Innovation - discussion

Sal Glesser

Sal Glesser

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Someone had posted a question on Bladeforums’ General forum about innovative companies. In a thread like that involving companies, I feel better not getting involved. I don’t think they are looking for company input, but it did set me to thinking, especially with the definitions posted by Serg & others. I’d like to thank those participating in the Bladeforums thread for spawning this thread.

I thought that it might be an interesting topic of conversation “at home” on the Spyderco forums. It also made me think about what Spyderco has done in the past year that was new, and how that might compare with other knife companies.

For definitions or classes of innovation, I have listed some that came to mind. I’m sure that you can add, subtract or modify the concepts.

1. Revolutionary – Innovation that causes major changes in an industry or begins new trends.
2. Evolutionary – Innovation that alters, improves or causes changes in keeping with the direction of the trend.
3. Trends as opposed to designs – A group of ideas building off of each other while adding refinements to the concept trend.
4. Refinement – an improvement, however small that evolves a design or trend.
5. New design – an innovation where a new pattern, size or material is being used but there is otherwise no new idea involved. Still requiring some innovative effort.
6. Sum total of “new” examples of the above in a given year. (a measure to determine a company’s effort to “improve”).

With the above definitions, I “remembered” the past year at Spyderco. Significant changes in management and restructuring same took the bulk of our effort. In spite of that adversity, Spyderco managed a few “new” things in 2002.

Some of these accomplishments are just coming out in Dec ’02 so whether or not these are thought of as ’02 late or early ‘03

1. Cobra hood – introduced on the Salsa – I would classify this as evolutionary in that it combined the opening hole with the disc concept into a synthesis. Creating a “thumb rest” was the “evo” result of the blend.

2. Integral Compression Lock – This also came out on the Salsa. - I think the integral [part is “evo” to the “New Lock Trend” and a “Refinement” of the Compression lock.

3. The Wire Clothing Clip – Introduced on the Salsa as well – “evo” on the “Clip Trend”.

4. Phantom Lock – Introduced on the MeerKat – I think that this is just a ”new design”. The lock concept has been around, as has the “Navigator” pattern.

5. Pride – a “new” non-locking folder (slip joint) using the basic Navigator pattern – The flags or logos could be considered “novel”, but otherwise, it is a “new design”

6. Jester - A “new design” based on “refinements” of the Ladybug – The “refinements” were significant enough to cause a “new design”.

7. Ultra fine ceramic Triangles – a “refinement” of the Sharpmaker

8. Diamond triangles – a “refinement” of the Sharpmaker

9. The Lum Tanto Fixed Blade – a “refinement” of an earlier design by Bob Lum

10. Temperance Fixed Blade – A “new Design” from Spyderco

11. SPOT Fixed blade – a “new design” from Spyderco & Fred Perrin. One also might call it a refinement of the Perrin “laGriffe” or an “evo” to the “neck knife trend”.

12. Janich “Ronin” – a “new design”. Could also be call “evo” or a “refinement” of the “Neck knife trend”

13. Kiwi – a “new design”. Perhaps a “refinement” to the “Gent’s folder Trend”

14. Rescue 93mm – a “refinement” of an existing design.

15. The Lil’ Temperance – intro’d in late ’01 – Perhaps, along with the Salsa and Meerkat, contributing to the beginning of the concept “Big Little Knife Trend”.

16. Impala – a Scott design – a folding guthook that is buried in the handle. A “new design” or “refinement” of folding hunters.

17. SpyderHawk – a “new design”.

18. The WTC project – a “new design”, a “new lock” (listed below), The acquisition and processing of the steel, The change to another “new design”. All in all, a considerable project.

19. The USA Native changing from CPM-S60V to CPM-S30V (current run). A “refinement” to the Native design.

20. The Maddox Fixed blade – a “new design” perhaps an “Evo” in the industry for handicapped humans.

21. The Ball Bearing Lock – a “new design” in locks. Certainly a “refinement” or even “evo” in the “New Lock Trend”

22. Very custom Mosaic Damascus being used on a production knife – Ed Schempp’s skill made available is at least a “refinement”.

All in all, I would have to say that Spyderco has been quite busy of the past year. We also have more than 10 “innovative” designs in line for ’03. The “look back” was interesting.

Soooooo………

What are some of the “innovations” that have come out in the past year?

SOG’s new auto – a “new design” and “evo” in the Auto Trend”.

Benchmade’s new McHenry / Williams lock – a “new design” and an “evo” on the “new Lock Trend”.

What else?

sal
 
Benchmades spring latch on the bali's.

I think the Kiwi from Spyderco while not new in the idea it has bone handles is new to the world of modern folders like Spyderco and Benchmade's and I think Spyderco could go far with the concept, they made a nice "gentlemans" knife while at the same time incorporated old country looks with new modern style.

Carbon fiber handles seems to have become a trend more this year than in the past. From quite a few companies and makers.

Thicker blades has become in style lately.

I'm not sure if Spyderco has done this before but the Meerkat I know for sure and the Spot's? have a inverse S style blade that is very functional for everyday cutting.

Can't foget to mention all the super "steels" on knives these days, not so sure they are as a big deal as alot of people make them out to be though.
 
Personally I'm not so sure about the Cobra hood, becuase I've heard negative comments about it, in terms of adding something extraneous/unnecessary to inconvenience.
I kinda like the wire clips now, although I didn't appreciate as much before, because the ones on the Salsa is fairly stiff. I changed my mind after I lost my native because the clip doesn't hold on to nylon fabric well. I'd like to see newer models with wire clips and how they hold up, partly because I have an idea how the new wire clips will grip on to and I like to see you guys prove the skeptics of the wire clips wrong (about easy to break and stuff)
From the pictures, the Impala seems to have a bigger part of the blade burried into the handle. I consider this is something new that doesn't happen very often with folding knives. It might be interesting to see something double edged and folding coming out of Spyderco, but I wonder if there would be enough customers because of the law.
I mainly like the new Spyderco locks, despite that I've a sour Vesuvius, where the blade acts funny. I think your new locks have good potential, and I'd like to see the Paramilitary soon - I can't recall the lock, but I believe that it would work out fine.
Sal and crew, keep the new innovations rolling out, I personally don't care whether they're regarded as revolutionary or a refinement. As long as they improve my knife-toting experience, I welcome it.
 
Umm, call me crazy, but didnt the Q have a wire clothing clip sorta like the one on the salsa?

I'm really amazed that Spyderco has the ability to come out with so many new designs - almost all at once. My wallet is having a hard time keeping up.

I'd like to say that the Lil Temperance is one of my favorite knives of all time. The lock is great. I love the way it feels in the hand, it cuts like crazy, and it has such a unique look. The clip took a little getting used to, but I'm really starting to like it. Ever considered replacing the spoon clip on the gunting with one like that?

-----------

As for other manufacturers..

Benchmade: Seems to be converting nearly their entire line to axis lock. The new benchmite looks interesting.

Emerson: New kerambit looks like a winner. Evolution of a very old design with some new features

Buck/Camillus/S&W/CRKT/etc: Seems like taking a popular custom design and making cheaper carbon copies is a new trend. Not sure there's much innovation there, though. Buck does make a lot of fine knives, and their Striders are a bit different than the real thing - as opposed to some others that are identical except for the materials and how they are made.

Kershaw: The new Ken Onion Whisper with its different lock is interesting. Don't know if it counts as being from this year.. but..

SOG: The flash is pretty cool. Very inexpensive for the quality. Not really a new concept.

Microtech: Lots of new work with balisongs.

----------------

It doesn't seem like any other manufacturer is anywhere near Spyderco in innovation, evolution of product, or new design of any sort.

And certainly, few other companies listen to their customers feedback like Spyderco does.

Keep up the good work! :)

-- Rob
 
Originally posted by Sal Glesser
All in all, I would have to say that Spyderco has been quite busy of the past year. We also have more than 10 “innovative” designs in line for ’03. The “look back” was interesting.
Click to expand...

10 new designs? :eek:

Beyond the ones already mentioned? Any new ones we don't know about yet? :)

I'm still really looking forward to the Ocelot.

Lets see if I can remember all the new designs I've heard of...

Ronin, Yojimbo, Ocelot, ATR, SS Cricket, 3D Native, Dodo (which might have become the WTC knife)

That's only 7. :(

What is the Maddox fixed blade? Have I totally missed something?

Thanks!
-- Rob
 
Rob,
The WTC knife and D'Allara Rescue might be considered two models of the same pattern. The Dodo is a different design and model, same lock.
I also heard there was going to be some kind of bird&trout type fixed blade(s). I read somewhere that the Maddox is a FB for people with handicaps that limit hand mobility/agility. An interesting direction that I don't think any other company has ever pursued.

Ken
 
That's quite a list. Spyderco really works hard to stay on top of the game.

Now, how's about that Spyderbali?
 
I'm somewhat sure it's not a 2002 innovation but I sure hope Sypderco can embrace the design concept that I saw on a Spanish made (Cas Iberia?) push dagger knife named the "Civilian." It had two (2) blade stop positions (locking?): one with the blade partially open at 90 degrees to the handle and the other with the blade fully extended. Imagine the possibilities of using this multi-blade stop concept with the various blade styles that Spydero already makes. To be sure, there would be many details to be worked out but it might be worth the effort in the long run.

Next on my list are sleek multi-blade/tool Spyderco clipits. (Like the one-hand opening, locking Trailmaster SAK). The Dyad was a start but didn't it just replicate what we already had with a single combo-edge blade?. The SpyderWrench--with all due respect to the S-Wrench lovers--imo, seemed like it was put together by friendly Dr. Frankenstien. What I'm talking about here are sleek, SAK like, one-handed opening, locking, honest-to-goodness, Spydercos with additional tools [e.g., screwdrivers, can opener (think of it as a mini-harpy), etc.--don't overdo it!]. The O-HOL SAK is okay but it just doesn't have the quality of a typical Spyderco.
 
Spyderco definitely IS an innovative company. New materials, new locking systems, new shapes and refinements to existing models - The evolution of the FRN Endura (or Delica) for eg. That's a great thing.
Other companies, on the contrary, are set on improving their existing standards. Emerson, for instance has basically linerlocks. And they are doing them OK and successfully. I think this could also be a good appoach.
Yet, I can't stop thinking of BMW and Rolls-Royce. One IS innovative, the other WAS conservative. BMW took RR eventually.
However, I think that competition is a good thing and I hope that other brands will be able to keep the pace with Spyderco to the benefit of us all.
My page
 
baraqyal
You forgot the Impala's, SPOT's, Micarta Jester, Salsa , when did the Meerkat come out it hasn't been that long ago has it, time flys though.
 
I thought the Perrin Street Bowie was great too. It's probably my favorite fixed blade.
 
One "evo" I liked is the newly designed pocket clips on the Sog assisted openers. They make for deep carry and you cannot tell it is a knife. A close look shows their method of attachment is diffenent being achored on the inside of the scales.
 
What do you all think are important innovations from companies OTHER than Spyderco. There have been some good ones this year in the industry and I'm interested in your opinions.

Joyce
 
joyce, the two things that I could think of is the above-mentioned deep pocket carry clip from SOG (you have no idea sometimes what kind of flak you can get from the public - one was scared of my multitool), and the apparent jump into the "assisted" folder catagory.
Deep pocket clips would be nice, but I found that most public won't know you have one clipped to the pocket unless the clip color is different from the colors of the jeans. Steel / silver colored clips will definately stand out from the blue jeans background. I know it would be awkward to put black or even deep blue on some of the clip colors (imagine the Salsa with a black clip), but there are plenty of models from Spyderco that works well.
I think the assisted knives are cool, but unfortunately, some misinformed public (most definately an euphemism) will definately alert politicians who are desperate for votes, and they'll try to shut these assisted knives from us. I think it's only a matter of time before these knives would be grouped under the switchblade catagory and be banned.
 
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