C64 Meerkat

The C64 Meerkat was introduced in 2001 and the first Spyderco model featuring a Phantom Lock locking mechanism and one of the first Spyderco models with a wire clip (the C35 Q being the first one).

It is a direct descendant of the C61 Pegasus/C62 Navigator and can also be viewed as an indirect descendant of the C09 CoPilot.

Appearance in catalogs

The C64 Meerkat appeared in the following catalogs (older, newer):

• C64JBK: 2002-2004 Spyderco Products catalogs
• C64BK2: 2002-2003 Spyderco Products catalogs

Designer

Spyderco

History, mentionings from the forums etc.

• History note by Sal about US production of the Meerkat on the Spyderco forums.

Information from the Spyderco catalog on the web

C64JBK:

"We categorize the user friendly Meerkat as one of our "Little Big Guy Knives". To qualify for that distinction you need be a small folder that cuts and feels like a larger folder. The Meerkat accomplishes this by having a 1-5/8 inch blade and small but ergonomically adept handle.

Set inside the handle is a Phantom Lock that has no visible unlocking mechanism. To unlock: Settle your thumb on the divot located on the end of the folder (over the bug). Push forward, moving the handle scale downward/forward a couple millimeters releasing the blade, easily done with one-hand. Along the underside of the handle a succession of angles form placement points for the hand and channel ergonomic grip into control over the cutting edge. Steel liners inside the FRN boost the lock's strength and a double as a plate for securing screws attaching the tip-down tension-wire clip. Shaped in a modified leaf pattern, the blade is hollow-ground AUS-6 with a spine cusp for thumb traction."

See also: C64BK2, C64JBG

Variations

The 440C blade variation is made in Golden, U.S.A. All other C64 Meerkats are made in Seki-City, Japan.

The C64 Meerkat is Spyderco's first (and only?) model with a

• Phantom Lock locking mechanism

SKU	Handle	Edge(s)	Steel	From/To	MSRP	Note	Number made	Grind	Clip	Clip positions	Collectors club
C64JPBK	Black FRN	PE	440C, Modified Drop Point Blade	2001-2002	49.95$ (2001)		N/A	Hollow	Wire	LH/RH, TD
C64JPBK	Black FRN	PE	AUS-6, Modified Drop Point Blade	2002-2004	49.95$ (2004)		N/A	Hollow	Wire	LH/RH, TD
C64JSBK	Black FRN	SE	AUS-6, Modified Drop Point Blade	2002-2004	49.95$ (2004)		N/A	Hollow	Wire	LH/RH, TD
C64PBK2	Black FRN	PE	AUS-6, Reverse "S" Blade	2002-2003	?		N/A	Hollow	Wire	LH/RH, TD
C64SBK2	Black FRN	SE	AUS-6, Reverse "S" Blade	2002-2003	?		N/A	Hollow	Wire	LH/RH, TD
C64JBG	Blue/GrayFRN	PE	VG-10, Modified Drop Point Blade	2009	89,95$ (2009)	SprintRun	800	Full Flat	Wire	LH/RH, TD

Most collectible variation

The C64PBK2 with the reverse S- blade and the 440C- variant is the ones most people look for.

Questions regarding collecting the C64

Some interesting questions we are looking for an answer to:

Questions with an answer:

Technical information

Measurements (mm and grams) of the C64 Meerkat:

Variation	Length overall	Length closed	Length blade	Length edge	Hole Ø	Blade thickness	Weight
C64	133mm	83mm	50mm	42mm	12mm	2.2mm	62g
C64JBG	135mm	84m	51mm	44mm	12mm	2.5mm	64g

Measurements (inches and ounces) of the C64 Meerkat:

Variation	Length overall	Length closed	Length blade	Length edge	Hole Ø	Blade thickness	Weight
C64	5 1/4"	3 5/16"	1 15/16"	1 5/8"	15/32"	3/32"	2.2oz
C64JBG	5 15/16"	3 5/16"	2"	1 3/4"	15/32"	3/32"	2.5oz

Pictures

With the release of the Meerkat, Spyderco also released this countertop display to demonstrate the phantom lock. The Meerkat in this 'Spyderstand' features a dulled edge and the clip is replaced by a ring holding on to a ballchain, to prevent the Meerkat from 'walking away'.

A close-up of the Meerkat in its special countertop display.