Spyderco is known for high performance folding knives and sharpening tools designed for use with a wide range of knife styles. Spyderco is committed to manufacturing the highest level of reliable and utilitarian knives and knife accessories.

Founded in 1978 by Sal Glesser, Spyderco is based in Golden, Colorado. In recognition of Glesser’s influences on tactical knife design, he was inducted into the Blade Magazine Cutlery Hall of Fame in 2000. Originally, the company produced only knife sharpeners. Their first folding knife was introduced in 1981. This model, the C01 Worker, set the standard for innovative knife designs from Spyderco. It featured a round hole in the blade, designed to improve the ease of one-handed opening.

Spyderco has continued this tradition of innovation through every subsequent knife design, particularly in their line of folding knives. The company introduced many features that are now common on such knives, including innovations such as the pocket clip, serrations on folding knife blades, and the opening hole. Known for ergonomic design and simple, reliable operation, Spyderco knives are popular with law enforcement, fire and rescue personnel, hunters and outdoor adventurers, and private citizens.

Since its founding, Spyderco designers have thought beyond established knife design principles to introduce new design features. The company remains dedicated to developing improved knife designs using better performing materials with an eye towards function and reliability. The Spyderco million-dollar testing facility allows for the examination of edge retention, rust development, force, and other knife blade characteristics. Each Spyderco knife is manufactured for peak performance and ergonomic comfort. Spyderco knives are designed to be used heavily, not just displayed on a shelf.

Still, Spyderco’s well-designed knives result from collaborations with over 30 custom knife makers, athletes, and self-defense instructors, and are known for distinctive design as well as quality construction. Spyderco often produces limited-edition models from well-known knife designers. Referred to as “sprint runs,” these knives are generally versions of discontinued models with a special blade and handle. Other sprint runs are completely new models. One of the most popular of these has been the Kopa, which came with several handle materials, from micata, a modern fiberglass-type product, to tiger coral, a beautiful natural material.

Other Spyderco knife designs are sold through Byrd, a subdivision of Spyderco. Using slightly lower quality materials than most Spyderco-branded versions, they are manufactured in China, allowing them to be sold at much lower prices while offering much the same quality as Spydero knives. Most Byrd knives have handles made of stainless steel, aluminum, or fiberglass reinforced nylon, emphasizing function over aesthetics.

Spyderco’s innovations include not only folding knife style, but also blade materials. Since 1978, the company has experimented with nearly two dozen different blade materials. They were the first company to experiment with many of the newest steel types, and today remain on the cutting edge of knife design and production. Each knife style produced by Spyderco uses a blade steel that has been specifically chosen depending on the type of knife and its intended purpose or use. Many of the steels used in Spyderco knives are stainless or rust-proof, sharpen easily, and have good edge retention.

Author Bio: Sharpen ‘Em has a full range of knife sharpeners for kitchen or hunting use. Also check our electric knife sharpener specials

Category: Home Management
Keywords: