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zima2190

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Feb 3, 2015
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Hello everyone,

I'm new to this sub-forum but from what I've seen everyone is quite helpful so I thought I'd ask my questions here.

I have never owned a Spyderco but am looking to change that. I used to think they wouldn't be right for me but those reasons now seem exactly why I should try them. At first I found all the colors a lot of the models could come in slightly off-putting but now find that the colors could make a knife seem less threatening (in a good way). The other reason was the hole, but bear with me. It's not a Spyderco-specific thing, my experience with fingerhole opening systems has been uncomfortable. This is mostly due to the fact that thanks to genetics my fingernails extend past the tips of my fingers, even when trimmed down to my nail beds they're "long". However, I've only ever heard good things about Spyderco and with their Spyderhole being so much a part of the brand I've decided to try Spyderco knives. My bad experience with others shouldn't keep me from such a well known and respected brand. And I figure if anyone is gonna make a fingerhole opening system that even my weird fingers feel comfortable with it's gonna be Spyderco.

My problem is now where to start. I actually have a few Spydercos on a list of knives I'd possibly like to own (assuming they work out for me, even if they don't I wouldn't hold anything against them, it wouldn't be the first time something is uncomfortable due to my unaverage fingers). But I'm not sure which would be the best to start with or if something not on my list would be better.

My list of Spydercos I like are:
PM2 in S110V
Dragonfly 2 Serrated in H1
Dragonfly 2 in ZDP-189
Delica/Endura in ZDP-189
Delica/Endura Wave
Delica/Endura in a fun handle color

I'm very open to suggestions from this community as you guys have the experience I lack. My only restrictions would be nothing 4" or over (state law), nothing that costs more than the PM2 S110V (~$150 is what I see them for), and preferably not a sprint (I don't think anything I listed is a sprint, if so maybe I should say only readily available sprints).

Thanks for you help! Appreciate any feedback I get!
 
Hi Zima, and welcome to the forum. You are about to jump down the rabbit hole...buckle up. :D

All of the knives you mentioned are good options for a first Spydie IMO. I started with the serrated Dragonfly salt you listed. I have owned, and still own, MANY of the higher end spydercos and love them, but it really is hard to beat the Delica. I think that would be a great place to start and then work your way up to the pm2.....and many others. ;)


Also, the opening hole might take a minute to get used to for some (it didn't for me) but it is the absolute king of opening systems. Nothing else even compares.
 
Hi Zima

Welcome to the forum. I think a Delica or an Endura with VG10, or a regular Paramilitary with S30V would be best. I lean toward the Delica. The reason I do not suggest the S110V or the ZDP-189 is that I do not know how good your sharpening skills are. VG10 is easy to sharpen, while holding a good edge, but is not so prone to chipping. It is good stuff.
Also, Spyderco Back Locks (like the Comp lock knives) are precision made and tolerances are usually tight. So, the knife may be very tight when you get it, but it will get much better with use.
 
Try the tenacious for your first. The knife is part of spydercos budget line but is a nice example of a spyderco.
 
Welcome!

For super comfort and larger opening hole (it might work better) try Spyderco Stretch, some vendors still have VG10 model.
Another candidate is Pacific Salt.
Dragonfly might be too small, so a colorful Delica in VG10 is also a good example.
If you don't mind liner lock, Tenacious is a good choice too as a starter.
 
I'm kind of a new Spydie owner myself. Wait till you get your hands on a Manix 2xl!!!
 
Hello, I'm also new to the forum over here, but my vote would be the PM2 if you could afford it. My reasoning would be the following:
-Fit and finish of the PM2 is top notch.
-Opening action is smoother than your other options.
-Large opening hole and IMO it is a little better finished than your other options.
-Very easy to resell if you find that it's just not for you.

I also think that if you find that you don't like the PM2, you probably wouldn't like the rest of the options on your list as well. I do have to warn you though, I started with the PM2 and I have never looked back. I'm hooked. haha
 
FullCircleHook said:
Hello, I'm also new to the forum over here, but my vote would be the PM2 if you could afford it. My reasoning would be the following:
-Fit and finish of the PM2 is top notch.
-Opening action is smoother than your other options.
-Large opening hole and IMO it is a little better finished than your other options.
-Very easy to resell if you find that it's just not for you.

I also think that if you find that you don't like the PM2, you probably wouldn't like the rest of the options on your list as well. I do have to warn you though, I started with the PM2 and I have never looked back. I'm hooked. haha
Click to expand...

Nice first post and some good points! Given the OP's issue with opening holes previously, I agree that the PM2 is a great choice due to it's large opening hole. Yes, it is more expensive, but you're right that it will be super easy to move on from if he doesn't like it.
 
DocT said:
Hi Zima

Welcome to the forum. I think a Delica or an Endura with VG10, or a regular Paramilitary with S30V would be best. I lean toward the Delica. The reason I do not suggest the S110V or the ZDP-189 is that I do not know how good your sharpening skills are. VG10 is easy to sharpen, while holding a good edge, but is not so prone to chipping. It is good stuff.
Also, Spyderco Back Locks (like the Comp lock knives) are precision made and tolerances are usually tight. So, the knife may be very tight when you get it, but it will get much better with use.
Click to expand...

I agree with this. I started with a zdp-189 delica and hated it because i didnt know how to sharpen it. It almost made me give up on spyderco knives. But I got a Sage 1 and now I'm hooked. Come to think if it, add the Sage 1 to your list also
 
There is always the Domino. Classic Spyderco style blade and look but it's a flipper. You can use the hole or the flipper for the best of both worlds. One of my favorite Spyderco knives.
 
I would say go with a delica for sure as your first! But also you might want to consider something like the PM2 because that has the largest opening hole..I believe 14mm? Which ever you decide you will be happy!
 
I'd say Delica. If you haven't had a ~3.5" blade then the PM2 may be big at first. You'll get there though. The Delica is perfect though. Why no sprints/exclusives?
 
Hi , Man :) Welcome to the forums. 7 years ago , l bought my very first Spyderco , A Serrated C08 Harpy with a VG-10 blade and a stainless steel handle. However , being A serrated Hawkbill , l wouldn't recommend it as a primary blade , especially for some one new to Spyderco ( unless you plan on cutting ropes and Gutting game a lot , like me ;) ) For you , l would say , start with something simple . I would recommend a VG-10 Plain edge Endura with a stainless Steel handle . I like Stainless steel handles and the weighty feel which they offer. And VG-10 is a great steel to sharpen to a razor edge easily :D
And once you buy one , you won't stop :)
 
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Get a Delica and treat it like you found it in a dumpster
I guarantee it will always turn up to work the next day with a smile on its face .

Ken

( that was copied and pasted from a post I made a couple of years ago , it is as true today as it was then )
 
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