Slowly getting back into Spyderco

M

MRaymond

Joined
Jan 27, 2012
Messages
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A while back, I started my foray into higher end knives with a spyderco paramilitary 2. From there I had gotten a Gayle Bradley and Military, then a military sprint. (Along with a manix 2 xl that I didn't really like). Then I got bit by the sebenza bug. I don't like spending a lot of money on knives so I had to sell the others to get into a sebenza. Then I had some extra cash and just HAD to have an XM-18. Well, the XM-18 was great but I like thinner knives. I traded the XM-18 for a sebenza 25 and a bunch of cash. To me, the sebenza 25 is the perfect knife. A keeper for sure. Flash forward, I didn't have need for more than one Sebenza (I am not much of a collector) so I traded the 21 for some cash and some other knives. My first re-acquisition was a military. I always loved that knife. Just yesterday, I finalized a trade that included a Gayle Bradley. So of my spyderco must haves, I have 2 of them back. Next will probably be another para2 when production gets back to normalcy. I refuse to pay more than $125 because when production picks up, they will drop down to $110 or so and those that paid $200 will be kicking themselves.

Anyhow, I am glad to be back into spyderco's. They are the perfect compliment to my sebenza 25. They are real workhorse users that I don't mind pushing hard and getting dirty. Not that the sebenza couldn't handle the same work, I would just rather keep it for the regular EDC stuff. I will pull out the spydercos for the dirty work, just as Sal intended:)
 
Both make great knives. The only modern folders I carry anymore are CRK and Spyderco.
 
You got rid of your best knife, XM-18? For second rate Spydies. Should have been the opposite.
 
Everyone's different Eddie. And plenty go "full circle" meaning they move up to fancy knives and learn that they do the exact same thing and move back to lower price ranges where you can buy 8 quality knives for one XM-18's price for example. Best is subjective, some prefer a lighter and better slicer in a pocket knife.
 
All the knives Mraymond mentions are great in their application. I have have CRK's and spyderco's and I would of got a xm-18 if it was ground thinner behind the edge. Spyderco just makes the best user knife in it's price point, but CRK has to be experienced, it's just a precise piece of machining.
 
IMHO, the Gayle Bradley and Military are wonderful knives. I don't know how anyone could go wrong with these 2. Excellent choices. I've never owned a Sebenza, but had a chance to carry one for a week during a passaround. Nice knife, but S30V steel? Not my favorite.
 
MRaymond said:
After this last transaction, I am the same. CRK and Spyderco only. I do have a special ZT on preorder though.
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It is a cycle for me. I did get rid of a bunch of Spyderco knives and went upscale. I started with CRK. Then I got a hinderer xm-18 despite thinking that the ZT0550 wasn't for me due to the thickness.. I was impressed with the quality of the XM. It just wasn't for me for the same reason the 0550 wasn't for me. Add to that I could get a Sebenza 25 and a good amount of cash in a trade for the XM... I just realized what I really appreciate in a knife. Spyderco (along with CRK offer what I really want: A well built, pocket friendly work horse that accomplishes its design philosophy goals. So sure, the XM is a fantastic knife, just not for me. I'll gladly take my Sebenza 25 and some nice Spydercos instead. This all may change again but it's where I am now.
 
Got the Gayle Bradley today. It's really nice to have one back. It is exactly what you should expect in all aspects. What a great knife.
 
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