Do you think it hurts Sal's feelings when people call his knives ugly?

The Deacon said:
I don't think so, although I'm sure some of the blanket comments by folks who've never actually tried one leave him thinking thoughts he's too polite to ever post. ;) Given that he's commented that "Tractors don't have to look like Ferraris" and considers it a compliment when folks say he "designs in the dark", I think he's comfortable with what he's doing. He's not trying to build art knives, he's attempting to put together highly ergonomic tools. Those who believe form follows function are pleased with the result, those looking for eye candy are not.
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That is a great comment.

How pretty does a shovel have to be? Or a good hammer?
 
Ask yourself the same question:
Would you be hurt if someone told you in a rude way that the projects you've done throughout your life are "ugly"?

At first you would be, anyone with a heart would be a bit saddened. However, the first thing to consider is the source. Sal is one of the best knife designers of all time, one of the most memorable and dedicated people that has contributed (too much to accurrately list) to the industry. In the eyes of many people, because of his designs, contributions, and overall achievements it's hard to beat that resume. For that, I have the utmost respect for Spyderco knives. Modern folders would not be what they are without Sal Glesser and Spyderco, that much is true. It's truly sad when so many self proclaimed "knowledgeable" people can discount so much and decide to build a castle in the sand.
 
FORM FOLLOWS FUNCTION!

...What could be more beautiful than that?

I would guess that most people who say Spyderco knives are ugly haven't held any of them and are also somewhat closed-minded.

Someone as self-actualized as Sal Glesser seems would never be hurt by the words of anyone.
 
I predict 200 years from now, cutlery historians will be well-versed in how spyderco changed the way knives were made on Earth.
 
tommyg805 said:
Do you think it hurts Sal's feelings when people call his knives ugly?
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No, I don't.

In fact, I think Mr. Glesser's response would read something like this:

hi (insert name here)!

i'm sorry you don't find our knives attractive. here at Spyderco, we invest the bulk of our resources into producing premium cutting tools that deliver excellent steels, high-quality materials, optimum blade geometry, and comfortable ergonomics all at a fair price to our customers. although it would be a shame for one to pass on a Spyderco without having experienced one first hand, we realize that the unique look of our knives will not appeal to everyone.

however, there's a fella called Timberweasel who will more than likely buy anything others pass on. our engineers have bent over backwards trying to come up with a design he doesn't like, but to no avail. we thought we came close with the Zulu, when he remarked that it "looks like a melted chocolate bar..." but then he quickly added "...and I *like* melted chocolate! It's an evolution of the American tanto tip that I've always wanted to see! Pure genius!"

anyway, thanx for the feedback and best of luck finding a knife you can enjoy!

sal

He'd probably be even more classy though... :)
 
timberweasel said:
No, I don't.

In fact, I think Mr. Glesser's response would read something like this:

hi (insert name here)!

i'm sorry you don't find our knives attractive. here at Spyderco, we invest the bulk of our resources into producing premium cutting tools that deliver excellent steels, high-quality materials, optimum blade geometry, and comfortable ergonomics all at a fair price to our customers. although it would be a shame for one to pass on a Spyderco without having experienced one first hand, we realize that the unique look of our knives will not appeal to everyone.

however, there's a fella called Timberweasel who will more than likely buy anything others pass on. our engineers have bent over backwards trying to come up with a design he doesn't like, but to no avail. we thought we came close with the Zulu, when he remarked that it "looks like a melted chocolate bar..." but then he quickly added "...and I *like* melted chocolate! It's an evolution of the American tanto tip that I've always wanted to see! Pure genius!"

anyway, thanx for the feedback and best of luck finding a knife you can enjoy!

sal

He'd probably be even more classy though... :)
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Hahahahaha! :D
 
timberweasel said:
No, I don't.

In fact, I think Mr. Glesser's response would read something like this:

hi (insert name here)!

i'm sorry you don't find our knives attractive. here at Spyderco, we invest the bulk of our resources into producing premium cutting tools that deliver excellent steels, high-quality materials, optimum blade geometry, and comfortable ergonomics all at a fair price to our customers. although it would be a shame for one to pass on a Spyderco without having experienced one first hand, we realize that the unique look of our knives will not appeal to everyone.

however, there's a fella called Timberweasel who will more than likely buy anything others pass on. our engineers have bent over backwards trying to come up with a design he doesn't like, but to no avail. we thought we came close with the Zulu, when he remarked that it "looks like a melted chocolate bar..." but then he quickly added "...and I *like* melted chocolate! It's an evolution of the American tanto tip that I've always wanted to see! Pure genius!"

anyway, thanx for the feedback and best of luck finding a knife you can enjoy!

sal

He'd probably be even more classy though... :)
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yep, i bet it would be something like that. and well, i like spydercos designs. my only wish..... i could hit the lottery so i can get em all!!
 
Spyderco has a sub-forum on the biggest knife forum as well as their own forum, both choked with fans who can't stop posting & ogling each other's knife pics. So many discriminating knife nuts don't think they're ugly.

The allegedly ugly spyder-hole has been used both with & without permission by competitors who know full-well that it's a known Spyderco icon. So the competition doesn't think they're ugly either.

Given all of this, I doubt Sal really believes they are. Way too much feedback to the contrary.
 
tommyg805 said:
Do you think it hurts Sal's feelings when people call his knives ugly?

Even though they are amazing as long as you keep your eyes closed? Case in point: my Paramilitary 2. Amazing piece of engineering. And it opens, cuts, and feels like no other. I guess beauty really is only skin deep.
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Oh yeah. He's crying about it all the way to the bank!
 
jeffphansen77 said:
Spyderco has a sub-forum on the biggest knife forum as well as their own forum, both choked with fans who can't stop posting & ogling each other's knife pics. So many discriminating knife nuts don't think they're ugly.

The allegedly ugly spyder-hole has been used both with & without permission by competitors who know full-well that it's a known Spyderco icon. So the competition doesn't think they're ugly either.

Given all of this, I doubt Sal really believes they are. Way too much feedback to the contrary.
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That about sums it up, good post.
 
Everybody is different. For example, I do not like Mona Lisa, but I don't think that Leonardo cares about it.
 
I also don't think it bothers him much! Because IMHO for every one person who doesn't like Spyderco knives there are five like me who absolutely love them!!!!!
 
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