What is that "1 of 4 Prototype"?

[LorenzoL]

http://cgi.ebay.com/SPYDERCO-Prototy...d=p3286.c0.m14

[The Deacon]

Not sure. IIRC, unless I'm mixing up my pawnbrokers, that seller was, at one time one of the major players here and had a knack for acquiring some very unusual stuff. Then again, if it was him, I'd think he'd list it with a lot more description and provenance, and at a much higher starting price. As it stands, I'd be very hesitant to bid on it, but equally hesitant to outright label it a fraud. This one definitely needs a "yea or nay" from Sal or Kristi.

[LorenzoL]

I am not even aware that Spyderco used the "1 of XX" label on its blades...

[The Deacon]

They've also used the "XXX of YYY" format...



They've also, at least once, released knives "into the wild" marked as Spyderco Prototype...



None of which is to say the knife in that auction is legit. It's just to point out that Spyderco blade markings are so inconsistent that it's difficult to label one as fraudulent.

But, in spite of all that, my gut still says it's as queer as a three dollar bill.

[LorenzoL]

Paul, did they ever make such a small release as only 4 pieces? That sounds also strange?

[The Deacon]

Yes it does. The absence of tang stamps seems odd as well. As does the absence of any obvious locking device. And yet, in spite of all that, Spyderco has done so many odd things that oddity, by itself, proves nothing.

Please do not misunderstand me, I am not saying I think it is real, only that I would be very hesitant to flat-out label it a fake and that an official opinion is needed.

[LorenzoL]

It will be interesting to see how people react to this listing and if bidding really picks up...

[rycen]

Maybe a version of the T Mag?

[224477]

This one looks interesting, I would say thats a fake, however would like to hear the mysterious story behind. Taz, could you pls.?

[Sam Vimes]

They've also, at least once, released knives "into the wild" marked as Spyderco Prototype...

Paul,
which lock mechanism do the two proto Ocelots have? Not keen on the top version but the second floats my boat.

[rycen]

I can tell you that the top has a comp lock.

[Ted]

I remember having a similair model on one of my earlier sites. I'll need to dig it up.

Either way, it should go back to Golden ...

[Ted]

Found it, it was called the Martial

[redyps04]

What exactly are those top two Ocelots and how did you get them? I've never seen or even heard of them.

[The Deacon]

What exactly are those top two Ocelots and how did you get them? I've never seen or even heard of them.

Prototypes. The one marked Spyderco Prototype is "official" and part of batch of them which were sold. I believe there are about 30 of them. The topmost one is, shall we say, unofficial and, as far as I know, one of a kind. Both are compression locks with nested liners and BG42 blades. IIRC, technically they're not Ocelots, they're Trak'rs, since that was the original name for the model.

[tonydahose]

you keep surprising me with your lil "gems" Paul

[LorenzoL]

BTW, that knife sold for 211$! I really think it is the knife Ted posted a picture of. The seller could have made it easier if he had showed the bolt action lock instead of cutting the picture at the pivot.

[dialex]

I wish there was a picture with the other side of the knife so we could see the locking system. If there is sort of a sliding button on the handles, near the pivot, I could tell this is indeed the prototype of Spyderco's first MBC knife.
This particular lock I've been talking about was REKAT's proprietary Rolling Lock.

[dialex]

He, he, Ted beat me to it... I should have read all those previous posts before posting...

[sal]

http://spyderco.com/forums/showthrea...hlight=Martial