Quick ? RE: Bob Lum & Spyderco

pageophile

pageophile

Joined
Feb 13, 2004
Messages
1,046
First off, I'm not trying to stir s**t or anything like that.

Is there any particular reason that there are no LUM/Spydie blades in the current line-up?

Was there a falling out or was it the normal discontinued model thing?

Again, I'm not trying to start anything, Both Sal and Bob are shining stars in my universe.
 
pageophile said:
First off, I'm not trying to stir s**t or anything like that.

Is there any particular reason that there are no LUM/Spydie blades in the current line-up?

Was there a falling out or was it the normal discontinued model thing?

Again, I'm not trying to start anything, Both Sal and Bob are shining stars in my universe.
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It is probably just that the models had reached the end of their production cycle, and there is a long line of other projects and other makers waiting to get into production.

Spyderco doesn't get into long term exclusive contracts with the knifemakers that it works with. Most knifemakers only get one production model, and the fact that Bob Lum has already had three is more of a testament to the strength of that relationship.

Also note that after Bob Lum's last collaboration with Spyderco, he began his own line of production knives with Seki-Cut. It is entirely possible that he is now contractually bound to Seki-Cut, thus eliminating the possibility of new collaborations with Spyderco.

The difference between Spyderco and some other top production houses is that it's in-house design team is so strong (Sal, Eric, and crew), that custom knifemakers are like special guests that visit their show. They don't need custom knifemakers to come in and take over the designing of all or most of their product.
 
The information is very much appreciated. I'm glad it wasn't a falling out. I think the combo of the in-house team and a gifted knife maker produces some of the most wonderful knives ever. Just my thoughts :)
 
Bob Lum's seki lineup is different than the Spyderco variants. I have not seen a Chinese folder in the seki blades.
 
I thought the same thing when all Lums were disco'd in one fell swoop at the end of '03. But I dismissed that a few weeks ago when I read (somewhere on these forums) that Sal and Bob spoke at a knife show recently and discussed the possibility of a sprint run of ZDP-189 Chinese folders.
 
Spyderco and Bob Lum are just fine in their relationship. Spyderco has the utmost respect for Bob and his skills.

As Carlos mentioned, we have so many new designs in the works that adding more designs is always a matter of selection (that's "guess" ;) ) on what will carry its weight through prototype develoment, tooling, production, marketing and inventory.

Bob's Chinese folder designs were highly appreciated by knife aficianados (afi's), but long term demand for the "big" market isn't there at this time. That doesn't mean we won't do it, the collaboration designs are fun and add variety to the line.

Most of the collaboration designs take a year or so to get into production. Some even longer. The Kumo was started quite a while ago. The Kris and smaller Persian are part of the "ethnic" design series we've been doing for some time. (Bradichanski Shabaria, Lum Tanto, Lum Chinese folder, Schempp Persian, Schempp Kris). Most do not appeal to the "general market". They are "too unusual" or "too expensive".

Spyderco is very open minded to new designs and new designers. We'll try what we can to introduce new concepts and materials to our customers.

It was a thead on Bob's Chinese folder that brought it back into options.

sal
 
All the info is appreciated Sal. Sadly, you are all too correct about the "general" knife market. My favorite designs (and the ones most often in my pocket) happen to be those "exotic" pieces geared towards the AFI's. I guess that makes me one too. Thank you for all the time you take to put out these special models to keep us happy, when you don't really have to:).
 
Glad you listen to us Knife nuts Mr. Glessar. Really looking forward to the Schempp Kris. Always liked the Kris Bladed Balisongs for their visual impact, but never used them as a EDC. Can't wait to get the Schemmp Kris and see the "Wow" look on peoples faces when I open it up.

As for Mr. Lum's knives, well I missed out on getting a Lum Chinese Folder so keep talking to him about a Sprint run of a ZDP-189 Chinese Folder.
 
Carlos said:
Also note that after Bob Lum's last collaboration with Spyderco, he began his own line of production knives with Seki-Cut. It is entirely possible that he is now contractually bound to Seki-Cut, thus eliminating the possibility of new collaborations with Spyderco.
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To set the record straight, this is not the case. Bob served as a design consultant for Seki ro produce their line of his Signature knives. It was not a collabration in the sense of the type of relationship he had with Spyderco. Bob, like most makers, is always looking to find firms that would be interested in putting out a production version of one of his designs, and likes to keep his options open. ;)
 
If I am not mistaken, Bob Lum has designed four Spyderco knives:
Chinese
Tanto folder
Tanto (appleseed) fixed
Salsa
 
spyderknut said:
If I am not mistaken, Bob Lum has designed four Spyderco knives:
Chinese
Tanto folder
Tanto (appleseed) fixed
Salsa
Click to expand...

The Salsa is Sal's design.
 
Carlos said:
The Salsa is Sal's design.
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Well Carlos I know you know your stuff so no disputes here at all. But I, like Spyderknut, have seen that Salsa listed on many occasions as a Bob Lum Design. It has mainly been listed that way on ebay but I have also seen it listed that way here on BF. I wonder how that one got started. So for the Record>>
The Chinese
The Tanto folder C-46
and the FB-04 fixed are the only Bob Lum Spydercos>> is that correct?

I do wish that Spyderco would make that Lum fixed blade Tanto with better steel than AUS-8. Even VG-10 would be super. JD
 
JD Spydo said:
The Chinese
The Tanto folder C-46
and the FB-04 fixed are the only Bob Lum Spydercos>> is that correct?
Click to expand...

Correct! That is it so far.

Compare the Salsa with the Navigator, Pegasus, and Meerkat. The genealogy is evident in its basic pattern.
 
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