First Spyderco, A Salsa.

S

Slufstuff

Joined
Sep 24, 1999
Messages
101
First time poster on this forum. I am more of a Buck and Schrade kind of guy (occasionally post over on those forums), but after hearing so much about Spyderco's over the years, I decided to buy one to try out. I am waiting on a pair of Salsa's to be delivered, one straight, one serrated, got them from Sierra Trading during their recent spring sale. My question, is the Salsa a good representative knife to check out general Spyderco quality and characteristics? I know it is a smaller knife, I just wanted one to see how it compares to my more traditional knives from Buck and Schrade. Appreciate any input.
 
The Salsa is middle of the road. Delicas and Millies will have totally different feels in the hand, but all of the designs are great work knives
 
I love my Salsa, but I think it's the worst of the line. Mine is impeccably manufactured and performs great, it's just that I don't like american things made in Taiwan. :footinmou
 
I agree with Dialex. There are much better Spyders out there. Now I do like the Salsa somewhat myself and I have a Titanium version that I like very much. But I can name off of the top of my head about 6 of them that have much bigger/better blades and are much more rugged. Yester day I was working with my Lil' Temperance. That knife has some what of a shorter blade itself but with the G-10 construction along with a very solid locking system will outshine the Salsa as far as using a knife under rough conditions. Even the Dodo is designed to be much more of a worker than the salsa. I don't mean this in a demeaning way but even the Dodo is designed to be much more of a worker than the Salsa. ;)
 
I could never open and close the salsa quickly without getting my hand pinched. :grumpy: I really liked the look and it seemed like it would have been a great sheeply friendly knife for the times I had to dress like a respectable businessman.
 
You will no doubt find a diversity of opinions here. I have a Ti Salsa that is one of my favorite knives. Very substantial feel and great ergonomics for such a small knife. But then again I do love a broad, thin, flat ground blade. I agree that it would not be the best knife for sustained heavy use, but I don't think that's what it was designed for. So long as you are realistic in your expectations I don't think you'll be dissapointed.
 
Dialex and JD Spydo, why do you feel that the Salsa is inferior to many of the other models Spyderco makes? I ask because I'm thinking about buying one.
 
My main issue with the Salsa is the steel. Aus-6 in the Aluminum handle model. Still a good value but I agree there are better Spyder-choices. The Ti Salsa has ATS-34 but the integrated compression lock is a little difficult for me to operate one-handed.
 
You will always find advocates for the different Syderco designs on this board. I own many myself and find the AL Salsa to be my favorite. In fact, I bought four from Sierra myself. This on top of the two I already own! The blade shape is great for utility and the field. I bet you will enjoy your new knives.

Out West
 
Easyrider said:
Dialex and JD Spydo, why do you feel that the Salsa is inferior to many of the other models Spyderco makes? I ask because I'm thinking about buying one.
Click to expand...
Well "easyrider" it is simply a matter of preference for me but I will qualify my statements by my experiences of personal use. I simply love the Spyders with G-10 handles. I believe that G-10 is geared more for hard use and will ultimately take punishment a little better than any of the Salsas. I do take somewhat exception with the Titanium Salsa. Titanium is one of my top 5 favorite knife handles. Plus the griping power of the Dodo in my opinion is far superior to the Salsa. Don't get me wrong because my Titanium Salsa is a permanent fixture in my collection. JD Spydo ;)
 
I use an aluminum Salsa PE for office jobs and I find it more than adequate for the daily tasks I put it through. The handle and the Cobra Hood provide a secure grip in my hand and the blade, AUS-8 on mine, holds an edge rather well. A titanium Salsa is on my wish list but that is still a very long list which seems to get only longer.
Although not my first choice for survival or self defense I am pleased with the performance of my Salsa and I hope you will be too.
 
Easyrider said:
Dialex and JD Spydo, why do you feel that the Salsa is inferior to many of the other models Spyderco makes? I ask because I'm thinking about buying one.
Click to expand...
I think I wasn't very clear about this one, sorry.
The Salsa is NOT inferior to other similar Spydies, no way.
I have a Salsa and I like it. It is great under all aspects: manufacturing, ergonomics, blade geometry. It works better than other compression locks I have. In fact, it is the only one that can safely be carried tip up in the pocket, due to the ball detent (others have just a groove in the blade). It fills the hand nicely, has a slim profile and the full flat grind blade cuts well and is easy to sharpen. The cobra hood is very comfortable (didn't like it in the pics, till I actually handled one) and the wireclip is a nice addition too.
I am sure that if you get yourself a Salsa you're gonna like it and it will serve you well.
It's just the snob in me that doesn't like American things made in Taiwan, that's all :(
 
I went ahead and ordered a Black Salsa today from SFO after some prodding from Mr. Thombrogan. Thank you Thom.

I generally need a good swift kick in the backside sometimes to get me to do something and Thom provided that swift kick. :D
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top