The Appeal of Spyderco - What is it?

I consider myself a very tough design critic, and I consider myself a Spyderco convert.
I'm very surprised by this.
Certain models hit the mark. Not all, but some. As every indivudual has different needs, Spyderco keeps putting out design variations on a core theme that seems to suit a broader and broader market base.
Form, Function, Fit and Finish. The four F's. Look for above average examples of these four parameters in any purchase you are considering. Spyderco knows this and adheres to it. Cudos to them!
BTW, I carry a Tenacious as my edc.
 
I'm slightly confused by the tenor of the OP. It seems as though s/he thinks that it's an either/or proposition, to be a Spydie-head, or not to be. I seriously doubt that any knife-knut reading/writing on this forum use only Spydercos all the time. We all have our favorite brand(s), but we also can open a folder with a thumb-hole today, and be just as effective with a stud tomorrow. I don't own only one brand of knife, and the thought of doing so would drastically reduce the usefulness and/or enjoyment I get out of forums like this one. I own a couple of Spydies, four different Kershaws, a handful of CRKTs, one Bradley, a couple of Beckers and one or two each of a few other brands. I am a big fan of VG-10 steel, and both my Spydercos use it, a Meercat and a Native. Both are also lock backs (the Meercat is a modified lock back, but for all intents and purposes, a lock back nonetheless), and I'm a big fan of that locking system too. Hole, stud, what do I care? I can open either one, but the Spydies do have one advantage, as others have mentioned, that you can slice for the entire length of the blade without a stud interfering with the cut.

Bottom line, there's more than one knife you can use to skin a cat. Whatever's being cut ain't gonna care a wit how you opened the blade to commence to cuttin'. If Spydercos are just too ugly for someone's taste, buy something else. I really don't get the "controversy."

Blues
 
Arakiel said:
Form, Function, Fit and Finish. The four F's.
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This is only part of Spydercos appeal, you also need to mention the 2 P's :D: product & people

Product: Spyderco has:
- ergonomics
- premium steels
- anatomic shapes
- well thought clips
Other brands do feature the above, but Spyderco combines those on almost every model they put out

People: nice, knowledgeable and more important, willing to share info on the internet
Back in '99, Sal stated on this very forum that the Spyder crew is well aware of Internet; they followed true since, giving their clients the opportunity to gain insight "straight from the horse's mouth" so to speak. If you do your buying/research online, this may prove an invaluable resource.

They also have a knack for feather-light yet potent slicing machines, which is good, I dig feather-light slicing machines :)
 
Because Sal Glesser is the Chuck Norris of knives.

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It's been said many times above, so I'll just cast my vote.

- Progressive materials
- Outstanding quality of manufacture
- First-rate customer service
- Fanatastic ergonmanics
- Reasonable prices

I will add that I hate the hole. Aesthetically, these knives don't churn my butter. After using several models though, I now own two that are on my list of favorite knives ever - a G10 Endura and M4 Military. Simply awesome knives, regardless of the missing steel in the blade.
 
OP, are you a Spyderco convert yet?

I tried to avoid them, simply because I don't find most aesthetically pleasing. But I keep seeing and hearing how much people love them. Now, I'm excited my first one - Manix 2 - is due on my doorstep today.
Honestly, I bought a SOG because it was cheap, and was surprised how much I grew to like it - but I wanted better steel, and prettier shapes. I bought a gaggle of Kershaws, and use them every day - but the more I use them, the more I see their faults and shortcomings. In the shop, I loved a few Benchmades. I brought one home, and it's still a fantastic knife, but in actual use the appeal has started to fade. I may not know for weeks or months how much I truly like the Manix, but I'm looking forward to finding out.
 
A lot of thoughtfull answers above! I guess my main reason for liking Spyderco is that virtually every Spyderco I've ever handled, just seems to be so very well made. The last Spyderco I purchased, was the Hossom Forester which I got for a very good sale price. When I got it home I was struck by how well the knife was finished. I'm not even sure if I can force myself to actually hack away with that big beauty.
Luckily for me, I'm a fan of big folders and I find a lot of Spyderco folders a little smaller than I prefer [otherwise I'd be broke] I'm planning on getting the new Navaja, and I'm still hoping that this is the year that Spyderco brings out the Szabo folder which, I've read, will have a blade in the 4.5" to 5" range.
 
I prefer a thumb stud and axis lock so resisted spyderco for a long time having only certain benchmade models. But once you get a Spyderco in hand you forgive the things you did not like and embrace the ergonomics and high quality steel options. If you have never had a Spyderco find a store that stocks them and go play. And put your finger in the choil if it has one. Most guys love that once they understand it
 
I can't add much to what everyone else already stated. Using a Spyderco feels more like an extension of your hand than a knife. Spydies populate my collection by far. Most of the Benchmades I own have Spyder holes.
 
I'll tell you why people like Spydercos. Because a knife is supposed to cut and Spydercos cut "Tenaciously"!
 
strongondefense1911 said:
I used to hate spyderco and had the same skepticism.. up until about 3 months ago. Now I have 5 :)
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Haha - same here. Couldn't stand the weird shape of the leaf blade and the hump-back design with that spyder hole and the thumb-ramp. Didn't understand the need for a choil and honestly hated the look/texture of the spyder-web FRN handles.

Then I bought one. Now I own 4 and am constantly looking at buying one while waiting on the next one to be delivered.

Do yourself a favor and don't buy one - once you start, you won't want to stop.
 
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