For those of you who dont know about this steel is it is VERY VERY GOOD wayyy better then vg-10 and s30v its used on high end knives (small fixed blades or folders). It is very corrosive resistant and wear resistant, also when sharpening you wont get a bur after sharpening one side, if you do it is very very very small, amazing cutting
I'm surprised that you of all people hate on Taiwan knives... There is a stereotype on Asian products and I wouldn't be surprised if non-knife folks would stand by it. But how do you not know of the amazing quality knives that are made in Taiwan? The fit and finish is top notch, quality, service, materials, etc. etc. If something says USA made, it doesn't mean they're the best. Allot of the crappiest knives are USA made. The Taichung plant is a factory that 99% of the American ones can learn allot from. Not hating on USA made products, love 'em, but your view on the Taiwan ones isn't really supported by any argument besides the fact that it's not USA made...
***** Best fit&finish out of all my Spydies, own over 30 of 'em including China made, Seki City Japan ones, Golden Colorado ones and the Taiwan made ones are the cream of crop!
***** I can relate to that :') I've been into knives since I can remember, and had a "collection" consisting of about 15 knives (Mostly crappy) and some Victorinox and Leatherman products. But then came alone Cutlerylover.... Since his video's I just went balls to the walls with collecting high end productions knives and custom knives :p Spyderco is by far my favorite brand out of all the knife brands I have bought from, and Sal is just an awesome person.
***** I'll finally pick up on making vids this upcoming weekend ;) Sub so you can see some if you like ;) Gayle Bradley will have one of the first spots, Taichung made :D
This is one of my preferred Spyders. Fits perfectly in my had; construction is flawless; beautiful aesthetics; sharp blade. Bought it for about 210 at Amazon. Got it fast under their Prime prom. In terms of value I recommend it!
I don't see how its over priced. show me other knives with same steel or equal with ti framelock that's even a little bit cheaper. exactly how are u getting its over priced. its freakin Cheap at 250
Had one of these. Loved the fit and finish and unique design. Beautiful knife. However, I found the flipper to require a wrist flick to fully deploy. Further, the spydie hole was little more than a design cue than a functional method of deployment. A form over function knife. Bothered me to the point where I sold it.
204p is similar to s30v?!?! Yeah no wonder nutn doesnt know why this knife costs as much as it does. 204p just like duratech 20cv not cmp and m390 is about as good of steel as you can get. For me its m390, cts xhp, s90v and then 204p are the best steels I have tried and I tried them all. Also its not just taiwan, its taichung, a small 3rd generation factory that spyderco uses and they know their stiff when it comes to knives. This knife would be 350 to 400 if made in bolder and I know that fit and finish would be worse than taichung. All my best spiedies are from taiwan, bradley, sage 1 and 2, domino(a 9ersonal favorite), southard and tuff. Stick to reviewing kershaws and crkt's and sogs, because when it comes to high end production and mid tech knives you really dont know much. And learn brad name for gods sake, its disrespectful.
I agree it is disrespectful. nutn you clearly do not know shit about this knife or where it was made or the custom knife maker brad southard himself. so why do a video of this knife. 250 is a very good deal for this knife in my opinion and maybe the best knife spyderco has
storm7730 Nutn reviews knives, not manufacturers, steels, or people. You don't need to know who made the knife, to know whether you like it or not. I like my Strider SMF, don't care if Mick Strider is shady or not, I buy knives not people. A review is an opinion, nothing more, take it for what it's worth. If you don't like it, find a different opinion. Also, how is mispronouncing someone's name (that you've never met) disrespectful? I've had both my first and last name mispronounced and misspelled on important documents. SO WHAT. I don't get upset about it, so why are you.
tcbarr5 Exactly. Your paying for a "custom" manufactured knife.I think 250 dollars for a spyderco is ridiculous. I got or made that much money, I would just put the 250 aside. And keep adding more and more cash to it and end up with a 400 dollar cris reeve than a spyderco. Spyderco and Benchmade need to stick to the medium to lower high class and let the quality creators create amazing knifes.
Big time. It's an entirely unnecessary bitch flick every single time. It's an extremely well made daily care at its current $200. Albeit factory made...shut up. Your $250 tastes are poor.
I thought it was too much for a knife made overseas then I had the chance to get one for $210 off ebay. This knife is worth every cent. Super smooth, fit and finish was perfect and action was buttery smooth!
All the small details add up I think. Milling on the lockbar, milling for the overtravel stop, bearing system which has steel washers against the Ti so it doesn't wear it out, thick Ti liner. Sal has stated several times that spyderco runs a fixed markup percentage. If it costs what it does, that is because the materials, labor, royalty etc is that high.
I love the southard, not because it performce better, but because I am a collector and I enjoy the way the knife looks and feels, also knowing that it will have my back when shit hits the fan is always a plus.
BTW, the cost of production difference between a 3.5" knife and a 3.75" knife isn't much, so the main issue for the producer is which one will people be more interested in buying? ZT is going to make a smaller version of the 560 for under $150, but it will lack a lot of the features, including a Ti frame and bearing pivot. Still, it will have the Elmax steel, so should be pretty sweet.
my satin/camo paramilitary 2 is the only blade for me. i love love love love love it. No springs to worry about but opens smooth as butter. ammaaazingg
The Southard represents great value for the materials and high level of quality that it possesses. It is relatively cheap considering what you are getting, and this is made possible by the out souring of its production to Taiwan. I'm not sure if you are at all familiar with the Taiwanese produced Spydercos, but their quality level is exceptional. Many regard the quality of the Taiwanese Spydercos to be on par with, if not exceed that of the Spydercos produced in Golden Colorado.
Also, I thought I should mention the clip. The reason it's that shape and color is artistic balance. It mirrors the shape and color of the blade itself. The G10 lock stabilizer does the same thing, balancing the scales. It's a very well established artistic device. I replaced the clip on mine mainly because I wanted a deep carry clip and the Ti was priced competitively. The package including mods cost about what you indicated as the average price, and about the same price as the ZT0561.
Brad Southard's customs go for about $2000.. This knife wins value of the year as far as I'm concerned. And yes, cts-204p wayyy out performs s30v.. Def one of my favorite steels.
The jimping is designed as such, from my understanding, because when you flip the blade it is more comfortable. Aggressive jimping on a flipper can become annoying and even sometimes painful. For many people who will just use this knife moreso for flipping while watching TV or whatnot, they'll appreciate the weaker jimping. For those who use knives more for...cutting, perhaps not as much.
A $250 Brous is going to be one of his production pieces. His custom work starts at about $400 for larger fixed blades and will probably dip into the $600 range for whatever he decides to do with the folders.
I have been carrying the southard for 3 months now and can not say enough about this knife!!! I cut hundreds of boxes a week as well as carve on wood, this knife handles everything I throw at it!! For those of you who have never held this knife and used it making comment on it makes absolutely no sense to me. I bought it because Brad makes awesome knives and I could never get one of his customs and believe me I did not settle this knife lives up to his reputation 100%!! I plan on buying another
the most distinct characteristic of Canadians is that "No one actually thinks about them. At all. Ever." I kid, buddy, i kid. You have wonderful hockey. And moose. And comedians. Its a great country for high-quality wilderness. I've canoed halfway across Ontario. Climbed in the bugaboos. And Canadians get few props for their awesome contribution on D-Day, WWII in general, current wars. Canadians = Not just Silent Professionals... Sadly Ignored Professionals. Rock on, Canuk.
Because all of the materials for both those knives were mad in the US and then shipped to Taiwan. The cost in shipping makes up for the fact that the cost of labor is cheaper there than it is here. I personally think the quality of the Taiwan made Spydies are better than the American made ones.
I don't see the problem with the price. It's like a Spyderco XM-18, or at least thats what I first thought of it when I saw it. No one would bat an eye if those same features and materials were on a Zero Tolerance. Maybe it's just because Spyderco makes alot of lower priced knives too but I think it's reasonable.
The Ti is carburized and is thus case hardened so it doesn't need a steel insert. That's also why the Ti looks a little darker than other Ti. The only down side is that you can't replace it should it ever wear down. However it's addition of carbon should immensely improve the wear resistance so I don't think anyone will be wearing down their locking bar anytime soon...at least I haven't. Great Review.
The clip actually does match, the stainless steel clip matches the blade and standoffs, The darker titanium side matches the titanium liner on the other side, and the brown G-10 side matches the over travel spot.
Striders arent overpriced. When you consider all of the factors to produce the knife and what you are getting it is well worth it. Sure, there may be some lock-rock which in no way affects the function of the knife, but that is really it.
Yo man, just wanted to say I agree with Nutn on the value thing (it is expensive), but also to add it is now my favorite knife. :) In terms of pure function...the knife nears EDC perfection while maintaining a strong tactical presence/function. I suspect less expensive steel would have made it more affordable to the masses...Which is a bit of a shame because (just like the PMII) this knife belongs in the hands of many people...It is that good. Well done Brad!
I have one and it cuts very well, holds an edge, easy to carry. If you look around you can get it for much less than MSRP, and even less than the $250 street price. Do I wish it were USA made and cost $99, you bet. I'm not holding my breath!
You have to look closely at the details to see where the cost comes from. The surface looks blasted then stonewashed. The titanium liner is very thick. It has ball bearings in the pivot. Stonewashed blade. Spyderco put a lot of effort into getting this knife right. I bet if this were made in USA, the street price would be $300 instead of $200. It has a very thick robust blade with a lot of good useable cutting edge of my favorite steel ( M390 & Duratech 20CV) . A great tactical EDC blade.
To that end, they have invested in sending US-made premium steels and high-end US made handle materials (titanium, G-10, carbon fiber, etc) over to the Taichung factory to produce high-end models that are focused on quality and reliability, rather than value. Spyderco began their line with knives manufactured in Seki City, and I believe that Taichung has earned a place right alongside that famous cutlery mecca.
Every time I see a notification indicating that there is a new Nutnfancy video, I always click on your channel. Although I thoroughly peruse the added videos, part of me sadly weeps inside because I fail to stumbled across the Granfors Bruks review. When you have the time and the ambition, I am sure many of us would love to see it!
Lion Steel is made in Italy/Europe where labor, materials and production is more expensive in Taiwan. Also, the Lion Steel is better build and more complicated/expensive to produce. The price of Lion Steel knives is lower in the USA than in Italy.
you are right about the value. They have to bring that knife to the user. I have one and ordered another because it is an awesome design... BUT am I, will I be using it. Unlikely! Thank you for hitting it home and backing me up for some sanity. A few years ago I bought a Sage I and did never take it out, because it was a 100 bucks. Going back to that price range, and : being real! P
It really depends. Some American made things are great, Mission workshop bags, Saddleback Leather, Killspencer, etc.(Bag and wallet makers) But there are also some European brand bags I'd kill for. I'm also a violist, and I think some of the best instruments on the planet are French and Italian ones, but I recently fell in love with an instrument made in Chicago which surprised me. So it all depends. I just like what's best, not what's American.
I love seeing all the knife guys come out for nutns knife vids! Great to see those account avatars! Im running an old SOG Japanese designed fixed blade in mine!
Hey Spindles... You may perhaps be misinterpreting our viewpoint. We don't assume that products made in other countries are inferior quality. It's just that if it's made in a country where the labor is a fraction of the cost, we expect to get the product at a certain price point. Otherwise, we prefer to spend our $ where it supports jobs here, since we've seen so many of our jobs go overseas.
I think the knife you expected the Southard to be, or wanted it to be, is the ZT 0566, which is coming out for a street price of about $140. But it will have a steel integral lock, flat G10, and no bearing pivot. ZT has said that if they produced a smaller version of the 560 it would probably cost the same as the larger knife. The 566 will be great, and I want one, but it's no Southard.
Don't think it was noted in the video, but it does have a captive ball-bearing pivot system as well. Which is a plus in my book but not for that price. Better jimping and a price point around 160 to 200 and I would most likely jump at the chance to get it.
I got the first production 300SN from Blade HQ for $105 - I think that's an awesome score. It's a thicker knife, but I honestly don't notice the thickness as much as I thought I would, first my hand really well. I've decided to use it as my user since I know it'll take a beating, not too hard to sharpen, and it's the fastest knife I've ever used.
Its worth every penny, and it would be so much more expensive if US produced. High name custom colab, titanium framelock and liner(both super thick, very high end(expensive blade steel), spyderco's first flipper, spyderco 1st barring system blade, with a fit and finish that is second to none. Hands down best made spyderco knife I have ever owned or handled.
Agree. 5900/6900 series is one of the sleepers in the used market. I don't mind the weight much because of a lot of 1911 time. It might be different if I had to lug it around, but its a range plinker. Very fun shooter.
I don't own a Southard, but actually, the cost of buying bulk quantities of a very high-end steel for a lower production knife and the labor costs involved in preparing all of those 3" blades along with machining G-10 and titanium, and manufacturing an advanced ball-bearing pivot system followed by top-of-the-line fitting and finishing (no slave labor here) do cost hundreds of dollars.
I love this knife, the only problem I can see with it is the not made in America part. I am going to get one at the end of this coming summer, and it will be a daily EDC. The reason I am going for this over the ZT 560 is because I live in Nj, not going to be seen with a blade that big here, and for $250 I want to carry it. I love the styling, noteing the 3 tone finish (clip, frame, and blade). The only things I would change is where it is made, and I would love one in blue G-10.
Owning a 561, I pretty much have no reason to get a knife that has pretty much the exact same featuresl. Now im eagerly waiting for Spyderco to start oozing out those TI flutes this year.
I'm sure it's already mentioned Nutn, but Spydies coming out of their Taichung Taiwan factory are among my best F&F folders in my collection (from Spydies through to CRK's). I was very sceptical at first but when I got my Techno, I was completely blown away by how nicely the knife was put together. It's my EDC 90% of the time and it's proven through use to be a complete tank! I too love my knives to be made in the US but the Taichung Taiwan factory, like the Seki-City factory, can be counted without a doubt in my mind to be on par (if not better) than some of the US factories. Just wish I could get my hands on the Southard here in Australia...but alas. It'll be one of the few folders that'll knock the Techno out of my pocket!
Dude! I own just a hand full of knives and 2 pistols. But I stumbled across your vids. I just wanted to say, I love your vids! Well done and great personality. In fact you actually convinced me to get a mini AK47 as my new EDC. Just got it yesterday. It's great! Also going to get a spider co next! Keep up the good work!
Dude absolutely. I was going to comment something very similar to what you just said. Additionally, Spyderco's pricing of the southard is based on the sum quality of its parts and f&f. Quality is Quality regardless of where it was produced, Taichung or Golden CO.
I predict you'll change your mind about the Southard. I have a ZT 0561 and a Southard, and I prefer the Southard. It fits my hand better since I have smallish hands, and opens more reliably. I had a custom Ti deep carry clip made for it, and also sculpted the factory G10 scales so both sides are more balanced. The other modification I will do is to sharpen up the jimping. It has almost as much cutting edge as the ZT, and better F&F, and I'm a ZT fan.
Great analysis for this knife and I agree with every point. I'm considering doing some of my own knife reviews for fun and this was a great learning experience. Great work and honest review.
I picked one up today for $200, it's definitely worth what I paid. I wouldn't be able to say the same if I paid full retail at $399 though. It has a very high end blade steel that has about the best edge retention you can get in this price range. Look up CATRA TESTS on M390 (same as CTS-204P) & you will see how how well it holds an edge compared to S30V which is a great steel.
I use to be the biggest Spyderco fan..but i think the prices are ridiculous nowdays, especially in Europe. I think Kershaw has one of the best innovations and budget lines atm.
For me personally not being able to ever afford one of Brad's in the secondary market this is the best option by far, same idea with buying a ZT 0560 over a real Hinderer. I get the buy USA for the price feeling, but don't doubt that the quality of that knife is any less if not better than most of the USA made spyderco options...it made a believer out of me to be sure.
The very best spydercos are from Taiwan IMHO. Whether you like it or not, the fit and finish of Taiwanese spydercos is top shelf when compared to the lesser quality coming out of USA and Japan. Hats off to the Taiwanese for getting it right. They are the next player in high quality, like Japan once was. Also the first spyderco knives (1980s) were made overseas so that is tradition too.
I should clarify. My experience with spydercos m390 and 204p was substantially better that zt's treatment of Elmax, in both edge retention and sharpenability. On a custom level though, they are closer in those aspects. Although, I've yet to find any knife that will outperform m390 done by Phil Wilson. This is just my mileage
I love the overall shape of this knife, especially the blade shape. I like this a lot more than a ZT 0560 just for the fact that it's not as chunky, it's streamlined. I never really liked framelocks do to the fact of how you close it, toss a axis lock on that and I would go crazy. But yeah overall I love this knife.
It is actually consistent on value. He knocks the Southard for being too expensive for a non-US produced knife for the performance that you get when compared to other options. The Chinderer was sub $100 for a high quality knife, not country of origin, but total value equation…. Whether it is moral/right to produce or purchase a copy like that is a whole different discussion.
I would agree with the Taiwanese fit and finish. Many companies use Taiwan for cost reasons and steel choice reasons because China limits the import of foreign made steels. In truth, my steel CRKT Ripple has some of the best centering and lockup of any of my production knives. Plus, this Southard, being the company's first flipper, has inherent value reflected in its price. I think it is a heck of a blade.
For those of you who dont know about this steel is it is VERY VERY GOOD wayyy better then vg-10 and s30v its used on high end knives (small fixed blades or folders). It is very corrosive resistant and wear resistant, also when sharpening you wont get a bur after sharpening one side, if you do it is very very very small, amazing cutting
I'm surprised that you of all people hate on Taiwan knives... There is a stereotype on Asian products and I wouldn't be surprised if non-knife folks would stand by it. But how do you not know of the amazing quality knives that are made in Taiwan? The fit and finish is top notch, quality, service, materials, etc. etc.
If something says USA made, it doesn't mean they're the best. Allot of the crappiest knives are USA made. The Taichung plant is a factory that 99% of the American ones can learn allot from. Not hating on USA made products, love 'em, but your view on the Taiwan ones isn't really supported by any argument besides the fact that it's not USA made...
***** Best fit&finish out of all my Spydies, own over 30 of 'em including China made, Seki City Japan ones, Golden Colorado ones and the Taiwan made ones are the cream of crop!
***** Let's make sure that number keeps growing! :D Are you on the forums by any chance?
***** I can relate to that :') I've been into knives since I can remember, and had a "collection" consisting of about 15 knives (Mostly crappy) and some Victorinox and Leatherman products. But then came alone Cutlerylover....
Since his video's I just went balls to the walls with collecting high end productions knives and custom knives :p Spyderco is by far my favorite brand out of all the knife brands I have bought from, and Sal is just an awesome person.
***** I'll finally pick up on making vids this upcoming weekend ;) Sub so you can see some if you like ;) Gayle Bradley will have one of the first spots, Taichung made :D
Agreed, I'd take a Taiwanese blade over an American blade 9 times out of 10
This is one of my preferred Spyders. Fits perfectly in my had; construction is flawless; beautiful aesthetics; sharp blade. Bought it for about 210 at Amazon. Got it fast under their Prime prom. In terms of value I recommend it!
Premium steel, titanium, collaboration, price doesn't seem out of line. Especially now you can get them around $200 or less
Oscar Butts
+Michael Bonade I picked up a used one off the forums for $150, good prices are out there!
The best Spydercos come from Taiwan. The Golden factory builds more of a quality user grade knife
Worth every freakin penny!
I've held this blade and must say its amazing. Makes my paramilitary2 feel toy like.
I believe this knife is overpriced, but $120 for a knife of this caliber is not realistic. Poor comparison.
I don't see how its over priced. show me other knives with same steel or equal with ti framelock that's even a little bit cheaper. exactly how are u getting its over priced. its freakin Cheap at 250
Had one of these. Loved the fit and finish and unique design. Beautiful knife. However, I found the flipper to require a wrist flick to fully deploy. Further, the spydie hole was little more than a design cue than a functional method of deployment. A form over function knife. Bothered me to the point where I sold it.
204p is similar to s30v?!?! Yeah no wonder nutn doesnt know why this knife costs as much as it does. 204p just like duratech 20cv not cmp and m390 is about as good of steel as you can get. For me its m390, cts xhp, s90v and then 204p are the best steels I have tried and I tried them all. Also its not just taiwan, its taichung, a small 3rd generation factory that spyderco uses and they know their stiff when it comes to knives. This knife would be 350 to 400 if made in bolder and I know that fit and finish would be worse than taichung. All my best spiedies are from taiwan, bradley, sage 1 and 2, domino(a 9ersonal favorite), southard and tuff. Stick to reviewing kershaws and crkt's and sogs, because when it comes to high end production and mid tech knives you really dont know much. And learn brad name for gods sake, its disrespectful.
I agree it is disrespectful. nutn you clearly do not know shit about this knife or where it was made or the custom knife maker brad southard himself. so why do a video of this knife. 250 is a very good deal for this knife in my opinion and maybe the best knife spyderco has
storm7730 Nutn reviews knives, not manufacturers, steels, or people. You don't need to know who made the knife, to know whether you like it or not. I like my Strider SMF, don't care if Mick Strider is shady or not, I buy knives not people. A review is an opinion, nothing more, take it for what it's worth. If you don't like it, find a different opinion.
Also, how is mispronouncing someone's name (that you've never met) disrespectful? I've had both my first and last name mispronounced and misspelled on important documents. SO WHAT. I don't get upset about it, so why are you.
a slab of s30v probably cost spyderco about $20 at MOST when bought in bulk, thats not what you are paying for
tcbarr5 Exactly. Your paying for a "custom" manufactured knife.I think 250 dollars for a spyderco is ridiculous. I got or made that much money, I would just put the 250 aside. And keep adding more and more cash to it and end up with a 400 dollar cris reeve than a spyderco. Spyderco and Benchmade need to stick to the medium to lower high class and let the quality creators create amazing knifes.
***** thanks for the heads up, just ordered it next day shipping with free prime trial for 173.99 what a killer deal!
You don't need to flick your wrist with a flipper knife. It bothers me when u do that with every knife u review lol
Big time. It's an entirely unnecessary bitch flick every single time. It's an extremely well made daily care at its current $200.
Albeit factory made...shut up. Your $250 tastes are poor.
+Aaron R Alot he does bothers alot of people
This is a great option for all of us that can't afford a Southard custom. He makes great knives.
I thought it was too much for a knife made overseas then I had the chance to get one for $210 off ebay. This knife is worth every cent. Super smooth, fit and finish was perfect and action was buttery smooth!
That knife has really grown on me. Nearly all of my knives are USA produced, but I might have to make an exception.
I still love the knife reviews! Thanks for all of the hard work, and it doesn't go unappreciated. Keep 'em coming, Nutn!
All the small details add up I think. Milling on the lockbar, milling for the overtravel stop, bearing system which has steel washers against the Ti so it doesn't wear it out, thick Ti liner. Sal has stated several times that spyderco runs a fixed markup percentage. If it costs what it does, that is because the materials, labor, royalty etc is that high.
Worth every penny. Especially after I pimped mine with anodizing and custom carbon fiber! Love it!
Picked up a used 6904 a few months back for about $300 out of the door. Absolutely love it.
I love the southard, not because it performce better, but because I am a collector and I enjoy the way the knife looks and feels, also knowing that it will have my back when shit hits the fan is always a plus.
BTW, the cost of production difference between a 3.5" knife and a 3.75" knife isn't much, so the main issue for the producer is which one will people be more interested in buying? ZT is going to make a smaller version of the 560 for under $150, but it will lack a lot of the features, including a Ti frame and bearing pivot. Still, it will have the Elmax steel, so should be pretty sweet.
my satin/camo paramilitary 2 is the only blade for me. i love love love love love it. No springs to worry about but opens smooth as butter. ammaaazingg
The Southard represents great value for the materials and high level of quality that it possesses. It is relatively cheap considering what you are getting, and this is made possible by the out souring of its production to Taiwan. I'm not sure if you are at all familiar with the Taiwanese produced Spydercos, but their quality level is exceptional. Many regard the quality of the Taiwanese Spydercos to be on par with, if not exceed that of the Spydercos produced in Golden Colorado.
Also, I thought I should mention the clip. The reason it's that shape and color is artistic balance. It mirrors the shape and color of the blade itself. The G10 lock stabilizer does the same thing, balancing the scales. It's a very well established artistic device. I replaced the clip on mine mainly because I wanted a deep carry clip and the Ti was priced competitively. The package including mods cost about what you indicated as the average price, and about the same price as the ZT0561.
Brad Southard's customs go for about $2000.. This knife wins value of the year as far as I'm concerned. And yes, cts-204p wayyy out performs s30v.. Def one of my favorite steels.
The jimping is designed as such, from my understanding, because when you flip the blade it is more comfortable. Aggressive jimping on a flipper can become annoying and even sometimes painful. For many people who will just use this knife moreso for flipping while watching TV or whatnot, they'll appreciate the weaker jimping. For those who use knives more for...cutting, perhaps not as much.
A $250 Brous is going to be one of his production pieces. His custom work starts at about $400 for larger fixed blades and will probably dip into the $600 range for whatever he decides to do with the folders.
I have been carrying the southard for 3 months now and can not say enough about this knife!!! I cut hundreds of boxes a week as well as carve on wood, this knife handles everything I throw at it!! For those of you who have never held this knife and used it making comment on it makes absolutely no sense to me. I bought it because Brad makes awesome knives and I could never get one of his customs and believe me I did not settle this knife lives up to his reputation 100%!! I plan on buying another
the most distinct characteristic of Canadians is that "No one actually thinks about them. At all. Ever."
I kid, buddy, i kid. You have wonderful hockey. And moose. And comedians. Its a great country for high-quality wilderness. I've canoed halfway across Ontario. Climbed in the bugaboos. And Canadians get few props for their awesome contribution on D-Day, WWII in general, current wars. Canadians = Not just Silent Professionals... Sadly Ignored Professionals. Rock on, Canuk.
Just bought my second Southard! One to keep bnib and one to customize. Thanks again for a great review.
Because all of the materials for both those knives were mad in the US and then shipped to Taiwan. The cost in shipping makes up for the fact that the cost of labor is cheaper there than it is here. I personally think the quality of the Taiwan made Spydies are better than the American made ones.
I got my sage 2 over a year ago and paid right around $140 shipped. Hearing it went up to $185 is crazy. Glad I got one when I did.
I don't see the problem with the price. It's like a Spyderco XM-18, or at least thats what I first thought of it when I saw it. No one would bat an eye if those same features and materials were on a Zero Tolerance. Maybe it's just because Spyderco makes alot of lower priced knives too but I think it's reasonable.
The Ti is carburized and is thus case hardened so it doesn't need a steel insert. That's also why the Ti looks a little darker than other Ti. The only down side is that you can't replace it should it ever wear down. However it's addition of carbon should immensely improve the wear resistance so I don't think anyone will be wearing down their locking bar anytime soon...at least I haven't. Great Review.
The clip actually does match, the stainless steel clip matches the blade and standoffs, The darker titanium side matches the titanium liner on the other side, and the brown G-10 side matches the over travel spot.
Striders arent overpriced. When you consider all of the factors to produce the knife and what you are getting it is well worth it. Sure, there may be some lock-rock which in no way affects the function of the knife, but that is really it.
Yo man, just wanted to say I agree with Nutn on the value thing (it is expensive), but also to add it is now my favorite knife. :)
In terms of pure function...the knife nears EDC perfection while maintaining a strong tactical presence/function.
I suspect less expensive steel would have made it more affordable to the masses...Which is a bit of a shame because (just like the PMII) this knife belongs in the hands of many people...It is that good.
Well done Brad!
I have one and it cuts very well, holds an edge, easy to carry. If you look around you can get it for much less than MSRP, and even less than the $250 street price. Do I wish it were USA made and cost $99, you bet. I'm not holding my breath!
By far the BEST knife for the money on the market today!!!
You have to look closely at the details to see where the cost comes from. The surface looks blasted then stonewashed. The titanium liner is very thick. It has ball bearings in the pivot. Stonewashed blade. Spyderco put a lot of effort into getting this knife right. I bet if this were made in USA, the street price would be $300 instead of $200. It has a very thick robust blade with a lot of good useable cutting edge of my favorite steel ( M390 & Duratech 20CV) . A great tactical EDC blade.
You know what we want to see develop Nutn'?
A HEC playlist!
woot woot!
I'd love to see you do a full comparison video between the Southard and the ZT 0561.
The quality of this knife competes with $400+ American made midtechs. That's what Spyderco was thinking.
It is. If the Southard was produced in the USA in the quantities that it is being made in right now it would cost far more.
Finally! A 3 letter acronym we don't have to spend 4 minutes to figure out!
To that end, they have invested in sending US-made premium steels and high-end US made handle materials (titanium, G-10, carbon fiber, etc) over to the Taichung factory to produce high-end models that are focused on quality and reliability, rather than value. Spyderco began their line with knives manufactured in Seki City, and I believe that Taichung has earned a place right alongside that famous cutlery mecca.
Every time I see a notification indicating that there is a new Nutnfancy video, I always click on your channel. Although I thoroughly peruse the added videos, part of me sadly weeps inside because I fail to stumbled across the Granfors Bruks review. When you have the time and the ambition, I am sure many of us would love to see it!
Lion Steel is made in Italy/Europe where labor, materials and production is more expensive in Taiwan. Also, the Lion Steel is better build and more complicated/expensive to produce. The price of Lion Steel knives is lower in the USA than in Italy.
Hey, if the fans want it and love it -- good on them for providing!
Spyderco does all of their high end models in Taiwan. The F & F Is incredible.
you are right about the value. They have to bring that knife to the user. I have one and ordered another because it is an awesome design... BUT am I, will I be using it. Unlikely!
Thank you for hitting it home and backing me up for some sanity. A few years ago I bought a Sage I and did never take it out, because it was a 100 bucks. Going back to that price range, and : being real!
P
forget about it in the context of premium knives 250 is not expensive when you keep in mind the wonderful spyderco customer service.
I burst out laughing when you wiped out the Lightning
the spyderco des horn is a good knife also market price is $200 but you can buy it on Amazon for $89.
The man himself! Nice, I've been longing for the Spyderco Southard but funds have been extremely tight.. Maybe next year!
It really depends. Some American made things are great, Mission workshop bags, Saddleback Leather, Killspencer, etc.(Bag and wallet makers) But there are also some European brand bags I'd kill for. I'm also a violist, and I think some of the best instruments on the planet are French and Italian ones, but I recently fell in love with an instrument made in Chicago which surprised me. So it all depends. I just like what's best, not what's American.
I love seeing all the knife guys come out for nutns knife vids! Great to see those account avatars! Im running an old SOG Japanese designed fixed blade in mine!
This is not a review, this is a critique.
Hey Spindles... You may perhaps be misinterpreting our viewpoint. We don't assume that products made in other countries are inferior quality. It's just that if it's made in a country where the labor is a fraction of the cost, we expect to get the product at a certain price point. Otherwise, we prefer to spend our $ where it supports jobs here, since we've seen so many of our jobs go overseas.
That's why I come here. For the "unvarnished" truth. haha, love it. Thanks Nutn!
I think the knife you expected the Southard to be, or wanted it to be, is the ZT 0566, which is coming out for a street price of about $140. But it will have a steel integral lock, flat G10, and no bearing pivot. ZT has said that if they produced a smaller version of the 560 it would probably cost the same as the larger knife. The 566 will be great, and I want one, but it's no Southard.
Don't think it was noted in the video, but it does have a captive ball-bearing pivot system as well. Which is a plus in my book but not for that price. Better jimping and a price point around 160 to 200 and I would most likely jump at the chance to get it.
I no joke was just looking at this knife in the spyderco catalog. Haha
I got the first production 300SN from Blade HQ for $105 - I think that's an awesome score. It's a thicker knife, but I honestly don't notice the thickness as much as I thought I would, first my hand really well. I've decided to use it as my user since I know it'll take a beating, not too hard to sharpen, and it's the fastest knife I've ever used.
Its worth every penny, and it would be so much more expensive if US produced. High name custom colab, titanium framelock and liner(both super thick, very high end(expensive blade steel), spyderco's first flipper, spyderco 1st barring system blade, with a fit and finish that is second to none. Hands down best made spyderco knife I have ever owned or handled.
Agree. 5900/6900 series is one of the sleepers in the used market. I don't mind the weight much because of a lot of 1911 time. It might be different if I had to lug it around, but its a range plinker. Very fun shooter.
Aside from perfect fit and finish, amazing super steel, ball bearing pivot system, fully heat treated titanium lockbar....
I don't own a Southard, but actually, the cost of buying bulk quantities of a very high-end steel for a lower production knife and the labor costs involved in preparing all of those 3" blades along with machining G-10 and titanium, and manufacturing an advanced ball-bearing pivot system followed by top-of-the-line fitting and finishing (no slave labor here) do cost hundreds of dollars.
I love this knife, the only problem I can see with it is the not made in America part.
I am going to get one at the end of this coming summer, and it will be a daily EDC. The reason I am going for this over the ZT 560 is because I live in Nj, not going to be seen with a blade that big here, and for $250 I want to carry it.
I love the styling, noteing the 3 tone finish (clip, frame, and blade).
The only things I would change is where it is made, and I would love one in blue G-10.
Just bought the sprint Calypso. Thanks Foxtrot for reminding me about that one. Almost half the price as the Southard. $138 at Cutlery Shoppe.
Made in taiwan is what stopped me from pulling the trigger on this last night.
Owning a 561, I pretty much have no reason to get a knife that has pretty much the exact same featuresl. Now im eagerly waiting for Spyderco to start oozing out those TI flutes this year.
I'm sure it's already mentioned Nutn, but Spydies coming out of their Taichung Taiwan factory are among my best F&F folders in my collection (from Spydies through to CRK's). I was very sceptical at first but when I got my Techno, I was completely blown away by how nicely the knife was put together. It's my EDC 90% of the time and it's proven through use to be a complete tank! I too love my knives to be made in the US but the Taichung Taiwan factory, like the Seki-City factory, can be counted without a doubt in my mind to be on par (if not better) than some of the US factories. Just wish I could get my hands on the Southard here in Australia...but alas. It'll be one of the few folders that'll knock the Techno out of my pocket!
Dude! I own just a hand full of knives and 2 pistols. But I stumbled across your vids.
I just wanted to say, I love your vids! Well done and great personality. In fact you actually convinced me to get a mini AK47 as my new EDC. Just got it yesterday. It's great! Also going to get a spider co next! Keep up the good work!
Also, once you hit this price range it's less about features and more about tastes and being an enthusiast.
And having it pimped. This knife has exceeded my expectation for a folding knife!!
Spyderco has lost their freakin mind with this knife.
Their quality is pretty spot on though.
Dude absolutely. I was going to comment something very similar to what you just said. Additionally, Spyderco's pricing of the southard is based on the sum quality of its parts and f&f. Quality is Quality regardless of where it was produced, Taichung or Golden CO.
I predict you'll change your mind about the Southard. I have a ZT 0561 and a Southard, and I prefer the Southard. It fits my hand better since I have smallish hands, and opens more reliably. I had a custom Ti deep carry clip made for it, and also sculpted the factory G10 scales so both sides are more balanced. The other modification I will do is to sharpen up the jimping. It has almost as much cutting edge as the ZT, and better F&F, and I'm a ZT fan.
Great analysis for this knife and I agree with every point. I'm considering doing some of my own knife reviews for fun and this was a great learning experience. Great work and honest review.
It's got a heat treated lock face too so it should so just as well as a stainless insert
I picked one up today for $200, it's definitely worth what I paid. I wouldn't be able to say the same if I paid full retail at $399 though. It has a very high end blade steel that has about the best edge retention you can get in this price range. Look up CATRA TESTS on M390 (same as CTS-204P) & you will see how how well it holds an edge compared to S30V which is a great steel.
Agreed. For that much coin, I want to support US workers.
I use to be the biggest Spyderco fan..but i think the prices are ridiculous nowdays, especially in Europe. I think Kershaw has one of the best innovations and budget lines atm.
CTS-204P is pretty much M390. Excellent steel, its produced in the US.
the 2013 updated model looks to be way better than the first one.I'll check it out
For me personally not being able to ever afford one of Brad's in the secondary market this is the best option by far, same idea with buying a ZT 0560 over a real Hinderer. I get the buy USA for the price feeling, but don't doubt that the quality of that knife is any less if not better than most of the USA made spyderco options...it made a believer out of me to be sure.
The blade steel is identical to 20cv and m390 plus an additional 0.05% tungsten (which is extremely hard if you have any knowledge on carbidizing)
The very best spydercos are from Taiwan IMHO. Whether you like it or not, the fit and finish of Taiwanese spydercos is top shelf when compared to the lesser quality coming out of USA and Japan. Hats off to the Taiwanese for getting it right. They are the next player in high quality, like Japan once was. Also the first spyderco knives (1980s) were made overseas so that is tradition too.
For the price you certainly can't beat them. Although certainly not the lightest family of pistols out there.
I payed $350 for my Kershaw TiLT. Love it. It's SO light for such a big blade.
Microtech was doing whalesharks with CTS-204p for $300, and deltas for $330ish. Thats probably the closest you'd get.
The steel on the Southard is awesome (Nutn needed to look into it a bit more), and the fit and finish are better.
I dont want to speak out of turn but I believe the Benchmade 300 axis fflipper will be able to be purchased for around the $150 mark give or take.
I should clarify. My experience with spydercos m390 and 204p was substantially better that zt's treatment of Elmax, in both edge retention and sharpenability. On a custom level though, they are closer in those aspects. Although, I've yet to find any knife that will outperform m390 done by Phil Wilson. This is just my mileage
I love the overall shape of this knife, especially the blade shape. I like this a lot more than a ZT 0560 just for the fact that it's not as chunky, it's streamlined. I never really liked framelocks do to the fact of how you close it, toss a axis lock on that and I would go crazy. But yeah overall I love this knife.
It is actually consistent on value. He knocks the Southard for being too expensive for a non-US produced knife for the performance that you get when compared to other options. The Chinderer was sub $100 for a high quality knife, not country of origin, but total value equation…. Whether it is moral/right to produce or purchase a copy like that is a whole different discussion.
That's making Cold Steel prices look like a dollar store's... Wow.
I feel like I'm wasting a fortune just looking at this knife...
I would agree with the Taiwanese fit and finish. Many companies use Taiwan for cost reasons and steel choice reasons because China limits the import of foreign made steels. In truth, my steel CRKT Ripple has some of the best centering and lockup of any of my production knives. Plus, this Southard, being the company's first flipper, has inherent value reflected in its price. I think it is a heck of a blade.