An unexpected surprise of the 2012 SHOT Show occurred at the Spyderco booth Friday afternoon when Mike Keough of Schmuckatelli Co. dropped by with a treasure trove of lanyard beads and lanyards (literally a two gallon Ziploc® bag full) featuring a new bead of his creation. Excitement ensued as Mike presented and described his work that poured out over the prototype table. The new design is a square bead with four convex sides, each side featuring Spyderco’s Bug logo incised in deep relief.
The detail is impeccable and so exacting that each bug features a ®, registered trademark symbol. All of the beads shown were precision investment cast of fine (lead free) pewter with various plating and finishes applied. Among those shown were satin pewter, antique copper, 18K gold with a rhodium bug, hematite, rhodium with an 18K gold bug, hematite with a rhodium bug, rhodium with a copper bug, antique 18K gold, and a number of lanyard and bead combinations. Not limited to just lanyards, these beads can be used as zipper pulls, on key rings, survival bracelets, and other jewelry items. The Schmuckatelli Co. is not restricted to only fine pewter as they currently make beads of brass, bronze, sterling silver, gold, and titanium.
Also discussed was a round bead designed by Eric. The bead will have Spyderco bugs in high relief and was shown in two sizes.
Mike’s presentation was mind-blowing as the scope of the work of his talented artisans is seemingly unlimited. With recent surveys showing that the majority of ELUs carry their ClipIts and SlipIts in a ‘tip up’ position, it appears as though they are ready made for personalized lanyard attachment and the Bug Beads are a perfect extension. Kudos to Mike and his staff for a great job! I look forward to seeing more of your creations in the future. For more information about the Schmuckatelli Co. visit their website: http://www.schmuckatellico.com.
Originally appeared on the Spyderco Forum on 29 January 2012:
Leave a Comment: