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Great Companies start at the top

H

HiLandR

Joined
May 23, 2013
Messages
107
I am a big Spyderco fan an architect and a product designer; several months ago I designed a “gentleman’s folding knife” and some accessories to be sold as a grouping. I contacted Spyderco to see if they would be interested in producing it. We exchanged the appropriate legal paperwork and I sent them my sketches. After a couple of weeks review with the Glessers and the R&D department, I received word back that they would decline. I cannot believe the way they responded. I was sent a very nice description of the declination by the R&D department. (they basically said it was a bit more refined design than function and it would probably not be well received). Which I had considered when designing, but I felt that the Spyderco line was missing a more gentlemanly folder. Now here is where it gets amazing. Last night I received a very nice email from Sal Glesser recommending another company to pursue for my design. Not only did they take the time to describe in detail their thoughts on my design, but the owner himself wrote me to make suggestions on how to proceed! Simply Amazing! Just another reason why they are at the top of the knife-making community!

:thumbup:
 
And we'll not see this design with the spyderhole ;). Sigh.

But seriously, I consider it generous, as they have spent the effort analyzing & reviewing, and the recommendation gain Sal nothing in return (unless one believes in karmic law, and long term relationship).
 
Bummer, the company that Sal suggested just started another large project and they cannot take another on. I hate to pitch it to all the knife makers. Maybe I should go to Blade in Atlanta with scribbles in hand???
 
HiLandR said:
Bummer, the company that Sal suggested just started another large project and they cannot take another on. I hate to pitch it to all the knife makers. Maybe I should go to Blade in Atlanta with scribbles in hand???
Click to expand...

Sounds like a plan!
 
HiLandR said:
Bummer, the company that Sal suggested just started another large project and they cannot take another on. I hate to pitch it to all the knife makers. Maybe I should go to Blade in Atlanta with scribbles in hand???
Click to expand...

That's probably a good idea. All of the knife companbies are represented at the show and the likelyhood of finding a partner is good. The company that I suggested is the best in that particular arena. If you do go, come by and say hi.

sal
 
Sal Glesser said:
That's probably a good idea. All of the knife companbies are represented at the show and the likelyhood of finding a partner is good. The company that I suggested is the best in that particular arena. If you do go, come by and say hi.
sal
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I'd be honored! :)
 
I'm probably not going to make Blade this year, grrrr. It may have to wait a year unless I come up with another option.
 
Hi HiLandR,

Don't be shy about reworking things and trying again. It took me three or four tries to get something to stick. I couldn't have asked for a better company to work with. They helped me develop a lot. Also, I have to give Ed Schempp credit, cause he completely changed how I look at knives as well. He and Sal are peas in a pod. They are tinkerers and thinkers through and through.

I agree with everything you've said though. They are truly a class act.
 
I probably will not change the design substantially. I don't feel like its an issue with my design, but more of fitting in with their line. It is a bit far removed.
 
I am wondering if I made a YouTube video of my design and the inspiration of it on my channel and posted it into forums. Is there a chance I could lose the design to people thieving it or is there defense-ability in the video itself?
 
HiLandR said:
I am wondering if I made a YouTube video of my design and the inspiration of it on my channel and posted it into forums. Is there a chance I could lose the design to people thieving it or is there defense-ability in the video itself?
Click to expand...

I've found that open disclosure has never helped me retain any property rights, nor has it helped me convince a company to produce my IP. I'd suggest against it, unless you're going full kickstarter campaign.
 
Good call. I never considered a kick start. Hmmmm never done it before. I fear I'm in over my head with that approach.
 
Sal is a class act. I have found deference to be the sign of such a bloke and no one else in the industry is as deferential as mr Glesser. It's the Michael Walker liner lock, the Chris Reeve integral lock, the David Boyd detent. The Spyderco iteration of the wave-shaped feature is in my opinion superior to Emersons original but Sal insists on paying his dues and licenses it.

Look, I'm not very sentimental about tools but there's just something about the owner of a company being both the chief designer and a good guy. The knives speak for themselves but so does Sal. And very well at that.
 
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