Per Sal's Request, Suggestions for Which Models Must Go?
Fixed Blades
Just echoing Shu's sentiments regarding fixed blades. Spyderco's fixed blades, especially the smaller ones (Street Beat/some of the H-1 blades) fill a perfect niche for me. The Street Beat is the ultimate "all arounder," and I sincerely hope that it in particular and its fixed brethren remain in the lineup.
G10 Lava?!! Uau. I made a render just to see how it would look. Beauty!!!sal wrote:I think the only change we would make to the Lava would be to make a G-10 version with skeletonized liners. That would give the design more grip and make it lighter, but it would then be even more expensive.
sal
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quattrokid73
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ah yes. that is waht we need!
http://www.coroflot.com/aham73
:spyder: Orange Millie, UKPK Orange, DP UKPK, FRN UKPK Maroon DP, Urban Wharnie, Chokwe, Zulu, Mini Persian G-10, Spin Etched, Leafstorm, Caly Jr Gray, Sage 3, Lum CF
Every machine is the spiritualization of an organism.
:spyder: Orange Millie, UKPK Orange, DP UKPK, FRN UKPK Maroon DP, Urban Wharnie, Chokwe, Zulu, Mini Persian G-10, Spin Etched, Leafstorm, Caly Jr Gray, Sage 3, Lum CF
Every machine is the spiritualization of an organism.
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ClockWork
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spydo wrote:G10 Lava?!! Uau. I made a render just to see how it would look. Beauty!!!
AND a Stonewashed blade!!!
I want it!!!!!
:) Favorites: Black Paramil w/ D2 blade, PE Mini-Manix, S90v Military, Civilian, SE Dodo, PE Police, Sage
Vist my eBay store: Life and Liberty Gear
Tactical & MOLLE gear, Headgear and more
stores.ebay.com/Life-and-Liberty-Gear
Vist my eBay store: Life and Liberty Gear
Tactical & MOLLE gear, Headgear and more
stores.ebay.com/Life-and-Liberty-Gear
Gaaaaaaaaaahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh!!! :eek:spydo wrote:G10 Lava?!! Uau. I made a render just to see how it would look. Beauty!!!
Now THAT is awesome...cripes. As Darth Vader would say, "Impressive...MOST impressive." :rolleyes:
G10 and H1 steel anyone? :p
God bless and mahalo B1!!!
PS: spydo, can you do one with an Acid Etched SS Handle? I bet that would look insane!!!
Proverbs 16:3...Commit YOUR works to the LORD, and YOUR plans WILL succeed!
"Where's the best little big knife not designed by Sal or Eric?" ~ thombrogan, WSM
Avatar by my KnifeBrother, DiAlex...C102 Adventura designer, 2005 Spyderco Forum Knife!
"Where's the best little big knife not designed by Sal or Eric?" ~ thombrogan, WSM
Avatar by my KnifeBrother, DiAlex...C102 Adventura designer, 2005 Spyderco Forum Knife!
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MountainManJim
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- Location: Golden
If I had any input at Spyderco, I would suggest the following:
Several of the older models are in need of updating. The all stainless steel models come to mind. I’m sure many consider them a timeless design, but I think where would be more appeal for aluminum, G-10, etc. scales will some texture.
But, please go easy on the texturing. A hallmark of a Sypdie is that the knife is easy to insert and remove from a pocket. This seems to have always been the focus of Spyderco; they are made to fit your pocket. The edges are rounded. Hardware is recessed. A hole instead of a thumb stud (some stubs then to catch on stuff). The thickness is thin. And, most scales are left smooth, surely to reduce resistance while pocketing the knife and to avoid adding unnecessary cost. Even the plastic scales appear to have been painstakingly designed to minimize pocketing resistance while providing positive grip.
Standardize on clips and mounting hardware across the Spyderco, Salt and Byrd lines. I believe there is a mountain of cash to be saved by doing so. This would take a good size engineering effort but probably not anymore than introducing a new model.
I would suggest a phase out of lock back locks except for the less expensive models like some of the Byrds. Spyderco’s refinements make for a well designed lock back. But, it appears that other manufacturers are promoting the lock back as the cheaper and weaker of the different lock types. I have problems believing this, but the newer locks have the benefit of less force required to open, better ergos during unlocking and possibly higher strength (for the compression type).
Update all of the ball locks with the P’kal style plastic grip. The slick little ball bearing can be a bugger to hold on to.
Change the flat grind on the Delicas and Endura to a hollow ground to improving the sharpening and edge holding geometry. The Spyderco full flat ground is a beautiful thing, but I think it works best on the wider blades. Hollow ground would add the needed performance to the narrow blades.
Introduce the steel liners on all models especially the Native.
Choils, must have more choils. And, jimping, that too. I woujld like to see an index finger choil on my Delica. One important thing that distinguishes Spyderco in the market is the strong commitment to ergonomics. You pick one up and it fits and it’s safe.
Keep the product line interesting. It is why this diverse group is assembled here online. The designs are innovative and provide the proper tools to fit the task on hand. If you dare flip through the catalog of another manufacturer, do not operate heavy machinery and drink plenty of coffee.
So, enough of that. Here are some of my thoughts on a few models:
Poliwog: A great and unique knife, which is all the more reason to keep it in the line-up. But, it really needs better pricing. I will probably choose the Cricket over this model due to price.
There is tremendous duplication between the Byrd and Salt lines and the Spyderco line. It reminds me of General Motors (I was a project engineer there for 10 year). Each car division needs its own version of the same car. This approach is killing GM. It could cause significant problems for Spyderco. The Byrds should be entry level knives. You should want to jump to a Spyderco because they have a bunch more features. Why buy a Cadillac when you can get all of the options in the Chevy. The Salts are special purpose and should stay that way. But, one doesn’t need a H1 version of every Spyderco.
Delica/Endura Models: As others have mentioned, the variations in this model are staggering. Maybe the SS could be eliminated and the G-10 and ZDP combined.
Wave: I wonder if the wave feature could be simply added to certain models. For instance, have all of the rescue models include the wave. Eliminate the wave from the Delicas and add it to the Police.
Harpy: It is designed for fishermen; it should be a Salt with H1.
SpydeRench and ByrdRench: Why two? And what is with the Tool Harp?
Byrd Cara Cara and Flight: These seem to fill the same niche. I would eliminate the Cara Cara.
One product that is missing from the line-up is a small pocket knife with scissors i.e. Swiss Army. There is no Spyderco to replace my little Swiss Army penknife.
Syderco’s practice of discontinuing a model and then subsequently bringing it back for a sprint run is great idea. You get to intro a new and interesting product variation with a product that has a proven design and customer following. So, we all would hope this practice continues with whichever models get the axe.
Peace,
Jim
Several of the older models are in need of updating. The all stainless steel models come to mind. I’m sure many consider them a timeless design, but I think where would be more appeal for aluminum, G-10, etc. scales will some texture.
But, please go easy on the texturing. A hallmark of a Sypdie is that the knife is easy to insert and remove from a pocket. This seems to have always been the focus of Spyderco; they are made to fit your pocket. The edges are rounded. Hardware is recessed. A hole instead of a thumb stud (some stubs then to catch on stuff). The thickness is thin. And, most scales are left smooth, surely to reduce resistance while pocketing the knife and to avoid adding unnecessary cost. Even the plastic scales appear to have been painstakingly designed to minimize pocketing resistance while providing positive grip.
Standardize on clips and mounting hardware across the Spyderco, Salt and Byrd lines. I believe there is a mountain of cash to be saved by doing so. This would take a good size engineering effort but probably not anymore than introducing a new model.
I would suggest a phase out of lock back locks except for the less expensive models like some of the Byrds. Spyderco’s refinements make for a well designed lock back. But, it appears that other manufacturers are promoting the lock back as the cheaper and weaker of the different lock types. I have problems believing this, but the newer locks have the benefit of less force required to open, better ergos during unlocking and possibly higher strength (for the compression type).
Update all of the ball locks with the P’kal style plastic grip. The slick little ball bearing can be a bugger to hold on to.
Change the flat grind on the Delicas and Endura to a hollow ground to improving the sharpening and edge holding geometry. The Spyderco full flat ground is a beautiful thing, but I think it works best on the wider blades. Hollow ground would add the needed performance to the narrow blades.
Introduce the steel liners on all models especially the Native.
Choils, must have more choils. And, jimping, that too. I woujld like to see an index finger choil on my Delica. One important thing that distinguishes Spyderco in the market is the strong commitment to ergonomics. You pick one up and it fits and it’s safe.
Keep the product line interesting. It is why this diverse group is assembled here online. The designs are innovative and provide the proper tools to fit the task on hand. If you dare flip through the catalog of another manufacturer, do not operate heavy machinery and drink plenty of coffee.
So, enough of that. Here are some of my thoughts on a few models:
Poliwog: A great and unique knife, which is all the more reason to keep it in the line-up. But, it really needs better pricing. I will probably choose the Cricket over this model due to price.
There is tremendous duplication between the Byrd and Salt lines and the Spyderco line. It reminds me of General Motors (I was a project engineer there for 10 year). Each car division needs its own version of the same car. This approach is killing GM. It could cause significant problems for Spyderco. The Byrds should be entry level knives. You should want to jump to a Spyderco because they have a bunch more features. Why buy a Cadillac when you can get all of the options in the Chevy. The Salts are special purpose and should stay that way. But, one doesn’t need a H1 version of every Spyderco.
Delica/Endura Models: As others have mentioned, the variations in this model are staggering. Maybe the SS could be eliminated and the G-10 and ZDP combined.
Wave: I wonder if the wave feature could be simply added to certain models. For instance, have all of the rescue models include the wave. Eliminate the wave from the Delicas and add it to the Police.
Harpy: It is designed for fishermen; it should be a Salt with H1.
SpydeRench and ByrdRench: Why two? And what is with the Tool Harp?
Byrd Cara Cara and Flight: These seem to fill the same niche. I would eliminate the Cara Cara.
One product that is missing from the line-up is a small pocket knife with scissors i.e. Swiss Army. There is no Spyderco to replace my little Swiss Army penknife.
Syderco’s practice of discontinuing a model and then subsequently bringing it back for a sprint run is great idea. You get to intro a new and interesting product variation with a product that has a proven design and customer following. So, we all would hope this practice continues with whichever models get the axe.
Peace,
Jim
I Like Sharp Things
Current Favorite: Caly 3.5, Super Blue. We're done here. It doesn't get better than the Caly 3.5
Current Favorite: Caly 3.5, Super Blue. We're done here. It doesn't get better than the Caly 3.5
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Agent Starling
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LOL...it seems that Spyderco can't help it, new and beautiful knives seem to be the rule rather than the exception, thank goodness!! :)MountainManJim wrote: Keep the product line interesting. It is why this diverse group is assembled here online. The designs are innovative and provide the proper tools to fit the task on hand. If you dare flip through the catalog of another manufacturer, do not operate heavy machinery and drink plenty of coffee.
Call 911, quick! :eek: ...don't mess with the Harpy or I'm gonna have a coronary! :eek:MountainManJim wrote:Harpy: It is designed for fishermen; it should be a Salt with H1.
:D So true! Sprint runs are great for keeping the Spyderaddiction in full force! :DMountainManJim wrote:Syderco’s practice of discounting a model and then subsequently bringing it back for a sprint run is great idea. You get to intro a new and interesting product variation with a product that has a proven design and customer following. So, we all would hope this practice continues with whichever models get the axe.
Agent Starling :cool:
"Too many was too many, but way too many was just right."
Of the spydies I own, I agree with getting rid of the Spin. Its a nice knife and all, but the Cricket outperforms it. I hate to agree, but the Centofante could probably go too. Objectively, its a great knife, but there are better alternatives.
As long as others are making requests, I would also buy multiple frn Lavas. Also, as someone had mentioned already, the Dragonfly rides too high in the pocket, especially for such a small knife. The SS Dragonfly needs to be drilled for tip down carry to ride lower and so it can be spyerdropped out of the pocket.
As long as others are making requests, I would also buy multiple frn Lavas. Also, as someone had mentioned already, the Dragonfly rides too high in the pocket, especially for such a small knife. The SS Dragonfly needs to be drilled for tip down carry to ride lower and so it can be spyerdropped out of the pocket.
A g-10 lava would be great, but that would probably raise the price, what, 30%, at least? 
While I would, I don't think there are that many people that would buy a $110-120 little big knife.
The number of variations of the Delica/Endura is amazing, even more so with the new black blade models.
Got some good ideas there MM Jim, but some of them are more "Go that general direction for the next decade" ideas.
I wouldn't mind seeing more encased BB locks, though. Any other locks in particular that you would like to see?
While I would, I don't think there are that many people that would buy a $110-120 little big knife. The number of variations of the Delica/Endura is amazing, even more so with the new black blade models.
Got some good ideas there MM Jim, but some of them are more "Go that general direction for the next decade" ideas.
I like a good lockback. Reliable, strong, and probably THE best lock for use with gloves. Not that important for some, but vitally so for others. Not to mention that it would require redesigning the knives entirely. Not too bad for G-10 models and SS models, but the FRN models would need new molds for each one. I believe it is quite expensive do make them.MountainManJim wrote: I would suggest a phase out of lock back locks except for the less expensive models like some of the Byrds. Spyderco’s refinements make for a well designed lock back. But, it appears that other manufacturers are promoting the lock back as the cheaper and weaker of the different lock types. I have problems believing this, but the newer locks have the benefit of less force required to open, better ergos during unlocking and possibly higher strength (for the compression type).
I wouldn't mind seeing more encased BB locks, though. Any other locks in particular that you would like to see?
I believe that Sal and the crew are working on updating some models, the Native and the Dragonfly specifically, to the Delica/Enura 4 nested steel liners. However, remember that a nice amount of people actually prefer the unlinered models, due to the lighter weight. Some models, "SALT" series, for example, would be very hard to add liners too.MountainManJim wrote:Introduce the steel liners on all models especially the Native.
I'm a bit confused here, you want Spyderco to cut back on the features of there entry line so they can sell more Spydies, correct? What features would you want them to cut back, say, on the FRN Medowlark?MountainManJim wrote: There is tremendous duplication between the Byrd and Salt lines and the Spyderco line. It reminds me of General Motors (I was a project engineer there for 10 year). Each car division needs its own version of the same car. This approach is killing GM. It could cause significant problems for Spyderco. The Byrds should be entry level knives. You should want to jump to a Spyderco because they have a bunch more features. Why buy a Cadillac when you can get all of the options in the Chevy.
".........I've been called an "enemy of the planet" for not living within walking distance of where I work and shop - by a guy with six kids! Needless to say he was a bit upset when I suggested he walk home and drown four or five of them."
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mark greenman
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My sugestions
So, I’ve been pondering this off and on for a week or so, and I have finally made up my mind as far as “good” suggestions of what will be the least painful to remove.
Knives that can be eliminated outright:
S- one of the coolest looking knives out there, and would make a nice gift. However, I’ve only seen one knife shop carrying it, and it is not in the regular ebay/ online lineup, so I assume it’s not a huge seller. Anyway, most AFI/ knife nerds could probably live without it.
-The same handle, but with a solid FFG blade (zdp?) , ala “R2” would be interesting and more practical, although not as breathtakingly lightweight.
Polliwog- it’s 4.1 oz, with only 1 7/8” cutting edge, and takes up a lot of pocket space.
It’s also pretty pricey. A unique, but whimsical design, this one can probably be retired.
Spin- very cute, but why anyone would prefer it to the awesome Cricket is totally beyond me. This one should be phased out due to internal competition.
Persian- this one I debated for a long time, and I’m sure many will be quick to slash my face for suggesting this, but I think this one can be phased out. While quite attractive, the knife is going to be overshadowed by the deluge of awesome new Ed Schempp knives that are coming to market. The knife also lacks the ambi clip and FFG of its new brothers, making it even less competitive. Of course, without knowing the sales figures, this knife may very well be a top seller, and so I’ll be wiping egg of my face for a while. But, I have yet to come across one at any knife shop that I frequent, nor is this knife featured prominently on eBay or online.
Rescues- since SE H1 is so hard and work hardening, and Rescues are exclusively SE, I don’t see any practical reason why one would prefer a VG-10 rescue to one of the Salt sheapsfoots. I think they could be merged together, thereby reducing the overall # of knives, and also to reduce internal competition with the Assist, which is awesome.
Now, onto the next category- knives that could use a face lift:
Stretch 2: this knife, in theory, should be the absolute crème de le crème of Spyderco’s lineup, and, compared to the price of a sebenza or strider, it should be selling like hotcakes. However, despite its limited production, I have yet to see anyone online that is out of stock (unlike the similarly priced Caly 3 CF), which leads me to believe this one is not a top seller.
-I think I know why: the peel-ply carbon fiber. While I’m sure there was some practical utilitarian reason behind this, I for one find it to be a real drag. It has the cost of carbon fiber, but without the aesthetic appeal. Even in excellent photo’s by forum members, it is difficult to discern the subtle checker pattern, which is why I have yet to buy one, despite it being, on paper, the perfect knife for me. To improve the knife and make it the flagship EDC it was born to be, I think Spyderco should swap out the peel-ply for that beautiful woven carbon fiber that is used on the new Sage model. With a set of those scales on it, I think many more people would find this one to be irresistible. If that is only available in Taiwan, then the CF on the Caly 3 would also work, although I find it less stupendous.
-Or, Spyderco could go in the complete opposite direction, and just slap on some black g10 handles and lower the price to a more affordable level. This would definitely increase sales as well, but would not be nearly as cool as woven Carbon fiber.
Lava- a cool knife by most accounts, I have never been too desperate to snag one, due to the SS handles, which make the knife both slippery and heavy, at 3oz for less than 2” of blade. With G10 or acid etching, I would be more interested, although I’m still not sure if I would buy one, since I have a FRN Cricket. It should be updated or eliminated, but in it’s current form it’s just not worth the cost, and is less practical than the Cricket. I would absolutely buy a woven CF sprint, however.
G10 delica/ endura- To begin with, I must say that I absolutely LOVE the FG color (my last name is Greenman, after all.) I own a D2 Millie, and I am eagerly anticipating the Khurki, and possibly the Rookie. However, once I buy those models, I will have little need/ desire to add yet another FG folder into my collection, and I’m sure others will feel the same. In short, I believe that the FG delica/endura negatively competes with the new FG models. To reduce in house competition, I think the handles for these two models should be switched to black. This makes even more sense when one considers the fact that there is already a FG FRN model, as well as a British Racing Green model, so a 3rd green machine seems redundant. If it is absolutely essential, economically, that this FG be implemented as widely as possible, the Millie/ Para seem like the more logical choice for the color, since those models appeal to a FG market.
Cricket- one of my absolute favorite knives, I don’t think there has ever been a more practical box cutter devised. The SS/ etched models are awesome, and should remain in the lineup. However, in my experience, the FRN version is a much more secure EDC/ SD folder, and it would probably sell better as well. In my opinion, the FRN model is the greatest LBK ever, and it should either return to standard production, or be re-released as a sprint, in either orange, or as a white handle/ black blade yin-yang of awesomeness.
I hope at least some of what I have said is helpful, and I hope I haven’t talked out of turn with these suggestions.
Mark
Knives that can be eliminated outright:
S- one of the coolest looking knives out there, and would make a nice gift. However, I’ve only seen one knife shop carrying it, and it is not in the regular ebay/ online lineup, so I assume it’s not a huge seller. Anyway, most AFI/ knife nerds could probably live without it.
-The same handle, but with a solid FFG blade (zdp?) , ala “R2” would be interesting and more practical, although not as breathtakingly lightweight.
Polliwog- it’s 4.1 oz, with only 1 7/8” cutting edge, and takes up a lot of pocket space.
It’s also pretty pricey. A unique, but whimsical design, this one can probably be retired.
Spin- very cute, but why anyone would prefer it to the awesome Cricket is totally beyond me. This one should be phased out due to internal competition.
Persian- this one I debated for a long time, and I’m sure many will be quick to slash my face for suggesting this, but I think this one can be phased out. While quite attractive, the knife is going to be overshadowed by the deluge of awesome new Ed Schempp knives that are coming to market. The knife also lacks the ambi clip and FFG of its new brothers, making it even less competitive. Of course, without knowing the sales figures, this knife may very well be a top seller, and so I’ll be wiping egg of my face for a while. But, I have yet to come across one at any knife shop that I frequent, nor is this knife featured prominently on eBay or online.
Rescues- since SE H1 is so hard and work hardening, and Rescues are exclusively SE, I don’t see any practical reason why one would prefer a VG-10 rescue to one of the Salt sheapsfoots. I think they could be merged together, thereby reducing the overall # of knives, and also to reduce internal competition with the Assist, which is awesome.
Now, onto the next category- knives that could use a face lift:
Stretch 2: this knife, in theory, should be the absolute crème de le crème of Spyderco’s lineup, and, compared to the price of a sebenza or strider, it should be selling like hotcakes. However, despite its limited production, I have yet to see anyone online that is out of stock (unlike the similarly priced Caly 3 CF), which leads me to believe this one is not a top seller.
-I think I know why: the peel-ply carbon fiber. While I’m sure there was some practical utilitarian reason behind this, I for one find it to be a real drag. It has the cost of carbon fiber, but without the aesthetic appeal. Even in excellent photo’s by forum members, it is difficult to discern the subtle checker pattern, which is why I have yet to buy one, despite it being, on paper, the perfect knife for me. To improve the knife and make it the flagship EDC it was born to be, I think Spyderco should swap out the peel-ply for that beautiful woven carbon fiber that is used on the new Sage model. With a set of those scales on it, I think many more people would find this one to be irresistible. If that is only available in Taiwan, then the CF on the Caly 3 would also work, although I find it less stupendous.
-Or, Spyderco could go in the complete opposite direction, and just slap on some black g10 handles and lower the price to a more affordable level. This would definitely increase sales as well, but would not be nearly as cool as woven Carbon fiber.
Lava- a cool knife by most accounts, I have never been too desperate to snag one, due to the SS handles, which make the knife both slippery and heavy, at 3oz for less than 2” of blade. With G10 or acid etching, I would be more interested, although I’m still not sure if I would buy one, since I have a FRN Cricket. It should be updated or eliminated, but in it’s current form it’s just not worth the cost, and is less practical than the Cricket. I would absolutely buy a woven CF sprint, however.
G10 delica/ endura- To begin with, I must say that I absolutely LOVE the FG color (my last name is Greenman, after all.) I own a D2 Millie, and I am eagerly anticipating the Khurki, and possibly the Rookie. However, once I buy those models, I will have little need/ desire to add yet another FG folder into my collection, and I’m sure others will feel the same. In short, I believe that the FG delica/endura negatively competes with the new FG models. To reduce in house competition, I think the handles for these two models should be switched to black. This makes even more sense when one considers the fact that there is already a FG FRN model, as well as a British Racing Green model, so a 3rd green machine seems redundant. If it is absolutely essential, economically, that this FG be implemented as widely as possible, the Millie/ Para seem like the more logical choice for the color, since those models appeal to a FG market.
Cricket- one of my absolute favorite knives, I don’t think there has ever been a more practical box cutter devised. The SS/ etched models are awesome, and should remain in the lineup. However, in my experience, the FRN version is a much more secure EDC/ SD folder, and it would probably sell better as well. In my opinion, the FRN model is the greatest LBK ever, and it should either return to standard production, or be re-released as a sprint, in either orange, or as a white handle/ black blade yin-yang of awesomeness.
I hope at least some of what I have said is helpful, and I hope I haven’t talked out of turn with these suggestions.
Mark
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quattrokid73
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Wow a white FRN handled cricket with a black blade would be AMAZING.
Although I vote that all current versions of the Cricket stay. The SS models are elegant, easy to pocket, and very NKP friendly. I believe they sell well, and I love the brushed look of my SE SS. I agree that there aught to be an FRN version, and also an SE etched version.
Although I vote that all current versions of the Cricket stay. The SS models are elegant, easy to pocket, and very NKP friendly. I believe they sell well, and I love the brushed look of my SE SS. I agree that there aught to be an FRN version, and also an SE etched version.
http://www.coroflot.com/aham73
:spyder: Orange Millie, UKPK Orange, DP UKPK, FRN UKPK Maroon DP, Urban Wharnie, Chokwe, Zulu, Mini Persian G-10, Spin Etched, Leafstorm, Caly Jr Gray, Sage 3, Lum CF
Every machine is the spiritualization of an organism.
:spyder: Orange Millie, UKPK Orange, DP UKPK, FRN UKPK Maroon DP, Urban Wharnie, Chokwe, Zulu, Mini Persian G-10, Spin Etched, Leafstorm, Caly Jr Gray, Sage 3, Lum CF
Every machine is the spiritualization of an organism.
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MountainManJim
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- Location: Golden
Agent Starling, Sorry about the heart attack. Is the Tasman a poor substitute for the Harpy? I have yet to get a Harpy. It just seems to make sense to produce it in H1.
Spydiman:
You have a great point the lock backs are great for gloves. I hadn’t thought about that. I would hazard to guess that the P’kal ball lock is also pretty good and the liner lock appears to work pretty good on the Military. The Spyderco lock back has got to be one of the best in the land, but on a tight knife it is slow and awkward to close (especially true of my SS Byrd). My real concern is really marketability and the success of Spyderco. I’m seeing less and less of lock back out there. I agree that on some models, for instance the Delica, it would not be practical to fit a different lock into the design.
I think steel liners can be done without adding much weight. The Delica and Endura are good examples. My feeling about the liners is that the do not need to extend the entire length of the handle. I think it’s the Paramilitary that the liner extends from the pivot point to about the middle of the handle. I would like to see the liners primarily in the area of the blade pivot where the stresses are the greatest.
I’m sorry my GM reference was difficult to follow. In general product lines should not have too much overlap. For example, I would like a hawkbill knife. I have three choices, a Byrd, a Salt and a Spyderco. I’m going with the Byrd once the G-10 version surfaces and there is little incentive for me to go with the more expensive models. So, I don’t think the Byrds should be a complete line of knives. I like much of the Byrd line and there in lies the problem. There should be point in the knife owning experience where you want and need to jump up to the next level.
The second part of this thought is a little less strong for Spyderco. But, there is efficiency to be gained when a company reduces the number of part numbers it maintains. The efficiency gains are found in engineering, the warehouse, at suppliers and the factory floor. Every part that is different has a different part number which needs to be maintained. For instance, there was a time when the Salt 1 and Delica share a lot of the same part numbers. This no more and so the proliferation spreads. This was a bigger deal at GM with the thousands of parts that go into a car or locomotive. We spent a lot of time trying to reduce the number of part numbers.
I’m sorry, many of my thoughts are about efficiency of the engineering and production process. It’s how I think.
Jim
Spydiman:
You have a great point the lock backs are great for gloves. I hadn’t thought about that. I would hazard to guess that the P’kal ball lock is also pretty good and the liner lock appears to work pretty good on the Military. The Spyderco lock back has got to be one of the best in the land, but on a tight knife it is slow and awkward to close (especially true of my SS Byrd). My real concern is really marketability and the success of Spyderco. I’m seeing less and less of lock back out there. I agree that on some models, for instance the Delica, it would not be practical to fit a different lock into the design.
I think steel liners can be done without adding much weight. The Delica and Endura are good examples. My feeling about the liners is that the do not need to extend the entire length of the handle. I think it’s the Paramilitary that the liner extends from the pivot point to about the middle of the handle. I would like to see the liners primarily in the area of the blade pivot where the stresses are the greatest.
I’m sorry my GM reference was difficult to follow. In general product lines should not have too much overlap. For example, I would like a hawkbill knife. I have three choices, a Byrd, a Salt and a Spyderco. I’m going with the Byrd once the G-10 version surfaces and there is little incentive for me to go with the more expensive models. So, I don’t think the Byrds should be a complete line of knives. I like much of the Byrd line and there in lies the problem. There should be point in the knife owning experience where you want and need to jump up to the next level.
The second part of this thought is a little less strong for Spyderco. But, there is efficiency to be gained when a company reduces the number of part numbers it maintains. The efficiency gains are found in engineering, the warehouse, at suppliers and the factory floor. Every part that is different has a different part number which needs to be maintained. For instance, there was a time when the Salt 1 and Delica share a lot of the same part numbers. This no more and so the proliferation spreads. This was a bigger deal at GM with the thousands of parts that go into a car or locomotive. We spent a lot of time trying to reduce the number of part numbers.
I’m sorry, many of my thoughts are about efficiency of the engineering and production process. It’s how I think.
Jim
I Like Sharp Things
Current Favorite: Caly 3.5, Super Blue. We're done here. It doesn't get better than the Caly 3.5
Current Favorite: Caly 3.5, Super Blue. We're done here. It doesn't get better than the Caly 3.5
Dont know about other designs, but Lava IMHO is just too good of design to be discontinued so soon. Its a perfect knife in its size. It would be a shame to toss away such a good design. Lava has everything...looks, ergos, attention to detail...its perfect. If i would change something, the only thing it would be diferent is a G10 handle and nothing else. Keep Lava is what i say.