Talk to me about the Sage 1 & 3

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SFW

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Aug 15, 2014
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A few weeks ago I purchased my first Spyderco- a Delica 4 FFG. I have grown to absolutely love this knife. Would like something with a bit more blade in it. Really like the leaf design. I'm currently looking at the Sage 1 and Sage 3. Any experiences with one or both of these knives would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

Joel
 
The Sage 1 and 3 are both are very well made knives with equal levels of fit and finish. Due to the shared design, they feel about the same as well and share the same tip up carry only deep ride wire clip. The only differences are the lock and the scale texture.

If you're left handed and tired of "making do" with right handed things, or if you're right handed and simply prefer the greater versatility of a hand neutral lock, then the Sage 3's bolt action lock would be a large plus in its favor. Otherwise they're pretty much equal in terms of strength and smoothness.

Then there's the scale material. Both now use textured CF laminates, but the Sage 1 uses a nubby "twill" textured CF that, IMHO, offers the optimal compromise between looks and grip. The Sage 3's CF has a more complex "cubic check" pattern that, while about equally effective in terms of grip, is considerably flashier looking. Too flashy for my taste, but if you're into argyle it may appeal to you.

Here's a photo of both, together...

Sage%201%20&%203.JPG

FWIW, the Sage I is one of a rare few "wrong handed" knives I've ever even considered putting in my pocket, due to that twill CF, but then Spyderco came out with the Chaparral 1, which uses the same CF on knife with a thinner blade and a hand neutral midlock.
 
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Own the G10 (discontinued) and CF Sage 3 and these are my favourite EDCs. Am right handed, but so smooth and easy to open can easily do so left handed. Also, the bolt action lock on this knife is easily the best I have used.. It seems bigger to me than the Benchmades and maybe cuz it's a flat handle it's just super easy to unlock.. And when you do.. The blade just drops and points to the ground.

Love this knife.. 'Think once, buy twice'
 
i really am in love with my sage 1 just because of its leaf design and its full flat grind blade, the lock up seems more solid then other spyderco's i own that use this system like my tenacious or even my buck knife,the carbon ply scales are somewhat slippery compared to regular G-10 ones! but over all its a grate EDC thats always in my pocket,i'm looking to get a sage 3 with the ball lock up as a must have.
 
Well, I just ordered a Sage 1. So I guess I'll see how it goes. I've been so very impressed with my Delica 4.
 
I absolutely love my Sage 1. It carries really well in the pocket and has great handle ergos, at least for me. I just got my hands on a G10 Sage 3 a few weeks back and like that even better. The locking mechanism and ease of opening and closing are fantastic on the 3. Due to the locking mechanism, the blade on the Sage 3 sits a bit higher in the handle when the blade is closed, which gives the knife an ever-so-slightly wider profile when closed. The Sage 3 is also noticeably heaver, although I am not sure of the exact weight difference. I haven't noticed a huge difference in the feel of the two knives when carried in the pocket, though.
 
Another plug for the Sage 1 - I think you will be very happy with it. A classy and capable knife. Smooth open, great feel with the carbon fiber scales.
 
Bought my first Spyderco a few weeks ago, a PM2. As soon as it arrived I ordered a Manix 2 Cruwear then a Sage 1. Really like them all but the Sage 1 stands out, perfect size and design IMO. Sage 3 is next. Wish I had come aboard earlier so I could have found a Sage 3 blue G10.
 
I'm actually considering a Sage 2. Really dig that all Ti handle and frame lock. Any thoughts on it?
 
Hertz33 said:
I'm actually considering a Sage 2. Really dig that all Ti handle and frame lock. Any thoughts on it?
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The Sage 2 is also a fantastic knife. I would give it the edge over the Sage 1 for being the best looking knife in the Sage series. It feels great in the hand. It is essentially the same weight as the Sage 1. The titanium lock is well executed and the action is very smooth. My only beef with the Sage 2 is the price. It is probably more expensive to produce due to the titanium handles, though.
 
swarthys said:
The Sage 2 is also a fantastic knife. I would give it the edge over the Sage 1 for being the best looking knife in the Sage series. It feels great in the hand. It is essentially the same weight as the Sage 1. The titanium lock is well executed and the action is very smooth. My only beef with the Sage 2 is the price. It is probably more expensive to produce due to the titanium handles, though.
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Great. I can actually get Sage 2 LNIB cheaper than Sage 3. Should I go for it? I think it'll nicely compliment my Southard and Domino.
 
swarthys said:
The Sage 2 is also a fantastic knife. I would give it the edge over the Sage 1 for being the best looking knife in the Sage series. It feels great in the hand. It is essentially the same weight as the Sage 1. The titanium lock is well executed and the action is very smooth. My only beef with the Sage 2 is the price. It is probably more expensive to produce due to the titanium handles, though.
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I love the whole Sage series,
I have a Sage 1, 2 and 3,
haven't scored a sage 4 yet or a Sage 3 with blue handles
Although I am partial to titanium frame locks, there is something about the look and feel of the Sage 1 that keeps it closest to me and in my pocket more than the others in the series.
The fit , the finish, the feel in hand, everything about the Sage series shines, but the Sage 1 appeals the most for some reason I can't quite articulate.
 
Hertz33 said:
Great. I can actually get Sage 2 LNIB cheaper than Sage 3. Should I go for it? I think it'll nicely compliment my Southard and Domino.
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If you like titanium framelocks, go for it, it will compliment well
 
A Sage 1 and Sage 2 were my most recent Spyderco additions. I can't say anything bad about either one. So impressed, that I am now looking to catch a G10 Sage 3.

 
I've had numerous Sage 2's and both (blue G10 and CF) models of the Sage 3. My true love is, however, the Sage 2. I love those titanium slabs.
 
I didn't realize the Sage 1 used to have G10? I'd have one of those! I'm not a CF guy myself, but the S1 is the one I'd buy. I don't currently own a liner-lock knife.
 
vanslem6 said:
I didn't realize the Sage 1 used to have G10? I'd have one of those! I'm not a CF guy myself, but the S1 is the one I'd buy. I don't currently own a liner-lock knife.
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I don't believe Sage 1 ever had factory G10 scales... only a Sprint of Sage 3.
2015-03-23%2022.28.02_zpsois0ig4s.jpg


Sage 1 in foliage green G10 would be slick.
 
SpeedHoles said:
I don't believe Sage 1 ever had factory G10 scales... only a Sprint of Sage 3.


Sage 1 in foliage green G10 would be slick.
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Ah, you're right. I definitely misread that one, lol. But yes, I've added/removed a Sage 1 from my shopping cart so many times now, lol. G10 would seal the deal.

I was really interested in the S3, but youtube reviews on the lock swayed me. Seems to be a love/hate thing? Some people make it out to be like the Axis lock, while others swear it's very sticky and hard to operate. Lol, but then again I read/heard the same thing about the CBBL and I find that I really like it. Being that I already have a few Axis lock knives, I was afraid that those other two would be a letdown in comparison. I think the moral of the story is that I think and read too much! I still haven't ordered that Dragonfly yet, despite it sitting in my shopping cart. Purple or G10, I can't make a decision. LOL. :D
 
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