Sal any update on kitchen knives?

Blerv · #81

I think sal mentioned at one point they are considering using Carpenter steel. That would mean being made in Golden or Taiwan. It would give a price point better than Japan and not have the stigma of less quality.

I cant wait. There is a large void between the $30 block sets and the $200+ per knife world.

captnvegtble · #82

I thought sal said they would be made in China to hit the price point of ~$30-$60.

Blerv · #83

captnvegtble wrote:I thought sal said they would be made in China to hit the price point of ~$30-$60.

They did originally but then were talking about using Carpenter. Maybe my recollection is off and anything is subject to change.

captnvegtble · #84

Blerv wrote:They did originally but then were talking about using Carpenter. Maybe my recollection is off and anything is subject to change.

Well that would be welcome news. I would prefer a set of Spyderco kitchen knives be made with Carpenter steel in the U.S. or Taiwan.

maa14 · #85

Blerv wrote:They did originally but then were talking about using Carpenter. Maybe my recollection is off and anything is subject to change.

Yea I remember they were talking about BD1

Ferris Wheels · #86

rlw1979777 wrote:I think the idea of sprint run knives for a nice kitchen block could bring a level of intoxication that could bring around a new market. I can think of a few that to me would be awesome additions as the set would progress for the block. This could end up being something that not only would people be proud of their kitchen knives, but also play the lego routine of showing personality.

Think if there were a set of steak knives one year in H1 Steel and had CF with SS bolsters?
Or a Santouku that was released with IronWood Handles and SuperBlue?
Or a Santouku with CF and VG10?
Or even a Chef Knife in Elmax, or CPM154 with Stone handles, like Coral, or Pearl and Abalone?
Anyone be down for a S90v Utility Knife?
What about a triangle sharpening rod that could fit in the block?
The possibilities could be offered over time and allow for some of these more costly steels to be released for those that want something special.

This type of idea could bring a whole new marketshare for Spyderco, and agree it would be hard to implement when it comes to tooling, but a investment of 2 grand over a few years could be an awesome centerpiece for the kitchen that I know I would personally use everyday. As I still use my Santouku everyday eventhough it is showing her age. The block could even have variations. The pick and pull mentality of having lower priced entry level knives to grab, or going more high end on knives could be something that can pull on the hobby of collecting, but also something that can and probably would be used on a daily basis.

I think this is an awesome idea!!! I for one would love the ability to add quality kitchen knives utilizing unique handle materials and exotic steels over time so the pocket book didn't have to take the hit all at once. A program like this would quickly develop a large following if the Para2 and other recent sprints are any indication.

jabba359 · #87

I'm typing on my phone, so can't search at the same time, but I believe Carpenter's BD1 is being sent to China to make these knives. So if my memory serves me correctly, they will be made in China, but use U.S. steel.

Bill1170 · #88

jabba359 wrote:I'm typing on my phone, so can't search at the same time, but I believe Carpenter's BD1 is being sent to China to make these knives. So if my memory serves me correctly, they will be made in China, but use U.S. steel.

Yes, that is what Sal wrote in this very thread last year.

Blerv · #89

Ah thanks guys! I recall that now but went with the default rule of steel and place of origin.

Bill1170 · #90

The BD-1 should be similar in performance to the Chinese 9Cr18Mo used on Mule Team #4, which holds up extremely well in my own kitchen. At Rc 59 it outperforms all our other knives except my $100 Shun. It is at the sweet spot of value and performance in my opinion. Both those steels have 0.9% carbon.

Jurisprudence · #91

What models are being considered? Chef, utility, pairing, etc?

Not looking for ETA or blade steel, as those have been discussed.

#92

Right now we're working with Chinese makers to teach them to use CTS BD1. Carpenter has laid the foundation for having BD1 inventoried in China for our (& others) knives. Heat treatment is a tad "tricky" and we're not there yet. We've been testing samples as they make them.

At this time we're considering a K04 in plain and serrated (6.5" utility) a KO5 in serrated (4.5" utility), a shape similar to the Santoku (KO8), and a paring knife (KO9).

Interesting thought on the hi-line variations.

sal

Pinetreebbs · #93

Bill1170 wrote:The BD-1 should be similar in performance to the Chinese 9Cr18Mo used on Mule Team #4, which holds up extremely well in my own kitchen. At Rc 59 it outperforms all our other knives except my $100 Shun. It is at the sweet spot of value and performance in my opinion. Both those steels have 0.9% carbon.

It's the same in our house. The Chinese Mule is my favorite tomato slicer, easy to keep sharp and it has taken on a nice patina too.

BTW, since giving my wife a Pink native and Squeak, she is very interested i Spyderco kitchen knives, "I want a set." is her reaction to Sal's post.

Delica77 · #94

I have a Kai chef's knife made of VG10 and it's the sharpest kitchen knife I've ever used. Good rust resistance too. VG10 would be an excellent choice for Spyderco, though it would be more costly than a Chinese steel. What about H1, if edge retention is good enough? Depends on what market segment is being targeted. Kai is not as expensive as Shun, but still very high in quality.

But there's definitely a market for something different that incorporates a few Spyderco design features like well placed jimping and ergonomic handles.

D1omedes · #95

sal wrote:Right now we're working with Chinese makers to teach them to use CTS BD1. Carpenter has laid the foundation for having BD1 inventoried in China for our (& others) knives. Heat treatment is a tad "tricky" and we're not there yet. We've been testing samples as they make them.

At this time we're considering a K04 in plain and serrated (6.5" utility) a KO5 in serrated (4.5" utility), a shape similar to the Santoku (KO8), and a paring knife (KO9).

Interesting thought on the hi-line variations.

sal

Great news, Sal. I am excited to hear that Chinese makers are willing to use non-domestic steel. I'm sure you guys will be able to figure out the heat treat process in time. So is it safe to assume that you are holding off on a kitchen block set in order to see how well sales will be with several different models?

Oh, are you planning on phasing out 8cr13mov for BD1 on your Chinese-made knives?

#96

We're working on block designs as well, but as you say, they will be later. We'd like to go to BD1 on all of the models. We, and Carpenter working with a few makers on the steel.

sal

The Deacon · #97

sal wrote:At this time we're considering a K04 in plain and serrated (6.5" utility) a KO5 in serrated (4.5" utility), a shape similar to the Santoku (KO8), and a paring knife (KO9).

sal

Excellent news, Sal. Glad to hear this project is moving forward. Do wish you'd consider offering the plain edge K05 Utility Knife as well as the serrated, and perhaps give some thought to offering a smaller version of the Santoku.

tonydahose · #98

don't worry Paul, i bet Sal will send you a modified version of the K05 in plain edge :)

Jurisprudence · #99

sal wrote:Right now we're working with Chinese makers to teach them to use CTS BD1. Carpenter has laid the foundation for having BD1 inventoried in China for our (& others) knives. Heat treatment is a tad "tricky" and we're not there yet. We've been testing samples as they make them.

At this time we're considering a K04 in plain and serrated (6.5" utility) a KO5 in serrated (4.5" utility), a shape similar to the Santoku (KO8), and a paring knife (KO9).

Interesting thought on the hi-line variations.

sal

Thanks, Sal. Nice offering. Looking forward to these.

Glad to hear about the testing. I trust you all will work out the challenges. I think you have a good steal for reasonably priced kitchen knives.

#100

The Deacon wrote:Excellent news, Sal. Glad to hear this project is moving forward. Do wish you'd consider offering the plain edge K05 Utility Knife as well as the serrated, and perhaps give some thought to offering a smaller version of the Santoku.

Certainly not impossible on the plain KO5. What size did you have in mind on the Santoku style?

sal