Spyderco Knife Co. - Big or Small?

M

marco

Joined
Oct 3, 1998
Messages
148
i was just curious as to what size company spyderco is in comparison to other knife companies? i have always assumed that spyderco was a lot bigger than benchmade, mostly because they have more models to choose from and many people who know nearly nothing about knives, know what spyderco is. i have a friend in the police academy, and when i showed him my benchmade axis 710, he looked at it and said "you spent all that money and it's not even a real spyderco"? also, i see spyderco's in many l;arge sporting goods stores - oshman's and academy, to be specific. when benchmade's were seen at wal-mart, many people accused them of "selling out". why are spydercos at these large chain stores and not benchmade's etc.? there were also some cold steels and sog's there as well. thanks for any replies and sorry for all the questions!?

marco
 
Had to wait and get a little direction from the top before answering..hope this helps:

Spyderco employs roughly 65 people in the US, with some additional employees in Japan. Manufacturing, shipping, repair, and the offices are all in the same building here in Golden, CO. In terms of dollars, Schrade is way up at the top, then down a little lower is Gerber, Buck, Benchmade then down a little lower is Spyderco. As far as the market goes, we are a very small company.

However, when you look at the list in terms of service, you notice that Spyderco is the only company that offers free sharpening, and virtually the only company that sharpens serrated edges, and also offers warranty that is more liberal than any other manufacturer.
Ok, I sound biased but I can't help it, of course.

Anything else you wanted to know???

=)
Danelle
custsvc@spyderco.com

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I don't believe in harming any living thing, so when a mosquito bites me on the arm, I just pet it..real hard and real fast

 
So, in other words, Spyderco is at the Top of the list, right ?
wink.gif
 
Heck, I would put Spyderco at the top even if Danelle "Lost Patches" did not work there!
smile.gif
 
Is it true Sal started his business out of the trunk of a car or is that just a SpyderCo myth?
Bob
 
How about some pictures of the knife making process?



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Frank
jqsurf@worldnet.att.net


 
A few of us are talking about getting some pics together...we'll see what happens...could be soon..

As for the true history of how Sal and Gail started..(I should know this) but I hear convoluted stories and don't want to post misinformation...Sal???

Danelle
custsvc@spyderco.com

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I don't believe in harming any living thing, so when a mosquito bites me on the arm, I just pet it..real hard and real fast

 
typing over a double post....



[This message has been edited by djo62 (edited 22 March 1999).]
 
Gail and I began Spyderco from a step van converted to a motor home. 1976. Towed a VW bug containing our "factory". Set up production in campgrounds across the US working shows, flea markets, etc.
sal
 
Sal,
you've come a long way in 23 years, it must give you a tremendous sense of pride to look back and see how far you've come. Your knives are known all over the world.
What sort of knives were you making then? Any pictures of your early work, and how did the name Spyderco come about?
Sorry, I,m just a nosey bugger.
 
Good question JOH. I would be interested in the first knives also.Were they the Police Model? Back then were all the knives handled in steel also and when did you start making the manmade materials for scales? Also what besides the Police back then was the most popular the Pro-Venerator? The other question was Danelle listed in terms of size Schrade,Gerber,Buck and then B.M. I would have bet Spyderco was bigger sale wise then B.M with all the different models and prices and the fact that you were around longer.
Thanks
Bob
 
i also would have bet that spyderco was much bigger than benchmade. i have never seen benchmade's knives in the big retail sporting goods stores. why is that? spydercos are sold there right along with the schrades, gerber, and bucks. also, i thought that benchmade had free sharpening, but i guess they do charge for return shipping. is this what was meant by spyderco being the only company to offer free sharpening? also, benchmade does sharpen serrated edges on their knives. thanks for all the info - it is much appreciated! i am picking up a fully serrated delica today.

marco
 
If you go to the Spyderco site, www.spyderco.com, and they have a part dedicated to their models and on a timeline.

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Check out the future possible Spyderco Worker 2000 www.bladeforums.com/ubb/Forum20/HTML/000224.html

One may want to keep an Eye out for my review of the Bob Kasper designed, Kevin Gentile modified AFCK and interview of Bob Kasper. Sorry about the wait, my review and interview should be online shortly, luckily Spark has graciously offered to do the pictures, look for it right here at BladeForums.com.

Marion David Poff ska Eye, one can msg me at mdpoff@hotmail.com

"A journey of a thousand miles begins but with a single step" Lao-Tzu
 
Just called to make sure, thought I was right and I was..Benchmade does NOT sharpen serrated edges.

Danelle

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I don't believe in harming any living thing, so when a mosquito bites me on the arm, I just pet it..real hard and real fast

 
thanks for taking the time to call benchmade, danelle. i really appreciate it! i did think that benchmade sharpened serrations, but i was obviously wrong. thanks again for the info.

marco
 
Bob,
I would bet that the Worker (still carry mine) would be the first or maybe second Spyderco made. I think I bought mine in '83 or '84. Love that blade shape!
Dane
 
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