Shirley-Owens ARK serrated being discontinued by Spyderco

[JShirley]

Jake,

Thanks for the feedback. The original prototype that Spyderco sent for approval was a beautiful, sturdy knife, but I told them it was too thick. While it was basically bulletproof, I thought being light enough to encourage Service Members to always wear them was more important.

Now: I am super glad a knife that I am proud of is being so useful to you, but the knife I used most during my last deployment was a Manix 2 XL that I used hard, even cutting industrial copper cables off military generators on many occasions*. No small knife, no matter how great the ergonomics or how high quality the steel and handle materials, can replace a larger, sturdier knife with more leverage for hard use. (Hi, I'm John Shirley. I hope you buy, use, and love my knife. But please don't think it's 2" blade can do the same things as a sturdy 3.5 or 4" one!)

*hso got a replacement for me after I gave my first one away to a DA civilian with no knife.

John

 

[Fiv3r]

Jake,

Thanks for the feedback. The original prototype that Spyderco sent for approval was a beautiful, sturdy knife, but I told them it was too thick. While it was basically bulletproof, I thought being light enough to encourage Service Members to always wear them was more important.

Now: I am super glad a knife that I am proud of is being so useful to you, but the knife I used most during my last deployment was a Manix 2 XL that I used hard, even cutting industrial copper cables off military generators on many occasions*. No small knife, no matter how great the ergonomics or how high quality the steel and handle materials, can replace a larger, sturdier knife with more leverage for hard use. (Hi, I'm John Shirley. I hope you buy, use, and love my knife. But please don't think it's 2" blade can do the same things as a sturdy 3.5 or 4" one!)

*hso got a replacement for me after I gave my first one away to a DA civilian with no knife.

John

Well my EDC tasks this week are boring office jobs. I liked the Manix, but didn't care for the lock. Don't worry, I won't bang on the ARK too much. I do have a Cold Steel Voyager XL in my desk as I type. Not to mention 3...(maybe 4), HI khukuris in my truck. I may "challenge" myself to only use the little ARK, but I know me, and I know my failings. I always pack options

 

[JShirley]

Cool. ARK: the modern karda.

 

[JShirley]

Yay!

 

[Boattale]

I just read this thread and as a result ordered a SE ARK. Still in stock at Knifeworks. A place I've always had great experience with so free commercial for them. Thanks for all you have done and still do JShirley.

 

[Boattale]

Knife arrived today. I like it. Very cool little thing. Amazingly, it's my first Spyderco.

 

[readyeddy]

I haven't taken mine off for about 3 weeks. It's light enough so I hardly notice it's there.

The handle is comfortable and large enough to grip with my first three fingers. The blade shape is quite formidable with its upswept tip. The SpyderEdge is very "toothy" looks ready to cut, although I haven't tried cutting anything. The sheath is secure and seems made for right hand draw. And yes, the blade doesn't rust from sweat or showers.

It seems like the perfect neck knife.

 

[JShirley]

I'm glad y'all are liking yours. It's a great little knife, and I'm thankful Spyderco helped make it a reality.

John

 

[bratch]

Has there ever been any discussion on building a trainer for the Ark? I’d love to work presentations without cutting myself

 

[JShirley]

I've had ARK trainers that Sam has made for me, but I'm not aware of Spyderco thinking about it. Would be a good question for them, though.