I'm going to buy my first Spyderco. Your advice?

As many have stated before me, I suggest a Delica or Endura as the classic Spydercos. But instead of saber grind, I would choose the full flat. VG10 suffices for daily tasks and it is the cheapest option. You even get to choose the color for the handles!

FRN is a great material. Granted it does not have the feel and looks of G10 but it works great and it is ligther. My first spyderco was a Centofante 3 and soon after that I bought a combo edge (not recommended) saber ground Endura. The Endura has become my go to blade for those instances where I know I would probably be doing a few rough things that I wouldn't want to do with more delicate / expensive blades. It is not for the lack of love, it is because I know that it can take it and in the event it fails, it is the easiest to replace as there are easy to find in the secondary market for cheap.

There are just waaaaaaaaaaaay to many Spydercos out there. It is a matter of personal preference!

Mikel
 
A stupid question about BYRD, Spyderco's budget brand.
To what extent is Byrd worse than the "real" Spyderco?

Is it worth trying? Or should I stay away so as not to be disappointed? :oops:
 
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A stupid question about BYRD, Spyderco's budget brand.
To what extent is Byrd worse than the "real" Spyderco?

Is it worth trying? Or should I stay away so as not to be disappointed? :oops:
It is not bad by any means. The main difference is the blade steel. If you choose the models that have G10 handles such as the Resilence or Tenacious, they have a pretty close feeling to the higher end models. I own both of the aforementioned models and I am pretty happy with them.

Mikel
 
It is not bad by any means. The main difference is the blade steel. If you choose the models that have G10 handles such as the Resilence or Tenacious, they have a pretty close feeling to the higher end models. I own both of the aforementioned models and I am pretty happy with them.

Mikel
Neither of those are the Byrd line,,
I have a G-10 handled Meadowlark.. Its Fit/finish in spot on.. 8Cr13MoV steel..
If I had to nit pick it would be mine is not real smooth opening.. Not bad mind ya though..
I would not hesitate buying another.. ;)
John:)
 
Not So Dull -

If funds to purchase a knife is an issue, I would search for the knife that I liked the most, and then shop for a lightly used model of it that costs about 25-50% less than new. You will get a whole lot of knife for a lot less dough. A used knife in very good condition is not hard to find. I would also suggest that you get a decent sharpener if you intend on using your knife frequently. Here is a video of one I bought used and have had good luck with it and didn't break the bank. It doesn't replace my Gayle Bradley #1 but it is a good size serious cutter!

 
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I own two Spyderco, a waved Endura & a Native Chief, both great knives.

Everyone's tastes differ, which is why I don't own more,I think most are just ugly aesthetically, but that said, if you see one that YOU like, in your price range, from a reputable dealer, go for it. Ugly or Sexy and all points in between, Spyderco "builds" quality knives...
 
How is Spyderco at stabbing? Will it fall apart if I stab a 2x4 with nearly all my force? A Gerber survived it.

t9UYcvH.jpg
 
How is Spyderco at stabbing? Will it fall apart if I stab a 2x4 with nearly all my force? A Gerber survived it.

t9UYcvH.jpg
If you really want an extreme hard use folder : Cold Steel 4 Max Scout .

I don't usually like JoeX , but this does show the toughness against outright abuse :
 
Let us know what you end up getting. Pictures are encouraged. :)

I decided to start low. A modest Byrd Cara Cara 2 Folding Knife, FRN Blue was my choice.

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As one of my kind advisors here suggested, "it won't be your last one". That's true, I liked the whole idea of Spyderco and I think I'll get a few more over time. Now I'm looking at something like Resilience or Tenacious, or maybe even Endela or Endura.
 
I decided to start low. A modest Byrd Cara Cara 2 Folding Knife, FRN Blue was my choice.

z07hVmv.jpg


Ky2cQgz.jpg



2qLOPlV.jpg


F0j7MOa.jpg


8NyGg8i.jpg


As one of my kind advisors here suggested, "it won't be your last one". That's true, I liked the whole idea of Spyderco and I think I'll get a few more over time. Now I'm looking at something like Resilience or Tenacious, or maybe even Endela or Endura.
The Endura and Endela are going to be about the same blade shape, just with a better steel and round hole. I would suggest you try a different pattern so to speak. Native, or Manix... Wider blades and more filling handles.

Mikel
 
Contrary to popular belief, I am not impressed with the Chinese stuff from Spyderco. The Byrd line is sort of okay. The Tenacious remains popular but is radically overpriced for what it is. I've had centering issues on several of their Chinese-made knives and Spyderco is generally less friendly on disassembly. As far as steel, 8Cr13Mov is garbage in the current market and really only belongs on knives that cost $20 or less. Too many other Chinese companies are using better steels at better prices with more impressive fit and finish.

The more medium-tier stuff from Spyderco in VG-10 feels less impressive now that prices have gone up and the Chinese competition has gotten stiffer. Still, if you love one of their designs in VG-10 enough to justify the price, at least you'll get decent performance. While 8Cr13Mov can be pretty disappointing, VG-10 is a significant step up in both edge retention and corrosion resistance. It's totally adequate for my EDC needs and is probably fine for most people. It just doesn't do anything that a Sencut in 9Cr18Mov doesn't at like half the price.

Really, the best reason to put some Spyderco VG-10 in your pocket is the Dragonfly. Others here are right on that one. I have a Wharncliffe Dragonfly that lives in my jacket pocket. It's an EDC MVP. I'd love to see one offered in a more premium stainless but until then, VG-10 is A-OK. (They do offer it in K390 and people seem to love that steel, but I like to keep things stainless.)

I feel like Spyderco brings a lot more value to the table with their premium knives where the competitive landscape is different and a better heat treatment becomes a factor. For instance, 20CV on a Spyderco tends to outcut a lot of the 20CV from the Chinese brands. Once you are looking at knives like the Manix 2, Sage 5, or Para whatevers; you're looking at great knives with solid value.
 
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