Spyderco Knives: A Short History

In the last two decades, few knife companies have had as much success as Spyderco. When people mention elite knife brands they are always right up there with Benchmade, Microtech, and the like. But why is Spyderco so popular? They dominate the folding knife market mostly due to their commitment to listening to their customers' needs and applying their "small shop" mentality to see these needs are met. This has led them to create some of the most popular and innovative features used in the knife marketplace today, most notably, serrations, the pocket clip, and the opening hole.

The knives produced by Spyderco are praised for their simplicity and reliability, which has led to their widespread adoption by everyday citizens, fire rescue team members and many law enforcement officers. It's safe to say that currently, Spyderco is considered by many to be the absolute best folding knife manufacturer in the world and they might be right! The most popular Spyderco knife models include The Endura, The Dragonfly, The Tenacious, The Paramilitary, and The Bug.

BladeOps is a major online distributor of Spyderco Knives. We are huge fans of high-quality knifesmithing, so we only provide our customers with blades we would buy ourselves. Spyderco is one of the best brands you can pick up today in our web store and they are definitely worth considering when picking up your next EDC. After reading the article, check out our selection here.

The Rise of Spyderco

The Spyderco story begins in Northern California in the early 70s. A young couple struggling to find economic stability in the job market took matters into their own hands. In 1976 Sal and Gail Glesser converted an old bread delivery truck into a motorhome which they used to pull their Volkswagen with their equipment to fairs and expos around the country, to sell their products. A natural marketing genius, Sal recognized how effective the "Spyder" branding worked in the sports car industry so he decided to adopt it for his company. Early on they manufactured experimental products for everyday use, such as the Portable Hand. This contraption used a few clamps and ball joints to allow jewelers and hobbyists to work with small items more easily.

As a lifelong knife enthusiast himself, it was Sal's dream to manufacture products for the knife industry. This passion would first surface in the creation of a knife sharpener. The Triangle Sharpmaker 201, which was in some ways the true origins of Spyderco Knives. The entire theory behind their process started from the edge of the blade which can largely be attributed to the amount of microscopic study that took place when Sal was perfecting the 201. At this time (1978), Sal and Gail moved to Golden Colorado and their growing success afforded them the ability to upgrade to a legitimate box truck and trailer for their business.

The first real Spyderco knife (The C01 Worker) was made in 1981. Their unique value proposition for this utility knife was to create a knife which could be opened with one hand easily, another idea which points to Sal's expert marketing and practicality based mindset. After several experiments, they wound up realizing they could put a hole in the blade for control, which no major manufacturer at the time was doing. Sure enough, they got the patent, which resulted in the unmistakable Spyderco blades we see today. The C01 allegedly pioneered the pocket clip on its right side as well. (Though this is a topic of debate among some.) Ultimately this made blades easier to sharpen as well, which was naturally one of Sal's major concerns when designing it. This primary innovation became the backbone for the brand's sales early on. It also became the literal template for today's standard folding knife! Before they knew it, Sal and Gail were trading in their trailer for a shop and continued to expand rapidly, while they helped launch the commercial knife market into the beginning of its true renaissance period.

Like many knife startups at the time Spyderco's first models were all mass produced in Japan to keep the venture profitable. The original Worker knife resulted in a follow-up series Called CLIPIT, which prominently marketed the pocket clip feature while adding five other blade models, each for different applications. These included The standard, executive, hunter, and the two slightly bigger models which were the mariner and the police model. The Mariner stuck out as the biggest innovation in the collection with it's blunted tip and fully serrated edge. Today's emergency knives emulate this model heavily. By the mid to late 1980's the police model got picked up as the standard style for law enforcement cutting tools! The bestselling Endura model helped pioneer lightweight injection-molded nylon handles, which would become another industry-wide standard shortly after it's release.

Spyderco would go on to create many proprietary features for their blades including two proprietary locking mechanisms. Some features became signature features within the brand identity such as the fully serrated edge or "Spyder Edge". They are also one of the only brands to effectively pioneer their own proprietary blade steels such as the rustproof H1. Spyderco has the most locking mechanism options, tactical handle material variations, and different blade steels of any major brand in the world.

Their first collaboration was back in 1988 with Bob Suzhola who thought their current line of knives was ugly and needed some work. At this time collaborations were a rare occurrence but Spyderco valued his opinion and together they helped start an ongoing tradition and marketing tool for knife manufacturers of all kinds. Over the years Spyderco has become a leader in this category industry-wide, boasting over 30 collaborations with premier designers to date. Though there are countless variations and takes on Spyderco, each one has stayed true to the core functions and aesthetic of the brand. This paired with their innovations in knife making has kept their reputation on the rise all these years. In 2000 after the brand already had countless awards for design and utility, Sal Glesser was inducted into the Blade Magazine Cutlery Hall Of Fame At The Blade Show in Atlanta.

In the late 90s, Spyderco settled into their current facility which includes offices, a warehouse, and a shop that handles some of the workloads of manufacturing their blades in the United States. Today, Kershaw Knives ships over one million knives every year to countries all over the world. Their legacy of excellence powered by American-made quality and innovation is respected more now than ever before. In 2016 they celebrated their 40th anniversary as a company and right now they are doing better than ever!

As the company grew on an international scale, they dispersed their manufacturing facilities across the world from Japan to Taiwan, Italy, China, and at their headquarters in Golden Colorado USA. This flexibility gave Spyderco the ability for perpetual improvements in price, performance, and the development of materials which they take full advantage of no matter what the conditions of the market are. Sal and his son Eric have been very active members of the knife enthusiast and maker community. Their ability to listen to the desires and needs of these people at shows or in forums has led them to be the knife brand of the people. They remain on top because they actually manufacture knives based on what the market wants rather than fulfilling some arbitrary artistic aim or launching some unnecessary technical feature for branding purposes. This is what made Spyderco so popular and keeps their products in demand around the world.

A perfect example of Spyderco's affinity for adaptation can be seen in the Manix line of knives they released. The original design created by Eric Glessman didn't do so well at first but each new iteration of the Manix improved by leaps and bounds. First, they improved the ball bearing system in the locking mechanism, then they upgraded the steel to the very popular S110V by Crucible, while also releasing lightweight and XL versions incorporating better handle materials. To this day the Manix 2 is one of the best selling Spyderco Knives out there. It is constantly promoted in their limited "Sprint Runs" or other exclusive variation promotions.

The most popular and best selling Spyderco knife in recent years (and probably of all time) is the Paramilitary 2. Though most Spyderco blades have similar features, like the signature thumb hole, the Paramilitary 2 has a few additional features that have made it one of the best selling knives on the market today. These features include a slightly longer blade which gives users more cutting area, a thinner body, allowing it to sit at an optimum weight in the pocket, as well as a wide lanyard hole on the handle. The PM2 also utilizes a compression lock and 4-way adjustable pocket clip, which have grown to become popular features as well. Like all Spyderco knives, buyers have their choice of a wide range of steels and handle materials. The jimping on the thumb ramp and the snug design of the forward choil make this one of the most comfortable blades to hold.

Why Is Spyderco So Popular...Really?

Listening to consumers, making comprehensive and cost-effective buying options, and just running an all-around good business has kept Spyderco the best selling folder knife in the world. There are also many small and often overlooked details as to what makes this company so great.

A Blade For The Hand and Not The Eye

As mentioned when bringing up the Paramilitary 2, Spyderco makes come of the most comfortable and naturally fitting knives based on how hands have learned to hold knives in general. The weight and balance of the blade and handle attract many consumers to own not just one but multiple Spyderco knives. No matter the size and style of the blade, they always seem to feel great in the hand even if they look a bit different.

When people look at tactical folding knives this "natural feeling" is often an overlooked feature on paper. It's not exactly an intangible but it definitely makes a huge difference that many novice collectors might not pick up on.

Designed From The Edge Of The Blade Outward

The combination of premium steel and blades designed with optimal geometry for sharpening, makes the famous teardrop looking blades Spyderco makes the best at cutting. In some sense, every other feature on their knives is constructed relative to this prerequisite. This is why, no matter which model you buy, you get the same quality, the same amazing cutting power, and a similar aesthetic. This is why people who love Spyderco will always love Spyderco. They have been consistent from day 1.

A Plethora of Steel

One of the things that makes Spyderco a superior knife company in the eyes of consumers is their wide array of options. When it comes to blade steel, literally no other major brand has as many options as Spyderco. Utilizing around 20 different blade steels on a regular basis, Spyderco's commitment to quality has led them to work extensively with premium forging companies like Crucible Industries as well as developing proprietary steels for certain applications. Because buyers are picky about their steel, there is really something for everyone in many of their different product options.

Some of the most popular blade steels used in their best selling knives include S110V and M4.

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Innovation

Spyderco has been a hardcore pioneer in the industry since day 1. From inventing one-handed opening and the pocket clip to developing proprietary blade steel, they have impacted virtually every dimension of the knife smithing process. This is a company that doesn't believe in progress for the sake of progress. They carefully choose very important issues to address when developing new knife technology and over time they have still remained one of the primary innovators in the industry.

It won't be long before Spyderco comes out with some subtle new change that sends a shockwave through the industry. It's hard to imagine anything they haven't already done but it is that same imagination that made them one of the most sought after knives in the first place.

If you are interested in picking up a Spyderco Knife, look no further. At Bladeops we stock the best selection available in the online marketplace. Here are some of the Spyderco blades our staff recommends for you :

Spyderco C81GPBK2 Paramilitary 2 Folder Knife, CPM-S30V Black Blade

Feeling stealthy? This sharp blacked out Paramilitary 2 is an amazing edc. It has a black G-10 handle with a black Diamond Like Carbon satin black blade inside. It also features the standard 4-way pocket clip configuration. This PM2 will have you looking like a thief in the night and at an incredibly low price, it's definitely a steal.

Spyderco C122GP Tenacious Folder Knife, Satin Blade

If you are seeking a slightly more cost-conscious option, this C122GP is for you. What it lacks in steel quality, it makes up for with style points. The skeletonized stainless steel liners wrapped in black G-10 is the perfect housing for its point drop satin finished blade. For an amazingly low price, you can get a taste of Spyderco Knives, it is worth every penny.

Spyderco Manix 2 Folder Knife, CPM-S30V Satin Blade

This Manix is a great addition to any collection and a great first knife for those looking to get off to a solid start. It's textured G-10 creates the perfect grip and contrast to its satin finished, leaf-shaped blade. Like the earlier Endura and Delica series, this knife comes in countless variations for different needs. This one is a favorite here at BladeOps and it's Made in the U.S.A. You can pick yours up today right here.

How Spyderco Outperforms Other Brands

At Bladeops we are firm believers that some knife companies are a safe bet. When you are trying to figure out which knife or brand to buy your next folder from, we almost always recommend Spyderco first? Almost no one is disappointed after picking one up from us and many people tell us their Spyderco is their favorite knife. No matter what your folding knife needs are you will most likely find a Spyderco that is right for you. We find that you can always expect the following benefits.

Something For Everybody

Spyderco is the perfect example of the phrase "Sometimes less is more." Because the basic premise of their knives is so simple and consistent, you can slap on any kind of handle, almost any kind of steel, and whatever array of smaller features you would like. Either way, you still get the feeling, quality, and style that any other Spyderco blade can offer. This means that as a buyer, you really can't go wrong with Spyderco. Whether you pick up a PM2, Endura, or Efficient…you get supreme cutting power, easy sharpening accessibility, an ambidextrous one-hand opening knife, and in most cases premium quality steel. What's not to love?

Insane Value

The pricing consistency and affordability across their massive selection is unheard of. Very few well-known brands can offer most of their knives under $200 and still produce a quality that can compete in today's market. Somehow this is exactly what Spyderco has managed to do. Whether it's business skills, the simplified one-size-fits-all manufacturing process, or the outrageous demand for their products, they have managed to keep prices reasonable no matter what the economy does. Many feel that at a $100-200 price point, you can't really find a better folder anywhere. This has made their business model extremely effective throughout the years and will continue to do so for the foreseeable future.

Not to mention the most people love that their feedback goes into the creation of Spyderco Knives which gives them a whole different kind of value out of each purchase.

The Legacy

Because Spyderco has done so much for the knife industry, owning one of their knives is like giving back in some way. Seeing a company that stuck to its guns for so many years yet found some way to offer buyers more options at the same time is pretty remarkable. It's truly humbling to see a brand that has done nothing but serve the market to the best of its abilities all these years, especially as the knife market becomes saturated with grandiose "artists" making blades for selfish reasons.

Check out the Bladeops store to pick up your next Spyderco purchase. We will always carry the best brands in the game at prices that can't be beaten. We make sure that you get outstanding value and the best-detailed information, so you can make the best decision about your next knife. We have a massive variety of Spyderco knife options, (since it's only appropriate). We also have anything you can imagine for your knife related needs. We offer FREE shipping on all orders!

If you want to learn more about what makes the knives you love so great, follow our blog to become an expert in no time. We have reviews and comparisons about materials, brands, and which knives give you the most value for your pocket real estate. 

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