Spyderco byte - September 2017
The Spyderco byte September 2017 e-newsletter was sent out on 30 September 2017, and it contained the following articles.
C228CFP The Sliverax
MSRP: $249.95
Origin: TAIWAN
The Sliverax is a sleek, extremely innovative folder designed by automotive engineer and knife enthusiast Paul Alexander. The first factory-made folding knife to combine an index-finger “flipper” opener with Spyderco’s patented Compression Lock™ mechanism, it offers lightning-quick deployment, impressive structural strength, and world-class cutting performance.
Paul Alexander is a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Mechanical Engineering and a researcher for one of the leading manufacturers in the automotive industry. With nearly 100 patents to his credit so far, he is a recognized expert in the design and engineering of automotive systems and a specialist in state-of-the-art industrial materials. And when someone of his caliber decides to try his hand at designing knives, it’s no surprise that the result is something special.
Alexander’s first collaboration with Spyderco, the Ouroboros™, was released in 2016. It introduced the knife community to his highly refined design style and immediately whet its appetite for more. He quickly responded, pushing the envelope of creativity even further with the Sliverax.
The Sliverax actually represents the confluence of three powerful features: a Kit Carson-inspired flipper opener, a fully accessible Trademark Round Hole™, and Spyderco’s high-strength Compression Lock mechanism. The flipper and Round Hole allow the knife to be quickly deployed with a full range of one-handed opening techniques that both work equally well with either hand. The Compression Lock mechanism not only locks the blade securely open when in use, but also helps prevent unintentional closing of the knife because the lock release is located in the spine of the handle.
This knife’s sleek drop-point blade is crafted from CPM® S30V® stainless steel and features a full-flat grind for low-friction edge geometry. The seamless flow of the blade and handle creates a slightly negative blade angle, which enhances cutting leverage and places the point on the knife’s centerline for maximum utility and control. The negative angle also shortens the blade’s opening arc to further increase the speed and reliability of one-handed openings. Once open, the blade’s flipper serves as a highly functional lower guard to provide additional grip security when in use.
The handle of the Sliverax features a lightweight, easy-to-clean, open-backed construction style that is both stylish and extremely ergonomic. Its stunning carbon fiber/G-10 laminate scales are precision machined to house nested stainless steel liners that form the foundation of the knife’s high-strength Compression Lock™ mechanism. This patented lock is located in the spine of the handle and is mechanically very different than a conventional LinerLock. It offers far greater strength, greatly reduces the possibility of unintentional release during use, and allows the blade to be easily closed with only one hand without placing one’s fingers in the path of the edge.
To provide the optimal balance between low-profile and immediate access, the Sliverax includes a reversible deep-pocket wire clip for tip-up carry. Its unique “see-through” style blends with the pants material and positions the knife low in the pocket for secure, extremely discreet carry, yet still keeps it poised for a rapid draw.
The Sliverax is a truly groundbreaking folding knife that showcases the talents of a world-class industrial designer and mechanical engineer. Combining the strength and user friendliness of our Compression Lock with unparalleled ease of deployment, it offers unique advantages not found in any other Spyderco knife.
Overall: 8.00 in / 203 mm
Blade: 3.48 in / 88 mm
Edge: 3.48 in / 88 mm
Weight: 3.3 oz / 94 g
Grind: Full-Flat
Origin: TAIWAN
The Finer Points of Clip Carry
Since Spyderco founder Sal Glesser put the first pocket clip on a folding knife way back in 1981, knife carry hasn’t been the same. Inspired by one of his favorite keychains, that brilliantly simple innovation literally revolutionized the form of the modern folding knife and forever changed the way we carry our everyday tools.
Although pocket clips are commonplace these days and most savvy knife enthusiasts wouldn’t dream of carrying a folder any other way, there are still a number of “unwritten rules” when it comes to clip carry. Learning and following these rules will allow you to carry your knife safely and securely, while avoiding lost knives, bent or broken clips, and other potential problems.
First and most importantly, carry your knife so the body of the closed knife is inside your pocket. The clip should be attached to the top of the pocket and visible on the outside. This method protects the knife, holds it securely in place, and minimizes the chances of any portion of the knife snagging on your environment. If something does happen to compromise the security of the clip’s hold on the pocket, the knife is also positioned to fall into the pocket rather than being lost. Clipping a knife to the outside of your pocket is the easiest way to lose it or damage your clip.
You should also position your knife in your pocket so you reduce the likelihood that the clip itself will snag on other clothing, seatbelts, or other items in your environment. The most popular location to carry a clip-style folder is in the front pants pocket; however, it helps to be even more specific than that. We recommend clipping your knife as far back in that pocket as possible, next to the side seam of your pants. In this position, the knife is neatly tucked into a consistent location and the rest of the pocket is available for use. If you carry keys, money, or other items in the pocket, you can easily reach in and remove them without dislodging your knife or scratching your hand on the handle.
Carrying your knife in this way also makes it much less likely that the clip will hook on a seatbelt when seated in a vehicle. Clipping the knife to the middle of the pocket, however, puts it in close proximity to where the seatbelt contacts your body. The clip can easily get hooked on the belt when you exit the vehicle, bending or breaking it and perhaps causing the knife to fall out of your pocket.
Clipping your knife to the middle or front of your pocket is also not recommended because we naturally tend to lean or brush up against things like cars, furniture, etc. When we do, the clip may get scratched or caught or it may cause damage to the surfaces it contacts. Again, simply moving it to the back of the pocket easily eliminates this problem.
It is certainly possible to clip your knife to other pockets besides your front pants pocket, but be aware that they can also have advantages and disadvantages. Clipping to a back pocket can cause the top of your knife to stick out when you sit and potentially snag on chair backs when getting up. Cargo pockets tend to move around more than other pocket styles, which may affect carry security and increase the chances of snagging your clip or scratching cars or furniture as you brush past them.
If you are considering carrying your knife clipped to a different pocket, take the time to think about where that pocket is on your body, what the knife might come in contact with during your daily activities, and what challenges, if any, that style of carry might present.
By following these guidelines, you can not only guarantee that your knife is secure and instantly accessible, you can also ensure that your clip lasts as long as the knife itself.
Insider: Modern Day Marine
This month the Spyderco Crew traveled to Virginia to exhibit our products at the Modern Day Marine (MDM) trade show at the Quantico Marine Base. The MDM show is one of the largest military trade shows in the eastern U.S. and attracts attendees from all military services as well as the many U.S. government agencies in the Washington, D.C. area.
We were proud to share our latest products with all who visited and appreciate the outstanding feedback and suggestions we received from many current Spyderco knife users. Thank you all for your interest and your service!
Insider: Annapolis Sailboat Show
Both Spyderco and Sage Marine are currently preparing for the annual United States Sailboat Show in historic Annapolis, Maryland. Drawing sailing enthusiasts from around the globe, this prestigious show is the only remaining in-water sailboat show in the world. If you’re anywhere near Annapolis (or even if you’re not), please be sure to visit us at this remarkable event, which will run from October 5-9, 2017.
Visit us at TENT O12
