Disappointing SpdercoÂ’s in 2005!
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Childe Roland
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- Joined: Wed Apr 06, 2005 9:08 pm
- Location: Houston, TX
Good evening everybody:
I wonder if everybody who posted in this thread also read my first post. I have no intensions of knocking Spyderco. As a matter of fact, Spyderco is my favored knife brand and I carry a Scorpius as I type this post.
I think Childe Roland said it best:
“I don't think it's possible to design one knife that is perfect for everyone, but I do think that anyone can find their perfect (or **** close to it) knife in the Spyderco catalog.”
I whole-heartedly agree with this statement: I have bought more than 50 Spydercos in 2005. In my previous post, I discussed 4 knives I had very high expectation of which were not met. This doesn’t mean that they were bad knives, or not somebody else’s dream knives. (As a matter of fact I still own 3 of them.) It just means that the knives did not meet MY expectations. And I just wanted to share my opinions and make some suggestions. Maybe some of my observations & suggestions are valid - maybe not. In any case, I would be surprised if there is anybody who does not want Spyderco to post precise dimensions of their knives.
Happy New Year. :)
Regards,
FRIZ
I wonder if everybody who posted in this thread also read my first post. I have no intensions of knocking Spyderco. As a matter of fact, Spyderco is my favored knife brand and I carry a Scorpius as I type this post.
I think Childe Roland said it best:
“I don't think it's possible to design one knife that is perfect for everyone, but I do think that anyone can find their perfect (or **** close to it) knife in the Spyderco catalog.”
I whole-heartedly agree with this statement: I have bought more than 50 Spydercos in 2005. In my previous post, I discussed 4 knives I had very high expectation of which were not met. This doesn’t mean that they were bad knives, or not somebody else’s dream knives. (As a matter of fact I still own 3 of them.) It just means that the knives did not meet MY expectations. And I just wanted to share my opinions and make some suggestions. Maybe some of my observations & suggestions are valid - maybe not. In any case, I would be surprised if there is anybody who does not want Spyderco to post precise dimensions of their knives.
Happy New Year. :)
Regards,
FRIZ
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thom lambert
- Member
- Posts: 155
- Joined: Fri Sep 24, 2004 10:33 am
FRIZ,
I read your first post quite carefully - that's why I found it so humorous! Honestly, to expect that every knife that a production company makes in a year will be exactly what you want is a little unrealistic. I never read that you didn't think they were good knives, just that they weren't - in relativly minor ways - exactly what you wanted.
I think that Sal hit it on the head: if you want very specific things - a slightly larger handle with a choil for example - you really should contact a custom maker.
Don't sweat it. This forum is full of folks that confuse Spyderco with a semi-custom shop (just scroll down through the numerous requests for slightly different variations of almost every model available). That is one of the things that makes this forum so entertaining.
Thom
I read your first post quite carefully - that's why I found it so humorous! Honestly, to expect that every knife that a production company makes in a year will be exactly what you want is a little unrealistic. I never read that you didn't think they were good knives, just that they weren't - in relativly minor ways - exactly what you wanted.
I think that Sal hit it on the head: if you want very specific things - a slightly larger handle with a choil for example - you really should contact a custom maker.
Don't sweat it. This forum is full of folks that confuse Spyderco with a semi-custom shop (just scroll down through the numerous requests for slightly different variations of almost every model available). That is one of the things that makes this forum so entertaining.
Thom
Great Expectations
I would like to add a few things in line with what FRIZ just said. Also I am not saying that the New "R" ( R-2) or that the New KUMO were not quality built knives. They actually indeed were: They just did not meet my expectations. I seriously thought that they would make the New "R" pretty much the same way they did the old one with maybe a better blade steel and some other slight modifications. It was a total revamping of the original design. They changed parts of the knife that I already thought were perfect on the old model.
As far as the KUMO goes I could add that with the exception of the FB-04 Bob Lum fixed blade I think that the handles on all their fixed blades have a bit to be desired IMO. I was just hoping that the KUMO would truly have a handle made with G-10 or Micarta or even something more advanced. Perhaps some martial arts enthusiasts or people who like the wrap on Japanese Samurai type knives may even love the KUMO. But I expected a totally different handle. And yes I did think that the blade was a bit short. I think my being let down had more to do with a Ford vs Chevy mentality in some ways. :spyder:
As far as the KUMO goes I could add that with the exception of the FB-04 Bob Lum fixed blade I think that the handles on all their fixed blades have a bit to be desired IMO. I was just hoping that the KUMO would truly have a handle made with G-10 or Micarta or even something more advanced. Perhaps some martial arts enthusiasts or people who like the wrap on Japanese Samurai type knives may even love the KUMO. But I expected a totally different handle. And yes I did think that the blade was a bit short. I think my being let down had more to do with a Ford vs Chevy mentality in some ways. :spyder:
Long Live the SPYDEREDGE Spyderco Hawkbills RULE!!
I've been a Spyderco fan for a long time & enjoy most of the new models that come out. The quality is unsurpassed by the competitors in both materials and finish.
My least favorite purchase this year was the Kumo. Not that I did not like the knife, but I feel it was really overpriced, it was not what I expected for the hefty price tag.
On the other hand, the D'Allara could of been priced considerably higher, as I felt the quality and ergonomics commanded a higher price tag.
Thanks for allowing us to express our opinion.
Happy New Year to All!!!
My least favorite purchase this year was the Kumo. Not that I did not like the knife, but I feel it was really overpriced, it was not what I expected for the hefty price tag.
On the other hand, the D'Allara could of been priced considerably higher, as I felt the quality and ergonomics commanded a higher price tag.
Thanks for allowing us to express our opinion.
Happy New Year to All!!!
Hi Friz,
no sense in both of us being defensive and I started first.
It's all good informnation, which I find valuable. That's how we learn.
In all fairness, it was also a good opportunity to put in a sales plug. :rolleyes:
Hi BaldBlade,
welcome to the Spyderco forum.
BTW, our pricing is based on our costs of mfr. We don't believe in "charging as much as the market will bare". To "squeeze as much money out of your customer as he can possible afford", is, in our opinion "biting the hand that feeds you".
sal
no sense in both of us being defensive and I started first.
It's all good informnation, which I find valuable. That's how we learn.
In all fairness, it was also a good opportunity to put in a sales plug. :rolleyes:
Hi BaldBlade,
welcome to the Spyderco forum.
BTW, our pricing is based on our costs of mfr. We don't believe in "charging as much as the market will bare". To "squeeze as much money out of your customer as he can possible afford", is, in our opinion "biting the hand that feeds you".
sal
I see no reason for defensiveness on any issue here. Nor do I understand the over critical comments about someones' opinions. Opinions are always welcomed and shared here so what is the big deal or difference in this thread? I don't think that Friz was even remotely suggesting that he thought every knife should meet his exact needs. He simply expressed his disappointment in the ones that didn't and that is all. Its happened to all of us.
On top of that I think some of the details in Friz's post speak for more than just himself. They speak for anyone living in the heart of a major city in the US and also for anyone with extra large hands (like me) :)
Some of the things mentioned still need to be addressed. Like the precise measurements, and the swiss cheese issues of how some knives can be stamped out and threaded all four ways and others leave the factory with just one side for one mode of transport only. Looks to me like some got side tracked on the emotional issues and defensiveness and/or humor they found in the thread and left out some of the stuff that has yet to be covered. :confused:
STR
On top of that I think some of the details in Friz's post speak for more than just himself. They speak for anyone living in the heart of a major city in the US and also for anyone with extra large hands (like me) :)
Some of the things mentioned still need to be addressed. Like the precise measurements, and the swiss cheese issues of how some knives can be stamped out and threaded all four ways and others leave the factory with just one side for one mode of transport only. Looks to me like some got side tracked on the emotional issues and defensiveness and/or humor they found in the thread and left out some of the stuff that has yet to be covered. :confused:
STR
It is not necessary to do extraordinary things in life but only to do ordinary things extraordinarily well.
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zenheretic
- Member
- Posts: 7549
- Joined: Sun Jul 03, 2005 8:47 am
- Location: USA, Earth
Ya cant please everybody. If you drasticly want a 3" Mini-Manix or para, go down to your local Autobody or Motocycle shop, or find somebody who has a belt sander and go to work. Its only steel.
and even if its over your limit, does it really matter. I dont think you will be getting arested anytime soon, I carry a Military everyday. even in school.
I love how spyderco has the great selection. as already said, they offer the best quality, build and support for the money. I dont care what anybody says, nobody can beat spyderco in the$40-99 and $100-$200 knife range for folders. Lets say BM, No benchmade for $50 bucks can beat a delica, Endura or calypso Jr. Even some top models dont come close. For $120 you cant beat a manix, Mini-manix, Para or Military. Spyderco uses the Best G-10 ive ever used, and the best steels allowable for the price. Now ask yourself, can a Pika, Ambush. 710, 705, 73*, 9**,
They dont even compare.
and even if its over your limit, does it really matter. I dont think you will be getting arested anytime soon, I carry a Military everyday. even in school.
I love how spyderco has the great selection. as already said, they offer the best quality, build and support for the money. I dont care what anybody says, nobody can beat spyderco in the$40-99 and $100-$200 knife range for folders. Lets say BM, No benchmade for $50 bucks can beat a delica, Endura or calypso Jr. Even some top models dont come close. For $120 you cant beat a manix, Mini-manix, Para or Military. Spyderco uses the Best G-10 ive ever used, and the best steels allowable for the price. Now ask yourself, can a Pika, Ambush. 710, 705, 73*, 9**,
They dont even compare.
BaldBlade wrote:I've been a Spyderco fan for a long time & enjoy most of the new models that come out. The quality is unsurpassed by the competitors in both materials and finish.
My least favorite purchase this year was the Kumo. Not that I did not like the knife, but I feel it was really overpriced, it was not what I expected for the hefty price tag.
On the other hand, the D'Allara could of been priced considerably higher, as I felt the quality and ergonomics commanded a higher price tag.
Thanks for allowing us to express our opinion.
Happy New Year to All!!!
I agree with you BaldBlade, the D'Allara is a steal at the price it is being sold for.
"BTW, our pricing is based on our costs of mfr. We don't believe in "charging as much as the market will bare". To "squeeze as much money out of your customer as he can possible afford", is, in our opinion "biting the hand that feeds you"."
Sal, I so respect the way you run Spyderco!!
Ron
OFF TOPIC:sal wrote: BTW, our pricing is based on our costs of mfr. We don't believe in "charging as much as the market will bare". To "squeeze as much money out of your customer as he can possible afford", is, in our opinion "biting the hand that feeds you".sal
In this age of 'maximizing profits,' trying to wring out the most from an ELU (sometimes with crappy products), marketing tactics, and sometimes outright lies, to insure customer loyalty, that is great to hear.
Mr. Glesser said, on another forum, that he is not a the best businessman since he doesn't 'maximize profits.' However, statements like this, solid products, and an honesty and consideration to the ELU, draws more customer loyalty and company interest than other businesses who use glitz to bring in the bucks.
Ironically, with Mr. Glesser 'not being the best businessman,' other companies can learn something from him and the Spyderco crew (even tazkristi in a 'blond moment'--no offense intended or meant, tazkristi) about business, business survival, and that a business is not all cold-blooded practices to get money by hook or crook.
To me, the crux of Mr. Glesser's quote is one thing (maybe the main?) that keeps me coming back to Spyderco; even if I get that ocassional knife that doesn't suit me.
Sorry for the soapbox and this is not slavish flattery to Mr. Glesser (heaven knows he is respected and/ or liked in and around the knife world) and crew. It's just nice to see such open and honest practices/ philosphy by a company today. Because of those practices, I wouldn't be surprised if Spyderco becomes one of the top two (maybe top one?) knife companies in the future.
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spydutch
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- Joined: Sun May 22, 2005 2:57 am
- Location: Assen (Drenthe) the Netherlands
DITTO !!!!!WOTANSON1 wrote:I don't have much experience with most of the knives you mention, though I've handled them all at one point or another. The Manix both large and small are too big and or heavy for my EDC. The Persian is a great design, but just doesn't work for me, ditto for the Walker and Harpy. That said if any of the knives listed above were Tip up AND offered in SE, I might have picked up one or more of the patterns. I'm a big fan of larger knives like the Endura so blade length isn't an issue for me. The Dodo was a perfect EDC for me, it fit my rather large hands like a glove, the blade was a very useful shape, light as a feather and more importantly was available Tip Up and in SE. I've handled a Poliwog and I find it a step down from the Dodo IMHO and not available in SE so no interest. I only use Spyderco knives as EDC and have for 4+ years, what made the company so exciting to me was superior ergos, lightweight and the real world practical SE for a real utility knife. I find it disappointing that Spyderco seems to be offering less and less models available in SE, hopefully that will change soon, hey it's not like I'm going anywhere as I'm hooked on the brand, just it will be a long while before a new model purchase will be made.
Cheers,
Rob
Arend(old school Spydie lover)
MEMBER OF THE INTERNATIONAL ORDER OF THE SPYDEREDGE!!!
VERY PROUD OWNER OF A CALY III/SE #043 :D
....AND A FG(PARA) MILITARY/SE IN CPMD2(thanx Sal)
...I would love to have one in full SpyderEdge:p
MEMBER OF THE INTERNATIONAL ORDER OF THE SPYDEREDGE!!!
VERY PROUD OWNER OF A CALY III/SE #043 :D
....AND A FG(PARA) MILITARY/SE IN CPMD2(thanx Sal)
...I would love to have one in full SpyderEdge:p