Spyderco: Golden, Colorado U.S.A. Earth
by Alek Olson, ATF Magazine
Spyderco, founded by Sal and Gail Glesser in 1976 in Golden, Colorado, is a leading manufacturer of high-quality knives. Sal Glesser, a contract engineer in the aerospace industry, developed a passion for knives and began experimenting with different designs and materials. Unsatisfied with the limitations of the available knives, he dreamt of creating his own line of high-quality, innovative knives. The company has been at the forefront of innovation in the knife-making industry for over four decades, and its knives are recognized as some of the finest in the world.
The early Spyderco knives were unique in shape, featuring a large hole in the blade for easy one-handed opening, which Sal called the “Spyderhole.” This design allowed users to open their knives quickly and easily with just one hand, which became a hallmark of Spyderco knives. These knives were also notable for their use of high-quality materials, such as VG-10 steel and G-10 handle scales, providing exceptional performance and durability.
As Spyderco gained popularity, Sal and Gail faced new challenges of keeping up with demand while maintaining high standards of quality and innovation. To meet these challenges, Spyderco invested in new manufacturing technologies and production methods and collaborated with other knife makers and designers like Bob Terzuola, Fred Perrin, and Bob Lum to develop new designs and innovations.
Bob Lum was a renowned knife maker and designer who had already made a name for himself in the knife-making community when he began working with Spyderco in the mid-1990s. Lum’s designs for Spyderco included the Chinese Folder and the Lum Tanto, which became popular design elements in many modern knives.
Spyderco began producing knives in a wider range of styles and sizes to meet the needs of different users. They introduced smaller knives like the Dragonfly and the Ladybug, designed to be compact and lightweight for everyday carry, and larger knives like the Military and the Manix, designed for heavy-duty use in military and law enforcement applications.
Today, Spyderco is recognized as one of the premier knife makers in the world. They continue to innovate and push the boundaries of knife design, using advanced materials and production methods to create knives that offer exceptional performance and reliability.
One of the most notable innovations in recent years has been the Compression Lock, a locking mechanism introduced in 2010 with the release of the Paramilitary 2 knife. The Compression Lock is a variation of the liner lock, designed to be more reliable and secure. It features a small piece of metal that is pressed against the tang of the blade, locking it in place. This mechanism has become extremely popular among Spyderco fans and is now featured in many of their knives.
Spyderco knives have come a long way since their early days in the 1970s. The company’s dedication to high-quality materials, innovative designs, and exceptional performance has made it a leading knifemaker worldwide. With continued innovation and collaboration with other knife makers and designers, Spyderco is sure to remain at the forefront of the knife-making industry for years to come.
