Spyderco: American vs Japanese Made

[mckrob]

I have owned several Japanese made Spyderco's and they have been top-notch high quality blades. Is there any marked difference in quality between those higher-end models made in America versus those made in Japan ?

 

[The Deacon]

Only to the extent that the American made Spydercos tend to be "hard use" knives and, at least to my eyes, place less emphasis on finish than the Japanese and Italian made models. A specific example would be to compare the finish on the outer edge of the liners on the CF Caly 3 and the T-Mag, two knives with similar price points. At least on the specimens I own, the Caly liners have a nice smoothly polished edge all the way around, while the T-Mag's show visible tool marks on most of their circumference. Same holds true for the new P'Kal, and the portions of the liner edges not in contact with the backstrap on the Manix, Mini-Manix, and Chinook III that I own.

 

[Harry Callahan]

I remember watching a documentary on PBS or Discovery a few years ago that focused on the Japanese work ethic. Most of them are so dedicated, they show up HOURS before it's time to clock in. They do various things. Some excersise if there's a weight room. Some start their day's work (without pay). Some finish up what they were doing the day before. When it is time to clock in, they're totally focused on doing the best job they can. After work, some stay over (again without pay) to put the finishing touches on the day's effort.

I prefer Japanese Spydies over the Colorado knives any day of the week. In spite of that, I collect the Military model. (hey I love the design, what can I say?). I'm hoping for a Seki Millie one of these days. Although my CF Millie with BG super steel is flawless cosmetically.

EDITED: After some thought, I removed my comments about the American work ethic. It was unfair to those of us that actually DO care about and take pride in the end product.

 

[spyken]

I have to say I prefer the Japanese made ones (except for the Caly ZDP black FRN), altho I did like my Gunting 440V and Spyderco UKPK.

 

[Ming65]

Interesting thread topic - got me thinking it did.

Of my U.S. spydies I've had:

- a Manix that's arrived without and edge - that's right, no edge whatsoever;

- a Millitary with a liner lock that just did not work - I could close it like a slip joint and;

- a Native with so much blade play that the blade wobbled when you held the knife by the handle and shook it.

Each of these were taken care of with absolutely no hassle by the cutomer service people in Colorado so I've had no complaints.

Each of my Japanese made spydies has been flawless.

 

[JD Spydo]

The one thing that Deacon pointed out about the Golden Colorado made Spyders tending to be "Hard Use" type blades is true for the most part and I totally agree with that. But as far as the Japanese quality blowing the American made Spyders away I don't buy that for one second. I have owned close to 200 Spydercos when you count all the ones I used and traded>> not to mention the ones I've been involved in "passarounds".

I can assure anyone that Spyderco's American made knives are just as ready for hard duty as any of the Japanese Spyders are. And keep in mind that I am currently carrying 3 Japanese Spyders at the time of this writing so that goes without saying that I do put my seal of approval on the Japanese Spyders. But don't let that telegraph to you that I think the Seki City made ones are the upper tier. Not necessarily so. I just happen to like the 3 models for the type of work I've been doing for the last 2 months and that's my determining factor.

But I have also carried quite a few Golden Colorado Spyders too and I will state for the record that there is not any significant performance advantage in one over the other as far as a knife needed for a certain cutting chore. Now I will admit that I have a sentimental liking for the Golden CO Spyders but that is because I tend to be patriotic and I like USA made items in general. But on the same note my most favorite Spyder at this time does happen to be a Seki City Japan model i.e. the C-44 big Dyad.

Now I will cave in to a degree about the finish quality. Some of the Japanese Spyders are very well finished i.e. C-46 Lum Tanto, G-10 Harpy, Captain ect,. But for the most part I think it is a moote point when you consider what you are buying a knife for to begin with. If it's got Spydie's picture/stamp/logo on it you can be assured of superb quality period

 

[eojk]

If it's got Spydie's picture/stamp/logo on it you can be assured of superb quality period

This even applies to the Byrds, though moreso when in context of price.

Myself, I prefer the Golden models, as there do seem to be more "hard use ones" in that line. I do, however, really like some of the seki knives too, with the Cricket and ZDP Caly standing out.

I also take pride in carrying an American knife, so I try to have at least one Golden model(or my small Seb) every day, in addition to a Seki one. My inbound UKPK ought to be great in this role.

 

[allenC]

Pride in my country and my countrymen makes me want to say that there is no real difference.
But if I'm honest I must admit that the japanese made Spydercos are better in fit-and-finish (the attention to the details), and more precise in assemply.

Just my opinion,
Allen

 

[silenthunterstudios]

The only two Spydies I have right now are a Military (USA), and a Native III (Japan). They are my favorite Spydies, but are used for different purposes. IMHO, the Military is the better knife, better blade steel, no one can match the grippy quality of Spydercos G10, and the Military has more "reach". I would like to see a Native III with G10 handles, S30V steel blade, and a longer blade. I guess that would be made in the US?

 

[proguide]

Another one that is just too hard to call!

 

[Lavan]

What was that old song?

"Took my Camry to the levee, but the levee was dry...
Bye bye, Miss American pie....."


sumpin like that