What's so great about Spyderco?

L

lprevs

Joined
Jun 29, 2016
Messages
74
Hey guys,
I've been doing some thinking lately and began wondering why everyone loves Spyderco knives so much. In my opinion their style of blade makes them all pretty much look the same (besides from the texture/design on grip). Is it just me or does that take away something from the knife? I know they're very high quality, but look plays a huge part in my looking for knives. I'd love to hear some of your opinions.
 
I hear that. I used to look at spydies like the Endura, Delica, Tenacious...and think that they were all kind of similar and (maybe) boring. IMO, once you really dig in they still definitely look related (due to the hole) but ultimately there are some great, beautiful, unique designs that I really love. I have a sage, a slysz bowie, Endura, paramilitary 2 and dragonfly and I think that they all definitely look unique while also looking pretty unified. I dunno, I think it's pretty cool.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
 
Here's an old, not great pic:

ZMOIgt3.jpg


There's a few Benchmades in there, but most are Spyderco knives.
I have more now, with even more shape variety, but don't feel like grabbing them all out for a picture.
 
A knife is a tool. My drills, wrenches, sockets, etc. aren't for looks. I ain't walking around with the knife around my neck like jewelry. It's either in use, or out of sight anyways. I want it to do its job, and be darn good at it.

But there's always room for a show piece.
 
I don't own any. I just don't really like the look of them. That thumbhole just doesn't do it for me. I much more prefer a stud or flipper.
I know they are very popular though and great quality.
 
stabman said:
Here's an old, not great pic:

ZMOIgt3.jpg


There's a few Benchmades in there, but most are Spyderco knives.
I have more now, with even more shape variety, but don't feel like grabbing them all out for a picture.
Click to expand...

From that picture I can definitely see the variety Vermont Edge was talking about, but I just don't feel like they fit my preferred style. They're very nice looking, but the hole in the blade makes them the same sort-of shape and look

Also agree with the post above. To me thumb studs are much more appealing
 
We've had this same thread on Several times before.........here we go Again.

Those of us that have Spydies know what great knives they are.
 
clockman said:
We've had this same thread on Several times before.........here we go Again.

Those of us that have Spydies know what great knives they are.
Click to expand...

Didn't realize we already had a thread, I'm relatively new to BF

Can you explain more about the Spyderco knives and why you think they're so great?
 
lprevs said:
Didn't realize we already had a thread, I'm relatively new to BF

Can you explain more about the Spyderco knives and why you think they're so great?
Click to expand...

Spend the 60.00 bucks on a Delica. (I know, you think it's ugly/"plasticity"/non-'merica) But I promise it will answer your question in spades once you handle it and put it to use. You'll love it, we'll see you in the Spyderco specific forum soon after. And you'll probably own several more in the months to come.
 
OP, honestly, there is no direct answer to your question. Many people appreciate different aspects of Spyderco, and many people don't care for them at all, and many are moderates.

They have been a staple of the knife industry for decades. They dabble in experimental steels and are deeply involved in the community. Spyderco had brought several innovations to the knife world, and produce many models that are seen as classics.

I shared your viewpoint on blade shapes and whatnot when I was new to the knife world. When you see their expanded catalog, you might change your mind, or you might not. Either way, you're not obligated to like their products or any other brand. Many people here who are very well-versed in knives and steels don't own a Spyderco and don't see the need to, and for others in the same boat it comprises most if not all of their assortment of knives.

I only currently own one Spyderco folder - a Roadie that lives on my keychain. My other Spyderco is a Aqua Salt fixed blade. Neither of these models have the leaf-shape you refer to, but that is a very common blade shape for the in-house designs because it has proven both popular and effective.

I have owned dozens before and will likely own several in the future. They're a brand that offers a consistently high-quality product line. That so many do and do not care for them shows you how subject such things are to personal taste. Perhaps Spyderco isn't "so great" to you, but that doesn't mean it's a universal truth that requires debate or defense.
 
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Addendum: I forgot I also have a Pingo.

It's worth noting that I think Spyderco is "so great" and I don't even really care for either of the things they are best known for - leaf shape blades and the Spyderhole. All of my favorite Spyderco knives have very different blade shapes with only one exception, the Manix XL.

Vallotton
Gayle Bradley
Southard
Roadie
Aqua Salt
Pacific Salt
Cara Cara Rescue
Citadel
Pingo
Superhawk
Pikal

Additionally, the upcoming EuroEdge. Man do I want one of those.
 
It's also worth noting that Spyderco basically invented the pocket clip, and the Spyderhole serves as an ambidextrous opening mechanism that doesn't impede cutting performance. Material will bunch up or completely stop a knife when it encounters a thumbstud, but passes right over a hole.
 
Sal. The guy oozes integrity and participates on multiple forums. Value and on top of making a fantastic blade they are flat out cool!!
IMO
Joe
 
In general, do you see anything wrong with a lightweight one hand opening lockback ?
I don't yet own one, but I'd definitely own something like a delica ( the delica is what I and probably most picture when they think of spyderco )
 
OP,
Since you have indicated that they all look the same, you should know that they are HIGHLY customizable. There is no reason your Spyderco can't essentially be a one-of-a-kind. In fact, there are many service providers here on the forum that can help you achieve your vision of what you want your Spydercos to look like. Here are two of mine:

 
Comeuppance said:
They have been a staple of the knife industry for decades. They dabble in experimental steels and are deeply involved in the community. Spyderco had brought several innovations to the knife world, and produce many models that are seen as classics.
Click to expand...

Basically nailed it right there.

palonej said:
Sal. The guy oozes integrity and participates on multiple forums.
Click to expand...

OP - In case you didn't know, Sal Glesser is the founder and president of Spyderco. What I find really impressive is that Sal started the company in a repurposed bread truck back in 1976.
 
palonej said:
Sal. The guy oozes integrity and participates on multiple forums. Value and on top of making a fantastic blade they are flat out cool!!
IMO
Joe
Click to expand...

I met the Glessers during my last week in Denver before I moved back to Tulsa. They are fantastic, warm, immediately friendly people and super easy to talk to. Really great people. I've even purchased some of their private collection directly from Ms. Glesser's eBay account.

Edit: dig up the picture. This is from 2013 IIRC

b6oe9u.jpg
 
Comeuppance said:
It's also worth noting that Spyderco basically invented the pocket clip, and the Spyderhole serves as an ambidextrous opening mechanism that doesn't impede cutting performance. Material will bunch up or completely stop a knife when it encounters a thumbstud, but passes right over a hole.
Click to expand...

Thank you for putting the effort in to make 4 great answers. I guess I just never realized the effectiveness of the hole, or it's customizable applications. I guess personally my eye is drawn to the hole and how the blade is the same shape in that section, but when I look more at the overall knives I can begin to appreciate the knives. How does the hole work for a fast open? Is it similar to the thumb studs?
 
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