What's the association with Taiwan?

19-3ben

19-3ben

Joined
Jul 27, 2015
Messages
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As someone who is very very new to the world of Spyderco, I had a pretty basic question.

Does Spyderco actually own and operate the factory at Taichung, or is the Taichung factory simply a contractor? Does the factory have input into designs and materials, or are they just following Sal's marching orders? If they are contractors, do we know if they are building knives for any other companies?

I know they have a reputation for being some of the finest production knives available, so no need to sell me on the product. Just curious about the association, not that it would really make a difference at all to me, the consumer. But hey, I'm the curious sort.
 
IIRC the only factory spyderco actually "owns" is the golden facility. Just a guess, but I believe it's a contractor, with minimal input to materials, etc other than in regards to their production capability (ex: We can't do that steel, we don't have the grinding tools/heat treating facilities for it) There's no real info out there because spyderco isn't too big on revealing their factory contract details.
 
I'm not very familiar with this topic but I'm going to guess they are contracted, and probably make other products. Of course, not knowing the size of the factory, it's just a guess.
 
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yoda4561 said:
IIRC the only factory spyderco actually "owns" is the golden facility. Just a guess, but I believe it's a contractor, with minimal input to materials, etc other than in regards to their production capability (ex: We can't do that steel, we don't have the grinding tools/heat treating facilities for it) There's no real info out there because spyderco isn't too big on revealing their factory contract details.
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Good point, and actually, if it's in bad taste for me to have asked, I'm perfectly ok with a mod closing this thread. The last thing I want is to pee in Sal's pool when I'm just a guest here.
 
19-3ben said:
Good point, and actually, if it's in bad taste for me to have asked, I'm perfectly ok with a mod closing this thread. The last thing I want is to pee in Sal's pool when I'm just a guest here.
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Good point. Fun over. Editing shall commence. Ha.
 
Hi Ben, They are a contractor that we have a very good relationship with. They are highly skilled and have been able to work with any of the steels we send them. The designs, parameters, material selection and details all come from Eric and me.

sal
 
Sal Glesser said:
Hi Ben, They are a contractor that we have a very good relationship with. They are highly skilled and have been able to work with any of the steels we send them. The designs, parameters, material selection and details all come from Eric and me.

sal
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Whoa!!! An answer from the man himself!!!
Thank you so much! I know it makes no difference to me, as my next purchase is likely a Taiwanese Spyderco anyway, but as I mentioned, I'm the curious sort.

Thanks again.
 
Sal, I currently have a Bradley 2 Folder in my pocket and I have to say that Taichung is killing it.

The level of fit and finish on this knife is very near custom quality. Thanks much for all you folks do as well as all that you do for us knife nuts. :)
 
Sal Glesser said:
Hi Ben, They are a contractor that we have a very good relationship with. They are highly skilled and have been able to work with any of the steels we send them. The designs, parameters, material selection and details all come from Eric and me.

sal
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Thanks Sal! Is my memory correct when I remember reading a post somewhere either here or on the company forums that you'd signed an exclusive deal with the Taichung factory to produce only Spyderco knives?
 
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