"To show or not to show"

I think only you, Sal, can decide that. Have the opinions, suggestions, etc. been worth it?
 
As others have said, if you can put up with people asking about new models, release info about them. That said, you should release pictures as soon as posssible because folks just want to know as much as they can.
 
I appreciate the input that is afforded by sneak peeks! And I get all excited about buying new models, so keep on showing!

Wouter
 
Sal,
Taking the time to share what Spyderco is planning and then asking opinions from this small, but loyal, bunch is an amazing thing. I go to the local shop better informed and on the lookout for some new creation - that we here may have helped to shape in some small way.
Dave_B
 
My $0.02:

Although your sample here is skewed massively in one direction (*harrumpf*) compared to the general population, I feel that the modern-day equivalent of the Knife Show is the madcap bazaar that are the online forums.

You will get much more feedback, quicker, and more easily managed by presenting it online.

It will also be less skewed than opinions garnered at a Show.

You will, interestingly, also get more feedback from the less well-off knife folks who can't afford the $600+ to go to each show, but would love to spend $50-$150 on a knife.

Your signal to noise might be lower, but it might be more representative, and certainly you'll get a lot more content.

Who knows: maybe your content might be so high that the low SNR might be compensated for...

*shrug*

-jon
 
My first Spydy was the Police Mod. I glued ping pong rubber on the slick grips. For throw aways I have the Enduras and Delicas.
My favorite is the Civilian, which has done some SAR duty.
 
show, if for no better reason than i get giddy everytime a nevel design comes out, and then i have to start throwing money at the feeling until i have a new knife. i suspect many sales through core customers are this way, though obviously, actually holding a new model is somewhat more effective.
 
I have to believe that seeing it ahead of time helps build the anticipation. I recently purchased a Scorpius only because I happened to run across it and thought it looked interesting at a decent price (I like things in the $50 or less range). But, my first thought was "what is this and why didn't I see it mentioned on the forums?". For a brief moment, the thought flashed through my mind that maybe it hadn't been mentioned or shown because it was a red-headed step child of Spyderco's. Of course, I quickly came to my senses. But, I believe seeing and hearing about it helps me to decide I want it.
 
Lets know about new models in advance. I love the idea of discussion and information about new models. :D
 
Does this mean we might get to see a pic of the Yojimbo-- and not the proto pic thats been floating around?

Scott
 
Sharing is good, community is good. Sal has a history of sharing. Sal shared the hole in the blade with Benchmade, and the AFCK was successul. When you show knives to knowledgable people at shows, a lot of good stuff comes back. Companies that have worked with inovative custom makers, ie; Goddard, Lum, Valloton, Onion are examples. Custom Makers are like a resourse and R&D department. Sal has a very good reputation with custom makers around the world. Sal is respected for his knowledge and his copperation with makers, collectors and dealers alike. Most importantly you need a guy like Sal with a passion for knives, and a passion for progress, and an ego that allows him to hear the softest of voices that speak to the advancement of the product. The pipeline of concept knives is full and it runs constantly at Spyderco. The best decisions are made with the best information, and the decisions are still hard. For the right person, ie Sal, sharing is good.
 
Knives like everything else get mixed reactions before and after they are seen and held.

Some companies reveal their products with beautiful pictures and reveal all the specs. However, when the products are in the market, the opposite effect can happen.

Customers may not like its "feel." They may not like its design when seen in reality.

On the other hand, sometimes things happen the other way around. Some products like knives may not be mentally conceived in a positive manner before they are unveiled. But once held in the hands, the potential customer falls in love with it.

My opinion is if the maker wishes to tell before showing it, the maker must prepare to make slight modifications to the design in the face of strong calls for changes (with sound reasons, of course).

It is just one of those things. Sometimes, the maker may, to the best of his knowledge, feels the finished product is the best they can come up with after much R&D but surprisingly the customers do not like it, what then?

Believe it or not, occasionally, the success of a knife can be down to just luck. Somehow it tickles the fancy of the majority. Even the maker is surprised. Again it is just one of those things.

Like they say, plan well, work hard but keep your fingers crossed.

:)
 
i think you should show them. Although you do risk the chance of getting ripped off. By showing them you get real life input from your end users. I've found that no matter how much in house R&D companies do they still find ways to miss obvious problems. This is not only true in the knife business but in all business in general
 
My preference would be that you show and or discuss the knives before bringing them out. Not only is it interesting for us to find out what is coming from Spyderco, but it is also good for the folks at Spyderco to get our feedback. A reall win, win situation.
 
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