C129CFP Cat / C130CFP Chicago Announcement

[tazkristi]

The Cat and Chicago that were introduced this year have created some interesting challenges for Spyderco.

These knives were produced with one of two Taiwan makers. Unfortunately, the first run of these items came in with severe quality issues and the Spyderco Management Team chose not to ship them. Instead, we worked with the maker for any possible improvements that could be made to the existing parts already in process. Because all of the parts had been produced for both knives for the entire run of the product, it was difficult because the problems were in the carbon fiber scales and the jimping on the top of the knife. The second batch that we received was improved as much as they could be without producing all new parts. Spyderco accepted almost no margin in order to offer a fair price for the product regardless of our costs. Of course, in our turbulent economy they sold out very quickly and we are now completely out of stock.

At this time, we are not able to reproduce these products with our quality expectations at a cost low enough for us to continue selling them at the current prices. With this in mind, we have decided to immediately discontinue the C129CFP Cat and C130CFP Chicago.

 

[D1omedes]

Thanks for clarifying all of this, Kristi.

 

[Josh K]

Sorry to hear that, but the collector value should shoot through the roof. Any idea how many were actually sold?

 

[JNewell]

I posted something similar elsewhere, but this is a very powerful example of a company publicly calling a spade a spade, even though it's likely to attract some jibes and "told ya so" responses. Kudos to you all for consistently taking the high road. :thumbup:

 

[jlamb]

I am glad I scooped up a cat! Sad to see it gone so quick, but that must be the right thing to do.

 

[tinwiskers]

I got one of each at the 2nd's sale in Golden. I'm am sure glad I picked them up when I did, as I have really enjoyed them both!!

 

[RetiredGuns]

Sorry to hear that, but the collector value should shoot through the roof. Any idea how many were actually sold?

I would imagine there are a ton of these out there the way they flew of the sites again and again. Not sure I'd bet on super collectible given the numbers, origin and QC problems? Cool yes, heirloom no.

 

[Jake Bauer]

Bummer! i hope spyderco makes a similar product in the future.

 

[Josh K]

Bummer! i hope spyderco makes a similar product in the future.

As do I. Maybe an all ti model?

 

[ZDHart]

I am glad I scooped up a cat! Sad to see it gone so quick, but that must be the right thing to do.

Me too... thanks to the heads up I was able to find one today and got it ordered up. There are still a few out there in the pipeline if you look around a bit. Knivesplus.com had two Cats left when I ordered mine this afternoon.

 

[flash900]

I ordered a Cat when I got the news, but won't know until tomorrow whether I'll really get one. It would be a backup to my first Cat.

But this reminded me that I also wanted to order a second Persistence before something happens to them as well -- so I did!

What a bargain these two blades have been. Shame about the Cat, but I applaud Spyderco for preserving its quality and good name.

 

[SteelSnob]

I had one and sold it. If you guys every produced a higher priced higher quality version I would probably buy one. Like a mini sage or something.

 

[Lock1454]

Would be awesome if it were possible to move production to the other Taiwan factory and keep the price increase modest. Cat could be had for ~$45 from online retailers, personally wouldn't mind dropping $60ish for a better finish version. Hopefully this won't be the last we hear of the Cat

 

[Vic303]

Sorry to hear that TazKristi.

Makes me glad I did get a CAT at the Factory Sale last Nov! I really like it, but I understand the need to preserve the company reputation for quality. Would it be possible to produce either knife at a more reliable maker, but with less costly components? Say non-CF scales, and non-S30v steel? I suspect the market would support a mild change in pricing...

--Vic

 

[dsmegst]

I'm sorry to hear it. I think the Cat and Chicago had the potential to be a great offering in the Spyderco line. They only needed some small detail improvements and they would have been great. I like my polished Cat and it's my go to knife in the office. I have no regrets for buying them.

Thanks!

 

[NoFair]

Thanks for the info Kristi, hope it hasn't been too much of a loss for Spyderco.

Good to know my 2 Cats have already shipped

Sverre

 

[Mike Fitz]

Huh. I bought a Cat when they first came out and it's a pretty decent knife, especially for the price. The CF is a tiny bit rough around the edges and the jimping isn't perfect, but you have to look hard to notice. I was planning to use it as something to tuck into the waistband of my shorts when working in the yard due to the size, smooth CF scales, and wire clip, but I guess I'll stick it back in the box and look for something else.

 

[Spyharpy]

I picked up a Chicago and Cat today from a seller that I frequent often. Both were in excellent condition with no issues that I could see. Fit and finish were very good and the CF had no issues. Very happy with them both.

 

[ZDHart]

Is is relatively safe to presume that if a Cat/Chicago made it through QC at Golden, that they were deemed to be of proper quality to go out to retailers?

 

[presz]

I would like to see these made G-10 scales at the same factory as the Sage. Being smaller and G-10 should drop the cost enough to keep the price well below the Sage.

Blade-tech listed the G-10 Mouse $20 or $25 cheaper than the CF if I remember right. $80 street price for the Sage. Should mean about $55 or so for the CAT. Anyone else like the idea of a G-10 CAT?