Spyderco Forums

i know this has been brought up here multiple times in the past. i’m not a huge fan of gerber, but it would be awesome to see this work out for them and possibly spread to other makers like spyderco. for certain models, the parts are already available to make it happen, at least on a small scale. it would just require some extra work at the factories.

https://everydaycarry.com/gerber-custom-knives

It's pretty easy to customize your own knife these days. Parts are available in the aftermarket for most of the more popular Spydies and Spyderco is putting out more blade steel variants as factory models than the Gerber custom shop seems to offer. The Gerber shop seems to be leaning heavily on cosmetic options such as laser engraved images rather than actual modifications or upgrades.

it would be nice to be able to order your favorite knife in your favorite configuration without buying multiple knives and aftermarket parts. this wouldn’t hurt the aftermarket really because most of that stuff is more specialized than just a different color g10. they also can’t offer frn in different colors, so people are only left with the option to buy multiple copies and pierce something together.

at any rate, it seems like it should be possible to order your favorite blade with dlc if you want it and in whatever color g10 you like that spyderco already offers. you’d pay more for it and it would be a special order, but it should be possible.

anyway, if it works for gerber, it would show that it’s not impossible and that would be cool. just a thought.

Hi Ladybug,

The only path that I can see would be to create a model for that purpose and plan the options before we begin.

sal

It's just my opinion but if you want a custom knife then order one and wait on it. Spyderco excels at high quality production knives. I have a few custom knives. They are cool. When I reach for something that I want to use it is inevitability Spyderco.

Medford has one now, and it's pretty flashy. It's happening with every maker.

Medford calls it the CONFIGURATOR
https://www.medfordknife.com/product/co ... =black-pvd

jdw wrote: ↑

Sat May 09, 2020 6:51 pm

It's just my opinion but if you want a custom knife then order one and wait on it. Spyderco excels at high quality production knives. I have a few custom knives. They are cool. When I reach for something that I want to use it is inevitability Spyderco.

don’t get me wrong... i love my spyderco knives. it would just be fun to have a few options when ordering.

I think it would be exciting to spec out a custom slip joint (similar to a ukpk or urban), something that Spyderco can build efficiently, and sell for in the ballpark of $200.

I think it’s also worth considering that going to the custom shop to buy the same piece that xyz dealer/distributor owns the rights to is not something that I would expect (or want) Spyderco to do.

I wonder if Spyderco would consider offering a new design slip joint in the 2.75” range and a locking blade in the 3.25” to 3.5” range as models exclusive to the custom shop. Could they do a simplified caribbean-like locking design and keep the cost to under $300 with multiple steel and handle material options?

Just imagine a direct order custom shop knife, get it just how you want it, laser etch on the blade and you have it in 4-6 weeks...sign me up!

BG-ThatsMe wrote: ↑

Sat May 09, 2020 7:24 pm

I wonder if Spyderco would consider offering a new design slip joint in the 2.75” range and a locking blade in the 3.25” to 3.5” range as models exclusive to the custom shop. Could they do a simplified caribbean-like locking design and keep the cost to under $300 with multiple steel and handle material options?

Just imagine a direct order custom shop knife, get it just how you want it, laser etch on the blade and you have it in 4-6 weeks...sign me up!

No knives with blades under 3.75 inches for me.

sal wrote: ↑

Sat May 09, 2020 6:50 pm

Hi Ladybug,

The only path that I can see would be to create a model for that purpose and plan the options before we begin.

sal

We all appreciate the workload that Spyderco has, but...

It could an existing model...

Or a new design, based on internal input design by Spyderco staff, such as Glesser, Jannich, Schempp, Wilson, etc...

Or an external collaboration?

Baby Horn.

I'd have one for every outfit...

No, I dont want or need a custom shop.
There are plenty of options for custom made scales and hardware. Yes, no FRN, but oh well, cant have everything.
And, what else apart from scales, hardware you would like to customize? Blade steel?

Custom shop means that you have to put time, people, money for something else than development of new models, CQI and making production knives.

Pancake wrote: ↑

Sat May 09, 2020 10:21 pm

Custom shop means that you have to put time, people, money for something else than development of new models, CQI and making production knives.

you mean like sprints and exclusives...?

sal wrote: ↑

Sat May 09, 2020 6:50 pm

Hi Ladybug,

The only path that I can see would be to create a model for that purpose and plan the options before we begin.

sal

The Native 5 regular and LW would be a good starting point. :D

ladybug93 wrote: ↑

Sat May 09, 2020 11:53 pm

Pancake wrote: ↑

Sat May 09, 2020 10:21 pm

Custom shop means that you have to put time, people, money for something else than development of new models, CQI and making production knives.

you mean like sprints and exclusives...?

Not the same.
Sprints/exclusives are made in a large batch, 600, 1200 pieces, not as a one knife.
If you made your order, one person has to see it, gather all the pieces, assemble them, package it and then send it. I would say that is different from making a batch of 600 same knives.


I am just not sure, what else apart from scales and hardware you could customize...

Pancake wrote: ↑

Sun May 10, 2020 12:06 am

I am just not sure, what else apart from scales and hardware you could customize...

Take a look at the custom shops that are online already for an idea.

Naperville wrote: ↑

Sun May 10, 2020 12:13 am

Pancake wrote: ↑

Sun May 10, 2020 12:06 am

I am just not sure, what else apart from scales and hardware you could customize...

Take a look at the custom shops that are online already for an idea.

I am going to admit, I just don't know what it is good for. My opinion only.

sal wrote: ↑

Sat May 09, 2020 6:50 pm

Hi Ladybug,

The only path that I can see would be to create a model for that purpose and plan the options before we begin.

sal

Sal, I am going to reaffirm my desire.

Bring the Baby Horn to Golden and use it as the custom base. The order volume would be lower than it would be on a Native or PM. The lower volume would give you and the custom crew time to work out all the kinks that may arise.

The design is DEAD simple, the pieces are small/easy to produce. Heck, there aren't even any washers for people to complain about. Update it with screw construction and you're done.

I even have a name for the custom shop. Since you are a car guy, instead of the Skunk Works, call it SpyderWorks.



TL:DR
Simple design, low material overhead cost, won't overwhelm a test crew with a mountain of orders and is arguably the best gentleman's folder that Spyderco has ever made.

In my opinion there could be a strong market for some models with multiple variations in features - blade shape, scales, steels, DLC etc.
There is a strong industry for aftermarket car parts, many of which are purely cosmetic. Heck, even the gun manufacturers are starting to have 'modular' models. It seems we humans have a strong taste for design variations. Why do I come to the forums daily awaiting news of a certain color with _no_ impact on functionality? Why am I eager to try a new steel for which I'm probably completely incapable of detecting any difference in performance? [I have to wonder if this is the way my wife feels about shoe shopping?]

I would be happy enough to just have a SE option on any model I want.