I don't dispute that Spydercos are great knives--too many people love them--and I've never owned or used one. I will say, though, that the whole "hole" thing really rubs me the wrong way. I can accept that it might work as a fairly efficient means of opening a folder, but it widens the blade to the point of obnoxiousness, and it MUST weaken the blade considerably--right at the spine no less. And when they drill a hole in a perfectly good fixed blade just to preserve that distinctive style--sacrificing function to form--it makes me lose all respect. Sorry... this post finally broke me, and I couldn't contain myself any longer.
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help me understand spydercos!
- Thread starter jasonbroni
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I've got to disagree with you there. I can't see the Spyderhole being at all significant in blade strength. I would challenge anybody saying otherwise to find examples of blade failure due to the hole.
That being said, this "function over form" talk rubs me the wrong way. Are they saying that other companies with better looking knives can't perform? Why is it wrong to expect form AND function from a knife company?
And for the record, I am a Spyderco fan, but I happen to own one of the better looking ones IMO
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Everyone has an opinion, you've stated yours. With all due respect, you admit to never having owned nor used one that doesn't reek of credibility. A hole on the blade on any fixed blade can serve a purpose based on the designer's vision. It can be a forward lanyard hole, it can be used to lighten the blade, it can even serve as a trademark for the manufacturer. busse knives have a hole in the blade too "talon hole" are those ridiculous/obnoxious too based on your clearly novice criteria?
You claim that there is an inherent weakness in the blade...based on what? What evidence do tou have to support it? Can you search the web and find multiple failures? Give it a try and see what you come up with.
I completely understand where you are coming from. I have always thought that Spyderco knives were ugly and looked cheap as well. I was also intreagued by the fact of their popularity in a community who clearly knows their knives and thats why I researched Spyderco some more. I have also been seeking that perfect EDC knife. I have many high end knives which are very high quality and high dollar which I want to use daily but do not want to blemish due to the cost. I recently gave in and bought a Sage 1 and was immediately impressed by the fit and finish as well as the quality of materials used. My favorite part of the knife is the unmatched smoothness of the action of the blade deployment, how solid (in every direction) that the blade locks up as well as the blade retention with the ball detent. For the money I am not afraid to use it and find myself just opening and closing it because it just feels so satisfying. Best $100 I have spent in as long as I can remember and it is now my favorite EDC blade.
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Spyderco makes a great product. I've been a fan for about 3 years now, and they've impressed me ever since. They're knives are something that you HAVE to handle and use to appreciate it. Most people get used to the "hole thing' after a while.
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I cant seem to hold on to my Spyderco knives for very long. I always eventually loose interest and trade or sell them. I think it has to do with the looks. They function well, but so do other more attractively formed knives. (What is attractive in a knife is anyones call, but I cant deny the way I feel.
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The only exception for me is the Salt 1. As a slim dive folder, nothing can really touch it in terms of function. Underwater, the hole works better than anything for easy and reliable opening. (you really have to guide the knife all the way out, since the water has enough resistance to hinder you from flicking it open.)
)The only exception for me is the Salt 1. As a slim dive folder, nothing can really touch it in terms of function. Underwater, the hole works better than anything for easy and reliable opening. (you really have to guide the knife all the way out, since the water has enough resistance to hinder you from flicking it open.)
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I also thought spydercos looked a bit weird when i first saw them. But before spyderco the extent of my knife usage was aus8 steel and frn handles. Then i bit the bullet and got a caly 3 zdp-189 with carbon fiber. Blew my mind. From there it just escalated into other spydies and other brands. Even if i can't take my spydies apart because of warranty, i still love them in their unique design, and Sal's discussion contributions on this forum, really top notch guy.
I hear ya I really feel the same way, especially about the FRN handle one's. About 2 weeks ago I broke down and got a para2. The first week I was still not in love. But after carry every day for the last week. I get it. Rock solid lock up, Zero blade play, The best jimping, fantastic ergos, supper light. I also love the compression lock how your fingers are never in the way during closing. Really a perfect edc....Kinda reminds me of my last girlfriend, not the best looker but other than that pretty much perfect. Wish I never traded that one.
aznpos531
I like sharp and pointy things...
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I think it's pretty standard. I too thought Spyderco knives looked funky and maybe even a bit "mall ninja-ish". I never thought that it would be a good knife at all. But that was before I held one. That's when I fell in love with them. They get the ergonomics spot on almost every time. I find Spyderco knives a joy to use just because they're so natural and comfortable in the hand; literally like an extension of my hand.
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I bought my first Spyderco Endura in the early 90's. It looked weird and space age, but there was something about it that I was willing to spend $29 (expensive back then). When I held it and tested the nasty fully serrated blade, I knew I had something special. Although I have knives from at least 6 other companies, if I had to choose just one company to make my knife purchases, Spyderco would be the no-brainer choice.
I used to hate their designs too, until the day i got one in hand and realised... ERGONOMY !
these things feel amazing in hand, and wait until you hear the "CLAK" or a spyderco lockback... love love love !
i now have 5 of them and use them all , for folding knives they are up to the task and well priced
these things feel amazing in hand, and wait until you hear the "CLAK" or a spyderco lockback... love love love !
i now have 5 of them and use them all , for folding knives they are up to the task and well priced
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I get the performance, the steel fix, and the variety that I want at a reasonable price. Besides they listen to a certain extent to their customer base regarding designs, steels, and sprint runs.
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Spyderco makes knives for people who use knives. Their knives cut. They aren't sharpened pry bars or folding axes. They invented the tactical knife as we know it, top of the line steels, the opening hole for one handed opening, and the pocket clip. They are one of only two companies that put out fully serrated knives (cold steel being the other, and their serrations are poorly designed.) If the opening hole wasn't an excellent design to function as a one hand opening method, other companies would not be borrowing, copying or stealing the idea to use on their knives. It is fool proof. Spyderco is one of the few companies that put out the same knives with different locks (the sage, manix etc), different steels (endura, manix, mules, etc) and different grinds (endura, delica) to test them on identical platforms. They offer the most rust-proof stainless steel on the market (H-1) and offer the broadest range of knives for every taste, from the tiny bug to the manix xl. They make slipjoints and automatics. They regularly collaborate with well known makers and amateur designers and the listen to their end line user.
They offer knives in every price range and knives for users and collectors alike. They make knives designed for hard work and knives designed for self defense. If aesthetics are the number one concern in your decision to purchase a knife, then spyderco probably isn't for you. They are designed in the dark and function trumps form. They must be doing something right when other larger knife companies copy their designs to the tee. Benchmade and SOG both have endura clones and there is a reason for that. The endura/delica platform is a tried and true design that has been put to the test for decades.
Spyderco is one of the most versatile production knife companies on the scene today. They are not for everyone but that just leaves more for us
Did your arm get tired after throwing so many truth-hammers?!
As for ugly, you guys are nuts. Spydercos are, to me, the best-looking knives on the market. Others come close, but spanning their entire catalog? Nope. Spydies are HOT.
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You realize every folder ever made has a hole in the blade, don't you?? Not only that, but they're all in a spot that is under a lot more strain than the opening hole. It's called the pivot hole...
That's cool if you think it's ugly, don't like how it opens, or makes the blade too tall. Those are valid concerns based on personal taste, two of which I have had myself about Spyderco. And yeah, I think the holes in the fixed blades are kind of dumb. But don't try and pin it as some sort of structural flaw...
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My first respectable edc knife was a grey delica 4, then an endura 4. I switched to a BM 890, 940, 741, and 746. I came back to Spyderco and have been edc'ing a PM2. I found that I just put more use into them. I was afraid of marring my prescious safe queen BM.
Working in a knife shop that didn't care much for Spyderco warranty forced a sour taste in my mouth. But after working there for a while, I saw every other brand come back for warranty repairs. Everything from kershaw to SOG, Benchmade to Buck. I have never seen a Spyderco fail.
"They" say to never budge a book by it's cover, so judge it by it's content! Use one and your opinion will change. HELL MESSAGE ME AND I WILL SEND YOU ONE OF MINE TO TRY!
Working in a knife shop that didn't care much for Spyderco warranty forced a sour taste in my mouth. But after working there for a while, I saw every other brand come back for warranty repairs. Everything from kershaw to SOG, Benchmade to Buck. I have never seen a Spyderco fail.
"They" say to never budge a book by it's cover, so judge it by it's content! Use one and your opinion will change. HELL MESSAGE ME AND I WILL SEND YOU ONE OF MINE TO TRY!
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Like so many other people have said. Buy one and use it, you'll see. I was kind of in the same position as you. I never really liked the way they looked, so I stayed away. Then I bought one when I found a good deal. I loved it. Now I have several, they're among my favorite folders and I like the way they look.