Looking for Advice on buying a Spyderco

J

jeffe65

Joined
Dec 14, 2012
Messages
52
I'm fairly new to this site, and have been carrying a "pocket" knife since I was 8 (I'm now 56), but never owned or held a Spyderco. My current EDC favorites are a ZT 200ST and Kershaw Speed Bump.

I'm looking for a blade length of at least 3.5", and a knife that can carry comfortably in just about any clothing. I'm 6' and about 195#, so I hardly notice the ZT when I'm carrying it. I use knives for just about any conceivable utilitarian duties, but have very little training in combat. (I do carry a handgun 24/7). I'm curious about Spyderco, and have somewhat narrowed my list to the Stretch II, Endura, Military, and Ulize. I like the "Pelican" shaped blades, and recurves in general. The Military looks like it has a huge handle, but not having held one it's difficult to know whether that would be an issue. I like the blade style on the Ulize, but the overall knife in its opened position seems to have a pronounced curve, compared to others; I don't know whether that's a problem for general use. S30V or similar quality blade steel would be preferable, and I think these 3 fit in that category, though I don't know much about VG-10.

Any advice would be appreciated, and if anyone has preferences regarding blade lock mechanisms let me know. The back-lock would be okay if you can use it one-handed; for that reason I lean toward liner-locks.

Thanks in advance...
 
Ergos on the Military are among the best I've ever experienced. Some might find the handle too long, especially when gripped to include the choil, but to me its all about the balance. If you end up not liking it, someone will take it off your hands for about what you paid.
 
The military has a long handle but so does the ZT 0200. You will find that the military is very light by comparison, unless you buy they military with titanium scales.

All of the ones that you listed are good choices. The Manix 2 XL is another good choice, closer to your 0200. I have a paramilitary 2 and a gayle bradley, both of which are just under 3.5" but are still worthy choices. My next spyderco might be a starmate or vallotton.
 
VG-10 is a good steel, some like it better than S30V. It is easier to sharpen than S30V, but does not hold an edge as long although most people wouldn't really notice. The Stretch is pretty awesome, I use it one-handed. Also look at the Chokwe, it is not along the lines of what you are looking at, but it is awesome. If you like it get it now as it is discontinued for 2013. The Stretch will actually have a sprint run later this year.
 
All of those are good choices. You might want to consider adding the Para Military2 to that list though...especially if you like the Military, but are concerned its handle is too long. Para2 is an amazing knife!
 
jon1all said:
All of those are good choices. You might want to consider adding the Para Military2 to that list though...especially if you like the Military, but are concerned its handle is too long. Para2 is an amazing knife!
Click to expand...

+1
You took the words right out of my mouth.

I've never carried an 0200 or a Mili, but I, personally, find the Mili a little larger than desirable for daily carry. If you don't, great.
If you do, I'm 6', 200lbs, with XL hands and I find the Para2 to be perfect EDC size. And an awesome all-around user.
 
Here's a pic for comparison:

2013-01-08_16-11-50_848.jpg
 
I'd recommend the Mlitary if you want a large solid knife. The Para2 (a personal favorite), is also an awesome knife. It's really hard to pick a bad one or a wrong one. Find the design you like best and go with it.
 
I'm about your size and love my M390 Para Military, my hands fit perfectly on the handle, and having the ability to choke up is nice too. I really like the color as well.
 
Get a Brad Southard flipper, Paramilitary 2, or Military. Can't go wrong with any of those.
 
Wow, I really appreciate the pics for comparison, thanks! When you see them by themselves on a white background (think: Amazon) you don't get a feel for how big the Military really is. At this point, I opted for the smaller of all the ones I've considered, and ordered the Gayle Bradley - carbon fiber, satin blade. I like the blade style and the looks of it, and it's still big enough for most of the things I find myself doing with a knife.

Thanks for your help, and seeing as how I do have some set aside for another in the near future, I'll probably be looking at another Spyderco in the near future. Can you ever own enough knives? I didn't think so...:D
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top