One of the many reasons that Spyderco is doing so well is that they name their knives

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kgriggs8

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I just had a thought, one reason that Spyderco does so well is that they have names instead of numbers for the knives. I know it sounds simple but I really think it helps to name knives rather than just give them a number. Many of Benchmade's knives are known by the number rather than the name (if it has one). I think that is one reason that I don't buy more BM knives. There are a few that I like but when I see them listed as 341 or 650, I am not sure which one is which. If I really wanted one, I would go through the trouble finding out which model number is which.

With Spyderco, everybody knows the names. If you want a Delica, you don't need to see a pic to know what you are getting. There are different model of Delica but they are all still Delicas. WIth BM, if you are off by one number, it is a compleatly different knife.

I also think this is one of the reasons that 3rd gen S&W autos didn't do better in the market place. S&W 3rd gen autos have a number code only and no name. You have the 3913, 3906, 3953, 5906, 6906, 4506, ect. Unless you are a huge fan, these numbers mean nothing to you.
 
I have never thought about it, but you might just have something.

"Hey, check out my new (Dodo, Shabaria, Meerkat, Delica, Endura, etc)!" just has a better ring to it than "Check out my new 730!" To my prejudiced ears, anyways.
 
I like my Benchmades too, regardless of what they are called. The number thing is annoying when I try and tell someone which Benchmade I have. My favorite is the Green handled, purple backspacer, axis lock, with a reverse tanto-type blade by Warren Osborne. I "think" it is a 940.

Yea, that's annoying.
 
Hi Kgriggs8,

Numbers are easier. Names are a real pain in the #$%.

Has it been used before?
Is there a trademark?
Is it being used now?
Does it have a negative connotation?
Does it describe the model?

etc.etc.

sal
 
Sal Glesser said:
Numbers are easier. Names are a real pain in the #$%.
Click to expand...

Only for you guys;) You have to go through all the work of making sure they're allowed, we just have to memorize them.

We've got it easy:cool:
 
I find the numbers and names equally easy to remember. Like a 910, 730, 630, 520, 710, 720, 440, 210, 610, etc. I know exactly what these are.
However, I've noticed that Benchmade has been shifting a little more towards naming their knives. I guess they realized that, for the average consumer, naming your knives is a good way to go.
Spyderco got it right the first time. :D
 
"Spyderco got it right the first time. "

Spyderco got a lot of things right the first time and it is paying off for them. They lead and others follow. I think Spyderco inovates and does a lot of R&D that they never get back and other companies take adavntage of. For the savvy knife buyer, Spyderco has a place of respect just because they are often the first to offer things at good price to the general consumer.

Spyderco has alway been a little ahead of the curve and sometimes it pays off and sometimes they have to wait for the rest of the world to catch up to see where they are going.
 
Mr. Glesser I have an idea concerning naming your new knives to come down the Spyder pipeline. You raise some points that a lot of us never considered. I bet it is a major challenge to come up with names that have not been used in some fashion as to violate some trademark and/or give it a name that some other knife already has.

And I can appreciate not naming a knife with a name that would indicate something nefarious and/or downright evil. Actually for some of them you could set up some kind of a contest that if one of the Forum members, collector club members or even some random member here on BF could come up with a great name and in return get one of the first of that model off of the production line.

You probably wouldn't believe how imaginative these guys and gals could be if there was a complimentary Spyder at the end of the rainbow. Just a suggestion.
 
Sal Glesser said:
Hi Kgriggs8,

Numbers are easier. Names are a real pain in the #$%.

Has it been used before?
Is there a trademark?
Is it being used now?
Does it have a negative connotation?
Does it describe the model?

etc.etc.

sal
Click to expand...

May I add: -What it means in other langages!!!

Remember the Buick la Crosse? ... In Quebec (french), they had to change it because it means "Masturb*****" :jerkit: :eek:

Simon
 
Sal, have you considered "Sue?" It's not a good boy's name, but for a knife it could be great. And think of the liability protection. What lawyer would take a case to sue "Sue?"
On second thought, probably just about any lawyer would sue Sue. Even if the case was only so-so.

I better quit now.
;)
 
"And I can appreciate not naming a knife with a name that would indicate something nefarious and/or downright evil. Actually for some of them you could set up some kind of a contest that if one of the Forum members, collector club members or even some random member here on BF could come up with a great name and in return get one of the first of that model off of the production line."

That is a great idea! Take advantage of us here and let us help you out. I think you would be surprised at how hard some of these people would work for you for free or just to have a chance at a free knife. I say take it one step futher and let us do your prototype testing as well. Send some of us out knives that you are working on and we can give feedback on what we like and what we would like to see changed.

The only problem is that everyone would have a different opinion and only mine would be the right one. If you just listened to me, you could cut out the middle men. LOL!
 
Yippee!

Belica, Celica (Toyota may object), Felica, Gelica, Helica, Jelica.....

Indura, Undura, Andura, Ondura.....

Panix, Lanix, Canix......

and so on.
 
Lavan said:
Sal, have you considered "Sue?" It's not a good boy's name, but for a knife it could be great. And think of the liability protection. What lawyer would take a case to sue "Sue?"
Click to expand...

A knife named Sue? Too bad the man in black is dead.:p
 
As for knives that go by model numbers, you'll remember the number when you've purchased it. :cool:

How about a contest where we make a name then have Sal build us a knife around it!? :thumbup: ;)
 
Lavan said:
"Sheepica?"

:D
Click to expand...
i believe that one already exists , that red handled delica sized folder with the blunt tip and lots of holes in the blade, aus6, doesnt have an edge out of the box, takes forever to put one on it the first time ?

or were you talking about a wooly knife ?
 
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