First Spyderco suggestion

Roikyou

Roikyou

Joined
Sep 21, 2017
Messages
298
To start, yes, went through many threads and video's of what Spyderco's are available but still have no clue what to pick up. Without having them in hand, it's just a picture. I did find a pm3 locally but that's it but have yet to swing by to see what it's like

My thoughts, compression lock, 3 to 3.5 inch, flat grind, s30v or s35vn, don't care or want any harder steel. I enjoy a sheepsfoot.

The ones that comes to mind are Sage 5, PM 3, Manix 2, Shaman, PM 2, probably in that order.
 
Compression lock is my least fav. The Manix lock really needs to be handled. You might hate it.
Shaman is a beast. Doesn't fit your list
 
I know they're apples and oranges but what reminds me of the shaman (closest thing I know of and that I have) is the Benchmade 808 as far as size, blade length, the 808 is actually thicker by a little.

What I find most comfortable right now is the Benchmade mini grip sheep's foot. I have a custom in S30v and G-10. The next two would be the 818 and custom full size grip sheep's foot in S30v and G-10. I'm entertained by the booger flick with the sheep's foot as a fidget.
 
Shaman has contoured G-10 if comfort is a factor for you. It's a newer Spydie but still a spydie.

In terms of your options and a veteran model, PM2 is the way to go if you like the compression lock. If not, I'd say Manix.
 
More on the Manix lock. It's a caged bearing lock. It is nothing like the Axis on a Benchmade You really need to use index and thumb to unlock it. It's also a little more recessed in the scales.
 
Heard that was one of the potential issues, with the lock being recessed, some find it harder to access.

Looking at the numbers on paper, for a small knife, the sage fits and for a larger knife, the shaman is a little more, not by much, compact then the pm2.
 
I vote shaman all the way. Personally, I feel like it took what I love about both the manix and pm2, smashes them together, and then added some further improvements. My favorite current spydie! But yes, definitely a beast!
 
Sage 5 is my choice of the knives you mention.

The Para 2 and Shaman fit in the hand well but are large IMO for an EDC. The Manix is a cool knife, yet it feels large.
 
For a first one. If you can, see what your hand likes. Hold them. Then look at what you will be cutting. PM2 is good in my hand, as is sage, and pm 3. The others I do not know well enough. Some Spydies have blade shapes that quite different. Great for different jobs, they even have a blade for cutting nets off whales! For daily stuff pm 2, 3 and delica blades I think are great. The leaf shaped blades, sage, chaparral, are great I have some, but try to cut a tightly closed zip tie from inside out and that tip seems really big. My vote goes to pm 2 or 3. Then branch out!
 
I'd opt for the Sage 5 over the Para 3 because I appreciate great slicing ability, and the Para 3's blade is much thicker. PM2 is a great all-around choice, but if you're looking for something that fits easily in the pocket for lighter duty tasks, the Sage 5 is probably better. The Manix is huge in the pocket but great in many other respects. The Shaman may be the best dedicated hard use knife.
 
I'm not a fan of the compression lock myself. I'd suggest a Manix 2 with lockback.

FYI, the cutting edge of the Sage 5 is 2.6" . It might be smaller then you think with that finger choil.

I don't know how big your hand is but the Manix 2 XL has a 3.36" cutting edge with the ball bearing lock. If you have big hands, might want to consider that.
 
Para 3 is sweet and checks all the boxes. Perfect EDC size. Get a pre owned for under a $100. Very practical size and not a pocket hog. Buy a small deep carry pocket clip and it’s probably the most optimal knife from Spyderco
 
Roikyou said:
Heard that was one of the potential issues, with the lock being recessed, some find it harder to access.

Looking at the numbers on paper, for a small knife, the sage fits and for a larger knife, the shaman is a little more, not by much, compact then the pm2.
Click to expand...

The leaf shaped spyderco blades actually have an edge that is not altogether different from the BM modified sheepsfoot. The difference is the spine, of which the pm2 is probably most similar.

My issue with the PM2 is the very thin tip, but some people like that.
 
Sorry that I am somewhat off topic here but I am a big fan of delica 4 ffg. This sounds like cheaper than you want to spend but I think everyone needs to try the delica and endura. They just work.

I have higher end spydercos but these two seem to get a lot of pocket time.
 
I’m used to the Benchmade 940 and Griptillian as EDC but the PM2 has grown on me a lot in the past month. The 940 is objectively smaller & lighter with the same length blade, it’s easier to open & close, and the tip is robust enough to use as a flathead screwdriver... but I just like the PM2 a little more. Some days I carry a 940, some days I carry a PM2. I haven’t tried another Spyderco yet, but have bought 6 PM2’s in the last month for what it’s worth.
 
Roikyou said:
To start, yes, went through many threads and video's of what Spyderco's are available but still have no clue what to pick up. Without having them in hand, it's just a picture. I did find a pm3 locally but that's it but have yet to swing by to see what it's like

My thoughts, compression lock, 3 to 3.5 inch, flat grind, s30v or s35vn, don't care or want any harder steel. I enjoy a sheepsfoot.

The ones that comes to mind are Sage 5, PM 3, Manix 2, Shaman, PM 2, probably in that order.
Click to expand...

Of the 5 you list, I do not have a Shaman. Yet.

Nor a Sage 5, though I have a Sage 1 which is pretty much the same with a different lock. Wonderful light slim EDC folder. Taichung Spydies are absolutely top quality. The Sage is a bit small for my much of own EDC preference though.

I did have a Para3 in S30V, carried it for a while then sold it. Found I much prefer the Para2. But I do like the Para3 enough to have bought another, in CF/S90V. If I'm only gonna have one Para3, might as well be a good one right? :)

Had a Manix 2 HG S30V for a while, great folder, ended up gifting that to my bro when I got the Manix 2 FFG Cru-wear.
The full liners and ergonomics of the Manix combine to give a feeling of solidness and secure grip that inspires complete confidence in using it as hard as you want. I like the CBL and the tip is a bit stouter than a Para2. My personal preference in a Manix though is definitely the Manix XL, I've had one in my work knife rotation for years. Though it's a bit over your stated 3.5". And it does need a deep carry clip.

I have too many Para2's, which isn't quite enough. My completely biased, subjective, my mileage only assessment is, get a Para2. It's my Goldilocks folder - not too this, not too that, just right - a spot on balance of attributes for a lot of my EDC needs.

And I honestly don't think you would be dissapointed with any of those 5 you list, provided you know what size/weight/thickness you are happy with.

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My other question is “how is the KME for sharpening Spydercos?”

Tried the wicked edge twice and it just does not work for me, lots of hours and never successfully sharpened anything but the device. Im at the point if the KME does not work for Spydercos then the Spydercos probably wont work for me.
 
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