I remember seeing some Spyderco knives over a decade ago in a hardware store. At the time I thought they looked strange and ugly. My taste in knives at the time ran mostly to the larger Victorinox SAKs.
A few years ago, when I started becoming interested in knives, I finally learned enough to appreciate the benefits of different blade shapes, steels, and designs in general. Spydercos began to look a lot more appealing on a functional level. I bought a Native and it became an instant favorite.
Meanwhile, I finally talked my somewhat knife-phobic wife into picking out a blade for herself at a local gun show. She ended up with a blue-marbled Buck Lightning. It proved itself useful enough that she carried it regularly, but it was still just a tool. Then I bought her a Tim Wegner Mouse with a Mike Sastre "Mousetrap" neck sheath. She bonded with that one. It has now been supplemented with a Vesuvius for pocket carry.
Along the way I keep discovering Spydercos that I just must have. At last count I was up to 12. My next most popular brand is Benchmade with 6. Spyderco is way out in the lead.
My current favorite is the Lum Chinese Folder, but I am never without a blue Ladybug on my keychain and a Spydercard in my wallet.
--Bob Q
