what makes this forum different

[JCP1969]

Hi I know I am new and know a lot of you guys and gals are use to Sal , Ed and Kristi and others working for Spyderco I don't know who post comments on threads but I still get a great amount of comfort when they do. It just shows they are responsive to problems and suggestions . I was googling paramilitary trying to learn more about the original and basically rationalize my purchase of a new paramilitary first generation I made today when I came across this old post by Sal. It was only a thread with 6 replies and Sals was 3rd. Didn't take a whole mess of discussion before he took the time to respond to a concern. I think there are some companies that could learn a lot from Sal besides knife making. Sorry if it seems like I am kissing up , its just the truth and I know alot of you guys feel the same way. So from me and I am sure from everyone on the forum. For every time you guys have chimed in and didn't get a thanks. Thanks it means a lot .
2008 post by Sal
Hi Psul,

Welcome to the Spyderco forum.

I would suggest snapping it open fairly hard a couple of times. There might be a burr on the lock. Open it a little bit, and then, with a flick of the wrist, snap the blade open.

If this doesn't work, then you have my apologies, please let us look at it in Golden.

sal

Seeing that made me :)

[Popsickle]

im with ya!

[manixSA]

JCP,

You uncovered a gem. The post show not only that Sal is interested in his clients views but also that he knows what is going on on the factory floor. His advice is good and humbling at the same time. He acknowledges there may be some small error in the manufacturing (small burr possibly). He seems like a no nonsense type of guy.

When I was buying my first spyderco in the factory store he walked through. A couple of the knife knuts there greeted him and he was glad to say hello and chat a little. I didn't talk to him but he came across as completely normal. No act, nothing false, just a guy in his store on his way to something else but with a few precious minutes to spare for a client.

[Blerv]

Welcome aboard :) . No forum is perfect but this one comes closer than most. I can't recall one person without genuine intentions.

Sal, Ed, Mike and the rest of the frequent posters? I feel like membership here should have a fee!

[Dr. Snubnose]

You know many years ago (must have been the early to mid 90's) I was at the New York Knife show..... I vowed not to buy anything, Cause I had two very expensive custom Tomahawks made for me by American Tomahawk Co. that I was picking up..Hawks with special shoulder harness deployment systems....and I was also visiting with a Canadian Sword maker about a custom Tai Chi Sword, in the two to three thousand dollar range that I was ordering...I almost dropped the hammer on a custom Crawford titanium spike...I made Mr. Crawford crazy with let me see it...no I can't afford it now...let me see it again...and again, and again....It was only like $120, but I said I wouldn't buy anything and I didn't. Then I walked over to the Spyderco table which was directly behind Crawford's table one row back....I had like 2 dozen Spydies in my collection at the time and loved them...The wife was looking for a new kitchen knife and then I saw it "The Santuko" Sal was working the table....He came up to me introduced himself, as Sal, (not the owner of Spyderco...just Sal....) I had no idea who he was and he probably doesn't even remember our encounter. So Sal spends like 15 minutes with me talking about the Santuko and letting me handle it. There were other customers waiting at the table to speak to him but he wasn't rushing me and when I told him he could take care of the other people he said it's Ok, if they want to talk with me they'll stick around. He then said let me show you something....there was a sharpmaker on the table all set up...he pulled another Santuko from a box under the table and began giving me instruction on how to sharpen the Santuko...then he gave me a try at it....I was so impressed....I vowed not to buy anything else that day at the NY show, but I left with two Hawks, A Santuko and Sharpmaker...I paid like $50 for the Santuko. Still have it (along with other Santukos and that original sharpmaker, no dvd's in those days....For me a private lesson from the man himself, who I thought was just a nice saleman for Spyderco...Little did I know...Thanks Sal...and FWIW....The Santuko is the only knife I ever use in the kitchen.....all my expensive kitchen cutlery sits in storage.....Never did get that Crawford spike LOL.....Doc :D

[DeathBySnooSnoo]

I know that I certainly appreciate the fact that there are people from Spyderco that read and take an interest in the things that are said on this board. I think that it does say a lot about a company that actively listens to what their customers like and dislike about things and even what they would wish for given the opportunity. I think that they get a lot out of it too in terms of free feedback that they would otherwise have to do suveys and market research etc to get, but the fact that they take time to say hello to new members and respond to general questions shows that they truly care, and that is always going to be the company that gets my hard earned $.

[phillipsted]

....The Santuko is the only knife I ever use in the kitchen.....all my expensive kitchen cutlery sits in storage.....Doc :D

I'm with you, Doc. I also got a Santuko and an original model Sharpmaker from Sal at a show back in the mid-1990s - and had an experience similar to yours. No rush, no pressure - all the folks at the table were standing around taking turns with the Sharpmaker and Sal was patiently explaining the process.

It makes me smile, too! And I use that Santuko every single day - it is my go-to kitchen knife (along with the little Spyderco paring knife I bought with it).

TedP

[Donut]

FWIW....The Santuko is the only knife I ever use in the kitchen.....all my expensive kitchen cutlery is hidden under my shirt and pants and carried with me everywhere I go.....Doc :D

Hey Doc, I fixed that incorrect statement you made about you putting knives in storage. :)

[dbcad]

I think this is a big part of why I have enjoyed this forum:

"This is a sensitive subject, so I would appreciate your patience and understanding.

The hostility that seems to appear on the forum makes it an uncomfortable place to be. This is opposite the intention.

Much of the hostility seems to be centered around the "round hole issue".

After listening to comments, discussion and much thought (which requires time becausae I'm sometimes slow), I have a request.

I am asking you to pull any tag lines or comments that could be percerived as hostile or antagonistic to other companies in the knife industry, while on our forums.

I realize that to many, it is an important issue, and I will admit to being sensitive myself, but a negative approach is not good for the industry or Spyderco in the industry.

Intelligent, civil communication is more valuable.

We have always tried to "leave shiny footprints" where ever we go. I personally have tried to avoid negative comments towards other companies. (No, I'm not perfect either ) I think it serves to keep thoughts about Spyderco and other companies more positive than negative.

If you would like to be closely associated with Spyderco, which we greatly appreciate, it would be our wish that you consider leaving shiny footprints rather than hostile feelings, where Spyderco is concerened.

thanx much for your cooperation and kind understanding.

sal"

The founder of the Company whose products we so enjoy takes the time and thought to set the tone he would like for the forum.

It's always a pleasure for me to be able to offer a little insight or advice to another that is looking for it :) Doing so without belittling the reciever is truly enjoyable :D

If I voice a technical opinion and I am wrong, I'm sure I'll be corrected in a polite and respecful manner, not a nasty and flameful one :)

[JCP1969]

I like hearing about the shows and how you guys get to interact. I plan on someday attending one. Us newbies are helping keep it going but you guys from the early days helped get it started. I am glad Sal set the tone for this company and for this forum. There are plenty of places to discuss other things but its so nice to come on here and just search old threads and really just get to learn whats what about Spyderco knives and for those that go the extra mile to educate and enlighten Thanks and
Sal, you the man! :D

[Knifewing]

I agree wholeheartedly with your comments. I've recently had some less than pleasant experiences on another Forum and vowed never to go back--not actually personally but the attitudes I've encountered there make me appreciate this Forum and its members all the more. And, of course, the Forum (and the fact that it even exists and has an "Off-Topic" section) is a reflection of Sal, Eric, Spyderco, and its employees. If I have a question for the Forum, I know that it will be answered with interest, care, courtesy, and (sometimes) patience. The range of knowledge here never fails to amaze. Thanks to all.

[Pinetreebbs]

Spyderco, the people, the company, this forum and of course, the knives, nothing better.

[Creepo]

Wow Doc, cool story knife-bro! :D

[mikerestivo]

My two favorite things about this forum:

1. It revolves around my favorite hobby: collecting/buying/playing with Spyderco knives, and

2. The tone by forumites is mostly civil.

Nothing turns me off more than folks insulting each other on an internet forum. Not too much of it here, thank goodness.

This is a good place to be.

[Dr. Snubnose]

Hey Doc, I fixed that incorrect statement you made about you putting knives in storage. :)

Thanks Donut, Yeppers me like the royal family always travel with my own china and cutlery....Doc :p

[BAL]

Great story Doc. I have never met Sal, Eric Kristi or anyone at Spyderco, but their involvement, understanding and willingness to listen read the forums and get input from regular spyderaholics about design, steel, colors etc makes me feel proud just to be involved in the small way that I am. I honestly can't see myself buying any other brand of knife, ever. There is great comfort that I have when I tap my hand on my pocket and feel the spyderco and know that I can handle any situation that arises.
Take care all.

[araneae]

I like to think we (the forumites and our hosts) make it different. Thanks everyone.

[spyderfan123]

its just spyderco!

[Pneumothorax]

I like how both Spyderco and the forumites monitor the tone and keep discussions civil and on topic. I also like the single focus on my favorite knife co.!! This a safe, great community to be involved with. It makes e feel connected to the company, but it's not just a fan club.

Overall, the combination of the products, customer service and forum makes this one of the only companies that I choose to make part of my life. So much so that I'm going to visit them next week!!! I have a medical products convention in Denver and i have part of my last day free to visit. I'm excited to visit. I've been jealous of those of you who have gotten to visit. I will see Charlynn and maybe one of the Glessers between meetings. Unfortunately, Kristi will be on the road. It should be fun. Looking forward to seeing everything and buying some stuff!!

[chuck_roxas45]

I also like all the P,B, and J discussions. :D