First Sage - 1 or 2?

D

danseifert

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Mar 22, 2011
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Looking to get my first Sage this week and was curious if there was a general consensus as to which is the better/nicer knife. Obviously they are two different knives in terms of materials and cost, but I was interested to know if there was an opinion that quality control is consistently better for one or the other. Any difference in smoothness, lock strength, etc? Does the Sage 2 carry with a thinner profile because it doesn't have scales? I get the sense that the titanium construction and frame lock would make Sage 2 a more stout knife, but I'll defer to the people that have had one.

Would like to hear from some folks that have had both. Right now I'm leaning towards the Sage 2 but in all honesty I like both carbon fiber and titanium knives and have no problem with either type of lock. I'm going to EDC this knife and will use it often. I'm not much of a collector - I generally keep 4-5 knives in rotation and sell/trade one when I want something new or different.

Anyway - thanks for your thoughts if you have any.
 
I have both, and you really can't go wrong with either. There's no difference in build quality (both are made by Spyderco's superb Taiwan factory), smoothness, and so forth. The difference in lock strength between the Sage 1's liner lock and the Sage 2's frame lock is likely to be negligible as well. (I say "likely to be" because I've just used mine for standard EDC tasks -- nothing that would really push the locks anywhere close to their limits.)

You're right that the Sage 2 is a little bit thinner both in pocket and in hand. That, as well as the differences in looks and texture from the different scale materials, are the only things that set the models apart from one another.

In sum, there isn't really any "objective" reason -- such as build quality, lock strength, materials quality, etc. -- to pick one or the other. So if you have a slight preference for the Sage 2, I'd say go for that one. You'll end up owning both soon enough anyway. ;)
 
i cant speak for the sage 2 but the sage 1 is extremely smooth and has performed every edc task excellently, but i assume the 2 would do the same considering they are pretty much the same knife just one with cf
 
I have a Sage 2 but it has sat in the box untouched. Once I got it in hand I found the cutout to access the lock allows my index finger to 'close' a lot more as it is more narrow there. It feels awkward to me but I guess a lot of people don't mind. That being said I really like my Sage 3 because it doesn't have the cutout and I like the lock better. It is similar to the AXIS and ball bearing lock in use and keeps your fingers out of the blade path. Since the AXIS lock is my favorite lock I prefer it of the 3 for the lock alone plus it feels a lot better in hand as well. If the color bothers you a $2 pack of black RIT dye will solve that. Good luck choosing.
 
I've owned both, and ended up selling the Sage 2. I preferred the feel of the Sage 1 scales, and it seemed a bit smoother to me. I carry it every day, and have been very pleased with it. I'd get both, and compare them in-hand and sell the one you're not interested in keeping. They both come up on the exchange frequently enough.
 
FlaMtnBkr said:
I have a Sage 2 but it has sat in the box untouched. Once I got it in hand I found the cutout to access the lock allows my index finger to 'close' a lot more as it is more narrow there. It feels awkward to me but I guess a lot of people don't mind. That being said I really like my Sage 3 because it doesn't have the cutout and I like the lock better. It is similar to the AXIS and ball bearing lock in use and keeps your fingers out of the blade path. Since the AXIS lock is my favorite lock I prefer it of the 3 for the lock alone plus it feels a lot better in hand as well. If the color bothers you a $2 pack of black RIT dye will solve that. Good luck choosing.
Click to expand...
So basically what you're saying is that he should get the Rift? :confused:

;)
 
I guess I am lucky in the fact that I don't care for either metallic scales or integral frame locks. I have had two Sage 1s and never a desire for a Sage 2. The CF scales, high quality liner lock & lower price tag make for a damn great great knife.
 
All of them are fantastic knives. As far as sheer value, the Sage 1 is hard to top, and the lightest of the bunch. Great blade to EDC. The 2 is a very well made frame lock for a great price. Plus the finish Spyderco uses on the ti is perfect.

But to mix it up even more, I'm currently stuck on the Sage 3. The bolt lock works very similar to an axis style lock, plus I really like the blue handle and Spyderhole. The 3 is by far my smoothest Sage, and despite having a slightly taller profile than the other two it's right in between the 1 and 2 in terms of thickness, so still nice and thin.
 
Sage 2 for me. Soley bc I like the stoutness of framelocks and I also like titanium scales as they are easy on my clothing and eyes.
 
I have the Sage 1 and it hasn't left my pocket since I bought it two weeks ago. It has a very smooth opening and handle ergonomics are excellent. Highly recommend this knife. Forgot to mention the beautiful carbon fiber scales!
 
I went through the same dilemma before finally deciding on the Sage 1. The carbon fibre just looks/feels amazing. I say go with whichever you like the look of the best, because the entire Sage series is top-notch as far as quality is concerned. Any Sage is a good choice!
 
Sage 1. It's cheaper, but looks more expensive. The carbonfiber makes the knife looks really good.
In addition, the blade flies open, and locks up tight and solid. Sage 1 is a winner for me.
 
I have both, and the Sage 1 has had all the pocket time.
It does everything I need it too, and looks good doing it.
I would like a Sage 3, but money is tight.
 
Here's why I like the Sage1 better:
Much better grip ( the Sage2 gets very narrow when lock is engaged)
Doesn't slide off when clipped to a pocket as easily
Easier lock to manipulate for me
More interesting to look at
More affordable
Smoother lock face interaction (steel on steel -vs- steel on titanium)

Sold my Sage2.
 
I've never tried the sage 2...i'd rather put the 150 into a different style of blade or a chris reeve. I love my sage one and it has been probably one of my all time favorite edc blades. It is so quick and easy to use....make the cut and then its right back in your pocket...there is no worry about freaking people out since the knife is out only long enough to make the cut. I'm a lefty and had serious reservations about getting a liner lock, but all are unfounded. This is probably one of the easiest liner locks to operate off handed.

I love mine. Fortunately i got it before the switch over to the taichung stamp. those have a slightly different blade profile. they look nearly identical but i can see subtle differences between mine and my friend's newer sage.



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Fit and finish of both are excellent, ergos virtually identical, and performance should also be. If they made LH versions of both the Sage I would find its way into my pocket because I prefer the "look and feel" of CF, and specifically the CF on the models from Taiwan over that of titanium.
 
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