The third version of Spyderco’s C67 R is somewhat of a departure from the original as its unique skeletonized design has completely disappeared. The singular addition is a Nishijin glass fiber handle, which was first used on a C65 Chinese Folder. This unique material was developed in Japan utilizing a varied process that creates a unique woven pattern called Nishijin, presumably named after the intricate weaving patterns found in traditional Japanese textiles. The 3D, holographic look of the glass fiber Nishijin is quite attractive and appealing. What would be even more impressive, IMO, would be to make it with texture, like the basket-weave carbon fiber handles of the C131CFP Terzuola Slipit, C134CFP Bradley, C147CFP Navaja, and most recent C152CFP Chaparral. While one is musing, why not create this material in other colors … a rich bronze, deep green, sapphire blue, etc. Black is getting a little boring, but as Henry Ford said …
The most dramatic difference between this variant and its predecessors is the weight. This Sprint Run weighs in at hefty 4.2 oz. when compared to the original at 2.6 oz. and the second version at a slightly heavier 3.0 oz. Certainly not a deal breaker or a revelation when one considers the solid blade and full, albeit skeletonized liners. The four-way clip makes it universally ambidextrous, although perhaps an unnecessary touch as I cannot see many in this run becoming an EDC. The Boye Indent is another point of contention as it is a ‘love it’ or ‘hate it’ design feature with some ELU. While it does perform its function by providing a perceptible sensory location to press for unlocking and discourages accidental closing by increasing the depression, some find it less than desirable.
As a collectable, this knife will easily find its home in the safe or sock drawer, but hopefully it will not be the last iteration in this design series.
Thank you Sal for my Christmas-Chanukah present. See you in Las Vegas!
Originally appeared on the Spyderco Forum on 27 December 2011: