"Tenacious" model

Sal Glesser

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There seems to be some questions that have already come up regarding the “Tenacious” model. Apparently a PDR consumer catalog accidentally went out with some customer service orders and information has been circulating in our forums about some of the models. The Tenacious being one.

The Tenacious is a “round hole” Spyderco brand model that is made in Mainland China.

While the “general” market could care less about where a model is made, I felt that I owed an explanation to the forumites that frequent our forums.

As most of you know, Spyderco has avoided making any Spyderco brand models in Mainland China. I have personally fought this for many years. We created and developed the entire line of “byrd” brand for that purpose. Those of you that own byrd” models know the quality and designs are quite nice, especially considering the price.

We have decided that we will have to make at least one “round hole” Spyderco model in China. It was something that we had hoped to avoid, but circumstances have forced the issue. Reasons include:

1. All of our competitors are building in China (Buck, Gerber, Columbia River, Benchmade, Cold Steel, Kershaw, etc.) using their trade names. (I think we are the last “hold out”). Major customers (chains) have been asking us to compete in that arena and they feel that our “inexpensive” models (Endura, Delica, etc.) are too expensive to compete.

2. The large chains require large volume and will not tolerate missing or delaying shipments. Our current makers of Spyderco brand models do not have the capacity to service these large customers. Even our own factory in Golden has to push hard to service Wal-Mart with the one model they carry (the Native).

3. The small specialty cutlery shops are shrinking regularly, I think because of the internet and the big chains. This leaves fewer customers capable of stocking and selling the more expensive Spyderco’s.

4. One of the reasons is that there is another knife company making “round hole” models in China and we must compete against our own “look” that are being sold at much lower prices. Looking like Spyderco is popular these days.

I imagine some of you might hate me for going in this direction, (my apologies JD). Some of you will not care. Some of you will understand and not hold it against us. It will help us survive in a very competitive environment.

The “Tenacious” is an “in-house” design that Eric and I created. It is a 3.25” blade, Walker Linerlock. G-10 scales, dual Skeletonized full liners. 4 way clip with all screw construction. Full flat grind. The edge is sharp to the handle. Steel on this intro model is 8Cr13MoV.

We worked on the design and with the maker for over a year, continually refining until we were satisfied that we had a highly functional, ergonomic, strong, safe package, and we can deliver high volume if called for.

We hope it will compete favorably. MSRP is under $50.

We will try to post some pics later today.

sal
 
As per Sal's post... here's a pic...
 

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Understandable circumstances. I must say, that one nice looking knife. It has a very "mainstream" appearance and features (namely the lack of a choil, liner lock, cutting edge from tip to handle, drop point shape) yet is still very distinguishable as a Spyderco. It actually has a very Manix-like appearance at first glance. Also, nearly all the Byrd reports i've read say that the 8Cr13MoV steel is pretty darned good. I even like how the CHINA engraving is read vertically.
 
I've sold off all my Spyderco knives (except a mini manix and a native) as I slide more and more toward traditionals for EDC. That being said....I would buy this one for sure. It looks great. Considering the respect (value and quality) the Bryd line has received, I would hope the negative comments towards a Chinese Spyderco is kept to a minimum.
 
From what I can see, I like it. I guess the decision to buy, or not buy, it because it's made in China would depend on why you won't buy Chinese made goods. Is it philosophical or because of quality concerns? If it's the latter, then time will tell when they go on sale. If they start falling apart, (which I doubt), then there is reason for concern. If they perform as well as, or better, than another $50 knife then there is no reason for concern.

If your reasons for not buying Chinese are other than on quality grounds then how well it's made is immaterial.
 
From what I can see, I like it. I guess the decision to buy, or not buy, it because it's made in China would depend on why you won't buy Chinese made goods. Is it philosophical or because of quality concerns? If it's the latter, then time will tell when they go on sale. If they start falling apart, (which I doubt), then there is reason for concern. If they perform as well as, or better, than another $50 knife then there is no reason for concern.

If your reasons for not buying Chinese are other than on quality grounds then how well it's made is immaterial.

:thumbup: well said.
 
That's the global economy for ya. I don't think anybody would rationally begrudge an honest business decision, Sal. The fact that you even feel compelled to talk to the "serious" knife crowd about it says a lot of good things about you and your company.
 
Sal knows what he's doing, very obviously.

If this is what the economics of the knife business dictate, then so be it.
 
I could hardly see why one would hold this against Spyderco when the Byrd line is already well known under that name.

It's very nice to have you take the time to explain this to us, however. You certainly don't have to, and it's nice to know that you actually care how we feel.

I will never condemn somebody for doing what they have to to support their livelihood. The same people that complain about China made knives have a house full of China made products that they use every day anyway.

The only complaint I have is the liner lock. I guess the people the knife is marketed to like liner locks, for whatever reason.
 
The Spyderco name has always stood for quality and innovation, the Tenacious won't be any different.
 
JOE---- Very good response. I'm sure this was not an easy decision for Sal. It is tough out there!
Lycosa
 
sounds like a winner. pity it won't be marked "Golden"- but ya can't have everything now, can ya...
 
The same people that complain about China made knives have a house full of China made products that they use every day anyway.

Excellent point!

Just think of this as a new market. Nobody is going to buy this knife instead of a Stretch II. Spyderco fans will still appreciate the higher quality of their main line. Who knows - this may just bring in new Spyderco fans.
 
Unfortunately, money is king.

I PROBABLY won't buy one as long as I can get an american made one, but it's certain to be a hit.

Good luck!



Brett
 
you gotta do what you gotta do sal. the knife looks pretty cool btw, i would still pick one up.
 
Nice looking knife, Sal. I won't hesitate to add one to my collection. I also agree that the increase in your customer base could be substantial. Somebody into knives on a casual basis gets an inexpensive Tenacious, gets bitten by the Spyder, and before you it, they're craving the best that you have to offer! Ka-ching. It just seems like smart business to me.

Cheers,
Jon
 
I don't like it but I understand completely and very glad you let us know upfront.

It does look like a great knife too.
 
As long as the quality is there, I counldn't care less wether USA or CHINA is stamped on the blade. Looks like it would make a nice affordable EDC, any idea when it will be released?
 
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