I’m a Spyderco owner waiting to happen!

[Screebo]

I have a very limited selection of keeper pocket knives. I’m a new forum presence here and a retired guy who plays cowboy songs on the guitar. I’m also a sportsman and enthusiast.
I need help picking an appropriate Spyderco knife to round out my mini collection. I’m kinda attracted to special edition Para 2’s and like the use of high end steels. Here’s what I’m sporting now, your thoughts are appreciated!
(1) Chris Reeve small Sebenza in Magnacut with Ebony inlays
(2) WE Knife Snick Damasteel
(3) WE Knife Charith Ltd run #125 of 210.
(4) Pro-Tech Malibu in Magnacut textured scales
(5) CJRB Pyrite (new blade style)
(6) Kizer Drop Bear
(7) Kershaw Leek CF
(8) CJRB Ekko
(9) Spyderco SMKW M4/CF Paramilitary 2 (SOON)
(10) Spyderco Para 3 in Maxamet

Thanks!

 

[runscott]

Spydercos are like Lays. Be careful.

But I like the idea of starting with a Para 2.

 

[Fonedork]

I’d recommend a Pattadese

 

[el gigantor]

If you can source a Slysz Bowie or a Nirvana, those would be my suggestions.

 

[runscott]

If you can source a Slysz Bowie or a Nirvana, those would be my suggestions.

I like that - drop $500+ on a used Spyderco as your first one, and find out quick what the fuss is about!

 

[el gigantor]

R runscott OP has a Sebenza with ebony and magnacut. I figured he might want to go big!

 

[Blades]

I'd get the new purple G-10, black-bladed Cru-wear steel PM2 that DLT Trading has available.

 

[runscott]

I'd get the new purple G-10, black-bladed Cru-wear steel PM2 that DLT Trading has available.

Huge +1 - I've been drooling over that one for months.

 

[John Phillips]

Nice collection! Para 2 is a must for any Spyderco collector/user but I find it’s a little to big for me to carry everyday so I lean towards the Para3 in Cruwear or Maxemet. Also, Gayle Bradley 2 is an iconic model for so many reasons, get the Micarta scales for it though, I’m not a fan of spydercos fake carbon fiber or peel ply carbon fiber scales. People are crazy about the Manix line as well and it’s comparable in size to a Para 2. It really depends on the size you’re looking for and what the intended use would be. The Chapparal is one of the most capable and the thinnest blade Spyderco makes, you can get these hair whittling laser beam sharp, but then again you can with almost any Spyderco. I’m probably leaving out about 50 awesome Spyderco suggestions, the rabbit hole is deep my friend. Good Luck!!!

 

[runscott]

R runscott OP has a Sebenza with ebony and magnacut. I figured he might want to go big!

Yep, that makes sense. I've been eyeing the fancy CRK Sebenzas for a while. Some day...

 

[amunderdog]

KAPARA​

or​

SHAMAN​

 

[Bob Denman]

Welcome to our little bit of insanity.
You have some REALLY nice knives!
How about a Military, or Para 2?
Happy hunting!

 

[brownshoe]

Endura, delica or police, one of the classics

 

[maydayredparade]

Is there a local knife shop in your area? It's worth trying out a couple options in hand if you can. Spyderco does a great job with their ergonomics, but you gotta test them out to know what's going to fit your hand. Personally, I started out with a Para 3 LW thinking it would be the right size, but later realized that it felt too small and that the PM2 fit my hand much better. I also own a Manix 2 and and Endura and love those as well. Unfortunately for my wallet, I really haven't found a Spyderco in that size range that I don't like!

Aftermarket aluminum handle scales really improved the feel of both the PM2 and Manix for me as well - well worth the investment!

 

[Biochemdawg]

My top spydercos are the para 3, endela (was delica), and the Byrd line tern actually.

 

[akaMatt]

The M4 PM2s at SMKW are nice. I have the jungle wear version… great steel and I do like the peel ply CF scales. I also recently discovered that the Manix 2 lightweight is amazing, probably slightly more comfortable in my hand than the PM2. Both are great, though, and come in a variety of steels. I have both models in M4 and Cruwear (standard Manix 2). I prefer the lightweight Manix to the G10 version because the excessive jimping on the G10 frame was very uncomfortable to me… I ended up disassembling mine and using a dremel to grind it flush all around. Or you can buy some nice aftermarket scales that replace the liners for the same effect.

 

[Skar]

You can’t go wrong with Spyderco.
All the Spyderco knives seem to fit me perfectly from the dragonfly 2 to the Military I like them all.

There are a few specials out there in different steels. Dlt has purple cruwear pm3 and pm2.

But performance wise I like zdp189 endura, or hap 40 steel both are still available.
Delica and manix 2 are also great users to add to your pocket time.

 

[whp]

Look at the PM2 or Manix 2 to start with. Nice mid size knives. Good edc choices.

 

[Screebo]

Nice collection! Para 2 is a must for any Spyderco collector/user but I find it’s a little to big for me to carry everyday so I lean towards the Para3 in Cruwear or Maxemet. Also, Gayle Bradley 2 is an iconic model for so many reasons, get the Micarta scales for it though, I’m not a fan of spydercos fake carbon fiber or peel ply carbon fiber scales. People are crazy about the Manix line as well and it’s comparable in size to a Para 2. It really depends on the size you’re looking for and what the intended use would be. The Chapparal is one of the most capable and the thinnest blade Spyderco makes, you can get these hair whittling laser beam sharp, but then again you can with almost any Spyderco. I’m probably leaving out about 50 awesome Spyderco suggestions, the rabbit hole is deep my friend. Good Luck!!!

That’s a great answer! Not too heavy but para 2 and 3 have been calling. Not sure about Drunken but maybe SpydeChef is also calling. Thanks for your thoughts!

 

[Bob Denman]

Manbug?