Sal,
How do you go about measuring quality? Is it quantifiable in that sense? I can understand that you have manufacturing tolerances and aesthetic standards that you can set and use to base your QA on but other than that how could you measure quality?
How do you measure quality?
dePaul. I agree that the ultimate test of true quality is cycling through time. What I'm trying to find is an objective standard that one can use while looking at a new knife. (other than company reputation).
Many products are made to "look good" but really won't cycle well. If one is just collecting, and use is not a question, then what is a true test?
For me, it begins with material selection for performance, but I use many criteria;
Does the design meet the objective?
Is the knife safe (by design or contruction)?
lock reliability and ultimate strength?
Control of the blade in use?
Proper heat treat.
Smoothness of action.
Ergonomics based on use.
comfortable? easy to use" easy to deploy?
Is it sharp?
Is the blade centered when closed?
Fit & finish
to name a few.
sal
Many products are made to "look good" but really won't cycle well. If one is just collecting, and use is not a question, then what is a true test?
For me, it begins with material selection for performance, but I use many criteria;
Does the design meet the objective?
Is the knife safe (by design or contruction)?
lock reliability and ultimate strength?
Control of the blade in use?
Proper heat treat.
Smoothness of action.
Ergonomics based on use.
comfortable? easy to use" easy to deploy?
Is it sharp?
Is the blade centered when closed?
Fit & finish
to name a few.
sal
I understand Sal. And I agree with you. What I meant was that you, at Spyderco, maybe should take a closer look at your previous so successfull models and figure out just WHY they have been so successfull. And with that given (hopefully) answer you will be able to manufacture new HQ models. Secondly. You were the first company using ”the hole” in knifeblades. Innovations like this is a good strategy (in close collaboration with new materials). I realize that this is not easy but in the long run - research, innovations (inventions) and vision, edified on your previous experiences, is what I believe the answer (as for the most companies). To pay attention to details is another one. Today, when most of the manufacturers have similar products with about the same grade of quality and price tags allmost equally high, it´s the details which will separate you from the others. And finally. I´d take me a lot of time listening to all the conversation around the different fora.
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sam the man..
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Its hard to please everyone, I bet you guys at Spyderco place quality high above everything else. Some knives are bound to give problems but such problems are usually rectified during QC tests. The quest for the perfect spydie is an eternal pursuit IMHO. As for me, you folks at Spyderco had came up with some of the most remarkeable products which I'll put my money on. Hey! 20 years of labour, dedication and committment saw dozens of spydies in my drawer! <img src="wink.gif" width=15 height=15 align=middle> I measure quality based on all those elements.
Sam
have spydies
will travel...
Sam
have spydies
will travel...
Hello Sal,
I beleive that the question of quality is very basic and revolves around the concept of CRAFTMANSHIP !!!!
1. The choice and use of the best materials available for both the function and form of the knife.
2. Clean,precise and close tolerances. The attention to fit and finish.
3. Easy to sharpen and maintain.
4. Readily accessable and deployable.
5. Pleasurable to handle and use.
These are the marks of a quality knife.
Simple, right?.....yet oh so complicated.
Any knife design that can meet these can be considered a quality product to someone. First and foremost is function. What is the intended use of this particular cutting tool (KNIFE). This alone should and in most cases does set the overall design criteria that is to follow. If the knife is intended as a true tool and subject to the abuses that we all know knives are subject to daily, its ability to meet and how it meets all of the items I mentioned above are completely different from a knife that is to be an art piece, etc. It all boils down to a Craftsman knowing how to orchestrate this list to meet a particular purpose for the knife. If well done you will have a quality product that will serve the intended purpose and appeal to the customer who is looking for just such a tool.
Well thats just this mans opinion anyway.
Sal, I beleive that Spyderco has always been a company of CRAFTSMAN and hope that this remains the case for many, many years to come. Thanks.
mholt...SFO fixture
I beleive that the question of quality is very basic and revolves around the concept of CRAFTMANSHIP !!!!
1. The choice and use of the best materials available for both the function and form of the knife.
2. Clean,precise and close tolerances. The attention to fit and finish.
3. Easy to sharpen and maintain.
4. Readily accessable and deployable.
5. Pleasurable to handle and use.
These are the marks of a quality knife.
Simple, right?.....yet oh so complicated.
Any knife design that can meet these can be considered a quality product to someone. First and foremost is function. What is the intended use of this particular cutting tool (KNIFE). This alone should and in most cases does set the overall design criteria that is to follow. If the knife is intended as a true tool and subject to the abuses that we all know knives are subject to daily, its ability to meet and how it meets all of the items I mentioned above are completely different from a knife that is to be an art piece, etc. It all boils down to a Craftsman knowing how to orchestrate this list to meet a particular purpose for the knife. If well done you will have a quality product that will serve the intended purpose and appeal to the customer who is looking for just such a tool.
Well thats just this mans opinion anyway.
Sal, I beleive that Spyderco has always been a company of CRAFTSMAN and hope that this remains the case for many, many years to come. Thanks.
mholt...SFO fixture