Do you value inhouse designs higher than collaboration models?

[Naperville]

The more professionals involved in designing the better. I have knives from both parties and they're excellent.

[wrdwrght]

I didn’t vote because the choice may be a false one.

My understanding is that any Spyderco collaboration is materially shaped by the Glesser aesthetic (Ed Schemmp might get more leeway), just as the Ethnic Series is not a true reproduction of the original but a Glesser “expression” of it.

Which is all fine by me.

EDIT: What I meant to say is “My understanding is that the Glesser aesthetic constrains what will be a candidate for a Spyderco collaboration, and it may materially shape it”.

[JRinFL]

I’m pretty sure Sal and Eric are hand twins triplets of mine, so I find it hard to be objective. So many of their designs could have been custom made for me.

However, I also love so many of the other collaborators they have brought on board, current and former. Some I’d love to see return, despite the, um, restrictions on them.

[JuPaul]

I value both! I've got favorites from both camps. The Manix 2 being an old favorite, and the Swayback a new one.

[p_atrick]

There are a lot of great in-house models, but the collaborations give you the opportunity to get a knife from a custom maker at a more reasonable price. They both have their place.

[nerdlock]

All good, just different. Like p_atrick says, Spyderco gives us the opportunity to try the expensive custom knives by other makers at a reasonable price. Can't imagine getting a custom Slysz at the price Spyderco offers.

[kodai78]

My favorite 4 or 5 Spydies have both Glessers, Kevin Smock and Martin Slyscz represresented. So I voted no. However I think it’s undeniable that Spyderco is founded on Sal’s designs. How many Delica’s, Endura’s and Dragonflies are there in circulation? Millions I would guess. Similarly PM 2 and Manix sales are very large. Mike Janich’s Yojimbo and derivatives is also a pretty good seller for many years. Even the best selling collaborations are a fraction of these models and some collaborations do not seem to be very successful.

[Doc Dan]

I tend to be practical in my knife design choices. I prefer the in-house knives overwhelmingly. I've looked at a lot of collaborations, but I only bought two and I returned one of those. The only two I have not bought, but want to buy is the Siren and Waterway, but they are good, practical designs.

[Matus]

Core Spyderco models are unique, cool and very usable. But the collaborations vastly expand the design space of the knives Spyderco is offering and often designs are brought to life were it is clear that they are made for the sake of trying something different, something new, to bring knives that bring us joy, inspire us. I appreciate that a lot.

[The Deacon]

There's been a Kiwi in my watch pocket for over 18 years. A Jester's been keeping my keys company for slightly less. Some version of the Stretch has been my primary folder 95% of the time since it came out in November of '04. On the rare occasions that it isn't it's almost always been replaced by either a Chaparral or an Atlantic Salt. AFAIK, all of those are Sal's designs. I own a bunch of collaboration knives but, unless you consider the original "Kitchen Sharps" collection of kitchen knives to be a "collaboration" with Masahiro, they are rarely used.

[CPM-Greg]

I have a variety of knives designed by Sal and Eric (I am waiting for a Dice to arrive). However, collaboration is the elixir of innovation. I'm looking forward to seeing more collaborations in smaller knives (e.g., Vrango, Squeak, Khalsa, Lil Lum, Pingo, Perrin PPT, Techno 2, etc.). Maybe a Mini Subvert (3" with a finger choil, carbon fiber and a fancy, smancy super steel).

Best,

CPM-Greg

[Woodpuppy]

Thinking philosophically about it, I think I value in house and collars about equally, but then I look at my collections and see my only collab is the Squarehead. Perhaps because the collabs generally tend to be more expensive ti-handled knives? I am unsure. I like the Bradley folders and Lance’s two. Just don’t have them. Yet.

[Burton Knut]

Neither…I like what I like and put little weight on who thunk it up

[Nate]

I think my absolute faves are all in-house, but collabs like the Jess Horns, PITS, Pingo, and all the Phil Wilson designs are right up there for me.

[willc]

Of the Spyderco knives I carry most are in house designed.
I am glad that they do models that are by other knife makers but my favorites are the in house ones.

[Xplorer]

Even though I think Spyderco's line of in-house designs are better than any other manufacturer's in-house designs as a whole, I tend to prefer the collabs. Spyderco's collaboration models are some of the best values in the knife industry IMO. Those knives are typically 95% of what you'd get if you bought the actual custom knife from the maker at 1/3 of the price, sometimes less. While I very much admire and appreciate many of the in-house models, my top 3 favorite knives from Spyderco are all collaborations.

[elena86]

I like designs from both sides but most of my safe queens are collabs : Slysz Bowie, Southard, Smock (DLT exclusive). Sal’s best design ever is the Dragonfly2 and Eric’s best is the Dodo IMHO. That being said, my most treasured( my precious) is the mighty KW exclusive Ti/CF exclusive Millie in S90V. A spydie to end all spydies. My most carried lately are also from both parties : Smock and Watu.

[RustyIron]

I didn't vote because the options are leading. I typically don't give a hoot who designs the knife. What I care about is if the knife's characteristics are appealing to me in regards to functionality and aesthetics. The knife has to do what I want, and it has to look good. My favorite knife is Eric's, but I have a couple of Sal's that get carried, as well.

The only "designer bias" I have is with one guy who has come up with some good ideas, but the quality that his company churns out offends my OWN sense of craftsmanship. I don't want anything with his name on it. It's personal.

[kennethsime]

I'm not sure I place any more value in a knife based on the designer, but I do tend to prefer Sal's pocket knife designs over all others. My favorite Spydercos are designed by Sal, and cost less than $300.

[James Y]

I don’t believe there is any either/or, or better or worse. I simply tend to use Sal and Eric’s designs more, and I have many more of them, than collaboration designs. I’ve also noticed that collaboration designs in general don’t seem to last as long in the lineup as in-house designs.

Jim