I bought more than 50 Spyderco knives in 2005. Therefore to say that I am a “Spyderco fan” is quite an understatement. But some of the 2005 Spdercos were really disappointing. Here is my list and why I thought these Spdercos were disappointing. Please feel free to add your list of disappointments.
Manix C101:
When the news of the “Mini Manix” broke everybody was very exited and a lot of us were expecting a 3” (76mm) or less blade. Then we were told that the blade is 80mm and all of us who live in restricted areas of the country were saddened. We poor soles were waiting for a “heavy-duty” knife with a 3” (76mm) or less blade. But not only were our prayers not answered, Spyderco was not upfront with us. The Manix C101 blade is 83mm, which is well above the 80mm Spyderco claimed the blade to have.
Having said this, both Manix’s C95 & C101 are high quality knifes. Maybe Sal will read this and decide to give us a real Mini Manix with a short (3” or less) blade and a big handle. Also being precise with the dimensions would be welcome.
Carbon Fiber Harpy C08 & Blue Almite Walker C22:
Both knives came as tip-down only models. Even though it would have been easy to predrill both knifes for tip-up/down carry. I sent them both to STR. He took care of it. The clip works beautifully in both directions. (If you search the forum you will be able to find pictures of the modified knives.) I do not understand why Spyderco did this: Alienating potential customers who are tip-up carry only.
Persian 75 mm C105:
What a beautiful knife. And Ed Schempp is such a talented man. In one post Ed was talking about the fact that he wanted the Persian C105 to have a “four-finger” handle. So I was not the only one who was looking forward for a sub 3” blade with an adequate handle. But my chubby fingers did not fit. A front choil between blade and handle (see Native) would have made this beautiful knife perfect. I had tears in my eyes when I had to send this beautiful knife back.
Poliwog C98:
The Poliwog was supposed to be the “Über-Dodo”. But it did not live up to expectations. Don’t get me wrong, it is a great knife. Just no match for the Dodo. The VG-10 is great but it is no CPM-30V. The G-10 handle of the Dodo can accommodate nearly every hand. The Poliwog handle cannot match this claim.
Full disclosure: I own six (6) Dodos. Sal, have you considered a Carbon Fiber Dodo for the 2006 Sprint Runs?
I would very much appreciate if Sal would find the time to address my concerns.
I trust that everybody had a great Christmas.
Happy Chanukah.
A healthy New Year to all of us.
Regards,
FRIZ
Disappointing SpdercoÂ’s in 2005!
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smcfalls13
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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
.Cheers,
Rob
International Order of the SpyderEdge-founding member
Faith, Folk and Family
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Proud Member of SOSAK
Faith, Folk and Family
If you can read this, thank a Teacher.
If this is written in English, thank a US Soldier
NOT my "president"
Proud Member of SOSAK
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smcfalls13
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Ok, now that I have some free time, let me address this thread. :cool:
Mini-Manix:
Yeah, it would have been nice to have a sub 3" heavy duty folder, but I wonder how the whole package would have fit together. A smaller blade would have inevitbaly meant a smaller handle, and I doubt a 3" blade on the Manix would have retained the incredibly ergos the full size version has.
As for a large handle with a small blade, the Paramilitary is the best example of that, and it apparently sells well, but I've seen countless people post about how they want as much blade packed into the handle as possible. Especially on a heavy duty folder like the Manix. I agree with you, and would love a sub 3" heavy duty folder, but the majority of public seems to prefer that heavy duty knives be larger.
Perhaps in the future such a knife will be produced, but I still wonder how much demand there would be for one.
Carbon Fiber Harpy C08 & Blue Almite Walker C22
I don't see the problem with them only being drilled for one type of carry, and in the case of the CF Harpy, it can't be argued that it hurt sales
It doesn't both me that neither knife is drilled for left carry. On a knife that pretty, I'd rather keep as few holes in it as possible. Just my opinion though.
Persian 75 mm C105:
This one I agree with, but I prefer larger handles. The design itself is excellent, with a "legal just about anywhere" blade length, and very comfy handle. It's a bit small for me as well, but Spyderco can't please everyone, and I am more than contented with C105's big sister.
On a side note, I believe the 75mm does have a choil. I know the larger one does, but don't have the little one in front of me right now.
Poliwog C98:
Doesn't appeal to me, and have never handled, so I do not feel qualified to discuss it, but I will say this, I prefer VG-10 to S30V anyday :p , and a VG-10 Dodo would be heaven to me.
I can't really say any knife disappointed me, they all perform their intended purpose, but some of them just do not appeal to my tastes.
Mini-Manix:
Yeah, it would have been nice to have a sub 3" heavy duty folder, but I wonder how the whole package would have fit together. A smaller blade would have inevitbaly meant a smaller handle, and I doubt a 3" blade on the Manix would have retained the incredibly ergos the full size version has.
As for a large handle with a small blade, the Paramilitary is the best example of that, and it apparently sells well, but I've seen countless people post about how they want as much blade packed into the handle as possible. Especially on a heavy duty folder like the Manix. I agree with you, and would love a sub 3" heavy duty folder, but the majority of public seems to prefer that heavy duty knives be larger.
Perhaps in the future such a knife will be produced, but I still wonder how much demand there would be for one.
Carbon Fiber Harpy C08 & Blue Almite Walker C22
I don't see the problem with them only being drilled for one type of carry, and in the case of the CF Harpy, it can't be argued that it hurt sales
It doesn't both me that neither knife is drilled for left carry. On a knife that pretty, I'd rather keep as few holes in it as possible. Just my opinion though.Persian 75 mm C105:
This one I agree with, but I prefer larger handles. The design itself is excellent, with a "legal just about anywhere" blade length, and very comfy handle. It's a bit small for me as well, but Spyderco can't please everyone, and I am more than contented with C105's big sister.
On a side note, I believe the 75mm does have a choil. I know the larger one does, but don't have the little one in front of me right now.
Poliwog C98:
Doesn't appeal to me, and have never handled, so I do not feel qualified to discuss it, but I will say this, I prefer VG-10 to S30V anyday :p , and a VG-10 Dodo would be heaven to me.
I can't really say any knife disappointed me, they all perform their intended purpose, but some of them just do not appeal to my tastes.
:spyder: Scott :spyder:
"We make a living by what we get, we make a life by what we give."
-Sir Winston Churchill-
"We make a living by what we get, we make a life by what we give."
-Sir Winston Churchill-
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smcfalls13
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Depends on who you talk to. AKTI measures from the foremost part of the handle to the tip of the blade. Most DAs however, will use whatever measurement will yield the highest amount, to prove that your knife is only capable of issuing grievous bodily harm. :pvinny72xx wrote:So does the 3 inch law apply to the whole blade, or just the cutting edge? Because the blade minus the choil on the mini Manix is under 3 inches.
:spyder: Scott :spyder:
"We make a living by what we get, we make a life by what we give."
-Sir Winston Churchill-
"We make a living by what we get, we make a life by what we give."
-Sir Winston Churchill-
In the heart or "mid town" sections of major cities they have their own laws regarding knives and more specifically the legal length of the blade can be changed by City law. Illinois is a prime example where it is known that while 3" is the legal limit for the state, in mid town or down town Chicago the legal limit is 2.5".
I am not what I would call the most attentive person when it comes to details but it does surprise me that the Mini Manix is called the 80mm when it is in fact 83mm. For some that live in the heart of a major city where a mm is enough to at least cause you to lose a good knife if caught with it in some jurisdictions this can be a big deal. I would imagine that it could even lead to being arrested and fined if you got into a situation with a police officer that is very unforgiving and follows the law to the letter. As we all know, "ignorance is no excuse". Telling a judge it was sold to you as 80mm when you never measured it won't fly in court. I can just guarantee you. Not that this is a real life situation. I just point out that if it is 83mm just sell it as such.
As for the other knives. I like the Poliwog over the Dodo personally and the Poliwog has been my wife's constant companion since giving it to her for Christmas. She has never carried a folding knife so it is kind of well, really cool to see her find one that just turns her on.
I just ordered a blue full serrated Dodo the other day from new graham but I probably won't carry it much. I just think that the Dodo is going to end up being one of those cult classics up there with the Q and wanted to have one in my collection.
Don't much care for the Harpy, or the Almite. Just not my cup of tea. Persian? Nice knife and the one big one that I got the chance to work on was a solid well built knife but didn't appeal to me personally.
I also didn't much care for the 80mm Manix. I prefer the bigger one if I'm going to carry a Manix. Both are too big for practical everyday carry in my opinion though. The Para Military is perhaps just as useful as either of them and the lock may even be stronger on the PM.
STR
I am not what I would call the most attentive person when it comes to details but it does surprise me that the Mini Manix is called the 80mm when it is in fact 83mm. For some that live in the heart of a major city where a mm is enough to at least cause you to lose a good knife if caught with it in some jurisdictions this can be a big deal. I would imagine that it could even lead to being arrested and fined if you got into a situation with a police officer that is very unforgiving and follows the law to the letter. As we all know, "ignorance is no excuse". Telling a judge it was sold to you as 80mm when you never measured it won't fly in court. I can just guarantee you. Not that this is a real life situation. I just point out that if it is 83mm just sell it as such.
As for the other knives. I like the Poliwog over the Dodo personally and the Poliwog has been my wife's constant companion since giving it to her for Christmas. She has never carried a folding knife so it is kind of well, really cool to see her find one that just turns her on.
I just ordered a blue full serrated Dodo the other day from new graham but I probably won't carry it much. I just think that the Dodo is going to end up being one of those cult classics up there with the Q and wanted to have one in my collection.
Don't much care for the Harpy, or the Almite. Just not my cup of tea. Persian? Nice knife and the one big one that I got the chance to work on was a solid well built knife but didn't appeal to me personally.
I also didn't much care for the 80mm Manix. I prefer the bigger one if I'm going to carry a Manix. Both are too big for practical everyday carry in my opinion though. The Para Military is perhaps just as useful as either of them and the lock may even be stronger on the PM.
STR
It is not necessary to do extraordinary things in life but only to do ordinary things extraordinarily well.
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zenheretic
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It is impossible to please everyone with any one model design. If a person has larger than normal hands and every knife was made to fit those "meat hooks" then the average size hand, and the smaller than average (total majority) would be the ones left in the cold.
As far as disclosure, I've never really seen Spyderco eager to make annoucements about up and coming designs (what is a Spin for example?) and it really seems we have to beg it out of them. One likely reason for this is that until anytime up until the production run is made, things can be redesigned.
Extensive changes to a Sprint run doesn't make sense to me. Adding different carry methods to the harpy would just add to expense to already more expensive than normal variation.
I thought the Poliwog was more of a Native redone model...the blade seems to match them more.
Based on your post, I guess your legal needs of a sub 3" blade, yet larger than average hands makes for a very frustrating search for "the one"...my sympathies.
As far as disclosure, I've never really seen Spyderco eager to make annoucements about up and coming designs (what is a Spin for example?) and it really seems we have to beg it out of them. One likely reason for this is that until anytime up until the production run is made, things can be redesigned.
Extensive changes to a Sprint run doesn't make sense to me. Adding different carry methods to the harpy would just add to expense to already more expensive than normal variation.
I thought the Poliwog was more of a Native redone model...the blade seems to match them more.
Based on your post, I guess your legal needs of a sub 3" blade, yet larger than average hands makes for a very frustrating search for "the one"...my sympathies.
Follow the mushin, but pay it no heed.
To address some of the feelings on the "swiss cheese look" of the knives made with four way mounting options for the clips:
I don't see how it could add a lot of cost to the knife to just do what Buck does and fill the holes that aren't being used with extra screws. I bought or traded for 33 Spyderco knives in 05 and the added cost of adding screws wouldn't have slowed me down at all.
Besides that doing so gives them a nice clean look, stops the need for having to set the knife aside and stop carrying it while you call the company for replacmenet screws and wait on the mail if one strips out or gets lost because you have one to take its place immediately and it pretty much wipes out the swiss cheese look completely so it seems to me to be a very positive way to handle that issue.
I'll tell you something else it does too, it gives your thumb something in the way of added retention for grip on the opposite side of the clip or thumb side on the slicker models that ride deep so you can pull the knife out easier too. Come to think of it filling those holes probably keeps lint from getting inside them to mess with the pivot area also. Just positive all around huh?
STR
I don't see how it could add a lot of cost to the knife to just do what Buck does and fill the holes that aren't being used with extra screws. I bought or traded for 33 Spyderco knives in 05 and the added cost of adding screws wouldn't have slowed me down at all.
Besides that doing so gives them a nice clean look, stops the need for having to set the knife aside and stop carrying it while you call the company for replacmenet screws and wait on the mail if one strips out or gets lost because you have one to take its place immediately and it pretty much wipes out the swiss cheese look completely so it seems to me to be a very positive way to handle that issue.
I'll tell you something else it does too, it gives your thumb something in the way of added retention for grip on the opposite side of the clip or thumb side on the slicker models that ride deep so you can pull the knife out easier too. Come to think of it filling those holes probably keeps lint from getting inside them to mess with the pivot area also. Just positive all around huh?
STR
It is not necessary to do extraordinary things in life but only to do ordinary things extraordinarily well.
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zenheretic
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A "let down" of sorts
I guess I have never been hung up on the "tip up or tip down" carry. I actually love both of my Carbon Fiber Harpys and I have plans for one more. The 2 that really let me down were the Re-Introduction of the "R" knife and the Kumo. The New "R" knife was so different from the original that I traded it before it even became 24 hours old in this house. To me it was such a different rendition that I couldn't like that knife for any reason. I really thought it was going to be a lot like the old Original "R" which I really love and will probably never depart with the one I own. The KUMO so sadly disappoionted me that I also traded it in about 48 hours of ownership. My reaction to the handle was pure sadness. I know a lot of other folks like both knives but to me they both were instant let downs. But like Worker 9 said if it is only that many out of 50 then they are still far and above the best production knife company on the Planet>> Earth that is :cool:
Sometimes honesty is brutal>> but necessary>> no disrespect intended at all.
But like Worker 9 said if it is only that many out of 50 then they are still far and above the best production knife company on the Planet>> Earth that is :cool: Sometimes honesty is brutal>> but necessary>> no disrespect intended at all.
Long Live the SPYDEREDGE Spyderco Hawkbills RULE!!
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thom lambert
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4 out of 50?!?
I would be calling out the owner of a major knife company as well, if less than 10% of the knives that he produced seemed to not fit my needs :rolleyes:
The nerve of Spyderco to not keep you more in mind. I mean really, who can get by, being happy with only 46 knives in one year? :eek: Good thing you brought it to their attention: you might only get 45 that you are happy with next year. I hope that Sal jumps right on this for you. :cool:
Thom
The nerve of Spyderco to not keep you more in mind. I mean really, who can get by, being happy with only 46 knives in one year? :eek: Good thing you brought it to their attention: you might only get 45 that you are happy with next year. I hope that Sal jumps right on this for you. :cool:
Thom
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zenheretic
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Would you have liked the Kumo better with a different handle?JD Spydo wrote:I guess I have never been hung up on the "tip up or tip down" carry. I actually love both of my Carbon Fiber Harpys and I have plans for one more. The 2 that really let me down were the Re-Introduction of the "R" knife and the Kumo. The New "R" knife was so different from the original that I traded it before it even became 24 hours old in this house. To me it was such a different rendition that I couldn't like that knife for any reason. I really thought it was going to be a lot like the old Original "R" which I really love and will probably never depart with the one I own. The KUMO so sadly disappoionted me that I also traded it in about 48 hours of ownership. My reaction to the handle was pure sadness. I know a lot of other folks like both knives but to me they both were instant let downs.
Sometimes honesty is brutal>> but necessary>> no disrespect intended at all.
Follow the mushin, but pay it no heed.
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Stevie Ray
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This is an interesting thread. I'm not sure we've ever gone at this topic before.
With due respect to Friz, I've got to take exception to the mini-Manix comments. To me, it was one of the nicest surprises from Spyderco this year. I was not a fan of the full size Manix, but the mini-Manix fits my hand like a glove. I could rave on about this knife, but I won't bore you guys. I also like the small Persian. It's a classy little gentlemen's folder.
Disappointments ... well. :rolleyes:
After living with the Temperance and Moran FB's for a number of years, I was disappointed with the Kumo. Too small and not enough heft for my tastes. I also didn't care for the way the silver Spyder was layed into the grip. Kinda cheesy looking and just waiting for a chance to fall out with hard use.
The Viele II has got to be one of the most unnoticed and least talked about new knives in Spyderco history. As a numbered collector, I paid pretty good coin for it and had a hard time selling it at 25% off the price I paid. Something about the combination of the G-10 and micarta scales didn't excite me. I dunno.
Well, I thought I was in the minority here and haven't said anything, but ... I didn't find much use for the Poliwog either. Yeah, it's kinda cool, but I just couldn't imagine it EVER making its way to EDC status in my collection due to the ergos, so I broomed the frog. :D
With due respect to Friz, I've got to take exception to the mini-Manix comments. To me, it was one of the nicest surprises from Spyderco this year. I was not a fan of the full size Manix, but the mini-Manix fits my hand like a glove. I could rave on about this knife, but I won't bore you guys. I also like the small Persian. It's a classy little gentlemen's folder.
Disappointments ... well. :rolleyes:
After living with the Temperance and Moran FB's for a number of years, I was disappointed with the Kumo. Too small and not enough heft for my tastes. I also didn't care for the way the silver Spyder was layed into the grip. Kinda cheesy looking and just waiting for a chance to fall out with hard use.
The Viele II has got to be one of the most unnoticed and least talked about new knives in Spyderco history. As a numbered collector, I paid pretty good coin for it and had a hard time selling it at 25% off the price I paid. Something about the combination of the G-10 and micarta scales didn't excite me. I dunno.
Well, I thought I was in the minority here and haven't said anything, but ... I didn't find much use for the Poliwog either. Yeah, it's kinda cool, but I just couldn't imagine it EVER making its way to EDC status in my collection due to the ergos, so I broomed the frog. :D
Steve
Hi Friz,
Interesting thread. I'm pleased that we were able to satisfy so many different people. :)
We really appreciate the fact that you (ELUs) have interest in some of our products. To think that everyone would have interest in, and be totally satisfied, with all of our products would be a bit egocentric and out of touch.
In our customer base, the range in average heigth for people is over 30", weight differences could be hundreds of pounds. Hand sizes and differences in finger lengths and thicknesses would blow your mind.
Now lets talk about tastes and preferences (color, tip up, size and laws, etc). the possible combinations are endless.
I'm sorry to be defensive, but, within our niche, "Reliable, high performance";
Between the Jester and the Military, we offer a great many knife sizes.
We offer a wide variety of materials, but all good quality.
We have quite a few blade shapes from the Caly to the Civilian.
We offer different locking mechanisms and even non-locking models.
From the byrd finch to the Carbon Fiber Mili, We have a wide range in prices.
We offer the best quality and materials per dollar in all of our models.
We offer a great deal of ergonomics and cutting horsepower per dollar, ounce or inch.
We design in-house, to our own abilities, and we take in outside designers (both professional and amateur).
We extend a great deal of effort to offer as much design and construction variety as we can to, within our niche, to please you.
Naturally we like to hear how you might want to see each model refined, you are where our input comes from, and from which refinements develop.
On the other hand, it's important to recongnize that because something is not the way that you might have designed it, that's it's "wrong". It's just not the way you would have done it.
There is always something that we "could have done". If it's a functional issue, or a safety issue, we will more than likely "thank you" for the input and do it.
If it's a cosmetic issue, we might, or we might not?
That's what custom knifemakers are all about. They can make from scratch, or modify an existing production knife to, "exactly the way you would have designed it". We must also support our custom guys. Much of what the production companies do comes from the custom guys.
All in all, we do appreciate your comments and support. Natually we will extend our best effort to minimize your "disappointment" in our products.
sal
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The entire "business chain" from; raw materials, manufacturing, marketing, selling, distributing, shipping, warrantees, insurance, credit, etc. ALL EXISTS to service the ELU (End Line User). Remove the ELU from the equation and the entire business chain falls like a house of cards. We all work for you!
Interesting thread. I'm pleased that we were able to satisfy so many different people. :)
We really appreciate the fact that you (ELUs) have interest in some of our products. To think that everyone would have interest in, and be totally satisfied, with all of our products would be a bit egocentric and out of touch.
In our customer base, the range in average heigth for people is over 30", weight differences could be hundreds of pounds. Hand sizes and differences in finger lengths and thicknesses would blow your mind.
Now lets talk about tastes and preferences (color, tip up, size and laws, etc). the possible combinations are endless.
I'm sorry to be defensive, but, within our niche, "Reliable, high performance";
Between the Jester and the Military, we offer a great many knife sizes.
We offer a wide variety of materials, but all good quality.
We have quite a few blade shapes from the Caly to the Civilian.
We offer different locking mechanisms and even non-locking models.
From the byrd finch to the Carbon Fiber Mili, We have a wide range in prices.
We offer the best quality and materials per dollar in all of our models.
We offer a great deal of ergonomics and cutting horsepower per dollar, ounce or inch.
We design in-house, to our own abilities, and we take in outside designers (both professional and amateur).
We extend a great deal of effort to offer as much design and construction variety as we can to, within our niche, to please you.
Naturally we like to hear how you might want to see each model refined, you are where our input comes from, and from which refinements develop.
On the other hand, it's important to recongnize that because something is not the way that you might have designed it, that's it's "wrong". It's just not the way you would have done it.
There is always something that we "could have done". If it's a functional issue, or a safety issue, we will more than likely "thank you" for the input and do it.
If it's a cosmetic issue, we might, or we might not?
That's what custom knifemakers are all about. They can make from scratch, or modify an existing production knife to, "exactly the way you would have designed it". We must also support our custom guys. Much of what the production companies do comes from the custom guys.
All in all, we do appreciate your comments and support. Natually we will extend our best effort to minimize your "disappointment" in our products.
sal
-------------------------------------------------------------
The entire "business chain" from; raw materials, manufacturing, marketing, selling, distributing, shipping, warrantees, insurance, credit, etc. ALL EXISTS to service the ELU (End Line User). Remove the ELU from the equation and the entire business chain falls like a house of cards. We all work for you!
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jaislandboy
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