I had enough of Seki ''hiccups''

[Fireman]

The OP doesn't have that luxury, nor do 98% of the other forumites, you speak from a place of singularity. We do not all live your existence. I am happy for you, but do not place your experience on others.

We all start somewhere. I have been a user/collector for years. Just make it a goal and see how life turns out. I highly recommend just enjoying what you have and appreciate what you want to have and some day it can happen.

[billdoier72]

Some people really ruin the vibe around here. But I suppose that was their idea all along.

[Fireman]

I wish you nothing but the best, honestly, but I feel you were very inconsiderate towards people who do not have the ability to just hop on down to their local shop and inspect all knives before buying, therefore "ignorant". I value you as a forum member, but feel that you approach many threads from a singular viewpoint.

Best

I guess my experience with knives is more dedicated than 99.9% of people. You are right, we all speak from our experiences and I am fortunate enough to have been to industry shows that have been awesome and I hope others do the same. If you love the knife world, be a part of it if you can. I have met a lot of cool people doing it along the way.

[Airlsee]

Edit: Yep

[TkoK83Spy]

What in the **** happened here!?

[Airlsee]

I tried defending our rural and international brothers...

A dustup, if you will...

[James Y]

Do dealers in Europe have an option to order over the phone and speak to an actual representative? And if so, are any dealers or their employees knowledgeable enough about knives and willing to check a knife for certain pre-listed issues before shipping? Issues such as lockup, blade play, grind lines, centering, action, etc., etc.

I ask, because that is how I order my knives here in the US. Using the phone ordering method, I've only ever gotten one knife that had an issue (and it wasn't a serious one). The rest have been great, including my Seki-made Spydercos.

Anyway, I thought that might be an option worth considering for some, if it's available from European dealers. I don't know if there might be language differences, but many people from Europe that I've known were multi-lingual.

I've mentioned ordering over the phone as a possible option several times on the forum, but people ignore it in favor of clicking a button and hoping the knife will meet the buyer's expectations. Ordering over the phone is not a foolproof guarantee you'll get a "perfect" example of a knife, but IMO, it's certainly better than the alternative, depending on the dealer. Just thought I'd share that as maybe a possible option, if it's available for European knife enthusiasts

As far as going to local brick-and-mortar knife shops to handle knives in person, not everybody has that option. I know my area doesn't; there used to be, many years ago, but they're all long gone. And I'm not going to drive 100-plus miles, or take a flight, just to handle and possibly buy a knife, or knives. Not everyone has that luxury or that desire.

Jim

[Spicy Suplex]

Major Payne? I know all the classics.

These threads make me appreciate how easy it is for us to get Spyderco knives in the US.

Cool Hand Luke, actually. Though I have no doubt Major Payne made reference to it. Haven't seen both in too long!

[Scandi Grind]

This was a somewhat interesting topic to read through honestly, just got me thinking about the business and product pipeline, as well as the way that different people view it.

To me complaints, are beneficial to a business, I was a partial owner of a business and have run into complaints before. And I don't mean respectful complaints only, I mean down right nasty ones too. The fact of the matter is it was my job as the business owner to sort through who is worth listening to, and even the ones who are just running their mouth can bring up useful points. Quite frankly, if I get a rant from a customer, it doesn't hurt my feelings in the slightest, it just isn't worth my time to let it get personal. I simply do my best to produce what I set out to make and to satisfy my customers to the best of my ability if it is within the defined goals of the business. And always be courteous, even if that courtesy is not returned.

So complaints are useful to me and I don't see any reason to change somebody's mind if they have a complaint. Let them have their complaint as is their personal right. Trying to change their mind usually just provokes a fruitless exchange anyway. But what can help regardless of which side of the argument you come from is a healthy dose of courtesy, even if it is not returned.

I also understand the difficulties of making products, and as Sal said, that they don't always turn out perfect, in fact rarely, but you do the best you can with what you got while managing a thousand different pieces of business. The only way I have found to get perfection is to get something handmade by a good maker, or make it yourself, both of which are things that I have started moving toward more and more because I love my blades so much. That said, those things come at a hefty cost, so I still have a Spyderco because it is the best compromise I've found for availability, price, and quality.

Those are just some of my musings, and please don't take any of my comments like I'm singling out anyone here.

[electro-static]

When you pay 200¸+ euros(dispatch included) for a knife you don't expect to see these ''grooves'' on the edge. The new released C07S Police was one of my most anticipated spydies in years and when I saw this I was so pissed. I said it before, Spyderco should do something about the QC in that Seki plant. I understand the concept of loyality as much as the next guy but I guess the customers should come first. After all you would expect a higher level of quality when it comes to machining and attention to details when you purchase a ''made in Japan'' item.

I think part of the rage is also that in Europe Spyderco knives are extremely expensive, I don’t think that anything can be done about that unfortunately. $200 Euro seems really steep for a police model, so because taxes ect make the prices are higher I think the expectation is different.

I personally like seki spydercos because they are ground the thinnest behind the edge of all the factories I have bought from which means longer life with nice cutting performance. For me the prices range from $115 to $168, which is a very nice price for materials like K390 and designs that I enjoy. (I am biting my lip waiting for magna-cut at seki)

I will echo Sal’s sentiments in that this type of feedback is important, and what sets spyderco apart from other knife makers is that they listen to it and offer recourse. I think Sal’s passion and listening skills, this forum and it’s members are one of the reasons why spyderco is such a special company. Without welcoming open criticism you become like other other knife companies who have seen their star fall.

[Fireman]

Major Payne? I know all the classics.

These threads make me appreciate how easy it is for us to get Spyderco knives in the US.

Cool Hand Luke, actually. Though I have no doubt Major Payne made reference to it. Haven't seen both in too long!

Cool Hand Luke and I think Major Payne used it too.

[sal]

Marius has been around here a long time. He is neither ignorant, daft or a troll. Just a bit frustrated with his European limitations to getting Spyderco. Time to go easy.

sal

[Coastal]

I picked up a Matriarch 2 a couple years ago, and was excited to see serrations/grooves just like these. I considered it a feature, and assumed it was purposeful. That Matriarch is my absolute favorite for removing tough, fibrous vines from the flower beds. It cuts and keeps cutting forever. I liked it so much that I bought another.

[cabfrank]

sal, it wasn't Marius being referred to with those names.

[Ramonade]

As Sal said with big quantity production we're bound to be a couple of forum members experiencing some fit and finish issues and sometimes mechanical issues.

Speaking only for myself : being in Europe is a big part of getting frustrated when you receive a Spyderco that isn't on par with what others received. And asking Spyderco Customer Service for help isn't easy. The cost of sending the knife back would only make it even more expensive overall. And that's nobodies fault except maybe the ELU that decided he needed knives produced by an USA brand !

For example my Stretch 2 XL G10 & Cruwear had a lockbar that wasn't well mated with the notch on the blade, making it sit high out of the handle in open position. And the backspacer had dozens of irregularities in its surface. I only noticed the other irregularities yesterday and finally decided to send it back.

Since we often have little to no knife dealers around, we tend to buy in other countries of the EU. The Stretch 2 XL costs around 330€ and sending it back is very stressful for me. I can honestly say that I'm "afraid" that the knife is lost in transit and I end up with no knife at all.
I decided to live with the issues a few days agobut it only made me discover new ones.
I won't blame anyone, I'm pretty sure the toughest quality control in the world is the Spyderco collector

Another example : I just received a Dragonfly 2 in SuperBlue and this time it's a blade finish issue. I think the cladding might be for something there but you can clearly feel deeper scratches on the satin, all along the blade.


Once again, with numbers like that you're bound to have a couple, and I'm sure it's an infinitesimal portion, of knives that aren't on par with the ELU's expectations.

As far as the Dragonfly goes, I don't mind at all it is just an observation. I took it to test the steel so it isn't a knife I'll take great care to not scratch or ding . It is gonna cut and cut and cut until I'm satisfied with my use of the steel !

[weeping minora]

As Sal said with big quantity production we're bound to be a couple of forum members experiencing some fit and finish issues and sometimes mechanical issues.

Speaking only for myself : being in Europe is a big part of getting frustrated when you receive a Spyderco that isn't on par with what others received. And asking Spyderco Customer Service for help isn't easy. The cost of sending the knife back would only make it even more expensive overall. And that's nobodies fault except maybe the ELU that decided he needed knives produced by an USA brand !

For example my Stretch 2 XL G10 & Cruwear had a lockbar that wasn't well mated with the notch on the blade, making it sit high out of the handle in open position. And the backspacer had dozens of irregularities in its surface. I only noticed the other irregularities yesterday and finally decided to send it back.

Since we often have little to no knife dealers around, we tend to buy in other countries of the EU. The Stretch 2 XL costs around 330€ and sending it back is very stressful for me. I can honestly say that I'm "afraid" that the knife is lost in transit and I end up with no knife at all.
I decided to live with the issues a few days agobut it only made me discover new ones.
I won't blame anyone, I'm pretty sure the toughest quality control in the world is the Spyderco collector

Another example : I just received a Dragonfly 2 in SuperBlue and this time it's a blade finish issue. I think the cladding might be for something there but you can clearly feel deeper scratches on the satin, all along the blade.


Once again, with numbers like that you're bound to have a couple, and I'm sure it's an infinitesimal portion, of knives that aren't on par with the ELU's expectations.

As far as the Dragonfly goes, I don't mind at all it is just an observation. I took it to test the steel so it isn't a knife I'll take great care to not scratch or ding . It is gonna cut and cut and cut until I'm satisfied with my use of the steel !

I have to state right off the bat, that even though in quoting you, Ramonade, this next wall of text is not a direct comment towards you, but a generalized comment regarding European ELUs and Spyderco.

I can sympathize with you (and fellow Europeans) in regard to the increase of cost that y'all have to put down for on your Spyderco purchases, however, I do not agree that this is something to hold against Spyderco themselves, nor the expectation of a "superior" product be manufactured and shipped to Europe as a solution. The increase in cost that y'all have to pay is something to take up with the EU, or whomever governs your country with these matters. It's easier to point the finger and lash out at the easiest to "reach", in a matter, but that does not make it right to do, nor does it provide a true solution to this increased cost. Those to "blame" are only sitting back unscathed, working on rolling out more tactics to increase the price, once more. Us Americans do this all the time and it seems to be a mindset "issue" that I find amongst first-world human beings (directing anger towards the innocent party). Government boys, it's all government and we all prosper and suffer under it, no matter the name of the land you stand on.

Now, the highlighted text is a direct response to you, Ramonade (and whoever else cares to read my postings). I once splurged on a knife. It cost me $400. At the time, $200 was the most I would reasonably spend on such an item, however, my will was weak with this particular knife (and I'm sure the hype was high), so I succumbed. The knife was shipped and delivered (signature required, mind you) and I received no such knife, nor even an empty box. Nothing. It was signed and delivered to someone who was not me. I reached out to the seller in regard to this mishap, as it was the only thing I could do. I was so nervous in doing so, as I thought they may have taken it as a "red flag" for such a high ticket priced knife just to end up "missing and non-delivered", on my end, yet the shipping company stated that it was in fact signed and delivered to, me. I was telling the truth, however, I wondered how many folks have tried to display this same scenario with companies like this, on the daily, without being truthful. In the end, the resolution was quick and painless and they even offered to refund my purchase amount, when I merely asked what could be done in a situation like this. Moral of the story is, I will never spend more than that original price point of ~$200 for any given knife, even if I feel weak, because I don't ever expect to be taken care of like I was by the aforementioned company, by anyone. This has made my spending much more conscious, especially online, but also in person. I hope this does not dissuade your future of online knife interest/buying. Sometimes you get the candy and sometimes you get the wrapper. Good luck happens to bad people and bad luck happens to good and every which way you want to box it. Things find a way of equalizing in the end. Let us know how your return/exchange turns out, Ramonade. I wish you all the best.

[Ramonade]

Now, the highlighted text is a direct response to you, Ramonade (and whoever else cares to read my postings). I once splurged on a knife. It cost me $400. At the time, $200 was the most I would reasonably spend on such an item, however, my will was weak with this particular knife (and I'm sure the hype was high), so I succumbed. The knife was shipped and delivered (signature required, mind you) and I received no such knife, nor even an empty box. Nothing. It was signed and delivered to someone who was not me. I reached out to the seller in regard to this mishap, as it was the only thing I could do. I was so nervous in doing so, as I thought they may have taken it as a "red flag" for such a high ticket priced knife just to end up "missing and non-delivered", on my end, yet the shipping company stated that it was in fact signed and delivered to, me. I was telling the truth, however, I wondered how many folks have tried to display this same scenario with companies like this, on the daily, without being truthful. In the end, the resolution was quick and painless and they even offered to refund my purchase amount, when I merely asked what could be done in a situation like this. Moral of the story is, I will never spend more than that original price point of ~$200 for any given knife, even if I feel weak, because I don't ever expect to be taken care of like I was by the aforementioned company, by anyone. This has made my spending much more conscious, especially online, but also in person. I hope this does not dissuade your future of online knife interest/buying. Sometimes you get the candy and sometimes you get the wrapper. Good luck happens to bad people and bad luck happens to good and every which way you want to box it. Things find a way of equalizing in the end. Let us know how your return/exchange turns out, Ramonade. I wish you all the best.

Don't worry I don't take things personally except if I'm directly aimed at

I might have been a bit too succinct on my position about european buyers but my feeling is the same. "And that's nobodies fault except maybe the ELU that decided he needed knives produced by an USA brand !" was a way to say : if you buy something don't cry about the price, you bought it. Not buying is the only way to show you don't agree with a product or it's price As for the reason for that high price, I hope everyone in the EU knows very well why we are paying more !

Let's not discuss politics since it's against the rules, but the price discussion always leads there (for a reason )

As for my return, I thank you a lot, I got scammed this week for another thing so I guess my karma should make that package arrive safely at Lamnia

[RustyIron]

As for the reason for that high price, I hope everyone in the EU knows very well why we are paying more !

I don't know if it's the governments or the companies, but their goal seems to be to ensure that everybody pays more than everybody else. I frequently order MTB parts from Europe for far less than I'd pay domestically. I don't know how that's possible. Right now I need a part that is out of stock here, only available in Germany, but they can't ship it to the U.S. Again, it sounds dumb. If I can wait a month, I'll ship it to my English buddy and have him put it in his suitcase when he visits. His kid has already arranged to send stuff here, so his dad can bring it back. Maybe the best solution to your high-price dilemma is to make friends with someone on every continent.

[Ramonade]

As for the reason for that high price, I hope everyone in the EU knows very well why we are paying more !

I don't know if it's the governments or the companies, but their goal seems to be to ensure that everybody pays more than everybody else. I frequently order MTB parts from Europe for far less than I'd pay domestically. I don't know how that's possible. Right now I need a part that is out of stock here, only available in Germany, but they can't ship it to the U.S. Again, it sounds dumb. If I can wait a month, I'll ship it to my English buddy and have him put it in his suitcase when he visits. His kid has already arranged to send stuff here, so his dad can bring it back. Maybe the best solution to your high-price dilemma is to make friends with someone on every continent.

Well in France (and maybe for the other countries that are member of the EU), they made a law that say that, as of July 1st 2021, every package coming from outside the EU is forced to be taxed + customs fees. They said it was to fight the "disloyal" Chinese importation (notably from websites like aliexpress). Since then I've ordered parts i could find only there many times from aliexpress, never had to pay anything. However, ordering from Switzerland, UK, USA (countries we're in good terms with) I've been met with between 25% and 40% taxes to pay on top of the thing + its shipping fees.

The french customs can't do that themselves considering how many packages there is each day so LaPoste (french postal service) handles it, taking 5€ of fees on every package. You see how bloated the prices can become !
I just find it sad for companies that always played within the rules and work internationally. It must've done the contrary of the desired effect in many industries...

[Matus]

I am not going to join the heated discussion on whether this is or is not OK. Nor am I going to take a stab at either Marius or Spyderco. I would however be curios as to how these "micro serrations" happen? Is this a result of the grinding wheel being dressed by som sharp (diamond?) tool that slowly progresses across the width of the rotating grinding wheel that is being dressed and leaves this micro-pattern behind?