Sage 1 vs. Sage 2

Sage 2. It's basically a Sebenza with a Spyderhole for less than half the cost of a Sebenza.
 
I don't own either, but if I did it would be the 1. I like the liner lock and the CF better, and the price.

Here's a pic of both:


Hate to say this, but GET BOTH!;)
 
Last edited:
KyleMS11 said:
Whynot the sage 3? I think the 3 is the best of the sage family hands down.
Click to expand...

A little bit too thick and chunky IMO, and I don't really care for the backspacer. Aesthetically, neither the blue g10 nor the pattern of CF are pleasing to me either.
 
Both are great knives at great prices IMO. Hard for me to say which I prefer the most, as they are my two favorite versions of the Sage.
Great knife design, and you can't go wrong with either.


bld522 said:
Sage 2. It's basically a Sebenza with a Spyderhole for less than half the cost of a Sebenza.
Click to expand...

Other than both having the RIL they really don't have that much in common(IMO). The pivot bushing system and tight tolerence levels of the Sebenza being two of the main differences.
The Sage 2 is also a much wider knife, and larger in general.
But as you say, for less than half the price, and thats what makes the Sage 2 such a great buy.

 
My sage preference is 3 carbon>>2>>1>>>>>>>>>4>3blue.

By that I mean I really like 1, 2, 3 carbon.

You would be pleased with 1 or 2. Great EDC either way. I like the look and feel of the titanium frame over the carbon liner lock but not by much.
 
Oh and add one more thought:

One isn't much lighter or thicker than the other.
 
Ken44 said:
Other than both having the RIL they really don't have that much in common(IMO). The pivot bushing system and tight tolerence levels of the Sebenza being two of the main differences. The Sage 2 is also a much wider knife, and larger in general. But as you say, for less than half the price, and thats what makes the Sage 2 such a great buy.
Click to expand...
I agree. The nice thing is, both knives share their two biggest features in common . . . a full Ti RIL and an S30V/S35VN blade. Add quality Spyderco manufacturing and the Spyderhole's great ergos and it's easy for me to recommend the Sage 2 to folks who can't justify paying the price for a Small Sebenza.
 
Last edited:
Sage 1 liner lock and CF is a relative bargain for about $100. Sage 2 is a smooth titanium frame lock which is also a bargain at around $150. Sage 1 is a little lighter and you can't beat that price.

I like the whole theme behind the Sage Family paying homage to various locks: Spyderco Sage Goodness
 
Both are amazing but the Sage 1 is a hair lighter and the handle scales maintain their "new" look longer. Titanium slabs tend to scratch. Strength is awesome on both and the difference is negligible if used properly so lockup isn't too much of a factor. The Sage 2 feels more solid in hand due to the Titanium, but the 1 has a better overall grip due to the Twill carbon fiber and full scales. My only complaint with frame locks (RIL) is the cut scale tends to compromise comfort for the index finger when gripping (comes down to personal preference). The black pocket clip is nice on the Sage 1 for discreet carry if you're into that.
Basically:
-If your a material junkie, go Sage 2.
-For a really practical use EDC on top of a great value, go Sage 1.
-If you're like me, get both and add them to your rotation :D
 
I have both, and the Sage 2 gets carried more. Cannot really explain why, it just seems more special. I do love the 3 as well. I don't EDC it much, but grab it around the house for dirty jobs. The Bolt Action Lock is awesome.
 
I'm left handed, so for carry purposes, I'd take a Sage 3 or Sage 4, or better yet a CF Chaparral, over either of them. However, if left handed versions of both the Sage 1 and 2 were available, I might carry a Sage 1. Love the CF, and don't care for the half finished look of RIL knives.
 
Sage 1 all day. If the Sage 2 had that same "beat the hell out of it" stone-wash on the scales that the Techno had, I might go with it, but if you breathe on the Sage 2 funny it marks/scuffs/scratches and I don't like the wire clip on Ti (I actually love it against G10 or CF for some strange reason, but that is probably just me).

The Sage 1 is one of the prettiest Spydercos made IMO - I love the basket-weave CF layer on top of the G10 and with the Slysz Bowie coming out, it will rein as "Spyderco's Sebenza" (IMO).
 
I have both.

They're both great in their own ways, but I much prefer the sage 2. It just feels so much more substantial. It's slightly heavier, but quite a bit thinner (noticeable in hand). Feels sleeker and its a joy to use. It's also much simpler and just about the best you can get if you are working in a dirty environment. You can clean it as many times as you want and not worry that moisture will get caught between the scales and liners. There's literally just the Ti slabs, and a piece of s30v. That's it. The sage 1 is nice, but to me it almost feels like a toy compared to the 2.

The one downside I've found is the fact that it's a frame lock. I have a love hate relationship with them. I like their simplicity, but when you hold it in your hand, your index finger goes farther into the finger groove than it does on the sage 1, simply because there's no scale between the lock and your finger. The depression present in the finger groove makes if feel weird in hand like it's almost too thin. Also, the Ti lock bar can and WILL wear much faster than the liner lock on the sage 1. And the fact that when you get a firm hammer grip on the knife you are pushing in on the lock, might cause it to wear even faster. Fortunately it does seem to settle in at around 70-80% (for me at least).

So, both have pros and cons, but I still like the feel and look of the sage 2 much better. Just screams "trust me, I got this"

Something about Ti scales make it feel so much more solid.
Oh and the sound on opening....... Wow....
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top