History of Spyderco

Sal Glesser and his wife Gail founded Spyderco in Golden, Colorado in 1976. Sal drew inspiration for the brand's name from high-performance sports cars that often featured “Spyder” in their names. This led to the creation of Spyderco, a name meant to symbolize the high-performance nature of their cutting tools. Syderco’s first product, introduced later the same year, was the Tri-Angle Sharp Maker, a versatile sharpening tool that could be mastered by anyone.

During the early days of Spyderco, Sal, and Gail converted an old bread delivery truck into a motorhome, traveling to shows to showcase their products. As their success grew, they upgraded from the bread truck to a more spacious truck and trailer, before deciding to settle in 1978 in Golden, Colorado.

Spyderco expanded its product line, introducing its first folding knife, the C01 Worker, in 1981. This folding knife was a groundbreaking creation, featuring a distinctive round hole in the blade. This hole design allowed for rapid, one-handed, and ambidextrous opening, a hallmark that has become synonymous with the Spyderco brand. The C01 Worker marked the beginning of Spyderco's venture into the realm of folding knives, showcasing their commitment to innovation and user-friendly functionality.

- Sal Glesser (pictured above) and his wife Gail Glesser started Spyderco in 1976

- Spyderco was named after high-performance sports cars

- Spyderco's first product was the Tri-Angle sharpmaker

-Spyderco's first knife was the CO1 worker (pictured above) introduced in 1981

Throughout the 1980s, Spyderco continued to push the boundaries of knife design. One significant innovation during this time was the introduction of the SpyderEdge. This unique two-step serration is characterized by large, round serrations, between two small serrations, making Spyderco knives easily recognizable. The success of the SpyderEdge design paved the way for the development of other signature Spyderco features.

As Spyderco gained prominence, the brand began collaborating with custom knife makers and designers, further diversifying its product line. Collaborations with renowned knife makers such as Bob Terzuola and Bob Lum resulted in the creation of iconic models like the C55 Chinook and the C46 Lum Tanto. The late 1990s became known as the “Golden Era” of Spyderco, marked by constant innovation and a growing reputation for its high-quality knives.

Spyderco's commitment to quality and customer feedback has been a driving force behind its success. The company's dedication to using high-quality materials and employing precision manufacturing techniques has earned it a solid reputation among knife enthusiasts and professionals alike. The adoption of premium blade steels and the integration of advanced handle materials have contributed to the durability and performance of Spyderco knives.

As technology and materials advanced, so did Spyderco's knife designs. The brand embraced new, high-performance materials for both blades and handles, ensuring that its knives remained at the forefront of innovation. Spyderco also introduced various locking mechanisms, including the patented Compression Lock, which has become a hallmark feature on many Spyderco models.

- SpyderEdge (pictured above) features a two-step serration with large and small round serrations

- Spyderco collaborated with renowned knife makers such as Bob Terzuola and Bob Lum in the late 1990s

Spyderco Paramilitary 2 Salt Magnacut

Launched with the concept of creating corrosion-resistant knives tailored for marine and water-centric activities, the Salt series incorporates cutting-edge materials and design elements. These knives are crafted from H-1, H-2, and LC200N, which are renowned for their exceptional corrosion resistance, even in saltwater environments. The knives in the Salt Line often feature bright yellow handles for high visibility and are specifically designed to endure the harsh conditions associated with saltwater exposure.

Over the years, Spyderco has expanded its product line to cater to diverse markets. Whether designing knives for everyday carry (EDC), tactical use, or outdoor activities, Spyderco has maintained its commitment to functionality, ergonomics, and user-friendly features. The brand's knives have found favor not only among knife enthusiasts but also among military personnel, law enforcement, and outdoor adventurers.

From the introduction of their signature Round Hole to the development of unique locking mechanisms, Spyderco has consistently pushed the boundaries of a what knife can be.

- Spyderco's Salt Line (pictured above) features corrosion resistant steel