Why are Spyderco knives so ugly?

[jlydon]

Reese Weiland changed my view on both thumb studs and flippers. Seriously.

 

[PMQ]

Spydercos are work horses, not show ponnies.

 

[Londinium Armoury]

I think Sal has a secret competition in his office, I mean are you telling me the Spyderco rescue looks like a crocodile that got punched in the face by coincidence? I think not.

 

[Mossyhorn]

The Chinook is fetching. I tend not notice the hole when looking at it. You could say that I look right through it.

 

[Triton]

Spyderco makes some of the most ergonomic knives out there. They feel great in the hand and cut like the dickens. But they're so ... well, ugly. Their blades look like someone took a pie-shaped wedge of steel and punched out as large a circle as possible in the wide end of the pie. Couldn't they do something to produce a more slim and elegant blade even with the S-hole? Or are they tryig to prove that esthetics has no place knife design?

Agree with this. Don’t get me wrong I have had nothing but positive experiences with the Glessers and with the company. That said I hate the way the blades look and find the hole which drives that look to be one of the least effective opening methods.

 

[Murdamook]

Agree with this. Don’t get me wrong I have had nothing but positive experiences with the Glessers and with the company. That said I hate the way the blades look and find the hole which drives that look to be one of the least effective opening methods.

I think the hole is objectively the most reliable opening method available. Even with a sub-optimal cut out you can get a large enough about of flesh in the hole to engage the blade. I do Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and power lift. My hands are essentially just giant calluses. I have no problem with a thumb stud but have had times in which I slip off because I misjudge pressure or don’t feel the stud through a callus. I have never had that happen with a Spydie hole. I’ve heard people complain about the looks of the thumb hole but I’ve never heard anyone complain about functionality. Opinions are opinions, but I think even science would out on this one: even under duress the thumb hole is more reliable.

 

[Johnnythefox]

have you tried a UKPK its a triumph of design and ease of use.

Necessity is the mother of invention it aint pretty but as a tool its perfect.

 

[jdmvette]

I dig the looks of my big-nosed girl

 

[Johnnythefox]

now that is ugly.

 

[skyhorse]

Beauty is in the eye of the beholder.

 

[ferider]

Gorgeous Spydercos in my collection

I mean, how can you _not_ like them ?

 

[Johnnythefox]

I have a spyderco myself but lets be serious some of them are 5 beer knives if you get my drift.

 

[GIRLYmann]

If i got it right, Spyderco started with knife sharpening and kitchen kniives.
Not spawned from tactical roots or a hot fad, at least not intentionally.
I reckon how the folders came about was more related to
innovation with added functionality rather than
something purely formulated with artistic creativity In the looks department.
some things one either loves or hates at first sight.
i guess its a pretty unusual .
its history though, Is one of originality and incredible success
amazingly because of its numerous collaborations based upon
Spyderco's signature design features.

 

[Mitchell Knives]

I think they look great because they are unique, functional designs.

 

[Wardo46]

...I also find it annoying that they put non-functional / detrimental holes into their knives in addition to the brand logo, especially knives that are designed to cut food....

THIS!!!!

I get it that the round hole is Spyderco's trademark and I'm fine with it when the hole is functional and serves a purpose, i.e., to open the blade on a folder. But I will never understand why they insist on drilling a non-functional hole in a fixed blade just to have their "trademark" on it. The logo on the blade identifies it as a Spyderco and nothing further is needed. Drilling the non-functional hole does 4 things: adds unnecessary manufacturing cost, weakens the blade, creates a place for gunk and germs to collect and it's ugly (IMO). That's the reason I've never owned a Spyderco fixed blade and never will as long as they insist on having that ridiculous hole.

Sorry for the rant. I feel much better now.

 

[Mossyhorn]

I agree. There is just no reason for the hole in their fixed blades.

 

[The Mastiff]

It's true I have a thing for fine Ebony and Cocobolo but to be honest I have never really thought of Spydercos as ugly. I've had one in my pocket since 1992 so I might just be used to them now.

Joe

 

[Mako109]

I also find it annoying that they put non-functional / detrimental holes into their knives in addition to the brand logo, especially knives that are designed to cut food.

THIS!!!!

I get it that the round hole is Spyderco's trademark and I'm fine with it when the hole is functional and serves a purpose, i.e., to open the blade on a folder. But I will never understand why they insist on drilling a non-functional hole in a fixed blade just to have their "trademark" on it. The logo on the blade identifies it as a Spyderco and nothing further is needed. Drilling the non-functional hole does 4 things: adds unnecessary manufacturing cost, weakens the blade, creates a place for gunk and germs to collect and it's ugly (IMO). That's the reason I've never owned a Spyderco fixed blade and never will as long as they insist on having that ridiculous hole.

Sorry for the rant. I feel much better now.

I agree. There is just no reason for the hole in their fixed blades.

THIS!

I'm thinking of the Ikuchi, what's with the hole in the handle?

 

[Danke42]

THIS!!!!

I get it that the round hole is Spyderco's trademark and I'm fine with it when the hole is functional and serves a purpose, i.e., to open the blade on a folder. But I will never understand why they insist on drilling a non-functional hole in a fixed blade just to have their "trademark" on it. The logo on the blade identifies it as a Spyderco and nothing further is needed. Drilling the non-functional hole does 4 things: adds unnecessary manufacturing cost, weakens the blade, creates a place for gunk and germs to collect and it's ugly (IMO). That's the reason I've never owned a Spyderco fixed blade and never will as long as they insist on having that ridiculous hole.

Sorry for the rant. I feel much better now.

Trademarks are a use it or loose it thing. If you don't use it someone less scrupulous can come in and squat on it.

 

[DavidZ]

They are beautiful in use! And only then to the eyes.