Question about the old school FRN Spydercos

[vivi]

Take a look at this picture:



If you look at the pivot area you'll notice the plastic handle is much wider here than in the middle of the knife.

Why were the pivots on the old FRN Spydercos with integrated plastic clips wider like that?

I've seen old FRN knives from other companies that have the same feature. Was this something to do with how the handles have to be molded? Or is there supposed to be a benefit for the end user?

This has always confused me.

[knivesandbooks]

Perhaps an erognomic consideration? More to fill the hand? Perhaps to aid in knife retention when clipped too?

[vivi]

Perhaps an erognomic consideration? More to fill the hand? Perhaps to aid in knife retention when clipped too?

I suspected it might be the last one, but then I thought about how I've never seen an FRN knife from any company built that way while using a removable clip.

[Bill1170]

I think Vivi is on the right track. It looks like the pivot swell works in concert with the molded clip to grip the fabric the knife is clipped to.

[Jazz]

Good question. My old Cold Steel Voyager is the same. Sal will know.

[zhyla]

I always assumed it was structural.

Man I don’t miss the FRN clip days :)

[ThePeacent]

yes, old Cold Steels are like that.

I alway assumed it was to strengthen the pivot area, where high stress and torque are most likely to be applied :confused:

[vivi]

Hoping Sal sees this.

[sal]

Hi Vivi,

We did it "back in the day" because we were still teaching people how to open a knife with one hand and the swell at the pivot helped people to hold the knife in place while opening with one hand.

sal

[xceptnl]

I always assumed it was an FRN bolster of sorts to strengthen the pivot. Thanks for the clarification Sal.

[vivi]

Hi Vivi,

We did it "back in the day" because we were still teaching people how to open a knife with one hand and the swell at the pivot helped people to hold the knife in place while opening with one hand.

sal

Thanks Sal, I've wondered this for years.

[Bill1170]

Thank you, Sal. This is good to know.

[Woodpuppy]

The things you learn! Thanks.