Hi, I'm not new here...

dancer · #1

Hi everyone,
I've been lurking for years and I thought it's about time I properly introduced myself.

My name is WaiChung and I'm from Singapore. I've been into Spyderco knives since the first one that I got in 1992. It's an all stainless, aus6 with an integral clip. I got on this forum to figure out what it was (the Economy, I think).

Since then I've learned so much from everyone but never really contributed much since I've not really had anything of value to add to the conversations. It's been great reading and very educational though.

Nowadays, it seems I only buy Spyderco. And usually different and unique models in order to try out new steels and ergonomics.

Thanks for the forum, Sal. And for the mule team program.

RadioactiveSpyder · #2

Welcome to the forum dancer, good to hear from a long time admirer and collector! :) One thing I am sad about in my life is being bitten by the bug so late! Is it very easy for you to get Spydercos in Singapore? Cheers, Paul

vaisforlovers · #3

Welcome dancer, Singepore is a beautiful city. I too am wondering how easy it is to find Spyderco knives there. I hope you can find what you are looking for.

Once again, welcome. It is a great place to learn and share.
James

araneae · #4

Welcome aboard.

dancer · #5

Hey guys, thanks for the welcome :)
They're not so easy to find here.
I've accepted that I'm not going to get to handle before I buy. IF I could find a model I was after, I'd still be paying above msrp.
I buy online and get them shipped. It can be expensive to Singapore, depending on the retailer. But the real problem is thinking,
'well, since I'm already paying for shipping, I might as well add in those other 2 that I was looking at...'

glbpro · #6

Welcome from Singapore

dancer wrote:They're not so easy to find here.
I've accepted that I'm not going to get to handle before I buy.

Ever been to Sheares on Selegie road? They have a decent selection - if nothing else it's a place to look and handle before you order. Lots of other non-Spydies too :D

bengaiser · #7

Welcome! Yep, sounds like an Economy model (also look for the highly visible flat pins on the clip side).

OldSarSwmr · #8

Welcome to the forum. Buying multiples to combine shipping makes perfect sense, plus, what's better then one knife? Two or three knives!

Strong-Dog · #9

Welcome to the forum! I seem to have that same "issue", as I too find myself only buying Spydercos (and sometimes a Benchmade) because they exemplify everything I value in a knife (value, ergos, new and different materials, sweet designs, and cutting performance). Cheers man!

billy blade · #10

Welcome to the forum

bornagainprimative · #11

Welcome to the forums, I am new here and to spyderco(still waiting on my first one).

aquaman67 · #12

Hello from Tennessee.

dancer · #13

Hi glbpro, thanks for the suggestion. i'm familiar with sheares. And black tactical in funan. mostly I buy from CS or KC, even with shipping added in, I still save. I try not to go in to fondle their knives though. I really do want to, but I know i'm not buying there, and i'm sure they know that too :)

hi bengaiser, yes, that's the one. After 20 years it's still great. Tight lockup and so easy to sharpen. Only issue for me is that its too heavy for pocket carry. since I got a salt1 the economy has never left the house. I would sell it off, but you know, I wouldn't want to be thought of as a flipper :p

Actually, it's a nice piece of history for me. I wouldn't use it much anymore, but I'll probably keep it til I die.

glbpro · #14

dancer wrote:Hi glbpro, thanks for the suggestion. i'm familiar with sheares. And black tactical in funan. mostly I buy from CS or KC, even with shipping added in, I still save. I try not to go in to fondle their knives though. I really do want to, but I know i'm not buying there, and i'm sure they know that too :)

Very honourable of you, although the guys at Sheares are pretty laid back once you get to know them :) Ever had any trouble with getting the knives through customs? I agree that the retail prices we pay in Singapore seem outrageous at times - I have seen list price on the Southard over $600!!!

Personally I would not risk buying a knife that I haven't handled unless it was super cheap - I have had many experiences where the knife looked great but just didn't work in hand. I buy to carry and use, not to collect, so I can't afford to drop coin on a piece that will just sit in the Spyderpac

since I got a salt1 the economy has never left the house.

I'm a big fan of my Salt 1 too, but usually choose something slightly larger for EDC as I already have a 3" blade on my leatherman.

dancer · #15

Customs in Singapore is ok with locking knives and fixed blades.
Butterfly/balisong, automatics and anything that's got 2 sharpened edges are illegal.

Of course it's tough to tell from an xray so sometimes the package will get held up and you've got to collect it personally from ICA at Singpost center. They'll open it, take a look and say thanks.
I just did that recently and they're SUPER fast and efficient. Didn't even pay for parking as it was within the 10min grace period!

anagarika · #16

Hello to you ... I live nearby (the bigger archipelago to your south east :D )

Same issue, local brick & mortar pricing is outrageous, so buying direct + shipping still saves.

Edit: you mention carry and use. How's the legality of having a knife carried on person in SG?

glbpro · #17

dancer wrote:Customs in Singapore is ok with locking knives and fixed blades.
Butterfly/balisong, automatics and anything that's got 2 sharpened edges are illegal.

That's good to know. What about assisted knives? Ever tried to order something like a Benchmade Barrage?

Of course it's tough to tell from an xray so sometimes the package will get held up and you've got to collect it personally from ICA at Singpost center. They'll open it, take a look and say thanks.
I just did that recently and they're SUPER fast and efficient. Didn't even pay for parking as it was within the 10min grace period!

Glad to hear they are keeping up Singapore's reputation for efficiency and politeness, unlike the trains of late :eek:

glbpro · #18

anagarika wrote:Edit: you mention carry and use. How's the legality of having a knife carried on person in SG?

I actually asked my retail shop about this recently - the actual details of the law change fairly frequently, but in general if you are sensible and do not do stupid things like brandish your knife on public transportation in a threatening way you will be fine. Many of the martial arts people practice here use blunted bladed weapons so it's definitely a case by case thing. For example, carrying a tai chi sword in a bag and scabbard to tai chi practice is fine, carrying the same sword unsheathed into a train station while dressed as a ninja is most definitely not.

The police here operate in an extremely discreet way and are very good at sorting out potential troublemakers from responsible, law abiding citizens.

anagarika · #19

glbpro wrote:I actually asked my retail shop about this recently - the actual details of the law change fairly frequently, but in general if you are sensible and do not do stupid things like brandish your knife on public transportation in a threatening way you will be fine. Many of the martial arts people practice here use blunted bladed weapons so it's definitely a case by case thing. For example, carrying a tai chi sword in a bag and scabbard to tai chi practice is fine, carrying the same sword unsheathed into a train station while dressed as a ninja is most definitely not.

The police here operate in an extremely discreet way and are very good at sorting out potential troublemakers from responsible, law abiding citizens.

Thank you ... perhaps a small discreet Delica will be acceptable to be on person, even if you have to declare it when entering a building (metal detector, etc.), and stated that it's foremost a tool?

If that's the case, perhaps in my next visit I can still EDC .. like what I used to back at home.

Blerv · #20

Welcome to the forums :D !