Which Spyderco models should be discontinued to make room for newer models/variations?

[Red Leader]

A hard topic for many I'm sure, but my own thoughts recently, as well as some of the chatter in the 'Damasteel UKPK' thread got me thinking about it. It is probably pretty overwhelming and stressful to keep producing all the knives Sypyderco does and yet have so many new models and ideas demanded all the time. Either production capacity has to be ramped up, or models have to get discontinued to make room for new knives.

So, let's help. Let's suggest any models that need to be moved on to make room for the new stuff.

Here is how it works: simply name one knife from each production plant that you think should be moved on to make more room for something else.

*Note: I'm sure sales figures play a MUCH larger role in making this decision, but hey, maybe there could be some overlap or a model that they've been thinking about discontinuing that makes the list and helps them make the decision.

Bonus points for suggesting which knife should take its place!

Here are my thoughts:

Golden factory -
Discontinue: All the CTS BD1 Manix versions or the Maxamet Para 3
Replace with: Damasteel UKPK, 15V Bodacious, or 15V Manix 2 XL Sprint Runs

Taichung factory -
Discontinue: Carribean or Sage 5 (all versions)
Replace with: All Sage 5 models converted to Sage 6, including the last run of Rex-121

Seki City -
Discontinue: Atlantic Salt
Replace with: None. The Rescue 3 feels like a far more refined Atlantic Salt, and presents a much friendlier user experience (the wife agrees).


Italy/China/etc - I honestly, I don't know enough about the offerings here to make suggestions, but in quickly perusing the Chinese Spydercos, there seems to be a bit of overlap with a few models.

Anyway, I hope this thread will be seen in the right light. It is all for the hope of seeing many new and anticipated models come to light, with less stress to make it all happen.

[sal]

I'll get my popcorn.

sal

[Infinite Zero]

Discontinue: Paramilitary 2 (all variants)

Replace with: Poliwog (identical variants to PM2)

[cjk]

USA: Axe the lowest selling S110V model in favor of the Shawn Houston BBB 15V collaboration model!!

China: The Tenacious in favor of the Tenacious 2 in the prototype cabinet (or maybe one of the least popular Chinese models in favor of it's respective "2" prototype would be better as the Tenacious is very recognizable in the market).

Taichung: Axe the Caribbean in favor of the 3.5inch Chaparral!!

[austrian_spyder_fan]

I'll get my popcorn.

sal

I had the same thought Sal !
Hope you are fine.

ASF

[CDEP]

I'm gonna go out on a limb and suggest that Sal convene a meeting in the Situation Room at Spyderco World Domination HQ and ask his Commander of Accounting which models/variants appear to have saturated their potential markets.

I will say that if anything happens to the Native 5 family expect a diplomatic crisis to ensue...

[RustyIron]

All the models should be discontinued except of the Manix 2 LW and Stretch 2 XL LW in CPM-15V. After I get mine, then I suppose it would be ok to start making some of those other models.

[vivi]

I'd want spyderco to do what's best for them.

That said, what would make my personal tastes happy, would be axing some 3" folder variants to make room for some 4-5" bladed folders. Spyderco has a ton of models in the 3" range but only 2 in the 4"+ range I believe.

That said I know my preferences are not the hottest sellers, so the path Spyderco is taking makes business sense.

[Evil D]

This isn't a question I can really answer. I try my best to care about, or at least not hate on, what other people like and it seems like almost any answers would take something away from someone else. I'd hate if someone wanted to discontinue one of my favorites, especially because it's likely that what they'd also want to replace it with is a model I'm not interested in owning.

[Mushroom]

In my opinion they're spread too thin and I would like to see them reel things in a bit.

They have enough variations of some models that they could easily spare a few... No replacements necessary - just help alleviate some of the complications with production capacity.

[riclaw]

The only one that comes to mind is the wharncliffe Lil' Native. Not because it isn't great, but because of it's overlap with the Microjimbo. Keep the Microjimbo as the wharncliffe. Keep the Lil' Native as a drop point. Nobody designs wharnies better than Michael Janich.

[Red Leader]

In my opinion they're spread too thin and I would like to see them reel things in a bit.

They have enough variations of some models that they could easily spare a few... No replacements necessary - just help alleviate some of the complications with production capacity.

This was my thinking as well. There are *so* many steel options that may not make sense anymore with the newest generation of steels coming out. IMO they can consolidate quite a bit, and save the more esoteric stuff for special runs, Sprints, or exclusives with dealers. Maybe consolidate the 'LW' knives to the Salt line? I dunno, just thinking out loud.

It's hard to have our cake and eat it too. I just see these posts about how stressful it is to trying to keep up, but also trying to meet the demand of new models and variants. Probably quite a bit of 'nature of the business', as that is how it is in my business too, but if there is low-hanging fruit...

The way I figure it, it seems a bit irresponsible on my part to keep up with the 'well, they could develop this' or 'it would be great if they could just make that' without being willing to let go in some of the other areas.

[apollo]

Personally i would kill off some of the Salt lines. In my personal opinion i can not see why 3 lines of Salts are needed.
So i would stop making the Lc200n variation and use the green color also for magnacut or H2 lines.
Besides that i would perhaps cut in some of the older Chinese models so they could bring some new designs to the people on a budget.
And the one that is going to make me the most popular. Cut back on exclusives by 30% and put more focus again on bringing new models.

[kobold]

Karahawk and Canis out, 3.5 Native and Sage 2 in.

[Manixguy@1994]

I trust Spyderco to make their discontinued decisions, my opinion really doesn’t matter when there is a need to allow the company to thrive and be profitable. MG2

[jwbnyc]

I'll get my popcorn.

sal

[Naperville]

The executive officers and managers of the Spyderco company know what is and is not selling. Starting a thread without the sales numbers, where and how the knives are advertised, costs to produce a knife in any given steel, and the target markets for each knife's advertising campaign may be unwise...how do you know that people are choosing the the salt knives based on corrosion resistance and not just pretty green and yellow grips? Spyderco may have an idea. We do not.

As far as getting rid of S110V goes, I like the S110V Native Chief due to the steel and the handles, they are grippy, and if wet they should sustain a decent hold on the knife. That said, if the S110V was replaced with 15V and we keep the grippy handles, I am all for it.

Just my 2 cents.

[Burton Knut]

Para2, Para3 and Shaman: with the Millie2, Sage5 and Bodacious filling those rolls so much better , let’s free up some Golden production capacity.

Note: I don’t even own a Bodacious yet, but it looks like a Shaman killer to me and I fully intend to try it and then probably sell my Shamans.

[Danke]

Everything. Wipe the board clean and start with fresh and exciting new knives.

Everything old has to re-interview to get a place back.

[Fastidiotus]

Discontinue: PM2.

Replace with: Non-Salt Caribbeans with plain un-milled G10 to bring cost down just a little.