C58 JD Smith
The C58 JD Smith was introduced in 1999 and discontinued in 2002. The original version featured black Micarta handles and a hump-less blade shape.
In early 2009 a JD Smith Sprintrun with foliage green G-10 handle was released.
Appearance in catalogs
The C58 JD Smith appeared in the following catalogs (older, newer):
- 2000 Spyderco Products (C58BM)
- 2001 Spyderco Products (C58BM)
- 2009 Spyderco Products (C58G)
Designer
History, mentionings from the forums etc.
On the Spyderco forums:
Comment by Sal:
Interesting history to that model that few would know. The first design was created by JD Smith and made by a new maker for us. Capacities in Seki being small, we're always trying new makers. It takes many years to develop the skills these makers have. The maker went bankrupt due to the poor Japanese ecomomy at the time. At this time, one of our current makers was able to pick up the project, but there was a lot of political juggling involved so we retooled a second time for the model and JD made adjustments to his design during the change. The chamfer was his solution to the lockbar question. As I remember, the 2nd run was made with VG-10. All in all, there were only about 2000 JD Smith pieces produced between the two runs/makers. It's a very nice design but did not attract enough attention for the numbers we need to keep production going. [1]
- "First impressions and pictures of the JD Smith C58G." thread by "spoonrobot".
Information from the Spyderco catalog on the web
C58G 2009 Sprintrun:
"J.D. Smith is a longstanding member of the Knifemakers’ Guild and an ABS Mastersmith. In the 90s he designed and made a tactical-style folder for his own personal use, crafted using advanced materials yet also managing to delight the eye. His design eventually developed into the Spyderco C58 J.D. Smith CLIPIT and new for 2009, Spyderco is re-releasing a Sprint Run (limited in number) with a foliage green G-10 handle.
One unique feature of the design is the Spyderco Trademark Round Hole™ strategically positioned on the Flat Ground VG-10 blade so there is no pronounced hump. This gives the folder an aesthetic, streamlined shape starting from the blade’s tip to the end of the handle. Blade length is 3-13/16” (97mm) and comes only in a PlainEdge™ configuration. In keeping with J.D.’s style and preference for quality materials, the handle is foliage green G-10 and flares slightly where it joins to the handle creating a finger choil and guard. 4-way ambidextrous steel clip."[2]
Variations
The C58 JD Smith is made in Seki-City, Japan and has a
| SKU | Handle | Edge(s) | Steel | From/To | MSRP | Note | Number made | Grind | Clip | Clip positions | Collectors club |
| C58BM | Black Micarta | PE SE | ATS-34 | 1999-2000 | 146.95$ (?) | SE-version: Not listed in catalogs, but several references exist (examples [3][4]) | N/A | Hollow | Metal | RH, TD | SE Main, PE Variant |
| C58BM | Black Micarta | PE SE | VG-10 | 2001 | 146.95$ (?) | N/A | Hollow | Metal | RH, TD | N/A | |
| C58GPFG | Foliage Green G-10 | PE | VG-10 | 2009 | 219.95$ (2009) | 2009 Sprintrun | N/A | Full Flat | Metal | LH/RH, TD/TU | Variant |
Most collectible variation
Questions regarding collecting the C58
Some interesting questions we are looking for an answer to:
Questions with an answer:
Technical information
Measurements (mm and grams) of the C58 JD Smith:
| Variation | Length overall | Length closed | Length blade | Length edge | Hole Ø | Blade thickness | Weight |
| C58BM | 219mm | 126mm | 94mm | 82mm | 11mm | 3mm | 87g |
| C58G | 219mm | 125mm | 97mm | 83mm | 11mm | 3mm | ? |
Measurements (inches and ounces) of the C58 JD Smith:
| Variation | Length overall | Length closed | Length blade | Length edge | Hole Ø | Blade thickness | Weight |
| C58BM | 8 5/8" | 5" | 3 11/16" | 3 1/4" | 7/16" | 1/8" | 3oz |
| C58G | 8 5/8" | 4 15/16" | 3 13/16" | 3 1/4" | 7/16" | 1/8" | ? |
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