| Spyderco is known for high performance folding | | | | heavily, not just displayed on a shelf. |
| knives and sharpening tools designed for use with a | | | | Still, Spyderco's well-designed knives result from |
| wide range of knife styles. Spyderco is committed to | | | | collaborations with over 30 custom knife makers, |
| manufacturing the highest level of reliable and | | | | athletes, and self-defense instructors, and are known |
| utilitarian knives and knife accessories. | | | | for distinctive design as well as quality construction. |
| Founded in 1978 by Sal Glesser, Spyderco is based in | | | | Spyderco often produces limited-edition models from |
| Golden, Colorado. In recognition of Glesser's influences | | | | well-known knife designers. Referred to as "sprint |
| on tactical knife design, he was inducted into the | | | | runs," these knives are generally versions of |
| Blade Magazine Cutlery Hall of Fame in 2000. Originally, | | | | discontinued models with a special blade and handle. |
| the company produced only knife sharpeners. Their | | | | Other sprint runs are completely new models. One of |
| first folding knife was introduced in 1981. This model, | | | | the most popular of these has been the Kopa, which |
| the C01 Worker, set the standard for innovative | | | | came with several handle materials, from micata, a |
| knife designs from Spyderco. It featured a round | | | | modern fiberglass-type product, to tiger coral, a |
| hole in the blade, designed to improve the ease of | | | | beautiful natural material. |
| one-handed opening. | | | | Other Spyderco knife designs are sold through Byrd, |
| Spyderco has continued this tradition of innovation | | | | a subdivision of Spyderco. Using slightly lower quality |
| through every subsequent knife design, particularly in | | | | materials than most Spyderco-branded versions, they |
| their line of folding knives. The company introduced | | | | are manufactured in China, allowing them to be sold |
| many features that are now common on such | | | | at much lower prices while offering much the same |
| knives, including innovations such as the pocket clip, | | | | quality as Spydero knives. Most Byrd knives have |
| serrations on folding knife blades, and the opening | | | | handles made of stainless steel, aluminum, or |
| hole. Known for ergonomic design and simple, reliable | | | | fiberglass reinforced nylon, emphasizing function over |
| operation, Spyderco knives are popular with law | | | | aesthetics. |
| enforcement, fire and rescue personnel, hunters and | | | | Spyderco's innovations include not only folding knife |
| outdoor adventurers, and private citizens. | | | | style, but also blade materials. Since 1978, the |
| Since its founding, Spyderco designers have thought | | | | company has experimented with nearly two dozen |
| beyond established knife design principles to introduce | | | | different blade materials. They were the first |
| new design features. The company remains | | | | company to experiment with many of the newest |
| dedicated to developing improved knife designs using | | | | steel types, and today remain on the cutting edge of |
| better performing materials with an eye towards | | | | knife design and production. Each knife style |
| function and reliability. The Spyderco million-dollar | | | | produced by Spyderco uses a blade steel that has |
| testing facility allows for the examination of edge | | | | been specifically chosen depending on the type of |
| retention, rust development, force, and other knife | | | | knife and its intended purpose or use. Many of the |
| blade characteristics. Each Spyderco knife is | | | | steels used in Spyderco knives are stainless or |
| manufactured for peak performance and ergonomic | | | | rust-proof, sharpen easily, and have good edge |
| comfort. Spyderco knives are designed to be used | | | | retention. |