Help with with Spyderco

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.

Have you seen the Spyderco 2017 catalog?

I EDC a Gayle B. but like many of their knives and have used them for many years. The Gayle Bradley Air, the Millies, para and reg, Twitch, Delica, Endura, Manix and so many others work very well for tasks requiring a really good folder.

http://catalog.spyderco.com/productguide/

http://catalog.spyderco.com/midyearproductguide/
 
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I've been through a bunch, and have enjoyed exactly 3 Spyderco knives that I held on to for long.

First was the Baby Jess Horn in white micarta. It was great, but I ended up selling it to a friend here on BFC. He still carries it and I'm glad to have given him a good deal on it.

The second is the Jess Horn model with the laminated ZDP-189 and maroon handles. Still have it.

Now I just picked up the sprint-run Baby Jess Horn in VG-10 and gray G-10. I'm thinking she's staying. I suggest you take a look at this one while it's available. It's truly a great utilitarian shape, with great materials and construction, in a compact and easy to carry package. I'm sure if you don't like it, it's destined to be one of those pieces that will be desirable enough that you can easily recoup your investment.

The rest I sold or gave away. But they're a quality company, so I keep trying their models. Maybe I'll keep another some day.
 
A short time ago I felt the same way about Spyderco. I just didn't see the appeal despite the positive reviews and large community.

Recently I picked up a pakka wood Delica and started to see what might have contributed to the allure. I knew I didn't like the FRN (both of my Griptilians have aftermarket scales) so I took the leap. I'm glad I did. The Delica is a great slicer and rides in the pocket with little issue. However I still wasn't completely convinced. My Delica is pretty stiff and the clip places it a little too high for my liking. Then I got a Native 5 in G10. Now I get it. The ergonomics and blade design are compelling. The clip is still not to my liking, but that can be changed. Then I ordered a Chaparral. Not as smooth as the Native, but much thinner. Not a fan of the laminate carbon fiber vs a full carbon fiber scale. May be a bit too thin in the hand, but amazing in the pocket. I currently have a Manix inbound.

So after after all of this what have I learned? Well in short that I was wrong and right about the Spyderco appeal. Some of their models and options are right up my alley, some are definitely not. It seems that the strength of Spyderco is the broad range of models and options. You can find something that works if you look long enough. Question is, will you stay at it long enough to find out? No one can blame you if you don't. If you do you will be well rewarded.
 
When I first saw Spydercos, I just hated the silly looks on most of them. However, as I browsed the forums more and read about what people thought of them, I started to get intrigued and I wanted to try one.

I got a military first and when I had it in hand, I was really underwhelmed. Seemed flimsy to me, especially with that thin tip.

I hated that knife so I just started to use it for everything in the farm. Really using that knife for work(built a bamboo porch for my nipa hut for one), made it click in my mind and I started to understand what it was all about. It's my favorite model now. So much so that I got a few backups.

SM9MFh3.jpg
 
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Re-read this post and did some research. I have not been able to get my hands on any knives - work + kids = no knife shopping. (I need a store with knives to be open past 9:00 or 10:00pm to have a chance of getting there.) Some thoughts on the recommended knives and Spydercos in general (for me):
  • Specs for most of these are very good. A couple seem overpriced. Most seem very well priced. Some seem like bargains.
  • The shallow carry and painted clips are not very appealing to me... shallow carry not good for me at work. This is fixable.
  • Some very good and interesting steel options
Putting all that into my preference blender I end up with the Native 5/Maxamet, the Caly 3, and the Mantra on the short list. Considered the Manix 2, but it seems like it would be too large to cary. It's on the longer list. Delica and Lil' Sub Hilt as well. The Sage 5 is compelling just for the compression lock, and the Sage 4 looks fantastic (ironwood with Ti bolster), but is no longer made.
 
R RipD
Due to the deep carry wire clip and the Very thin/flat carry of the Mantra should bump this to th head of the class.

I know the Native is a bit thicker in pocket, and has a regular clip (stock), it is also heavier than the Mantra.

The deep carry wire clip will bury the majority of the Mantra, while looking the least "knife like", bordering on almost "pen like".

On top of that, the Mantra can be found for around $100 on the exchange.

I haven't handled the Caly 3, so I can't speak on that model for comparisons.
 
Your logic is sound. The only caveat I can see is that the Mantra would have to be an excellent flipper to displace the ones I already have. I'm fairly spoiled when it comes to flippers. (couple of ZTs and North Arms Skaha). The Mantra is actually surprisingly close to the Skaha in terms of size and weight.
 
I like the way my Mantra2 flips. Imagine a softer detent than any ZT flipper I've ever felt (except the older, now discontinued, 0560 and 0200), but with blade deployment as quick and reliable as the 0808 or 0450.
 
If there anything that you don't like about the flipping action, you don't need to rely on it. You can use the Spydiehole and open it like a normal Spyderco.

Furthermore, I would say that the price point that this knife sits at (second hand) makes it easier to swallow any smaller quibbles.

That being said, I had a Mantra 2, and I liked it. I also found the detent to be a bit less firm (but not less crisp) than my ZT562cf. My Mantra 2 would flip reliably and quickly with a push-button technique, but if a light switch technique was used, it would often partially deploy.

The only qualm I had was that I was reliant on the flipper tab. I thought the slimmer blade would offset the single opening method, but it turns out that I prefer to have the option of using the thumb hole too. Due to this I will be looking for a Mantra 1 around Christmas.
 
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The Endura in FRN is the most "enduring" pattern. If it's too big, the Delica is its smaller twin. People all over the world have liked these knives for the last 25 years or more. They are both slimmer in profile and have better points than the Native which makes them better cutters.
 
I have med/large hands like you and I also gravitate toward smaller knives but I gotta tell you, there's nothing like the millie. It's just a great knife and the more I use it the less it seems big. I tried ignoring it and going with a smaller knife for people around work for a while but it's just too good not to use. I haven't had anyone say anything and I live close to you. I don't whip it out and flick it open like a dingbat though so maybe my demeanor is what's acceptable. ;)

IMO, if you really want to get into spyderco, it's the way to go.
 
This is almost all the knives in the 2017 January catalog ;
Delica 4 Stainless, Native 5 G10, Dragonfly G10 & SS. Value knives Efficient, Polestar, Persistence, Ambitious, Cat, Chicago, Positron, Domino, Lil' Temperance, Ouroboros, Q ball, Reinhold Rhino, Techno, LIL' Lionspy, Yojimbo, LIL' Lum, Vrango, Sage 1, 2, 3, 5. Chaparral, Caly 3, LIL' Nillaka, There is also a knife that has been discontinued called the Dice. It is a smaller version of the Domino and very nice.

Additional knives from Midyear catalog:
Para 3 and and Alcyone.
I am sure that their are more models but I left some out because some because they were specialized such has Salt series which is good for salt water conditions

Their are more styles that have been discontinued that are available on the secondary market such as the Dice etc.

Good luck
 
Have not read the catalog. But have done various searches on the Spyderco site, which I assume is the same thing. Should have mentioned that I'm not buying any knives from China, so the Alcyone is out no matter how good it is. Not trying to start a debate - just a personal choice on my part that limits my options. I get that many will disagree and are free to do so.

Been all over the place locally. Options to get my hands on Spyderco knives are lacking.
 
Spydies are great. That American-only mantra (heh) locks out several cool designs, in addition to the knives you say you've already handled and didn't like (which ones were those?).

I notice you are eyeing several similar shaped models, with a tendency towards smaller. I will say, the Native 5 and Manix 2 feel very solid, but if size is a concern then go with the Native because while it's just as beefy in the hand, it's a lot smaller in the pocket.

Also, on their flippers. I've only ever owned and handled a Southard (not on your list anyways) but it did not flip very well, or at least nothing like a ZT. Whereas the ZT fires open because the force needed to break the detent is the same as to open the blade, the Southard had a softer detent and so I needed to apply more force than I'd like to open it completely. I did like that the Southard flipper tab was very comfortable.
 
I used to not care for Spydercos .. they looked like some strange alien tool. But I gave some a try and though I still don't like the FRN scales at all and there aren't many I've tried that I've kept ... but there are a couple ...

My favorite Spyderco is by far the Native 5 G10 ... feels great and its a stout knife not so big for those times you may want a bit smaller knife. And I use and carry mine more often then I would have thought.

And the PM2 ... it still surprises me that I like it as much as I do but it just works ... it feels good it cuts great and although I put aftermarket scales on it I do really like it ... it doesn't see pocket time at all but it gets used nearly everyday sitting on my desk for anything from opening packages to cutting food up.

And I do admit the Manix is the other I could see carrying or getting use if I didn't have way too many knives anyway. But it's a really nice knife and someday I may keep one and use it.
 
RipD said:
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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If you can't get to a shop to handle the knives you can always request a catalog from Spyderco.

It's not the same as holding a knife, but they print most photos of the folders true to size. It's a lot nicer than trying to imagine the size just based on the measurements in a spec sheet. Also makes for easy side by side comparison and catalogs are just more fun than webstores.
 
Overdue update... still haven't found one but have very limited time. Work, three teenagers, tons of house projects - life getting in the way. I decided to carry the Dragonfly I bought to see how I could live with it. A very short review after carrying it for ~3 weeks:

Size/carry: Very small, which is nice for carrying in the office. It somehow carries larger than I expect it to. Not huge, but it's in the way sometimes when I go to do pocket stuff.
Grip/handle: Not great for me. I can use it, but don't enjoy it. Too small an uncomfortable.
Clip: Good. I loosened mine just slightly - now easier to get in and out. I mean JUST slightly. On thinner pants material it would have been fine.
Deployment: Just terrible for me. Could be my lack of experience with the Spidie hole, but it's just a pain to get open. Cut myself once with it trying to open one handed. Combo of stiffness opening, my inexperience, and maybe small size? 100% my fault, but just too hard to get open. I do an internal groan every time I have to open it. Compared to other small knives that easily and consistently open and lock up, this thing isn't even close for me.
Usability: It's an odd, awkward size for me. I somehow managed to stab my non-carry hand while I was cutting an apple. Also 100% my fault, but this has never happened before. Something about this just doesn't work as a regular pocket knife. It somehow requires much more care than something even 1/2 larger. Kind of odd.
Lock: Excellent. I prefer a lock I can close one handed, but have to admit this one is excellent - rock solid and very secure.
Blade/steel/grind: Fantastic. This is a ridiculously slicey blade. It just loves cutting stuff. I get why people like these blades. Takes and holds an edge incredibly well.
 
I don't see how one could have trouble opening a Spydie, but have you tried spyder dropping it? If ever there was a knife this was useful for, the Dfly2 is it. You just pinch the spyder hole with your thumb and middle finger, and flick your wrist to force the handle to drop open. I've taken to doing it exclusively with my G-10 Dragonfly, it feels very natural.

RipD said:
Overdue update... still haven't found one but have very limited time. Work, three teenagers, tons of house projects - life getting in the way. I decided to carry the Dragonfly I bought to see how I could live with it. A very short review after carrying it for ~3 weeks:

Size/carry: Very small, which is nice for carrying in the office. It somehow carries larger than I expect it to. Not huge, but it's in the way sometimes when I go to do pocket stuff.
Grip/handle: Not great for me. I can use it, but don't enjoy it. Too small an uncomfortable.
Clip: Good. I loosened mine just slightly - now easier to get in and out. I mean JUST slightly. On thinner pants material it would have been fine.
Deployment: Just terrible for me. Could be my lack of experience with the Spidie hole, but it's just a pain to get open. Cut myself once with it trying to open one handed. Combo of stiffness opening, my inexperience, and maybe small size? 100% my fault, but just too hard to get open. I do an internal groan every time I have to open it. Compared to other small knives that easily and consistently open and lock up, this thing isn't even close for me.
Usability: It's an odd, awkward size for me. I somehow managed to stab my non-carry hand while I was cutting an apple. Also 100% my fault, but this has never happened before. Something about this just doesn't work as a regular pocket knife. It somehow requires much more care than something even 1/2 larger. Kind of odd.
Lock: Excellent. I prefer a lock I can close one handed, but have to admit this one is excellent - rock solid and very secure.
Blade/steel/grind: Fantastic. This is a ridiculously slicey blade. It just loves cutting stuff. I get why people like these blades. Takes and holds an edge incredibly well.
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