Rock of Sages or How Spyderco Blew My Mind

[RiverRat84]

The Sage, what a line of durable, brilliantly executed folding knives. Me, a Spyderco newb with no prior experience with these beauties. I was lucky enough to get to handle, fondle, fall in love with these knives for a few days thanks to a good friend of mine. I'm starting to wonder if I should thank him or curse him as I now simply must get my own Spyderco Sage(or 2, or 3, or 4)

Let's start at the end, the Sage 4:

A wonderful knife paying tribute to Al Mar with the lockback(or backlock).

Probably not my favorite of the four. Somewhat stiff and clunky, however, it is a solid knife to be sure and there is no doubt it'll do what you ask of it.

On to the Sage 3:

A nod to Blackie Collins' bolt action style lock.

Starting to warm up here, yet somehow couldn't adjust to the locking/unlocking mechanism. Not that it's a design that is difficult to grasp, it just didn't fall into second nature, fluid motion like the next two did.

Sage 2:

Utilizing the Chris Reeve frame lock design.

This is more my speed. I love the all titanium scales and the ease of a framelock. A great, smooth workhorse pocket knife.

Now my favorite, light weight with carbon fiber scales and ridiculously smooth opening/closing, the Sage1:

Using the Michael Walker liner lock.

This is a must have. Perfect edc in every way. Light enough to not be obtrusive, big enough to get the job done. My favorite of the four.

I did want to mention the pocket clip, the same on all four:

Over time, seeing them in pictures, I couldn't stand them. However, in person they are great! The folder stays secure, but you don't have to battle your pocket to get her loose. I also dug the jimping on the top and bottom of the blade allowing one to choke up on the knife during use if needed.

Although I didn't love all of them, I did love the variety, and maybe that's the point. With the same basic design, blade shape and scale shape, yet different enough via locking mechanism and scale material , the Sage line has something for everyone. Big thumbs up to an all around cool idea and great knives. I would definitely recommend one to anybody that enjoys the art and function of all things sharp and pointy. The value on these is unbeatable and make these an absolute must for any knife nut.

 

[atony]

The Sage2 is my favorite of the bunch, I have it on me all the time.

 

[9blades]

Nice! I wish I had a friend like that

 

[zl1]

Nice collection!

 

[tobotech]

thanks for the comparison.
I don't have a sage yet, and I might need to try one to see if it can compete with my pm2 for pocket time

 

[FCM415]

Hi James, thanks for sharing! The best part of the Sage series is it's a developing line with a fifth version already in the works.

I know the type of knives you are into, and am grateful to you for going out of your way in helping me out in the past. This is a good opportunity to return the favor. I understand that you are fairly new to Spyderco, any models in particular you are interested in? You can take one of mine for a joyride. Let me know bro!

 

[Diablo_331]

 

[evilgreg]

I like the Sage knives, I just wish they weren't so bulky--for a <3" bladed knife, the Sage is a ginormous knife.

 

[eschwebach]

I love the Sage series as well. I have 3 out of 4 so far, I am only missing the Sage 4. Evilgreg makes a good point, because of the blade shape they are quite wide in the pocket but are light enough that I don't really notice them anymore than other folders.

 

[RiverRat84]

I really dug the hell out of these knives. I can see the bulky aspect, but consider it a trade off for how light weight they are.

FCM415, thank you my friend, very generous of you to offer a test run of one of your knives:thumbup:

 

[evilgreg]

I love the Sage series as well. I have 3 out of 4 so far, I am only missing the Sage 4. Evilgreg makes a good point, because of the blade shape they are quite wide in the pocket but are light enough that I don't really notice them anymore than other folders.

Too clarify, I'm not knocking the Sage--I really like them.

The size is surprising, though. Even though my Southard is a half ounce heavier, and is a smidge longer, these two knives feel about the same to me, pocket-wise, despite the Southard having a cutting edge that is almost an inch longer than the Sage's:

This makes the Sage kind of awesome in its own right, though. You can carry it where restrictive laws (e.g. Milwaukee) limit you to a 3" blade, and it doesn't feel anything like a small knife when you use it. The ergos on that big wide blade and its thumb ramp, along with the large handle (particularly if you count the choil) make it a super comfortable knife to actually use.

So, not ideal for stuffing in a watch pocket, like a BM 707, but way more practical for day to day utility, at least when it comes to ergos. It doesn't hurt that the Sage models are such good looking knives, either

 

[PGeo00]

Thanks for the comparison. I may have to pick one up soon. Just based on looks, I like the 4 best.

 

[Ken44]

Great write up James.
Like you, I prefer the Sage 1 for its light weight. I had the 2, but found I always grabbed the 1 when I wanted to carry a Sage.
When I wear jeans I usually go with a Sebenza, Para2, or Military for my right pocket. But in the winter I often wear fleece pants when walking the trails around my house(and in the house), and the Sage 1 clip slides into the pocket well. Keep a larger knife in my coat pocket.

 

[adlerburg]

Thank ye, thank ye Mr. Rat!
I agree from an aesthetic standpoint with PGeo00 with liking 4 the best. I've always been drawn to the bolstered knives. These Ti bolsters contrasted by the Arizona Ironwood scales, and fit_n_finish of artisan quality make this my favorite looker of the bunch.
All things considered, my overall favorite is in line with James' sentiments. The Sage (1) with liner lock and cf scales is my clear winner. So if I were to quickly stack them up... it'd be 1,2,4,3.
Thank you sir for a stellar read!
-Mick

 

[phillipsted]

The Sage series is all about the ergonomics. For me, they fit in the hand better than any other folder I've ever put my mitts on. I own and carry the first three a lot. Having said that, I didn't fall in love with the 4, though. It had the same great ergos, but the weight was just too heavy for me - for that weight, I'd rather carry a Bradley.

TedP

 

[KrisOK]

I think that the sage line is a great introduction to Spyderco. The ergonomics are great and it uses a blade and handle design that could be used as a poster child for the 'Essence' of a Spyderco knife. The fact that this knife carrys over the same exact ergonomics while offering several handle and lock designs allows a person to do true comparison, which is very unusual in the knife world.

I Love my Sages, and can't wait for the next Sage to be announced.

 

[Flint Hills]

Did you stonewash the blades on those? They look really cool!

 

[eschwebach]

My knife purchase for March was going to be a Bradley Alias but after seeing the pics in this thread it is going to be the Sage 4 instead. Then I'll have whole enchilada so to speak.

 

[Diablo_331]

Did you stonewash the blades on those? They look really cool!

This wasn't done by myself but I purchased it and had it for a few months before passing it on. The blade, lock side ti slab, and clip were stone washed. The blade and clip were also acid etched. The CF scale was taken off of a Sage 1. The lock was carbonized (sp?). The screws and ti slab was then anodized a dark bronze.

 

[Diablo_331]

Double post..