Really sharp Spyderco fixed blade?

GregNYC

GregNYC

Joined
Nov 4, 2008
Messages
63
I collect mainly fixed-blades, and recently purchased a Spyderco Enuff Leaf (VG-10). I love the ergonomics, but the edge needed work.

Then I purchased a Para Military 2 (S30V) (pictured) and it may be the sharpest knife I have ever purchased! I don't think I could improve the edge, only make it worse. I think I'll keep it un-used as a point of reference as I sharpen others, and maybe buy another one to use. The edge is that good.

Anyway, my question is, can anyone recommend a fixed blade by Spyderco that is really sharp out of the box?

Spyderco-Para-Military-2.jpg
 
Try a Spyderco Mule,i bet you won't regret,AND if you like it you can buy scales from halperntitanium/sheath at Spyderco or azwelke.for scales and sheath check cuscadi.de
 
GregNYC said:
I collect mainly fixed-blades, and recently purchased a Spyderco Enuff Leaf (VG-10). I love the ergonomics, but the edge needed work.

Then I purchased a Para Military 2 (S30V) (pictured) and it may be the sharpest knife I have ever purchased! I don't think I could improve the edge, only make it worse. I think I'll keep it un-used as a point of reference as I sharpen others, and maybe buy another one to use. The edge is that good.

Anyway, my question is, can anyone recommend a fixed blade by Spyderco that is really sharp out of the box?

Spyderco-Para-Military-2.jpg
Click to expand...

Might want to wait for that new Spyderco Phil Wilson fixed blade to come out. The Spyderco Bow river. Phil Wilson’s knives have excellent geometry that will cut well even with virtually no edge on them.

Plus it is 8cr13mov which is a great steel to learn sharpening skills on.

Spyderco-Bow-River-black-gray-G10-satin-er-large.jpg
 
My choice would be the Spyderco Sprig... blade-steel is S90V (wonderful steel) at stock thickness of 0.118" and 4.2" blade-length.
Phil Wilson designed this knife, and it will cut and slice like nothing you've seen previously. His custom knives are hard to get and costly, but this one is not.
Excellent way to go...it's just not a "bushcraft" knife...pick the Sprig for more delicate and casual EDC work.
 
Thanks everyone. You're right - I'm more interested in smaller, slicier EDC use, not so much in bushcraft. I'll look into these options!
 
Lapedog said:
Might want to wait for that new Spyderco Phil Wilson fixed blade to come out. The Spyderco Bow river. Phil Wilson’s knives have excellent geometry that will cut well even with virtually no edge on them.

Plus it is 8cr13mov which is a great steel to learn sharpening skills on.

Spyderco-Bow-River-black-gray-G10-satin-er-large.jpg
Click to expand...

Yeah everything about this knife is good until I see 8cr13mov. A better steel while keeping the price below $100 would be great.
 
Sonnydaze said:
My choice would be the Spyderco Sprig... blade-steel is S90V (wonderful steel) at stock thickness of 0.118" and 4.2" blade-length.
Phil Wilson designed this knife, and it will cut and slice like nothing you've seen previously. His custom knives are hard to get and costly, but this one is not.
Excellent way to go...it's just not a "bushcraft" knife...pick the Sprig for more delicate and casual EDC work.
Click to expand...
The Sprig is a nice little knife. It’s my go to, light use, camp knife. Great for food prep and cutting up your steak. Mine came with a less than impressive factory edge.
 
sharp_edge said:
Yeah everything about this knife is good until I see 8cr13mov. A better steel while keeping the price below $100 would be great.
Click to expand...
I like and agree with this comment. 8cr13mov is inferior to most steels in a lot of categories, but boy oh boy it can scream...gets quiet fast. Perhaps just another reason it would make for a good sharp stick and sharpening practice like Lapedog said.
 
I have only two fixed Spydies and both were really sharp from the box a Pygmy warrior and the PMA11 Mule
 
The Street Beat but not the one with the blacked out blade. You will have to find it on the secondary market. It gets a really scary sharp edge when done properly. It is the perfect size for IWB EDC.
Ergo's are fantastic Fred Perrin designed it. He is one of the letter P in the model PPT knive. I have 5 other fixed blade EDC knives and ever since I got the street beat I have never used any of the others.
 
It sounds like you are talking about factory sharpening more than blade design. If you want the sharpest knives “out of the box” then I would recommend you look at the offerings from the Golden factory. Their knives are being robotically sharpened now and the results are phenomenal...as you have noted in your new pm2.
 
Spyderco Bill Moran, my hunting knife, lightweight, right size, works like a dream. I have always found Japanese steel to be very good, the Moran has VG-10, it has been around but still one of the best knife steels in my opinion.


 
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Out of the box sharpness is so easily remedied, it's not a point I even consider. Practice sharpening. You'll need to know how to put a good edge on a blade (if you don't already) to really get the most out of this hobby.

That said, thin edges rock, and Phil Wilson designs are some of my favorite fixed blades ever. The Bow River is a no brainer deal @$32, no matter the steel. The Sprig is an awesome blade as well. I 2nd/3rd the Mule nod also...lots of steel options to scratch any steel itch on a great performing blade. So many knives!
 
I ordered a Sprig yesterday. Pictures soon...

Surfingringo said:
It sounds like you are talking about factory sharpening more than blade design. If you want the sharpest knives “out of the box” then I would recommend you look at the offerings from the Golden factory. Their knives are being robotically sharpened now and the results are phenomenal...as you have noted in your new pm2.
Click to expand...

Robotically sharpened, I could see that. I have some OOB-sharp knives made by makers who pride themselves on sharpness and have some good how-to-sharpen videos, and this one is sharper! But how would one pick out the knives from the Golden factory before purchase? The blade does say

Golden, Colorado
U.S.A. Earth

Which I haven't seen on the few other Spydercos I have.

mb> said:
Out of the box sharpness is so easily remedied, it's not a point I even consider. Practice sharpening. You'll need to know how to put a good edge on a blade (if you don't already) to really get the most out of this hobby.

That said, thin edges rock, and Phil Wilson designs are some of my favorite fixed blades ever. The Bow River is a no brainer deal @$32, no matter the steel. The Sprig is an awesome blade as well. I 2nd/3rd the Mule nod also...lots of steel options to scratch any steel itch on a great performing blade. So many knives!
Click to expand...

I am practicing sharpening, definitely. It will be nice to be able to purchase a knife I like because of its design, size or ergonomics, knowing that I can get the edge I need from it. I'm not to that point yet. I'm at the stage in the hobby where I can't enjoy it any more until I can get the blades back into their out-of-the-box state, if not better. I'm definitely getting there. I'll check out the Bow River and one of the Mules.
 
GatorFlash1 said:
Spyderco Bill Moran, my hunting knife, lightweight, right size, works like a dream. I have always found Japanese steel to be very good, the Moran has VG-10, it has been around but still one of the best knife steels in my opinion.
Click to expand...

This looks really good, thanks!!!
 
Look in to guided sharpeners. My main sharpener is an edge pro. Followed by a cheap lansky which is something I've used since I was 13. (41 now)

Left handed, Virgo, machinist and absolute perfectionist I suggest a guided system.
 
GregNYC GregNYC Congrats on the Sprig! You should enjoy that one. S90V is not the best steel to practice sharpening on, but it holds an edge a long time. Just practice on lower vanadium steels.
 
I cuss myself for not getting a southfork.
I had better get a sprig while they are a available.

Edit: I just ordered one. Have been wanting a “bird and trout” type fixed blade for years. I am glad I waited!
 
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GregNYC said:
I ordered a Sprig yesterday. Pictures soon...



Robotically sharpened, I could see that. I have some OOB-sharp knives made by makers who pride themselves on sharpness and have some good how-to-sharpen videos, and this one is sharper! But how would one pick out the knives from the Golden factory before purchase? The blade does say

Golden, Colorado
U.S.A. Earth

Which I haven't seen on the few other Spydercos I have.



I am practicing sharpening, definitely. It will be nice to be able to purchase a knife I like because of its design, size or ergonomics, knowing that I can get the edge I need from it. I'm not to that point yet. I'm at the stage in the hobby where I can't enjoy it any more until I can get the blades back into their out-of-the-box state, if not better. I'm definitely getting there. I'll check out the Bow River and one of the Mules.
Click to expand...
I think you’ll like the Sprig.
I’m trying to take sharpening a little more serious myself.
The most important thing I’ve learned so far is patience. I expect too much too quickly.
 
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