spyderco EDC Recommendations wanted

M

mikemock

Joined
Feb 17, 2008
Messages
45
Until today I had only handled pocketknives with studs in the blade.
Today I checked out a Spyderco with one of those big holes in the blade.
I liked it very much.
Now I am interested in an EDC with a large round hole in the blade.
Until now I have been carrying LeeK (a very nice knife, until the spring broke).

My criteria is this.

  • Blade: 3 -> 3.5 in.
  • No serrations
  • No tanto
  • I don't have much steel preference (would liked to go better than 440A).
  • Price: about $60, but I will go as high as $120 if the knife is right.
  • As flat as possible
  • As light as possible
  • Clip carry (reversible preferred)
  • Any reasonable color (no pink, etc).
  • Assisted opening not preferred

I might even be interested in two knives with the above criteria.
One for everyday carry and another for when I dress up.( in other words, nice 'gentleman' looking)

Thanks in advance.

M.

P.S. Am I the only one who finds the hole in the blade to be smooth and easy to open, or is this common knowledge and I one of the last to find this out?
 
I would suggest a Delica. It is flat, light, has a 4-way clip and has VG-10 for a blade steel. It should be available for about $50.00 or so from some of the on-line dealers. New Graham Knives would be one place I would recomend.

I don't think you would be dissapointed.

Bruceter
 
;)Darn! We've been hiding that from you to keep them all to ourselves! Who ratted us out?:mad:

Seriously, welcome to the fold! :D The Spyderhole is a concept so simple that you just don't think it can work until you try it. You may find that is a common thing with Spyderco engineering. Some of the odd-looking designs really have to be used before the light goes on. :cool:

As far as your specs go, I'm afraid that about half the Spyderco line will fit into your guidelines. The lowest end steel they use is well above 440A. I think AUS-8 is about as low as it goes, and that ain't too shabby. A lot of people think the Caly3 is the best all-around folder for EDC ever. I personally like the UKPK for light to medium duty, as the unlined G-10 makes it very light and flat, and the low-ride clip makes it effectively disappear in your pocket. I like the S30V steel, and I don't need a lock on my folders. If you prefer a lock, the Caly3 is much the same, only with liners and a lock.

For a budget introduction to the world of Spyderco, the Tenacious is hard to beat.
 
MIKEMOCK-

It's hard to go wrong with Spyderco. Take a close look at the staples: Endura, Delica, Native...etc. etc. None will disappoint.
 
Thanks everyone.

Looks like I have a lot of research to do.

I really have to get used to the look of these knives with the wider 'spyderhole' blades. Typically I like my pocket knives to be long and thin.

Any feedback on the Centofante 3?

Is this a thin knife?
 
I have had my eye on a Caly 3 for a while now. I think that could fit the role of your gentleman's folder for about $100. You could also get a Native, endura, or delica for about $55 or less.
 
mikemock said:
Thanks everyone.

Looks like I have a lot of research to do.

I really have to get used to the look of these knives with the wider 'spyderhole' blades. Typically I like my pocket knives to be long and thin.

Any feedback on the Centofante 3?

Is this a thin knife?
Click to expand...

Reasonably. The handle is FRN, which is light and tough, and measures 0.400" thick at the butt. The blade is quite thin, measuring .080" at the tang. The thin hollow grind makes it a great slicer. It has one of the narrower closed widths in the Spyderco line, comparable to the Caly3 or UKPK. The only drawback I can see is the clip is right hand only, although it can be mounted for either tip up or tip down carry.
 
Bax Axe said:
I think that could fit the role of your gentleman's folder . . .
Click to expand...

Does that mean that the fit and finish on the Caly 3 is more refined that the others?

I also might be leaning toward the Caly 3, but I'm not sure I want to pay the extra $50 (or so). If can also double as a 'dress' knife it might be worth the extra money.

I like how the clip allows it to sit deeper, more discretely in the pocket.

I believe that the blade is flat-ground. What does that mean? What are the advantages/disadvantages?

Thanks
 
spidyman said:
Delica 4 in FRN is my vote
Click to expand...

+1 on the delica. I'd also recommend the waved version, but I feel the regular Delica is the archetypical Spyderco. A great first knife to experience the company. It was my 'gateway' knife. You'll also find the hole is better not only for opening, but for deep slices and for cleaning, where studs would normally get in the way.
 
Go for the Caly 3 or Delica 4 G10.

They are both different takes on the same thing:

~3" Flat Grind VG-10 with G10 scales.

Luxurious Performance....
:D
 
If you can broaden your horizons a bit more, and accept the utilitarian nature of FRN, which is wonderfully light and very strong and tough, but not fancy, I would highly recommend the Calypso Jr. with its FFG laminated ZDP-189 blade that is a hair under 3" in length. It is not a fancy gents knife by any means, but imo, it is an incredible high performance 1.9 oz pocket scalpel. Due to the extreme light weight, you completely forget you are carrying it. Not as well suited for heavy duty use as the Delica but it handles what I need it to do just fine..
 
Delica or Endura. Or you could check out the Byrd line for something cheaper. I like their steel better than 440a.
 
According to your specs I would say the Endura SS with VG10 blade and a plain edge blade from New Graham. The Stainless handle is very slim and the only other choice at your price range is the FRN which is not quite as slim ,is lighter and very durable but feels cheap.
I am not dissing FRN (at least not here)but some people don't like how it feels.

VG-10 is a great steel and in many ways better for a novice or EDC blade than some of the high end stainless.

The Endura plain Edge is the closest in size or if you want a slightly smaller knife there is the Delicia VG10 Plain edge with stainless handles.

The only issues with the stainless handles over the FRN are they are not as grippy(for a SD knife I would get the FRN Waved endura VG10PE) and they do get scratched.
A few minutes with some sandpaper and they are back to new.

If 60$ is to much cash there are the Tenacios and the Byrd Flight. You can get the Byrd Flight with G10 handles which are usually only on expensive knives.
 
Newbie here, I have a Spyderco Native and yellow Atlantic. The former is useful due to small size and lightness, an occasional EDC (I work in an office), and the latter due to the fact it cuts wet rope/fishing line better than most thngs, and is useful in low light conditions when fishing or sailing at sea.

We liked the Atlantic so much we bought a dozen for the Engineers to use Offshore as in Oil & Gas platform. Much better than the previous grossly over-priced rubbish they were using.
 
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