salsa????.....PEW!!!

[wiley sharp]

who has been turned off to the salsa.... i hate it!!! yuck! god forbid that I ever talk this way about a spydie, but the "Cobra Hood"? what happened to good construction? its even made in Tiwan, for god sakes!!! sorry, but I feel that that knife should be disbanded. bbbbbbbbbbbbbbllllllllllllleeeeeeeeeeeaaaaaaaaah!

[kraziekurtis]

Yeah....

*backs away slowly*


What do you have against Taiwan and the Cobra Hood?

Have you even held a Salsa?


Edited by - kraziekurtis on 2/11/2002 5:34:49 PM

[Kahz]

Wiley,

I have never held a Salsa, so I can't agree or disagree with you about the knife. It would not be an informed opinion. However, I recommend you read the review that Carlos posted for this knife, it's very informative and it touches on the "cobra hood" topic as well.

Kahz

[SpyderNut]

Dude:
I too, like Kahz, have only seen the Salsa in pictures. I know, for one, that a knife CANNOT be judged by a mere photo. I remember a long time ago thinking how "ugly" the Calypso Jr. was, and until I held one, I didn't know what I was missing out on. It all goes back to the old saying, "You can't judge a book by its cover."

As far as the "Made in Taiwan" stamp, I almost have to disagree with you. What if all the previous Spyderco knives were made in Taiwan and all of a sudden, they decided to pump out a production line from Japan. Would you have the same feelings about this as you do now about "chinese made" knives?

Now, the beauty of living in the 'good old US of A' is that you can have your own opinions, which, I will respect. Hey, I have mine, too!<img src="wink.gif" width=15 height=15 align=middle>
In closing, just don't buy one. That's it. Its that simple.....<img src="tongue.gif" width=15 height=15 align=middle>


Take care!

~Spydernut

[minimarc123]

I haven't handled the salsa, but I have to say that the pictures turn me right off... as my first season checking out Spyderco knives, I found them either unique, interesting, or ugly. Those are all good, IMHO... but it seems that the new season's knives are full of color, and little features, and &quot;cobra hoods&quot; (kinda ironic to have a back-up if you miss the hole, yet this hole is so raved about, and I have never once had a problem missing it).

So, it's alright that these knives look kinda funky, and like toys... I can accept that, but then they put the word &quot;SALSA&quot; on the knife... Give me a break! No one cares to know that your knife has a name, to match it's funky features and colors.

I personnaly would like to see more metal and/or black knives for the future, and have some variety on size, shape, blade material, or handle material... instead of color, phantom locks, cobra hoods, and having words written on knifes

-map

[kraziekurtis]

How do you all feel of the ATR?

[panguero]

Wiley Sharp and minimarc123,
Yeah, sure, some of the Spydies are a bit less than stunning on the eye. And like others have kindly pointed out, this particular Spyderco design serves a target performance niche, and until you handle one, you won't really know if it speaks to you or not. As SpyderNut pointed out, don't profile a product's worth by where it is manufactured-not in this day and age anyway. It is a well designed, carefully specified tool made from quality materials; just like all Spydercos are.

But you two are digging a hole sort of. The owner of Spyderco designed this knife himself. In fact he liked the design enough to put his own name on each one SALS-A. So before you go too much further bashing it, you may want to consider all the good advise on this thread some more. And I'm not telling you what to do, just thought you'd perhaps not known about the SALSA name and the SAL G. connection. Of course you could both buy one of each color SALSA to make up for this and write raving reviews and get back in the good graces..(just kidding).

[wiley sharp]

yes, I have handled a salsa. its not the fact that its made in tiwan that bothers me. I catch a lot of flack from buck, and leatherman people about having a knife thats made in japan. you see, people have always been alittle sketchy about foreign quality. so, its the fact that not many people will buy it because it is made in china, like all the fake spydies that they see in gas stations. if its there first time seeing a spydie, then they automatically call it cheap and get slapped by me. many people argue about &quot;good American make&quot; me, any thing can be just as good if its made anywhere else.

next, the Cobra Hood. never, ever have I liked anything bolted on the blade of my knife to hamper the stab or streamline of the blade. the cobra hood sticks up, sticks out, and is too bulky on the blade. thats why I switched from buck to spyderco. the hole instead of the thumb bud. too many times have I seen the thumb bud come off. i live by this standard: &quot;if its not part of the blade, it will break&quot;


thanks, Wiley

[minimarc123]

LOL sharp1

I was considering making a nice, sentsitive letter about the salsa... but I thought it would be out of place, because I don't think anyone will take my oppinion seriously, and know nothing about the quality of the knife. I guess what I'm trying to say is that I like ugly black and metal knives, with nothing fancy. I found most spydercos to fit into that categorie, except these new ones which I personnaly don't like that sort of look on a knife.

-map

[Gary]

I'm holding my final opinion until I see and hold a Salsa... However, based on what I've seen so far... I can't imagine buying one! I hope I'm in the minority on this one, but this thread seems to support my initial opinion.

From reading some of the messages above I sense that some feel nothing negative should be said abnout Spydies. Personaly I think Sal would welcome honest praise or criticism from the forumites. A solely mutual praise group will not help Spyderco. Keep it impersonal, but keep it honest... both with likes and dislikes. That's the best help (other than buying knives) we can provide.

Gary
&quot;a Spydie in your hand is worth two in the bush&quot;

Edited by - Gary on 2/12/2002 5:57:35 PM

[panguero]

Gary,

Edited by - sharp1 on 2/19/2002 5:41:44 PM

[SpyderNut]

Sharp1,

Preach it, Brother!<img src="wink.gif" width=15 height=15 align=middle>

~Spydernut

[Gary]

I hear you clear... tell it like it is! That's the least we can do for Spyderco.

Gary

PS: I haven't seen a Salsa at a dealer yet. Have you been buying them all up as an investment? ... <img src="wink.gif" width=15 height=15 align=middle>

[panguero]

xx

Edited by - sharp1 on 2/19/2002 5:42:27 PM

[aero_student]

I have to disagree with you naysayers. I just got mine today and it is a very nice little knife. It feels great in hand and locks up like a bank vault. It has a very chunky blade with a whole lot of belly. The cobrahood is a nice accessory and is only where your thumb makes contact with the top of the blade. The profile of the handle is awesome and feels like it was custom made for my hand. The only flaw is that a small part of the edge comes in contact with the barrel bolt that holds the clip in. I really like the new wire clip design. It is almost a mini temperance.

[Kevin]

In regards to the Salsa, the model that I recieved a week ago has made me very happy. The knife has accompanied me to work for almost a full week and performed all the chores that my other spyders have been handeling. I work in telecom and network wiring so the the knife does much more than cutting cardboard. The flat spot I've read about on the blade seems to have been factory adjusted because even with effort I can't get the blade to hit the clip bolt. Sure I would rather go without the logo but can look past this because this knife feels solid not cheap in the very least. I don't beleive Mr. Glesser would let a product come to light that wasn't up to the standards that have made me into a devoted spyderco collector and user.

[boxer93]

Kevin,
Welcome to the forum. I just had to say hi since you're from my neck of the woods. I have also been looking at the salsa's, but not being able to handle one easily makes the decision tougher.

[Carlos]

Hi Kevin,

Welcome to the Spyderco Forum.

A couple of notes I would like to add to this discussion:

1. The diameter of the barrel bolts is being decreased in the next run. Sometimes there are small glitches with new models, but a fix is already in the works.

2. The last delay on the Ti Salsas is that they were being resharpened because of the barrel bolt problem. They should be shipping next week.

[boxer93]

Carlos,
Will the resharpening of the Ti blades and the larger barrel bolts make the 'first run' blades smaller, or is it insignificant?

Also you did a quite complete review on the salsa. Made my think more about it. I was wondering if you think it would be a good size for a teenager? Primarily for my Boy Scout son. Not quite adult sized with smaller hands that will be growing.
Thanks
Chris

[Sword and Shield]

Boxer93- As a former Scout myself, I can probably pass along a few ideas as to what your son would like, and what would be accepted.

First off, I would say that the Salsa is just about the right size and shape to be an excellent utility knife, for any age. However, personal likes and dislikes come into play.

Another good choice would be a PE Delica. It's a good, hard-working knife with forgiving steel. Excellent choice for general use.

A third good choice would be the SpydeRench. As anyone who's survived many moons at camp will say, a good multi-tool is priceless. The fact that it's Spyderco seals the deal.

There's three good choices, each with it's own high points. You'll have to weigh the need and likes, and whichever you pick is certain to please! <img src="smile.gif" width=15 height=15 align=middle>

Keepin' it real...real sharp, that is.

[Carlos]

Hi Chris,

The blade size will be the same in the next run. The smaller bolts starting with the second run will just increase the clearance between edge and bolt. Resharpening just repairs the flat-spots -- insignificant.

Certainly a good size for a teenager. Just remind him not to take it to school.

[aero_student]

Would we be able to order smaller barrel bolts for original run salsa's? I would like to replace mine if possible, but I really like the knife.

[Alan2112]

What's an eye sore to one, is a peach to another. I think the Harpy &amp; Merlin are very ugly, and that blade design has no appeal what so ever to me. I'm not going head up a post asking for those two to be dropped, because I know how many good folks really like those designs. I haven't handled a Salsa yet, but in the pictures I've seen, I find it very appealing. I don't know if I would like the hood or not, but if not I'd just remove it. Now as for being made in Taiwan, that is where some of the finest factory knives are being made now. Just today I got a Taiwan made Gerber Ridge knife, the quality is first rate! There may or may not be a Salsa in our colection soon, but Taiwan made dosen't bother me, because I know Sal &amp; Co, will still give me outstanding quality! RKBA!

[boxer93]

Carlos, Thanks for the info. And yes school, he knows would probably cause him at least a suspension and more problems than he'd ever wish for.

Sword and Shield,
I was thinking of the delica maybe in the combo edge, but the PE would probably work fine, when you said forgiving steel did you mean the current VG-10? I wasn't sure about the spydeRench seems like it may be to complicated for the younger boys. I also wasn't too sure about the salsa because it's a little more expensive than the delica. I don't know where the spyderench falls in for price. Thank you for the input. I was tempted to start a thread to see what people have purchased for scouts in their past. What did you carry when you were a scout?
Chris

[Sword and Shield]

Boxer- I recommend PE over 50-50 simply because it's easier to field-sharpen. While a 204 works great on serrations, often a bench stone is the only option.

VG-10 is a great steel, as it holds an edge nearly forever, and will sharpen up easily, assuming the user has a passing skill with a stone.

As for me, in my younger years I carried a Gerber 800 and a Old Timer 6-OT. The multitool is great to have, but not essential. While the Old Timer is great, later experience has proven the superiority of the Spyder in almost any application.

Keepin' it real...real sharp, that is.

[Rookie]

I'm a scout, I carry a spyderco Rookie, Shrade Cliphanger, Swiss Army Wenger Toolchest+<img src="smile.gif" width=15 height=15 align=middle>(very big, it has EVERYTHING) Case lockback, Small Swiss Army, and a Swisscard. They are all good knives but.... SPYDERCO STILL ROCKS!!

In the land of knives, Spyderco is king.

[boxer93]

Thank You all for the input.

[Brian]

I thought that the Salsa looked kind of neat.

&quot;A knife in hand, usually requires medical treatment.&quot;

[sal]

Thanx for the input. It is as Gary says, truth is always the highest value.

Much of what we do has never been done before. On the Salsa, it's &quot;Cobra Hood&quot;, integral compression locks and wire clips. New to us is the &quot;Pepper &amp; word, &quot;Salsa&quot;. In all cases, we have no history to work with so input is really appreciated.

Issues like whether or not one &quot;prefers&quot; colors or &quot;back and matal&quot; knives is more a question of tastes. Try to keep in mind, that as a manufacturer, we try to please a wide variety of customers.

Dealers had been compaining that their showcases had become &quot;seas of black and metal&quot; and that they all looked the same to the newbie. Obviously color was needed. We will keep with our basic theme of &quot;reliable high performance&quot; and try to provide as much variety in design as is possible for the wide variety of ELUs that make up the market.

sal

[Fozzy]

Welcome to Kevin and boxer93. Nice to see some more folks from this corner!!

Regarding the Salsa. Different knives for different tastes. I have a blue Salsa. I've been buying and using Spyderco knives for over 14 years. I think the Salsa is great knife- Obviously a little off-beat for some forumites. This Taiwan maker is new to Spyderco- some bumps in the road are to be expected. If the manufacturer is sufficiently motivated to continue making knives for Spyderco then improvement will be steady. Once a proper level of quality is reached, it will be maintained or I'm confident that Sal and Co. will look elsewhere for production.

One note about the Cobra Hood- I put on my 3-finger 6mm dive gloves. The only Spyder I can open reliable is the Salsa!! Love it or hate it the 'hood works!

I like my Salsa, blue, name, chili and all! This is the U.S.A.!! If the Salsa's not your cup of tea, don't buy it!!

Ben

Ben