Best spyderco under 80$

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Aug 6, 2014
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OK I'm sure I'll get the just do a search responses but please bear with me.

I used to be a spyderco fan when I was a kid but back when I was ten about 15 years ago they were way more money than I could afford. So I put them off and frankly have always hated the shape of their blades. Not for any use applicable reasons but purely from an aesthetic perspective.

Fast forward to now. I'm a youngster by mists standards but I have a lot of knife experience. From work to play to customization to stitches. Lol.

I want to like spyderco again. Here's the catch I need a hard user. I don't do queen safes or pocket princesses. I need it to be a good size 3.5-4 inch blade and a handle that allows for a firm grip. The steel has to be servicable(moderately easy). I can sharpen and profile easy. But I don't like my edcs taking an hour plus to get a good edge. 80 or less would prefer around 50.

My current edcs....
Bm 950

Crkt m16(got it cheap don't really like)

Bm onslaught

Buck 110

Sog trident (carried most because of the deep carry clip and handle)

Sell me on a knife I want an explanation of the model you suggest. What makes it something I might like.


Thanks guys.
 
It sounds like you could use an Endura.

- It easily comes in under budget.
- Spyderco's lockback/FRN models make good users.
- VG-10 steel is very easy to sharpen while still offering quality performance.
- The handle is large enough to be comfortable while still remaining slim in the pocket.
 
Spyderco Endura fits all your criteria.

It sounds like you could use an Endura.

- It easily comes in under budget.
- Spyderco's lockback/FRN models make good users.
- VG-10 steel is very easy to sharpen while still offering quality performance.
- The handle is large enough to be comfortable while still remaining slim in the pocket.
OK an endura in vg-10. Gets two votes so far.
 
Two years ago I would've suggested the Manix 2, but now I would say the Endura or Delica would be awesome for you.
 
If it's going to be a user, why not try to score a used one in the exchange. I've snagged a few that way. If you're not concerned with a little use/wear, you might be able to get something a little nicer for your money... Para2, Manix, or something else. Just my .02.
 
If it's going to be a user, why not try to score a used one in the exchange. I've snagged a few that way. If you're not concerned with a little use/wear, you might be able to get something a little nicer for your money... Para2, Manix, or something else. Just my .02.
Not opposed to this idea at all. Still kinda new here and it seems most guys are hesitant to deal with new forum members. But worth a shot I suppose.
 
I would think that people wouldn't be concerned selling to a new member, as long as payment is received. I can understand buying from a new member might be a gamble. You never know what you might find, though. You have to act quick on some of them... good deals don't last very long.
 
I would think that people wouldn't be concerned selling to a new member, as long as payment is received. I can understand buying from a new member might be a gamble. You never know what you might find, though. You have to act quick on some of them... good deals don't last very long.
Yea I've noticed. Seems like by the time I see a deal its already gone. I'll be patient and wait.
 
Stretch. But it will probably be a few bucks over $80. Still close enough for a knife knut to rationalize.
 
He said he wants a 3.5-4" blade which I think is why the endura has been suggested and the Delica has been left out.

Another option would be the Stretch, also in VG-10.

A cheaper option would be a Tenacious (3.5") or Resilience (4") however you'll get 8cr13mov instead of VG-10. The Tenacious & Resilience do have G10 scales vs. the Endura and Stretch which have FRN. (fiberglass reinforced nylon) Personally I like both scale materials and really don't prefer one over the other however some are strongly opposed to FRN as they think it feels 'cheap'. I've never had an issue with either so I'd suggest you just pick what you think you'll like.
 
Hey op, many have suggested the endura and I agree that you would be happy with that model but I actually prefer the enduras first cousin the Pacific Salt. You get basically the same knife but with h1 steel which is 100% impervious to rust and corrosion in any environment. The salt model is also a liner and washer free design which I prefer. The knife is still extremely strong and tough but is lighter and easier to clean. Interestingly enough I find the action on my salts to be slightly smoother than the endura/delica. Plain edged H1 has decent edge retention and will get freakishly sharp with very little effort.

Also, if you are open to the idea of carrying a serrated edge you should really do a bit of reading on serrated h1. It has different characteristics than it's plain edged counterpart and is truly amazing stuff.

Good luck with the decision. There is not really a wrong answer.
 
Trust me I will buy what I like. I don't want to exceed 80 but I have before and will again. Lol

Stretch or Endura will both be winners. That said, if you're a little flexible above $80 I'd try to find a ParaMilitary 2. The standard PM2 in CPM S30V is in my opinion the best knife on the market for the money from ANY manufacturer ($112 at KnifeWorks right now; http://www.knifeworks.com/spydercopara-military2.aspx#.U_5ICvldV8E). The Manix 2 would also be a great choice, but the PM2 rides a little more unobtrusively in pocket. Both have exceptionally strong locks, and the ergonomics of the Manix2 may appeal to you more than the PM2. I personally prefer the ergonomics and unobtrusive carry of the PM2, and the hollow construction makes it extremely easy to keep clean...and the blade geometry is second to none. Just my $0.02
 
Stretch or Endura will both be winners. That said, if you're a little flexible above $80 I'd try to find a ParaMilitary 2. The standard PM2 in CPM S30V is in my opinion the best knife on the market for the money from ANY manufacturer ($112 at KnifeWorks right now; http://www.knifeworks.com/spydercopara-military2.aspx#.U_5ICvldV8E). The Manix 2 would also be a great choice, but the PM2 rides a little more unobtrusively in pocket. Both have exceptionally strong locks, and the ergonomics of the Manix2 may appeal to you more than the PM2. I personally prefer the ergonomics and unobtrusive carry of the PM2, and the hollow construction makes it extremely easy to keep clean...and the blade geometry is second to none. Just my $0.02
Great review of a few blades. That makes a lot of sense
 
I personally prefer S30V to VG-10, and though I really do like the Delica, Endura, and Stretch (The Stretch is my favourite of the three), I really do think the PM2 is unbeatable if you're willing to fork out the dough. They're typically sold out at most retailers for good reason...my local knife store has never had one under the counter for more than 2 days, and they'd sell faster likely if they sold online, which they don't. Hardly a review, but I can't say enough good things about the PM2. My top 5 Spyderco models are, in no particular order, Schempp Tuff, Chokwe, ParaMilitary2, Techno, and the Manix2. My top 5 has changed a little over the last couple years as my collection grows (I'm at 37 currently), but the 3 that have remained in my top 5 are the Schempp Tuff, Techno, and ParaMilitary2.
 
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