Why did Spyderco decide to make their flagship model in Taiwan?

H

Hellasharp

Joined
Feb 17, 2023
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Hoping the experts can chime in here. Does anyone know the rationale behind Spyderco choosing to produce the Paysan out of Taiwan?

Nothing at all against Taiwan or even most Chinese factories. Plenty of examples in my collection of great attention to detail and I’m aware of the stellar reputation of the taiching factory.

But from a marketing perspective, seems they’re going to lose many enthusiasts purely based on country of origin and at this price point I’d wager the lion’s share of units sold will be to enthusiasts and collectors.

Is it as simple as cost cutting? If so, this could go for any of their golden, CO models which they’re deliberate about producing domestically. I’m wondering if Golden doesn’t have the machining capable of producing integrals at scale?

Really curious is anyone knows. Thanks!
 
First of all, the Paysan is a collaboration model, not their flagship. Second, production capacity generally plays a large role in decisions about where to produce a model. Sal has posted in the past that they can produce any model in Golden. That doesn't mean they can keep up with the demand for the models they are producing there.
 
I meant ‘flagship in terms of their most expensive model. How about ‘halo’ model. The product that shows off all their manufacturing capabilities at a big premium.

Spy has been doing this for a long time and I don’t think something this strategic is based purely on demand. Just wondering if SG or EG have ever discussed the paysan or if anyone actually knows.
 
There's already a made on this side of the ocean one if you want it so bad.

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jjg6319 said:
I think knives made in Seki City and Taiwan are some of their best made knifes. I tend to prefer the Taiwan models when I was buying Spyderco.
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I tend to prefer the designs of the Golden made Spydies, but the QC of the ones made in Taichung had been exemplary on every one that I've handled.
 
I personally like the Taiwan f&f, but... I dislike needing to explain why I just spent $644 on a knife when that big Taichung banner is noticed. Takes a lot of time explaining about international economics and manufacturing quality that I would rather spend doing other things.
We understand, not many others do.
 
Hellasharp said:
Hoping the experts can chime in here. Does anyone know the rationale behind Spyderco choosing to produce the Paysan out of Taiwan?

Nothing at all against Taiwan or even most Chinese factories. Plenty of examples in my collection of great attention to detail and I’m aware of the stellar reputation of the taiching factory.

But from a marketing perspective, seems they’re going to lose many enthusiasts purely based on country of origin and at this price point I’d wager the lion’s share of units sold will be to enthusiasts and collectors.

Is it as simple as cost cutting? If so, this could go for any of their golden, CO models which they’re deliberate about producing domestically. I’m wondering if Golden doesn’t have the machining capable of producing integrals at scale?

Really curious is anyone knows. Thanks!
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I think it is simple cost cutting. Also there is only so much room in a given production factory. I edc a GB 1 and have not been disappointed.
 
All the highest quality Spydercos (and most of my favorites) come from Taiwan. You name it, K2, Tuff, SlyszBowie, GB, Advocate, Amalgam, TigheStick, Szabo, etc.

Not necessarily because they are cheaper to make. But because the quality is there.

Plus, I like Taiwan, I do everything I can to support them. :)
 
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Sal Glesser said:
Hi HellaSharp,

They had capacity in our Taichung plant. Golden does not.

Also, Taiwan is very different from China, Other than the language, there is quite a difference. Taiwan is a young vibrant country with a democratic government. That may change in the future depending on China?

sal
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Wellllll mystery solved 😅

Thanks sal!

Totally understand and agree/am familiar with Taiwan/China. I’ve seen exceptional manufacturing come from both countries and am very familiar with your Taichung models. I think China has a very broad range of manufacturing ability or ‘something for everyone’ insofar as there *is* demand for the lowest end of the market which is why there’s so much of it pouring in.

Back to the Paysan, I’m admittedly very picky when it comes to the higher end and am a stickler for US made. I work with leather and as good as perlinger in Germany or D’Annonay from France is, I still try to use as much horween as I can to support domestic. But it sure is tempting that Paysan.
 
King of the Cheese said:
If the paysan was made here it would probably cost $1,000. Is that what we want?
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Honestly, it would only make it more desirable to the community who’s actually consuming that product…let’s be honest, tradesmen ain’t buying paysans to cut drywall.

US makers can’t seem to keep their $1,000 models on the shelf for long enough these days
 
Hellasharp said:
Honestly, it would only make it more desirable to the community who’s actually consuming that product…let’s be honest, tradesmen ain’t buying paysans to cut drywall.

US makers can’t seem to keep their $1,000 models on the shelf for long enough these days
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Here you go. Of course it's a bit more than $1000 but that just makes it even more desirable.

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Danke42 said:
Here you go. Of course it's a bit more than $1000 but that just makes it even more desirable.

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I’m not familiar, what model?

And yes, youre 100% correct, there’s prob not one for sale this side of the miss.

Also, I’m looking for a 911 carrera, not a GT2RS with a massive wing ;)
 
I was under the impression all titanium models are made in the Taichung factory.
 
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