Just Ordered a Sage 4!

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Jul 2, 2000
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I was about to pull the trigger on some tactical something or other and ran across the Sage 4 on the site I was going to order from. HOLY HELL!!!!! I normally would want some overbuilt tactical tank but something about the Sage 4 just spoke to me. A few people had suggested the Sage 2 for some of the features I was after but the Sage 4 just had that old world look that exuded solid craftsmanship! I remember about 15 years ago I was in Japan and saw an Al Mare Sere in a little shop (the original lock back not the SERE 2000) and it was super expensive due to where I was and the fact that they are near impossible to find. I ended up buying a SOG Tomcat instead because it was similar and cost a lot less... Those two designs were what got me into knives in the first place. Fast forward to now. I had spent most of my money on "super tacticals” over the years and wanted something a little different that could be easy on the eyes and yet kick major ass if needed. I think this should fit the bill nicely! The ONLY thing I would like to see are some nice black micarta replacement scales made available. The ironwood looks great but textured black micarta really tickles my fancy. That’s just a little nit pick but not really, just something I would like to see... Maybe a sprint run for later on? :thumbup: Anyway, Sal if you read this, thanks for making such a cool design!
 
You certainly found a solid knife in the Sage 4. Yeah, a lot of people see it as a gents type folder but it's built like a brick... Well you know what I mean. :) Post some pics when you get it, I like to see all the different variations in the wood scales. Mine are nicely matched but not too much burl. I've seen some that are crazy beautiful. :thumbup:
 
I will post pics for sure. Should have it in a day as the shop is in my town, they are just not open for walk-ins for another few weeks and I didn’t want to wait any longer so I ordered it online from them. I don’t know why anyone would think this design would be of weaker design or just as a “Gents” knife. It seems a few people think that due to the wood and Ti bolsters but a lot of people don’t realize how tough Al Mar’s folders really are, coupled with Spyderco’s quality and build this should be a little tank. More to come soon...
 
I love just about everything about the Sage 4. The Ti bolsters, full flat grind, desert ironwood, low ride wire clip, spyderco made... But I just cant spend that kind of money on a Taiwanese knife.

Otherwise, thats the perfect knife for me.

Congrats, I want to see the pictures.
 
Don't have the 4 yet, but I have the Sage 2, and let me tell you the factory in Taichung makes a damn good knife. Just as good as USA made, IMO.
 
The re-engineered lock Spyderco is now using on some models including the Sage 4, Native 5 and Chaparral is just awesome. Very tight lockup. No bladeplay.
 
Took some shots of mine tonight but it was getting pretty dark so they don't look their best.

sage4_1.jpg

sage4_2.jpg

sage4_3.jpg

sage4_4.jpg
 
Congrats on the new purchase, I have all 4 of the Sages and #4 is my fave for its solid classy look and feel.
 
Right on, love the look of the sage 4. I literally just got my first sage, the "2" a few hours ago and let me tell you its going to be my new EDC along with my Umnumzaan :)
 
Sage 4 is my first and only Spyderco, worth every cent. The titanium/ironwood combo is gorgeous. The bolsters are scratching up easier than I had hoped, though once you pound enough character into it, titanium comes back around to being purty.
 
I actually have sad news to report... I thought about what use I would be putting the knife through and thought a GB would be a better choice. I called and changed the order. It will be delivered today though. Now I will save for the Sage 4 as a secondary knife. I realized I would likely put the Sage through usage it may not be up to and the Bradley was likely more suited to heavier cutting tasks. Sorry to cry wolf with this thread. I will go sit shamefully in the corner... However there are some nice pics in this thread. I’ll have one soon enough.
 
I actually have sad news to report... I thought about what use I would be putting the knife through and thought a GB would be a better choice. I called and changed the order. It will be delivered today though. Now I will save for the Sage 4 as a secondary knife. I realized I would likely put the Sage through usage it may not be up to and the Bradley was likely more suited to heavier cutting tasks. Sorry to cry wolf with this thread. I will go sit shamefully in the corner... However there are some nice pics in this thread. I’ll have one soon enough.

You bought another Spyderco, no need to apologize. :D
 
You bought another Spyderco, no need to apologize. :D
I just hate to be indecisive lol.:(:D I’m good now though. I will grab the Sage 4 next and then the Terzoula SlipJoint after that. I really like the look of that Terzoula. I just discovered that today and just HAD to add it to my list. :p
 
My Gayle Bradley arrived this morning. I am glad I took a few years off from buying knives. It allowed me to be blown away and appreciative of the quality of what’s being made these days. This knife is beyond well made and everything about it exudes quality. My new slogan... “China Makes One Hell Of A Knife!” I can’t believe I almost passed on the Taichung made knives. I actually think this is better made than most knives made in the US. It’s every bit as nice as anything I have had from Benchmade, Strider, Chris Reeve and a few others. I can’t wait to put some miles on this CPM M4 and give it some character...
 
Hi USAFSP,

Thanx much for the interest and support. I'm sure you will appreciate Gayle's design.

I should point out that Taiwan isn't China. Big difference in the knife as well as the price. I would also say that our maker in Taiwan is among the best.

sal
 
Is the wood stained at all or that the natural color? Also, is there a clear coat finish or is it plain wood?
 
Hi USAFSP,

Thanx much for the interest and support. I'm sure you will appreciate Gayle's design.

I should point out that Taiwan isn't China. Big difference in the knife as well as the price. I would also say that our maker in Taiwan is among the best.

sal
Thanks so much for making me feel like it was money well spent. No buyers remorse at all here! I will be sending more of my business your way for sure! I hope to see a frame lock Paramilitary with CPM M4 come down the pipe some day. Till then I’ll be saving up for the Sage 4 I didn’t buy and a Lionspy. Thanks again, you rock!
 
Indeed, the Taiwan maker is definitely a cut above. I ended up with the Gayle Bradley a couple years ago and, it is still the knife that others are judged against for overall quality and fit and finish.
 
Is the wood stained at all or that the natural color? Also, is there a clear coat finish or is it plain wood?
The Ironwood scales are natural - no stain. I don't think there is any coating but don't quote me on that. Ironwood by it's nature is very hard and dense and normally does not require any finishing.
 
It sure produces some awesome colors naturally then.......Maybe Sal could chime back in about the finish?
 
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