Spyderco's origins are in innovation, invention and design. While knives are our passion, diversification is sometimes good for a company.
Before we made knives, when we were just making sharpeners, we demonstrated and distributed butterfly knives, mostly Pacific Cutlery corp (now Benchmade). This was in the late 70's and early 80's. We always had them around and Eric grew up with them.
About two years ago, I began a plan to create a product that would have the "spirit" of a butterfly without the legal implications. We worked on the project (3 sticks) for a year before we decided to make it into a pen. Then we worked on it for another year to get where we are. The design is mostly Eric's.
We have plans for the BaliYo. Variations in design and functions. regional, national and international BaliYo contests, etc.
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