Spyderco's smaller knives are perfection

EZ Bake · Mar 25, 2011

I bought my first Spyderco knife less than a month ago - it was a Sage and its honestly got to be the perfect knife for a 3" medium use knife. I picked up a Gayle Bradley at the same time, but opted to sell it and order another smaller Spyderco instead since I prefer around a 3" blade for EDC and utility in general.

I just snagged a ZDP-189 laminated CF Caly 3 that should be here next week, but then I saw that Spyderco makes a Sage 2 and a Sage 3.

I'm trying to figure out which Sage to get next. I like the frame lock, but I'm not a fan of titanium scales (on the non-frame-lock side) unless there's something grippy on it (like the original Kershaw Tyrade's carbon-fiber inlays) or checkering or some sort of texture on the scales. I know the scale can be removed and I saw JohnWayneColt45's Youtube review of the Sage 3 and he had swapped his Sage 1 and Sage 2's scales (which I guess I could order or just make some with some G10 or Carbon Fiber material and some finish-sanding).

I like the concept of the Sage 3's bolt-action lock, but don't know much at all about how strong it is. Is it a hard-use locking mechanism? I've seen reviews of how easy it is to use, and I like the blue G10 scales, but I'd love to hear from anyone who has one and has used it to any degree of rough use to see how strong it is.

I really want my next Sage to be one that I can use for harsher work - I won't pry with the tip or anything, but I'd like to use it for heavier stuff. Should I go with the frame-lock and upgrade the one scale, or is the Bolt-action stout enough to do some tough stuff (for a 3" folder).

These 3" Spyderco knives are addicting - I love how they disappear in the pocket and how easy that leaf-shaped blade is to maneuver for intricate cutting.

ficklampa · Mar 25, 2011

You should take a look at the Cricket then.. It's awesome.

I EDC mine every day since I bought it. It wont scare people like my serrated Delica or asissted kershaw do.

Gadgetman7 · Mar 25, 2011

I have all three Sages. I don't see how you could replace the s les on the Sage 2 since the frame and lock are one piece. I suppose you could add a scale to the titanium.

As far as strength, I personally believe that the Sage 2 with a RIL is one of the strongest locks available. I've used this knife very hard and had absolutely no issues with blade play or lockup. The blade holds an edge even after cutting rope and boxes most of a day. I'm not sure this is just a medium duty knife.

The Sage 1 liner lock is very good as well and I have never had issues with it either. It would be easier to change scales if that what you want to do. But, it seems to me that the locking mechanism on the Sage 2 is stronger.

If you can find it, Spyderco made a Salsa model with a titanium compression lock. It's now discontinued but it's also very sturdy for it's size. However, it does have the same type handle as the Sage 2.

EZ Bake · Mar 25, 2011

Gadgetman7 said:
I don't see how you could replace the s les on the Sage 2 since the frame and lock are one piece. I suppose you could add a scale to the titanium.

The scale opposite the frame lock is mounted to a liner (or so it appears in the online videos I've seen).

Here is the video where he's changed the one side's scale:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z1xOyAakKQo&feature=player_detailpage#t=89s

Note that he actually confuses which one is the Sage 1 and Sage 2 because he's changed the liner on the one side.

As far as strength, I personally believe that the Sage 2 with a RIL is one of the strongest locks available. I've used this knife very hard and had absolutely no issues with blade play or lockup. The blade holds an edge even after cutting rope and boxes most of a day. I'm not sure this is just a medium duty knife.

The Sage 1 liner lock is very good as well and I have never had issues with it either. It would be easier to change scales if that what you want to do. But, it seems to me that the locking mechanism on the Sage 2 is stronger.

If you can find it, Spyderco made a Salsa model with a titanium compression lock. It's now discontinued but it's also very sturdy for it's size. However, it does have the same type handle as the Sage 2.

The only scales I have a problem with are the one slab of aluminum on the Sage 2 (but I understand that the other side is the frame-lock side and can't be changed). I actually love the scales on my Sage 1 and would love to have them on the Sage 2 (or at least on one side).

That's cool to hear about the Sage 2's strength though man, I appreciate the info. Is the spine thicker at the tip on the Sage 2 over the Sage 1? I think I'm leaning towards getting a Sage 2 (especially since I can't seem to find a Mini-Manix anywhere).

That Salsa model looks cool too. I love that Spyderco keeps surprising me with these discontinued models that I have to track down and find as well as cool production models.

MerkurMan · Mar 25, 2011

I've ECDed my Sage 1 for the better part of a year and I have to agree that it is a flawless tool to have with you. The ergos are nigh-on perfect for me, and the fit & finish, looks, materials and clip are wonderful. I have to add that anyone doubting its toughness must not be handling the same knife. I've used mine to cut thousands of feet of heavy cardboard, pallet strapping (heavy nylon or PVC material), I've dropped it on concrete numerous times, took it swimming, and it never missed a beat. I find that even the delicate-looking clip is tough as nails. It's gotten caught and been bent out, and I had no problems bending it back in to place without any loss of strength.

Sorry to ramble but I had to add my two cents!

timberweasel · Mar 25, 2011

To be honest, I consider my Sage a medium-sized folder. Leaf-shaped blades always seem 'bigger' to me...

EZ Bake · Mar 25, 2011

Don't get me wrong, I'm not doubting its durability, but the liner-lock has never been my favorite locking mechanism (I've had one fail on me when digging into a piece of wood with the tip and I've been jumpy around them every since). It was a long time ago and it was on a very cheap knife, but I still have those doubts in the back of my mind.

That being said, I don't have any reason to doubt this one, but since I'm getting another one anyways...

Also - I'm pretty new to the Spyderco world and I guess there are lots of smaller knives out there than the Sage - but I'm really digging these 3" bladed models for EDC, so I'd guess these are medium sized?

Either way, I've been very happy so far and hope to be happy with a Sage 2 or Sage 3 next.

EZ Bake · Mar 26, 2011

EZ Bake said:
The scale opposite the frame lock is mounted to a liner (or so it appears in the online videos I've seen).

Here is the video where he's changed the one side's scale:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z1xOyAakKQo&feature=player_detailpage#t=89s

You know - I might have to recant that statement as I now have looked at enough other video reviews to see that he actually moved the liner and carbon-fiber scale from the Sage 1 to the Sage 2 and the titanium slab from the Sage 2 over to the Sage 1.

That means I'd have to have both a liner and a left-side scale from the Sage 1 in order to give the Sage 2 some more character over the plain titanium slab-side scale. That seems like a lot more work/money than I'm willing to spend.

But... I now want a custom Sage 2 with something other than that bare smooth titanium on the one side - I've got a machinist friend, there might be some checkering in my future...

MerkurMan · Mar 26, 2011

EZ Bake said:
Don't get me wrong, I'm not doubting its durability, but the liner-lock has never been my favorite locking mechanism (I've had one fail on me when digging into a piece of wood with the tip and I've been jumpy around them every since). It was a long time ago and it was on a very cheap knife, but I still have those doubts in the back of my mind.

That being said, I don't have any reason to doubt this one, but since I'm getting another one anyways...

Also - I'm pretty new to the Spyderco world and I guess there are lots of smaller knives out there than the Sage - but I'm really digging these 3" bladed models for EDC, so I'd guess these are medium sized?

Either way, I've been very happy so far and hope to be happy with a Sage 2 or Sage 3 next.

It's funny that you mention the anecdote about prying with a cheap liner lock. I had a similar experience years ago with a $9 knife and trying to pry the Chevy badge off of a scrap trunklid. The knife folded and sunk about 3/8" in to the tip of my thumb! I learned two lessons that day: don't use your folding knife for prying, and don't carry cheap knives!

Take care.

timberweasel · Mar 26, 2011

Glad to hear you're digging the Spydies, EZ! My favourite brand to date...

You ought to check out the Centofante 3 if you're looking for a nice, thin, lightweight folder. It does have a blade that's just over 3" but it carries very nicely (almost like a smaller blade, in fact.) It's quite a good slicer, imo, and can be had for around $50-$60 give or take...

EZ Bake · Mar 28, 2011

Thanks for the input fellas - I think there are probably more discontinued models out there that tickle my fancy than current production folders (and there are a lot of current prod folders that I want to get).