Spyderco

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Spyderco's logo
Spyderco's logo

Spyderco is a company, founded in 1978 by Sal Glesser and based in Golden, Colorado, U.S.A., that produces knives and knife sharpeners.

Contents

[edit] Products

Spyderco Military
Spyderco Military

Spyderco began by producing knife sharpeners in 1978, and produced their first folding knife, the C01 Worker, in 1981.[1][2] This knife was the first to feature a round hole in the blade designed for fast, one-handed opening, which is now the company's trademark[3]. Additionally, the company claims that this was the first knife to feature a clothing clip on the right side of the handle.[4][5][6][7]

Most knives produced by Spyderco are folding knives, of various designs, blade steels, handle materials, and locking mechanisms (including two patented proprietary locks); however, they have also produced fixed-blade knives for various purposes.[8][9]

Spyderco's knives are made with a plain edge, a partially serrated edge, or a fully serrated "Spyder Edge" configuration.[10] Their most common handle material is FRN (Fiberglass Reinforced Nylon), although they make knives with steel handles as well as some limited editions with various other handles.

Spyderco Native
Spyderco Native
Spyderco Endura 4
Spyderco Endura 4

Most of Spyderco knives production is outsourced to foreign contractors such as Japan, Italy, China, and Germany. Knives made with CPM S30V steel models are made in Golden, Colorado, USA.

Spyderco knives are respected for their simplicity, reliability, good ergonomics and lack of preoccupation with aesthetics. They are popular with many markets including law enforcement officers, fire and rescue personnel, and private citizens.[10]

[edit] Blade Steels

Spyderco is well known for experimenting with new blade steels[11]. In 2008, a cooperative effort on the Spyderco forum produced the following list of steels used by the company, with a brief description of their attributes: [12][13]

8Cr13MoV, a Chinese stainless steel with a high performance-to-cost ratio, often compared to AUS-8 (somewhat like 440B or 440C) but also to AUS-6 (somewhat like 440A). 8Cr13MoV is an evolution from its parent steel 13C26 (a low-carbide razor blade steel), with better wear resistance and a reduction in edge stability compared to 13C26. Reportedly tempered around the Rc 60s range, see discussion below. Featured in the Tenacious and most Byrd knives.

440C, a “classic” stainless steel, revered in its time for toughness, corrosion resistance, economy, and ease of sharpening. Reports exist that 440C is tougher and more stain resistant, although with less edge retention, than ATS-34. (Other info indicates ATS-34 is equivalently corrosion resistant to 440C, while being superior in wear resistance and toughness). While 440C isn't as corrosion resistant as 440A, 440C is considered by most as the superior choice for a cutlery steel between the two. 440C is usually hardened mid to upper 50s Rc range. It's a high carbide steel. Sal Glesser has commented: "...the larger carbides tended to cause the edge to 'break out'...steels like 440C...exhibited these charactaristics..." These days, manufacturers are moving away from 440C toward H-1 for superior corrosion resistance. Currently used by Spyderco in its unsharpened trainer knives, and also in 2008's "S."

ATS-55, the offspring of its parent steel, ATS-34, which was the popular high-carbide Hitachi-made stainless steel of the 1990s (which followed the very similar American steel, 154CM). To create ATS-55, the molybdenum from ATS-34 was removed, making it a non-high speed steel (certainly not needed in a knife blade), with the side benefit of being more economical to produce. ATS-55 is reported to have better edge holding and toughness than its parent, ATS-34. In Spyderco knives, ATS-55 was replaced by VG-10 [year?]. Rumored to be a difficult steel to heat treat properly. Found in Spyderco's recently discontinued Cricket and Goddard.

AUS-6

AUS-8

AUS-10, the top of the ladder for the AUS Japanese stainless steel series made by Aichi: AUS-4, AUS-6, AUS-8, AUS-10. Has roughly the same carbon content as 440C but with slightly less chromium, so it should be a bit less rust resistant but perhaps a bit tougher than 440C.

BG-42, a “classic” high performance stainless steel formulated for ball bearings, often compared to ATS-34, which has similar properties. Some say BG-42 has better edge retention and more toughness than ATS-34. Others disagree, and think BG-42 is not the steel that ATS-34 is. Usually hardened in the low 60s range. Reported to excel with small, thin blades. Has a reputation for being difficult to heat treat correctly, and is now being used less by manufacturers, compared to years past.

D2, a "classic" high performance tool steel that has a percent less chromium than required to classify as stainless steel, so it's usually called "semi-stainless." Reported to have excellent edge retention with comparatively less toughness or impact resistance, indicating its utility in smaller blades. High wear resistance, but relatively brittle (although not as brittle as 154CM), considered a good choice for hard use slicing. Hardened around the Rc 60s range. Spyderco uses CPM's version of D2, which is a particle metallurgy ("powdered") version, not wrought. Reports are coming in that it's difficult to distinguish CPM-D2 from regular D2 in terms of edge retention. CPM reportedly told Sal that particle D2 was exceedingly difficult to make. CPM-D2 can be found in a recent sprint run version of the Military.

G2, aka GIN-1. A Hitachi-made low cost stainless steel comparable to, but slightly softer than, AUS-8. Generally hardened in the mid to high Rc 50s. A tough, corrosion-resistant steel (see the YSS graphic in this thread). Used considerably less by manufacturers recently, compared to years past.

GIN-2

H-1, a rust-proof steel, ideal for marine applications, because it substitutes nitrogen for carbon. Sharpens easily, scratches easily, has good edge retention and outstanding toughness. Edge-holding ability often compared to AUS-6 (somewhat like 440A) and AUS-8 (somewhat like 440B, or 440C), yet H-1 work hardens at the edge and during sharpening to Rc levels well into the 60s. The work hardening aspect is also why it isn't offered in full flat ground blades, which are created one side at a time. Reportedly one of the tougher stainless steels available.

MBS-26: A Japanese [stainless] steel, very fine grained with high corrosion resistance used in the Catcherman and in most kitchen knives by Spyderco.

N690CO, an Austrian stainless steel, often mentioned as the equivalent of, or better than 440C. High value and performance with excellent corrosion resistance. Reportedly hardened to the high Rc50 range, so no surprise it's considered easy to sharpen. Currently found in Spyderco's Hossom knives and the recently disco'd Italian-made Volpe.

S30V, a premium and controversial American powder-metallurgy, high-carbide super steel developed specifically for the cutlery market (which is rare, since most steels used for cutlery have been co-opted from other applications). A long-time Spyderco standard for its American-made knives. High marks for toughness (when properly heat treated), corrosion resistance, and edge retention, making it an admirable balance of the three important cutlery steel attributes. Generally hardened around the Rc 60s range. The steel is controversial due to persistent reports of chipping. It’s also widely reported that several sharpenings “solve” the chipping problem. Some say that bad heat treating gave it a dodgy reputation. Others note that 2005 just seemed to be a bad year for S30V. Still others avoid the steel altogether. Highly praised by many, but also damned by more than a few. In 2008, featured in the Chinook III, Military, Native, P'Kal, Para, TMag, UKPK. Recently disco'd models with S30V included: Chinook II, ATR, Dodo, Gunting, Lil Temp, Manix, Spyker, WTC, and Yojimbo.

S60V, (aka 440V, aka CPMT440V, despite its name, not really a part of the 440A/440B/440C series at all.) A modern American super-steel, extremely wear resistant (even compared to S30V) and thus difficult to sharpen. Extremely corrosion resistant. Complaints of chipping. Spyderco reportedly hardened it in the Rc mid-50s range to keep toughness acceptable. A relatively rare steel to be found in today's knife blades.

S90V (aka 420V...again, not related to common 420), similar to Crucible's S60V but designed to be even tougher and more corrosion resistant (with double the vanadium of S60V). A modern, very high carbide volume, powdered super-steel. Superb edge holding/wear resistance due in part to high vanadium content. Expensive and difficult to work with. Many superlatives are used to describe this steel. Sal was reported to comment that S90V is the American equivalent of ZDP-189. And, like its Hitachi counterpart, S90V is reportedly difficult to sharpen, but keeps an edge a very long time, once it's obtained. S90V was featured in a sprint run of Spyderco's Military in 2008.

VG-10[14], a premium Japanese super-steel developed for the horticulture industry by Takefu. Considered a good balance of corrosion resistance, edge retention, and toughness, but is not a "high carbide" steel [confirmation needed]. According to Sal Glesser: "Continuous edge testing on a CATRA consistantly shows VG-10 to be superior in sharpness and abrasion resistance to ATS-34 and ATS-55." Often hardened around the Rc60 range. Reported to have better corrosion resistance but less edge retention than S30V. Considered easy to sharpen for a super steel. Overpowered edges tend to bend rather than chip, which is preferred by many. Widely regarded as a well-balanced steel, with high marks for edge-holding, toughness, and corrosion resistance. Currently found in many more Spyderco knife models than any other steel.

ZDP-189, a premium Japanese powdered super-steel made by Hitachi, hardened into the mid & upper Rc 60s (!), with very high carbide volume, superior edge retention, and the ability to maintain steep edge angles (at some cost to toughness and corrosion resistance, but “not as much of a compromise as you might expect,” say many.) Comparable to S90V. Complaints of staining (despite its high levels of chromium) and difficulty sharpening. Sometimes laminated between tougher, more corrosion resistant steels such as 420. Cost is about 20x higher than VG-10. Difficult to obtain a super edge, but holds it much longer once obtained. Has 3% carbon! (That’s a whole lot o' carbon!) In the 2008 lineup, it's found in the Stretch II, special versions of the Delica and Endura, and clad with 420J in the Caly III CF and the disco'd Caly Jr.

  • In 1994, Spyderco was the first company to use Crucible's S60V tool steel in a production knife.
  • In 1995, Japanese VG-10 stainless steel was used on their Bill Moran collaboration model.[15]
  • From 2005, Spyderco has produced several limited edition models and a production model using new ZDP-189 steel provided by Hitachi.
  • Spyderco was the first knife company to use H-1 steel in a folder. H-1 is a nitrogen precipitation-hardened steel touted as impervious to rust.

[edit] Collaborations

Through the years, Spyderco has collaborated with numerous custom knife makers in the design of various models.

[edit] List of Collaborators

FB02 Spyderco Bill Moran Drop Point
FB02 Spyderco Bill Moran Drop Point

[edit] Sprint Runs

Spyderco often produces limited edition models, referred to as sprint runs. These limited runs are generally versions of discontinued models with different blade and handle materials, though some are completely new models, such as the Kopa; a "dress knife" with several variants, each with a different handle material such as micarta, evrina, and tiger coral.

Sprint runs are generally no more than 1500 pieces and become highly sought-after collector's items.[citation needed]

[edit] Byrd Brand

 This article does not cite any references or sources. (November 2006)
Please help improve this article by adding citations to reliable sources. Unverifiable material may be challenged and removed.
A subdivision of Spyderco, Byrd's logo
A subdivision of Spyderco, Byrd's logo

Spyderco design and produce knives under the Byrd brand. These knives use slightly lower quality materials than the Spyderco branded knives and are manufactured in China, allowing much lower prices while retaining most of Spyderco's quality. To differentiate the brands, Byrd knives have a "comet" shaped opening hole in the blade, rather than the trademark round hole found on Spyderco models.

To date, Byrd knives have featured 8Cr13MoV exclusively as their blade steel. Early Byrd knives were marked 440C, but tests found that the steel was something entirely different from American 440C. This steel was closer to AUS-8 than American 440C, and also went by the name 8Cr13MoV.

The first Byrd models, the Cara Cara, Meadowlark, Flight, Pelican, and Crossbill, initially featured stainless steel handles. This is likely because company owner Sal Glesser believes that "'basic stainless' is ... the best way to test a 'pattern design'. Function and ergonomics are easily determined without the 'influence' of material." Newer Byrds have featured aluminum and G10 handles.

[edit] References

  • Delavigne, Kenneth (2004). Spyderco Story: The New Shape of Sharp (Hardcover). Colorado: Paladin Press, 312. ISBN 1-581-60060-7. 
  1. ^ Spyderco History Page. Retrieved on 2006-11-05.
  2. ^ Sb "Sharpmaker - Brief Article - Evaluation". Whole Earth. Winter 2000. FindArticles.com. 07 Feb. 2008. http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m0GER/is_2000_Winter/ai_68617298
  3. ^ Spyderco 'Round Hole' explanation. Retrieved on 2006-11-05.
  4. ^ Spyderco 'Clipit' explanation. Retrieved on 2006-11-05.
  5. ^ Shackleford, Steve. Top Knife Innovations of the Past 50 Years, Blade Magazine, August 2006
  6. ^ Shackleford, Steve."The Most Comfortable Carry Knife of All",Blade Magazine, May 1997
  7. ^ Roy Huntington "Tactical Knives". Guns Magazine. Jan 2001. FindArticles.com. 07 Feb. 2008. http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m0BQY/is_1_47/ai_67717290
  8. ^ Russ Thurman "Spyderco - Knives". Shooting Industry. Dec 2001. FindArticles.com. 07 Feb. 2008. http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m3197/is_12_46/ai_81305658
  9. ^ Charles E. Petty "Spyderco Vagabond and stretch knives". American Handgunner. July-August 2005. FindArticles.com. 07 Feb. 2008. http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m0BTT/is_176_29/ai_n13785474
  10. ^ a b Massad Ayoob "To The Rescue". American Handgunner. May 2001. FindArticles.com. 07 Feb. 2008. http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m0BTT/is_152_25/ai_72293240
  11. ^ Spyderco steel information. Retrieved on 2006-11-05.
  12. ^ Spyderco Catalog 'Blade Steel' dropdown list of steels. Retrieved on 2006-11-05.
  13. ^ Bolster's 'A Quick Rundown on Spyderco Steels' http://www.spyderco.com/forums/showthread.php?t=32670
  14. ^ "Spyderco Kiwi - 2003 New Products Gallery". Shooting Industry. April 2003. FindArticles.com. 07 Feb. 2008. http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m3197/is_4_48/ai_100606779
  15. ^ Delavigne (2004) p.112
  16. ^ Delavigne (2004) p.42
  17. ^ a b Delavigne (2004) p.149
  18. ^ Delavigne (2004) p.36
  19. ^ Delavigne (2004) p.150
  20. ^ "Field knife - New Products". Shooting Industry. Oct 2002. FindArticles.com. 07 Feb. 2008. http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m3197/is_10_47/ai_93915994
  21. ^ "Spyderco's Torture Tested Jungle Rock!", Tactical Knives Magazine 14 (3): 40, 2008
  22. ^ Delavigne (2004) p.163
  23. ^ a b Delavigne (2004) p.131
  24. ^ Delavigne (2004) p.141
  25. ^ Delavigne (2004) p.88
  26. ^ Delavigne (2004) p.172
  27. ^ a b Delavigne (2004) p.145
  28. ^ Rhea, David (September 2005), “Butterfly Knives: Flippin' and Flyin'”, Blade Magazine 32 (9): 66-71 
  29. ^ Ayoob, Dorothy (1999). Armor of New Hampshire. Retrieved on 2008-02-08.
  30. ^ a b "Slick factory Snodys", American Handgunner Magazine 20 (4), 2004, <http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m0BTT/is_170_28/ai_n6040329>
  31. ^ a b Delavigne (2004) p.125
  32. ^ Delavigne (2004) p.215
  33. ^ N. Morris "Knife with Taurus 24/7". Guns Magazine. Jan 2005. FindArticles.com. 07 Feb. 2008. http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m0BQY/is_1_51/ai_n7581238

[edit] External links