"To show or not to show"

[sal]

It has always been my pattern to use the opinions of show visitors to help develop the finer points of our new models. I take them to about 6 shows a year and get the hands on opinion from potential customers.



Most companies generally keep their traps shut until the product is released.



What is your opinion on this subject? Would you rather know about, discuss, (even without pics) upcoming models? or would you rather that Spyderco kept mum until release, then do the surprize?



sal

[sven]

Sal, i like the idea of getting little hints of what lies ahead. it adds to the anticipation and excitement, besides, if we just had new models sprung apon us, some might have heart attacks. i guess what i'm saying is, keep doin what you're doin, you guys are doing a great job... take care

grace and peace
sven

steel is unforgiving... sharp steel even more so

[pvr4]

Sal,

It seems to me that showing the blades at shows and then discussing the merit of the designs is like having focus groups. Only the responses you get haven't been paid for. I think it is a great idea for both parties but expecially speyderco. If you learned that an idea was getting a very bad reception, you could tweak it or even drop it. I wouldn't stop.

[hawkbill]

I've enjoyed reading about some of the protos after shows. It provides many of us with "mind candy" until we actually see them, and in some cases, may "pre-sell" a design for the company.

I am what I am, and that's all that I am. Popeye

[Stevie Ray]

Sal,

I think your approach to customer interaction and the company focus on same is one of the reasons your company continues to be successful. To some extent, displaying prototypes or "soon-to-be-released" blades at shows is advertising that in the collector community may be more effective than print due to the "word-of-mouth" factor. I do like the idea of leaking info and the occasional picture about upcoming knives. It kinda whets the appetite ..

Do you have any shows scheduled in the Washington DC area during the next 12 months?

SR

[spyderwa]

I think that new input can always be useful. When a group is involved in a project they tend to lose a certain amount of fresh perspective. In other words they stop seeing faults because they are used to the product. Honest input from the potential ELU can help spot any difficulties before production begins. I realize that it must be frustrating dealing with the potential for idea theft with copies appearing overnight from China, but I think having that outside perspective can be invaluable.

Spyderwa

Rare Spydercos
www.angelfire.com/trek/spyderwa

[dialex]

Indeed, most successfull brands and models are knock-off-ed in China, Pakistani (or God knows where else). Yet, I don't think this is the worst threat. You see, as a common buyer, I may get myself a cheap Delica imitation. I may buy it either because I don't know much about knives and I might as well get another knife, or because I don't have the money to buy the real thing.
The real danger is when some real competitor may steal the IDEA, use it, adapt it, why not - improve it - and take the laurels. But I've noticed that Spyderco, with its background of a "few" years in business, learned how to be cautious, yet open enough to the ELU's, collaborators and even competitors.
Personally, I think that feedback can prove a good and useful thing.

<a href="http://users.pcnet.ro/dialex"><font color=blue>(my page)</font></a>

[Sword and Shield]

I'd work the shows, this forum, BF and every other possible stream of ideas for all it's worth. I might say I dislike a knife. OK, S&S doesn't like it, move on. If 100 other forumites/show attendees dislike the knife (or love it!) that gives you an idea of how to proceed.

The Man's Prayer- I am a man. But I can change. If I have to. I guess...

[dynaryder]

I agree w/S&S. Showing them allows for ELU feedback. One of the things that makes Spyderco so great as a company is they work more w/their customers than most others.

[mjmcdowell]

Sal, Thanks for the reply on the spyder pins and thanks also to all the rest who replied... and Sal... Tease me! I love waiting for the new models to be born and any tidbit about forth coming ones that I might be intrested in would have me waiting on pins and needles, couldnt wait to get the PE Gunting and my latest acquisition a PE DoDo which is my new EDC for now, great knives, all of them all the way back to my 1st. a SE standard purchased from BQM in 84 or 85 if I remember right. stay safe, mjmcdowell

[samosaurus]

Hey Poppa Spyder!

Keep up the good work! <img src="spyder.gif" width=15 height=15 align=middle border=0><img src="smile.gif" width=15 height=15 align=middle border=0><img src="spyder.gif" width=15 height=15 align=middle border=0> I guess there are pros and cons about "revealing" up and coming releases. Expectations can be sky-high when you "tease" some over-enthusiastic fans on the "shape of things to come". Personally speaking, Spyderco has never been selfish or secretive about their future releases. None the knives are really kept locked in the vault till they are finally released. Whether to show or not, its the company's perogative. I'm just happy with what I get in the dealer's catalog.. <img src="spyder.gif" width=15 height=15 align=middle border=0><img src="smile.gif" width=15 height=15 align=middle border=0><img src="spyder.gif" width=15 height=15 align=middle border=0> Oh yeah, Spyderco is also a company that listens.. The Spyderhawk and Spyderfly bears testimony to that... <img src="spyder.gif" width=15 height=15 align=middle border=0><img src="wink.gif" width=15 height=15 align=middle border=0><img src="spyder.gif" width=15 height=15 align=middle border=0>

Sam

"have scars will travel.."

[Jimd]

Sal, you actually listen to what your customers want and what they have to say.

These days, that's VERY rare! My vote is to continue doing things the way you have been.

Sniper -- One Shot, One Kill Email: ST8PEN01@aol.com

[Shiden]

Sal,

I think, it's just like with movies: you are more excited about it when you see some teasers. For knives it's the same. And it is also a great opportunity for the Spyderholics here to discuss about it.
So my opinion is: show them!

Shiden-Kaj

[DL]

I'd like some discussion, even without pictures at some point and to see pictures of the prototypes at the latter stages of development to discuss the finer points.

An example of this was the interesting discussion brought up on the merits of the name of the Para Military and having it etched in large letters on the blade. Personally, I don't care for the name Para Military that much and I really don't care for the name being etched in large letters.

[cmassicotte]

Sal,

Continue what you are doing. It works for you, (at least I think it does - and it does for us for sure)and I am sure you know the old saying about fixing what works.

..... Now, if you are asking the question because you aren't sure if it is working for you, I don't know if I have any good advice. However, I will add to those who have said that the shows and these forums provide the opportunity input to your designs - exemplified by the recent discussions of the size, placement, and even the name - of the Paramilitary.

Chuck

There is no right way to do a wrong thing

[Jurphaas]

Hi Sal - I always look forward to the contents of your ProtoPack. During the times that I'm with Spydreco assisting at the IWA Show in Germany, the Proto types always generate about 60 or more % of the talk. It also generates a whole lot of feedback and consumer interest. Also all visiting writers and importers and dealers are showing a great deal of interest in the Proto types. I believe that developing them "in the dark" would not make for a better or more fine tuned product. Show what you are tinkering with and let the feedback that you receive be your guideline in what has and what doesn't have the potential to be produced.

Clipits work!

[AllenETreat]

Sal :

Better to formulate opine(s) prior to release,as AFAIC'd, it put's the opposition in awe! ( And they beat their brains out tryin' to figure out what'cher do'in'!)

IMAGEs are great, but ideas are better!

AET <img src="wink.gif" width=15 height=15 align=middle border=0>

"All that is necessary for the forces of evil to win in the world is for enough good men to do nothing." Edmund Burke ( 1729-1797 )

[charlie]

Sal:
Your interface with the customer, Shows & Forums, are what makes Spyderco great!
I like the advance notice and think it creates interest in Spyderco. Maybe I will be able to attend a knife show on the west coast when Spyderco has a booth. The Solvang, CA Custom Knife Show is the closest to me.
<img src="spyder.gif" width=15 height=15 align=middle border=0> Collector #047