is our dedication to always making everything we do better. Whether it’s design, materials, engineering, or business practices, we never stop looking for ways to improve.
Two of the most recent examples of this principle are the Gayle Bradley-designed Advocate™ and the Native® 5 with G-10 scales.
As some of you may know, in 2017 there was some concern regarding the engineering of the Advocate’s pivot design. We monitored this issue very closely and tracked every Advocate knife returned for warranty evaluation. Although only a handful of Advocates were actually affected, we embraced the opportunity to make this remarkable design even better. We are now proud to announce that all Advocate knives in current production feature an improved pivot construction with thicker steel washers and larger ball bearings seated in a phosphor bronze housing. This enhanced version of the Advocate is in stock now and ready to ship.
Spyderco’s revolutionary 40th Anniversary Native 5 was not only a groundbreaking manufacturing accomplishment; it also allowed us to discover the weight-saving advantages of linerless handle construction. Instead of the skeletonized full stainless steel liners of the original Native 5, we incorporated four sets of threaded inserts in the handle scales to support the knife’s four-position clip. We and our customers liked this feature so much we decided to incorporate it into our standard G-10-handled expression of the Native 5 (C41GP5). This brilliantly simple change reduces the knife’s weight by almost 20 percent (from 3.7 ounces to 3.0 ounces) and makes this popular cutting tool even more pocket friendly.
Please note that both of these improvements are what we refer to as “in-line” changes—modifications in the production methodology of one specific model. All other features of the model—including its SKU—remain the same and the transition to the new version is virtually seamless.
As the Greek philosopher Heraclitus said, “Life is flux,” or as it is often expressed, “The only constant is change.” At Spyderco, thanks to C.Q.I., we always strive to make that change for the better.
Show Time
January has been an unbelievably busy month for the Spyderco Crew. Our Sales and Marketing teams, as well as a number of other key company personnel, traveled to Las Vegas to exhibit at the 40th annual SHOT (Shooting, Hunting, and Outdoor Trade) Show. The largest gathering of manufacturers, distributors, dealers, media, and professional end-line users in the outdoor industry, it was held January 23-26 at the Sands Expo Center.
Spyderco’s representation at the show was divided between two booths. At our main booth, our sales and media relations staff presented our new products to established dealers and members of the media, while the company’s founders and an elite team of custom collaborators offered a sneak peek at prototypes and concept models of upcoming products. At the other end of the show floor, the staff of our OpFocus booth presented the “tactical side” of our product line to select dealers, media members, tactical trainers, and duty-bound professionals.
Thanks to all who visited us at the show and followed our activities, interviews, and product insights through social media.
Back in Colorado, other members of Spycerco’s Crew were representing our brand at the National Western Stock Show. Established in 1906, this nationally recognized event is the premier livestock, rodeo, and horse show in the country and one of Colorado’s most popular tourist attractions. It is held every January for 16 days and attracts more than 650,000 visitors. In additional to professional rodeo competition, entertainment, and a variety of exhibits, the National Western also offers youth education in livestock, equestrian, farming, ranching, and animal awareness and appreciation. A true celebration of the Western lifestyle, it is also a natural “fit” for knife enthusiasts and Spyderco fans.
Finally, Spyderco also exhibited at the Outdoor Retailer/Snow Show. One of the world’s leading business-to-business outdoor sports shows, this year it celebrated its move to Denver and it merger with the Snow Show, the premier industry event for winter sports equipment.
