Spyderco Booth at the 2012 NRA Convention?

yobohadi · #1

I was looking at the exhibitor list for the NRA convention in St. Louis in April and did not see Spyderco on the list. This may be my first year going to the convention and was wondering if Spyderco normally shows up for this convention or if they just can't make it this year for whatever reason. I would really like to see them there, especially since I can get into this convention and not into Shot.

NYRich · #2

If Spyderco does not have a presence at the NRA convention I could understand why. The NRA is already more about politics than it is about hardware. Of course, the two go hand in hand these days, but why would Spyderco want to get involved in that? I'm an NRA member, but don't necessarily agree with all the political rhetoric they spew.

yobohadi · #3

NYRich wrote:If Spyderco does not have a presence at the NRA convention I could understand why. The NRA is already more about politics than it is about hardware. Of course, the two go hand in hand these days, but why would Spyderco want to get involved in that? I'm an NRA member, but don't necessarily agree with all the political rhetoric they spew.

The NRA has always been about protecting the 2nd Amendment which has always been a political subject so, I expect everything they "spew" to be political. Our knives also fall under the "arms" definition of the 2nd Amendment which the NRA helps to lobby and litigate against those that wish to take those rights from us. Therefore, I would expect Spyderco to support the NRA and I guess if they don't then I still support Spyderco as a great knife company and will still buy their products. Now, that being said, I don't care why, I just wanted to know if they have, will, or will ever be an exhibitor at the NRA convention? Because, if they will be, I would love to seek them out, check out their booth, and hopefully get to chat with them.

SolidState · #4

The problem with generalizing guns and knives together with supporters is that they don't go hand in hand as has been argued. I have yet to see the NRA fork over any cash to fight against the knife laws in New York and Chicago.

They're great at selling the idea that democrats will take your guns to republicans. That's all the NRA has been up to for almost 30 years now and it isn't helping Americans.

Finally, the second amendment is to maintain a well-regulated militia. I have yet to see any of these groups organizing militias with their right to arms, so I think that point is crap. People who truly value that amendment are in militias, cause one guy with guns is worthless against an army with tanks.

mikerestivo · #5

As interesting as this thread is, I still say "ugh! - politics being discussed on my favorite knife forum".

The Deacon · #6

SolidState wrote:The problem with generalizing guns and knives together with supporters is that they don't go hand in hand as has been argued. I have yet to see the NRA fork over any cash to fight against the knife laws in New York and Chicago.

They're great at selling the idea that democrats will take your guns to republicans. That's all the NRA has been up to for almost 30 years now and it isn't helping Americans.

Finally, the second amendment is to maintain a well-regulated militia. I have yet to see any of these groups organizing militias with their right to arms, so I think that point is crap. People who truly value that amendment are in militias, cause one guy with guns is worthless against an army with tanks.

It's a sometimes unfortunate fact that the most commonly used definitions of words change over the years, but it happens. Do you actually understand what the phase "A well regulated militia" meant when it was written? In case you don't, at the time the Bill of Rights was written and when used in the context of people, the word regulated meant "skilled in the use of weapons (arms)" and the word militia included pretty much every male capable of carrying weapon. The organized "ready Militias", what would now be called "The National Guard" were only a small part of that, and were not considered the most important part. The whole point of the second Amendment was to insure that all male citizens had access to arms.

#7

Hi Yobohadi,

Welcome to the Spyderco forum.

We have attended the NRA show many times. Often it conflicts with another show we've been doing for almost 30 years (Eugene) and we have limited people. We do support the NRA, AKTI and Knife Rights, but we do try to avoid politics on our forums.

sal

yobohadi · #8

Sal,

Thanks for answering. I really didn't mean to stir the pot, I know politics is a hot topic that usually doesn't lead to anything productive on the forums, I really just wanted to know if there was a chance that you would be there.

Say, what is the name of the show is in Eugene? I live close enough that I would like to check it out.

NYRich · #9

Whether Spyderco supports the NRA or not has nothing to do with the quality of its products. Unfortunately, every rights issue has become a political plaything and sometimes the best way to avoid becoming a casualty is to keep ones own counsel.

I read American Rifleman every month and have never seen a single article dealing with the rights of knifeowners. While not as hot an issue as gun control, encroachment in one area has a funny way of spreading to others.

Anyway, we need to stay away from politics on this forum as it is very easy for things to become heated beyond anyone's intent. With that said, I'd best shut up. :D

yobohadi · #10

NYRich wrote:Whether Spyderco supports the NRA or not has nothing to do with the quality of its products. Unfortunately, every rights issue has become a political plaything and sometimes the best way to avoid becoming a casualty is to keep ones own counsel.

I read American Rifleman every month and have never seen a single article dealing with the rights of knifeowners. While not as hot an issue as gun control, encroachment in one area has a funny way of spreading to others.

Anyway, we need to stay away from politics on this forum as it is very easy for things to become heated beyond anyone's intent. With that said, I'd best shut up. :D

Human nature is a funny thing, a person or group that gets everything they want in one area will start branching out and start focusing their attention on other things. We always want more, whether it be knives, guns, books, beer, peace or war, regulation or freedom... If you don't take anything away from this thread you should at least understand these two things: We may not agree, but we should respect each other's rights AND The world would be better off if there were more Spydercos in everyone's pockets. :)

dbcad · #11

sal wrote:Hi Yobohadi,

Welcome to the Spyderco forum.

We have attended the NRA show many times. Often it conflicts with another show we've been doing for almost 30 years (Eugene) and we have limited people. We do support the NRA, AKTI and Knife Rights, but we do try to avoid politics on our forums.

sal

'Nuff said............