Is anyone else underwhelmed by Spyderco's 2014 lineup?

I'm sad to say that I'm more or less of the same idea of Comeuppance :o the problem is not the steel obviously...but I find that the older models are better! Only the Kiwi is a "must have" for me, but also the Kiwi is more or less and old model :rolleyes: I'm really happy for the CF Yojimbo.
 
The FFG Manix is cool and many of the older models that I'd still like to score, create a target rich environment. :)
 
I used to buy mostly Spydercos when it came to folding knives, and I still own a lot and will probably buy some in the future, but I don't follow the brand as closely as I used to.

Some of the changes they made through the years made me lose a bit of interest. I'm not saying they were bad ideas, I just didn't like them.

My favourite Spydies are still the old S30V lockbacks like the Mini Manix or Chinook.
 
The Gayle Bradley folder has NOT been discontinued.

The new offerings from the Taichung factory are basically one: Tusk. The other three "new" offerings from that factory are just variations on current models: Southard Black (which looks great and not like a fake), Sage 3 (in CF/G10 laminate instead of the discontinued blue G10) and Chaparral Stepped Titanium (way over-priced).

I agree that there are too many new Japan VG-10 offerings. Some unique and intriguing offerings though: Battlestation, Double Bevel, Firefly (nicest one), Friction, Karahawk, Kiwi 4, Mike Draper, Roc and Tatanka.
 
Last year didn't do it for me other than sprint runs and dealer exclusives. Spent my fair share on those. Flat ground VG-10 in the 3 inch range and smaller gets it done for me. I can't get away with much blade at work so my Meerkat gets a lot of pocket time. I will probably bite on the new Sage 3 as I have the blue one and like it quite well. And I'm in the minority that has no problem with lockbacks. I even kinda like the Boye dent.
 
I'm waiting for the fluted CF Para 2... Oh, and the C01 Worker Sprint... And the Caly Jr. micarta sprint... And the Mike Read PITS folder... And for three or four new Mule Team blades...

TedP
 
The Tatanka reminds me of a beefed up Police in many respects.
I'll be getting one. :)

And I don't even work in a mall. ;)
 
Spyderco has been knocking the ball out of the park for quite some time now. Sprint runs with high end steel, many collaborative designs, etc.

I consider them being one of the premier production knife companies. I've been at this "hobby" for many years, and have been a fan of what Sal and company have been doing all along.
 
I'll be buying one or two of the Tatanka models. I will continue buying the Golden made knives, and some of the Taichung products. Not really too interested in buying more VG-10 lock backs though, but the Tatanka is a bit of a beast and I like it.
 
RevDevil said:
I'll be buying one or two of the Tatanka models. I will continue buying the Golden made knives, and some of the Taichung products. Not really too interested in buying more VG-10 lock backs though, but the Tatanka is a bit of a beast and I like it.
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Rev, same thing for me. I am definitely going to get my hands on one of those Tatanka's as soon as I can. What a great looking knife.
 
gytheran said:
... spyderco tends to make designs that cater to mall ninjas.
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The fact mall ninjas may like some Spyderco designs hardly means Spyderco caters to them. Sadly, I know all too many mall ninja types - I work as a security officer - and most of them think they have a "great knife" because they spent all of $20 on a 440C Smith & Wesson knife with a glass breaker. I've yet to see one with a Spyderco. (When I show them one of my $50+ CPM S30V Spydercos or my $90 D2 Brous they look at me like I'm insane.)
 
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I'll admit to feeling a little underwhelmed with 2014's offerings....probably because 2013 was such an incredible year by comparison (CRUWEAR Millie, S110V Forum, Super Blue Sprints, 204P PM2, Southard, Domino, S90V Millie, S90V Manix XL, Fluted Ti Native). Spyderco really spoiled us last year; I think they earned a little downtime in preparation for the next big release cycle (Fluted PM2, K390 Sprint, 4V mule, etc).
 
I was really hoping to see some new knives with the compression lock in the 2014 lineup.
 
I find the lock to be secondary. To me it comes down to the design of the knife. I really like the look of the Tatanka and the Draper. I don't have a Para 2 like everyone else does so the compression lock is an unknown commodity for me. I have found the Japanese Spydercos to be a very good value over the years.
 
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