Reasons for Dodo Departure

Shmackey

Shmackey

Joined
May 5, 2000
Messages
1,478
Why do you think the Dodo was so quick to disappear? We Spydie fans know it was an all-time great, but obviously it didn't catch on in the general market. Here are my guesses:
  • The blade shape actually looked scary to some people.
  • The whole thing looked goofy to some people.
  • The real "lightbulb" moment for Dodophiles comes when you hold one in your hand. Without the opportunity to feel one, you miss most of the point.
  • A regular Joe going to the sporting goods store to buy an EDC wouldn't get what the Dodo is for. It sort of looks like a specialized knife for something, but who knows what?
Those are my guesses. What are yours?
 
I have one now, but for awhile I didn't want one, becuase it was to hard for me to close. That is not the case now, I have become better at closing it, but I still don't close it as quickly as my other knives. So for a few years I never bothered to pick one up. Now I do have one, and I can feel/see/tell the benefit of this knife. I think it would make an excellent beginner's knife.
Too late now. Oh well, new knives are coming, old knives die. Spyderco evolution I suppose.



Blades
 
I'd agree that it may well look too strange or specialized for some folks to give it a second glance or want to handle it.
 
My own personal reason, which I am sure is shared my many others is that it looks really odd. Now that I own one, and have had the opportunity to hold it as Shmackey said, I'm glad I do. I wonder if people look at it as an extravagant box-cutter, and when they see the cost disparity, they are discouraged. I know I would have certainly considered a Dodo much sooner if it was at a lower price point. Now that I have it, I appreciate the G-10 and understand the cost.
 
I think the reason is all the original complaints about the lock failing when it first came out.
 
I showed both my Poliwog and Dodo to many people (everyone always wants to play with my knives :)). None of them hold the knives like they were meant to be held. They hold it in more of a pinching grip. So even people holding these odd-looking knives in their hands don't realize what the benefit is.

I wonder how most of the "mass market" users hold their Delicas.
 
I think the shape of the blade throws people off. Not everyone wants something difficult to sharpen and S30V gives people enough fits when it is a straight edge. It could also be the sheeple thing with the knife looking wicked.

I had a Dodo for about a week and sold it. I didn't care for it. Maybe if it had metal liners I would have. They did the Yojimbo right but left the Dodo with just the G10 which seemed to me to be, well, cheap. The Poliwog is much higher quality to me. Its a keeper for sure and one that I really like showing off.
 
I think it was the blade shape. My roommate owns one, and we love it, but I couldn't only carry the Dodo, just too specialized. I'd love to see it reborn down the line with a wharnie, I'd be hoarding 'em.
 
It was uglier than ugly.

Short blade big handle.

The twisty blade style can't do the things you need a flat edge for.

Too expensive.

Blade edge is hard to sharpen.

Funky stupid lock.

In more ways than one it was an Edsel...maybe like the Edsel it'll become collectible.
 
It was uglier than ugly.

It grows on you. :)

Short blade big handle.

I have no problem with this.

The twisty blade style can't do the things you need a flat edge for.

True--but it can do things that flat edges can't.

Too expensive.

Agreed.

Blade edge is hard to sharpen.

Agreed again.

Funky stupid lock.

I didn't care for it on my D'Allara for a day or two, but now I love it.

In more ways than one it was an Edsel...maybe like the Edsel it'll become collectible.

I think it already is. :)
 
I have one, I don't use it, it's parked in the drawer. I don't have a good reason, just not ordinary enough I guess.????
I really like the ball lock, locks up tight. The knife overall feels great too.
 
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