snap it
progrip ss kraton
dyad micarta
tim zowada
bill moran both models
police jewelry
calypso both
jd smith
centofante
thanks for asking,
please do not mess with the G10 police & G10 military they are my favorite spydies..
Culling time - need opinions
-
sam the man..
- Member
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Clay Kesting
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- Joined: Fri Sep 24, 2004 10:33 am
- Location: Sydney Australia
I suppose I better add my AUS$0.0384986. The problem with this sort of question is that knives which appeal to internet knife aficianados are not necessarily those that do well in the market place. For that reason I think it is important to keep all the stainless versions as I have a feeling that they are popular with the general ELU. Anyway here's my list:
Police G10-I don't think it has proved as popular as the stainless model
Copilot-see Navigator
Remote Release-the Snap-It fills the niche
Dyad-too expensive to be generally accepted
Navigator-I love it but the Meerkat and slip-joint will fill the niche
Peter Herbst
Tim Zowada
JD Smith
Necklace
Tie Clip
Of course I could be completely wrong <img src="smile.gif" width=15 height=15 align=middle>.
Clay
Don't worry that the world might end tomorrow, in Australia it's tomorrow already.
Edited by - Clay Kesting on 5/9/2001 5:01:45 AM
Police G10-I don't think it has proved as popular as the stainless model
Copilot-see Navigator
Remote Release-the Snap-It fills the niche
Dyad-too expensive to be generally accepted
Navigator-I love it but the Meerkat and slip-joint will fill the niche
Peter Herbst
Tim Zowada
JD Smith
Necklace
Tie Clip
Of course I could be completely wrong <img src="smile.gif" width=15 height=15 align=middle>.
Clay
Don't worry that the world might end tomorrow, in Australia it's tomorrow already.
Edited by - Clay Kesting on 5/9/2001 5:01:45 AM
I will do the easy ones first.
19. Dragonfly stainless handle
25. Dyad Micarta handle
29. Calypso Jr. stainless handle
34. Tim Wegner
37. Tim Zowada
38. D'Holder Toad
39. JD Smith
51. Police model tie clip
It is probably time to retire
the Shabaria but I have difficulty taking money from a widow. For this reason I don't think the Shabaria and the Spydercard should be retired in the same year.
It is also probably time to retire the Starmate. I love mine and it is the only knife I carried for most of a year. Unfortunately I moved on to other Spyderco's and I think most people have too.
I think the Ayoob should be given another year. It hasn't had a lot of press and it might take off in time.
I think it is way too early to talk about retiring the Gunting and its trainer. The Gunting movement has just started. I think a lot of law enforcement agencies are going to end up adopting the Gunting.
The Delica and Endura trainers should be given more time too. I have become real attached to my Gunting trainer and would like to see more trainers not less.
- Glenn
19. Dragonfly stainless handle
25. Dyad Micarta handle
29. Calypso Jr. stainless handle
34. Tim Wegner
37. Tim Zowada
38. D'Holder Toad
39. JD Smith
51. Police model tie clip
It is probably time to retire
the Shabaria but I have difficulty taking money from a widow. For this reason I don't think the Shabaria and the Spydercard should be retired in the same year.
It is also probably time to retire the Starmate. I love mine and it is the only knife I carried for most of a year. Unfortunately I moved on to other Spyderco's and I think most people have too.
I think the Ayoob should be given another year. It hasn't had a lot of press and it might take off in time.
I think it is way too early to talk about retiring the Gunting and its trainer. The Gunting movement has just started. I think a lot of law enforcement agencies are going to end up adopting the Gunting.
The Delica and Endura trainers should be given more time too. I have become real attached to my Gunting trainer and would like to see more trainers not less.
- Glenn
This may be a bit pre-mature, but I was curious, so, I took a few minutes and tabulated the results after 28 replies to this thread;
Votes Model
24 Police model tie clip
18 Police model necklace
14 Pro Grip Stainless/kraton handle
13 JD Smith
13 Tim Zowada
12 Eduar Bradichansky Shabaria
11 CoPilot
11 Snap it
9 Peter Herbst
9 Pro Grip FRN/Kraton handle
8 Dyad jr FRN handle
8 Dyad Micarta handle
7 Bill Moran FB trailing point
7 Calypso Jr stainless handle
7 Catcherman FRN handle
7 Police Model Stainless handle
6 Bill Moran FB drop point
6 D'Holder Toad
6 Native stainless handle
6 Remote Release
6 Rescue Jr black or orange FRN handle
6 Viele
5 Endura Stainless handle
5 Merlin FRN handle
4 Dragonfly FRN handle
4 Dragonfly stainless handle
4 Navigator
3 Bob Terzuola Starmate
3 Bram Frank Gunting trainer
3 Massad Ayoob
3 Police Model G10 handle
3 Tim Wegner
2 Bram Frank Gunting
2 Cricket black FRN handle
2 Delica stainless handle
2 Delica trainer (red FRN)
2 Eduard Bradichansky Spydercard
2 Harpy Stainless handle
2 Ladybug II FRN handle (sheepfoot)
1 Calypso Jr black FRN handle
1 Delica FRN handle
1 Frank Centofante Vesuvious
Bob Lum Chinese Folder
Bob Lum Tanto
Endura FRN handle
Endura Trainer (red FRN)
James Keating Chinook
Ladybug FRN handle (black,red,blue)
Military G10 handle
Native black FRN handle
Rescue black or orangve FRN handle
It will be interesting to see the end result when all the totals are in.
Edited by - Tom Percy on 5/9/2001 10:37:52 AM
Votes Model
24 Police model tie clip
18 Police model necklace
14 Pro Grip Stainless/kraton handle
13 JD Smith
13 Tim Zowada
12 Eduar Bradichansky Shabaria
11 CoPilot
11 Snap it
9 Peter Herbst
9 Pro Grip FRN/Kraton handle
8 Dyad jr FRN handle
8 Dyad Micarta handle
7 Bill Moran FB trailing point
7 Calypso Jr stainless handle
7 Catcherman FRN handle
7 Police Model Stainless handle
6 Bill Moran FB drop point
6 D'Holder Toad
6 Native stainless handle
6 Remote Release
6 Rescue Jr black or orange FRN handle
6 Viele
5 Endura Stainless handle
5 Merlin FRN handle
4 Dragonfly FRN handle
4 Dragonfly stainless handle
4 Navigator
3 Bob Terzuola Starmate
3 Bram Frank Gunting trainer
3 Massad Ayoob
3 Police Model G10 handle
3 Tim Wegner
2 Bram Frank Gunting
2 Cricket black FRN handle
2 Delica stainless handle
2 Delica trainer (red FRN)
2 Eduard Bradichansky Spydercard
2 Harpy Stainless handle
2 Ladybug II FRN handle (sheepfoot)
1 Calypso Jr black FRN handle
1 Delica FRN handle
1 Frank Centofante Vesuvious
Bob Lum Chinese Folder
Bob Lum Tanto
Endura FRN handle
Endura Trainer (red FRN)
James Keating Chinook
Ladybug FRN handle (black,red,blue)
Military G10 handle
Native black FRN handle
Rescue black or orangve FRN handle
It will be interesting to see the end result when all the totals are in.
Edited by - Tom Percy on 5/9/2001 10:37:52 AM
Because I HAVE to pick:
13. Progrip FRN - better alternatives in current lineup
18. Remote Release - Snap-It for that limited market
35. Herbst - never liked it
50. Necklace - no jewelry for me
51. Tie Clip - the tie will be dead soon, and the tip clip should have been long ago
7. & 10. Delica/Endura Trainers - possibly too "specialized" for the Delica/Endura market (I could be wrong there...)
23. Ladybug Sheepsfoot - never saw the use of the teeth without usable point in such a small size
25. Lg Dyad Micarta - too expensive and uncomfortable (but bring back the micarta Dyad JR!!!)
37. Zowada - never liked it either
Just opinions...
13. Progrip FRN - better alternatives in current lineup
18. Remote Release - Snap-It for that limited market
35. Herbst - never liked it
50. Necklace - no jewelry for me
51. Tie Clip - the tie will be dead soon, and the tip clip should have been long ago
7. & 10. Delica/Endura Trainers - possibly too "specialized" for the Delica/Endura market (I could be wrong there...)
23. Ladybug Sheepsfoot - never saw the use of the teeth without usable point in such a small size
25. Lg Dyad Micarta - too expensive and uncomfortable (but bring back the micarta Dyad JR!!!)
37. Zowada - never liked it either
Just opinions...
Since I have no access to sales numbers on these models, which definitely must be a factor, I will only relate my preferences and models I have bought and ones I would buy again or will be buying for myself or as gifts.
18. Remote Release--- I have one or rather my wife has it. I think the effective length of the grip appeals to her. She will not use a knife where her hand contacts any part of the blade. I prefer this arrangement of snap over the Snapit, doesn't interfere with the blade at all.
3. Harpy Stainless handle--- I have the G10 model which I use pretty hard. I think the grip of the G10 is more secure.
19. Dragonfly stainless handle----
20. Dragonfly FRN handle----
I have the carbon fiber Dragonfly which is nice to look at, butt slippery. A lot of knife for the size butt the Calypso Jr is more competent and fits my hand better.
21. Cricket black FRN handle--- I got a bubblegum pink one for my daughter. Really didn't seem like a Spyderco quality item butt she likes its cute factor.
24. Military G10 handle--- Don't think this one should be on the list. I have a serrated user and the Forum 2000 model. I would definitely buy another if I lost my user.
26. Dyad jr FRN handle --- I bought the micarta Dyad Jr and again my wife appropiated it. Likes its versatilty. I don't need it myself as I usually am carrying two knives, serrated and plain
27. Native stainless handle---
28. Native black FRN handle---
I have two blue Natives. I like them for their heft and design butt don't use them. I find the Calypso Jr fills this size for me best. I think the only reason to choose the stainless handle would be for engraving it as a gift.
29. Calypso Jr. stainless handle---
30. Calypso Jr. black FRN handle---
I have two micarta models and recently misplaced/lost my fishscale one. I will definitely replace the LW and if the price is right I'll probably pick up another micarta plainedge. Again the only reason for the SS would be for engraving.
32. Viele--- My favorite Spydie, for looks and feel, I have two original and a new VG10 and will probably pick up another new model.
34. Tim Wegner--- A "strong-like-bull" knife. I have one and its smaller version. I would buy an updated version.
36. Bob Terzuola Starmate--- I own one butt for some reason I don't use it much. Grabbing the Military instead in most instances.
43. Bob Lum Chinese Folder--- Interesting knife and I might buy one if it was a bit larger.
46. Bill Moran FB trailing point---
47. Bill Moran FB drop point---
I have two of the original mirror polished, one is my wife's campknife. And I bought a droppoint. All useful handy knives at a nice price point. I would buy more of the droppoint if I lost the others.
50. Police model necklace--- I bought two of these. Neither my wife or I wear them. Probably would not buy more.
No real opinions on the others except the Toad offends my senses and I don't carry knives as primary self defense weapons so the MBC line is not my cup of tea. I feel the one I have in my pocket can do the job if I keep it sharp and can deploy it cleanly.
18. Remote Release--- I have one or rather my wife has it. I think the effective length of the grip appeals to her. She will not use a knife where her hand contacts any part of the blade. I prefer this arrangement of snap over the Snapit, doesn't interfere with the blade at all.
3. Harpy Stainless handle--- I have the G10 model which I use pretty hard. I think the grip of the G10 is more secure.
19. Dragonfly stainless handle----
20. Dragonfly FRN handle----
I have the carbon fiber Dragonfly which is nice to look at, butt slippery. A lot of knife for the size butt the Calypso Jr is more competent and fits my hand better.
21. Cricket black FRN handle--- I got a bubblegum pink one for my daughter. Really didn't seem like a Spyderco quality item butt she likes its cute factor.
24. Military G10 handle--- Don't think this one should be on the list. I have a serrated user and the Forum 2000 model. I would definitely buy another if I lost my user.
26. Dyad jr FRN handle --- I bought the micarta Dyad Jr and again my wife appropiated it. Likes its versatilty. I don't need it myself as I usually am carrying two knives, serrated and plain
27. Native stainless handle---
28. Native black FRN handle---
I have two blue Natives. I like them for their heft and design butt don't use them. I find the Calypso Jr fills this size for me best. I think the only reason to choose the stainless handle would be for engraving it as a gift.
29. Calypso Jr. stainless handle---
30. Calypso Jr. black FRN handle---
I have two micarta models and recently misplaced/lost my fishscale one. I will definitely replace the LW and if the price is right I'll probably pick up another micarta plainedge. Again the only reason for the SS would be for engraving.
32. Viele--- My favorite Spydie, for looks and feel, I have two original and a new VG10 and will probably pick up another new model.
34. Tim Wegner--- A "strong-like-bull" knife. I have one and its smaller version. I would buy an updated version.
36. Bob Terzuola Starmate--- I own one butt for some reason I don't use it much. Grabbing the Military instead in most instances.
43. Bob Lum Chinese Folder--- Interesting knife and I might buy one if it was a bit larger.
46. Bill Moran FB trailing point---
47. Bill Moran FB drop point---
I have two of the original mirror polished, one is my wife's campknife. And I bought a droppoint. All useful handy knives at a nice price point. I would buy more of the droppoint if I lost the others.
50. Police model necklace--- I bought two of these. Neither my wife or I wear them. Probably would not buy more.
No real opinions on the others except the Toad offends my senses and I don't carry knives as primary self defense weapons so the MBC line is not my cup of tea. I feel the one I have in my pocket can do the job if I keep it sharp and can deploy it cleanly.
Well, here are my pics. No real logic behind my choices, other than that these aren't my favorites. (bot not that they're bad knives, though... well, you guys know what I'm saying...)
11. CoPilot
14. Catcherman FRN handle
17. Snap it
19. Dragonfly stainless handle
32. Viele
33. Bob Lum Tanto
37. Tim Zowada
41. Massad Ayoob
50. Police model necklace
51. Police model tie clip
11. CoPilot
14. Catcherman FRN handle
17. Snap it
19. Dragonfly stainless handle
32. Viele
33. Bob Lum Tanto
37. Tim Zowada
41. Massad Ayoob
50. Police model necklace
51. Police model tie clip
Ok, I love all all but Id say these could go to make space for the new, one thing thou, DONT EVEN THINK OF THOUCHING THE CHIN OR GUNTINGS OR MILITARY, these are blades that will be needed in the next milenium, nearly having heart failure here,lol.
Catcherman FRN handle
Police model tie clip
D'Holder Toad
Calypso Jr. stainless handle
Delica trainer (red FRN)
Endura Trainer (red FRN)
Harpy Stainless handle
Police Model Stainless handle
Good luck Sal, hard choice for you Im sure.
Keep well
MaNcEr
Edited by - MaNcEr on 5/10/2001 1:13:12 AM
Edited by - MaNcEr on 5/10/2001 1:19:38 AM
Catcherman FRN handle
Police model tie clip
D'Holder Toad
Calypso Jr. stainless handle
Delica trainer (red FRN)
Endura Trainer (red FRN)
Harpy Stainless handle
Police Model Stainless handle
Good luck Sal, hard choice for you Im sure.
Keep well
MaNcEr
Edited by - MaNcEr on 5/10/2001 1:13:12 AM
Edited by - MaNcEr on 5/10/2001 1:19:38 AM
Rather than listing specific spyderco models to keep or cull my .02 cents is more for types of knives.
Since a lot of "eye" appeal sells knives rather than function keep those knives that offer the most "eye
candy" for that market. For the knife buyer who wants fuction keep all the knives that are flat ground
lockback with "grippable" handles. I'm gona' get flammed for this next statement ,but, scrap ALL
linerlock knives in the line. Consider this....all of the "new" locking systems today are a type of
lockback. I personally don't trust linerlocks nor do I use them. I really wanted a spyderco chinese
but didn't buy one due to the linerlock. Lastly keep all knives with sales volumes that warrant inclusion
in the product line.
Since a lot of "eye" appeal sells knives rather than function keep those knives that offer the most "eye
candy" for that market. For the knife buyer who wants fuction keep all the knives that are flat ground
lockback with "grippable" handles. I'm gona' get flammed for this next statement ,but, scrap ALL
linerlock knives in the line. Consider this....all of the "new" locking systems today are a type of
lockback. I personally don't trust linerlocks nor do I use them. I really wanted a spyderco chinese
but didn't buy one due to the linerlock. Lastly keep all knives with sales volumes that warrant inclusion
in the product line.
1. Police SS
2. Snap It
3. Dyad Jr. FRN
4. Viele
5. D'Holder Toad (Do another D'Holder Knife)
6. J.D. Smith
7. Massad Ayoob
8. Moran FB01
9. Necklace (Do a different design each year)
10. Tie Clip (Change Design)
I would also like to see a G-10 Native instead of the FRN. Possibly with some color!!!
"LOVE DEM SPYDIES!"
AKTI Member #A001251
2. Snap It
3. Dyad Jr. FRN
4. Viele
5. D'Holder Toad (Do another D'Holder Knife)
6. J.D. Smith
7. Massad Ayoob
8. Moran FB01
9. Necklace (Do a different design each year)
10. Tie Clip (Change Design)
I would also like to see a G-10 Native instead of the FRN. Possibly with some color!!!
"LOVE DEM SPYDIES!"
AKTI Member #A001251
Sal, it's nice of you to ask online Spyderco fans for their opinions on which models should be "retired." I was tempted to respond immediately upon reading the post but decided to wait awhile to let my emotions calm down before saying anything. (Engage brain before putting mouth into gear). It hurt to see my personal sentimental favorites on someone else's hit list but I'm okay now.
My recommendation is to let the market decide--in terms of model profitability--which models will continue and which models will retire. IMO, the evolution of Spyderco knife designs is one of the chief reasons for the company's success.(Stagnation is a bad word). Spyderco should be applauded for bringing creative, innovative, and radical knife designs to the market--even if a particular design did not have apparent mass appeal. Because production resources are finite, less popular models identified through slow sales should give way to newer designs (possibly the next "big thing"<img src="wink.gif" width=15 height=15 align=middle>. To be sure, the market will identify--through continued sales--which knives are classics and should be kept in production.
Spyderco should monitor the small, medium, and large knife categories and ensure that all categories contain an adequate number of designs (EDC, tactical, hunting, etc.) that are each evaluated annually for updating or replacement by any one of the many other knives in the design pipeline.
As much as I would hate to see the SS Police, JD Smith, and Shabaria be taken out of production, if the model profitability analysis say they should "go" then so be it. Let's look forward to the bigger and better things to come from Sypderco.
My recommendation is to let the market decide--in terms of model profitability--which models will continue and which models will retire. IMO, the evolution of Spyderco knife designs is one of the chief reasons for the company's success.(Stagnation is a bad word). Spyderco should be applauded for bringing creative, innovative, and radical knife designs to the market--even if a particular design did not have apparent mass appeal. Because production resources are finite, less popular models identified through slow sales should give way to newer designs (possibly the next "big thing"<img src="wink.gif" width=15 height=15 align=middle>. To be sure, the market will identify--through continued sales--which knives are classics and should be kept in production.
Spyderco should monitor the small, medium, and large knife categories and ensure that all categories contain an adequate number of designs (EDC, tactical, hunting, etc.) that are each evaluated annually for updating or replacement by any one of the many other knives in the design pipeline.
As much as I would hate to see the SS Police, JD Smith, and Shabaria be taken out of production, if the model profitability analysis say they should "go" then so be it. Let's look forward to the bigger and better things to come from Sypderco.