- Joined
- Mar 20, 2010
- Messages
- 687
The last Spyderco I bought, before my return this year, was an original Endura; the one with an integrated clip.
It was a good knife, but didn't really trip my keys for several reasons. Spyderco was relegated to the pile of companies who, while assuredly making good stuff, just didn't particularly interest me. It stayed there for quite some time.
While not buying any of their products, I kept an eye on them over the years, I mean, I am a knife guy and they have always been an innovative brand. My feelings started changing some a few years ago. I noticed Spyderco putting out knives in some really nice steel choices, and their design philosophy seemed to come across as more and more organic. I also noticed some great collaborations showing up.
My spending money still went elsewhere, though.
Want to know what finally brought me back to the fold?
It was the models they produced in Taiwan. Specifically, the Sage series. The Sage I was one of the best designed knives I have ever owned. After eying one for quite some time, I saw a mint, used Sage at a good price and bought it. The Sage II followed soon after.
Say what you will about where these knives were produced,I say they earn high marks and a large helping of respect for the work done on this line.
My two examples are absolutely flawless. The fit, finish, and build quality could not be better. Everything from grind, to lockup, to centering is perfect.
At the price points Spyderco sells these knives at, I am hard pressed to think of production folding knives I would rather have.
My next knife will be a Gayle Bradley. I have been looking at them for a while, and have decided to pick one up shortly. Turns out, another Taiwan made knife.
I understand the arguments, but I think that Sal has explained to all but the most hardened naysayers that even these models employ many Americans and are more American/Taiwanese collaborations than a completely farmed out knife. Anyway, that isn't what this thread is about...that aspect has been covered more than enough and there are threads that exist for anyone to voice opinions about that.
I started this thread to voice my pleasure at finally coming back to a brand I had all but wrote off years ago. Spyderco has listened to its customers more intently than any other company its size that makes folding knives that I can think of. There are still some designs that don't do much for me, but there are quite a few that I will be picking up (regardless of where they are built). After the GB, I might pick up a Stretch. The Leafstorm has caught my eye as well.
So, kudos to Spyderco for continuing to be innovative in a field that rests on its laurels more often than it should. Kudos to them for listening to its customers, rather than trying to direct their tastes. Kudos to them for keeping to the high road, when it seems that it would have been far easier for them not to.
I am glad to be back, and proud to have Spyderco's in my rotation.
It was a good knife, but didn't really trip my keys for several reasons. Spyderco was relegated to the pile of companies who, while assuredly making good stuff, just didn't particularly interest me. It stayed there for quite some time.
While not buying any of their products, I kept an eye on them over the years, I mean, I am a knife guy and they have always been an innovative brand. My feelings started changing some a few years ago. I noticed Spyderco putting out knives in some really nice steel choices, and their design philosophy seemed to come across as more and more organic. I also noticed some great collaborations showing up.
My spending money still went elsewhere, though.
Want to know what finally brought me back to the fold?
It was the models they produced in Taiwan. Specifically, the Sage series. The Sage I was one of the best designed knives I have ever owned. After eying one for quite some time, I saw a mint, used Sage at a good price and bought it. The Sage II followed soon after.
Say what you will about where these knives were produced,I say they earn high marks and a large helping of respect for the work done on this line.
My two examples are absolutely flawless. The fit, finish, and build quality could not be better. Everything from grind, to lockup, to centering is perfect.
At the price points Spyderco sells these knives at, I am hard pressed to think of production folding knives I would rather have.
My next knife will be a Gayle Bradley. I have been looking at them for a while, and have decided to pick one up shortly. Turns out, another Taiwan made knife.
I understand the arguments, but I think that Sal has explained to all but the most hardened naysayers that even these models employ many Americans and are more American/Taiwanese collaborations than a completely farmed out knife. Anyway, that isn't what this thread is about...that aspect has been covered more than enough and there are threads that exist for anyone to voice opinions about that.
I started this thread to voice my pleasure at finally coming back to a brand I had all but wrote off years ago. Spyderco has listened to its customers more intently than any other company its size that makes folding knives that I can think of. There are still some designs that don't do much for me, but there are quite a few that I will be picking up (regardless of where they are built). After the GB, I might pick up a Stretch. The Leafstorm has caught my eye as well.
So, kudos to Spyderco for continuing to be innovative in a field that rests on its laurels more often than it should. Kudos to them for listening to its customers, rather than trying to direct their tastes. Kudos to them for keeping to the high road, when it seems that it would have been far easier for them not to.
I am glad to be back, and proud to have Spyderco's in my rotation.
