Why orange?

[Fred Sanford]

I'm just curious of a few things. I am drawn to the color orange but at the same time I don't want the knife in my pocket to draw un-needed attention.

I can see orange being used on a rescue knife or a Salt or something but why on say.....a UKPK or the up and coming Urban? I'm not at all criticizing I would just really like to know.

Is Spyderco trying to get knives noticed? I guess I can see bright colored knives as good if someone notices your knife and asks about it and then you tell them about how it's a tool etc. When I see orange or yellow or bright green I associate it with something I don't want to lose, or something I want to easily find on the job site or on a boat or something floating in water.

So....what do you think?

1. What is the reasoning behind the orange handled knives?

2. Why do you like orange handled knives, or don't you?

[yablanowitz]

I think the bright colors make them more tool-like and less "tacticool", i.e. less weapon-like. It makes it very obvious that you are not trying to stealth a weapon in under the radar, you are just carrying a tool that you don't want to lose. I think that is the biggest reason that most SAK handles are red, and part of why a SAK seldom stampedes the NKPs.

[bh49]

I think the bright colors make them more tool-like and less "tacticool", i.e. less weapon-like.

I agree with yablanowitz. Also orange looks so good. :p
I love my Orange UKPK and ladybug.

[kbuzbee]

Agreed. I actually wish red weren't so associated with trainers as red is something I'd like to see too. My blue Dodo is always a favorite. And now the orange Ladybug is riding my key ring. She does stand out! Much more (to me) than say the yellow Salts. That a bright FRN. Is the G10 as bright? I wouldn't think so but if it is.... :)


Anyway, bring the rainbow, Sal. Love 'em.

Ken

[Shenmue728]

I think the bright colors make them more tool-like and less "tacticool", i.e. less weapon-like. It makes it very obvious that you are not trying to stealth a weapon in under the radar, you are just carrying a tool that you don't want to lose.

I agree with you 100% Orange is a very friendly yet "hazard" color (Like traffic cones) If you work with the same people frequently and they see you have the bringht orange thing in your hand they will come to associate it more as a knife. Almost like a wet floor sign when ya mop a floor. People that dont mind walking on it dont have to worry and people that are mortified at the idea can avoid it. my USD 0.02 :o

[LowTEC]

I'm waiting for orange Caly3 and orange Para with D2, orange is my favorite and like mentioned before, helps to show this is a tool (like a bright orange utility cutter) instead of a steathy weapon :cool:

[J Smith]

I don't mind people noticing I have a knife.
I like the orange G10,the orange UKPK shares EDC with my Sebenza.I have a electric blue and silver skull lanyard tied on it.I think it might draw more notice.

[Gibsoniam]

I love the orange trend! Of course, I am biased: its my favorite color. I have orange playing cards, orange o-rings on my Novatac, and my orange Ladybug... and soon the San Antonio legal Urban!

I'll add a +1 to the tool factor of the color, too. Though my Ladybug still gets dirty looks and 'you carry a knife?' comments. Funny, cause hardly anyone here gives a second thought to all the folks carrying legal concealed firearms. Go figure. :D

[Joshua J.]

Orange is a common color for tools in the workshop. While I wouldn't use my knives the same as the stuff in the shop, it still helps with the tool image.

[Agent Starling]

Why orange...why foliage green? I would guess the answer is: because people like it, it is unusual, and so it sells. I think the orange looks terrific! :)

Agent Starling

[EarthDog]

Why orange?

So we can:

Orange!

Blue!

Go Gators!

Orange you glad you asked?

:)

[nathan310]

I think the bright colors make them more tool-like and less "tacticool", i.e. less weapon-like. It makes it very obvious that you are not trying to stealth a weapon in under the radar, you are just carrying a tool that you don't want to lose. I think that is the biggest reason that most SAK handles are red, and part of why a SAK seldom stampedes the NKPs.

I agree with that too.

And not to hijack this thread but...

Anyone lost a foliage green knife outdoors yet? :D

I think if I'm doing outdoor stuff I will stick with the orange g10.

[Sam Vimes]

I don't know but have always suspected that the use of orange in knives is something that has migrated over from the hunting market. As I understand it some states have a legal requirement for hunters to wear Blaze Orange clothing.

Blaze Orange hunting clothing.

Blaze (Safety) Orange.

I hunt myself but don't use Blaze Orange clothing. However, I have just ordered an Orange handled knife. The idea for me being that there should be little chance of losing it in the undergrowth.

[Piet.S]

Yes it is very popular at times.

[Tom v S]

Great answer Piet! :D :D

[Mr Blonde]

Nice one Piet! The orange UKPK & Urban models were supposed to be a very limited run just for the Dutch afi's. However, a mix up in the order drastically increased the produced numbers so Sal had to put it in the catalog and offer it as a regular model. We know better Sal! :D

Mind you, the orange UKPK is hardly noticeable in a pocket, because of the low rider clip.

Wouter

[bengaiser]

I always liked the yellow scales, bright without being too neon... I wish they would do more of them. The green was a personal favorite on the Rescue, but there have been several FG/OD models lately.

- Ben

[catamount]

AS I understand it, the orange and green UKPK were requested by UK enthusiasts because the original black one was still too scary to NKPs.

[bh49]

I'm waiting for orange Caly3

Sal, please. I need it.

Nice one Piet! The orange UKPK & Urban models were supposed to be a very limited run just for the Dutch afi's. However, a mix up in the order drastically increased the produced numbers so Sal had to put it in the catalog and offer it as a regular model.

Wouter

So it was my lucky day. :)
Thanks to person who mixed orders. Keep doing a good job.

[ozspyder]

I'm waiting for more Blue knives...

Blue Caly III
Blue UKPK
Blue Ladybug
etc.. :D

I do love my Fanta UKPK though and my incoming Fanta Ladybug will keep it company and my keys will love it being a very close neighbour :p