Is it just me or is Spyderco getting better and better.

Walking Man

Walking Man

BANNED
Joined
May 28, 2003
Messages
9,606
A couple of years ago, I would have said that I like Benchmades more than Spydercos, but lately, IMO the designs that come from Golden are just SO much better than they were. So, what's the consensus, Is Spyderco now better than they ever were or were they better back in the "day".
 
I don't own any Spydercos. I think they're good quality, I just seemed to always like Benchmade knives a little better, however, I handled a Spyderco Manix the other day and was very impressed. It Felt good in the hand, and seemed to be built very ruggedly. I may have to get one yet:D
 
I don't know if they have gotten better. I used to buy BM and spyderco. In the last few years I've liked so many spydercos that is all I've purchased in folders. I think spyderco quality is very high, the designs are original, creative, and USEFUL,and the value is so good, that I rarely look elsewhere for folders. Just my 0.02.
 
I agree - I'm not so sure they got better, just "discovered":D I think where the better comes in, is when the next gen comes out and that is more in the design, ergos, etc. without a major hit pricewise. Pretty hard to resist when they (Sal & company) actually ask what we are looking for and then provide it. Also quite rare:) Then, there is the innovation side as well - new stuff constantly....... The Spydie portion of my collection has probably grown faster than any other brand I've got, and I've got a bunch. Once I get my Delica 4 and Centofante 4, I think, I will have at least pulled even with my Bucks - about 20, give or take:D I'm kinda scared to count, in one sense, but I think I'm hitting the better part of 100 folders....:eek:

My $0.02 CDN - gord
 
I like a lot of the old discontinued models too...but I don't like lockbacks. I still have one, but I don't use it. So I avoided Spyderco based on this preference. But looking into a lot of the models this last year, I realize just how many Spydercos don't use lockbacks anymore.


Spyderco designs take awhile to adjust to visually....they're all ugly at first, but after a few months of seeing them, you appreciate them.
 
I am with you Walking Man; I DO think that Spyderco HAS gotten better!!
 
I don't know if they have gotten better(but I think they have;) ), but it's nice to see a company willing to TRY as opposed to sitting on their rep. I really consider them to be the benchmark for other companies to be compared to in the mass-production knife market.
 
I don't have any Spyderco knives. I really want one after doing lots of reading. I have also noticed that over the last 2 years that Benchmade has been getting rid of some of their best stuff and either not replacing what they get rid of or replacing it with something worse. I no longer like anything they have except the 707 and the 940. Everything else good has been discontinued.

I would say from what I have read, and the new knives that Spyderco has brought out in the last 2 years that they are way better now than they were 2 years ago. Much better designs and quality materials.
 
Benchmade has a fine lineup, it's just not very diverse, at least among their folders. They make groups of like four folders in the same price range and function, and virtually all of them use the same lock.

Spyderco has a much, much more diverse lineup. It's a much more experimental company. Not too much diversity among fixed blades though. Not that I care.

But to be fair to Benchmade, their gold class knives kind of go unanswered among production knives.
 
Artfully Martial said:
But to be fair to Benchmade, their gold class knives kind of go unanswered among production knives.
Click to expand...

I've got two words for you, William Henry!;)

I've always considered Spyderco to be a "custom-production" company, as they will design special models (even make adjustments to their regular lineup) based on ELU input alone. Spyderco, to me, represents Democracy!:thumbup:

Best wishes,
3Guardsmen
 
3Guardsmen said:
I've got two words for you, William Henry!
Click to expand...
With all due respect, YOU ARE SO WRONG, IMO!!!!!
William Henry has jacked up their prices so much you can't touch one for under $500. Sorry, that's just not the kind of money I want to spend on a knife. I have no doubt of their quality, and I know their knives are better now than ever, but they dropped all of their less expensive models. :mad: It's just..... :eek:
 
Yes, they have improved in quality. Spyderco is one of the few firms in the knife industry who actually LISTENS to his consumers. Mr Glesser is daily present on this forum and on the Spyderco forum. He asks his users how to improve on his products and what refinements should occur.
One example, the ball lock...
First it was accepted with mixed feelings, the ball was small, lock up not always perfect, etc.

With ELU imput the ball lock was refined to fit the need of the consumer.
I am just holding the new D'Allara DP and the ball lock's performance has increased and is now one of my favourite.

We should realise that most Spyderco's will never win beauty contests but i need a knife i can trust my life on.

Spyderco has never failed me with their product line:thumbup:
 
Artfully Martial said:
But to be fair to Benchmade, their gold class knives kind of go unanswered among production knives.
Click to expand...

Chris Reeve? A lot of people sure love those mnandis and sebbies.

Spyderco is an amazing company. The commitment of Sal and Eric to pure functionality is definitely what draws me to their knives. My spydies are definitely my best cutters. I love my bg42 small sebbie but my zdp189 caly outcuts it by far.
 
I said it before and I'll say it again.

Spyderco - Queer knives for the straight guy.

Benchmabusseastriderenzamegadeathninjawannebedorkopsdeanimator - the knife you think you need.

Spyderco - The knife you do.
 
Thinking about it a little more I'd have to say that in some ways Spyderco has definitely gotten better --> Compression Lock!
 
I was introduced to Spyderco and BM at about the same time. I bought a Native II, Mini Griptillian, and Griptillian for my highschool graduation gift to myself. After about a week of carrying the Mini Grip and Native II i took the full size Griptillian back. Since then the Mini Grip is the only BM i own and it is likely to stay that way. Im not bashing BM, but i like Spyderco's designs more, and like that they listen to their ELU's and base decisions on that.
Just my opinion
J
 
I have owned a mess of knives, including custom knives.

I might go to a custom maker to make an idea become real, but as far as already-made knives go, I only look at Spyderco.
I've given up on everyone else.
IMHO, only Spyderco has the quality and the value amongst today's manufacturers.
Furthermore, Spyderco, (Sal and Son) has a special understanding of ergonomics.
Finally, I prefer lockbacks, or mid-locks (the reader knows what I mean), over all other locks.
 
Spyderco are getting better. I just picked up a carbon fiber handled Military and it is spectacular. I carry a Griptillian with 440c for my edc and one of my many Spyderco's as my dress up edc. Just don't want to get'em dirty. By far my favorite Production Knife company. How about the Manix? Best of the best.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top