Interesting thread. I also posted this on the Spyderco general thread.
I believe that Spyderco is a very transparent company, probably more so than most. I can also assure you that we try to provide all of the information in our catalogs that we believe our customers desire. When discussing handle material, most customers and dealers are interested in what the handle is made out of for look and feel, eg: Stainless steel, micarta, carbon fiber, G-10, peel ply, as a feel, etc. Most are not intersted in the chemical composition. For those that want more detailed information, eg: edge geometry angle, heat treat, etc, they will usually contact us or bring it up on a forum. We usually address those questions when asked. To suggest that Spyderco is intentionally deceiving our customers is somewhat insulting. We have no pronblem listing CF/G10 laminate, but honestly it's not been a question. Then those will ask what percentage, thickness, etc. That's forum stuff, not catalog stuff.
As far as the material is concerned; over the past 20 years that we have been using carbon fiber, we have use a variety of carbon fibers made from different manufacturers. We've used carbon fiber/G-10 laminates like the UK as well a solid CF. We've also used a variety of surfaces as well. As we learn more about the material and as different sources become available, we make adjustments. At this time, our USA made carbon fiber is solid carbon fiber 3K weave. This is also used in much of our Seki made knives as the material is made in the US and shipped to Seki. Some of it is made in Japan (eg: Nishijin). Our Taichuing maker creates his own carbon fiber. He is also a very expensive maker. In an effort to keep the costs down on the cusom carbon fiber, we use a G-10 laminate backing. Since these models also have liners, strength is not an issue. The name of the material for the Szabo is "Fold Lined Carbon Fiber". that doesn't mean that you can take out the "gold" melt it down and use it as gold. If our customers want us to provide more info, no problem. If our cusotomers want us to use solid CF on our Taichung models, no problem, it will raise the price $25-$40 per piece.
I will say that from here, it does seem like some are not truth seeking, but act like they're trying to find something that we're doing wrong or dishonest. "ohboyohboy, I found some dirt on Spyderco! I'll get out my microscopes and U-Tube videos and prove it!" When some come to our defense, for which we thank you, they are called "fanboys" or "close minded" like politicians use the "race" card or the "class" card. These forums are supposed to be for sharing information. There are few in the industry that are as open and honest about sharing information as Spyderco. Perhaps you might take that into consideration when presenting your "facts" and not make it seem like it's "bad steel" or "bad Spyderco". Just some thoughts to share.
sal
