Looking to finally buy high end spyderco. suggestions please?

J

JDX

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Mar 2, 2014
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I'm in a bit of a predicament. I would like to own a paramilitary 2 or military in the near future. But for this question, I'm looking at two folders. The Spyderco Lionspy and the Spyderco Rubicon. Which is better for edc? Or should I avoid the more expensive spydercos and settle on a nice pm2?
 
I have no interest in the Rubicon; I just don't like the glitter. I'm sure it's a fine folder...otherwise. Also, the LionSpy has a very good rep and lots of happy owners.
My favorite Spydercos are the PM2, the Millitary, the Southard (in black), and my latest...the Slysz Bowie. All wonderful examples of fit/finish.
 
I don't own the Lionspy or Rubicon but do have the Lionsteel SR2 and have both the Military and PM2 along with many other nicer Spydies. PM2 is going to be better for edc over the Military unless you're really into large folders. If looking for nice Spyderco titanium frame locks for edc, the Slysz Techno or Bowie are great choices.
 
The ergonomics of the Lionspy and Rubicon are very different. The Lionspy weighs 2 ounces more than the Rubicon. These can translate to significant difference in carry and use. If you're set on choosing between both keep these factors in mind. Personally I wouldn't go with either.
 
I do not own a Spyderco but live in the vicinity of several knife shops and handle them at will. I like to check out all the new ones, etc....

The Paramilitary and Para 2 are very nice knives for EDC for a lot of people. The Rubicon is nice but overpriced. And only a 3" blade.

The LionSpy is a collab with LionSteel of Italy who make superb knives sold pretty much worldwide. They also manufacture the DPx HEST line, of which both folder and fixed have proven themselves more than once to me. If you've done your research, this is the downsized brother of a classic knife...and skews more toward 'outdoor' hard use than the others. I would go with the LionSpy. From what I hear it's a great heavier folder.
 
I suggest going with the military or pm2 first. You might find your desire for other knives fade one you use one of those two for a bit.
I'm a big Spyderco fan, but those other two don't appeal to me at all.
 
I hate to admit that I forgot to mention the Spyderco Gayle Bradley. I've had perhaps eight or nine of them. The Blade is CPM-M4...one of the best blade-steels you can find. That steel is often used in "rope-cutting" competitions and holds its edge for a very long time. It is not officially a stainless steel, but few folks have ever talked about rust problems with it. Just dry it if it gets wet.
99% of Spyderco fanciers absolutely love this knife. It's 3.5" in blade-length, and VERY heavy-duty capable. A great woods knife.
 
I've had my eye on the techno for quite some time. It will probably be my next purchase. AND THAT BLUE BACKSPACER!
 
spketch said:
I suggest going with the military or pm2 first. You might find your desire for other knives fade one you use one of those two for a bit.
I'm a big Spyderco fan, but those other two don't appeal to me at all.
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That's really good advice. I think I'll do that. But if I'm going to be within that price range (pm2/military) then what about the manix 2 xl? Thanks again
 
Lots of great options. Gayle Bradley, Southard, Caly 3/3.5 CF ZDP, Native 5 CF S110V, Slysz Bowie, Techno, Lionspy, PM2 Sprint.
 
The pm2 is definitely my favorite spyderco. I didn't want to believe all the hype, but I finally gave in. It's a great EDC and fits my hand perfectly. I think everyone should at least try one. I have a couple of more expensive knives, but none have surpassed it. Only when I get a sebenza might it be knocked down. We'll see.
 
I'll echo the acclaim for the Gayle Bradley. Stock, it's a great knife. With a relatively small investment, it dresses up very nicely, and/or can be modded to make it a beastly slicer easily on par with the PM2 and Military, in my experience.

Pic, just 'cause:

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Personally, both the Lionspy and Rubicon are a little too bulky for me to EDC (and I EDC a 3.5" Hinderer XM-18 most days). Of the knives you mentioned, as a primary EDC I'd go with the Para 2. If you've already found the knife you're going to carry most days, and just want something unique to carry once in a while then either the Rubicon or Lionspy would be good. If you've got your heart set on a Spyderco that is a little more exclusive or high-end, why not go for the Slysz Bowie, Gayle Bradley, or Southard? These knives have the exclusivity and quality of the Rubicon and Lionspy, but might be a bit more EDC friendly.

Personally, I'd be all over the Bradley because of the M4 blade steel (mentioned by Sonnydaze). Or, the Slysz Bowie because of the full titanium frame, wicked blade shape, and wire pocket clip.
 
JDX said:
That's really good advice. I think I'll do that. But if I'm going to be within that price range (pm2/military) then what about the manix 2 xl? Thanks again
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IMO, the PM2 is Spyderco's best EDC blade, and their best knife under about $300. When discussing the PM2 vs the Manix2 XL, the PM2 wins in 4 of my 5 most important categories. And the 5th is a tie. Here they are:
1) PM2 ergos are near perfect. The Manix XL has a few hot spots that develop during hard use (my hands).
2) PM2 lock mechanism is one of the sturdiest locks on the market. Manix2 is almost gimmicky.
3) PM2 blade shape is plenty big enough, and is easier to control than the very big Manix2 XL.
4) PM2 weight is phenomenal. Manix2 XL weight is brutal.
5) PM2 blade steel is the same as the Manix2 XL, and both are FFG. This is the category in which they tie.
 
I talked myself out of a lionspy available locally last year, let the internet poison my mind with some negative reviews...always kind of wanted one though. I don't love sharpening those really upswept blades, though, always give me trouble. PM2 truly deserves it's accolades, in my opinion.
 
mwally said:
2) PM2 lock mechanism is one of the sturdiest locks on the market. Manix2 is almost gimmicky.
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Definitely handle a Manix 2 and feel that lock before you buy one. I completely agree it feels cheap and almost like a toy. Probably very sturdy but not a pleasure in hand, at least for me.
 
mwally said:
IMO, the PM2 is Spyderco's best EDC blade, and their best knife under about $300. When discussing the PM2 vs the Manix2 XL, the PM2 wins in 4 of my 5 most important categories. And the 5th is a tie. Here they are:
1) PM2 ergos are near perfect. The Manix XL has a few hot spots that develop during hard use (my hands).
2) PM2 lock mechanism is one of the sturdiest locks on the market. Manix2 is almost gimmicky.
3) PM2 blade shape is plenty big enough, and is easier to control than the very big Manix2 XL.
4) PM2 weight is phenomenal. Manix2 XL weight is brutal.
5) PM2 blade steel is the same as the Manix2 XL, and both are FFG. This is the category in which they tie.
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Great points. I'll take your advice and go for the pm2. Any specific model? Black blade, satin finish? And whatever other choices can be made..thanks
 
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