Crowning Classic Cutlery: The Great American Knife Part 4

 Spyderco

    Shortly before the Leatherman PST revitalized and revolutionized the multitool field, Spyderco launched what I believe is the first "modern" folding knife. 

Top: Original C01 Worker
Bottom: C01GPGR Collectible Reproduction

Both from the Spyderco Forum

    Sal Glesser had successfully marketed a few devices previously (the "Portable Hand" for holding small objects while working and knife sharpeners). In 1981, he looked at the shortcomings of common folding knives and developed his own to solve then. While Spyderco has been a pioneer in everything from materials to lock designs over the years, two innovations on the original worker stood out in both modernizing the pocket knife, and creating the lineage of their products today.

1. The "spyie hole"- While not the first one hand opening knife, the hole design developed by Glesser was important for three reasons. First, it was integral to the the blade itself. Many previous designs were aftermarkets that were held in place by tension, drilled through the blade, etc. Second, it didn't interfere with sharpening, cutting large objects, etc. Thumb studs or bars were a popular, but could make it hard to use the "bottom" end of the blade, or get the proper angle.

Aftermarket "kwik" stud on a Buck 110, tomorrow's knife!
Imagine trying to slice an apple in half with that in the way.

    Finally, the simple, manual operation made the system easy to produce and maintain, while dodging laws against swtichblades or other automatic knives. 

2. Pocket Clip- Many people complained about knives falling to the bottoms of pockets; sitting uncomfortably, wearing holes in fabric, or just being a pain to access. The spring clip on the back of the Worker solves this handily, letting you easily secure it to the outside of your pocket (or belt or whatever). A straightforward invention, but one that has become a standard in the modern era. Unlike the relatively simple screw-stud above, I've seen people drill holes through knives or even spot weld on clips. People really want to have their knives secure and handy.

The closest modern descendant, in my mind, is the Delica. With the exception of the larger "Police" model, I believe the Delica (and its larger brother, the Endura) are the oldest designs still in production, albeit with significant revision.

The clip is repositionable now

    Both knives have the traditional clip and hole. While Spyderco has moved away from the Worker's clip point to a "leaf" shape, the Delica is still a bit on the slender side compared to some others. Both are similar sizes (just under 3" long blades, ~4" handle, ~7" while open). Glesser rightly identified this as big enough to get the job done, but small enough not to be a horrifying weapon. Most of the slip joints we looked at the other night are around this size range as well.

    While many Spyderco knives have shifted to more modern locks, the Delica maintains the traditional lock back mechanism. The original worker used a "front lock lock back", with the lock release all the way at the front of the knife. Most modern designs have moved to a more "mid lock" position. Both are easier to disengage with one hand than the traditional "back lock" position.

While the Leatherman revolutionized doing many things just well enough, Spyderco's knives tend to do just one thing (be an easy to carry and use pocket knife) very well. Opposites, but just as popular and valuable in their own way.

Rating:

Age: *** Another child of the early 80s.

'Merica: **** I'm knocking off a star since the Worker (and many Spyderco knives today) are made in Japan. Spyderco does most of their design work in the US, and does maintain a factory here, but the Japanese knives have always been a critical part of their line.

Popularity: ***** If a "modern" folder isn't a Spyderco, it's probably using one or more technologies pioneered by them. At a minimum the pocket clip is basically a given.

Total: ***** ***** ** 12/15

Tied with the slippies, that gives Leatherman the lead. Got a favorite modern folder? What's the biggest innovation in knife technology in your opinion?