Is Sal pissed about holes?

fulloflead

fulloflead

Joined
May 3, 2002
Messages
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If I had to guess; and I AM guessing, I'd say that the knife industry is moving more toward opening holes than thumb studs. I came to this opinion after seeing the new Strider that has both.

Is Sal Glesser pissed-off or what?:eek:

After I got seriously into Spydercos it became apparant to me that the opening hole was the obvious solution to one-handed opening and that thumb-studs are kinda awkward and silly in comparison.

Other people seem to think so too because of the BM Axis AFCK and Griptillian which I actually really love, are pretty popular. I would bet money that the new BMs and some other manufacturers will be coming out with more and more hole-opening holes.

Sal came up with the hole-opener didn't he?
I realize the patent was probably somewhat limited, but still...

Not that I don't like these other brands of knives (which I do) or that they're violating any laws, but...

Sal has to be saying, "Hey, it was MY idea!!!!!":D

I just want to give him credit for coming out with the best one-handed opening method.:) Even though I buy a lot of Spydercos now and will continue to always do so; every time I buy a different brand of knife with an opening hole I will thank him in my mind!:D
 
I totally agree that the round hole is by far the best opening method available. This is probably why all of my folders are Spydercos with the sole exception of one. Once you get used to the hole, everything else seems useless.
 
Well, everyone uses clips and Spyderco introduced that too. As long as the holes aren't round, I don't think Spyderco has a beef with it.
 
Originally posted by Carlos
Well, everyone uses clips and Spyderco introduced that too....
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Hmmm. Forgot about that.
Still, must be a bitch to see everyone else biting your ideas.

If I were Sal it would eat me a little bit.
 
It might tick him off, but imitation is flattery as well.

They can't do the round hole or the rhomboid shape in the Timberline Special Service knife as Spyderco has both of them. I think there's another shape as well, but I can't remember it off-hand. I also agree that it's the simplest method of opening. Maybe not the most graceful, but I've learned to love the looks as I saw how practical it is.
 
I don't think Sal is the type to go through life pissed off about things like that. Sal seems to be the kind of guy who is into good karma and more interested in the greater good. To be all angry that other knife companies are using holes in their knives would be kind of selfish - its obviously a better design and everyone benefits from the design. Its evolution.
Now, I'm not saying that Sal and Spyderco shouldn't get credit for the hole. And they should be properly compensated for the idea also, it just isn't worth being pissed off about.
But if someone is ripping off your designs.... send in the lawyers. Thats just wrong.
 
That Sal is once again going to revolutionize the industry by moving away from holes, now that 'holes' are cropping up almost everywhere...

Yep, you heard it here first guys...the insider skinny is that Spyderco is going to start using 'squares' in the new 2004 models...

How long do you think it will be before that idea gets ripped off too? ;)

Mel, the humored
 
Hi. I can't say that I'm pissed, but I am older and wiser now. When they first began copying our hole openers in the late 80's, I must admit to being pissed, but looking back I can say that it is a foolish emotion and served little.

Good ideas will be copied and in all reality, they should be if humankind is going to move forward. The concept of patents is to give the originators some time to move with their idea. A "head start" on the competition. It doesn't always work in reality because of the "legaleze" necessary to try to put a "concept" into words. Good lawyers can find "holes" in the legaleze.

We have received recognition for our ideas and I'm in the "Cutlery "Hall of Fame" because of those ideas. I have no complaints.

We brought clips into the knife world, hole openers, serrations, The Sharpmaker and a bunch of lesser known concepts. There are others that have brought many ideas as well. Al Buck, Michael Walker, Ken Onion, Halligan, Bram Frank, and many others. We are fortunate to have a large amount of innovation in our industry. It is because of these innovations that we get to stand on the shoulders of those before us and use our shoulders to provide a platform for the feet of those that will follow us. That way we all get to see farther and go farther.

Recognition is nice, even though it's short lived. It's better than nothing. If we're lucky, the good ideas and some hard work help us support our families.

sal
 
Originally posted by Sal Glesser
Hi. I can't say that I'm pissed, but I am older and wiser now. When they first began copying our hole openers in the late 80's, I must admit to being pissed, but looking back I can say that it is a foolish emotion and served little....
Recognition is nice, even though it's short lived. It's better than nothing. If we're lucky, the good ideas and some hard work help us support our families.

sal
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You're a good sport, Sal! Your reaction, in your first paragraph, isn't surprising and you're only human. I also guess there's got to be a lot of pride in being a trend starter, I'm sure.
 
Originally posted by Melvin-Purvis
That Sal is once again going to revolutionize the industry by moving away from holes, now that 'holes' are cropping up almost everywhere...

Yep, you heard it here first guys...the insider skinny is that Spyderco is going to start using 'squares' in the new 2004 models...

How long do you think it will be before that idea gets ripped off too? ;)

Mel, the humored
Click to expand...

Get outta here!:rolleyes:
Yeah, nice TRY!:p
 
Originally posted by Carlos
Well, everyone uses clips and Spyderco introduced that too. As long as the holes aren't round, I don't think Spyderco has a beef with it.
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What about the Spyderedge? I think it's the most copied model of serrations out there!

OTOH, everybody knows who introduced the opening hole: Spyderco, of course. And when you say "Spyderco", you say "Sal" :)
 
Spyderco innovations are often imitated--legally or otherwise--by others (who will go unnamed here) with the hope of duplicating the success of Sal and company.

Psst, don't tell those "others" but it's not the hole, nor the serrations, nor the clip. The success of Spyderco is in its classy leadership, its innovative design team, its skilled employees, its blue ribbon customer service, its loyal, fanatic customers, and on and on and on. :D
 
Part of the reason I will get a Military (when I have the money) is pretty much because if what I have read at BF. The unsolicited positive comments about their products and the involvement of Mr. Glesser are huge in my book. I feel like I would be dealing with a reputable company that is run by honorable individuals who care about customer service and puting out a quality product.

I look forward to owning a Spyderco product.

Mike

Ok uncle Sal, how's that? Now where's my $5.00? ;)
 
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