A higher end Spyderco

M

Maxray

Joined
Aug 19, 2011
Messages
9
I posted this over at EDC forums, but recently joined BF (great forum, btw!) and thought I might get a different perspective...

I really would like to add a higher-end Spyderco to my small knife collection. This knife will be for EDC use, and will occasionally see hard-ish duty in the form of camping, cutting up piles of cardboard, etc. I have narrowed it down to three choices, but I am asking for the wisdom of the forum to help me decide - and clue me in to other options I may have missed (maybe even something not from Spyderco?) The Spydies I already have are the Delica 4, Dragonfly 2 and a Persistence (on the way). I am looking for something ideally full flat ground, ~3" blade length (RI law), a deep pocket carry, fairly lightweight, and strong blade steel. While I prefer a linerlock or framelock, I am open to the idea of a back lock if the knife is otherwise awesome!

I like specific things in each of these knives...

Native 5 - 3" blade, 4" closed, 4.5oz, G10 handles, S35VN steel, US Made, back lock, steel clip
This is a new one from Spyderco, I like that it is US made, as I do not have a US-made Spyderco at this point. The steel clip is a bit of a downer as I like the wire clip a lot for both looks and deeper carry capability. I know nothing about S35VN steel - anyone know if it is good or not?

Caly 3 - 3" blade, 4-1/6" closed, 3oz, Carbon Fiber handles, ZDP-189 steel, Japan Made, back lock, wire clip
I like a lot of things about this knife, great weight, beautiful scales, amazing ZDP-189 steel, great deep carry clip, but the backlock!

Sage 2 - 3" blade, 4-3/16" closed, 3.5oz, Titanium handles, S30V steel, Taiwan Made, CR framelock, wire clip
I hadn't looked seriously at Sages before - not sure why - but this kind of seems like the ability to get a "Sebenza Junior" (don't attack me, Sebenza fans!!) for ~ 1/3 the cost - very tempting. I like the titanium (a lot), I do like S30V steel in some of my other knives, but would rather ZDP-189. I love the framelock, especially since I don't have one in my collection, and the wire clip again is great. I think this one is my current strongest contender at the moment.

Thanks guys!
 
i would go with the sage 2. i just got one and it while it is a little wider (from front to back) then i expected (i am comparing it to a starbenza), however its an amazing knife. i love the opening hole spydero uses and prefer them over the thumb studs chris uses. for the price it will be hard to beat and i am sure it will last a life time.
 
Caly 3 all the way! Own all the ones you listed. Love my caly 3!! The sharpest knife i ve ever touched hands down! Its a beauty!
 
I have the Caly 3 and Sage 2 with the Native on pre-order. I think the Sage 2 is the sturdiest if the three but I'm sure some prefer a back lock. The Sage 2 is larger than the Caly 3 and has a better choil (IMHO) while the Caly 3 is more discrete. Honestly, you can't make a bad choice with those three.
 
I've never handled the Caly 3 or the Native 5. I just got a Sage 2 and also own a small Sebenza. The Sage 2 is different enough that I think it can stand on its own. When I first got it, I thought it was very utilitarian-looking -- almost ugly -- especially compared to the Sage 1 which is cheaper to boot. But after EDC'ing the Sage 2 for a few days, I am completely sold on it. It's a work of mechanical art. Great in every respect. I don't think you can go wrong with it. But I haven't used it enough, and don't have a knife with ZDP-189, to know how the steel compares.
 
The ti handles on the Sage 2 would be hard to beat IMO the Taiwan made Spydercos are of stellar quality every bit as good as an American or Japanese Spydie.
 
I bought a Caly 3 a couple of weeks ago and I am loving it. The blade is scary sharp out of the box and the Carbon Fiber Scales are a little grippy but nice and smooth. I didn't really know how I would feel about owning a backlock because I'm used to carrying Sebenzas but I'm please thus far. Here are the obligatory pics:

DSC00054.jpg

DSC00055.jpg

DSC00051.jpg

DSC00052.jpg

DSC00053.jpg
 
Last edited:
Of the knives you mention, if you are right handed, I'd suggest the Sage II and recommend you also consider the Sage I. Really attractive CF plus great fit and finish.
 
Overall, I vote for the Caly 3, mostly due to its size and weight, and also for the looks, but expect scratches on the tang. The Sage 2 is a close second and, if you like Titanium and integral locks, it looks like a more expensive knife and may be a better choice.
 
If you are going to be camping, I'd suggest an open backed knife so that you can wash any dirt/grime out of the knife easily. I'd favor the ZDP Caly 3 for EDC, but the Sage 2 for dirtier uses.
 
I went with the Sage2 because I like the bigger handles and the simple design.
 
Spyderco Lionspy whenever it comes out. It's a Lionsteel and Spyderco collaboration. If you don't want to wait, pick up a Butch Valloton.

Valloton.
spyderco-valloton-sub-hilt-c149gp-large.jpg


Lionspy
spyderco-lionspy-1-large.jpg


spyderco-lionspy-back-large.jpg
 
All three of those knives are great but I wanted to throw in that the caly 3 to me was much smaller than I was expecting it to be. While I'm sure it would hold up fine, the Sage 2 inspired much more confidence under hard work for me personally. Also ZDP-189 being harder will be harder for you to sharpen and will chip easier if you take it camping and accidental hit a rock or something. The sage will also be much easier to clean, not much of a problem for EDC but if you do take it camping and get a bunch of gunk in it it will be much easier to clean than a lock back.
 
How about the Para 2? The cutting edge on mine measures 3 1/8" which is close. I don't worry about the law personally because I don't plan on doing anything where there would be a reason for the police to examine my knife. And more than likely they will put the blade up to there hand and if its not as wide let it slide (no rhyming intended) since they usually don't EDC a ruler.

All that said the Para is a great knife with one of the strongest locks made. It has quickly become a favorite and is really popular. The Manix 2 is another favorite if you can get a FFG Sprint run model which also has skeletonized liners.

The Caly 3 is great but more of a gentlemans knife. I don't have the new native but have an older FRN model that is OK. The hole is partially covered which has its pros and cons. I don't use it much now that I have higher end Spydies. I also have the Sage 2 but it is still in the box and has never been used. The cutout in the scale to access the lock makes the grip in that spot more narrow and just feels awkward, to me.

Just some thoughts as there are a bunch of good Spydercos.
 
Great suggestions, thanks.

The Para2 seems interesting, and has bumped the Native off my list, I think. Seems like a more rugged and durable choice - and I see the point about putting the Caly into a "gentlemans folder" category and the Para as more of a workhorse - guess that puts the Sage right in the middle?

Interesting point about the feel of the framelock being a bit weird/uncomfortable - you are the first person to mention that. I do wish I could check these knives out in person, as I bet that would make it easier to choose. No good knife shops in my area anymore, unfortunately.

Thanks for those pics of the Caly - drool! I do love the looks of that carbon fiber.

Is that pictured Para2 have G10 scales? They almost look like CF.
 
FlaMtnBkr said:
The cutout in the scale to access the lock makes the grip in that spot more narrow and just feels awkward, to me.
Click to expand...

For me that only came in to play when I wasn't using the choil, if I was using the choil the lock bar fit perfectly in the joint of my finger and was a very comfortable grip.

I wear an XL glove

Just thought I would give you a data point since you can't handle the knife.
 
Here's another view of the carbon fiber Para2. I really like the ergos on these two knives.


There's a para2 sprint run due spring 2012 with S35VN and earth brown G10. The earth brown G10 on the Military sprint had a really grippy finish on the G10. edit: I believe it's going to be a distributor's exclusive.

 
Last edited:
The Sage 2 is absolutely fantastic. Very high quality, looks great, perfect ergos(unless you're a lefty).
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top