Spyderco Sage 1 or Spyderco Paramilitary 2

C

crafty

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Jan 15, 2010
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I'm looking in getting a new Spyderco, but I'm not sure which to get :confused:

Spyderco Paramilitary 2
Spyderco Sage Carbon Fiber PE

(ohw, the Manix2 sprint or Caly3 seem to be nice alternatives to the Sage as well :rolleyes:).

Both are really good knives of course, so I can't go wrong with either of them. And I won't be too surprised if I finally have both of them within 1.5 years.
But which one should I get first... main purpose would be EDC

The Para2 seems more of a work horse to me. However I'm not sure if I would dare to really use it (and maybe even abuse it) for that amount of money. When in need a work horse I'll tend to grab my tenacious, persistence or Byrd knives and don't bother too much when they even get a little damaged. On the other hand it's a beauty and many people tent to love it. The Sage 1 seems more of a gentleman folder, which is still quite sturdy. I think it has a friendlier look as well, so when EDC-ing it people will react less intimidated when I pull out my knife. The Sage 1 seems quite comparable to the UK penknife (in safety orange), which I already have in person... but safety orange doesn't really make it a gentleman folder ;) I think it's also comparable to the persistence, but than nicer handles and s30v.
Do I need them, well my delica's, endura's and other spyderco's are already great, but they would make a nice addition to my collection.

Any suggestions?
 
I have both, but my choice for EDC is Sage. It looks very peacefully and CF scales and wire clip are pocket-friendly.
 
I think it depends on you edc needs. If you are rual then the Para 2 is your knife. That was my choice. Its very light weight, strong and balanced...

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Thats a hard one, as both are great knives. And yes, you really need them,lol.

I have both, and carry my PARA much more. If I'm going to the Dr, or someother place with starngers I will usually go with the Sage 1, UKPK, or small sebbie.

BTW, the Sage is a tough a knife as the PARA IMO, but the low riding wire clip and smaller size does make it better for some enviroments. But the PARA 2 is one of the best feeling knives I have ever held, so it will depend on your situation.
Very tough one, but I say Para 2 unless your around alot of sheeple everyday.
 
I own the sage 1, great knife! However, my spyderco of preference would be the manix 2 with the flat ground blade. I like the locking mechanism and the blade shaped is awesome imo.
 
The good news is that you don't have to fret too much about it, because either answer is the correct one.

Consider also the Caly 3.5. That one has flown below my radar for a long time, but after getting it I'm figuring out what a great knife it is. Nice and thin in the pocket and hand, but it also probably sports the biggest blade length to scale length ratio of any Spydie. A very ergonomic mid-size knife that would work fine for EDC or in the "gentleman's knife" role. But it also has a nice, steep thumb ramp and choil - each with aggressive jimping - in case you have to get jiggy with it.
 
Buy both, use them, sell your least favorite. That's the only way to know for sure.
 
I don't have the Sage but the PM2 has basically become my EDC rotation. It's kicked out the Manix 2, ZT0551, Benchmade Rift, and many other very nice knives. But the PM2 is truly an awesome knife.
 
I agree with powernoodle, caly 3.5 is my favorite edc of all the spydercos mentioned, perfect blade length, slim and light and great ergonomics.
 
Well, it really comes down to what knives you usually edc... If you like to carry a larger knife, the paramilitary 2 is for you but if you prefer the smaller types, go sage.
 
This is probably the best x-knife vs. y-knife post I've seen.

These two are perhaps my favorite two knives made by Spyderco. You'll do well with either, but make no mistake about it - the Para II is well larger than the Sage.

I carry these two knives more than most of my other Spydercos. Once I get my Chaparral, I might carry it as much as the Sage, but the only other big knife that gets nearly as much pocket time as the Para II is the Superleaf.
 
I use my para at work and it sees plenty of use. It's a heck of a knife and its in my pocket right now.
 
Get both, you won't be sorry. As many great knives as Spyderco has made, imo the Para 2 is close to perfection. In the office setting it might be a bit "large" for some, but overall it is a true classic design.
 
No wrong answers, just a question of what fits your needs/tastes best.

For a hard work knife, the Para 2 or Manix 2. For a gent's knife, the Caly 3 or 3.5. For a knife that can do 90% of what the P2 and M2 can do while looking elegant and taking up considerably less pocket space, the Sage I.
 
I have had both knives since the Sage came out so I'm no help except to parrot was has already been said in that you cannot go wrong. I do feel the P2 is a better choice for utility overall due to construction and clip. While the wire clip is very gentlemanly, easy on the pocket and classy, I have bent them on 2 Sages and 1 Dragonfly. Easy to bend back though and worth the trade off for many.
 
Thanks for all the replies!
Now I really believe I need both ;)
Anyone stories/pics of their heavy used/abused Para2? Would be entertaining and then I know what it can take, so I dare to really use it too ;)

Both, or all four :D
-The Caly 3.5 seems also really great (and I got an eye on it for some time as well). Would prefer a S30V version of it and removable scales, anyhow still on my list as well.
-Manix 2 (flat ground) is also still on my list. Loved the looks of the blue version.
 
I only have a PM2 so I can't offer input on the Sage series; but I work in an industrial format. I'm usually processing electrical cable, heavy rope and getting covering in all manner of lubricants, all while wearing gloves. I have yet to have a hard time using the PM2 in this setting. The delicate tip is great for dressing electrical cable, and the aggressive G10 has never failed me for grip when I'm all greasy and oil covered. The large handle and over-sized Spydie hole make it a breeze to open with gloves as well. Possibly the only downside is that same aggressive G10 like to hold dirt and grime aggressively, but that's nothing an old toothbrush won't fix.

On the flip side, during my non-working hours I usually carry a small Sebenza due to form factor; so this just probably muddies the waters a little more:rolleyes:
 
I see u're from the netherlands, are you a member on www.messenforum.nl ? (not trying to promote anything just a more local forum)
If you're not u should join, just make an introduction in the right place when you join.

My vote would go to the caly 3.5 Super blue (while you can still get them) otherwise i'm looking at the sage 2 above the para 2. But sage 1 is practically the same knife for less money :D.

Can't go wrong with spyderco's IMO
 
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