Help Me Choose a New Spyderco

Radjxf

Radjxf

Joined
Apr 8, 2006
Messages
288
I'm looking for a new Spyderco for EDC. The only other Spyderco I've ever owned is a Seiki City Delica with a VG10 PE.

I'm looking for something with an approximately 3.5" blade that could perhaps tolerate some tougher use than the smaller Delica. It would be used for cutting some branches when hiking or camping. Fishing duties, etc.

I'd like to keep the [handle] width as narrow as possible. I had a BM 151 Griptilian, but gave it to my son as it just seemed "too fat" in the pocket.

I absolutely suck at sharpening, so would like a tough steel that holds a sharp edge as long as possible.

Almost no one sells Spyderco in my area, so I'll have to defer to the forum's expertise here.

Here are the ones I'm considering:

Paramilitary 2 S30V around $106 online
Caly 3.5 VG10 around $125 online
Stretch FRN VG10 around $81 online.

These three knives seem about the same (I'm an obvious knife noob), so not sure why the large variance in price.

Any other ideas?

Thanks in advance.
 
Just lettin ya know, most people here will tell you to get the Para2 :rolleyes:
I can't blame em though, you should get the Para2! I've got 2 so far, the all black G10/S30V and the grey G10/CTS-20CP and they're great!
 
get a smurf!

2012-01-07_13-51-56_567.jpg
 
I think the Stretch would be a step in the right direction. It's on my short list.
 
I just ordered a Para 2, had a Military, I liked it a lot, but it just seemed huge (and drew lots of comments at work, which is annoying to me). I love my Manix 2, and it actually kicked a Sebenza out of my pocket! :o
 
edctac said:
para 2 is great, a manix 2 might also be an option for you.
Click to expand...
I've got 3 Manix 2's...the Manix 2 is personally my favorite Spyderco model just barely ahead of the Para 2 (as long as it's one of the FFG Manix 2's, otherwise the Para 2 beats it)

ozgooner said:
Endura 4 ZDP is a 3.75" blade. An option perhaps?
Click to expand...
I've got one of these, an amazing blade this thing has no doubt, maybe the sharpest knife out of the box that I own. The handle I'm not as fond of because I really really prefer G10.

Basically, it's hard to go wrong with Spyderco. So many great models that everyone is mentioning.
 
Thanks much for the recommendations. Sounds like you guys like the PM2!

Not to question anyone's judgement, but what makes the Caly 3.5 cost 25% more than the PM2? Or conversely, why is the Stretch 25% cheaper than the PM2?

I wish Spyderco published thickness data. This was a big reason for gifting my Griptilian to my son. At approx 0.65" thick, it just didn't carry as flat as my Spyderco.
 
I just measured my regular para2 (satin S30V blade, black handle). The para2 handle is 0.45" thick (11.4mm). Even if you factor in the pocket clip, its 0.62" thick (15.7mm). Also, the para2 weighs 3.8oz.

I own three para2's and I have a forth on pre-order. Currently, the para2 is my favorite EDC knife design.
 
Pacific Salt. Easy to sharpen, 3.8 in blade, tough as hell, will not rust, light weight at 3 oz.
 
I found this thread: http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php/781211-Pic-request-Caly-3-5-vs-Para-2

Looks like a pic of a Caly 3.0 compared to the PM2. I can't really tell that it's that much thinner, but the blade certainly is. I do like the 'lock' better on the PM2, but really need the thinner knife since I have big thighs (former powerlifter) and can't stand thick things in my pockets!

My old Griptilian measured about 0.63" just in the handles. Looks like a PM2 is still thinner than that.
 
Last edited:
I vote PM2. I only own 2 Spydies, PM2 and Manix2. PM2 is teLltale light and thin and an all around great knife.
 
Out of your list Caly3.5 is my favorite by large margin. I carry it since they came out and carried Caly3 before
Radjxf said:
what makes the Caly 3.5 cost 25% more than the PM2? Or conversely, why is the Stretch 25% cheaper than the PM2?
Click to expand...
Spyderco reps mentioned on several occasions that Spyderco operates on fixed profit margin, but standard Manix and para2 has lower profit margin than all other knives. FRN scales making Stretch less expensive than Caly or Para, which have G10 scales.
Radjxf said:
really need the thinner knife My old Griptilian measured about 0.63" just in the handles.
Click to expand...
Caly3.5 is .368", I have only CF Para2 and it is .453" thick. Also Caly is smaller closed, it is only 4.3". Para2 is 4.8" . Para's blade 2mm shorter.
Also Caly's blade is thinner, especially behind the edge, which makes it better slicer (if you prefer slicer, I do)
 
IrishSpyder22 said:
Para 2 or gayle Bradley .
Click to expand...

I love the GB but I reckon the OP would find it too bulky.

Out of the knives the OP listed, my vote goes to the Para 2. However, I think he'd find VG10 a little easier to sharpen (yet need to do so slightly more often.)
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top