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First Spyderco. Which one?

J

Jack34

Joined
Jan 10, 2014
Messages
70
I am generally a traditional folder and fixed blade kind of guy but I think I want a spyderco to try out. It will be an EDC for general use. I have a BM Grip 551 that I like also. I have never warmed up to the looks of most of the spyderco models even though I know that they are highly regarded knives by most. I think I have it down to either a Manix 2 with g10 scales or the Native 5. So.....what do the experienced spyderco guys think? Opinions?
 
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Spyderco Manix 2 LW
 
Manix is a nice knife, but too bulky for me to edc. I just bought a caly 3 in zdp-189 for my father. That is an extremely well designed knife. The native you mentioned is great. Paramilitary, delica, techno, sage, chaparral, any salt knife....the list goes on. I don't even know where to start, so I guess I'm no help here. :)
 
I have both knives and they are both great. The Manix is beyond great for the price. But it is to big for me to carry all day comfortably so it sits. The Native is much better size wise. I still carry the Delica 4 more than anything.
 
I haven't handled a Manix2, so I can't speak to that. The Native5 is a nice knife, but pretty different from the 551. Here are several that may be worth considering. The Gayle Bradley, Stretch, PM2, and SuperLeaf are comparable in size to the 551. If you're used to the Axis lock, you might also look at the Sage3 with its bolt lock. It's the same size and shape as the Sage2 pictured below, but with blue G10 handles and a bolt lock instead of a titanium frame lock.

For my EDC, the Caly3 is my favorite Spyderco, closely followed by the Delica4 FFG.

Left to right: 551, Endura4, Gayle Bradley, Stretch, Para-Military 2, SuperLeaf, Caly3, Sage2, Delica4, Native5
551 is in there for reference. Spydies are sorted from longest cutting edge (Endura4 @ 3.5") to shortest (Native5 @ 2.5")

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[edit]
Found my Sage3. Here it is next to the Grip.
1172146_comparison3_800x360.jpg

[/edit]
 
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Thanks all for the replies so far.

Flarp, thank you for the pics. That really helps me with comparisons since I have been trying to picture some of the size differences between different models by looking only at the listed dimensions.
 
This will come down to size and weight, but I'll throw out some of my favorites.
To start, of the ones you mentioned, I'd go Native 5.
I have a Manix 2 and really like it as a knife, but it's too wide in the pocket for my normal EDC.

Others I like:
Gayle Bradley (lots of knife for the price)
Techno (compact beast)
Caly 3 or 3.5 (classy and good ergos)
Sage1
Stretch (if you don't want FRN, look for the carbon fiber version if you can find).
Para 2 - staple knife
Military - staple knife
 
Gayle Bradley would be my recommendation.
Rock solid, M4 steel, and with a little customization makes for a great looker.

1bxXMiX.jpg
 
I had both, but traded the Native 5. It's a great knife, but I prefer the Manix 2.
 
I really like the looks of both the Gayle Bradley and PM 2, but am leaning toward the Native 5 for its size. I initially was looking at the Manix 2 but now think it may be a little bigger than what I want right now.
 
Jack34 said:
I really like the looks of both the Gayle Bradley and PM 2, but am leaning toward the Native 5 for its size. I initially was looking at the Manix 2 but now think it may be a little bigger than what I want right now.
Click to expand...

Native 5 is another solid choice. Check out the carbon S110V version being released next month.
 
Any Spyderco would be a good choice. However, for an EDC, here is how I evolved in recent memory:
First I carried the Delica - for years. Played with others, but never though there would be another. ;)
Then the Caly 3 came along - WOW - true love.
Then the Caly 3.5 was born, and double WOW - It was with me for years. Nothing would ever beat it, or so I thought.
Now the Sage 3 came along, with the sweet carbon fiber and bolt action lock. It knocked the Caly 3.5 right out of my pocket. Now I know this one will be forever!! :D
I hope this helps! Enjoy the search.
 
I really like the Manix II, and much prefer it to my BM 551 Grip. That being said, if you really want a first Spydie, get a Southard.
 
ronmann said:
Who did that great custom job and what type of wood ?
RonMann
Click to expand...

The cocobolo scales were made by forum member spketch, titanium clip by theoriginalspaceman. Blade reprofiling, lock bar access modification and the sweet polish job done by myself. :D
 
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