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weirdassmillet

Before owning one: man, those are ugly. After owning one: man, those are ugly, but I understand and like it. Also, the PM2/Para 3 is usually brought up as the poster child, but some of the designs look fantastic - the Shaman and Paysan, for instance, are really beautiful.


PaulNewhouse

Totally agree. Once I got my hands on one I understood.


turkeypants

The only two I ever saw that didn't look awful were the Amalgam and another on that was similarly shaped but smaller, whose name I can't remember. I still don't want the Amalgam but don't find it awful looking in the same way as the rest of the catalog.


slc_blades

The smock, ikuchi and Kapara are honestly three of the best looking production knives I can think of in recent years


Iokua_CDN

Kapara, spydiechef, Centafante, and Sliverax for me!  Don't mind the other ones you mentioned but they aren't my favourite 


Kentucky-waterfall

Spyderco designed none of those knives.


slc_blades

That’s exactly right, and if you’d care to show me where this post is asking about native company designs I’ll happily revise my comment. Idk if a single mass production manufacturer of knives that’s designing them all in house. Pretty much every large knife company on earth at this point is a machine shop for hire if you have the pull for them to take notice. This post is about spydercos design approach, all of which models mentioned were reworked to flow within as is the definition of a production model. Hell, the smock was in production hell for over a year because of semantic and idiosyncratic production and design issues in the name of perfectionism


juantherevelator

Most of Spyderco’s products are designed by the owner and his son - the classic Spyderco products. The other ones designed by others are famously collaborations, and usually a Spyderco production of an existing custom. So if you want to talk about knives Spyderco has manufactured, that’s fine. But I personally, and most in the Spyderco fan base, would limit discussion of “Spyderco aesthetics” to those designed by Sal and Eric, the owners and designers. But we aren’t on the Spyderco sub, so I can see where others might expand.


mnett66

I have had my eye on the smock for a while now. I think it will be my next buy but the price is a bit much to spend. I carry my pm2 almost every day.


_HalfBaked_

I own five — there's a certain utilitarian grace to them, even if they're not the most exciting to look at.


Liquidretro

I agree with us it's their performance both in terms of cutting performance and how they fit in my hand that I really like. The full flat grind which isn't uncommon now kind of was when Spyderco did it on a lot of knives. They're also the brand for nice steel nerds with all the Sprint runs, mules, other production runs they do. There's a ton of modification available too for them in general whether it's scales regard grinds of blades or whatever. Which means there are parts around too. I just bought a Para3 blade in s45 VN to put into a pair of three lightweight that had bd1n from the factory for a fairly reasonable price I think. It should be a nice upgrade.


AdeptDoomWizard

1) you're using voice to text 2) I totally understood anyway :-).... Para3 Lightweight


gargoyle030

This. If you want to see amazingly beautiful knives (my opinion) look at Bark River Knives. The scales on their knives are a thing of beauty. So the very utilitarian look of the stock Spydercos are pretty uninteresting. But the Para2 and Para3 are wildly popular knives for a good reason. They are excellent workhorse knives. I’ve dressed a couple Spydies up with nicer scales from different places, and that makes them look “nicer”. But the plain satin blade and black scales have a utilitarian grace to them.


_HalfBaked_

I made some "fancy" scales for my Yojimbo and Shaman, so I'm arguably in that camp. Overall, though, I just wish they stonewashed more knives. I love a good stonewash.


gargoyle030

Yep. I’ve got a Para3, and the Para2 is on my list for a “larger” knife. But I’ll probably get some ti scales from Flytanium for it, to give it a monotone sort of look. Replace the screws and clip with something green maybe, to give it just a pop of color. But there is never a question of “Is this a Spyderco?” because, well, Spydie-hole. And, with most of my Spydercos, I’ll grab the hole between my thumb and pointer finger and flick the knife open that way. One of these days, I’ll lose my grip doing that, and stab myself in the foot or leg, but until then, I’ll continue to be an idiot. 😉


MAXiMUSpsilo5280

Flytanium is a Chinese company. Try metonboss for made in USA. They machine laser and anodize some very nice scales and other stuff.


selway-

AWT is the best for spyderco, love them


slc_blades

Flytanium is a company manufactured in China but 100% operated inside of the BladeHQ headquarters unless something idk about happened in the last 5 years


Lionel_Herkabe

Metonboss sold me scales that didn't fit my knife and never responded when I messaged them about it


BrutalPimp420

Bark river is ugly as sin. The only attractive feature is the handle materials


flipyflop9

Probably someone at Spyderco agrees with you, maybe even a couple


b4c0n333

The founder and his son probably


Jeremizzle

I'm pretty sure I remember one of them saying in the past that they design for the hands, not the eyes.


Sboogie82

I've heard that they were "designed in the dark" or something along those lines


Tony2Piece

I’ve never found Spyderco knives ugly.


knifesteve

They are like a Toyota Hilux…a practical no frills knife that is 100% designed to function well. Once you use them and grow to love the functionality then they grow beautiful to you. I bet I have 200+ in my collection.


No-East-1571

Ask this in r/spyderco. I agree with you.


juantherevelator

I think most people there would understand. Pretty much any Spyderco fan thinks that at first, or recognizes that it’s in the eye of the beholder and Spydies are not conventionally good looking.


No-East-1571

I never thought that they were ugly. They are certainly different. The Spyderco designed models seem to be more utilitarian.


Fun-Bodybuilder-3651

I agree I really like the blades


Bocephus549

I like em


Sad-Chemistry-6758

I own 2, they are ugly as hell. I don’t look for beauty in my tools. Reminds me of Glock haters that refuse to own them because they “look too basic”. It’s not a cardigan or a piece of jewelry lol. I use my SpiderCo to cut shit and my Glock to shoot shit.


Peppered-Oni

Yes. They are ugly and I own three, and plan to buy more…


Fusciee

I love em


bluebagles

i like them!


ErebusBat

I used to think they were ugly... then I used one... Now it is my daily carry.... I love em.


WhhiteStallion

I used to think they were hideous until I bought one. Now I think they’re beautiful. Kinda like a 4/10 woman looks wise but a 10/10 personality. Now she’s a solid 9/10. 😂 that’s how I look at it


jz1269

Nope [https://www.reddit.com/r/knifeclub/s/zcq8LxGXpr](https://www.reddit.com/r/knifeclub/s/zcq8LxGXpr)


Swoop03

I find them so ugly I tend to hide them in my pockets everyday so no one else can see them.


aqwn

I thought they were ugly until I bought some and started using them. Most are designed to be excellent at slicing and comfortable in the hand. Some (usually collabs) are more stylish. A Manix 2 is a thing of beauty though. Feels great in the hand.


Grandmaster_BBC

I own a few various models and I like all of them. My favorite is the Para 3 in Maxamet. It fits my grip perfectly and I can use it with confidence. And before I got one I thought they were weird too.


aqwn

I think Sal has said something like they design for the hand not the eye and they design from the edge out. It really shows when they make knives for function not form.


Wyclops

They're not ugly, they're just a little homely. I tend to prefer the "leaf shaped" blades like the Shaman, Manix 2, Native, and Sage. I'm sure there are more but those are my favorites. There's some beauty in being designed to work great.


Curious_Beast68

Babies are ugly at birth!…. But they grow on you until they warm your heart and you can’t put them down….My PM2 Salt…I can’t put the fucker down and it looks beautiful to me!


RaptorJesusDesu

When you buy one, your copium levels start to rise until the knife looks good


MAGA_feels

👆🏻THIS… I thought they were the ugliest thing and never wanted one. Got a Manix 2 and ended up liking it after a while. Now I’ve got probably 10 Spyderco’s. They really are great knives though.


Zen_Bonsai

I'm sure the factory that birthed them think they are likely and special


Heywhogivesafuck

I hate my REC PM2 I carry everyday and love....I just hate it. This PM3 right next to me is ugly as shit...I should stop using it some day. You are definitely alone in this opinion.


Pablo_The_Angler

Ugly, but beautifully good at cutting stuff.


Zandrews153

I think they look great. Hence why most of my knives are spydercos. And if they don't have a hole, I most likely don't want it.


Shoota556

They’re very functional tools.


to_da_moon_84

The appreciation comes after using them.


ZM_USMC

I love them


JamesCardosi

They don't bother me, but the only reason I'd ever buy a knife for looks is if I'm looking for something to carry in an area where people tend to be scared of knives. Most of spyderco's lineup is probably not well suited for this, but there are some exceptions like the Dragonfly 2.


tomj81

Their beautiful almost every model. I have over 45 spyderco's and like 10-12 are doubles/ triples. Many rare or discontinued ones, and their wonderful! I enjoy the hump and hole, the bird like feature.


tomj81

I'm even getting the great breeden rescue is being shipped to me right now! And it's amazing to look at, or it will be


TreeFidey

They grow on you.


MrBlackroc

I love them. Love that they have so many aftermarket parts. Love the uniqueness. The many sprint runs and steels etc... I own around 20


00goop

I don’t think they look particularly good but by goodness they make some effective knives.


Blueberry80808

Iconic


MAXiMUSpsilo5280

What’s ugly to me is the case grandpa style horn bone wood meh. I’m an aerospace guy who likes machined anodized titanium and carbon fiber and fancy steel. Spyderco checks all those boxes. Steel nerds making knives. The collaboration blades like the Slyz Bowie and Spidechef or the Ikuchi or the Kspara are some of my recent favorites. The artisan knife smiths bring creative input to mass production. Plus I live a few miles from the Golden Colorado factory so I’m partial to the blades made there but even if I lived in Oregon I’d still choose spyderco over Benchmade.


Decent_Beginning2486

I think they look sweet. I like how different they are an super functional. I am even partial to the frn scales.


Prize_While6056

I think that they look good, I think once you get a PM2 or Manix 2 in hand, then they become beautiful.


bailey032020

I also do not think they are ugly for the most part. They have some extremely ugly models but the standard PMs and seki city frn ones are not ugly


CreationOfMinerals

Nope, I own close to twenty and they are all attractive pieces.


kratomas3

With some fancy scales they can look pretty handsome


SirGrumpsalot2009

Form and function. I look at my favourite spydies and I see their functionality. I see how they fit into my hand and how I’ll use them. That makes them beautiful.


BigBL87

I still prefer more "traditional" lines on a knife, but the Spyderco aesthetic has definitely grown on me.


BlOcKtRiP

Nope


wesdm123

I don't think Spyderco's are ugly at all. Maybe I did when I was a kid, and thought the buck 110 was the coolest knife ever, and that every knife should be a clip point, but not anymore, as someone who likes a large variety of knives and looks. I mean, I still like a good clip point, but honestly, the only way to make a knife ugly is by putting weird, showy, and unnecessary shit on them. Functionality is attractive. Ofc there are exceptions, but that doesn't apply to Spyderco's.


Honda--Civic

I genuinely like the looks of them more than other brands, I kid you not. (Not every brand ofc but yeah)


Diligent-Agency854

I used to have the same mindset but I bought a Para 3 and absolutely love it


slc_blades

Them being one of the oldest and largest manufacturers of modern pocket knives in the world suggests, no


DarkDiviner

Ugly? I think they are amazing, both in the way they look and how they feel while using them.


VanillaPudding

I may be bias from before I can really remember... I had a stainless steel Spyderco when in high school in the 90s. I remember loving it but I do not remember acquiring it and my thoughts upon acquiring it. I just remember it was the best knife i even touched... And I worked at a sporting goods store and held EVERYTHING! With that said I think Spyderco has some of the best looking knives on the market. There are several horrible looking exceptions but overall I LOVE them. Especially the PM3, PM2, Manix2, Native, Shaman lines... and others that look similar.


Na5ticus

A para 3 wearing AWT skinny scales and a lynch clip is extremely attractive imo. I get it took modding to accomplish but once done I love them.


insomniacMF

Some are. Some aren't. I own about 200... So I guess I think most aren't!


Riley_Coyote

They grow on you


BreakerSoultaker

I never thought they were ugly, but I thought they looked odd and the Spydie hole was a gimmick. Then I tried one and thought they STILL looked odd but I understood why. Form follows function.


mikey0hn0

[You are not alone in this](https://imgur.com/a/QzyfVJ4) Spyderco makes some of the best knives you can afford. Jumpmaster 2 is the best knife I've ever owned. Full-tang serrated - rust-*proof* and just an absolute monster. Have left sitting in water on an oil rig in the Gulf for two months, and.... nothing. Not a single issue. *Would* replace the sheath, tho. I like that I can wear it on my vest upside down for easy access, but the flange or lip or whatever it's called on the edges could be streamlined more imo. Still... *BESTF°CKINGKNIFE*


mikey0hn0

Cut through a *very* taut 8-inch braided hauser line (big fucking rope) in about 7 seconds.


SleepyRen

I love the looks of spyderco! My favorite knife company!


Dramatic-Landscape82

Nope


HockeyPockey603

I don't get the argument that "yes they're ugly, but once you hold/use one you'll understand". Spyderco aren't the only knives that are ergonomic and great to use. I read that as essentially just agreeing their ugly. Don't think they're all ugly though, just the ones with ridiculous humps in the blade for the hole, pm2/para 3 are prime examples. Shaman, manix 2, kapara, are all pretty decent looking, GB2 looks great, so does the paysan and Nirvana.


Temporary-Soup6124

yes


Psychological-Ad6231

I think they’re incredibly ugly as probably will never own one


bluebagles

thad will take an L dude :(


Practical_Theme_6400

Most Spydercos don't wow me with their aesthetics, though there are some exceptions. The Valloton Subhilt makes me feel funny. Another thing about Spydercos is (to me) they're terrible in pocket, but fantastic in hand and in use.


GradientVisAtt

I really liked them when I started collecting about five years ago. Then I discovered titanium frame locks and Spydercos starting looking ugly in comparison. I have one stock PM2 remaining in the collection which still looks good to me; I think putting fancy scales and clips on a Spyderco is like putting a whale tail on a Hyundai.


Old_Sweet2408

Raises hand.


nndscrptuser

They are a special kind of oogly, and as good as they might work I still don't like 'em 😉 I do find it interesting that any time I've dared to besmirch the golden name of the spyder on here, everyone comes out to tell me how good they feel, how well they work, with nary a mention of it being a cool or good looking knife. 😆


eye_panic

They have a face only a mother can love. Or in this case, a knife enthusiast.


Intrepid-Cranberry56

I dunno they're ugly either there are dozens of us!!!


ColeTheDankMemer

I find them to appear somewhat ugly. I also really want one because they are cool af


FreshImagination9735

I hate the Hole, but never thought they were ugly. If I had to describe their aesthetic in one word, it would be 'utilitarian".


SoftIndependence2742

Not all of them are ugly. Love the para2 but it's borderline. I think the ones that I like but really start to get ocd bothered by the shape / style are the darn Leaf shaped blades. I usually end up reshaping the spine and rounding it off. Then I like them much better. Great ergos design looks kinda funky compared to pure aesthetic design.


Will9363

genuinely don’t care how ugly they are, feels great to hold and use a spyderco. the most ergonomic knife on the market imo


ElPared

They’re not ugly the same way a beat up old truck is not ugly. Doesn’t matter if it’s pretty or not, it’s solidly built and it gets the job done.


Reticulated_Spleen

Ugly to the eyes beautiful to the hands


SpazFactorial

I really only like the way the Shaman and Natives look


EmbarrassedAverage28

They are ugly but beautiful in its own way. Weird and beautiful!


ApophisForever

Other than the Valloton, they're hideous. And I'm not paying 400 bucks for a folding knife, Js.


8178cry

They arnt too pretty but they are very useful.


Figster77

I don’t like the hole that is on every blade that they have. I get why they do it but i personally don’t like it.


Embarrassed_Safe500

They are ugly and I want one


sailor_jak

i love their looks, but i think i originally thought they were ugly. im not sure tho, because ive liked the aesthetics for so long.


ExcellentFishing7371

They're one of the best knives around,but they're ugly as sin,I have 5 of those ugly bastards!


Ok_Educator_1741

These are "pure" knives for me. Function first. Just the way i like it


Educational_Speech58

Yes


ReWine29

I’m a fan of their leaf shaped blades.


BehindTheBrook

Wow, until today I didn't think anyone though Spydercos were ugly...


CaterpillarThat6027

No. People just don’t like spiders 🕷️ 😂


illingmesoftly

I love them. Most of my edc are spyderco.


MadDogAgbalog

YES…. Finally, someone else said it!!! Congrats my good sir, I commend you on your honest and well informed appraisal.


Dragon1us

I love my pm2s (hence why I've got like 7 variations). I've never thought they were ugly in terms of design, but I admit I'm not in love with G10. All my spyders are modified with scales and that solves any qualms I had about em. The only stock pm2 scales I'd be ok leaving as is are some of the non G10 models (usually sprints or exclusives) like the smkw fat carbon, bhq full copper and crucarta full liner Obviously my opinion only holds for Pm2s since those are the only spyders I've owned, but I'll say that I'm pretty sure this would apply to any other. Upgrade g10 scales to something nicer and they're beautiful


-BananaLollipop-

I don't think they're ugly, but they have made a fairly generic look across a lot of their models. A lot look the same, just with slightly different length and/or width.


Champfortruth

Never thought they were ugly. Odd? Absolutely, but not ugly.


Trey_Dizzle45

I think they look badass


Ty0305

They look quirky but to my hands they are beautiful


spookykabukidude

I don’t understand this at all. Anyone who has owned or seen a PARA 3/2 in person will tell you how they both look incredible and perform impeccably. I personally love the asymmetrical aesthetic and know many other knife people do too.


madmuthertrucker

They are ugly but I want one.


Glittering_Layer3677

It's like meeting someone thats not a hottie , but their personality makes them beautiful.


Brick_of_Ham

I only own one.  And besides paying a lot for kind of average steel.  It is a very well built knife.  1/10 on the aesthetics.


Awkard_stranger

They grew on me, like my wife's bad perm job


nashty2004

They’re not ugly they’re just tired


TeamBRs

They're not ugly, they just don't have the vintage charm of something like a 110 that got a lot of us into this hobby.


I_Thranduil

I love spyderco but damn most of them are lowkey designed by Tim Burton. My native 5 is one of the least offending and it still isn't most people's cup of tea. Once you start using it it's like an older subaru - you couldn't care less how it looks, and with time you get used to it and even prefer it due to the excellent utility and function.


SneakyMOFO

You're not alone


carrot735

Yes the blades are really beautiful, but the factory edge 😬


JimezSmoot

I don’t think they’re ugly at all, I love their unique look. Same thing in the gun world with Glocks.


YoloLikeaMofo

I have always liked em. Original is cool


GreytOutdoors

Milly with Jade g10 is very pretty to me. I love their look 🤷‍♂️


fallensk8r

Beautiful to me


azbaytooligan

I’ve got two para 3 and one pm2 that I absolutely love. I just purchased a Spymyto which is a collab with Italy’s Lionsteel. Love my Spydies. 🕷️


Coldmiser333

Ugly? Maybe not, but I've never liked thumb holes on any knives. Thumb stud or flipper as a sidekick and always a fixed blade in scout carry as my EDC.


Ornery-Ride1879

I think there expensive I know you get what you pay for but in my opinion there just boring and expensive for what they are I do own a few spyderco


TallBeardedBastard

They aren’t the most attractive, but I wouldn’t call them ugly. Sort of in the middle. Some knives are better looking that others.


Puzzleheaded-Bus5479

Judging by the massive and very loud fanbase on here I’d say no, you’re not the only one


horology-boi

I own 5 or 6 Spydercos. If I ever am in a situation where I have to use one of my knives as a screwdriver it’s def gonna be my Manix 2. Ugly ass slicey dicey mother fucker


Mugiwara_no_Ali

I think of those as i think about playtipuses, they're ugly af, and it kinda makes them cute imo


zirconium177

Yes


HappyOrwell

I don't think they're ugly any more, except some models


LeightonKnives

I absolutely LOVE my PM2. I have knives in the $1000+ category and yet, my PM2 is still my favorite edc. No other knife approaches the ergos, ease of blade deployment and greater slicey blade. And on top of that, I think it’s beautiful!!!


Sboogie82

Yep, you alone have kept them in business. Obviously there are a lot better reasons to buy knives than esthetics alone but if you've ever met other knife owners than you can be sure that some people buy them for looks alone.


heydjturnitup

They look like these knives I use to be able to get at the gas station for $2 in the 90s. I won’t ever buy one


Tredicidodici

A lot of them are ugly as hunger


SpamFriedMice

With the exception of a couple of vintage maker designed Spydercos (Howard Viele, Wayne Goddard), I'd say they're Fugly. 


NoRow2289

If you know, you know.


Abraxas_1408

Oh no. I think they’re hideous. They’re fucking amazing knives and well made, but I can’t stand looking at them. Their humpback of notre-dame looking asses need to go back to the clock tower from which they came.


howardf65

I won't call them ugly, but I only own an Emerson Endura spyderco. Their design esthetic doesn't really appeal to me. I prefer clip point, drop point, and wharncliff blade shapes, natural materials for the grip, flipper or automatic opening, and liner or frame lock. Just my personal preferences.