Need opinions on specific Spyderco knives

C

CriTiCiZe

Joined
Jul 19, 2002
Messages
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As some of you know I've always been into balisongs only. But recently things have happened (including this new job) that requires me to have a folder. After narrowing down my choices, I've finally come down to choosing a Spyderco. But the only problem is I have absolutely no experiance with any types of knives except balisongs :hangs head in shame:. Originally it was between a Sebenza and a Commander, but after more reading I think Spyderco would best fit the uses I need for the money.
So what I need is for you vets to give this newbie some advice and your opinions with any of the following knives that you have experiance with.

Harpy
Merlin
Endura
Delica
Civilian
Martriarch
Dragonfly
Rescue 79MM
Meerkat
Spyderhawk
Jester
Lady Bug

BTW what I'll be using it for is cutting shrink wrap type stuff, and also this...ermm..it's ..I don't know what it is but it's tough to cut through. And that Spyderedge full serrations thing is what I need to cut that hard to cut stuff. And prices don't really matter.
Any info would be appreciated. And I did do searches on this and couldn't find the info I was looking for. So I apologize as this has probably been asked before and I'm just too retarded to find it.





[Edited to add]
It's around 8 right now and I got home a few hours ago from a 12 hour workday using my $5 POS (and honestly I think it's a spydie knockoff) knife and that thing pisses me off like you wouldn't believe. Though I have been reading up on this for a lil while after last night I couldn't wait any longer. I am stupidly tired so if my post didn't make any sense I'm sorry.
 
The Harpy, Spyderhawk, and all other hawkbills or hooked-point knives will serve you well. The S bladed knives (like some of the Meerkats) will, too. None of the choices you listed are wrong for what you're using it for.
 
There are a few I wouldn't recommend for the use you described.

The Civilian and Matriarch are NOT designed for utility use and Spyderco includes a note with them that such use will void the warranty. Their tips are much to delicate for the cutting of tough shrink wrap.

The Jester and Ladybug are really too small for any heavy cutting. They are great keychain knives, but not heavy duty cutters.

The Harpy, Merlin or the new larger Spyderhawk should work well, or the Endura if you don't want a hawkbill blade.
 
I know guys that have used Harpy/Merlins for years to do the same kinda cuttin' you're talking about. They swear by them. The tips on the Civilian/Matriarch do bust under heavy use. A stainless Dragonfly will cut way more than it looks capable of!
 
i say you look into a stainless steel handled delica.

Nice compact size, but not too small. Looks great and rips open shrink wrap like boxcutter on amphetimines.


:eek:
 
Thanks for the input.

Starting this thread was kinda useless in a way because 15 minutes after I made it I went to the local knife shop and looked at all the spyderco's. It turns out that spyderco knockoff I said something about was a delica knockoff.

Which just so happens to be what I bought today. First spyderco = Delica
 
I used to work in the daytime receiving dept at Wal-Mart, and I found a nice polished edge worked great for cutting shrinkwrap. The only time I would rather have the serrated edge was when the shrinkwrap was bunched up like a rope. I still had no problems cutting it with a PE though. I just really liked using hardly any pressure, and just watching my knife glide through it and lay it open. Polished edge really shines there (no pun intended).

JMHO
Mike
 
If you're cutting stuff that's so tough, I fear you'll be forever resharpening your Spyderco knife no matter which one you choose.

My recommendation is to get a Delica or a Dragonfly (get the combo edge if you get the Delica), AND get yourself a decent box-cutter-type knife with a replaceable blade. Keep the Delica or Dragonfly in your pocket, sharp, and beat the hell out of the box-cutter on this strange tough material you mention having to cut. The Spyderco knives are great, but I can't see beating them up all the time like you're describing. You might end up thinking they're junky knives just because they keep dulling -- but any knife would, if I read you right.

But in the meantime, Delicas and Dragonflys can be had so cheaply that you might as well. They're good jumping-off points if all you ever had before were bali-songs.

Have fun, and be careful.
 
Of those mentioned, I've only had the Endura (it had poly grips, with no steel liners, I hope I picked the right name.) It was one of my first pocket-clip knives. It did everything I threw at it; my concern was the no liner dealie, but the knife never failed, at that.

I've had good luck with all of my Spyderco's, I just don't collect them anymore. One not mentioned that was a beauty was a small Michael Walker. It came with a 2-inch blade, no serrations, and sharpened well.

If needed, I would buy a Spyderco in a New York second.
 
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