Sal, what happens with...

[archangel]

... the prototypes that you carry, and bombshell-drop about from time to time? With all rather end stage prototypes? I can imagine that early stage prototypes are being scrapped (maybe I'm wrong), otherwise there must be thousands by now. But PTs that are pretty much final, that you Sal carry and test cause you are confident they are good, I doubt they are scrapped. :confused:

I wonder if maybe you have your own PT "museum", or if they end up in labeled boxes and in big storage boxes or shelves. Or if there is no general rule, and you decide case by case what happens with them.

If this question was answered in another thread before, forum masterminds may please post a link to that thread. :)

[carrot]

Can we see some prototypes that made it to production with some tweaks? I'm so curious.

[Abyss_Fish]

Can we see some prototypes that made it to production with some tweaks? I'm so curious.

I’ll second that, seeing models like the rhino evolve pre-production was so interesting. Would love to see it with other models.

[p_atrick]

Maybe an online "museum" of these prototypes and their production counterparts. If you ever get a chance to go to the factory outlet, they have a display of the progression of the Native over time (I think it is in the Native Chief disassembly video). Something like that would be fun.

EDIT: Yup, you can see the display at about the 4:25 second mark of the Native Chief Breakdown video on YT.

https://youtu.be/hndK4YAP4oM?t=267

[pantagana23]

This could be an interesting thread.
Maybe even call it Spyderco Prototype Thread if it lives on.

It would be more than interesting to see all the current prototypes in testing, and even past ones that never made it to production.

Who knows, maybe a couple boxed prototypes would even make it to production if wider public showed interest.

[archangel]

Actually I'm only interested to learn what happens with the PTs...

For history and pics of PTs, evolution of designs etc etc., start your own threads. :p

[sal]

Michael,

The first prototypes are made out of plastic. We may make half dozen of those until the ergos are right. When we're OK with the plastic version, then we make a hand made prototype in-house. Our prototype maker is very good.

Usually that works out, though sometimes they're not and more proto's are made. The Shaman took 4 or 5 prototypes. From there we plan production. The next prototype will be hand made by the maker (Golden, Seki, Taiwan, Italy or China). All of the above will be stored in the prototype cabinet, many hundreds. Even the ones that never go into production.

The next proto will be made from tooling. Last chance for changes without spending a bunch of bread, which does happen sometimes, like with the Lil' Temperance 3.

The next piece will be a sample of production for approval. These are usually OK and both Eric and I have to carry and use each of those for a while to be sure. There are usually 1 or 2 per week. Eric and I ave to pay for these as they are considered used and cannot be sold as new.

It would be really dangerous for us to show protos in any of the early development. Competition, as well as counterfeiters could/would hurt us with that information.

The production samples for approval are pieces That we do plan to resell. We just haven't come up with an effective method.

Hope that answers your , and other's questions.

sal

[Evil D]

Michael,

The first prototypes are made out of plastic. We may make half dozen of those until the ergos are right. When we're OK with the plastic version, then we make a hand made prototype in-house. Our prototype maker is very good.

Usually that works out, though sometimes they're not and more proto's are made. The Shaman took 4 or 5 prototypes. From there we plan production. The next prototype will be hand made by the maker (Golden, Seki, Taiwan, Italy or China). All of the above will be stored in the prototype cabinet, many hundreds. Even the ones that never go into production.

The next proto will be made from tooling. Last chance for changes without spending a bunch of bread, which does happen sometimes, like with the Lil' Temperance 3.

The next piece will be a sample of production for approval. These are usually OK and both Eric and I have to carry and use each of those for a while to be sure. There are usually 1 or 2 per week. Eric and I ave to pay for these as they are considered used and cannot be sold as new.

It would be really dangerous for us to show protos in any of the early development. Competition, as well as counterfeiters could/would hurt us with that information.

The production samples for approval are pieces That we do plan to resell. We just haven't come up with an effective method.

Hope that answers your , and other's questions.

sal

I can probably speak for the whole forum and say I'd love to see prototypes of models that are already in production if that's possible. For example seeing the difference development stages of the Shaman would be really cool.

[ugaarguy]

...

The production samples for approval are pieces That we do plan to resell. We just haven't come up with an effective method.

Hope that answers your , and other's questions.

sal

Sal, may I suggest that they be sold at auction with the proceeds from each going to different charities? I think it would be a good fit since Spyderco already has the donation program with the Sage series and others. Perhaps also donate one sample per year to Knife Rights to be one of the knives given away in their "Ultimate Steel" fundraiser? Just a couple of ideas.

[Dee]

Michael,
Great question!
Sal,
Good info, thank you. Maybe it’s best to not let BBB know his cpm 15v baby is going to be prototyped in......plastic.
Dee

[sal]

Hi Dee,

It's too late. :p We already made a prototype in plastic, We made a prototype in steel, sent it to him to check out, he sent it back and Eric s already squeezed it into the Golden factory queue. But don't tell Shawn.

sal

[Dee]

I don’t know if I can hold this one inside Sal.

[Doc Dan]

Well, this is certainly interesting.

[archangel]

Wow Sal, big thanks for so much insight!!

I like the idea of auctioning off the PTs and giving the cash to charities - like it ALOT! I'd never thought that you'd let go these babies to other people. But if you do, charities benefit from this certainly is the best way to go! :)

[austrian_spyder_fan]

The production samples for approval are pieces That we do plan to resell. We just haven't come up with an effective method.

Hope that answers your , and other's questions.

sal

How whould be an auction for a good cause or a raffle?

[gbcaffee]

Area 51 - where all prototypes of any value reside.

[sal]

Sorry. We don't sell prototypes. They are a history that Eric will need.

sal

[archangel]

I'm not surprised. :) It makes total sense.