Picking out 1st Spyderco

B

BladeWalker

Joined
Jan 9, 2001
Messages
39
I've been looking at the Endura, Native and the Wayne Goodard Lite as a carry/work knife.
I've only seen these knifes on the web and would like to know a little more about their contruction. Mainly, what kind of screw setup is used for the blade. Can they be adjusted etc?
I used a SOG Autoclip (in the same price range) for a few years and I'm wondering if the quality is going to as good (or better) with one of these (under $50) Spyderco's..?.
Thanks,
Rich<>
 
BladeWalker,

Welcome to the Spyderco Forum.

First, I can't speak for the Goddard, but I don't believe that the Native or Endura have adjustable blades.

As far as a quality Spyderco under $50, I'd recommend the Standard. ATS-55 steel and G-10 scales with in a very low-riding model. The model is discontinued but there are some still floating out there for good prices. Last time I checked, Smoky Mountain Knife Works still had some under $50 as part of a closeout. They're excellent knives. I have one, I gave one to my best friend, who carries it as a work knife. He loves it. There's a good pic here: HTTP://store.knifecenter.com/pgi-ProductSpec?SP5GP

In terms of the three knives you list, I like the Native--even though it has zytel scales. You just can't beat that 440V steel, and the hefty blade on the Native is a work horse.
 
I don't believe any of those three have an adjustable pivot.
The Goddard and Endura are longer than the native. The Endura is a classic, but I'd take the Goddard over the Endura because of the handle and the better blade heft.
The Native is quickly becoming a worldwide favorite, but I prefer other Spydies (Calypso Jr., for instance) in this length.
 
I think we all realize that this sort of question comes down to individual preferences and ergonomics. With that said, I'm a big fan of the Native. Get the Lightweight model for its better blade steel.

The fact is that you can't go wrong with any of them. Spyderco knives vary from "good" to "excellent" in quality.
smile.gif


--Bob Q
 
I think you should handle the Calypso Jr. Lightweight. This is my favorite knife, by far. The VG-10 steel takes and holds an edge very well. Due to the flat grind, it is also a very good cutter. I think you'll be pleased if you get one of these...

--Matt
 

Thanks for all the input Guys. I'm thinking of following Guyon's advice and try to get a Standard. I've been looking at the size of these knifes and have decided to go with the smaller blade size. (The people at work can't get used to my SOG X-Ray).
I see that the Calypso Jr. is in the same size range, but I'm not so sure about the forefinger-on-the-blade hold. I can't stand the sight of blood (my own;-).
Rich<>



[This message has been edited by BladeWalker (edited 03-13-2001).]
 
Hard to go wrong w/ the Standard. I pulled mine out for a recent trip (involving airports) & was very comfortable w/ it. Great ergos & cuts like mad. Great knife for a great price. G10 & ATS 55 for $45.00.

------------------
"Never give a sword to a man who can't dance" (Celtic Proverb)
AKTI# A000107
 
<font face="Verdana, Arial" size="2">Originally posted by Rugger:
Hard to go wrong w/ the Standard. I pulled mine out for a recent trip (involving airports) & was very comfortable w/ it. Great ergos & cuts like mad. Great knife for a great price. G10 & ATS 55 for $45.00.
</font>
Click to expand...

Darn! I just paid $48 (+5.10 S&I).
I had an Ebay bid in and someone out-bid me! So, I looked at the same sellers list and saw two more Standards. I picked out the cheaper one and used the Buy-it-now button. It's in the mail today. Thanks for all the help guys.
Rich<>


[This message has been edited by BladeWalker (edited 03-14-2001).]
 
I would go for the Lightweight Native or hold out for a BF Native in the Knives for Sale Forum if I wanted a small knife. Otherwise, I would go for the StarMate, my favorite of all folders, or a Military, both of which have the adjustable pivot. Yes, they are more expensive, but a Mercedes is more expensive than a Hyundai, although both are acceptable transportation.

------------------
Walk in the Light,
Hugh Fuller
 
The picture on Ebay showed a point-down clip position. I read the text (below) and saw the clip can be installed either way. Is this version 5GP an older style?
I can't find any good pictures on the back-side on the web and didn't see anything about a two posistion clip at any of the E-store write-ups.
Is there a review of this knife on the web?
I'm hoping to get delivery this weekend..
Thanks, Rich<>


-----------
" New in box and under manufacturer's warranty. Standard. 3 7/8" closed lockback. ATS-55 Stainless blade with thumb hole pull. Black G-10 handles. Black stainless belt/pocket clip. Lanyard hole. Tip up or tip down carry option".

 
BladeWalker,

Believe me. $53 is not a bad price for that Standard.

However, as far as I know, the Standard is tip-down only. That eBay seller is probably not trying to deliberately mislead, but I'd inform him of the slip up. Sounds like he may be confusing this knife with the Calypso Jr. Lightweight, which does have a clip that can be attached for either tip up or tip down carry.

BTW the Calpso Jr. Lightweight would not be a bad choice, but I like the size and shape of the Standard more than the Calypso. Both ride low in the pocket. The VG-10 on the Calypso might be a little better than the ATS-55 on the Standard, but the G-10 scales far outshine the Zytel handle of the Calypso Jr. Lightweight. The Standard is just a nicer package overall IMHO.

I'm a big fan of G-10, especially since it still grips well if the knife handle is wet, and so I have a number of Spydercos with these scales (Military, Wegner, Wegner Jr., Rookie, Standard).

Let us know how you like your knife when you get it.

Oh, and for those of you who like the Standard or Rookie, SMKW still has some of the serrated versions on sale. Just got the new catalog yesterday.
 
Bladewalker-
The $45.00 price tag I mentioned was from Smoky Mountain- $40.00 for the knife & about $5.00 for the shipping. I could be off a buck or two- still a decent price at $50.00.

------------------
"Never give a sword to a man who can't dance" (Celtic Proverb)
AKTI# A000107
 
Hey, thanks for the correction Paul.

BladeWalker, you get your Standard yet? Whaddya think?
 
<font face="Verdana, Arial" size="2">Originally posted by Guyon:
Hey, thanks for the correction Paul.

BladeWalker, you get your Standard yet? Whaddya think?</font>
Click to expand...

Yeppers,
Got back from a long trip last night, checked out my new Standard, kissed my wife and crashed.
It's the perfect size. I'm very pleased. It's also VERY sharp. I've never seen a blade this sharp. I was eating a banana this afternoon and held out a side of the peel and wacked it with the blade. I was amazed how the peel just fell in half. I could not feel any resistance! I kept cutting off 1/2 inch sections while my family looked on..
It's an impressive little knife!
Thanks for all the input guys.
Rich<>
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top