Help with with Spyderco

R

RipD

Joined
Dec 10, 2014
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I'm struggling to find a Spyderco knife I like. I don't have a particular need for one, but I'm curious as to what I'm missing. I’ve handled several, from $60-$200+. They generally don't seem to fit my hand well and just don't feel "right."

I like practically everything. I have a couple of CRKTs, several Kershaws, a couple of ZTs, some BMs, few mid-techs, a couple of traditional folders, and a few others. I like all of them, large and small. My hands are medium sized, maybe between med and large for some things. I tend to prefer small blades for EDC – 2.75 – 3.0. I carry some larger blades but I don’t need the size or weight at work (office).

Tony from EDC does great reviews and loves Spydercos. Nick S. loves them too. These guys are smart, knowledgeable about knives, and good reviewers. I generally agree with their recommendations. I don't get why they love Spydies and I can't find one I like. I also like the company: innovative, U.S. based, have a zillion options, and seem to have really moved the industry forward. I want to like their knives and give them some business.

Here's a good example: I recently got a Dragonfly II in ZDP-189 for a small carry EDC based on Tony’s "best knives of 2017" post. It feels like a toy. I know the steel is excellent. I find it hard to open (very stiff) and hard to close. I don’t’ dislike lockbacks, but it’s awkward on a knife this small. The handle isn’t comfortable and doesn’t feel secure in my hand. I would choose my Drifter over the Dragonfly every time. I know the Dragonfly is a much better knife on paper and has much better steel.

I like variety and have no real preference for flippers, thumb studs, or holes (no nail nicks, please). I have mostly frame and liner locks, but have no issue with lockback or Axis locks.

I'm thinking maybe I need to try the Native, Chaparral, or Sage? These look like excellent knives. Can't recall which of these I've tried - maybe none. There have to be some Spydies I will like and want to carry. What am I missing?
 
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Try a delica. It has frn so it can have that toy feel to an extent. It is larger than the dragonfly. There is the mantra if you bump up the price. It is relatively similar in shape to the delica. It is titanium frame lock with m4 steel.
 
Egros is a preference, no1 can really tell you what will work for you.
If you can go to a shop and try a few, that will be the best. For an EDC you should try Delica - hard to beat for the size/weight.

You should also try PM2 and Mili. I find that this two fit my hand the best (mili being the winner), however, they are on a larger side and not that suitable for office space IMHO.
 
Can't go wrong with the Chaparral.
Great steel, awesome slicer, nice size for office carry, and the new Raffir Noble handles on the Chaparral look pretty friendly for an office environment.
 
Thanks dsalazar, Ruso, Barman1, and Danke42. Will take a look at those. Tried a PM2 - too large for me to EDC and didn't feel great. Will try to get my hands on a Military, Delica, Caly, and Chaparral.
 
For me, the Spyderco designs in your preferred size range that have the best ergonomics are the Sage series, Caly 3 (get it in ZDP-189), Native 5, and the Urban. On paper the Urban would seem small, but it fits my medium sized hands quite well, better than a mini-griptilian. I see that you can still find the sprint run Urban with K390 blade, too.
 
RipD said:
Thanks dsalazar, Ruso, Barman1, and Danke42. Will take a look at those. Tried a PM2 - too large for me to EDC and didn't feel great. Will try to get my hands on a Military, Delica, Caly, and Chaparral.
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If the PM2 was to large don't waste your time with a Milli!
 
Native, Sage and Stretch are my favorite Spydies in terms of ergos. The stretch might be a little big if you though the PM2 was a little big.
 
RipD said:
Thanks dsalazar, Ruso, Barman1, and Danke42. Will take a look at those. Tried a PM2 - too large for me to EDC and didn't feel great. Will try to get my hands on a Military, Delica, Caly, and Chaparral.
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Maybe PM3 if its too big
 
Mantra 1.

Ti frame lock, flipper on bearings, M4 blade steel, built as a slicer from the ground up. Opens equally well with the thumb hole or flipper tab. Carries easily, and the wire clip is a Very nice design.

Delica 4 up top
Mantra 1 below.
spyderco-mantra-hap-2.jpg
Very similar hand shape, but the Mantra carries a little bit more cutting edge.

You said you didn't like a lockback on a smaller knife, and though it will break in, you don't have to settle for that.
 
Have you tried a lil Vallaton? The handle is .5 inches shorter, blade .2" shorter than the pm2; the handles are polished, plus it has thumb studs as well as spydie hole. It's a pretty refined looking knife, $185 new.
 
Another vote for the Mantra1.
But if you dont like Spidies,you dont like them and thats the end of it.Its a brand you either love or hate.I love Spydercos and i cant stand ZT and CS.
 
R RipD
I was in your position some time ago. Wanting to, but not quite liking the Spydercos I'd tried...the PM2, especially. I found the handle shape appealing - it was shaped just right - but I disliked the way it felt in hand. Changing the scales helped a lot...but the least expensive alternatives are almost the cost of the knife itself, and many are well over. The Manix 2 is better, but still not great.
Of the models I've tried, there are exactly 3 Spyderco folders that I like in stock form: the Sage 2, the Mantra 2, and the Advocate. Admittedly, I find the Mantra 2 and Sage 2 to be on the small side...and, therefore, a bit awkward at times; but I like them enough that I still carry them (I wear XL gloves, and do not have sausage fingers. The only exception I've found is that I wear large nitrile gloves). The Advocate is, hands down, my favorite; but it's only about a quarter of an inch shorter than the PM2 (likely all handle)...so, if the PM2 is too big, you may find one of the others more to your liking.
I recommend trying to get your hands on those three, to see how you like them. (I'm not suggesting that you buy them all - ideally, find a local shop that has them, or maybe local members would be kind enough to let you handle theirs.) Where are you located?
 
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You are going to get as many answers as there are Spyderco models. I, like you have tried over the last 20 years to really like Spyderco knives. They make a great product, great company, but they have a few not so appealing issues. Of the dozen or so models I've owned and handled the only 2 I find suitable for me in the size/comfort/caryability department was the Jess Horn with micarta handle (gave to my son) and the Native 5 lt wt which I still own and carry occasionally. The only other Spyderco I currently own (but do not carry) is a PM 2. It just takes up too much pocket real estate and the blade to handle ratio is not efficient. But it's a great knife in many respects. The only advise I can give you is to just handle as many different iterations as opportunity affords you and if you are smitten by one then get it and try it out. If it ultimately fails to impress you sell it or give it away and move on. I know it's quite fashionable in the knife world to be enamored with Spyderco. But you chose what you like and suits you and forget the rest.
 
IMG_2397.JPG Was going to suggest the Lil Sub Hilt also!
This knife is built to last! Super solid with great action, excellent steel, nice thin grind and fits the hand beautifully!!
I love it!
Joe

Yonose said:
Have you tried a lil Vallaton? The handle is .5 inches shorter, blade .2" shorter than the pm2; the handles are polished, plus it has thumb studs as well as spydie hole. It's a pretty refined looking knife, $185 new.
Click to expand...
 
Thanks all for the additional suggestions. Several things I need to go look at. The small Vallaton looks interesting, if a little spendy.

sharp_edge said:
Dragonfly ergo is among the best and it has nothing to do with the hand size.
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I don't doubt this is true for most people. Just doesn't work for me - can't say why other than what I've written. Certainly not critical of those for whom it works and in no way disparaging the brand or that knife. No question Spyderco knows what they're doing design wise.

I'm in Portland, OR, so I have access to a lot of knives. Not so much for Spydies. I'm sure I can get my hands on the more popular ones mentioned above. Next time I get to Denver I'll try to go by their outlet.
 
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