Spyderco Qualitiy control?

A

Adamantium

Joined
Oct 3, 1998
Messages
355
What test does the average spyderco knife go through before it leaves the factory and goes out to the knife buying guys?

Sincerely,
Adam
 
Each batch (50pcs - 1,000pcs) is tested for Rockwell, edge angle, lock strength (breaks the pc). Newer models (older models, 1 in 10), each pc is checked for sharpness, fit and finish, action, lock up (open and closed, safety is a big issue with Spyderco). Each knife is given a sharp rap of the tip (open knife) on the edge of a table to test for defeat. Play in blade, vertifcal play and any unusual anomalies. Our QC dept is very conscientous (and quite adamant). The genral rule is, "You have just purchased this knife for $.$$, would you be satisfied with it?"

In addition, each member is reponsible for their own QC. Putting through a marginal pc is embarrassing. "Best effort" is pushed hard. The old concept of "good enough" is rarely "good enough". There is a large gap between "just over the good enough line" and best effort. A lot of hubbub? yes. Appreciated, also yes. Expensive, also true. Like Chris Reeve says, "no secrets, we're just willing to make less profit".
sal

 
However you do it, it sure works for me, Sal. I've yet to buy a Spyderco product that I wasn't 100% happy with and always scary sharp. Can't wait for the new models and kudos to your crew.

Jack
 
One tangential observation:

The phrase, "knife buying guys" is a reminder that half of the potential market is not being reached in large enough numbers. Why, when women have had the vote for decades now in most democratic countries, do too many women, tool using animals like us guys, still say that pocket knives are something for men to carry!?!?!?

------------------
- JKM
www.chaicutlery.com

 
My 5th Spyderco, a Delica PS Blade had to be sent back, its replacement had the same problem, the Dealer said. The problem was, when open, and used to push on something with the tip,(like to cut a steak) it flexed, moved or released back some. The 3rd piece is great and my co-worker a first time spyderco owner is happy. The internet dealer was very helpful.
This all just happend in the last few weeks.
Sounds like a problem on that Delica run.
I know it's not a perfect manufacturing world.
I really look foward to the new products coming out this year.

Mark C.


 
I own several Spydercos, and only had to send one back; a Walker lightweight with a jiggly liner and blade. The lockbacks have been excellent, esp. my favorites, the Calypso Jr. Bm, and the Delica '98 ( both in plainedge). Cold Steel does lots of tests of lock strength on their Voyagers in their Proof video (I own 4 of them, too). The Spyderco locks appear to be of the same design. Are they built at the same Seki City plant in Japan? Just curious. Jim
 
Jim,

I had a Walker lightweight I sent back to the dealer immediately because I felt there was too much flex in the handle when I squeezed.

I saw and Ironstone catalog yesterday. It had a Walker with "almite" (? sp) scales. Anybody know what that's about? I'm tempted to give that Walker a try.

sing.
 
Jim - There are many makers and many subcontractors. However, Spyderco and Cold Steel share the same lock geometry and meterials in many of our models. Lynn and I commonly share information, as Do many of the manufacturers.
sal
 
i bought a c23 Rengade at a gun show. When i purchased it it had a burr along the edge so i sent it back to spyderco, after about 4 weeks i got it back & it looks better than when i bought it. Thanx Spyderco, you've got a lifetime customer here!!!!

[This message has been edited by racenutz (edited 21 February 1999).]
 
I congratulate Spyderco on their "consistency" of quality. Quality of fit and finish it evident across the product line, not just the "high end" portion. Everyone in business knows all the "Quality-speak", not as many are able to implement the plans and deliver. Your products do that because it is obvious that you and yours are truly committed, Sal. Thanks!
 
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