Let's get hyped for the Amalgam!

Discuss Spyderco's products and history.
User avatar
Surfingringo
Member
Posts: 5818
Joined: Sun Sep 01, 2013 2:02 pm
Location: Costa Rica

Re: Let's get hyped for the Amalgam!

#61

Post by Surfingringo »

gundamaniac wrote:For those of you for whom the Amalgam is too large, what's a good size for a knife for you? The Amalgam hovers right around a 3.8" blade. I currently carry a 3.5" blade, and used to carry a 3.25" blade. I understand some require under 3" for certain jurisdictions, which is another consideration. But just wanted to get a feel for what kind of blade length people are looking for.

As for release date, your guess is as good as mine at this point. As RamZar said in the SHOT Show thread, there will likely be more details after the collector's meet and IWA. I want to know as badly as you guys :D
I can’t speak for anyone but myself but I tend to gravitate towards 2 sizes. For a “work” knife somewhere in the 3.75” range. When looking for an EDC knife I tend to go for blades closer to 3.25”. I have a lot of 3 1/2 inch knives too as they tend to strike a good balance between those two slots.
User avatar
curlyhairedboy
Member
Posts: 2621
Joined: Fri Mar 18, 2016 11:01 am
Location: Southern New England

Re: Let's get hyped for the Amalgam!

#62

Post by curlyhairedboy »

Surfingringo wrote:
Surfingringo wrote:
curlyhairedboy wrote:I think my favorite thing about it is the blade shape. A conventional drop point with a long straight- coupled with a full flat grind, a flipper, AND a functional spydiehole.
Funny, those were the exact two things I was thinking that I didn’t like about the blade shape. Obviously, that doesn’t make either one of us right or wrong, just different taste. Likely based mostly on differences in the knife chores we perform but probably also some on what appeals to us aesthetically. Thankfully though Spyderco doesn’t only make knives that appeal to me or they would be missing out on a ton of sales. :)

ETA: I’m still anxious to get one of these in hand at Blade though. The handle on his one looks very comfortable and I think it would be right up my alley. I think the handle of a knife tends to say much more about a designer than a particular blade shape.
very true! The blade shape is important for cutting efficiency, but I'm not in intimate contact with the blade for hours at a time. I'm much closer friends with the handle :D

Bit of an aside: With the Amalgam and Brouwer offerings, I feel like there's an improvement in the selection of blade shapes that Spyderco is offering for folders. We've always had the classic leaf-shaped blades and purpose-driven designs, but now with these in the mix, I feel there's more appeal for those who have been looking for something more traditional. Basically, something for those fellas who liked handling a thumbhole folder but couldn't get over the leaf shape.
EDC Rotation: PITS, Damasteel Urban, Shaman, Ikuchi, Amalgam, CruCarta Shaman, Sage 5 LW, Serrated Caribbean Sheepsfoot CQI, XHP Shaman, M4/Micarta Shaman, 15v Shaman
Fixed Blades: Proficient, Magnacut Mule
Special and Sentimental: Southard, Squarehead LW, Ouroboros, Calendar Para 3 LW, 40th Anniversary Native, Ti Native, Calendar Watu, Tanto PM2
Would like to own again: CQI Caribbean Sheepsfoot PE, Watu
Wishlist: Magnacut, Shaman Sprints!
User avatar
gundamaniac
Member
Posts: 335
Joined: Sat Jan 27, 2018 11:15 pm
Location: California Bay Area

Re: Let's get hyped for the Amalgam!

#63

Post by gundamaniac »

@curlyhairedboy, here's a new video, showing compression lock manipulation in different ways, opening action pushbutton and lightswitch style with various methods with both hands, and detent-free flipper action against gravity with my weak hand for good measure haha.

https://youtu.be/zjnJNNE4F6U

As for thicknesses along the spine,
.138" at the ricasso
.132" just in front of the ricasso where the grind starts
.126" about halfway
.1" around where the belly is

And it's .027" just behind the edge.

Keep in mind that all my measurements are rough, likely taken with improper technique on the calipers (sloped surfaces and edges and all that).

Here's a spine shot for reference (Amalgam in the middle, Manix on top, PM2 on the bottom):
02_14_18_12_33_23_IMG_20180207_225351.jpg
User avatar
curlyhairedboy
Member
Posts: 2621
Joined: Fri Mar 18, 2016 11:01 am
Location: Southern New England

Re: Let's get hyped for the Amalgam!

#64

Post by curlyhairedboy »

Thanks a ton! :D
EDC Rotation: PITS, Damasteel Urban, Shaman, Ikuchi, Amalgam, CruCarta Shaman, Sage 5 LW, Serrated Caribbean Sheepsfoot CQI, XHP Shaman, M4/Micarta Shaman, 15v Shaman
Fixed Blades: Proficient, Magnacut Mule
Special and Sentimental: Southard, Squarehead LW, Ouroboros, Calendar Para 3 LW, 40th Anniversary Native, Ti Native, Calendar Watu, Tanto PM2
Would like to own again: CQI Caribbean Sheepsfoot PE, Watu
Wishlist: Magnacut, Shaman Sprints!
Canazes9
Member
Posts: 253
Joined: Sun Jul 30, 2017 1:57 pm

Re: Let's get hyped for the Amalgam!

#65

Post by Canazes9 »

gundamaniac wrote:@curlyhairedboy, here's a new video, showing compression lock manipulation in different ways, opening action pushbutton and lightswitch style with various methods with both hands, and detent-free flipper action against gravity with my weak hand for good measure haha.

https://youtu.be/zjnJNNE4F6U

As for thicknesses along the spine,
.138" at the ricasso
.132" just in front of the ricasso where the grind starts
.126" about halfway
.1" around where the belly is

And it's .027" just behind the edge.

Keep in mind that all my measurements are rough, likely taken with improper technique on the calipers (sloped surfaces and edges and all that).

Here's a spine shot for reference (Amalgam in the middle, Manix on top, PM2 on the bottom):02_14_18_12_33_23_IMG_20180207_225351.jpg
Yeah, but you didn't show detent free flipper action against gravity with weak hand using the light switch technique. You better send that to me for some more detailed evaluation....

Just kidding, of course! Action looks great! Looking forward to getting my hands on this knife!

David
User avatar
gundamaniac
Member
Posts: 335
Joined: Sat Jan 27, 2018 11:15 pm
Location: California Bay Area

Re: Let's get hyped for the Amalgam!

#66

Post by gundamaniac »

Thanks for the feedback re: blade length, blade shape, and usage. These are all good points and good for my personal reference. In my personal usage, I've been carrying a roughly 3.5 inch blade for my EDC but find slightly longer blades more enjoyable to use.

Surfingringo, thanks for your input! You're absolutely right, I went with that blade profile because that's what I'm used to using and and it's what appealed to me aesthetically. My goal aesthetically was to create a nice general purpose compression lock flipper with, as people have pointed out, a more "traditional" style in order to try and appeal to the types of people who may typically pass over Spyderco's usually unconventional looks (but oh boy do their designs work and feel great). I hope the handle works out for you if you get a chance to try it at Blade Show. I can only speak for myself, but I think Spyderco have done a great job with it and it feels very nice in my hands.
User avatar
gundamaniac
Member
Posts: 335
Joined: Sat Jan 27, 2018 11:15 pm
Location: California Bay Area

Re: Let's get hyped for the Amalgam!

#67

Post by gundamaniac »

Canazes9 wrote:Yeah, but you didn't show detent free flipper action against gravity with weak hand using the light switch technique. You better send that to me for some more detailed evaluation....

Just kidding, of course! Action looks great! Looking forward to getting my hands on this knife!

David
I knew I was forgetting some fringe corner case that only true flipper knuts would care about! Oops! :D

Spyderco did a really great job with the pivot on this knife. The bearings feel very smooth, with no grittiness in the detent track and no bumpiness in the pivot action.
User avatar
FullCircleHook
Member
Posts: 117
Joined: Wed Jan 13, 2016 5:36 am
Location: Central Florida

Re: Let's get hyped for the Amalgam!

#68

Post by FullCircleHook »

Gundam, I just want to give you props on the design. I love it! I think if I had enough skills to design a folder, it would come out like the Amalgam.

I think the drop point will be better for my functions, but I love the aesthetics of that original reverse tanto design! I also wish that it would have got the wire clip in some of your diagrams, but I understand their choice to change it.

I definitely plan on picking one up!
User avatar
rybu0305
Member
Posts: 309
Joined: Mon Feb 01, 2016 9:02 pm

Re: Let's get hyped for the Amalgam!

#69

Post by rybu0305 »

gundamaniac wrote:For those of you for whom the Amalgam is too large, what's a good size for a knife for you? The Amalgam hovers right around a 3.8" blade. I currently carry a 3.5" blade, and used to carry a 3.25" blade. I understand some require under 3" for certain jurisdictions, which is another consideration. But just wanted to get a feel for what kind of blade length people are looking for.

As for release date, your guess is as good as mine at this point. As RamZar said in the SHOT Show thread, there will likely be more details after the collector's meet and IWA. I want to know as badly as you guys :D
I am at the point where 3.5" - 3.75" of cutting edge is what I prefer so the Amalgam hits this sweet spot perfectly. Looking forward to this one.
More CBBL please!
Delica 4 Brown, Manix 2 G10 S110V, Gayle Bradley 2, Manix 2 CF Cruwear, KC Endura HAP40 pakkawood, Sliverax, Kapara, Manix 2 Rex45, Manix 2 4v, Ivory Straight Stretch
User avatar
xceptnl
Member
Posts: 8594
Joined: Mon Feb 21, 2011 7:48 pm
Location: Tobacco Country, Virginia
Contact:

Re: Let's get hyped for the Amalgam!

#70

Post by xceptnl »

I'm not super thrilled about this one being a flipper, but I really think the aesthetic is very pleasing to my eye. As for the 100% choil, I don't mind it so much on a blade this long, especially since the primary grind covers that area as well.
The Brouwer is much less attractive to my eye because it looks chunky with the full thickness choil. Even though I realize the Brouwer will likely be more comfortable to use in that widened choil area.
Image
sal wrote: .... even today, we design a knife from the edge out!
*Landon*
User avatar
toocool006
Member
Posts: 372
Joined: Mon Nov 06, 2017 4:42 pm
Location: New Orleans

Re: Let's get hyped for the Amalgam!

#71

Post by toocool006 »

Didn't see pricing information listed earlier in the threat (apologies if I missed it), but just spotted the listing at BladeHQ - pricing coming in at $175.47

https://www.bladehq.com/item--Spyderco- ... ion--80885
~andrew
Canazes9
Member
Posts: 253
Joined: Sun Jul 30, 2017 1:57 pm

Re: Let's get hyped for the Amalgam!

#72

Post by Canazes9 »

toocool006 wrote:Didn't see pricing information listed earlier in the threat (apologies if I missed it), but just spotted the listing at BladeHQ - pricing coming in at $175.47

https://www.bladehq.com/item--Spyderco- ... ion--80885
Seems reasonable.

David
User avatar
curlyhairedboy
Member
Posts: 2621
Joined: Fri Mar 18, 2016 11:01 am
Location: Southern New England

Re: Let's get hyped for the Amalgam!

#73

Post by curlyhairedboy »

Hurrah for affordability!
EDC Rotation: PITS, Damasteel Urban, Shaman, Ikuchi, Amalgam, CruCarta Shaman, Sage 5 LW, Serrated Caribbean Sheepsfoot CQI, XHP Shaman, M4/Micarta Shaman, 15v Shaman
Fixed Blades: Proficient, Magnacut Mule
Special and Sentimental: Southard, Squarehead LW, Ouroboros, Calendar Para 3 LW, 40th Anniversary Native, Ti Native, Calendar Watu, Tanto PM2
Would like to own again: CQI Caribbean Sheepsfoot PE, Watu
Wishlist: Magnacut, Shaman Sprints!
User avatar
TriggerThumb
Member
Posts: 137
Joined: Tue Jan 09, 2018 4:56 pm

Re: Let's get hyped for the Amalgam!

#74

Post by TriggerThumb »

Edit- wrong thread :(
Our truest life is when we are in dreams awake.

-Henry David Thoreau
User avatar
curlyhairedboy
Member
Posts: 2621
Joined: Fri Mar 18, 2016 11:01 am
Location: Southern New England

Re: Let's get hyped for the Amalgam!

#75

Post by curlyhairedboy »

Updated the first post with the information we have so far!
EDC Rotation: PITS, Damasteel Urban, Shaman, Ikuchi, Amalgam, CruCarta Shaman, Sage 5 LW, Serrated Caribbean Sheepsfoot CQI, XHP Shaman, M4/Micarta Shaman, 15v Shaman
Fixed Blades: Proficient, Magnacut Mule
Special and Sentimental: Southard, Squarehead LW, Ouroboros, Calendar Para 3 LW, 40th Anniversary Native, Ti Native, Calendar Watu, Tanto PM2
Would like to own again: CQI Caribbean Sheepsfoot PE, Watu
Wishlist: Magnacut, Shaman Sprints!
Canazes9
Member
Posts: 253
Joined: Sun Jul 30, 2017 1:57 pm

Re: Let's get hyped for the Amalgam!

#76

Post by Canazes9 »

curlyhairedboy wrote:Updated the first post with the information we have so far!
Well done sir!

David
User avatar
gundamaniac
Member
Posts: 335
Joined: Sat Jan 27, 2018 11:15 pm
Location: California Bay Area

Re: Let's get hyped for the Amalgam!

#77

Post by gundamaniac »

Thanks guys for the feedback :)
curlyhairedboy wrote:Updated the first post with the information we have so far!
Thanks for managing this thread! Looks like pricing info came out quicker than I expected. BladeHQ must know something I don't :p

Re: choil and the Brouwer (what a beautiful design by the way, I wish I had come up with that one), I also toyed with the idea of keeping the blade full thickness throughout the choil for comfort, but that was at odds with my goal of making it serve double duty as a finger and sharpening choil. Every design choice involves compromise, it's just a matter of what you choose to prioritize.
User avatar
xceptnl
Member
Posts: 8594
Joined: Mon Feb 21, 2011 7:48 pm
Location: Tobacco Country, Virginia
Contact:

Re: Let's get hyped for the Amalgam!

#78

Post by xceptnl »

gundamaniac wrote:Thanks guys for the feedback :)
curlyhairedboy wrote:Updated the first post with the information we have so far!
Thanks for managing this thread! Looks like pricing info came out quicker than I expected. BladeHQ must know something I don't :p

Re: choil and the Brouwer (what a beautiful design by the way, I wish I had come up with that one), I also toyed with the idea of keeping the blade full thickness throughout the choil for comfort, but that was at odds with my goal of making it serve double duty as a finger and sharpening choil. Every design choice involves compromise, it's just a matter of what you choose to prioritize.
It was a wise choice in my tastes.
Image
sal wrote: .... even today, we design a knife from the edge out!
*Landon*
User avatar
gundamaniac
Member
Posts: 335
Joined: Sat Jan 27, 2018 11:15 pm
Location: California Bay Area

Re: Let's get hyped for the Amalgam!

#79

Post by gundamaniac »

I had to say goodbye to the production sample today, sent it back to Spyderco so it can make it to the collector's meet. It was really hard to part with the sample :o

One last picture for now. Tried it out for some light usage at dinner celebrating Valentine's (don't worry, I stacked the meat to cut it; I know better than to saw the edge back and forth directly on the ceramic plate, especially with a blade that isn't mine to keep :D )
02_17_18_10_00_52_IMG_20180217_181717.jpg
User avatar
curlyhairedboy
Member
Posts: 2621
Joined: Fri Mar 18, 2016 11:01 am
Location: Southern New England

Re: Let's get hyped for the Amalgam!

#80

Post by curlyhairedboy »

Looks like it had some fun!
EDC Rotation: PITS, Damasteel Urban, Shaman, Ikuchi, Amalgam, CruCarta Shaman, Sage 5 LW, Serrated Caribbean Sheepsfoot CQI, XHP Shaman, M4/Micarta Shaman, 15v Shaman
Fixed Blades: Proficient, Magnacut Mule
Special and Sentimental: Southard, Squarehead LW, Ouroboros, Calendar Para 3 LW, 40th Anniversary Native, Ti Native, Calendar Watu, Tanto PM2
Would like to own again: CQI Caribbean Sheepsfoot PE, Watu
Wishlist: Magnacut, Shaman Sprints!
Post Reply