Spyderco's annual culling - need opinions

Don't know if this has been mentioned, but looking at each design and seeing if it has further potential for refinement would be something to consider. A design may not be selling that great, but with appropriate improvements, could be the next big Spyderco best seller.



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Harry

“He who knows not, and cares not that he knows not, is a fool - shun him.
He who knows not, and knows that he knows not, is a child - teach him.
He who knows, and knows not that he knows, is asleep - wake him.
He who knows, and knows that he knows, is wise - follow him.”
- old Persian proverb
 
I'll just comment on one or two general topics, since I really don't know the sales figures.

One: I can see that Sal is looking to keep at least a reaasonable number of the smaller knives, which I think is sensible. I have a CF Dragonfly, which I really like, and a Pegasus, which feels different and is very "cute" and the damn toad keeps growing on me! (Sal, you do have too many SKUs -- for my wallet that is. :eek
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Two: Someone suggested culling the knives with multiple handle treatments down to a single handle style. With that, I have to disagree. Actually, I'd suggest that multiple handle materials are a way to get variety into the line with minimal additional tooling. The Vesuvius concept with the different handle looks strikes me as a great way to handle (ahem, sorry about that) some of the desire for variety that we see here on the forums (even if nowhere else
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).

Many of us like to have (one or more) "dress" knife/s as well as (one or more) "everyday" carries. Having "dressy" versions of our "everyday" knives means that our hands don't have to relearn the motions we need for quick and sure deployment. I know you're reducing SKUs, but don't lose sight of the fact that when you do need to offer some variety, using different handles on the same blades is a cheap way to do it relative to completely different knives.

I find it hard to think of the Vesuvius pix I've seen as a "dressy" knife, but then I really dislike the look of combo blades, so I may be in a minority. Those shell and G10 scales on the Vesuvius could really change a Calypso Jr from the current purely functional Zytel look to something elegant. They could do the same for a Cricket or Mini Dyad or Dragonfly or even a Toad. {i]That[/i] would increase SKUs, but at a much lower cost than a completely new knife. You've already got the SS Dragonfly, which could have the outer SS scales replaced by the snazzy G10 at quite low tooling costs and everybody who likes the Dragonfly (me, me) would be pretty likely to go out and get a colored version or two.

I also think back to a thread where you (Sal) asked specifically for women to respond to what they would like to see in a knife -- what would get them to buy. I can't seem to find it with the search, but as I read quite a few of the answers, some of the most common elements of the "ideal" knife for women involved "small hands" and "better looking". I interpret that to fit a dragonfly with nicer handles really well. The nicer handles could involve colored Zytel like in the mini dyads or something more like jewelry, which you seem to have done an excellent job on with those new Vesuvius handles.

I know that my comments don't help at all with the question of what to cull from the current lineup, but just maybe they can help with the question of how to keep costs down while still offering variety. I know that if something like a prettier Dragonfly (or similar) starts to catch on with women, you will need some of the variety. I know my wife requires more different earrings than I can even count. Why not knives as fashion accessories?


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Paul Neubauer
prn@bsu.edu
If the odds are a million to one against something occurring, chances are 50-50 it will.
 
Sal,

Keep the Rookie and Centofante models!

For those who want to cut down the number of handle materials per model: Why? This is a good thing! I have a lightweight Dragonfly that I bought because it weighs next to nothing, I couldn't afford the higher level stainless of CF models and it's just a good looking little knife. So much the better that it turned out to be a fantastic user! But, the CF model is still on my list and I can see where plenty of people would opt for the stainless handled model because it's stronger and has a slight heft to it.

By offering multiple handle materials Spyderco is able to lay one model down over multiple price points... CRKT has picked up on that strategy with a few of their models, as has some of the other companies I'm sure.

Models that could go:
- Toad/Pegasus/Co-Pilot/Navigator, one or all: the DragonFly is about the smallest "small knife" that works for me and these three seem to be more handle but less blade.
- Jess Horn lightweight: If this is still around.
- "R"

Jon
 
Sal:

I own the delica, endura, snap-it and the Walker Lightweight(straightedge). I appear to be in the minority, but I really like the Walker. I like the Blade shape and the liner lock-- especially the one hand opening and closing aspect. It is perfectly sized for an unobtrusive daily carry (and does not raise the ire of airport security-- I fly weekly).

Of all the knives, I would say the Snap-it gets the least use.

If you discontinue the Walker, I'll purchase several for future use over the years.

Best regards,

Keith Silliman
 
I am sick of black knife handles. I would like to see a variety of colors in G-10 or micarta, flat ground, VG-10 or BG-42 in Calypso Jr. size range, plain edged.

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The thorn stands to defend the Rose, yet it is peaceful and does not seek conflict
 
"... sick of black handles."

I wonder how many of Spyderco's sales are to to people who already own ten or more black-handled knives, that they want a change. Hmmmm .... more SKU's!
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The Shabaria has been mentioned in this thread.

Last night at my congregation, Eduard Bradichansky's name was the last one mentioned on the Kaddish list, meaning that it's been about 11 months since he was murdered, and less than that since his design came into the market. To me that means it's too soon to talk about dropping the Shabaria from the line.

There are a lot of "Japanese flavor" designs in the market. There aren't many good "middle-eastern" factory knives, and I think the experiment should continue for a while. As I said before, it's a good "full-size" design for small hands. Maybe a version in white?



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- JKM
www.chaicutlery.com
AKTI Member # SA00001
 
James - What do you think of the Shabaria (or any other model for that matter) with the G10 shell inlaid into the handle?

sal
 
The Shabaria with partial shell coverage? Yesssssssss!!!
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In the case of the Shabaria, with its wasp-waste handle, maybe at either end of the left side, and at the rear of the clip side?

The Centofante C25 is maybe another model that could benefit from being dressed up a little. Or a pretty dragonfly? Anybody for a Yin-Yang Cricket in G10 with two shades of pearl? Or does that idea do something preposterous to the price tag?

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Culling-schmulling! More SKU's!!!
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(very big evil grin)

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AAAAACCKK!! I'm a dealer with inventory and my evil twin wants more SKU's!!!
eek.gif



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- JKM
www.chaicutlery.com
AKTI Member # SA00001
 
I don't like to see any model to be discontinued. It would be shame to loose the variety of designs hence eliminating models that are too similar is the way to go. If some have to go this is my list:

M Walker ltwt - flimsiest spyderco I have handled
two of co-pilot, pegasus and navigator
one of Centofantes
Harpy - wery good but as mentioned cheaper merlin does the same thing
at least one W Goddards - not baby
SS-rescues - ss handle is too slippery to this purpose
one of(or both) pro-grip and pro-venator - I don't understand serrated skinners anyhow

[This message has been edited by Tommi (edited 07-10-2000).]
 
Put the cross-hairs on the following:

- Navigator
- Necklaces and any such future ideas
- Spyderwrench once the novelty wears off (sorry, but seems too expensive to manufacture, upgrade, etc...)
- Ladybug sheepsfoot (real name?)
- Stainless Steel Rescue Line (not suited to intended use - too heavy, too slick, not as 'disposable')
- every 50/50 plain/serrated blade - it's either plain edge or serrated, not halfway...

I love Spyders, but an occasional cull is a good thing. The above are just personal observations, but as we know, mine are the only opinions that matter to me
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RLR
 
definatly keep the Shabria!
Aaron
ps improve it if you want, but keep the design around

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aaronm@cs.brandeis.edu
My sheep has seven gall-bladders, that makes me King of the Universe!
 
I get the impression that most of the sales come from the lower-priced, in-house designs like the endura, delica, rescue, dragonfly, etc.

It also seems that the collaborations don't contribute that much financially from their sales. Perhaps there is a psychological benefit from them, though.

The OBVIOUS suggestion would be to have less collaborations, but instead offer the traditional spyderco designs in high-end materials, embellishments and designs.

After all, why do people buy Spyderco? Apart from the pricing as against the quality, they like the hole on the blade, the hump on it, the handle shape. They like the design, and trust it.

So give them the same popular in-house designs, but the option of high-end models. It would be opening up a new angle.

I'm sure you people have thought about this before, so there must be some grounds as to why it has not been tried.

Best wishes from SYK
 
Keep the Shabaria!!!

My roommate has one... It's great, but it's just not for me. It has a great aesthetic appeal though.
 
Maybe thin out some of the high end herd to make room for the new:

Full Size Centofante
- seems to fit more of a dress knife application better served by the smaller model.
JD Smith/Zowada
-people willing to spend this much for a knife want more then AUS8.

The rest seem untouchable.

Maybe one day the Wegner Jr. will get a second life.

The Shabaria should remain. Mr. Mattis explained it nicely, interesting to have cultural variety.

My 2 cents. Here's a penny.
 
Sal, please don't discontinue the Cricket or the SpyderRench. I love them. I also like the worker alot but if you must get rid of it I guess it will be ok. I agree with knifeslinger and wish you would bring back the aluminum Cricket. I have one and carry it every day. I think you should "can" the following:

Snap it (even though it was the first Spydie I purchased)

Michael Walker Lightweight (never owned one but I do have the CF version and I love it)

I agree that the stainless handle Spydercos are very heavy(maybe you could make them from aluminum, but this would make them cost more right?)

Pro Grip (all ss mdl)- I don't like the clip. It is too hard to get off of your pocket. I replaced the clip on my aluminum Civilian with the plain one because of this.

I own over 80 Spyderco knives and love them all, but you have to do what you have to do.
Out with the old and in with the new.

michael
 
Looking at the knives listed in the on-line catalog at www.spyderco.com, here is a list of knives I can't imagine myself ever buying:

(in no particular order)

Pro Grip/Pro Grip II
Veile
Shabaria
Co-Pilot
Bob Lum tanto
Toad
Pegasus
Calypso Jr. SS.

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AKTI Member # A000846
Stop when you get to bone.
 
I've got two Viele's and looking forward to a third if it is upgraded.

Not a lot of others I'd defend vigorously in these lists, butt a Moran in some form seems a given to keep in the line.

The collaborations may not be the meat/potatoes of Spyderco, butt sure add spice to the meal.


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><CHINOOK*>
--
Cleverly Disguised As A Responsible Adult
 
Sal,

I was pleased to discover the website for your outlet store. I'm gonna be driving thru CO in a month +-, and look forward to a visit there.

I was surprised to see the Calypso Jr with micarta handle on the "discontinued" list. That knife has replaced my Goddard Jr, original Terzuola, and others as my daily carry knife. I just love it. An improved version, with a bit more belly to the blade, would be great, but as is, it's super. Never been as fond of the stainless scales.

I was also surprised to learn that the Wegner full-size has NOT been discontinued, as far as I could tell. I thought that it had been. I got a 50/50 version on special at a local gun shop, but would rather have the plain edge, and now might do that. I think that knife is a great all around knife for field and whatever
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My brother has the small Wegner for daily carry, and loves it (me too...if i didn't have the Calypso).

BTW, anyone here interested in a Goddard Jr? I have one of 200 PLAIN edge ones, offered only thru Wayne directly, and it's signed and #'d by him. New. Lemme know. crzycelt@aol.com

Keep up the good work Sal. PS: I have the full set of stainless S'co kitchen knives too. LOVE that Santoku.
 
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