My Kopa Kabana :)

[ozspyder]

I love the Spyderco Kopa 8) for a number of reasons. Check this review out and the photos and I'm sure you'll appreciate them too :D

http://i143.photobucket.com/albums/r152/datan070973/cutlery/Spyderco/Kopa/DSC_7274.jpg
http://i143.photobucket.com/albums/r152/datan070973/cutlery/Spyderco/Kopa/DSC_7234.jpg

Specifications:
length overall 5 13/16" (148 mm)
length closed 3 7/16" (87 mm)
blade length 2 7/16" (62 mm)
blade thickness 1/8" (3 mm)
cutting edge 1 15/16" (49 mm)
blade steel VG-10
weight 2.5 oz (70 g)
hole diameter 7/16" (11 mm)
handle material various inlays

http://i143.photobucket.com/albums/r152/datan070973/cutlery/Spyderco/Kopa/DSC_7280.jpg

The Kopa is a limited edition sprint run of 600 blades per release. Each year Spyderco plans the release of around 3 of these knives with different inlays. All up a total of 17 different releases are planned, the inlays for those are not known too far in advance.

The inlays so far have been:
Cocobolo, Black Micarta, Evrina, Apple Coral, Tiger Coral, Gold Pearl, Turquoise, Black Quince.
Two more are scheduled for realease very soon: Jigged Bone, then MOP with Paua stripes.

(to be continued)

[ozspyder]

Cocobolo (mine is not the best cocobolo example :( )
http://i143.photobucket.com/albums/r152/datan070973/cutlery/Spyderco/Kopa/DSC_7263.jpg

Black Micarta (simple elegance, great for formal events)
http://i143.photobucket.com/albums/r152/datan070973/cutlery/Spyderco/Kopa/DSC_7262.jpg

Evrina (man made ivory substitute, accepts scrimshaw very well, IMHO very 'plastic' in feeling)
http://i143.photobucket.com/albums/r152/datan070973/cutlery/Spyderco/Kopa/DSC_7264.jpg

Tiger Coral (great figuring in every example of these which you see. One of my favourite Kopas)
http://i143.photobucket.com/albums/r152/datan070973/cutlery/Spyderco/Kopa/DSC_7265.jpg

Apple Coral (Good figuring in my example, but could be nicer, great looker)
http://i143.photobucket.com/albums/r152/datan070973/cutlery/Spyderco/Kopa/DSC_7266.jpg


(to be continued) :D

[ozspyder]

Gold Pearl (One of the most beautiful inlays released so far, but also the hardest to photograph due to the shimmering depth of the pearlescence)
http://i143.photobucket.com/albums/r152/datan070973/cutlery/Spyderco/Kopa/DSC_7267.jpg

Turquoise (Great inlay and one of my favourites.... I like blue :p , beautiful depth again like the Pearl one)
http://i143.photobucket.com/albums/r152/datan070973/cutlery/Spyderco/Kopa/DSC_7269.jpg

Black Quince (I have 2 of these, one of them you have seen before and has excellent figuring, the other much blander, this one makes a great EDC)
http://i143.photobucket.com/albums/r152/datan070973/cutlery/Spyderco/Kopa/DSC_7270.jpg

These small SS bolstered folders are very solidly constructed with impeccable fit and finish. You pay a premium for this type of finish which only a limited sprint run can command.

I like the flat ground leaf blades and exotic inlays. These small gentlemens folder have got me by the short and curlies. I will continue to pursue the full collection, and possibly multiples of each ;)

http://i143.photobucket.com/albums/r152/datan070973/cutlery/Spyderco/Kopa/DSC_7288.jpg

Hope you guys like this
(forgot to take better pics of the backside showing the very nice clip, and also knife in hand ...will do so later and edit this post :p )

[jaislandboy]

... These small gentlemens folder have got me by the short and curlies. ...

Lovely photos datan! :cool: yeah, those Pearl one's are most difficult to capture the true spectrum colors.....kinda reminds me of catching my 1st rainbow trout.... :rolleyes: Be careful with the blades near your "short and curlies"... :p

[Peter1960]

Congrats, very nice photos! Kopas on a stone balustrade - you have nerve :cool: :eek: (Don't chastise me, I'm a collector :o )

[ozspyder]

Congrats, very nice photos! Kopas on a stone balustrade - you have nerve :cool: :eek: (Don't chastise me, I'm a collector :o )

Hehehe Peter,
I know what you mean, I had a lot of trouble carefully setting them on the sandstone :eek: I collect them too, none were damaged, all were set down like feathers very carefully ! I saw other locations for the photo shoot, but none captured my attention that day better

[Fairlane]

Great pic's and review! Nice collection of Kopa's :)

[SonnyD]

Those are Gorgeous, Thanks for the Eye Candy!;)
Regards Sonny

[jaislandboy]

Hehehe Peter,
I know what you mean, I had a lot of trouble carefully setting them on the sandstone :eek: I collect them too, none were damaged, all were set down like feathers very carefully ! I saw other locations for the photo shoot, but none captured my attention that day better

hey Daniel,
you've got some rock steady hands there.... ;)
nice pix BTW! :cool:

[ozspyder]

Thanks Jaislandboy !

Just posted on the other thread about my Kopa obsession actually. I should take more photos of my Kabana :) I managed to grab a few more of the older releases and a few more coming my way.

I'm thinking of releasing my flock of Natives so I can concentrate mainly on the smaller 'gentlemans' type folders. Though I am struggling with that decision because the Native was the first blade that got me hooked on :spyder: and they all have sentimental value to me. There are a few missing from my collection so I'll either keep hunting at the Bay or release my lot there to roam freely.

I just love my Kopas :p :D And I know a few more here that collect them too. I just need a few Cocobolo ones and a few doubles of the others and I'm set (for a few weeks at least ;) )

Cheers bros
Daniel

[Capt. Carl]

I like the micarta one the best followed by the quince!

[ozspyder]

Here's some more micarta goodness for you Carl :)

http://i143.photobucket.com/albums/r152/datan070973/cutlery/Spyderco/Kopa/DSC_0576.jpg

You gotta love the elegant clip of the Kopa....well it can be improved, but IMHO it is one of the better :spyder: ones for gentlepersons.
http://i143.photobucket.com/albums/r152/datan070973/cutlery/Spyderco/Kopa/DSC_0577.jpg

Along with the comparo pic with my 2 other favourites :D
http://i143.photobucket.com/albums/r152/datan070973/cutlery/Spyderco/DSC_0552.jpg

http://i143.photobucket.com/albums/r152/datan070973/cutlery/Spyderco/DSC_0551.jpg

Cheers
Dan

[Lostification]

I must admit that this is the first time I've found Black Micarta attractive. Great job takin those photos. :D

[giant1]

Dan

Nice Kopa collection. :cool:

I have the MOP and Micarta and am on the lookout for the Cocobolo. The Kopa's are on the absolute limit (size wise) for me. I don't really get into small knives because they don't seem to fit in my hands well.

Frank

[ozspyder]

Hey Frank,
Wait for the Jigged Bone release later in the year. You fondness of jiggy bone means you will love the Kopa version :) If you want another Kopa, I highly recommend the Turquoise. I rank that higher on my fondle-scale than the cocobolo :p

Cheers
Dan

[bh49]

Dan,
Are you planning to update this thread?

[ozspyder]

Update ? oooooh yeah of course.

I have been placing all my pictures of late into my "Daniel's Spyderco Hoard" picture thread. But I haven't forgotten this. I am just waiting for the Jigged Bone to add to my Pearl and Abalone one, so I can get another massive family shot of the bunch of Kopas.

Thanks for reminding me of this though. It'll be good to get the family shot updated.

Cheers bro
Daniel

[jaislandboy]

Dan,
Are you planning to update this thread?
+1 ;) :D

[ozspyder]

As promised, some very quickly cobbled together shots of the family group :)

http://i143.photobucket.com/albums/r152/datan070973/cutlery/Spyderco/Kopa/DSC_2260.jpg

http://i143.photobucket.com/albums/r152/datan070973/cutlery/Spyderco/Kopa/DSC_2271.jpg

http://i143.photobucket.com/albums/r152/datan070973/cutlery/Spyderco/Kopa/DSC_2280.jpg

http://i143.photobucket.com/albums/r152/datan070973/cutlery/Spyderco/Kopa/DSC_2270.jpg

http://i143.photobucket.com/albums/r152/datan070973/cutlery/Spyderco/Kopa/DSC_2284.jpg

Will promise to do some more later...gotta go do some work now :( :p

Cheers
Dan

[jaislandboy]

marvelous Kopa pix Daniel .... :cool:
love the Kopawheels... ;)

[Senate]

beautiful pics Daniel!

[Peter1960]

Ahhh, the Kopa addiction - well done :cool:

[ozspyder]

Ahhh, the Kopa addiction - well done :cool:

What do you mean addiction Peter? :D ;)

I went to Knifeaholics Anonymous just last week and I'm sure they said that I can manage to Kopa :p with my addiction if I go and buy some more..... you know , just so I can Kopa :D

Can't wait until Mr Jiggy Bone comes out to join the party. I'm doing my very best to get everyone to notice the fabulous Kopa.

I'm certain Sal is looking into some mid-production 'improvements' to my favourite knife. Looking forward to them, but a little apprehensive at the same time :rolleyes:

Cheers guys. Stay tuned for more Kopa Kabana shenanigans

Dan

[JaM]

I've been bitten by the kopa-bug recently... I really want a apple coral one, would make a great gentleman's folder for sure.

Nice pictures ! Thanks fotr showing :)

[mrappraisit]

I think that the tiger coral example you have is probably the best one i've seen. The apple coral is no slouch either. good pic's, nice pairings with the starfish':)

[bh49]

Dan,
Gorgeous pictures.
Thank you for updating this thread.:p
Roman

[bh49]

Ahhh, the Kopa addiction - well done :cool:

Peter,
Did you say Kopa addiction?
I am afraid, that some of us already passed this point.:D :D

[bh49]

Daniel,
This is update time. We up to 16 now, plus quite a few customs landed in Sydney.

[racer88]

Nice collection oz! And, nice photos, too.

[ozspyder]

Daniel,
This is update time. We up to 16 now, plus quite a few customs landed in Sydney.

OK OK I have a couple more coming :p I promise to update this thread and my other picture thread this Xmas when I get a chance :)

I think I'm up to about 50/60 Kopas at the moment ??? lost count. I'm going to take stock of what I have and probably do the 16 variations on EDC rotation and maybe a few customs as well.

[wongKI]

Coral Kopa is awesome :O

Anyone still selling these?

[ozspyder]

Hi WongKI,

Unfortunately the Kopa series has been discontinued :(

The last variation was the CF Kopa. The earlier variations have been long disco'd and are quite hard to find. One of the rarer pieces would be the Corals.

The Kopas occasionally come up for sale on various FS threads and in auction sites. IIRC a few came up recently at decent prices. Some were/are going for OK prices too

[bh49]

I promise to update this thread and my other picture thread this Xmas

Daniel,
you know, some people will remember that and will not be too shy to remind if you forget :D:)

[Peter1960]

... some people will remember that and will not be too shy to remind if you forget :D:)I agree with this statement, I even know this person ... sorry, the people :p

[ozspyder]

OK hopefully this teaser shot will keep a few of my mates satisfied for a few weeks while I try to get work and family commitments under control :p

I do indeed have a heap of the production Kopas, many of which are in EDC rotation, some have been given away as gifts, and a fair few pimped versions as well. All will come to light very shortly.

I still intend to get a few more Kopas ... you know... just in case I manage to somehow break one :D

http://i143.photobucket.com/albums/r152/datan070973/cutlery/Spyderco/Kopa/DSC_3143.jpg

[ozspyder]

This one here most have already seen from my main picture thread. But it deserves showing again due mainly to the fact that I am paying tribute to 2 fellow Spyder nuts - one magic mirror man :) and one master Kopa pimper :)

http://i143.photobucket.com/albums/r152/datan070973/cutlery/Spyderco/Kopa/DSC_0533.jpg

These aren't all the pimped ones I have.... a few more and a couple more to come :p

[bh49]

This one here most have already seen from my main picture thread. But it deserves showing again due mainly to the fact that I am paying tribute to 2 fellow Spyder nuts - one magic mirror man :) and one master Kopa pimper :)

http://i143.photobucket.com/albums/r152/datan070973/cutlery/Spyderco/Kopa/DSC_0533.jpg

These aren't all the pimped ones I have.... a few more and a couple more to come :p

Great picture Daniel. Love it. Thank you. I hope more coming. :):):p This is not the first priority, but I would love to eventually see entire Kopa collection shot coming from you and Tony. I know, this will not be easy, but you, guys have biggest Kopa collections.
Also with help of your girls and son that shot should take almost no time. :D
Thank you again,
Roman

[The Deacon]

Excellent photo Daniel. What's the 4th one from the left?

[tonydahose]

I am learning from my mistakes Paul;), i saved the picture and the name of the wood so i wouldn't forget...lol. it is Acrylized Masur Birch, since my 1st plan for the full scale kopa broke, i am going to use try this wood next.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v680/tonydahose/AcrylizedMasurBirch.jpg

edit: pic is from sdcwoodworking

[bh49]

Tony,
I hope that your have pictures of every Kopa, which you made so far.

[ozspyder]

Paul and Tony,
the Masur birch is mist likely the best one in my collection :D. I was going to ask Tony to do a full scale Masur Birch one if the full scale Kopa proto turned out well :p

Roman,
I will be doing a shot of all my Tony Kopas :)

[Rolex John]

I am learning from my mistakes Paul;), i saved the picture and the name of the wood so i wouldn't forget...lol. it is Acrylized Masur Birch, since my 1st plan for the full scale kopa broke, i am going to use try this wood next.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v680/tonydahose/AcrylizedMasurBirch.jpg

edit: pic is from sdcwoodworking

Hi,

I've just discovered the Kopa and very interested in picking some up. They seem to be VERY hard to track down at a reasonable price. :(

I'm seeing several versions of the Kopa here I've not seen in the Spyderco catalog. Do any of these by chance have non-factory handles? The green ones for example I've never seen before in my searches.

Any help tracking down Kopas (particularly the mother of pearl versions) would be appreciated!

[ozspyder]

Hi Rolex John,

There have only been 16 variations of Kopa released from the Spyderco catalogue. The last one being the carbon fibre version.

I have all of the factory releases along with a number of other pumped versions by my good mate Tony :) who has done a few woods, stones and other versions :p.

The Kopas are a bit harder to find now but they do come up on occasion on trading and for sale sites/ forums. Sometimes in NIB condition and sometimes lightly used. Rarely are these abused. IMHO these and the Kiwi are highly underestimated in their ability to be classy as well as capable.

I promised to update this thread but haven't yet got around to doing so. If I find some I will let you know. However they don't usually come up under $100 and some of the rarer or more ornate ones go for over $200 and I have seen some even over $300 !!!

Search Google and other forums and you may be surprised :)

[tonydahose]

Any help tracking down Kopas (particularly the mother of pearl versions) would be appreciated!

msg sent;)

[LowSpeedHighDrag]

I was never really a Kopa fan til this thread came along...

[Rolex John]

Hi Rolex John,

There have only been 16 variations of Kopa released from the Spyderco catalogue. The last one being the carbon fibre version.

I have all of the factory releases along with a number of other pumped versions by my good mate Tony :) who has done a few woods, stones and other versions :p.

The Kopas are a bit harder to find now but they do come up on occasion on trading and for sale sites/ forums. Sometimes in NIB condition and sometimes lightly used. Rarely are these abused. IMHO these and the Kiwi are highly underestimated in their ability to be classy as well as capable.

I promised to update this thread but haven't yet got around to doing so. If I find some I will let you know. However they don't usually come up under $100 and some of the rarer or more ornate ones go for over $200 and I have seen some even over $300 !!!

Search Google and other forums and you may be surprised :)

By "pumped out" (pimped?) I assume you mean customized, aftermarket handles? So Tony does that sort of work?

Right now I can get a darn good deal on a Kopa variety I don't particularly want, but if I can get custom handles I'll jump all over it. :D I've also run across SFSW in my research but again I don't yet know if they will put handles on a knife you send them. :confused:

[ozspyder]

Rolex John,

Speak with Tony ... he'll sort you out :p

[Rolex John]

Rolex John,

Speak with Tony ... he'll sort you out :p

OK - I ordered a Pacific Blue Kopa at a good price, which I believe will be be modded....unless I like the Pacific Blue too much to change it. :p I'll take a few pics of the PB when I get it.

I really look forward to the finished product I have in mind!

[tonydahose]

I've also run across SFSW in my research but again I don't yet know if they will put handles on a knife you send them. :confused:

i spoke with them before i started modding because i wanted a custom spydie. one had been done by them, a beautiful starts and stripes kopa, but from what i have gathered Sal asked them not to do anymore because spyderco was making them with different handles. i believe they have a good working relationship so SFSW obliged. when i spoke with SFSW they said if they hear from Sal, i am guessing a letter would work as well, saying that it was OK to do, then and only then would they modify a kopa. so i took matters into my own hands and started modding them myself. i didn't do so until the model was cancelled, i just thought it wouldnt be right. does SFSW still need Sal's OK to get one modded since the model is now discontinued, i don't know. you would need to contact them and ask. hope this helps answer your question.

[Rolex John]

i spoke with them before i started modding because i wanted a custom spydie. one had been done by them, a beautiful starts and stripes kopa, but from what i have gathered Sal asked them not to do anymore because spyderco was making them with different handles. i believe they have a good working relationship so SFSW obliged. when i spoke with SFSW they said if they hear from Sal, i am guessing a letter would work as well, saying that it was OK to do, then and only then would they modify a kopa. so i took matters into my own hands and started modding them myself. i didn't do so until the model was cancelled, i just thought it wouldnt be right. does SFSW still need Sal's OK to get one modded since the model is now discontinued, i don't know. you would need to contact them and ask. hope this helps answer your question.

I did check with them and they said they can mod a Kopa sent to them.