One and only one Spyderco

I like my gray calypso jr in VG10.

For me Spyderco is much about being light and tuff and thats FRN, I want a sharp edge and no prybar. The thin, flat, leafformed blade is extraordinary. The gray FRN gives it caracter and I think that VG 10 is a well balansed edgesteel. Its nothing fancy but rock solid the best modern knife I tried.

Bosse
 
hrm. I'm just going to go off of my limited experience with Spydies. My favorite that I've handled and carried for EDC use would be the Native. I found the size to be perfect for carrying, and lightweight, and it's not too small to limit what I need an EDC knife for in any way. Feels great in the hand too. So I'd probably opt for the Native 4, never handled THAT one, but the Native with a FFG blade and CF scales can't be that bad... :)

Other than that, I've mostly handled larger Spydies, I've enjoyed them all, and carried what I can. But the native just carries well, and I find it looks very nice too. I don't need to mention how it cuts....
 
The Military and Caly3 are probably my two all time favorite knives. I usually have one, or both on me at all times.
 
One of the old Civilians, (with the heavy steal frame), because... it was my first Spyderco and it was scary.
:D
 
10+ Spydies here, love them all for different reasons. My all time favorite is the Paramilitary, that's what I recommend. Superb handle ergonomics, great slicer, most reliable lock (imho) on the market today.

If deep pocket carry is very high on your priority list then get the Caly3. It deserves all the praise it gets, very very nice knife.
 
I'm still procrastinating my first spyderco purchase but It'll probably be the Lum Chinese. I just love the design of it.
 
Well, it looks like there really isn't any shortage of options regarding Spyderco knives. Even the guys here that are admittedly "non-Spyderholics" give due respect to the brand and have something to say. Well done.

Jake Bauer said:
WARNING: buying just one spyderco can be eough to turn you into a spydieaholic. I was a strictly BM and Kershaw man before I bought an E4. Now I'm all about spydies and not much else.
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Howdy neighbor. I guess we'll see. I've got a few BM's.

Flatlander1963 said:
Boy Boy...just one Spyderco??... .You gave a $100 limit but I sense that you'll go higher for the right knife...
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Every nut knows there is no definitive price on the "right knife";)

It seems to me that there are really two standout models here. The Endura4 seems to have a consensus as the best "stereotypical" Spyderco knife and best represents all the brand has been up to now. The CALY 3 appears to have the most shout-outs for the model that portrays the current all-around best of the current Spydie line. Honorable mentions obviously should go to the Military, Paramilitary, Stretch, Delica, Natives, Manixes (Manixi?), Sages, et al.

So, I think I need to decide between the two mentioned above. My first impulse would be the Endura4 with G10 handles and VG10 steel, but it seems that most of the Spyderlegion has started with the Delica/Endura models and graduated up to something else, like the Caly 3, or Sage, or the Military, or whatever. So which to pick? Endura4 or Caly 3?

Next week, I'll get pick one up and report back. Thank you to everyone for your responses and opinions. I know they took time to write and I read each one. I also hope that everyone had a change to follow the link in my original post and read Sal's message. What a pro.

Steve
 
I would keep an eye out for a NOS or lightly used Worker model with a plain edge.

I have had and given away as gifts more Spydercos than I can count, but that worker I bought in '93 will always stay in the family.

There are a few good Spydercos being produced still, but the Worker, in my experience, has been the absolutely most useful general purpose pocket knife I have ever owned. The size, balance, blade shape, and handle just work!

Apparently either Spyderco or the knife buying public don't appreciate the best knife Spyderco has ever produced.

Of course the fact that it has been discontinued proves that it was great. They only discontinue the good stuff. Looking back I should have bought two, or twenty!
 
I own an Endura 4, and the only beef I have with it is the handle width. For most people's hands, it's kind of narrow. Same goes for the police model, a very narrow handle. (and blade). Not saying it's a bad knife, far from it, but that's the one dimension I'd change for better ergonomics.

You can't go wrong with the Sage I if you prefer liner locks and Caly if you like the back lock. Those are both very similar in size, shape, and price. Both are full flat ground blades.

The extra width of the blades also allows the Spyderhole to be further away from the handle, giving better leverage when deploying.
 
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Caly 3 in ZDP-189 or The Sage. Not the Titianium version either.....the first one with CF scales.

Both great knives.
 
There's a Spyderco for everyone. Some people prefer the "class" of, say, a Persian. There are those who swear by the ergos of a Manix, or the slicing ability of a Caly.

Spyderco showcases knives built for high performance with top quality materials, great ergos and innovative design, often the knife looks ugly too :D

My pick would be a S90V manix 2 for "one and only one" however it's about twice as high as your price range.

That said, if you're stuck between the E4 and Caly 3, go with whichever you like better. It's not up to the spydernuts to say which you will prefer.
 
Caly 3 in VG 10, hands down. For only one Spyderco under $100, that's the easy choice. Best slicer in the lineup.
 
cgmblade said:
For a low riding clip and slicing in basic black with a 3" blade I'd recommend the Caly 3. G10 scales give it a warm feel and classy look.

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This is also my favorite out of all the knives of theirs I've handled. Perfectly fitted to your hand, and is a pleasure to use. Plus the G10 is nice and grippy.
 
The top three that find their way into my pocket are my abalone inlay Native, UKPK and Centofante 4. If one is to own only 1 Spyderco I would suggest the Centofante as it is the most unique out of the bunch- why not get something that stands out? The blade is easily sharpened with its flat edge, the spyder inlay and handle sculpting give it class- I have never had a freakout when using it in public. It is a commonly legal blade length that is very useful in EDC mode. It is lightweight so it carries well in many different positions/ clothing choices. Good steel, solid enough lightweight handle, and well under $100.

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