someone help me understand

[ThirdTooth]

whats with the love for the sage series? I mean, they look fine, nothing special, their in S30V but so are a LOT of other blades...

I dunno, they seem ok but not overly special so why is it such a frequent recommendation and whats with the fan base its acquired?

I want to like them, I really do, I've tried. what am I missing??

 

[Orion's Belt]

Have you held one? That's where it got me. It didn't hurt that I love the looks of them as well.

 

[hank_rearden]

whats with the love for the sage series? I mean, they look fine, nothing special, their in S30V but so are a LOT of other blades...

I dunno, they seem ok but not overly special so why is it such a frequent recommendation and whats with the fan base its acquired?

I want to like them, I really do, I've tried. what am I missing??

pretty much how i'm feeling, really. i'll let the enthusiasts answer your mother question. i'd rather explain why i'm somewhat lukewarm:

1. i'm not a fan of leaf-shapes.
2. 100+ EDC knives (that's what they are) are a bit on the high end.
3. i'm a fan of the standard long clipped blades (delica/endura) which naturally channels to a liking for models like the para and the millie.
4. i'm not attracted to the caly series either.
5. never tried owning one but, depending on my mood, i'm considering a sage 2 (i like anything titanium.)

possible reasons why people like them:

1. manufacture in taichung, taiwan might be symbolic to them in some way.
2. with 4 variants available, they're doing a good job at rounding up different preferences for one model. not even the millie and para have that many standard offerings.
3. being able to contribute to alzheimer's research is cool.
4. honoring knife greats through different variants is cool.
5. i hear the knives themselves are really cool.

 

[The Deacon]

Some reasons might be their excellent ergonomics, with fit and finish to match, and their availability with multiple locks and handle materials which allows them to suit a variety of tastes as well as adding to collector interest.

 

[phillipsted]

Deacon said it well. For me, they are some of the most comfortable knives I've ever had the pleasure of holding in my hand.

I guess that's why Sal makes so many different models - different strokes for different folks!

TedP

 

[EZ Bake]

I honestly can't answer this question as well as I thought I could. I think you just have to handle one to appreciate it.

I love mine. I sold my Sage 2 and immediately regretted it, but my Sage 1 and Blue Para2 are making me long for the Sage 3.

They basically have near perfect ergonomics for mid-sized hands (and I hear they work well for folks with large hands). The 50/50 choil is a good proportion to give great precision control. It's not flat-backed like the Native, yet not hump-backed like the Caly series. I love my Native (wasn't really a fan of the Caly Ergos), but this Sage is still somehow different enough that it feels like it's not even similar.

The laminate CF-weave on top of the G10 scales (for the Sage 1) are pretty cool too - I love the texture of this knife's scales. Also, it's design is completely thought out in every way possible for the price. Opened, it's a work of art in the way the lines flow and the ergos fit everywhere they should (jimping in all the right places). Closed, it's just as flowing (no jagged parts of the tang sticking out).

Add to that the wire clip, the beautiful pillars, the simplicity of a nice flat-ground blade and perfect fit/finish and you've got a bargain.

 

[HuntBomb]

I own the Sage 1 and 2.
Best ergos and materials in a small and affordable package.
Such a comfortable EDC.

 

[The Mastiff]

I want to like them, I really do, I've tried. what am I missing??

You say you tried? What does that mean? Which one do you own and how does it fall short? Performance? Ergonomics? Looks? Can you be more specific?

 

[Ken44]

Have you ever held one?

I have large hands, and the Sage fits my hand much better than any 3" bladed knife I have ever held, and by a wide margin. I've been buying knives for 40 years, and have never had one this size fit my hand so well. I have small Sebenza's, and other 3" bladed knives, but when I carry a small knife it is almost always the Sage these days.

I also love the Spyderco wire clip better than any I've had, and S30V is a great steel.

 

[ThirdTooth]

You say you tried? What does that mean? Which one do you own and how does it fall short? Performance? Ergonomics? Looks? Can you be more specific?

Admittedly I own none of them, for any knife $100+ there needs to be something that already recommends it to me before I drop that kind of scratch to get it for myself, but I've listened to the reviews, looked at the stats, re-watched the reviews, looked at it some more. I just don't see anything that makes me want to take the leap and see for myself

 

[Ken44]

Admittedly I own none of them,


for any knife $100+ there needs to be something that already recommends it to me before I drop that kind of scratch to get it for myself, but I've listened to the reviews, looked at the stats, re-watched the reviews, looked at it some more. I just don't see anything that makes me want to take the leap and see for myself

Well, there we go. If you don't hold one how will you know how it fits your hand. THAT is the main reason I love it, as I stated.

If you are just going to go on reviews, stats, etc.., you will never know how the knife works for you.


BTW- If you have already talked yourself out of it, I can't see the reason for the thread???

 

[ThirdTooth]

Well, there we go. If you don't hold one how will you know how it fits your hand. THAT is the main reason I love it, as I stated.

If you are just going to go on reviews, stats, etc.., you will never know how the knife works for you.


BTW- If you have already talked yourself out of it, I can't see the reason for the thread???

who says I've talked myself out of it? ;P

 

[Ken44]

Admittedly I own none of them, for any knife $100+ there needs to be something that already recommends it to me before I drop that kind of scratch to get it for myself, but I've listened to the reviews, looked at the stats, re-watched the reviews, looked at it some more. I just don't see anything that makes me want to take the leap and see for myself

who says I've talked myself out of it? ;P

It sounded like you did.


Now listen to us, an try one out:thumbup:


If you ever do decide to try one keep an eye on the exchange here. I got one here for $85 shipped, and it looked NIB.

 

[Orion's Belt]

I second what Ken said. Find one here in the exchange for a reduced price and snag it up. I also got my Sage 1 here for $85 and I am glad I did.

 

[RetiredGuns]

Have you followed the story from day 1? The tribute, the quality, the popular (generally conforming size). Add in the fact that the folks in Taichung have earned their badge of honor and it makes for one heckuva series. It's given us something different yet unique each time. I have owned a few, traded a few but know I can always look forward the next...

 

[ThirdTooth]

It sounded like you did.


Now listen to us, an try one out:thumbup:


If you ever do decide to try one keep an eye on the exchange here. I got one here for $85 shipped, and it looked NIB.

naw, I'm just on the fence. its on my radar, I just can't decide one way or another

 

[nccole]

I have the 2 and 3. You really do need to hold them in your hand to appreciate them. They are just about the perfect EDC blade due to a good middle ground size. I do like that Spyderco honors a different knife maker with each knife, but that is just a bonus. I got the 3 first and probably would not have wanted the 2 just because it honors Chris Reeve had the 3 not been a totally awesome knife. I was also drawn to the 3 because of the rarity of the bolt action lock. Another huge reason I love the Sage series (and my Caly 3) is Spyderco's wire clip. It is hands down the best clip on any pocket knife. It rides low, it has good retention (not quite as good as their regular clips but good enough), and it just plain works. The screw that holds it in is buried in the handle and does not interfere with the knife being buried all the way and is also easy to pull out. I have some other knives with deep carry clips and the screws that hold the clip on interfere and is really annoying. I also think the price point is really competitive. Do you know of another s30v carbon fiber 3" blade for $95, or a 3" Ti s30v R.I.L. for $150, or a 3" blue G10 s30v for $115? The 4 does seem a bit pricey, but the wood handles with Ti bolsters may make it reasonable. I probably won't get that one.

 

[ThirdTooth]

Another huge reason I love the Sage series (and my Caly 3) is Spyderco's wire clip. It is hands down the best clip on any pocket knife. It rides low, it has good retention (not quite as good as their regular clips but good enough), and it just plain works.

funny, thats one of the things I really dislike about it. I've had those clips kind of "roll over" on me. only clip I've ever had break or fail. I also just think it looks cheap, I know that's just a preference thing though

 

[jhyde7585]

Have you ever held one?

I have large hands, and the Sage fits my hand much better than any 3" bladed knife I have ever held, and by a wide margin. I've been buying knives for 40 years, and have never had one this size fit my hand so well.

Deacon said it well. For me, they are some of the most comfortable knives I've ever had the pleasure of holding in my hand.

Have you held one? That's where it got me.

These reasons are why I love the sage series so much. Its tough trying to find a nice, smaller, people friendly EDC when you have big, fat hands. They are by far the most comfortable knives I have held in the "smaller" category.

Not only that, but the fact that you can get one of four different configurations is a great option. There is bound to be one that you are drawn to.

Just get one. Trust the fact that everyone loves them. (that's what I did with the para 2) If you are an exception, they're rather easy to resell.

 

[Seanifred]

just buy one. if you dont like it, you can get most of your money back here on the exchange.