Spyderco knives???????

[nccole]

I really feel compelled to say that this thread was very close to headed South. I really think that the class and the passionate folks that frequent the Spyderco sub forum have prevented that. I spend most of my BF time here on Spyderco, and this is why. They are by far my favorite production knife company, and I can see by these posts that I am not alone.

To the OP: I hope that you come back to this thread and read through it. You will find several people that are very passionate about a great company. More importantly, a classy group of folks. I see why I spend so much time here.

He may not make it over here, depends on his familiarity with BF. I do believe this started in general and was moved here.

 

[Ken44]

I feel kinda bad for people that choose to only buy made in America products. They limit themselves so much.

You shouldn't feel bad for people that choose to buy only American made knives(IMO), and they aren't limiting thereselves "so much". There are more great American made knives than a person could afford to buy.

I mostly buy American, but I do have several non American made knives(some Spyderco's). And if I see another non American made knife I really want I'll buy it too.

I don't have a problem buying a non American knife if its a model I really want, but at the same time I fully understand why some choose not to. Thats their choice, and there isn't one thing wrong with that.

 

[Ken44]

He may not make it over here. I do believe this started in general and was moved here.

He was viewing the thread yesterday before it got moved. I made my first post right before it was moved, and he was logged in right before that.
I'm thinking he just choose not to participate. Kind of suspicious, but maybe he just forgot what model it was and couldn't tell us more ??? Looks like we may never know

 

[Strong-Dog]

You shouldn't feel bad for people that choose to buy only American made knives(IMO), and they aren't limiting thereselves "so much". There are more great American made knives than a person could afford to buy.

I mostly buy American, but I do have several non American made knives(some Spyderco's). And if I see another non American made knife I really want I'll buy it too.

I don't have a problem buying a non American knife if its a model I really want, but at the same time I fully understand why some choose not to. Thats their choice, and there isn't one thing wrong with that.

Yes, I agree. I never said there was anything wrong with it, just that I feel bad for them to limit themselves like that.

Not everyone has your mentality. Some people won't buy a knife no matter what if it isn't made in 'Murica. I personally think that is ignorant, but to each their own

 

[wazu013]

The thing is much more complex than what you and "therealwitch" make it out to be. It's much more than a knife made in Taiwan. If you can't see past that aspect then a few things are happening here.

The first is that you obviously don't know Spyderco. Their first knives were produced in Japan, and were for a good long time. Without that, you'd not have any Spydercos made in Golden. That is where the profit goes for those knives, to Golden, Co.

Secondly, you don't know much about Sal. He researches things to the ends of the Earth, and is one of the most down to Earth and most transparent guys in the industry. That isn't opinion either, it's a well known fact.he wouldn't be where he is and Spyderco would have dried up if he didn't find the best makers and highest quality people to do the work.

Third, you might not understand anything about business as it pertains to the here and now. With limited production capacity in Colorado, where would these knives be made? Maybe Maniago would be willing to try and make them, maybe they have their hands full. Lionsteel has a ton of their own products and collabs on the plate already. China? Not an option and Sal probably knew it would work out. Japan? Well Moki and the Seki City manufacturers both will not use "foreign made steel" as they truly believe it is inferior to their own steel produced in Japan. So, discard a great opportunity to expand a line up? Chances to work with a high quality and trustworthy manufacturer not necessary? Make expansion of the Golden, Co facility a financial impossibility?

Finally, you might not know materials in knives well enough to realize the cost of manufacturing (machining, heat treating, fitting, labor, etc). If it were not for this manufacturer, a lot of knives wouldn't exist, and Spyderco may have suffered for it. The economy isn't in a friendly and simple climate for growth the last few years in case you hadn't noticed.

Look, I'm the last one to advocate buying knives made in China. My family and I try to buy as much US made as we can at every opportunity. We read labels, research country of origin, and ingredients on just about everything we buy.i want to support American workers and American businesses as much as the next guy. Spyderco isn't owned by the Chinese anymore than Buck or Benchmade (although both companies have items produced offshore). It's important to support American workers IMO, despite folks that may not fully understand. In the end, buy what you like. But keep in mind Taiwan isn't the same thing as China. Most folks over there want their freedom, but telling that to the government is easier thought than said and impossibly done (up to now).

I'm not going to bring this thread where I'd have to go to answer your well thought out response. Let's just go with it as it stands.

 

[wazu013]

Taichung Spydercos are regarded by many as having slightly higher quality than even the Golden made models. If you don't want to buy a knife made in Taiwan for political/economic reasons I think that's fine, but don't be fooled into thinking they don't make an exceptionally high quality product there.

I never said I wouldn't buy imports from anywhere. My issue is with the savings not trickling down to the consumer. As noted by others, I was ignorant about the special circumstances Spyderco has overcome to make their knives.

 

[wazu013]

Sigh. Have you ever judged a knife based on the individual model's merits instead of what country it was produced in? I hate to break it to you, but Taiwanese Spydercos have better quality then U.S. made Spydercos.

I feel kinda bad for people that choose to only buy made in America products. They limit themselves so much. But hey, got to support 'Murica, right?

I don't think I said I buy 'Murican only. If that's what you read into it then I must have been a little cloudy. Sorry about that.

 

[Strong-Dog]

I don't think I said I buy 'Murican only. If that's what you read into it then I must have been a little cloudy. Sorry about that.

No, I wasn't only directing that part at you. You were perfectly clear. But seriously, if you do try a Taiwanese Spyderco, I think you would really enjoy it

 

[Cameron_]

I think Spyderco produces the best quality production knives in the market today. Buy with confidence.

Cameron

 

[nccole]

I never said I wouldn't buy imports from anywhere. My issue is with the savings not trickling down to the consumer. As noted by others, I was ignorant about the special circumstances Spyderco has overcome to make their knives.

Sal has said of the Southard, that is made in Taiwan costing about $230 street price nowadays, that it would be pushing $400 street price if it was manufactured in Golden. Sorry, I cannot find the quote (or am a bit too lazy to track it down ). I think there is some cost savings with Taiwan, but I see it more as Spyderco being able to be more diverse. I like a lot of the Taiwan models personally as it so happens. Sal has repeatedly said that the price of the knife is directly related to the costs, and the margins are fairly consistent across the board, so there is no price gouging going on just because it is being made overseas. They are pricey compared to the Chinese line, but the wages are better in Taiwan, and the quality and materials are way better. Don't take any of this as being beaten up either, some of us who answer the Taiwan concerns can get a little short about it

 

[uofaengr]

Sal has said of the Southard, that is made in Taiwan costing about $230 street price nowadays, that it would be pushing $400 street price if it was manufactured in Golden. Sorry, I cannot find the quote (or am a bit too lazy to track it down ). I think there is some cost savings with Taiwan, but I see it more as Spyderco being able to be more diverse. I like a lot of the Taiwan models personally as it so happens. Sal has repeatedly said that the price of the knife is directly related to the costs, and the margins are fairly consistent across the board, so there is no price gouging going on just because it is being made overseas. They are pricey compared to the Chinese line, but the wages are better in Taiwan, and the quality and materials are way better. Don't take any of this as being beaten up either, some of us who answer the Taiwan concerns can get a little short about it

Speaking of the Southard, I held a Hinderer 3.5" for the first time the other day. I know this is going to be borderline heresy, but Southard came to mind when I was holding it. The Hinderer was a little chunkier, but from what I remember about the Southard, it's not too far behind in quality...

 

[stinkyspice]

Sal has said of the Southard, that is made in Taiwan costing about $230 street price nowadays, that it would be pushing $400 street price if it was manufactured in Golden. Sorry, I cannot find the quote (or am a bit too lazy to track it down ). I think there is some cost savings with Taiwan, but I see it more as Spyderco being able to be more diverse. I like a lot of the Taiwan models personally as it so happens. Sal has repeatedly said that the price of the knife is directly related to the costs, and the margins are fairly consistent across the board, so there is no price gouging going on just because it is being made overseas. They are pricey compared to the Chinese line, but the wages are better in Taiwan, and the quality and materials are way better. Don't take any of this as being beaten up either, some of us who answer the Taiwan concerns can get a little short about it

This is very true.

A lot of knives that aren't spyderco's have been ruined for me by spyderco. Say I buy a pm2 and then go buy a benchmade 940. Both great knives but the pm2 is 50 dollars cheaper. And in my opinion is just as good as the benchmade. In fact in my opinion it's a better knife. So what I am getting at is that spydercos are so well made that I get a more expensive knife and dislike it. Why? Well because well my spyderco cost half of that price and in my eyes is way better made..

So I can see where the southhard being compared to the hinderer is totally reasonable. When you buy a spyderco you are buying one quality piece of craftsmanship!

 

[Firestrike]

I have a question for all the Spyderco fans and owners, how is their knife quality?????
The reason I ask, is about 15 years ago I bought one of their folders as my EDC/ work knife. I litteraly hated that knife
the quality was horrable, I could not get it to hold an edge, and after using it for several weeks I finally just through it away.
Since then i have had Kershaw, Leatherman , Case, and others . Currently I carry a benchmade.
The Question I have are there knives better know??????????????
I had a chance to Take a look at a Southard last week and it seemed to be a well built knife.
Have they always been good and I just got a junk one, or have they improved over the years?
Looking forward to some seasoned reviews, thanks

I like these two quite a bit, no blade play, ergos are great, edge is wicked sharp with FFG CTS-BD1 and VG-10.

Ordering a Salt series nest Friday so I can try out H1.

 

[John_0917]

Yes, I agree. I never said there was anything wrong with it, just that I feel bad for them to limit themselves like that.

Not everyone has your mentality. Some people won't buy a knife no matter what if it isn't made in 'Murica. I personally think that is ignorant, but to each their own

I agree with you, I always kind of shake my head when I hear the usual "only buy American" crap. When it comes to China, OK, I'll give them that. We all know China, for most of it's residents, is pretty much an awful place, to put it broadly. It's when people say that it has to be US, no matter what that gets me. I mean come on, Taiwan, Japan, Germany...seriously? The sad reality is that by and large part American manufacturing is a shadow of what it once was. Ironically, a lot of this is thanks to labor unions, they basically made the global economic competition unwinnable for American companies.

I have knives made domestically as well as abroad, and I really don't care where something is made, I care that I'm getting a quality product in exchange for my money.

 

[RevDevil]

I agree with you, I always kind of shake my head when I hear the usual "only buy American" crap. When it comes to China, OK, I'll give them that. We all know China, for most of it's residents, is pretty much an awful place, to put it broadly. It's when people say that it has to be US, no matter what that gets me. I mean come on, Taiwan, Japan, Germany...seriously? The sad reality is that by and large part American manufacturing is a shadow of what it once was. Ironically, a lot of this is thanks to labor unions, they basically made the global economic competition unwinnable for American companies.

I have knives made domestically as well as abroad, and I really don't care where something is made, I care that I'm getting a quality product in exchange for my money.

You have an interesting perspective on the economy and manufacturing, albeit more here say than fact it is none the less interesting. I'll give you that much. Everyone has an opinion what price to value they are comfortable at, and I can respect that. While this is NOT the place to get into socioeconomic and political discussions on American vs offshore manufacturing, I will say that your statement bolded has more to do with it than any labor unions. If you wish to speculate on something, at least do a little legwork on it first.

 

[wazu013]

You have an interesting perspective on the economy and manufacturing, albeit more here say than fact it is none the less interesting. I'll give you that much. Everyone has an opinion what price to value they are comfortable at, and I can respect that. While this is NOT the place to get into socioeconomic and political discussions on American vs offshore manufacturing, I will say that your statement bolded has more to do with it than any labor unions. If you wish to speculate on something, at least do a little legwork on it first.

:thumbup:

 

[John_0917]

You have an interesting perspective on the economy and manufacturing, albeit more here say than fact it is none the less interesting. I'll give you that much. Everyone has an opinion what price to value they are comfortable at, and I can respect that. While this is NOT the place to get into socioeconomic and political discussions on American vs offshore manufacturing, I will say that your statement bolded has more to do with it than any labor unions. If you wish to speculate on something, at least do a little legwork on it first.

I was making an allusion to the sad reality that over the last 50 or so years, American industry, especially manufacturing, has basically gone to crap. I wasn't trying to say that unions are all to blame, they are partly to blame. Costs rose, they were passed along to consumers, globalized trade provided more options to consumers and so it went (that's a gross oversimplification but still basically accurate). Anyway, enough on that.

As to the China made Spydercos, I own a Tenacious (my first one) and a Resilience, and both have no QC issues that I know of. That said, they do use cheaper materials (8cr13 etc), but I knew what I was getting when I ordered them and I certainly feel they are worth the money. My other two are Seki City made, again perfect QC, but you can tell they just feel nicer, which they should (VG-10, FRN etc). To me, it isn't a question of price, I see it in terms of value.

 

[pnsxyr]

Sal has said of the Southard, that is made in Taiwan costing about $230 street price nowadays, that it would be pushing $400 street price if it was manufactured in Golden. Sorry, I cannot find the quote (or am a bit too lazy to track it down ). I think there is some cost savings with Taiwan, but I see it more as Spyderco being able to be more diverse. I like a lot of the Taiwan models personally as it so happens. Sal has repeatedly said that the price of the knife is directly related to the costs, and the margins are fairly consistent across the board, so there is no price gouging going on just because it is being made overseas. They are pricey compared to the Chinese line, but the wages are better in Taiwan, and the quality and materials are way better. Don't take any of this as being beaten up either, some of us who answer the Taiwan concerns can get a little short about it

Agreed.

People may be inclined to think such a price difference may not be the truth, but it is worth noting that most of the knives using titanium frame locks and exotic steels are priced significantly higher than the framelocks Spyderco is doing with some of it happening in Taiwan, once features are being compared.

The Sage Ti, which can often be had for under $140 new and $95 used, features overall quality that not many makers are putting out. It's fit and finish is on a par with a top-notch quality frame lock like the ProTech TR-3 Integrity. Regardless of where it is made, the QC on it is excellent, the materials and workmanship are exceptional, and the knife itself has just been well-done from all angles. People may have certain preferences on origin, but there is nothing about the origin which makes any sort of guarantee on quality.

I think the Sage Ti really proved that there are many dimensions involved in quality, and that Spyderco was up to the task regardless of where fabrication is happening at. That knife's quality and low price puts it almost in a class of its own.

 

[singularity35]

I'm.guessing the OP had one of those endura-like.ko's with the round plastic thingy instead of a hole.

 

[amen74]

I'm.guessing the OP had one of those endura-like.ko's with the round plastic thingy instead of a hole.

I was beginning to think the same thing. Maybe someone should send him a PM directing him to this thread. Or maybe he's already seen it and has had a reaction similar to this :foot:.