Wegner, Starmate and Military...Is Spyderco closing in on factory-folder perfection?

misque

misque

Joined
Jul 9, 1999
Messages
3,316
I have to say the answer is a resounding YES!!
Today I picked up a Starmate, last week I picked up a Wegner. I've owned a Military for a couple of months now.
I extensively looked these knives over for defects, any defects, and found not a single one.
Perfect grinds.
Perfect lockup.
No lateral play in the blades.
Hair popping sharp.
Fantastic ergonomics.
Perfect balance.
Superb materials.

I must say that I think Spyderco is starting to close the once huge gap that exists between the quality of factory made folders vs custom made folders.
The more Spydies I acquire the more I notice that the overall quality is getting better and better. Tighter tolerances, better fit and finish, etc.
I am now seeing Spyderco pulling ahead of the factory folder pack. In some instances, way ahead.
I must honestly say that I did not always feel this way about Spyderco. Sure, they made good knives but so do a dozen other
manufacturers. They were nothing to strike up the band over. Not so anymore.
I think Spyderco's custom collaberations are taking them to new levels of quality. They are learning from these collaberations and learning well. And it is being evidenced across their huge lineup of products. Spyderco now routinely demonstrates levels of quality that I can hardly find in other manufacturers anymore. Manufacturers who I relied heavily upon to provide me with quality products are now putting out product that almost seems sloppy next to a Spyderco Wegner or a Starmate or a Military.

I'm starting to wonder if there is no end to how far Sal and the gang can go.

Congratulations Sal on your recent induction to the Cutlery Hall of Fame, you richly deserve this honor and congratulations to your crew for superb workmanship!

I honestly don't know how I can be any happier with Spyderco's products.
Does it show?

------------------
If it's stupid but works, then it isn't stupid.


[This message has been edited by misque (edited 07 September 1999).]

[This message has been edited by misque (edited 08 September 1999).]
 
Well people.
Any thoughts on this?

------------------
If it's stupid but works, then it isn't stupid.


 
Sal, is there a program to just sign my check over to Spyderco? I have all three of the knives mentioned. I like my Military and Wegner, but love my Starmate. So when can we expect a rolling lock Starmate???
 
I agree they are very close. My wife told me about a Knife & Coin shop (Bad mistake) here in town last week. I checked it out after work last Thurs. About 1 1/2 hours later I was the proud owner of a full size Wegner.

Great knife but, small problem....
wink.gif
I really liked the plain edge Military he had in stock. Well, on Friday afternoon I became the proud owner of that Military.

The shop owner is cool and cut me a good deal. Funny he knows me by name... My budget is shot for this month but, I'll visit again next month
smile.gif
. Maybe he will have a Starmate in stock

 
I'm not sure if it's considered a factory folder, but you might want to look at the SpeedTech Synergy before deciding that perfection has been attained. I really like the monolithic handle idea.
 
I couldn't agree more with your feelings. Up to today, I owned a grand total of one Spyderco, a pre 98 Endura that I got as part of a trade. I perceived it at first as a "disposable" knife, with the zytel handle and rivets. Then I statred to use it and I was so impressed that I just got a new plain edge 440V Military that is just awesome. I have another one on the way and I am also seriously considering getting a Starmate and a Wegner and probably a Catcherman, too (can you say 4 3/4" blade).

Without naming names, lets just say that I have spent alot of money on high end productions that I don't like half as much as the Military. It has a similar grind and edge to my Dozier fixed blade-and that is one hell of a compliment (for ANY knife).
Thanks for letting me gush!
Cappy
 
I think that the general design of high end Spydercos like the Starmate, Military, Wegner, Centofante et. al. are very close to perfect. The actual execution of these designs is even better, however, I do see room for improvement. I like 440V but I will confess that I am not a great knife sharpener. CPM440V is not a steel I would choose if I could get to sharpening service quickly. What about CPM420V or BG42? I've heard that both of these are easier to sharpen. Are they too expensive? Finally, Spyderco really should can the shiny clips! As paranoid as some people are about knives, it just pays to make them as inconspicuous as possible. I know I have complained a bit, but Spyderco is far and away my favorite knife company. I own so many I am embarrassed to say the number!
 
I own a combo wegner, a serrated military and hope to get a plain edged starmate. Will I not have the best of all worlds? I have to mention my darling Blade Forum Native in such superb company.

Even though their advertising policy and recent personnel decisions have caused me some pain in the past few days, Spyderco is my knife company. Kind of like a good marriage, ya gotta take the bitter with the sweet.
 
I'll definitely say that they're leading the pack, but I have this aversion to the term "perfect."

Aside from modifications I've made for my own preference, I sent my first new-style Military back for a slew of little problems that added up to "unacceptable," my Starmate had a big ol' bur on the spacer, and I had to root through a half-dozen Wegners to find one with a nice lockup AND good radiusing. But that's mostly picky stuff, and downright paltry compared to what I've seen from Benchmade and Spyderco's other "competitors." They're the company I trust more than any other to deliver an acceptable piece every time (especially the Seki stuff).

Sal said, "Around here we say 'pobody's nerfect.'" I know they're trying hard, though, and I'm usually pleased with the results.

-Drew
 
Drew, how about "We seek progress, not perfection"?

While anything made by humans can be improved, I would be hard put to say how my Military or StarMate couyld be improved.

------------------
Walk in the Light,
Hugh


 
Spyderco is definately leading the pack. They are making the best factory folders right now. And with the updated moran one of the best fixed blades also. As good as their knives are Spyderco must be commended for constantly improving on their designs. I just got a Wegner, so now I have a Starmate, Wegner and Military. Of course when they arrive with rolling locks and the Wegner gets its additional updates, I'll be in line again.

------------------
-Dennis

 
Sal

I looked at Spyderco knives years ago and did not like what I saw. I thought they were a cheap throw-away.

BUT, I got the Matriarch(x3)mainly because of the great things said about the BF Native (which I am still waiting for). I am impressed. The blade swings open with just enough resistance to know you are doing something. When the lock is pressed to close the knife the blade doesn't slam on your fingers like some others. The blade is, close as I want to tell, sharper than I can get one without a LOT of work.

Perfection? Probibly not, but as close as can be without spending MEGA $$$.

Thanks

Dwight

[This message has been edited by pyrguy (edited 21 September 1999).]
 
I've got 4 spydies and there is not a flaw in the lot. But I only have 4. I need more to really decide. Lots more.



------------------
Hoodoo

Cogita tute
 
I always had my favorite other knives in the past. Now, after owning a Spyderco, i look back at those others and think to myself: "boy, what was i thinking back then!" Spyderco knives are flawless. I just cant get over the perfection that exists in a Spyderco knife!
 
While not perfect, they set an example for other companies to exemplify....
I applaud all of your work and accomplishments.
The Military has been my favorite for over 2 years now, that in itself says alot what with all of the new models and improvements out now.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top