Domino vs sage 2

J_mcrane

J_mcrane

Joined
Dec 7, 2013
Messages
580
Dear wise and benevolent spyderco demigods,

I am struggling between the two mid size frame locks. I need your wisdom. It's making me crazy! The price is close enough not to be the determining factor. I was hoping to get a nice gentleman's frame lock to fill the gap between pm2 and dragonfly.

I love the sage 2... I except the lack of a steel insert. Should I let that keep me from purchasing it? I like the wire clip, the size, weight, the clean lines.

I like elements of the domino. Nicer steel, flippers are cool! But the size handle seems big! It's not much smaller than a full size blade like my pm2. Also it's heavier than the sage 2. Is the weight and size a determining factor?

Am I crazy?

I know of other options (sage 1, 3, chaparral, caly) but I want a titanium frame lock. No I can't afford both, I'm a public educator so buying both is not an option. My wife barley tolerates my addiction as it is.

Please help a fellow out. If I watch another utube video, I might go out my mind!

Thanks for your help!
 
I have both so I can give some input.
First of all, the lack of a steel insert should not deter you from buying the Sage 2. I highly doubt you'll ever use it enough to do anything to the lockup. The Sage 2 is awesome. It's not high tech (no flipper or fancy steel) but it is perfect for an EDC. Smooth like butter!

The Domino on the other hand is more flashy. It's a better size than the Sage if it's your only blade, but I find it hard to pair it with any other knife (this could and should be a positive aspect, but I like carrying two knives :D ) The flipper and action don't seem to be the best, but can still be flipped with no problem. (I've been spoiled by ZT's strong detentes)

Ultimately I prefer the Sage 2 because of the blade shape, smooth action, and deep carry wire clip. I love wire clips!
 
I had both for a while - the Domino was sold within a week. The Sage II was happily used for quite a while before I traded for another knife and before it started to look used. I really like everything about the Sage. The Domino impressed me with its silky flip open but otherwise seemed bulky and not very special. There are Domino owners who will praise it high so you can't dismiss it solely on my dismissal.

Had the Sage II been with a VG-10 blade I would still have it. I prefer that steel for ease of sharpening, though the CPM S30V is not much of a compromise just a bit more work for an EDC which I tune up nearly every day. One mans 2¢ :rolleyes:
 
Thank you for the input so far… If I could get both knives, I wouldn't need the demigods advice. [emoji2]
 
I have both. I like the flipper on the Domino but the handle shape is a tad off for me.
Love the Sage series. Bought a 2nd Sage 2 for a backup I guess.
Recently bought the Sage 3 and really love that one. Very light, the great blade, and the bolt lock is a fine system.
Oh, since when is S30V not a super steel?

I have a thing for RIL Ti knives so I'd go Sage 2 of those three with the Sage 3 a close 2nd.

If I may, the must have knife is the Slysz Bowie. Hell of a knife and it has not left my pocket since I got it.
 
I have both as well. I don't believe you would be disappointed with either. If I had to choose only one, I would go with the Sage 2.

Both high quality Spydie's from Taiwan.

The Domino is a nice flipper with quality materials (Titanium, CF, XHP). It is a slightly larger knife, so depending on your preference regarding size, that could make a difference. According to my non-scientific food scale it weighs 4.1 oz, while my Sage 2 weighs in at 3.3 oz. Also it's a flipper, which for no real reason at all I love. Mine flips hard with ease.

The Sage 2 is a classic though. It is my perfect EDC size. Full Ti frame, and as Flatlander said it is still an S30V blade. S30V is not to be taken lightly. Another thing to point out on the Sage is the deep carry wire clip. It will ride lower in pocket compared to the Domino.



 
I'd go for the Sage 2 if I had to choose only one. The Sages are all great, lightweight EDC knives with wonderful ergos. I don't worry too much about the lack of steel inserts (or over-travel stops) on titanium frame locks for EDC knives. There are arguments to be made in favor of those features of course, but I feel that they are unnecessary for typical EDC use. I don't really thump on my folders too much, though.
 
I'm a big fan of both the Domino and Dice. They will be hands down the smoothest silkiest flippers you'll find from Spyderco (and I think nicer than my ZT's).
Old photo, but better than nothing:
2015-02-16%2016.49.40_zpspk6p0bza.jpg


I'm honestly sometimes baffled at why there isn't more of a following... but regardless, either way you choose, it's a win win.


I also slightly prefer the Sage 3 over the Sage 2...
 
I do not own a Domino, but handled one once. I've owned the Sage 2 for about 1.5 years. I like it for its simplicity: 2 slabs of ti and a blade. The deep carry pocket clip makes it a very good office knife. I carry mine often and will probably never sell it, especially after I thinned it out with a flat convex.
 
I have a Domino but planning on getting a Sage 2 also. I only wish it had a same stonewashed Ti like on Domino and Southard.
 
I like a bit more blade length, so I'd go for the Domino. If price and/or weight is a major factor for you, then get the Sage (1 or 2 would be my choices, in that order).
 
The Sage is a nice knife. Let me throw one more at you...the Techno. It has come down in price and there is now about $10 difference in price between the two and it is cheaper than the Domino.
 
I'm a little surprised to see so many leaning toward the Sage 2. I have both and like both very much. My preference is the Domino however. I see them as very similar as far as what they are good for and what they do well. Both are very good slicers with very good ergonomics.

To me the main difference is the added details you get with the Domino. The Domino adds nice little touches like the steel lockbar insert, ball bearing pivots, flipper opening. The Sage is very nice and works beautifully like all Taichung Spyders as well. The one nit-pick complaint I have is the lockup bar is not machined to match the blade angle and I'd like a little more refinement from a Taichung knife priced around $180.

Fortunately for you, you're choosing between two winners and you won't be unhappy either way.

Sage 2 lockup...contacts a small corner of the lockbar...
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Domino lockup...lines up perfectly...I'm sorry I could not get enough light down there to get a good shot without washing out the image completely...phone cam :(
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Techno lockup...perfectly matched lockup angles..
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