The last few years have produced some truly amazing small Spydie designs, many of which I've got my eye on. The Sage 4 in particular is one of the nicest looking, practical, capable gent's EDCs I've seen in a long time from any make!
Which brings me to this question: all question of production location aside (it really doesn't matter to me), why must the Taiwan-made blades be stamped with such a hideous, generic font face on the reverse? It's really not in keeping with the clean Spyderco look/refinement and lends a cheap, almost dollar-store look to what are otherwise well-designed - and not inexpensive - folders.
I know production locations are shifting for a lot of makes, and that's the reality of the times, but there's got to be a way to stamp these blades a little more elegantly - no? Are any changes forthcoming, or being considered?
No, it's not a huge deal, and yes, the knives will certainly do their job as-is - but it doesn't totally sit well either.
Taiwan Markings
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The Deacon
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To me, that part of the tang stamp is the "maker's mark", and if Spyderco allows them to "have it their way" I'm all for it. Besides, what you consider to be a "' hideous, generic font" I consider to be a rather attractive serif font. If anything, I'd prefer to see it used on both sides.
Paul
My Personal Website ---- Beginners Guide to Spyderco Collecting ---- Spydiewiki
Deplorable :p
WTC # 1458 - 1504 - 1508 - Never Forget, Never Forgive!
My Personal Website ---- Beginners Guide to Spyderco Collecting ---- Spydiewiki
Deplorable :p
WTC # 1458 - 1504 - 1508 - Never Forget, Never Forgive!
Hi Twca,
There are very few makers worldwide that can consistently meet our quality requirements. As good as they are, there is always the desire to identify themselves apart from any competitors in their part of the world. As Deacon mentioned, we permit them that distinction. On the Taichung, Taiwan knives, we did have some early complaints about the size of the writing, which we adjusted. We've not had any complaints about the font? I guess we'll swee what comes up.
sal
There are very few makers worldwide that can consistently meet our quality requirements. As good as they are, there is always the desire to identify themselves apart from any competitors in their part of the world. As Deacon mentioned, we permit them that distinction. On the Taichung, Taiwan knives, we did have some early complaints about the size of the writing, which we adjusted. We've not had any complaints about the font? I guess we'll swee what comes up.
sal
I definitely get the desire of the Taichung folks to do a maker's stamp given the success to date in a competitive market, don't get me wrong. I'd do the same if I were them. As mentioned, the designs are impressive and well-executed - the knives are winners, no doubt. Just feels like I see that sort of font a lot, and it doesn't carry great associations for me, but I also totally realize many (if not most) people don't care much about that sort of thing. Thanks for the info on the previous font size change, Sal.
I have to admit I much prefer the markings from other makers that just start with a capital letter, like the Japan models and a few of the Colorado models. I also prefer the classic Spyderco marking(like the one at the top of the page), seems much more in keeping with Spyderco's branding than just full capital generic font.
In saying that I do love small details but it certainly does not affect their function, but we likes what we likes... :)
In saying that I do love small details but it certainly does not affect their function, but we likes what we likes... :)
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jackknifeh
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Each to his own without a doubt. But I just grabbed my Sage4 and looked at the stamp. I really like it. In fact it seems to give an "Asian" look to the writing. If not Asian it is not "American" standard font I don't think. In fact, the font of the makers country being different than the Spyderco font is another thing that might make the maker proud of his/her country. Definately the workers in the Taichung Taiwan factory should be proud of their work IMO.
Even if you and I don't agree on fonts I definately agree about any good than that can be said about the Sage4. Spyderco will have to pull off another miracle to come up with something I like better. And I like a lot of the Spyderco knives. Favorites are just a personal choice. The only other Spyderco's that I like as much are the Chaparral and Gayle Bradley. I don't know where they were made. :)
Jack
Even if you and I don't agree on fonts I definately agree about any good than that can be said about the Sage4. Spyderco will have to pull off another miracle to come up with something I like better. And I like a lot of the Spyderco knives. Favorites are just a personal choice. The only other Spyderco's that I like as much are the Chaparral and Gayle Bradley. I don't know where they were made. :)
Jack
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lambertiana
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I do not consider it a hideous generic font at all. In fact, from a historical perspective, it belongs on knives more than the font used for the Spyderco marking.
Until about the 1920's, virtually all knives sold in the US (Sheffield, US, or Solingen made) used this serif font. I think it adds a touch of class.
Until about the 1920's, virtually all knives sold in the US (Sheffield, US, or Solingen made) used this serif font. I think it adds a touch of class.
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Gunslinger
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donutsrule
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DeathBySnooSnoo
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