NEWBIE to SPYDERCO... Where to Begin & Why?

BenchMEDAL

BenchMEDAL

Joined
Mar 17, 2018
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Numerous SPYDERCO models seem to be quickly bought and sold here on BladeForums, and I’d like the input from SPYDERCO Veterans.

I’ve been into BENCHMADE for several years and looking for other options. I am trying to open my eyes to modern SPYDERCO folders, and looking for a place to begin.

REWIND to the mid-1990’s:
  • I owned both a fixed tip-up ENDURA and fixed tip-down POLICE Model lock-back folders.
  • Although tip-up was my preferred carry EDC, I just never felt these 1990 blades opened or closed quick enough for me. The fixed tip-down POLICE Model received absolutely no pocket time, and eventually I stopped carrying an EDC altogether.

FAST FWD to 2010’s:
  • The speed of a manual Benchmade thumb-stud & Axis lock became my preferred EDC, and I currently own many various models.
  • M390 and 20CV have become my favorite steels.

I like the look of many SPYDERCO folders (ie. Military, PM 2 & Endura),
BUT WONDER ABOUT THE:
  • scales (some very plasticky-looking, and other scales appearing like pocket-destroyers)
  • wire-like clips
  • locking mechanism
  • blade steels
Suggestions on where to begin and why?
Thanks for your input.
 
BenchMEDAL said:
Numerous SPYDERCO models seem to be quickly bought and sold here on BladeForums, and I’d like the input from SPYDERCO Veterans.

I’ve been into BENCHMADE for several years and looking for other options. I am trying to open my eyes to modern SPYDERCO folders, and looking for a place to begin.

REWIND to the mid-1990’s:
  • I owned both a fixed tip-up ENDURA and fixed tip-down POLICE Model lock-back folders.
  • Although tip-up was my preferred carry EDC, I just never felt these 1990 blades opened or closed quick enough for me. The fixed tip-down POLICE Model received absolutely no pocket time, and eventually I stopped carrying an EDC altogether.

FAST FWD to 2010’s:
  • The speed of a manual Benchmade thumb-stud & Axis lock became my preferred EDC, and I currently own many various models.
  • M390 and 20CV have become my favorite steels.

I like the look of many SPYDERCO folders (ie. Military, PM 2 & Endura),
BUT WONDER ABOUT THE:
  • scales (some very plasticky-looking, and other scales appearing like pocket-destroyers)
  • wire-like clips
  • locking mechanism
  • blade steels
Suggestions on where to begin and why?
Thanks for your input.
Click to expand...

The wire clip is actually one of my favourite clips. It is very light but strong and looks like a pen clip from outside the pocket.

In terms of blade steels Spyderco seems to use more high end steels on the regular than Benchmade. Nearly every Benchmade is s30v these days. Spyderco uses s30v alot too but does many sprint runs or upgrade models with higher end steels.

Locking Mechanism: if you like the Axis lock and want a Spyderco with a similar lock I highly recommend you check out a Spyderco with a Ball Bearing lock such as the Manix 2. Just be sure to get the g10 model because you seem to not like the FRN models. (Which you say feel plasticy, but actually are extremely tough. Many people new to Spyderco don’t like FRN.) You could also check out Spydercos with the compression lock but that is more different to the axis lock.
 
PM 2. It’s the modern-classic Spyderco and highlights the compression lock, probably at its finest. While Spyderco’s S30V is great, there are loads of other steels available in sprint runs and exclusives. The CruWear from Knifecenter is where I’d personally go if I were looking. The G-10 on the PM2 provides good traction without being a pocket shredder. It feels solid in hand and not the least bit cheap Weight is light and ergos are great.

The only reason I could see someone not enjoying the PM2 would be it’s relatively high carry clip or the space it occupies in pocket (it’s not a small knife). If that’s a concern for you, try a Sage 5. It’s kinda like a gentleman’s PM2 and I prefer it to the Para 3; ymmv.

My personal favorite right now is the Spydiechef. I’ve had mine for about 3 weeks and haven’t been able to find a single fault. For me, that’s an incredibly strong endorsement because I can find something wrong with just about anything! LC200N is exciting for me to try too. The knife is so good that in some ways it’s ruining me to other knives.

As stated above, I agree the wire clip is awesome.
 
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I only have one Benchmade, a Mini-Grip that I bought used, but the axis lock on that knife is much easier to unlock for me than the ball bearing lock on the Manix. I'm not sure if that's because my Mini-Grip was already broken in and my Manix was bought new and therefore wasn't, but even though the look and basic function is the same, the two locks feel very different to me in use.

If you want something that's flickable or fast and easy to open and close, definitely consider something with the compression lock like the ParaMilitary 2. Spyderco's back locks usually take some time and use to break in to where they open and close smoothly, and in my experience, they'll never be as smooth as a compression lock.

I like the wire clips because I like the subtlety of deep carry, but both types of clips are strong and functional.

If you're curious and like trying different types of steel, consider one of the models in Maxamet. The lightweight Native and Manix are both available in Maxamet, and some places may still have the Para 3 in Maxamet still in stock, or should be getting more in stock at some point.

Other steels of note: The Mantra and Mantra 2 have M4 steel. The Bento Box Domino has CTS-204P, as well as a PM2 and Para 3 in M390. KnifeCenter has a Cruwear PM2 and KnifeWorks has one in M4. Spyderco's flippers generally aren't on par with, say, Zero Tolerance and other brands that have more experience making flippers, but I have two Dominos and a Dice and have no complaints.

If the pocket clip carry orientation was the main thing putting you off of the Police model, the current Police 4 has 4 way clip holes and K390 steel.
 
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I would say Stretch or PM2 for starters. What do you like? What is most important to you? I have had a ton and can give you suggestions if I know what’s important to you.
 
I carried only benchmade for 20+ years until I bought my first PM2 a few months ago. Since then, I have bought 8 PM2’s, several titanium frame locks, some back locks. They’re all nice but the PM2 is far and away my favorite so far. It’s as easy to open and close as my 940’s and griptillians and is available in pretty much any steel you can imagine. I’ve put deep carry pocket clips on all of my PM2’s. The stock clip isn’t bad, but there’s lots of good aftermarket deep carry clips to choose from. The wire clips like on the Mantra, SpydieChef, Dragonfly, etc work great too.

My recommendation would be to try out a PM2 in S110V with a deep carry clip. There are also versions in Cruwear and M4 currently available from KW and KC.

The Para 3 is a pretty good knife too, but definitely needs a deep carry clip. I have one in Maxamet and like it. Basically a stubby PM2 with chamfered scales.
 
I have been a lot into ZT and Benchmade for a while over time I shifted to Spyderco

What I own:
PM2 s110v - my favorite spyderco, I like the ergonomics and the quality of the steel. IMO the perfect balance of EDC and hard use knife even if i mainly use it for light EDC tasks

Salt 2 - I use it for my diving holidays and it as proven to be very versatile. It convinced me about the quality of the dual directional FRN handle. Even when swimming I never had issue with the clip.

Native 5 LW Maxamet - I use this one as a small work knife. I took the maxamet version to test the steel and it is doing well especially with the thick blade. However the handle has no liners and you can feel it flex sometime. The back lock is very strong.

Delica 4 Zome - it is my disposable light EDC blade. Very good slicer. It is my first experience with VG10 and their is nothing wrong with it. The liners in the FRN give a good rigidity to the handle. I use it without pocket clip.

PM2 s30v black/black - it was my first spyderco and a great choice. The s30v on this has always been chipping and it is a reason why I have tested other steels at Spyderco. I done some torture/destructive test with this one and it has proven to be extremely resistant. Handles, blades, clip, locking, dlc coating ... - you name it, it outperformed my expectation by far

In my purchase list I have a techno 2 and maybe a manix 2 ... and other to come for sure

So, long story short from my experience:
- Compression and back lock locking mechanisms are strong
- G10 and FRN are good and you may prefer one over the other depending on the use you have of the knife. IMO FRN is perfect if you use the knife bare handed in moist environnement
- I had one poor experience with s30v ( I way prefer the s30v at ZT and BM) but other steels are great and s110v is really worth it

I think it will really depend on what you want to start with
Coming from Benchmade I would say, try something with a compression lock
Choil is very representative from spyderco designs so I would go for a blade with a choil

Sage 5 , PM2, etc... can be great to start

I am partial to te PM2 s110v
 
Because spyderco has a much wider and wilder variety of knives, I think you'll find something you like. I would say that if you are happy with the benchmade standard scales, you'll do fine with spyderco's FRN. While the textures look aggressive, Sal and co have adjusted things over time to keep their knives from being pocket eaters. As to your questions, I think its a matter of just try them, either grab them used on the exchange, or consider the small loss as a rental fee, and just try a few out for a while. The PM2 is a classic, as is the endura, and if you are not feeling like selling, they would both make good gifts to friends of yours. I'd grab whatever shape looks good to you, and if you like it, then track down a sprint or dealer exclusive in a steel that is what you want. Spyderco does quite a few that are far more specialized than what a lot of other companies would be willing to do, but its well worth going in those directions if you have the need.

I'd recommend a PM2, Native 5 (s35vn) or maybe something like a centofonte 3? There are also a lot of good liner and framelock models to look at as well, if those appeal to you. I certainly think you should give the compression lock a try, I like it as much as I like my axis locks.
 
  • Lapedog said:
    The wire clip is actually one of my favourite clips. It is very light but strong and looks like a pen clip from outside the pocket.
    Click to expand...
Lapedog said:
In terms of blade steels Spyderco seems to use more high end steels on the regular than Benchmade. Nearly every Benchmade is s30v these days. Spyderco uses s30v alot too but does many sprint runs or upgrade models with higher end steels.

Locking Mechanism: if you like the Axis lock and want a Spyderco with a similar lock I highly recommend you check out a Spyderco with a Ball Bearing lock such as the Manix 2. Just be sure to get the g10 model because you seem to not like the FRN models. (Which you say feel plasticy, but actually are extremely tough. Many people new to Spyderco don’t like FRN.) You could also check out Spydercos with the compression lock but that is more different to the axis lock.
Click to expand...

4mer_FMF said:
PM 2. It’s the modern-classic Spyderco and highlights the compression lock, probably at its finest. While Spyderco’s S30V is great, there are loads of other steels available in sprint runs and exclusives. The CruWear from Knifecenter is where I’d personally go if I were looking. The G-10 on the PM2 provides good traction without being a pocket shredder. It feels solid in hand and not the least bit cheap Weight is light and ergos are great.

The only reason I could see someone not enjoying the PM2 would be it’s relatively high carry clip or the space it occupies in pocket (it’s not a small knife). If that’s a concern for you, try a Sage 5. It’s kinda like a gentleman’s PM2 and I prefer it to the Para 3; ymmv.

My personal favorite right now is the Spydiechef. I’ve had mine for about 3 weeks and haven’t been able to find a single fault. For me, that’s an incredibly strong endorsement because I can find something wrong with just about anything! LC200N is exciting for me to try too. The knife is so good that in some ways it’s ruining me to other knives.

As stated above, I agree the wire clip is awesome.
Click to expand...

AlwaysTomboy said:
I only have one Benchmade, a Mini-Grip that I bought used, but the axis lock on that knife is much easier to unlock for me than the ball bearing lock on the Manix. I'm not sure if that's because my Mini-Grip was already broken in and my Manix was bought new and therefore wasn't, but even though the look and basic function is the same, the two locks feel very different to me in use.

If you want something that's flickable or fast and easy to open and close, definitely consider something with the compression lock like the ParaMilitary 2. Spyderco's back locks usually take some time and use to break in to where they open and close smoothly, and in my experience, they'll never be as smooth as a compression lock.

I like the wire clips because I like the subtlety of deep carry, but both types of clips are strong and functional.

If you're curious and like trying different types of steel, consider one of the models in Maxamet. The lightweight Native and Manix are both available in Maxamet, and some places may still have the Para 3 in Maxamet still in stock, or should be getting more in stock at some point.

Other steels of note: The Mantra and Mantra 2 have M4 steel. The Bento Box Domino has CTS-204P, as well as a PM2 and Para 3 in M390. KnifeCenter has a Cruwear PM2 and KnifeWorks has one in M4. Spyderco's flippers generally aren't on par with, say, Zero Tolerance and other brands that have more experience making flippers, but I have two Dominos and a Dice and have no complaints.

If the pocket clip carry orientation was the main thing putting you off of the Police model, the current Police 4 has 4 way clip holes and K390 steel.
Click to expand...

anthonycastorena2014 said:
I would say Stretch or PM2 for starters. What do you like? What is most important to you? I have had a ton and can give you suggestions if I know what’s important to you.
Click to expand...

Ricky Spanish said:
I carried only benchmade for 20+ years until I bought my first PM2 a few months ago. Since then, I have bought 8 PM2’s, several titanium frame locks, some back locks. They’re all nice but the PM2 is far and away my favorite so far. It’s as easy to open and close as my 940’s and griptillians and is available in pretty much any steel you can imagine. I’ve put deep carry pocket clips on all of my PM2’s. The stock clip isn’t bad, but there’s lots of good aftermarket deep carry clips to choose from. The wire clips like on the Mantra, SpydieChef, Dragonfly, etc work great too.

My recommendation would be to try out a PM2 in S110V with a deep carry clip. There are also versions in Cruwear and M4 currently available from KW and KC.

The Para 3 is a pretty good knife too, but definitely needs a deep carry clip. I have one in Maxamet and like it. Basically a stubby PM2 with chamfered scales.
Click to expand...

Therom said:
I have been a lot into ZT and Benchmade for a while over time I shifted to Spyderco

What I own:
PM2 s110v - my favorite spyderco, I like the ergonomics and the quality of the steel. IMO the perfect balance of EDC and hard use knife even if i mainly use it for light EDC tasks

Salt 2 - I use it for my diving holidays and it as proven to be very versatile. It convinced me about the quality of the dual directional FRN handle. Even when swimming I never had issue with the clip.

Native 5 LW Maxamet - I use this one as a small work knife. I took the maxamet version to test the steel and it is doing well especially with the thick blade. However the handle has no liners and you can feel it flex sometime. The back lock is very strong.

Delica 4 Zome - it is my disposable light EDC blade. Very good slicer. It is my first experience with VG10 and their is nothing wrong with it. The liners in the FRN give a good rigidity to the handle. I use it without pocket clip.

PM2 s30v black/black - it was my first spyderco and a great choice. The s30v on this has always been chipping and it is a reason why I have tested other steels at Spyderco. I done some torture/destructive test with this one and it has proven to be extremely resistant. Handles, blades, clip, locking, dlc coating ... - you name it, it outperformed my expectation by far

In my purchase list I have a techno 2 and maybe a manix 2 ... and other to come for sure

So, long story short from my experience:
- Compression and back lock locking mechanisms are strong
- G10 and FRN are good and you may prefer one over the other depending on the use you have of the knife. IMO FRN is perfect if you use the knife bare handed in moist environnement
- I had one poor experience with s30v ( I way prefer the s30v at ZT and BM) but other steels are great and s110v is really worth it

I think it will really depend on what you want to start with
Coming from Benchmade I would say, try something with a compression lock
Choil is very representative from spyderco designs so I would go for a blade with a choil

Sage 5 , PM2, etc... can be great to start

I am partial to te PM2 s110v
Click to expand...

gadgetgeek said:
Because spyderco has a much wider and wilder variety of knives, I think you'll find something you like. I would say that if you are happy with the benchmade standard scales, you'll do fine with spyderco's FRN. While the textures look aggressive, Sal and co have adjusted things over time to keep their knives from being pocket eaters. As to your questions, I think its a matter of just try them, either grab them used on the exchange, or consider the small loss as a rental fee, and just try a few out for a while. The PM2 is a classic, as is the endura, and if you are not feeling like selling, they would both make good gifts to friends of yours. I'd grab whatever shape looks good to you, and if you like it, then track down a sprint or dealer exclusive in a steel that is what you want. Spyderco does quite a few that are far more specialized than what a lot of other companies would be willing to do, but its well worth going in those directions if you have the need.

I'd recommend a PM2, Native 5 (s35vn) or maybe something like a centofonte 3? There are also a lot of good liner and framelock models to look at as well, if those appeal to you. I certainly think you should give the compression lock a try, I like it as much as I like my axis locks.
Click to expand...

———-

Thanks for the input.

I think it’s important for you fine gentleman to know what types of Benchmade folders are my Go-To knives & how I use them:
  • 940-1501 or 940-1 (Mon. - Fri. @ work, L/E in a suit)
  • 710 or 943 (Mon. - Fri. @ work when dressed down getting hands dirty)
  • 552 custom (Evenings & Weekends, around the house, hiking, etc.)
*By the way, I always swap out the BM stock-clip for a “BM deep-carry clip,” and hate scales that destroy pockets.

It sounds like SPYDERCO Veterans really like:
  1. FRN Scales
  2. Wire Clip
  3. Paramilitary 2
  4. Compression Lock

- Although I’ve never handled them, the FRN scales just seem sort-of plasticy and I’m concerned they can’t easily be swapped out. (Thoughts?)
- Are the stock G10 scales forgiving on the pocket?
- Are there any recommended blade steels? (I’ve seen a few members suggest: Maxamet, S110V & LC200N)

Thanks.
 
^ Good advice to get some Cruwear while the gettin’s good. It doesn’t stay available long and you’ll have a hard(er) time finding it when you want to try some.

Spyderco’s G10 and clips are fantastic. There is a steel/color/lock type combo for everyone.

I’d recommend a Military or PM2 for a start, especially if you’re concerned about deployment speed. Manix 2’s are popular, but I’d avoid the FRCP handles for your preferences listed. And I will add there is a VAST difference in look and feel between FRN and FRCP. I like FRN and dislike FRCP.

One of my favorite edc knives is a Stretch in Hap40. It’s a lockback, but easily flicks open once broken in.
 
It’s beginning to sound like the PM2 is the place to start.

If you could ONLY have one (1) PM2
  • What would it be (steel, scales, clip, exclusive, etc)?
  • AND WHY?
 
mb> said:
^ Good advice to get some Cruwear while the gettin’s good. It doesn’t stay available long and you’ll have a hard(er) time finding it when you want to try some.

Spyderco’s G10 and clips are fantastic. There is a steel/color/lock type combo for everyone.

I’d recommend a Military or PM2 for a start, especially if you’re concerned about deployment speed. Manix 2’s are popular, but I’d avoid the FRCP handles for your preferences listed. And I will add there is a VAST difference in look and feel between FRN and FRCP. I like FRN and dislike FRCP.

One of my favorite edc knives is a Stretch in Hap40. It’s a lockback, but easily flicks open once broken in.
Click to expand...
Thanks for the input. Are there any Military models out there where I could actually make it “tip up?” That’s what has pulled me away from the Military model. Thanks.
 
BenchMEDAL said:
Thanks for the input. Are there any Military models out there where I could actually make it “tip up?” That’s what has pulled me away from the Military model. Thanks.
Click to expand...

Nope. I’ve seen someone on here drill the scale to mod a tip up carry, but that’s it.
 
First, let me say 940, although currently my only BM, is one of my favorite folders. I have the REI flavor. Bugout on pre-order.

PM2 is my favorite folder, as I have several versions. The Military is my second.

As for CRUWEAR, is is not a stainless steel. That said, out of the Spyderco non-stainless steels I own (M4, Maxamet, K390, 52100), it is the most stain resistant. What I like about it? From my experience, non-stainless steels tend to be less chippy or brittle than the stainless ones - toughness is the category this falls under. Otherwise, wear and ease of sharpening is on par with the ones you mentioned - 20CV and M390 (M390 - my favorite and most used steel).

Comparison shot for your consideration,

hJLi5woh.jpg
 
I will echo the KW CF/M4 and KC G10/Cruwear PM2 recommendations. Keep in mind both are uncoated and non stainless, however M4 and Cruwear are both amazing steels. The PM2 is a great size while being fairly lightweight, and the comp lock is as fast and smooth as any axis lock I've had when properly dialed in.
 
Another option to consider might be the Caly 3.5 with the caveat that it's a back lock so there may be a break in period before it's smooth and you may never get that free fall blade drop action when the lock is released. Also, the steel is ZDP-189 laminated with 420J2 and that 420J2 scratches if you look at it funny. BUT! You get just about the same blade length as the PM2 in a much more streamlined package. Smooth carbon fiber scales and deep carry wire clip make it a great but still very functional gentleman's folder for office carry. The clip is tip up carry only.

41332501975_33b8f57698_b.jpg


42187287742_b5d16b21d3_b.jpg


41332501875_3fa21376ac_b.jpg


If smooth, freefall action and blade flickability are high priorities and you like a longer handle, though, maybe skip the Caly.
 
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