what serial number is it? if the logos are engraved instead of etched, it's from a later batch.Originally Posted by NickA
what serial number is it? if the logos are engraved instead of etched, it's from a later batch.
No serial number on mine? The logos are engraved though ( Spyderco on one side, Terzuola on the other, and ATS-34).
I had that same model knife. I was in college so it was either late 94/early 95. That was one of my many Katrina casualties in 2005.So this just arrived. The 13th production Spyderco built in America. First knives had aluminum handles, and later ones made with G10. This was a collaboration knife between knifebuilder Bob Terzuola and Spyderco, built under agreement by the company which would become Benchmade. The story as described by Bob T. and Sal Glesser (owner of Spyderco):
"When Sal Glesser of Spyderco first approached me for a Clipit design in 1989, we had been friends for several years. We knew each others standards of quality and willingness to truly collaborate and produce a product we both could be proud of. I was up front with him about my requirements for using ATS-34 (never before used in a factory folder), and having the knives made in the USA, not Japan (resulting in the eventual creation of Spyderco Manufacturing in Golden Co.).
"The resulting C-15 became somewhat of a milestone in American made pocket knives, being the first factory knife made in the USA (or anywhere else) using ATS-34 steel, the liner lock and G-10 for its handles. (Few people know that even Benchmade got its start from this knife since Les D'Asis was the original manufaturer, even before Benchmade existed)."
-- Robert Terzuola
-------------------------------------------------------------
Lester (Lester de Asis is the founder and President of Benchmade Knives) had just moved his new factory to the Portand area. He was producing bali-songs along with a few models of Browning origin.
"Spyderco had no US mfg facility at the time and Bob T insisted that it be US made. Lester and I had been friends for many years. I agreed to have Lester make the C15 design for Spyderco. Lester and I went down to Bob's shop in Sante Fe and Bob taught the both of us how to make linerlocks using the ball bearing detent developed by Michael Walker.
"Lester went on to produce the first several runs of C15's for us. Then Spyderco set up our own mfg facility in Golden and took over production.
"It was good for both Lester and I in many respects."
-- Sal Glesser
That is beautiful. Really brings back memories.
Thanks.
JR1572
I can't speak to that particular knife, but Spyderco has been making folding pocket knives in Colorado since 1981. The C01 Worker was their first design.
They started in 1973 with a non knife related product that actually gave them their name. It was an articulated clamp system that looked like a spider. The company settled in Golden in 1978 and started producing knife sharpeners.
I bought a Spyderco Mariner in Colorado in 1985. It had The Spydie Hole, stainless steel frame/handle, forward positioned back lock, a belt clip and serrated edge. All innovations to the folding knife world that are credited to Spyderco.
Here's a pic of the original Spyderco C01 Worker from the Spyderco Forum
<a href="http://s95.photobucket.com/user/georgemaggos/media/100_5257a.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img src="http://i95.photobucket.com/albums/l158/georgemaggos/100_5257a.jpg" border="0" alt=" photo 100_5257a.jpg"/></a>
Last edited by Rich@CCC; 12-31-2015 at 09:29 AM.
TANSTAAFL
Managing Partner, Custom Carry Concepts, LLC
Last edited by Rich@CCC; 12-31-2015 at 09:31 AM.
TANSTAAFL
Managing Partner, Custom Carry Concepts, LLC
Very cool, Rich. Those were made in Japan, if I remember correctly. Early ones had no lanyard hole, and the two screw pocket clip
The Janitor,
Are those yours?
I had always been under the impression that the original Spydies were assembled in the states from Seki City blades. A little research tells me that the C01 Worker and C02 Mariner were never manufactured in Gloden, only in Japan. I learn something new every day.
TANSTAAFL
Managing Partner, Custom Carry Concepts, LLC
I believe if it's engraved, and un-numbered, it's from a later batch. These two are owned by a mod on USN. the top is #0031 and the bottom is #1495. I was fortunate to snag #0013
The C15 was a new step for Spyderco, and what would become Benchmade. I think D'Asis was making them in Oregon
Les D'Asis had just come away from the Pacific Cutlery bankruptcy when we asked him to make the C15. Benchmade did not exist as yet and grew from the small storefront in which he made our knives. BOB
unfortunately, no. But, I did just get this original-issue C55 Starmate in.
Must be it then. Mine is half serrated like the bottom one.I believe if it's engraved, and un-numbered, it's from a later batch. These two are owned by a mod on USN. the top is #0031 and the bottom is #1495. I was fortunate to snag #0013
The C15 was a new step for Spyderco, and what would become Benchmade. I think D'Asis was making them in Oregon
Les D'Asis had just come away from the Pacific Cutlery bankruptcy when we asked him to make the C15. Benchmade did not exist as yet and grew from the small storefront in which he made our knives. BOB
I take it the un-numbered are not so much a collector's item then? This one isn't in great shape, but if it has any significance to Spyderco fans I'd look at passing it along.
Reply With Quote
