Posted: Sat Aug 16, 2014 8:29 pm
I just don't like how much blade they grind away in sharpening the new Delicas and Enduras. Looks like I've owned and used them for years.
Blerv, I wasn't claiming to have a statistical study on my hands. What I do have is real life examples of poor fit and finish. I understand that I can send a knife back to Spyderco for repair, as I've done it on 2 knives over the years. What I don't understand is defending poor quality. I feel that it is completely realistic to expect a knife that costs >$100 to have good fit/finish out of the box. I love Spyderco knives as much as the next guy, but also have the objectivity to realize that no company is perfect. The only way that Sal, et. al, will know about quality issues is to hear from the end user.Blerv wrote:Getting one or two knives not meeting your ideal specs doesn't mean a slip of F&F but rather a bad statistical dice toss from makers that finish knives on power belts. In order to see a global decrease in F&F quality you would have compare a large number over time, or even of the same model.
The only thing consistent with the Japanese makers is an increase in MRSP over years past and that's a problem with the economy.
In almost every case if someone isn't satisfied with a knife they can return it to Spyderco with a note explaining their lack of satisfaction. In a short amount of time either they will get an explanation or a new knife (likely the latter). Both the company and the makers in Japan are extremely proud of their products. They are also human which inherently means they can make mistakes.
PS: As a side-note, my understanding is grinding a perfect wharncliff is a very difficult task. While it shouldn't look like a hawkbill the possibility of having a slight curve is always there just like having a perfectly symmetrical grind is unlikely (human hands < robot hands)
Yes, it is great that we have a place where we have a place to voice our opinions both good and bad of our favorite product line. The members here are a terrific group. Plus we can directly interact with a owner and his team who listen to what we have to say both good and bad.timlara wrote:I, too, appreciate that we have the ability to speak candidly about Spyderco products here. As long as the feedback is given politely and in a constructive way (as I think morgaj1's was), Spyderco can benefit greatly. In an era where so many companies don't seem to care what their customers think (as long as products are moving), it is refreshing that Sal & Co take the time to not only listen to end-line-user feedback, but often actually act on it as well. It's a huge reason why I will give Spyderco my hard earned money again and again, even if I have an occasional problem or two.
I'm not attempting to squelch anyone's voice nor am defending poor quality. Just saying the difference between having a few knives with less than expected levels of f&f is more an anecdotal example rather than a trend. For the same reason the last half dozen or so of my Japanese Spydies surely wouldn't be an example of climbing QC.morgaj1 wrote:Blerv, I wasn't claiming to have a statistical study on my hands. What I do have is real life examples of poor fit and finish. I understand that I can send a knife back to Spyderco for repair, as I've done it on 2 knives over the years. What I don't understand is defending poor quality. I feel that it is completely realistic to expect a knife that costs >$100 to have good fit/finish out of the box. I love Spyderco knives as much as the next guy, but also have the objectivity to realize that no company is perfect. The only way that Sal, et. al, will know about quality issues is to hear from the end user.
I'm following you. I've had the Kiwi4, a Delica, a Manbug and a Dragonfly recently that had what I would consider QC issues.Blerv wrote:I'm not attempting to squelch anyone's voice nor am defending poor quality. Just saying the difference between having a few knives with less than expected levels of f&f is more an anecdotal example rather than a trend. For the same reason the last half dozen or so of my Japanese Spydies surely wouldn't be an example of climbing QC.
I bet Sal and co appreciate all the feedback. They alone know the percentage of returned knives from each maker and can chart their historical accuracy. My guess is Taichung is higher than most but based mainly on being a smaller facility, producing less knives per year, and less of those being sprints which tend to be less accurate due to learning curves.
Again, not trying to invalidate anyone's experience, just pointing out the difference in definitions which is irrelevant to a few frustrating examples. I certainly would send them in with feedback requesting a second look...that's another way QC can be maintained.
As a side note...was it just the Kiwi that failed your expectations? Second knife from Moki? Which models and how many examples? Just trying to clarify.
Ah ok. The Kiwi isn't made by the people who did the Dragonfly or Manbug.morgaj1 wrote:I'm following you. I've had the Kiwi4, a Delica, a Manbug and a Dragonfly recently that had what I would consider QC issues.
Hadn't occurred to me that the uneven and unequal reveal lines on my cladded Stretch SB sprint were a QC issue, but, if they are, I'll mention it here for Sal's benefit. Apart from these lines (suggesting a needed tweak of a robot or a more senior guy at the grinder?), my knife falls entirely within my tolerances.anagarika wrote:My only Japan made is Endura SB. Other than asymmetrical SB-420J lines on both sides of blade which is only slight and expected, it's perfect (none of centering, lockup, bladeplay, etc. issue).
It's not a QC issue. They have been uneven and wavy from Spyderco's first use of that technique about a decade ago. I'm not sure mechanical automation on that level would cure the issue but it's probably not even an option unless Ford or Toyota decide to start making pocket knives.wrdwrght wrote:Hadn't occurred to me that the uneven and unequal reveal lines on my cladded Stretch SB sprint were a QC issue, but, if they are, I'll mention it here for Sal's benefit. Apart from these lines (suggesting a needed tweak of a robot or a more senior guy at the grinder?), my knife falls entirely within my tolerances.