Do you ever think back to that old tool in your dad’s garage that simply captivated you? For me, it was a manual drill with a wooden handle. It had to be the most inefficient tool we owned, but it belonged to my grandfather and the thought of its use still fascinates me. It’s not so much the tool itself as the fact that it has a history behind it. That’s what I love about these two new offerings from Spyderco; they have a story to tell.
The Spyderco C173G Hungarian Folder is a new addition to Spyderco’s Ethnic series of knives that bring together modern materials and classic cultural design. Originally designed by Hungarian architect Gabor Szokonyi, the fejesgorbe (header curved) features a long, straight spine that tapers gently to meet a sweeping, curved cutting edge made from CTS XHP steel. The handle is designed on a foundation of full stainless steel liners, has contoured, polished G-10 scales, and sculpted stainless steel bolsters. It’s very different from the Spyderco Serrata FB32G knife or the Spyderco Paramilitary 2 knife.
In order to enhance the safety of the knife, Spyderco strayed away from the traditional spring-backed slipjoint mechanism and used a Walker Linerlock to lock the blade in an open position securely. Visually, the C173G is a beautiful tribute to the classic Hungarian style while offering the precision and performance of modern materials and manufacturing techniques.
The Carpenter Foundry knife was designed as a joint effort between Spyderco and Carpenter Technology. For the initial production, the Foundry CLIPIT C160P will only be available to Carpentry Technology employees and retirees as a unique offering celebrating a company that started back in 1889 with the goal of improving steel production. From its humble beginnings, James H. Carpenter’s company now boasts 3,000 employees and annual revenue of over $1 billion.
With an MSRP of $349, the C160P features a wide, clip point blade manufactured from Carpenter’s CTS XHP. The CTS XHP is a tough powder metallurgy steel that is air hardened with added carbon and chromium. The handle scales are made from Carpenter Custom 465 Stainless steel and is engraved with the Carpenter logo. Once the initial commitment to Carpenter is complete, Spyderco will offer the Foundry CLIPIT to the general public.
The Hungarian Folder and Spyderco Carpenter CLIPIT looks like great tools. For more information on Spyderco knives, visit their website.
