Next Spyderco Recommendation

Andya27

Andya27

Joined
Dec 26, 2013
Messages
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Being new to acquiring knives, I thought it best to purchase a fairly broad spectrum of knives - traditionals, modern folders - all within a size that could be considered an EDC. My first Spyderco arrived today - a Sage 1.

Up to the arrival of the Sage, I have concentrated primarily on Benchmades (a couple Mini Griptilians and a Mini Barrage). My Leek is a nice knife, but probably not in the same class.

When the Sage arrived, I was surprised that it's as large as it is. And yet, even with its size, because of the great placement of the clip, it rides lower in the pocket than my Benchmades - and doesn't feel larger than the Mini Grip. I understand it's not a good idea to ever compare brands. But I will say this - I am very impressed with this Spyderco. It just feels right in the hand. And the blade locks cleanly. And everything is aligned perfectly. I can't say the same for all the other brands I've purchased. I'm so pleased with the Sage 1 that I think I'll purchase another Spyderco before another Benchmade.

All that being said - what would be a good choice for my next EDC size Spyderco?
 
If you really dig the Sage, you could look into any of the other Sage series knives. If you want something a bit different, you could go either lower-cost-high-value or higher-end-collectible. For great knives in terms of pure EDC functionality any Seki-City made FRN handled knife is a winner. With the ZDP-189 and Super Blue models of the classics available, you can also have a lightweight EDC that is more special.

If you wanted to go higher-end there is the Domino; the dimensions are very similar to the Sage, blade shape is similar, it is a great knife in terms of materials, and fit & finish. The Chaparral is a good choice as well.

What is your philosophy on what makes a great EDC knife, such as preferences for weight, blade length, handle size?
 
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Able Dog said:
If you really dig the Sage, you could look into any of the other Sage series knives. If you want something a bit different, you could go either lower-cost-high-value or higher-end-collectible. For great knives in terms of pure EDC functionality any Seki-City made FRN handled knife is a winner. With the ZDP-189 and Super Blue models of the classics available, you can also have a lightweight EDC that is more special.

If you wanted to go higher-end there is the Domino; the dimensions are very similar to the Sage, blade shape is similar, it is a great knife in terms of materials, and fit & finish.

What is your philosophy on what makes a great EDC knife, such as preferences for weight, blade length, handle size?
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Many thanks for the replay. In some ways, it's too early for me to even know what my preference would be, as I have such limited experience with modern folders. Certainly no larger than the Sage 1, and certainly no heavier. What I like about the Mini Grip is how light it is. What I like about the Sage 1, though heavier, is that it feels very solid in the hand.

Blade length should be no longer than three inches, and preferably shorter. I live in a suburban environment, and really don't require a larger blade.

In terms of purchase price - I'd rather spend $300 on a really great knife than buy three ok $100 knives.

I'll take a look at the knives you suggest.

Again, thanks for the quick response.
 
i would wait and get one of the new ones like the firefly or a native 5 in 110v if you want to spend the big bucks.
 
As mentioned, try the Chaparral. It's a mini-like Sage-1. It really depends on what you're going after as to what we can recommend.
 
If you can deal with the back lock absolutely the best choice for you would be the chaparral, you can get it to match your sage 1 with CF handles and S30V or you can get Ti handles with a CTS-XHP blade.

Another awesome 3" knife is the Caly 3, it comes in g10/VG-10, a sprint run of grey g10/Super Blue or CF/ZDP-189 and it one of the most ergonomic handles I have experienced in any knife from any maker. (Note the UK Pen Knife [or UKPK] is a non-locking version of the Caly 3 and has been offered on a few handle & steel options)

Another option is the new Sage 3 which you'll like if you like Benchmade cause of the lock and it to is CF (or the just disco'd version of it is blue G10 if you wanted something different).

And finally one other option, I doubt you have anything like this- a Tasman in full SE, an amazing utility knife and H1 is totally rust resistant.

Let us know what lock type and steel your after, are you ok with carbon steels or do you need stainless? Spyderco really offers us some amazing carbon super steels that you can actually afford of your ok with the extra maintenance they require.
 
Thanks for all the suggestions.

I'm not expert enough to know much about steel. I have no issues with carbon blades though. Most of my traditionals are carbon, and they really don't require that much more work. So if there are some carbon blade models I should look at, that would be just fine too.

Much appreciated suggestions here.
 
You picked a good one to start out with, and comparing brands is perfectly fine in my book.
 
hmmmm, a dragonfly 2 would be good, smaller than the mini grip. A native would also fit the bill.
 
There is a lot of good options, I would go with the Sage 2 or step up into the Domino. The Para 2 is always a good option, but then again there is so many. I love my Delicas and Endura as well.
 
Living and working in a suburban/urban environment, the smaller the knife, the better. Also I have really small hands. I find my Case peanut isn't at all small for me.

That being said, perhaps the smaller Dragonfly might be a good choice.

I notice that there are two steel options: VG-10 and ZDP-189. I've heard of S30V. I've heard of VG-10. Though I really don't know the difference between them. ZDP-189 is a new one for me. I see that with the Dragonfly you can spend from $60 all the way up to $130, depending on handle choices and steel.
 
I love my carbon fiber Chapparal. S30V steel, thin, light, but feels substantial and precise. It's one of seven different knives in my EDC rotation.


And G-10 is a handle/scale material rather than a blade steel.

ZPD-189 is a Hitachi Metals (Japan) super steel. In my experience it is quite a bit more prone to rust or spotting than say S30V.
 
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If you really like small, Spyderco's Techno might be a good fit. It has a really slick stonewashed titanium handle. For some it is too small, at minimum it allows for three fingers on the handle. If you have smaller hands and are careful how close you get to the cutting edge, you can squeeze all four on. The Techno is going to be smaller than the Sage, weigh about the same, and has a beefier handle/blade. What is good about that is, even though the handle is short it still feels substantial in hand.
 
Another vote for the Chaparral, but I really wanted to suggest that you go to Spyderco's web site and download the 2014 catalog. Not only is it excellent knife pron, it also has a ton of information about their steels, handle materials, blade shapes, locks, etc...
 
Para 2 is hugely popular for good reason, although it's nearly 3.5" and you indicate you want 3" max. Get one anyway - you may get attached to it, and it's easy to sell if not.

The Domino is awesome and worth every bit of it's price IMO. Very pleased with mine. Although it is slightly over 3" and perhaps not as small and light as you are asking for.

Might I suggest what I am currently doing? I have ordered a currently available sprint run Delica with Aogami Super Blue blade, and I'm going to add some nice custom scales to it (haven't picked them yet). For a reasonable price I will have a sprint run of the Delica (an iconic, light, 3" EDC Spyderco) with a top quality high carbon blade laminated between 2 pieces of stainless, and custom scales of my choice.
Google 'Super Blue Delica' and see what you think.
 
With what you've stated about your hands, and the ergos of the knife you like, I'd say go with the Caly 3 or a Dragonfly. The Caly 3 is what I carry for similar reasons and interests to what you report. I also agree with the sentiments above about ergonomics on the caly.
 
I know you said you would rather spend $300 on one knife than $100 on multplie knives but.....Paramilitary 2 + Caly 3 + Dragonfly = Win.
 
Noddy13 said:
Might I suggest what I am currently doing? I have ordered a currently available sprint run Delica with Aogami Super Blue blade, and I'm going to add some nice custom scales to it (haven't picked them yet). For a reasonable price I will have a sprint run of the Delica (an iconic, light, 3" EDC Spyderco) with a top quality high carbon blade laminated between 2 pieces of stainless, and custom scales of my choice.
Google 'Super Blue Delica' and see what you think.
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I like the idea of this steel. Different. Where do you find custom handles for the Delica 4?
 
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