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J LeeACP

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Apr 25, 2015
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My first Spyderco hasn't arrived yet and already picking out my next one. I always try to buy American made(thus the Para 2 buy) but understand the imports are very well made. Can someone educate me about the quality compared to the American made versions?
 
No one answer is a right one. All a matter of opinion.
Based on lots of experiences my favs are USA and Japan models. Japan models are what got spyderco on the map so they are always a safe bet. The Taiwan models are a many members favs but they are my least fav $ for $. That said Id rather own a Taiwan spyderco than 9.9/10 other companies ANY model regardless of origin. If spyderco puts there name on it than its a pretty safe bet that lots of thought was put into it and that it will serve its purpose very well. Spyderco kicks major arss.
 
They're all pretty good but the Taichung-made Spydies have the best finish IMO. They are also very consistent. You rarely see a Taichung-made with an off-centered blade or wonky edge bevel.
I like the Delica, Endura, Stretch and Caly but the higher-end Seki knives seem to always disappoint me.
 
For quality and fit & finish you can't top the Taichung, Taiwan Spyderco knives but generally it comes at a price. However, you can get brand new Sage 1 and Chaparral 1 for about $105-$120.
 
Based on my (limited) experience with these manufacturers, I'd rank them: Taichung > Italy > Golden CO > Seki.

I've been consistently irritated with the quality control and fit 'n finish of the Seki knives I've owned, and I've subsequently sold all but my ATR, which has a ton of lock-stick and isn't cetered. The Golden CO knives aren't bad. Those I've owned and used are solid, but they can have some idiosyncrasies that bother me (off-center bevels or fully off-center grinds, sticky lockups, not centered, etc.).

But I've always been impressed with every knife I've owned from Taichung. I'm usually disappointed if I discover that a knife isn't made in Taichung, Taiwan. The Italian manufacturer that Spyderco uses puts out a good knife, too, but my experience is way too limited (PITS) to know if it's a consistent thing.
 
I prefer my blades be made in the USA. But the Taiwan models are amazing. Just got a Slysz Bowie in and let's just say it blows a certain USA made blade touted for its build quality, out of the water. Has me shaking my head.
 
All Spydie s are awesome. Back in the day there was no such thing as blade centering or lock stick. Break it in and there you go.
 
I would agree with most. I would say in terms of overall quality and fit and finish 1) Taichung 2)USA Golden 3) Seki City 4) China (Tenacious line). I have not yet owned an Italian Spyderco though.
 
Thanks. Eyeballing the Manix 2(USA), the Endura 4, Delica 4, and Stretch. The Manix 2 really has my attention. Deciding between the 2nd Gen, Lightweight, or maybe even the XL. The Blue lightweight especially.
 
There are just too many choices out there right now so I had to draw a line to keep control over the sheer amount of knives I was accumulating.
So I chose to keep all of my purchases domestic, made in the USA.
I've heard all of the arguments and while valid in some ways, I have to chose where to spend my money so right here it stays.
More Golden models please. :thumbup:
 
J LeeACP said:
Thanks. Eyeballing the Manix 2(USA), the Endura 4, Delica 4, and Stretch. The Manix 2 really has my attention. Deciding between the 2nd Gen, Lightweight, or maybe even the XL. The Blue lightweight especially.
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Those are two of the best values on the market. Wish I still had my xl, it was a BEAST! Good choices
ImageUploadedByTapatalk1430341101.186954.jpg
 
I prefer to buy US knives. For Golden's I have a Military, Paramilitary 2, Native 5 lightweight, G10 Manix 2. And had a Swick 4 which I gave to my son.

I do also own two Seki Spyderco knives, a Manbug and a Matriarch 2 (just got today).

I like them all. Great quality. Might try out a Tawain model. The new, slightly larger, Gayle Bradley 2 might be my first.
 
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Please remember that I have just purchased my first Spyderco that should be delivered Friday but, what are Goldens?
 
J LeeACP said:
Please remember that I have just purchased my first Spyderco that should be delivered Friday but, what are Goldens?
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Spyderco knives are made in a few different locations worldwide. They have a a limited number that are made at their Golden Colorado home office.
 
J LeeACP said:
Ah. Stupid me.
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Not stupid. It's a good question. Yay forum jargon!

MFGs that I'm aware of (very general categorization):

Golden, Colorado: Sal or Eric designs with higher-end materials (PM2, Military, Yojimbo, etc.)
Taichung, Taiwan: Collaborations mostly.
Seki-City, Japan: Many (most?) VG10 models and their various iterations (Dragonflies, Delicas, Enduras, the Salt knives, etc.)
Maniago, Italy: A lot of slipjoints (PITS, Roadie, Pingo, etc.)
China (I'm not sure if there's a specified city): The budget line knives.

I'm sure others can refine the list above. And I'm sure it changes, too.
 
I'm not trying to hijack your thread but....I too like the Sage 1's. So well that I have 1 has an every day carry and 1 as a backup just in case I'd lose her. Having said all that, I'd of paid more just to get made in America stamped on her. I understand that Sal once said he has to do that per laws, but, can't that stamp or tag be removable like some other products are?
I LOVE the Sage lineup and DO NOT want to switch to another model. (I did hijack, didn't I?)
Mods, please delete if necessary. JLee, I hope this touches on what your asking?
 
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