Spyderco Pro-Grip

[msenslin]

Recently purchased this knife at local gun show. I believe it is a pro-grip, but I am curious about etching/engraving on handle.

Looks like an eagle with the number 045.

Thanks in advance for any info you can profide.

 

[JD Spydo]

The Spyderco "Pro-Grip" model in my opinion is one of those models that simply didn't get all the hype and attention that many of the models did and it sort of just slipped through the cracks so to speak. I've had 2 of those Pro-Grip models and they are great IMO.

I've always loved the blade design and the solid lock up that both of my ProGrips had. Even though I'm not a huge fan of most stainless handles the Progrip I used for a while had a Kraton inlay which made it a very useful.

That's a great and inexpensive model for someone who has never had a Spyder before to start out with. They are still available if you know where to look. However the model never attained much collector appeal but on the other hand few Spyders did that had stainless handles.

If I remember correctly I do believe that the ProGrip was an "In House" design. Now the ProGrip had a little brother model that does indeed have some collector appeal>> that is if you can even find one. The SPUR model was basically a smaller version of the Progrip. The SPUR is a rare bird and I wish to the GOOD LORD above I would have kept the one I used to have.

But I think you'll find the Progrip a very good all around USER blade.

 

[The Deacon]

If it were not for the eagle, I'd say the number was probably a Spyderco Collectors Club number, but because of it I don't think that's the case. That eagle is the logo of Magnum Research, the folks who make the Desert Eagle. I'd guess they purchased a quantity of Pro Grips and either had Spyderco or someone else engrave them, or did the engraving themselves. Given they'd have the equipment to do it, I'd lean toward them having done it themselves. Might be worth asking them.

Paul

My Personal Website ---- Beginners Guide to Spyderco Collecting ---- Kiwimania ---- Spydiewiki
Dead horses beaten, sacred cows tipped, chimeras hunted when time permits.
WTC # 1458 - 1504 - 1508 - Never Forget, Never Forgive!
It's easy to grin when your ship comes in and good fortune and fame are your lot, but the man worthwhile is the man who can smile with his shorts twisted up in a knot. - Morey Amsterdam

 

[high desert]

I had a pro grip and still have a pro venator(same knife with rubberized grip panels). These knives are awesome. You will notice how they are thicker than an Endura. They are a heavy duty folder. I think the earlier all stainless version is called the Hunter. Now the current version is the stretch.

 

[3Guardsmen]

The Spyderco "Pro-Grip" model in my opinion is one of those models that simply didn't get all the hype and attention that many of the models did and it sort of just slipped through the cracks so to speak.

You call this:

Evolving into this:

And then this:

And finally this:

"Slipping through the cracks?"

 

[The Deacon]

The original (all stainless, narrow blade, no Kraton insert) was called the C03 Hunter.

The stainless with Kraton inserts and a wider blade went through three name changes. It was first called the C13 Pro Hunter, but that conflicted with another brand, so Spyderco changed it to the C13 Pro Venator, venator being Latin for hunter. But most people don't know Latin, so the name got changed again to the C13 Pro-Grip.

To the best of my knowledge, the FRN/Kraton version was only ever called a Pro-Grip, although it went from being the C33 Pro-Grip to sharing the C13 Pro-Grip SKU with the stainless version.

In between, there was a model made exclusively for Ironstone, Spyderco's retail store, that combined the C03's all stainless handle with the broader C13 blade. These are generally referred to as Ironstone Hunters.

Smaller versions of both the Hunter and Pro-Grip were also made. The smaller Hunter was the Executive, the smaller Pro-Grip the Spur.

And, as was noted, the Stretch and Stretch II are descended from the Hunter. They are also one of my most favorite Spyderco folders.

Paul

My Personal Website ---- Beginners Guide to Spyderco Collecting ---- Kiwimania ---- Spydiewiki
Dead horses beaten, sacred cows tipped, chimeras hunted when time permits.
WTC # 1458 - 1504 - 1508 - Never Forget, Never Forgive!
It's easy to grin when your ship comes in and good fortune and fame are your lot, but the man worthwhile is the man who can smile with his shorts twisted up in a knot. - Morey Amsterdam

 

[Davor]

I've owned a Spydero Progrip G10 blade for the last 7 years. It was my first and only mid-high end folder and it is one great piece. Its built like a tank. I have the short serrated version on the blade. Great knife, kudos to Spyderco.

 

[Minnesota]

Cool, I love seeing discontinued knives at gunshows.

 

[ChapmanPreferred]

I've owned three. Gave one away to a good friend who lost it almost immediately (yes in the same day he received it), One I sold to a friend's dad who cut himself with it even before he gave me any money. The third one I still have.

 

[RevDevil]

I've owned three. Gave one away to a good friend who lost it almost immediately (yes in the same day he received it), One I sold to a friend's dad who cut himself with it even before he gave me any money. The third one I still have.

OMG. That is just unforgiveable in my opinion. You gift someone a beautiful knife, and they lose it not even 12 hours after the fact. I hope he kicked himself for that.
The dad, well I can relate. I was showing my friend my ZDP stretch, and guess what - within 3 seconds if it being in his hand, it drew blood.