Spyderco Forums

Spyderco is deeply saddened to announce that our European Sales Representative, Jurphaas van Rietschoten, passed away on April 22, 2022. A native of Amsterdam, The Netherlands, and a retired Chief Master Sergeant/Warrant Officer in the Royal Netherlands Air Force, Jur began representing Spyderco in 1994. In the 28 years since then, he has been a critically important element of our international sales efforts and the “face” of Spyderco in Europe.

Jur had an amazing historical knowledge of Spyderco and of knives in general. The passion and enthusiasm he brought to his work was a direct reflection of his incredible zest for life and his genuine love of people. Fluent in several languages, he was also an expert interpreter whose unique style and spirit shined through in everything he did and every life he touched. Jur was truly one of a kind and the Spyderco Family will never be the same without him.
To all those who knew Jur, we ask that you please take a moment to wish him peace and remember him in your own way. We know that your friendship meant the world to him, just as he meant the world to us.

It is with tears in my eyes, a smile on my face, and sadness in my heart that I remember your kindness, warm friendship, and generous nature that created memories I will never forget. RIP

nb

So sad to hear this, and so glad i got to meet him at the Amsterdam meets. I think it was 2019 last time, his brother was there as well.
My sincere condolences to family and friends!

R.I.P.

Condolences to all who knew him.

So sorry to hear this. Rest In Peace.

RIP to him and condolences to his family. He seemed like a cool guy.

Joe

Rest In Peace Jur! What a great man. Years ago I sent him a g-shock from Tokyo and he unexpectedly sent me a knife from his collection. He will be missed.

I already miss you, my friend. Jur taught me so much about knives, lights and all the good things in life. He also was a big force on this forum, and there would not be an Amsterdam Meet without him. There so much more to add to his list of accomplishments. I'm happy to have known him and his lovely wife Gabi.

Jur reached out and offered to send me some Spyderco pins after reading a post I made a while back. He seemed like a class act. Sorry to hear of his passing.

Sad news.
He was one chunk of positive energy on the Amsterdam meets.
My thoughts go out to his family and the ones close to him.

Yes the Amsterdam Meet and Greet will never be the same. From the start he was giving you the feeling of being part of the family. I am glad to got the opportunity to meet him and talk to him.

Condolences to all who knew him.

What a shock to hear that my dearest knife friend has left this world.
From the early beginning at the Spyderco meet in Amsterdam Jur became a great friend and I will miss him dearly.
I had the pleasure to know him and his lovly Gabi personally.
I am gonna miss you Jur, thanks for everything and Rest In Peace.

greetz,

Werner

My most sincere condolences for this great Brother from the Netherlands and his family and friends. I've always enjoyed all the great input from our Brethren from the Netherlands.

Terrible loss, condolences to his family and closest friends. I remember Jur from olden days here on forums - he was fantastic contribution to the community. Prayers sent.

Het gaat je goed daarboven Jur!

My wife and I had the pleasure of meeting Jur at the Blade Show several years ago. After just a few moments of conversation, one could easily see that he had a genuinely kind heart. He was witty and quick with a smile and treated us like we had known each other for years. Even after the show, my wife kept talking about Jur and how he enthusiastically offered to show her any knife in the case. He will be sorely missed.

So,sorry to hear of his passing .My prayers go out to his family . Dan

I mourn any loss to what makes Spyderco so uniquely good, but I am saddened most by what Jurphaas’ passing means to all who loved him. Condolences.

This hits hard even though we only spoke at the Amsterdam Meets and through some emails here and there...
It'll be different without his seemingly never-ending positivity and talking over lunch during the breaks.
I'm certain he'll be missed by a lot of us, but most definitely not forgotten.
My sincerest condolences to his family and friends, and everyone from our little community who knew him.

RIP Jur and condolences to his and Spyderco family.
I remember Jur from olden days here on forums, great guy.