Spyderco Challenge Coin?

phillipsted · #1

I searched, but didn't find any discussions about challenge coins on the Forum. Has Spyderco ever released a challenge coin?

I think these would be a very popular item. Especially with the company's focus on Tactical Ops - challenge coins could serve as a great advertising tool. They can be relatively inexpensive to design/manufacture these days - and Spyderco could sell them for $10-$15 each through SFO.

Sal, is this something you and your team have talked about?

TedP

CombatGrappler · #2

They've got the Spyderco pewter beads....why not a challenge coin? Great idea!

Mr Blonde · #3

There are a few OpFocus challenge coins floating around from Spyderco, I know of at least one.

Cheddarnut · #4

Pardon me gentlemen, but what exactly is a challenge coin?

GTPowers · #5

Cheddarnut wrote:Pardon me gentlemen, but what exactly is a challenge coin?

+1

Pockets · #6

Ooh, put me down for one! It'll go nicely with the EDCF one I plan to buy.

http://lmgtfy.com/?q=challenge+coin

:D

boxer93 · #7

I believe that many challenge coins are based through military units. I'm not sure what challenge is issued. A few years ago I created a coin for our boy scout troop. In it's design I have a simple challenge. If you do you 'slogan' that day you switch pockets that the coin is in. I'll see if I can post a pic. Also I used Northwest mint http://www.nwtmint.com and their website shows many examples of challenge coins.
My .03USD
Chris
[ATTACH]20979[/ATTACH]
[ATTACH]20980[/ATTACH]

RedRunner · #8

That probably would not interest me. I suspect Spyderco would want to see an overwhelming interest in products like this before producing it. I can understand the fringe or unique knife, but not sure of the use or value of a Spyderco challenge coin.

eagletalon · #9

+1 for challenge coin. I think this would be a great idea. If it happens, I'm in.

Minibear453 · #10

I'm definitely interested. What would be engraved upon this coin though?

The Deacon · #11

GTPowers wrote:
Cheddarnut wrote:Pardon me gentlemen, but what exactly is a challenge coin?
+1

+2 Never been one to pass up a Spyderco trinket, but I have no idea of how/when/why a challenge coin is really used. To me, the name evokes images of situations where excessive amounts of testosterone collide with excessive amounts of alcohol.

ChaoticLuck · #12

I doubt the situation would ever arise unless at a convention, meet up, or if you normally hang around with a bunch of knife nuts, either way I'd love to own one.

Very cool idea.

phillipsted · #13

I never challenge folks to produce their coins - but I *do* collect them. I'll take a photo of my collection and post it later today. They are interesting, and inexpensive mementos.

TedP

IG-88 · #14

phillipsted wrote:I never challenge folks to produce their coins - but I *do* collect them. I'll take a photo of my collection and post it later today. They are interesting, and inexpensive mementos.

TedP

+1

Would like one more for the collection than for challenging people. A very good idea!

VashHash · #15

Spyderco "challenge" I picture that old tap dancer from Bill Cosby and he starts dancing and whoever wins keeps their knives. Or you could just flip for it heads my spyder tails your spyder. I would probably buy one

SCARLETT · #16

Up here in the cold tundra we use challenge coins at the LEO/ military pubs gatherings. The idea is if someone pulls the challenge coin out and slaps it on the bar everyone must do the same. The poor sucker who doesn't have one on him must buy the round. If everyone pulls it out then the sucker that challenged must buy the round.

When I forget my challenge coin I just slap my ATR on the table. That sometimes distracts the challenge but I always end up paying anyway.

phillipsted · #17

What should be on a Spyderco coin? I'm thinking that one side needs to have a large Spyder logo, at least. Then there are the words. Candidates could include:

"First we made things sharp...Then we made sharp things"

"All God's Critters Have Knives"

"Golden, Colorado, U.S.A., Earth"

Just took a quick snapshot of the coins I've got in my office. I've got some others at home that are "less special" or are mass produced. TedP

#18

Here's a link to the Wikipedia page that explains the origin and purpose of challenge coins: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Challenge_coin.

Up until about 10-15 years ago, they were pretty much limited to military and LE units and given out only to personal friends and associates by unit members. In recent years they have become more commercialized and often used as a "keepsake" item for special events.

When Spyderco started the OpFocus program, Kristi and I pushed for challenge coins that we could share in the original spirit of the coin--only to close associates who understood and shared the tradition. We produced a limited number of WarriorChip challenge coins for that purpose, but they are not commercially available to the public.

If you'd like one that is available for purchase, please voice your opinion here.

Stay safe,

Mike

Joshua J. · #19

I would buy one, If only to prove how much of a fan of the company you are. I actually carry my Scrapyard challenge coin in my wallet (a big ID carrier) but I've heard of a lot more Spyderco collectors in my area, and in general.

ChaoticLuck · #20

As something to collect I would definitely like to own one, maybe even two.