Spyderco Story: The New Shape of Sharp [Paperback]

Kenneth T. Delavigne (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: January 1, 2000

Like the knives it produces, Spyderco is an unusual company. A relative newcomer to the world of knifemaking, the small, Golden, Colorado-based business launched in 1976 did things differently from the start - and managed to take the knife world by storm in just a few decades. In this book, discover the history and inner workings of the company whose design innovations have redefined the shape of the modern folding knife and taken high-performance cutting to a new level. Find out how these odd-shaped knives with the hole and the hump in the blade have made opening and carry more efficient, as well as how individual models have met the specialized needs of EMTs, police officers, hunters, soldiers, survivalists and more. Spyderco aficionado Ken Delavigne covers each product in detail - from Clipit folders and fixed-blade knives to custom collaborations to sharpeners - describing how it was developed and why, what real-life problem it solved and the design elements that make it unique. In addition, he explores the technical frontiers where Spyderco has made so many inroads and previews what's on the drawing board for the new millennium. Finally, he offers insight into the uncommon business philosophy and management style that have allowed Spyderco to achieve such legendary success.

Product Details

• Paperback: 312 pages
• Publisher: Paladin Press (January 1, 2000)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1581600607
• ISBN-13: 978-1581600605
• Product Dimensions: 11.5 x 8.7 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2.9 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,796,963 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars First-class book!, February 21, 2000

By 

a reader (U.S.A.) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Spyderco Story: The New Shape of Sharp (Paperback)

I am fascinated by the book's descriptions of the design-rationale behind each of Spyderco's many knives.

Also, the book describes the management philosophy and practice at the Spyderco company. Fascinating insight into what makes Spyderco knives so good!

A nice feature of the book is that it can be read in bits and pieces. It has lots of glossy photos. It reminds me of reading National Geographic magazine. Parts are nice for casual browsing, other parts have in-depth description.

If I have my pants on, I'm carrying a Spyderco knife! If your Spyderco knife is indispensible, I'm confident you'll like this book!

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars GREAT GIFT book for dads, brothers,uncles etc., April 3, 2000

By 

Joanne P. Wojtusiak (Cornwall Bridge, CT) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Spyderco Story: The New Shape of Sharp (Paperback)

If you are looking for the perfect gift for a knife collector/user or anyone interested in knives, THIS IS THE PERFECT GIFT.

As one who has none of these characteristics, I found the book fascinating- an intriguing look at a world I knew nothing about. The final chapter is an unexpected gold mine of ideas and insights into a company, Spyderco, whose philosophy is guided by integrity ... "being good even if no one is watching".

You'll buy this book because it's the definitive book about a great knife company and its products. When you read it, you will get a lot more...you will learn about the company they call "the mouse with a megaphone" and it's no Mickey Mouse either!

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars This is the PERFECT gift!, July 16, 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: Spyderco Story: The New Shape of Sharp (Paperback)

I bought this book for my knife collecting husband who not only loves Spyderco, but is an avid reader. He immediately read the book from cover to cover and refers to it on what seems to be a daily basis. He routinely reads passages to me when we're discussing his knives and why he prefers Spyderco over all others. If you know someone who likes folding knives at all, BUY THIS BOOK!