Spyderco
Opening hole folding knives, clip inventor, Golden, Colorado
Philosophy
American knife maker founded in 1976 in Golden, Colorado. Pioneer of the modern folding knife (opening hole, pocket clip, serration). Production in USA, Japan, Taiwan and Italy depending on lines. Independent and family-owned.
History
Sal and Gail Glesser founded Spyderco in 1976 from a bread truck converted into a motorhome. They traveled American fairs selling sharpeners. In 1981, they invented the modern folding knife: blade opening hole (the famous Round Hole), pocket clip, and serrated edge. Three innovations the entire industry would copy. Based in Golden, Colorado, they produce their flagship models on-site, Para Military 2, Delica, Endura. Other lines are made in Japan (Seki City), Taiwan (Taichung) or Italy (Maniago), each site chosen for its local expertise. The knife community reveres them: perfect ergonomics, cutting-edge steels, impeccable heat treatment. Some criticism of blade centering out of the box, but nothing comparable to Benchmade. Spyderco is the knife for those who actually cut, not those who collect.
Iconic Products
Para Military 2
The reference folding knife. Compression Lock, S45VN blade (or S30V depending on runs), G-10 scales. Made in Golden, Colorado. Among enthusiasts, THE knife everyone ends up buying. Perfect ergonomics, surgical cutting.
Delica 4
The lightweight classic. VG-10, FRN, back lock. Made in Seki City, Japan. The entry-level Spyderco for decades. Light, slim, cuts like a big knife. The 'plastic knife' everyone criticizes and everyone owns.
Manix 2
The tank. Ball bearing lock, thick blade, hard use. S30V or BD1N depending on version. Made in Golden. The Spyderco for those who find the PM2 too slim. Lock solid as a liner lock but ambidextrous.