Spyderco Collector Program

#1

Since this issue has come up recently, I feel that some explanation might be in order regarding what our collector program is all about. I’m posting this on both Bladeforums and the Spyderco Site forum. Since some might be expecting other that what we can do, confusion exists. There is one poor collector that feels they are plagued with poor quality and are losing interest. I am sorry that confusion exists. I will try to deal with the individual questions in their respective threads. Keeping up has been difficult lately, apologies, running a business has its challenges.

As a relevant sideline, I would like to say that the interest in knives is a somewhat unique study with surprising depth. Knives being one of human’s oldest tools, the concept has had tens of thousands of years to develop and refine. Evolve you might say. And because each cultural area of the world developed their own styles of knives, the information available is seemingly endless. I have been involved in knives since I was a young child and I still earn something new about knives every day. I realize that many are new to this interest in knives (less than 5 years). I believe that the more you learn and understand about quality, innovation and performance in knives, the more you will appreciate Spyderco’s efforts.

In the world of knives, Spyderco has elected to pursue reliable high performance as our niche. One we feel is worthy of the effort extended. In this endless pursuit to “jump higher and run faster”, we have introduced many concepts and materials to the knife industry.

Spyderco was the first company to make a one hander, we introduced clips and put serrations on the map. Spyderco was the first American company to use ATS-34. The fist American company to make a linerlock. The fist to use G-10, carbon fiber, titanium and integral clips. We introduced ATS-55, VG-10 and Powdered metals to the production knife world. The first to make “Snap-Its”, “Remote Release” fastening methods. The first to use a lazer to cut out pictures in a blade. The first to use wire clips, etc. etc. As a result of the new innovations that we keep introducing to the industry, there were some that wanted to be sure to get early versions of these innovations. In the case of short runs, like the CF Civvie, collectors would be sure of getting one. That’s why we have a collector club.

When we do something new, there are ALWAYS glitches and imperfections in early pieces. They can never be perfect because we are pioneering both in concept and materials. As a models life progresses, there are refinements, improvements and changes as we learn about the new concepts. If one is seeking perfect or near perfect knives, one should be getting the last run, not the first. These would be the designs that have has the time and history to refine.

I apologize if anyone thought that early models with new concepts should be flawless. Spyderco always extends our best effort to create as good a knife as we can. We stand behind them, test them regularly, maintain relationships with our customers and appreciate feedback.

“New” is always difficult. Please try to keep this in mind when judging our products.

Thanx.

sal

The Cool · #2

"New" is why I love Spyderco's.

Thanks for continually pushing the design envelope Mr Glesser.

swede · #3

Sal,
Thanks for the informative note. Your innovation is what keeps me a Spyderco collector, knowing that early models are always "early experiments". You take risks that most other companies don't. Keep the ideas coming and I'll keep coming back.
Dave (#37)

AllenETreat · #4

sal :

Putting it mildly, <img src="spyder.gif" width=15 height=15 align=middle border=0> makes THE VERY BEST! Bar NONE! You'll get your occassional "stickler"<img src="wink.gif" width=15 height=15 align=middle border=0> but ya' can't please the whole Goddamn world either!
For example : I own 27 Spydies, that should speak for itself. When I "deviate" and get some other make, I get this "weird" feeling & buy another Spydie ( just ask glasshartt<img src="wink.gif" width=15 height=15 align=middle border=0>) NOBODYS
PERFECT! NOBODY!

ATE <img src="wink.gif" width=15 height=15 align=middle border=0>

OBTW : I thought the thread was about somethin' similar to the Witness Protection Program <img src="tongue.gif" width=15 height=15 align=middle border=0>

dialex · #5

I also used to mess up with knives since i was a kid and when I saw a Spyderco I just knew it's the knife for me. Call it love at first sight if you like <img src="smile.gif" width=15 height=15 align=middle border=0> The only reason I'd pick now another knife than a spidie would be just plain curiosity (a closer look to a particular locking system, assisted opening or something).
<marquee loop=infinite ><a href="http://users.pcnet.ro/dialex">(my webpage)</a></marquee>

fredswartz · #6

Never thought of new production glitches in that respect. An eye opener.

antichristina · #7

Sorry quality is what Spyderco WAS known for I had to unfortunatly drop out of the collector's club when the quality was no longer up to my standards!
last ten knives i got were crapier than expected.

java · #8

Rant on! Arrrrrrgh! The Quality issue again!!! I tuned in here thinking this would be the informative answer on what, where, and how to join the Collector's Club! Boy was I ever suprised. Instead of useful guidance, we got a sales pitch and explanation of an issue that, I thought, had been put to bed.

Okay, I'll bite where in Sal's post with the exception of "In the case of short runs, like the CF Civvie, collectors would be sure of getting one. That’s why we have a collector club." did we learn of the Collector's Club (or program). I agree with what was espoused above and that's just one of the reasons I am a collector and always will be. An occasional slip and working out the bugs explanation is fine as long as Spyderco says they're working' on it. This is the same post that was on BF with more details and it is the essence of what was iterated on JustHoosierSharp103daddyme’s “On the SPOT” post. Golden and Japan are all over this puppy! (BTW Antichristina: Nice Freudian comma slip comma – but I never knew Spyderco to be known for sorry quality <img src="wink.gif" width=15 height=15 align=middle border=0>) "Nuff said!!!

So now, back to the topic of this post.....where did it go??? Has somebody hijacked Sal and posted this AGAIN in his name?? Spyderco Collectors Club/Program…speak up. I know your silken spydery voice is waiting to be heard that others may bask in the knowledge of your existence! Well, I guess we’ll just have to call Joan and get the straight stuff. Meanwhile here goes a slight description and rant mode is now off:

Anytime Spyderco produces a new model, the first 201 (00 – 200) pieces are numbered for Collectors. As a collector, you agree to purchase one of each new model manufactured. Any variations that are produced will be offered individually and numbered with your collector number follwed by a V - i.e."068V". You are not obligated to purchase all variations and will be given the option to buy as each becomes available. Variations may include different blade configurations, handle colors, etc. You are notified of the variations and must respond yea or nay to purchase them. You normally select a local authorized Spyderco dealer and must arrange payment and pricing through them. If there are no dealers near you, you may ask to have SFO ship directly to you. Normal warranty applies and if Spyderco replaces a knife they determine is defective, the new knife is engraved and will include a period following the number to indicate the second numbering – i.e. “068.”. For numbers not assigned to a collector, those numbered knives are shipped out in Spyderco’s regular product flow. New collectors do not normally receive previously issued models.

For more information, call Joan Parsons at Spyderco, Ext. 103.

Thank you for your cooperation!!

Stay safe! Stay sharp!

Edited by - java on 11/20/2002 5:05:08 PM

mac_heath · #9

That's why I don't buy the latest computer technology, it still has bugs. You can perform all the laboratory and field simulation tests you want, but until the product gets into the hands of the end users, it hasn't been really tested.

Methinks antichristina has an axe to grind. I don't think I've seen one positive post regarding spyderco or its knives.

<a href=http://www.spyderco.com/forum/Topic.asp ... Frequently Used Terms</a>

Praise not the day ere evening has come,
a sword before it is tried,
ice before it has been crossed,
and beer until it is drunk.

#10

Hey Java. It wasn't a sales pitch, it was an explanation. A effort to get this dialog about knives back on track. A place where the sharing of information about our knives was the goal.

Perhaps that is no longer possible?

sal

Just Me · #11

Java,
Obviously the "on the Spot" post and that other one that listed concerns and issues on recently received knives that were not exactly perfect has not set well with Sal.

We should probably keep our judgemental critiques in private e mails and off the Spyderco Company forum. We are clearly off track, like the man says.

Over and out,
The above mentioned "Poor Collector"-correction , make that Ex-collector.

java · #12

Guys,

Sorry if I stepped on some toes. I made an assumption this post was on the collectors club/program. Got the wrong info, ranted about it, posted what I thought might help collectors club wanabes, made a weak comment regarding AntiC's grammar, turned the rant mode off, and left. If there are any more questions on the Collectors Club - call Joan. I'm gonna leave some more.....nothin' more to say here fer now. Back to the blades with ya!! <img src="smile.gif" width=15 height=15 align=middle border=0>

"A hole-less knife is a soul-less knife is a whole less knife" -Javanese proverb

knifepunk · #13

hey antichristina, if you think <img src="spyder.gif" width=15 height=15 align=middle border=0>'s are so Crapy, then why the **** are you posting here? why dont you go to the dick head forum where you Belong.

------

java · #14

KP,

Yike!!! Remind me not to torque you off!! <img src="wink.gif" width=15 height=15 align=middle border=0> That rather no-so-thinly veiled slam at the Anti-C will earn a smack with the butt end of a Temperance or Fred Perin FB from Carlos and Sal or a personal full contact demo Tapi from Bram with a Gunting (Trainer or Live - your choice).

I messed up in my assumption from reading the title of this post. Remember the old adage about two wrongs, let's get back to speakin' spydies, and I'll post an OT about how to deal with three wrongs!

"A hole-less knife is a soul-less knife is a whole less knife" -Javanese proverb

antichristina · #15

Well the quality started to drop off when the Spyderco quality control or quanity control dept. Started hiring "non" knife people qc-ing folders. If you were a big wig at spyderco would'nt you want knowledgable "knife people" Exspecially for the "collectors club" in QC? These people (collectors)are comitted to buying one of everything whether they like it or not. Plus paying full retail in my mind I would be **** sure they all looked good aq'd would'nt someone who is COLLECTING want a good piece for their collection not some crap run noboby qc'd!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! or nobody who knew what to look for qc'd it.

Edited by - antichristina on 11/24/2002 7:53:04 AM

#16

Actually, the compaints about the finish on the inside of the micart SPOT stopped production while we seek a solution.

The inside of the Micarta SPOT handle is not an easy place to finish. There was one suggestion to "spend an extra 10 or 15 minutes" and finish by hand. Average machine shop labor time is about $50/hr. 10 or 15 minutes of labor adds $25 - $50 to the retail price of an item. That is not a practical solution. We're working on a CNC solution at this time, but even that takes time. The finish on the SPOT inside handle is not a QC issue. It is a cost of mfg issue.

I guess we could just drop the micarta and tumble it (the absolute cheapest form of finish) and then coat in in a Black oxide to cover all of the imperfections. That would be much cheaper, of course, there would be no crisp grind lines or nice satin finish.

I think the knowledgable knife people would know that it was not a high quality finish like the current Micarta SPOT currently has. A satin finish on a hollow ground knife with crisp grind lines is one of the highest quality finish (difficult to do) 2nd only to maiden hair finish and high hand polish.

Hey Christopher. I actually got rid of the "big wigs" in both executive and mfg positions. We also got rid of the "bad attitudes".

Susan is managing QC (15 years) backed up by John (9 years) and Eric. Donna is doing QC (7 years). I do not believe that we are having a QC problem. Maybe we're having a troll problem?

sal

dogrunner · #17

I have posted this comment elsewhere on this forum, but I'd like to underline what Sal said about QC: I have a micarta SPOT. It is like the others, rough finish on the inside of the cut-outs. With all due respect to collectors and others, as a user, I don't see this as a quality problem. Appearance is not *that* awful. I probably wouldn't even have paid any attention to it if it hadn't been flagged by others. In no way is the functionality of this knife compromised by the way it was made (I will change my mind if the micarta falls off), and the appearance is hardly dimished either. The latter is obviously a matter of personal preference and may (sticking my neck out here) be more critical to collectors who may have specific expectations that general users might not have (wrt finish, as opposed to function and overall appearance). My $.02. Maybe I'm not picky enuf, but I've been pretty happy with my most recent Spyderco purchases (SPOT, Lil Temp, SS Dragonfly).

scolby · #18

A tangent to this topic for perspective.

I got back into knife knuttery about 3 years ago after a 15 year hiatus. I started with Spyderco folders, and I still think they are the best of the pack, overall, of the true contract/mass production houses.

That said, I have been able to find the resources to purchase handmade knives as well. I currently own 5 handmade "custom" knives. If you want near-perfection, and the knowledge that the entire knife, with all parts and pieces, has been handled and finished as a whole, then PUT YOUR MONEY WHERE YOUR CRITICISM IS!!!

Buy a handmade knife. If something is missing, send it back and get it refinished, by the maker, as part of your original deal. There are many handmade knives available in the $300 - $500 range that will fulfill your knife duties/desires. Some of them even have holes in them. <img src="smile.gif" width=15 height=15 align=middle border=0>

"Chance favors the prepared mind" - Louis Pasteur

J Smith · #19

Is anti c the same person that used to be spyderholic?

SOOOO!,I see the internet is on the computer now!....Homer Simpson

Bruceter · #20

Hey Jeff,

That would be my guess.

Bruceter