Help Me Pick A Spyderco EDC!

Sulaco

Sulaco

Joined
Nov 15, 2003
Messages
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I've never owned a Spyderco knife. I've owned several Byrd's, and was happy with them, but never a true, American made Spyderco. It seems like everybody and his brother around here is nuts for them so I figure I may as well give them a try.

I'm a lefty so whatever I get, has to allow for the pocket clip to be switched for left pocket carry. I'd prefer a deep carry clip as well.

I really like Benchmade's AXIS lock, and don't care much for liner or frame locks. I am open to others, as long as they are tough and long-lasting mechanisms.

I guess I am stuck with the hole in the blade design, even though I MUCH prefer thumbstuds.

Blade steel isn't as much of a concern because I don't mind keeping my knives sharp. That being said, something that holds an edge a long time would be nice.

I'd like something in a medium size, around 3 inches or so in blade length, or a little less. I have large hands so I need something with a filling grip/scales.

Price, maybe $150 or less? I am not really sure as knife prices kind of seem all over the place.

Okay, thinking caps on!
 
I am a lefty too. I recommend a Para 2 or a Stretch 2 in ZDP-189, I own both and they are both awesome.
 
I am a lefty as well - my latest spydie love is the Caly3.5
It is just an great knife, and fits my XXL size hands very well.
 
Para 2 sounds like a fit. Great steel, compression lock, lefty friendly, big handle for your big hands. Around $100, made in Golden, CO.

I'd also recommend the Sage 3 and Stretch but they aren't American made. The quality of the Taiwan and in most cases Japan made Spydercos are equal or superior to the Golden made Spydercos.
 
maybe a manix 2. and if that is too large you could find a paramilitary 1 (has about a 3" blade)
 
So Spyderco uses FRN in a lot of their folders, I see. I guess I am used to G-10 in knives costing that much. Are the Stretch and Endura 4 (both ZDP models) both made in Japan?
 
Are the Stretch and Endura 4 (both ZDP models) both made in Japan?
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Yes, Stretch, Delica & Endura are made (to a good standard) in Seki city, Japan.
In essence, knives with blades in VG10 or ZDP will usually be made in Japan.
Stretch and Endura are quite a bit longer than 3".
If you go this route, I consider the Stretch as a more mature Endura, the blade is only a bit shorter and the ergonomics are superb.

I'd like something in a medium size, around 3 inches or so in blade length, or a little less. I have large hands so I need something with a filling grip/scales.
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The (out of production) Paramilitary 1 comes closed to your specs but the blade is a bit longer than 3", the new one is longer still.
FYI there are in general not many folders on the market which combine big handles and small blades.

Since I cannot recall a Spyderco that fits all your requirements, next to a Paramilitary I'd try the Caly 3 in ZDP steel. 3", superbly made in Japan. Its clever design will give a good grip for many people.
 
Sage 3 really fits your requirements though if you could go to around a 3.5in blade maybe the Para Military.
 
Manix 2 is a great buy if you don't mind a blade that's a bit over 3" (it's closer to 3.5"). The lock is functionally similar to an Axis lock, too, so that might appeal to you.
 
In the OP you say you want a made-in-America Spyderco. I can highly recommend three:

Para 2 - This is a great design. The blade is 3 7/16"
Manix 2 - Another great design. The blade is 3 3/8"

Both of those have outstanding lock mechanisms and plenty of G10 handle for large hands. The Manix 2 is also quite wide in the handle.

The third requires you to think out of the box - a CF or Titanium UKPK. I know a lot of people balk at the lack of a lock, but that is not an issue for me at all. The UKPK is one of my favorite Spyderco designs. The blade is just a hair under 3", and it has a true low ride clip - it disappears in your pocket.

All three of those can be had for your budget; with the exception of the Ti UKPK, for well under your $150 limit.
 
My Para2 is my go-to EDC. It's light, it's slim, and it cuts well. What more could you ask for?
 
+1 on the endura. The blade is longer than you wanted, but it does fill your hand quite well. I've carried one over 12 years.
 
+ one on the Para military 2. I just did all the research myself for a folder of the same size, I like the thumb holes though, so it came down to the para 2 and the benchmade 550 griptilian. I chose the para 2 because of the s30v opposed to 154cm because I had heard more people talking about the s30v's edge retension. The other knife in my sights is the Al Mar Sere 2000, but it's more money for VG10. Good luck

Trail Edge
 
Stretch, P2, Sage (flavor of choice), Caly 3
For me the P2 is the best of the bunch.. but like them all.
 
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