Sage 1... Difference between taichung and just taiwan

MEJ

MEJ

Joined
Jul 24, 2011
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Trying to decide if the Sage 1 is a good knife, even though it is made in taiwan. Does Taichung make you feel a bit better than just Taichung or no?
Also are the Sage 2, 3 made in Taichung also?

Honestly ive read more good reviews about the sage alone than any other knife on its quality control so i probably shouldnt be worried but it is a bit discouraging.
 
Taichung's overall quality manufacturing has earned them the priviledge of putting Taichung on the blade instead of just Taiwan ;)
 
Spyderco's Taiwan made knives are consistently the best as far as fit and finish. If you are buying one of their blades made in Taiwan, then you are pretty much guaranteed a perfect knife.
 
I'll put it this way. In a discussion on bushcraft knives on the Spyderco sub-forum, a couple of guys stated flat out that the Spyderco BushcraftUK, made by the same maker in Taichung, Taiwan that does the Sage line, has better fit and finish than their custom pieces made by some big-name makers. That maker was selected in part because they are one of a handfull of makers in the entire world capable of executing the compression lock to Sal's standard. I've seen a lot more complaints about knives from the Japanese makers than the Taiwan maker.
 
my only Taichung Spydie came pretty much perfect, but i dont own enough to say the Taiwan stuff is better or not. i do love the Japanese line but i can say that mine were hit and miss in the F&F dept- Kukri= awesome, Dragonfly= so so, Junior= shoddy.
 
My Spyderco Gayle Bradley came out of the Taichung factory in perfect condition. My Sage 2 came gritty and off-center, however after some minor adjustments it is now perfect. Quality-wise, these knives are about four hundred times better than the other couple non-Spyderco knives I've had from Taiwan.
 
I own a lot of Spydercos of different types including the first three Sages. I like them all but the Sages are by far my favorites.
 
I've only got a Sage 1 from Spyderco's Taiwan factory, but mine came almost perfectly. The blade might be off center by .5 mm, but I can't adjust it as the pivot is rock solid (still smooth as butter though).
 
Thx... looks like im going to buy the sage 1 and in time the 2, 3, and te chaprall
 
The Valloton is also Taichung made and I can't find one thing on mine that I would improve F&F-wise. It's as damn near perfect as any knife I've handled in person. I'd say you have no reason to worry.
 
I had my reservations at first as well. The Sage 2 I have is about as perfect as possible.
 
I love the Sage 1. Every time I pick it up and open it I'm amazed at the quality all around. I like the blade shape on the Para 2 better so it gets way more carry time. But the Sage 1 is a more elegant looking knife. I think the Sage 1 is a steal at its price point.
 
I have the Sage 1, the Chokwe (an under discussed knife!), the Gayle Bradley, the original Bushcraft.
I must say that the folders are just as precisely made as my luxurious Swiss Klotzli knives, which is saying something !
 
Dagon said:
I have the Sage 1, the Chokwe (an under discussed knife!), the Gayle Bradley, the original Bushcraft.
I must say that the folders are just as precisely made as my luxurious Swiss Klotzli knives, which is saying something !
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I agree. I've had several Sages of different varieties and a couple of Gayle Bradleys from different runs. Every one of them has been the equivalent of any other folder I've ever had including Klotzli, William Henry and CRK. In my limited experience, the Taichung maker doesn't take a back seat to anybody.
 
The Spyderco Taiwanese knives are fantastic. As mentioned, the extra specification of "Taichung" indicates that the quality of the items produced there is a mark of distinction. :)
 
I have the Sage 1 and Chaparral and both are spot on but the Sage is absolutely perfect in every way.
 
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