Spyderco just announced 8 new models! Well, holy crap! For the most part, I don’t mean that in a good way.

Spyderco does have some AWESOME stuff coming. Including a two new Military blades. One in S110v with dark blue G10, and one with Carbon Fiber. I might end up with both of those. Another one of the blades I like the looks of is the new Pattada by designer Sal Glesser. It looks and sounds very good. (http://catalog2016.spyderco.com/?BuildGuid=98e63ef8-1e46-4e1a-adda-d90bf55865f9)

Now to the point

In my mind, Spydercos are a simple, well designed and well build knife. Even her cheaper China and Taiwan made knives have been made pretty well. However, over the past few years I have notice Spyderco getting more comfortable with making knives in China and Taiwan. Including high end blades that cost over 100 dollars. In fact, that is way I stayed away from the Southard. Everything about the spec list is for me, until I got to the country of origin. A 419.95 dollar MSRP on a Taiwan made blade is a serious turn off. Sadly, most of the new announcements follow the same path for me.

For example, I love the looks of the new Mantra. Very slick: CPM-M4, tip-up carry, flat grind, stonewash titanium and a MSRP of $279.95. Sounds great huh? Yeah, I thought so too, until I got to the country of origin. Taiwan! (http://catalog2016.spyderco.com/?BuildGuid=db2ef91a-d85f-4e33-a474-88d35dec97ab)

Another example is the Nirvana. Very good looking knife with an amazing spec list. CPM-S90V, drop point, saber grind blade sitting in titanium handle with a very good etching job (knife news has it quoted as being called a “broken glass” pattern). MSRP? ….. Wait for it! ….. SEVEN HUNDRED AND NINETEEN DOLLARS AND NINETY FIVE DOLLARS! Wow. (http://catalog2016.spyderco.com/?BuildGuid=401c7902-81c0-4e36-b25f-2178808a6c78)

Knife news says this blade will retail somewhere around 430 dollars. Which is still a lot. For this kind of money I would want it made in one of few places: United States, Japan, Germany, United Kingdom, Italy, Norway, Sweden, or Finland. Taiwan, which is where this blade is made is not on that list.

I know some people will say I am being picky, and this is not an issue. But for me, it’s a deal breaker. If I am paying this much for a blade, I expect it to not be made somewhere that has a history of poor work conditions, and bad quality management. I am sure I am not the only blade-head that feels this way.

Source: knife news