Best cheaper Spyderco wannabes?

How are you defining a "Spyderco-Type" knife?

Are you looking for other knives from other brands with the thumbhole? Or are you just looking for different brands that are similar in quality but not knock-offs/clones?
 
Kirk_Ferentz said:
Yeah, I certainly anticipated the backlash for daring not to pay tribute to the wonder that is Spyderco haha. I mean seriously, even suggesting that I am trying to stab Spyderco in the back? As if there is some principle that if a manufacturer comes up with a design, you shouldn't partake in the improvement and efficiencies that come from natural competition once that design is out in the marketplace? So does that mean that you stuck with betamax and laser discs? I'm not an expert, so I may be mis-speaking here, but it seems that this is sort of what Bark River is doing--I don't think they were the first knife manufacturer to come up with the idea of making great knife designs with top level steel. Their innovation seems to be more in their pricetags than their knives.

But I guess I didn't foresee that so many Spyderco loyalist would feel the need to cram this post up with non-responses. I guess I am used to photography fora, where people simply cannot afford to dismiss reasonable competitors as junk (e.g. someone who thinks that a Nikon lens will always be a better buy than a Sigma). High prices force people to try out competitors who are trying to offer more for less, and they find out that Nikon isn't the only company that knows how to make good lenses for their cameras. And this competition only makes the Nikon lenses better and more affordable--they don't die from being stabbed in the back.

Maybe the spyderco type folder market is highly irregular, but if it isn't then Spyderco will be charging more for its knives than it has to, since it has such a popular name in the market. And they have been around for many years and sold a lot of knives, so, unless the market isn't functioning correctly, competitors have gotten the bright idea that they might be able to make something that is an equivalent (or maybe a little less, or maybe a little more) without charging for the well-regarded name.

I think a lot of people are ignoring the fact that this should apply to ALL spyderco models. If the affordable Spyderco model is $30, then maybe I can get the equivalent of a BETTER Spyderco model for that same price.

But anyway, at least some on-point replies are getting through, so thank you.
Click to expand...

Maybe you should stick to those fora. BladeForums members tend to espouse integrity and crediting original designs, something Spyderco as a knife company is also well known in the industry for. You aren't going to make many friends here asking about where you can avail yourself of a decent Spyderco wannabe, just so you're made aware of that fact.;)
 
Kirk_Ferentz said:
Yeah, I certainly anticipated the backlash for daring not to pay tribute to the wonder that is Spyderco haha. I mean seriously, even suggesting that I am trying to stab Spyderco in the back? As if there is some principle that if a manufacturer comes up with a design, you shouldn't partake in the improvement and efficiencies that come from natural competition once that design is out in the marketplace? So does that mean that you stuck with betamax and laser discs? I'm not an expert, so I may be mis-speaking here, but it seems that this is sort of what Bark River is doing--I don't think they were the first knife manufacturer to come up with the idea of making great knife designs with top level steel. Their innovation seems to be more in their pricetags than their knives.

But I guess I didn't foresee that so many Spyderco loyalist would feel the need to cram this post up with non-responses. I guess I am used to photography fora, where people simply cannot afford to dismiss reasonable competitors as junk (e.g. someone who thinks that a Nikon lens will always be a better buy than a Sigma). High prices force people to try out competitors who are trying to offer more for less, and they find out that Nikon isn't the only company that knows how to make good lenses for their cameras. And this competition only makes the Nikon lenses better and more affordable--they don't die from being stabbed in the back.

Maybe the spyderco type folder market is highly irregular, but if it isn't then Spyderco will be charging more for its knives than it has to, since it has such a popular name in the market. And they have been around for many years and sold a lot of knives, so, unless the market isn't functioning correctly, competitors have gotten the bright idea that they might be able to make something that is an equivalent (or maybe a little less, or maybe a little more) without charging for the well-regarded name.

I think a lot of people are ignoring the fact that this should apply to ALL spyderco models. If the affordable Spyderco model is $30, then maybe I can get the equivalent of a BETTER Spyderco model for that same price.

But anyway, at least some on-point replies are getting through, so thank you.
Click to expand...

Kirk,
Is it that your funds are tight and you really are a discriminating buyer who sees the VALUE in superior manufacturing, (not just Spyderco, many quality manufacturers) but just are frustrated? You know that you will throw your money away on a knife that has poor or substandard mechanics, blade steel, and functionality. You will go through 3 or 4 poor knives, when you could have had the pleasure and happiness of using a quality tool for the same cost.

Otherwise your message is:

Hi, my name is Kirk, I am new to the forums, and I am here to research on how to be a discriminating knock off/clone knife officionado! I want to upgrade to the downgrade! See my bold of your quote please.

We are all trying to help you here Kirk.
 
I think Byrd knives are the best Spyderco "wannabes".:rolleyes:
 
What a sorry excuse for a thread. Buy a damn persistence! They're like what $25 or $30 and are actually Spydercos. There's plenty of decent knives for cheap. Why on earth would you seek out a knock off?
 
SteelSnob said:
What a sorry excuse for a thread. Buy a damn persistence! They're like what $25 or $30 and are actually Spydercos. There's plenty of decent knives for cheap. Why on earth would you seek out a knock off?
Click to expand...

Haha, cause he thinks he's going to put one over Spyderco by doing that.
 
Kirk_Ferentz said:
But I guess I didn't foresee that so many Spyderco loyalist would feel the need to cram this post up with non-responses. I guess I am used to photography fora, where people simply cannot afford to dismiss reasonable competitors as junk (e.g. someone who thinks that a Nikon lens will always be a better buy than a Sigma). High prices force people to try out competitors who are trying to offer more for less, and they find out that Nikon isn't the only company that knows how to make good lenses for their cameras. And this competition only makes the Nikon lenses better and more affordable--they don't die from being stabbed in the back.

Maybe the spyderco type folder market is highly irregular, but if it isn't then Spyderco will be charging more for its knives than it has to, since it has such a popular name in the market. And they have been around for many years and sold a lot of knives, so, unless the market isn't functioning correctly, competitors have gotten the bright idea that they might be able to make something that is an equivalent (or maybe a little less, or maybe a little more) without charging for the well-regarded name.

I think a lot of people are ignoring the fact that this should apply to ALL spyderco models. If the affordable Spyderco model is $30, then maybe I can get the equivalent of a BETTER Spyderco model for that same price.
.
Click to expand...

Kirk,
I understand what you're trying to say by using the example of camera lenses. I shoot for a magazine, and tend to choose sigma or other third parties due to budget constraints. However, I do not think cameras and knives are that comparable.
First of all, a "BETTER Spyderco model" is highly subjective. I know many people who like the "affordable" Tenacious BETTER than their "higher-end" Enduras; higher price does not mean a better knife.
Many people would say Sigma is not a huge step down from Nikkor or Canon. However, most would say Phoenix lenses (the cheapo ones you can find on amazon for 1/10th their main brand counterparts) would not be acceptable for any serious photographer. Comparing Sigma to Canon or Nikkor is like comparing Spyderco to SOG or Benchmade or Kershaw (not saying one is better than the other). Some brands are cheaper than others, but all make great blades.
What you are asking is for a cheaper replacement for a Spyderco. There are chinese makers that do have some knock off knives(off brands). But this would be like buying a Phoenix lens rather than a Sigma; sure it looks the same... but it cant take pictures. A knock off knife will look like a knife, but it wont be able to do much cutting.
Try this experiment: buy cheap gas station knife (the ones with "spyder hole" openings) and then go to your local knife shop and compare it to an endura or delica. The differences will be apparent. And at such affordable prices (Spyderco, IMO, have a more affordable lineup than most production knife manufacturers. Maybe second to Kershaw.) It's not really worth it to look for a "knock off."
You seem like a guy that can appreciate a "bang for the buck" buy. Spyderco knives definitely fit that bill. How much pride can one have in owning a "knock off" Knife? In the long run the few extra dollars spent on a better knife will save you money, time, and maybe your life.
-thomas
 
Wow.


You have a Rolex Sub-Mariner, but you really really want a DayDate Sub, so you go out to the streets and get one for $100, and logically it should work just as good as your Rolex, and in fact it is better than it since it's a more expensive version.

Would it be fair to say that this is your though process?

Even if you don't have the funds to be a quality knife, why do you have to go FAKE?

Says something about your character, to say the least.
 
Kirk_Ferentz said:
Yeah, I certainly anticipated the backlash for daring not to pay tribute to the wonder that is Spyderco haha. I mean seriously, even suggesting that I am trying to stab Spyderco in the back? As if there is some principle that if a manufacturer comes up with a design, you shouldn't partake in the improvement and efficiencies that come from natural competition once that design is out in the marketplace? So does that mean that you stuck with betamax and laser discs? I'm not an expert, so I may be mis-speaking here, but it seems that this is sort of what Bark River is doing--I don't think they were the first knife manufacturer to come up with the idea of making great knife designs with top level steel. Their innovation seems to be more in their pricetags than their knives.

But I guess I didn't foresee that so many Spyderco loyalist would feel the need to cram this post up with non-responses. I guess I am used to photography fora, where people simply cannot afford to dismiss reasonable competitors as junk (e.g. someone who thinks that a Nikon lens will always be a better buy than a Sigma). High prices force people to try out competitors who are trying to offer more for less, and they find out that Nikon isn't the only company that knows how to make good lenses for their cameras. And this competition only makes the Nikon lenses better and more affordable--they don't die from being stabbed in the back.

Maybe the spyderco type folder market is highly irregular, but if it isn't then Spyderco will be charging more for its knives than it has to, since it has such a popular name in the market. And they have been around for many years and sold a lot of knives, so, unless the market isn't functioning correctly, competitors have gotten the bright idea that they might be able to make something that is an equivalent (or maybe a little less, or maybe a little more) without charging for the well-regarded name.

I think a lot of people are ignoring the fact that this should apply to ALL spyderco models. If the affordable Spyderco model is $30, then maybe I can get the equivalent of a BETTER Spyderco model for that same price.

But anyway, at least some on-point replies are getting through, so thank you.
Click to expand...

Let me see if I got this right. You spend hundreds, perhaps thousands of dollars on camera equipment, but won't spend $50 on a seatbelt-cutting emergency knife??? Pardon me for being baffled. Maybe you will be able to take photos of the corpse you were unable to extract from the wreck before it was too late.:rolleyes:
 
Last edited:
backwoodssurgeon said:
Let me see if I got this right. You spend hundreds, perhaps thousands, of dollars on camera equipment, but won't spend $50 on a seatbelt-cutting emergency knife??? Pardon me for being baffled. Maybe you will be able to take photos of the corpse you were unable to extract from the wreck before it was too late.:rolleyes:
Click to expand...

What he said!

Kirk, just go get a Byrd brand knife. Anything less would be uncivilized.
 
There's nothing out there that simply blows Spyderco's models away for a cheaper price. Spyderco has always reflected a good value for the dollar. They didn't get where they are today without that. If you like Spyderco and want to buy one fine. There's many different models that will serve well for the price paid. If you don't like Spyderco there's many other choices to be had. They also will serve you well. But, I don't think they are going to be saving the buyer money over Spyderco. You will get similar features and materials for a similar price.
 
Hi Kirk,

Welcome to Blade Forums.

I guess it sounds like you are asking where you can purchase a stolen Nikon?

I don't know that I'd call it a bad thing when some says don't do it, just buy a used Nikon.

Spyderco puts a lot of our revenue into our R&D. Not likely the "knock-offs" spend any of that revenue or know the results of that revenue. They might make something designed to "look" like a Spyderco, (just to steal your money) but will not likely perform like a Spyderco. Safe- Reliable High performance is our reputation. You are looking for something to "perform" in cutting your way out of trouble (seat belt). The performance is the result of our R&D. When you buy our products, you support that R&D. When you buy a knock-off, you are hurting that R&D.

Just some thoughts to share.

sal
 
Sorry but this smells like a troll thread. The OP is asking for "brands" that are knocking off Spyderco.:rolleyes: Kind of like asking ,"this or that"?
 
Byrds are great inexpensive knives.You can actually depend on them to work when they need to.You cant say that for the stolen knockoff crap.Take some pride in your ownership.
 
Kirk_Ferentz said:
I guess I am used to photography fora, where people simply cannot afford to dismiss reasonable competitors as junk (e.g. someone who thinks that a Nikon lens will always be a better buy than a Sigma). High prices force people to try out competitors who are trying to offer more for less, and they find out that Nikon isn't the only company that knows how to make good lenses for their cameras. And this competition only makes the Nikon lenses better and more affordable--they don't die from being stabbed in the back.

Maybe the spyderco type folder market is highly irregular, but if it isn't then Spyderco will be charging more for its knives than it has to, since it has such a popular name in the market. And they have been around for many years and sold a lot of knives, so, unless the market isn't functioning correctly, competitors have gotten the bright idea that they might be able to make something that is an equivalent (or maybe a little less, or maybe a little more) without charging for the well-regarded name.

I think a lot of people are ignoring the fact that this should apply to ALL spyderco models. If the affordable Spyderco model is $30, then maybe I can get the equivalent of a BETTER Spyderco model for that same price.
Click to expand...

Spyderco is not like Nikon, the manufacturers of Spyderco knockoffs are not like the manufacturers of aftermarket lens for cameras, and the knife market is not like the camera lens market.

Maybe the spyderco type folder market is highly irregular, but ... charging for the well-regarded name ... the fact that this should apply ...
Click to expand...
Not at all. Some other markets are like the market in camera lenses. Some are very different. You have learned a little about a specialized market that is driven primarily by advertising and only secondarily by performance, and you are assuming the whole world of economics is like that. It isn't.
 
Reasons you should not buy knockoffs:
Knockoffs are often made in china. This in itself is not a bad thing however when you are paying $6 for a knife from china this most likely indicates the poor labor conditions at the factory. The low pay and poor treatment of the workers at some chinese factories will bring the price of things right down to rock bottom.

Research and development. Companies like spyderco put a lot of time into research and development. when another manufacturer rips off the design you are stealing money from the original company who made the innovation.

Designers. Knife designers are artists. when someone makes a copy of a painting and sells it without giving back to the original artist they are stealing from that artist. same goes for knife designers.

The vicious cycle. Buying cheap knockoffs encourages companies to keep making them. So you keep buying your knockoffs and the knockoff company keeps pouring out more of them. the laborers keep getting mistreated and the original designers and manufacturers keep losing money.
 
Just buy the real deal my friend, you'll feel better and sleep better at night.

I know I do! :D
 
mmarkh said:
Sorry but this smells like a troll thread. The OP is asking for "brands" that are knocking off Spyderco.:rolleyes: Kind of like asking ,"this or that"?
Click to expand...

Having such a low post count, I agree. It smells of a returning troll. I hope I am wrong. If not, I hope the OP heeds the advice, but I guess we all learn different ways. I did not always take good advice of my dad. If I did, I would have saved quite a bit of money, had less hardships, and less work. We sometimes have to learn by doing, or by hard knocks.
 
Man I never had enough money to afford a Nikon - so I went by with a 2nd hand Minolta. But I had enough money to buy an original Benchmade once I felt like owning a folder that actually could cut. I bought one of the cheapest models, but it was original and performed well. And it came with a very good customer service, too. I wouldn't be able to look at myself in the mirror if I bought a knockoff.
My financial situation is getting better just now after long years, and I'm proud I survived the hard times without "stealing" this way. I couldn't actually enjoy a knife knowing it was a knockoff. It is really worth the wait to collect the funds and buy an original quality product. As the others before me said, it doesn't have to be so expensive to go original. Actually, it is cheaper in the long run. Especially for the emergency cases I wouldn't bet my life on a stolen design tool of unknown, but most probably quite low quality.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top