Recommendations for Small Spyderco

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SpookyDriver

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Dec 10, 2010
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I'm trying to find a Spyderco that fits me. I've tried two so far. The first was a carbon fiber Military that seemed very well made, but felt small and "cheap" in my hand...for lack of a better term. The shape and texture of the scales just didn't work for me at all. The other was a stainless Police model and the scales were more to my liking, but still far too small. I have large hands and both of them felt like toys to me.

However, I generally prefer small knives. For the past 10 years, I've been carrying a small Sebenza which has smaller overall dimensions than both of the Spydercos I've tried, but it feels larger in my hand due to the shape of the scales. I also like the shape and size of the Benchmade MiniGrip if that helps.

Since it's almost a 300 mile round trip to the closest brick and mortar shop that sells Spyderco, I'm pretty much on a "trial and error" mission to find one that works for me. I suppose it's also possible that I'm just not a Spyderco guy, but I like the way the company operates and I'd like to add one to the collection if I can find that works for me.

Are there any smaller (2.5" - 4.0" plain-edge blade), sub-$150 models that fill the hand a bit more than the military or police or have similar feel to the CRK/BM models I mentioned above?

Thanks for any insight or advice.
 
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I for one am very confused by this post. You say the military is too small for your hand but you want a smaller knife?

anyway, try the manix 2.
 
freedoom said:
I for one am very confused by this post. You say the military is too small for your hand but you want a smaller knife?
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In my hands, the shape of the scales makes the Military feel smaller than the overall dimensions would suggest. In contrast, the shapes of the Sebenza and MiniGrip make them feel larger than they actually are to me.

I'm just wondering if any of the smaller Spyderco models have scale shapes that fill the hand better than the Military and Police.

anyway, try the manix 2.
Click to expand...

Thanks, I'll take a look at that one.
 
So basically you are looking for a thick handled knife? Most Spydercos are generally pretty slim, an asset in my book, but obviously not yours. There are a few thick Spydies. The Native III was one. The Manix. Others that I'm sure more knowledgeable Spydie fans can name.

You're the first person I've ever heard describe the Military as small and cheap feeling. I don't think you're trolling; I'm just saying that is an interesting observation.
 
The Gayle Bradley feels more substantial in my hand than the military but it has a 3 7/16 inch blade length.

gaylebradley3.jpg
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Thank you for the picture of the Gayle Bradley. That scale profile looks much more suitable for me. My main issue with the Military and Police was the perceived lack of scale material in the middle of the handle due to the curved shape of the scales. When I closed my very long fingers around those two models, it felt like I was gripping a small, flat dumbbell. There was plenty to grip at either end, but nothing in the middle of my palm. The side-to-side thickness wasn't an issue. My hands just seem to prefer a more boxy profile.

I will try to find one of the Gayle Bradley models. The fact that my parents met in Weatherford, Texas makes it a bit more attractive, as well.
 
You might have to go up in price slightly to get what you want. I'd recommend the Caly 3; I've seen them for slightly over $100 all the way up to just under $200. Excellent knife with ZDP-189 laminate steel. Don't discount the Sage 1. It might be near that slightly over $100 price range too if you know where to look. Another way to go would be an Endura or Delica, and for a not-plastic-feel, get either in G10. You could always go with a G10 Dragonfly, which may be smaller than you request, but it has a big knife feel. That in G10 is definitely under $100 and well worth it. Try searching for it on the "site where you can also buy books."

Of course, if you like the BM Mini-Grip, you can't go wrong with a Ritter version. Different blade shape in S30v and it's an excellent choice for just slightly over $100. I HIGHLY reco that if you like a smaller knife feel in your hand and an excellent value for what you get.

Just my humble opinion. But I own all of the knives I mentioned above. Good luck buddy. Stay safe and sharp :)
 
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Superleaf is a possibility, but a touch outside your price limit. Otherwise my first thought wsa Manix 2.
 
Not sure of the price but was gonna suggest the Superleaf also since it's a relatively thick Spydie. I'm gonna look into getting one of these for myself.

The other option I was going to suggest, which is my main EDC is the Caly3. Awesome knife IMO, just not a hard use folder due to the thin blade.
I was hoping to get a DPx HEST folder but after the reported issues with fit and finish, and the ensuing sh*tstorm that occured I've decided to hold off and get an ESEE-3 folder and eventually the Izula folder if and when they're released.

I had to chuckle when I heard Spooky say that the Military was too small for his hand. That thing is huge in mine!
 
I'll put in another vote for the Gayle Bradley, feels more substantial in hand than the military, despite the shorter handle. The manix feels good too, but still feels pretty slim in hand comparatively
 
I appreciate all the input. I've got a Gayle Bradley and a PPT on the way next week, so hopefully one or both of them will do the trick.

Thanks again.
 
You might consider a D'Allara if you can find one. It does have a 3-1/2 inch blade though, so you might not consider it small. Unlike many Spyderco's though, it does have fatter, more 'rounded' scales as opposed to the very flat slabs used on some of their other knives.

The D'Allara is one of my all time favorites.
 
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