Whats the actual story on the Spyderco Spyderfly?

[unlimitednights]

I recently got one that I am trying to trade currently, and I have heard the general story behind them, that they got in trouble for importing parts or something, but does anyone know the full story behind it? Is it even an interesting one?

 

[RevDevil]

Only Spyderco knows the full story. The has been some light discussion

 

[yablanowitz]

Sal did give us a little information on the factory forum at the time. As I recall, the fine they got hit with was between $250,000 and $300,000 and was actually related to the transportation of the knives (shipping). They were also recalled; anyone who had one was supposed to return it to Spyderco for disposal.

 

[Barman1]

I found a fairly detailed PDF online about the suit somewhere when I was researching my Spyderfly. It's out there somewhere.

 

[Liquid Cobra]

So do they not make them anymore?


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[SolidState]

They only make smallflys.

 

[The Deacon]

Beyond all that, there were three versions made. The first ones had VG-10 blades and that version is the least common. The rest had 440C blades, and some of those were "rainbow" anodized. Both of those are more common than the VG-10 ones, but I'm not sure which of them is most common. It does pay to be aware that there are also some fake 440C ones out there. I've seen fake rainbows, and have heard there are fakes of the plain 440C version as well.

 

[bengaiser]

Did they do a VG-10 Rainbow? I thought someone mentioned one at some point, but I don't have any pictures... Could be mistaken or mis-remembering.

 

[ShenKichin]

I never heard about any of this. It just makes me want one now!

 

[rycen]

Did they do a VG-10 Rainbow? I thought someone mentioned one at some point, but I don't have any pictures... Could be mistaken or mis-remembering.

Not to my knowledge.

 

[The Deacon]

Did they do a VG-10 Rainbow? I thought someone mentioned one at some point, but I don't have any pictures... Could be mistaken or mis-remembering.

Not to my knowledge.

Not to mine either. Given that the rainbow version was the last to be released and came well after the switch to 400C it's highly unlikely. At least not legitimate ones, there are rainbow Spyderfly clones out there, and since clone makers often get the details wrong, I'd be more likely to think "fake" if I did see one.

 

[Sal Glesser]

We never made a "Rainbow" model in VG-10.

Thee are many copies out there, imported from China and often sold as "Spyderfly's". Interesting how the original is not permitted to be imported, but the copies are.

sal

 

[amflud]

Wow, I never thought of that. I imagine the word "irritating" has got to be a massive understatement for you, Sal.

 

[nccole]

We never made a "Rainbow" model in VG-10.

Thee are many copies out there, imported from China and often sold as "Spyderfly's". Interesting how the original is not permitted to be imported, but the copies are.

sal

Are they permitted or are they just criminals committing more crimes? The good guys follow the rules because that is what they do, the knock-off artists are already breaking laws so why not break some more.

 

[bengaiser]

We never made a "Rainbow" model in VG-10.

Thee are many copies out there, imported from China and often sold as "Spyderfly's". Interesting how the original is not permitted to be imported, but the copies are.

sal

Thanks for the clarification!

 

[MC Chan]

Interesting? It's obscene! Actually should be............. Argh!

 

[Robert.B]

I just read this tonight while re-assembling my spyderfly after a long stint in storage...its been to Australia (illegally) in pieces, and then sent back to the US in pieces when I immigrated. Mine is the VG-10 version and bought it in 1995 (at a surplus store in Gainesville, FL). So I take it this knife is somewhat rare? Since Bali's became legal to carry in KS I decided to get it out but now i'm not so sure I should carry it lol.

I sure aint giving it up.

 

[Andy T]

Are there any known VG-10 fakes/copies? If so, how would one spot the differences between real and fake? Thanks!

 

[The Deacon]

I just read this tonight while re-assembling my spyderfly after a long stint in storage...its been to Australia (illegally) in pieces, and then sent back to the US in pieces when I immigrated. Mine is the VG-10 version and bought it in 1995 (at a surplus store in Gainesville, FL). So I take it this knife is somewhat rare? Since Bali's became legal to carry in KS I decided to get it out but now i'm not so sure I should carry it lol.

I sure aint giving it up.

Robert, if you bought it in 1995, it's not only rare, it's a time traveler since Spyderco only introduced the Spyderfly in 2004. As for actual rarity, there are no production figures available, but my "best guess" is that there was probably a full run (1200-1500 pieces) made in VG-10 before the switch to 440C. Now, in my book, that's not rare for a Spyderco, but a lot folks would disagree.

Are there any known VG-10 fakes/copies? If so, how would one spot the differences between real and fake? Thanks!

I have never had my hands on one, or a non-rainbow 440C one for that matter, but I certainly would not rule out the possibility of either or both existing. After all, on a fake knife it's just a tang stamp, and the fake rainbow ones are "close enough" in terms of looks that it would be hard to tell from just a photo.