Spyderco's Taichung (Taiwan) Folders are amongst my favorite and arguably amongst the highest quality in the world. Great designs, craftsmanship, quality, collaborations and materials.
Here's an alphabetical list of the Spyderco Taichung folders (except for Dealer/Distributor Exclusives & Sprint Runs) along with designations on whether UPCOMING or DISCONTINUED otherwise they're CURRENT products:
Watu CPM-20CV CF/G-10 Laminate C251CFP (DISCONTINUED)
Zulu (DISCONTINUED)
Last edited by RamZar on Sun Dec 31, 2023 2:24 pm, edited 86 times in total.
I welcome dialog, as long as it remains cordial, constructive and is conducted in a civilized manner. - Titanic: Blood & Steel
You can fool some of the people all of the time, and all of the people some of the time, but you cannot fool all of the people all of the time. - Abraham Lincoln
Great list :). Only thing to consider is some of the Taiwaineese Spyderco knives (as I understand) aren't made in the same shop that puts out knives like the Gayle Bradley and Sage line. Earlier Cat/Chicago and Salsa's for example. That and the Sage1 is still in production.
They certainly are in a different league of fit and finish...every Spyderco I've seen and handled is very good and the margin isn't large, but I'd definitely say it's noticeable at least in my Taichung Spydies. I'm VERY anxious to purchase a Schempp Bowie.
Blerv wrote:Great list :). Only thing to consider is some of the Taiwaineese Spyderco knives (as I understand) aren't made in the same shop that puts out knives like the Gayle Bradley and Sage line. Earlier Cat/Chicago and Salsa's for example. That and the Sage1 is still in production.
Are you saying that the earlier Cat, Chicago and Salsa folders are not up to par with the current Taiwan offerings?
I have the Sage 1 listed as in production. It's the Sage 3 with Blue G-10 that has been discontinued in favor of the Sage 3 CF/G-10 laminate.
I welcome dialog, as long as it remains cordial, constructive and is conducted in a civilized manner. - Titanic: Blood & Steel
You can fool some of the people all of the time, and all of the people some of the time, but you cannot fool all of the people all of the time. - Abraham Lincoln
RamZar wrote:Are you saying that the earlier Cat, Chicago and Salsa folders are not up to par with the current Taiwan offerings?
Not by a long-shot. The earlier cat/chicago were pulled due to quality issues. Knives like the GB and Sage line are world class, IMHO.
RamZar wrote:I have the Sage 1 listed as in production. It's the Sage 3 with Blue G-10 that has been discontinued in favor of the Sage 3 CF/G-10 laminate.
Blerv wrote:
The earlier cat/chicago were pulled due to quality issues.
Were those the Cat/Chicago ones in 440C/G-10 or the discontinued S30V/CF ones?
I welcome dialog, as long as it remains cordial, constructive and is conducted in a civilized manner. - Titanic: Blood & Steel
You can fool some of the people all of the time, and all of the people some of the time, but you cannot fool all of the people all of the time. - Abraham Lincoln
Blerv wrote:
The earlier cat/chicago were pulled due to quality issues.
Were those the Cat/Chicago ones in 440C/G-10 or the discontinued S30V/CF ones?
The earlier Cat and Chicago in CF/S30v. I've only heard great things about the quality of the new versions, although, I still don't know if they come from the Sage/GB (etc) maker. Someone else will have to chime in.
Still, I agree that generally my favorite knives come from Taiwan. Whoever is making them is/are doing a great job!
My early Cat was not in the same league as the Sage 1, GB, etc.
No one that I know knows who made the early Cat. I do know there were several "oops" on both of mine(one I sent back).
The early Cat and Chicago in S30V/CF were an experiment with a different maker than the one in Taichung that has earned respect. That maker was unable to deliver the quality of construction at the price point as I gather they had claimed they could. More of them failed QC than passed. There were literally hundreds of each at the seconds sale one year.
My Cat & Chicago folders are of the 440C/G-10 variety so I'm safe.
What were the issues, if any, with the Salsa ones? They look like cute little folders with colors (titanium or aluminum handles), cobra hood and compression lock.
I welcome dialog, as long as it remains cordial, constructive and is conducted in a civilized manner. - Titanic: Blood & Steel
You can fool some of the people all of the time, and all of the people some of the time, but you cannot fool all of the people all of the time. - Abraham Lincoln
RamZar wrote:My Cat & Chicago folders are of the 440C/G-10 variety so I'm safe.
What were the issues, if any, with the Salsa ones? They look like cute little folders with colors (titanium or aluminum handles), cobra hood and compression lock.
There is nothing "wrong" with them. I don't recall they were ever pulled like the early Cat/Chicago/Bushcraft burl, etc. They just don't stack up to the maker who is producing the top-tier Taichung knives. Those knives rival some semi-custom makers.
RamZar wrote:My Cat & Chicago folders are of the 440C/G-10 variety so I'm safe.
What were the issues, if any, with the Salsa ones? They look like cute little folders with colors (titanium or aluminum handles), cobra hood and compression lock.
There is nothing "wrong" with them. I don't recall they were ever pulled like the early Cat/Chicago/Bushcraft burl, etc. They just don't stack up to the maker who is producing the top-tier Taichung knives. Those knives rival some semi-custom makers.
Got it.
I welcome dialog, as long as it remains cordial, constructive and is conducted in a civilized manner. - Titanic: Blood & Steel
You can fool some of the people all of the time, and all of the people some of the time, but you cannot fool all of the people all of the time. - Abraham Lincoln
AFAIK, everything on that list except the Cat, Chicago, Salsa, and S, were (or are) made by the folks in Taichung. Those four were/are made by another maker in Taiwan.
The Deacon wrote:AFAIK, everything on that list except the Cat, Chicago, Salsa, and S, were (or are) made by the folks in Taichung. Those four were/are made by another maker in Taiwan.
Obviously, all Salsa, "S" and the S30V/CF Cat & Chicago folders have been discontinued.
My question is whether ALL current Spyderco Taiwan folders (including the Cat & Chicago 440C/G-10) are being manufactured at the same quality Taichung factory?
I welcome dialog, as long as it remains cordial, constructive and is conducted in a civilized manner. - Titanic: Blood & Steel
You can fool some of the people all of the time, and all of the people some of the time, but you cannot fool all of the people all of the time. - Abraham Lincoln
Although the Salsa was made in Taiwan, it was made in Taipei, a city which is not to be confused with Taichung. These two cities are over 100 miles apart.
RamZar wrote:My question is whether ALL current Spyderco Taiwan folders (including the Cat & Chicago 440C/G-10) are being manufactured at the same quality Taichung factory?
It's my understanding that the Cat and Chicago are not made in the Taichung workshop. They are not marked Taichung, and there is a noticeable difference (IMO) in build. Not that the Cat/Chicago are bad at all. Just not the amazing custom quality work that comes out of Taichung. Again, nothing wrong with the Cat/Chicago. I love my Cats.
Nice job on the list. I have several of these and agree about their quality.
Chokwe--kind of bummed the lock sticks and is wearing with such little opening.
Techno--one of my all-time favorites.
Zulu--beautiful Anso style and Spydie quality. Surprised more people aren't in love with this one like I am, though I am afraid to sharpen it.
Buying the Slysz Bowie and Southard (finally) ASAP.
Hoping the Southard Ion is a-go, too, and that it's what I imagine it to be.
