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SpyderCollector Heads to Amsterdam to Cover New Spyderco Knives

March 3, 2018

The 14th annual Spyderco Amsterdam Meet is taking place tomorrow, Sunday, March 4th. So, if you love Spyderco, it’s time to turn your attention to SpyderCollector.com as Wouter, who goes by the handle Mr. Blonde on the forums, prepares to document all the new models on his Spyderco-centric blog.  The event is limited to just 80 attendees, the first (mostly European enthusiasts) to accept Spyderco’s invitation on their forum back in December. The Amsterdam Meet provides a chance for fans to scope out the SHOT Show releases in person ahead of the industry-only IWA Show in Nuremberg, Germany next weekend.

But there’s always an element of mystery to what will turn up at the Amsterdam Meet. Last year it proved to be the debut for the Manix 2 Lock Back and Alcyone. It also sets a blueprint for years to come, with prototypes and concept knives that may not come out for years, if ever. “Usually, Spyderco has plenty of surprises to show, especially new concept models that are very early in their development – I can’t photograph those for obvious reasons,” Wouter tells us.

He goes on to describe the Meet as a mix of knife show, gathering of friends, and exclusive VIP club of sorts for Spyderco superfans. “Many friends do meet up there and the overall vibe is very informal and friendly,” he tells us. “But with 80 people in a presentation setting, when Eric [Glesser] goes through all the prototypes there’s also a hint of VIP meeting.” The highlight for most attendees – and those tuning in for SpyderCollector’s coverage – will be the various new models. “When the presentation part is over, everyone storms the table to further examine the protos and ask Eric tons of questions,” Wouter tells us.

The questions come from knowledgeable enthusiasts and cover complex, in-depth topics. “[They] will have Eric explaining all sorts of aspects of Spyderco’s history, production challenges, steel types, you name it. In that respect, it almost feels like a cool, informal college class in knife appreciation,” notes Wouter. Several of these knowledgeable enthusiasts have gone on to make blades for Spyderco. “ I’m really looking forward to seeing the knives that were designed by my fellow Dutchmen, Jerry Brouwer and Thomas Zoomer,” Wouter notes. “They are both very talented knife makers and have been regulars at the Meet. I think it’s extremely cool that the Meets might have helped bring their designs to Spyderco’s attention.”

Knife featured in image: Spyderco Brouwer

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