Spyderco
Est. 1976
Heritage & History
Sal and Gail Glesser started Spyderco in 1976 out of a converted bread delivery truck, crisscrossing the country to sell small tools and sharpeners at fairs and trade shows. When the couple settled permanently in Golden, Colorado in 1978, they introduced the Tri-Angle Sharpmaker — a ceramic-rod sharpener that was the first consumer tool capable of honing serrated edges. In 1981, they launched the C01 Worker, Spyderco's first folding knife and one of the most consequential production knives ever made. It debuted three features now taken for granted across the industry: a round hole in the blade for ambidextrous one-handed opening, a pocket clip for tip-up carry, and a fully serrated edge option.
Sal Glesser's design philosophy — 'We design for the hand, not for the eye' — drove the company's reputation for ergonomics over aesthetics. Through collaborations with custom makers and the later development of the Compression Lock by Sal and his son Eric, Spyderco built a catalog that consistently set the technical standard for folding knives at every price point.
Made in Golden, Colorado
Spyderco's headquarters and domestic manufacturing facility sit at 820 Spyderco Way in Golden, Colorado. A purpose-built factory completed in June 2014 houses the production line where the company's American-made knives are ground, assembled, and quality-checked. Out of a catalog exceeding 300 SKUs, Spyderco manufactures 76 knife models domestically, including its most iconic civilian folders — the Para Military 2, Para 3, Manix 2, and Military — all produced in Golden in premium blade steels such as CPM-S45VN and SPY27.
American manufacturing also enables Spyderco's extensive sprint run and dealer-exclusive program, allowing the factory to turn limited production runs with direct quality control. While Spyderco also sources knives from partner factories in Japan, Taiwan, Italy, and China at various price points, the Golden facility represents the top of the brand's manufacturing hierarchy.
Spyderco Para Military 2 CPM S45VN Black G-10
Spyderco
Tools & Hardware
Spyderco Para Military 2 CPM S45VN Natural G-10
Spyderco
Tools & Hardware
Spyderco Para Military 2 CPM S45VN Digital Camo G-10
Spyderco
Sports & Outdoors
Spyderco Para Military 2 CPM MagnaCut Black G-10
Spyderco
Tools & Hardware
Spyderco Para 3 Lightweight CTS BD1N Black FRN
Spyderco
Tools & Hardware
Spyderco Native 5 Lightweight CPM S30V Black FRN
Spyderco
Tools & Hardware
Spyderco Yojimbo 2 CPM S30V Black Wharncliffe Black G-10
Spyderco
Tools & Hardware
Spyderco Yojimbo 2 CPM S30V Satin Wharncliffe Black G-10
Spyderco
Tools & Hardware
Spyderco Military CPM S30V Black G-10 Black Blade
Spyderco
Sports & Outdoors
Spyderco Military 2 CTS 204P Forest Green G-10
Spyderco
Sports & Outdoors
Spyderco Sage 5 Lightweight CPM S30V Black FRN
Spyderco
Tools & Hardware
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Spyderco made in the USA?
Yes. Spyderco manufactures 20 verified products in Golden, Colorado. Spyderco was founded in 1976 by Sal and Gail Glesser in Golden, Colorado, and pioneered the folding knife innovations — including the round thumb hole and the pocket clip — that define the modern production knife industry.
Where is Spyderco manufactured?
Spyderco is headquartered in Golden, CO. Manufacturing takes place in Golden, Colorado.
What Spyderco products can I buy?
We carry 20 verified Spyderco products across Tools & Hardware and Sports & Outdoors. Every listing links directly to Amazon with verified American manufacturing.
When was Spyderco founded?
Spyderco was founded in 1976. Spyderco was founded in 1976 by Sal and Gail Glesser in Golden, Colorado, and pioneered the folding knife innovations — including the round thumb hole and the pocket clip — that define the modern production knife industry.