The allure of Spyderco

Are you a Spyderco fan

  • Yes

    Votes: 208 67.1%

  • No

    Votes: 26 8.4%

  • Depends on the model

    Votes: 96 31.0%
  • Total voters
    310
Love Spydercos. They're all about function over form which is what I'm all about too. If you want good looks, they're probably not for you (pretty sure they say as much in their marketing materials), though they do make some beautiful models here and there. The compression lock is my favorite out of all the ones I've tried over the years. The Tenacious was my first Spyderco and that got me hooked. Bought it because I too was curious about all the hype. The round hole, while admittedly divisive, is the very essence of what makes the Spydercos great. Forgoes looks in favor of utilitarian function.

I'd been out of the knife game for a bit though. Been happily carrying my Paramilitary 2 in S110V steel with the "Blurple" scales for the past 6 years or so. Got back to checking out the knife scene recently and from what I'm seeing with all the price increases and inflation these days, I'd argue Spyderco probably aren't quite the best value out there anymore, at least for their main models. There's a lot more good competition at similar price points as their flagship models compared to a number of years ago. Back when I got my PM2 in S110V, you could get the basic black G10 PM2 model, with a satin S30V steel blade, and it was USA made for about $100. For the same money at the time, you could probably get a knife from a different manufacturer with lesser steel and FRN handles. For what you were getting with the build quality and materials, it was some insane value. In retrospect I should've bought more back then lol.
 
If I had to choose a model of Spyderco it would have to be the para military 2. In my opinion it feels comfortable and sufficient in the handle but the shaman feels more full. It's slicing capabilities is literally the same as the manix but I prefer the thumb ramp n gimping on the pm2 slightly more. So it's really what you like for blade shape at that point.

If they could take the pm2 handle shape and give it the full feel of the shaman, with the blade of the manix but with the spine of a pm2 that would be the one but they don't offer that. Also delete the unnecessary choil. 😭
 
I’ve owned a dozen or so over the years, but never keep them very long. I just don’t care for the hole compared to a thumb stub, ESPECIALLY with gloves.

Also, I think they are a bit overpriced compared to other brands. Take the Delica for example, $126 MSRP for sub 3” imported knife with VG10, plastic scales and a back lock?
 
I have and love Benchmades, ZT knives, etc... If I had to get rid of everything but one, it would be my PM2. For me, it is THE perfect knife.
 
Spyderco has a lot under the hood than meets the eye. The average price for a standard Delica is between $80 (maybe less depending on where you get it) and $90. Japanese made knives are not made using the same type of labor practices in China and places like that or even Tiawan. VG10 is not garbage steel, I read it's quite good. FRN scales are fine with me and Spyderco does good texturing on them. Under the FRN are stainless steel liners with cutouts for weight reduction. I like the lock back a lot and it is a very strong reliable locking mechanism. Stuff like the Delica and Endura are high-end, precision-made folders not cheap mass-produced liner locks made in CNC machine equipped sweat shops for bargain prices. It's another prime example of Spyderco's function over form design.

They also make the super steel versions too

The hole is great I prefer it over thumb studs although I don't mind either.

Spyderco as a company also makes a fair share of their products in the US.

Oh I love the serrated blades too.

Now for some more peppy colors instead of dreary drab. I like my knives to look delicious. I looks like a lot of people don't. I just don't get it.
 
This was an interesting post. It made me pull out all my Spydies. I knew I liked Spyderco but didn’t realize I had as many as I do. Maybe I need to change my vote to a fan. I think for me one negative is the recent lack of creativity and innovation. It seems like they are just making more lightweight models of existing ones. But for the positive, the variety is immense! I like the collabs that allow me to have custom makers knife designs that I normally wouldn’t be able to afford. I think their quality to price hit a sweet spot for me. I don’t know about the real expensive ones like the Nirvana, Paysan, Slysz Bowie but they sure look nice! They do offer a wide range of prices to allow the beginner collector to get their feet wet. They have great knives at different sizes and shapes and most are customizable. My recommendations:
small knife = Dragonfly 2
EDC = Sage 2
Fidget = Smock
I think the Chapparal could be the best EDC/Office carry if they would adjust the backlock a little. I didn’t use mine for years until I learned about adjusting the lock bar spring and I used a file to crown the backlock. Now it drops shut and I can Spydie flick it. But I would love to see it with micarta and titanium bolster lock! So, maybe I am a fan. 🤫C55F0E84-9743-44E6-8857-7652C225DE3B.jpeg
 
I like the color scheme on the Caribbean. The lion steel version (Spyderco Spyopera) is something I really like. The Italians (lion steel) can make good knives and i see the lock back as a no nonsense and no frills solid reliable mechanism.
 
I appreciate everyone's responses and figured I should follow up and provide my thoughts after purchasing and using a PM2 for a few weeks.

Overall, I have not complaints with this knife whatsoever . Actually, it will probably be what I carry tomorrow.

The PM2 looks funky! That's not relevant as to whether a tool will do what it's designed to do, but it still looks funky. That said,

It is a fairly large knife for my needs, about the same size as my large CRK 31 and Inkosi, but light enough to carry at work wearing scrubs which is a plus. I'm the second owner but it still has a great edge which has been easy to maintain with just some light stropping and it's a great slicer. It probably has a 16 to 17 degree edge, so that's expected. I like the compression lock, safe and easy to manipulate. Not really an issue but the micarta scale seems to be a bit "flimsy" around the lock. The Spydie hole is ok but I still prefer a flipper or thumb stud opening. With the exception of the small Inkosi, I have no issues with blade deployment of CRK's. Maybe I've become a knife snob but still prefer my Chris Reeve, Hinderer's and Protech's. A knife would be one of my last resorts for self defense situation so a fast opening knife is no longer a big priority for me.
My opinion with a one knife experience with Spyderco is that for the price, it's a great knife, and I have no interest in selling the one I have. But, I also have no interest in buying another one.

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Hi all, can anyone tell me, is there a difference between more common golden colorado's and ones with a signaiture? Im not seeing the Signature on many others.🤷‍♂️ Was trying to find out about a nice knife I just inherited.
Thanks in advance 👍
 
The one-handed Spyderco knife was never cheap, but it always worked for its intended use which is more than I can say about many other pocket-knives. I was a fan when they first went on sale and for the price, I haven't been disappointed or found a better knife. I like the combo blade style, plain and serrated. My first knife was the Spyderco Worker, my current EDC knife is the Gayle Bradley 1. The owners of the company seem to have been totally dedicated to making good pocket-knives, and I like the Sharp Maker sharpener too. Before the Spyderco knife I used a Browning stockman three-blade knife.
 
mrmesser said:
Hi all, can anyone tell me, is there a difference between more common golden colorado's and ones with a signaiture? Im not seeing the Signature on many others.🤷‍♂️ Was trying to find out about a nice knife I just inherited.
Thanks in advance 👍
Click to expand...
Can you post a pic?
 
mrmesser said:
Hi all, can anyone tell me, is there a difference between more common golden colorado's and ones with a signaiture? Im not seeing the Signature on many others.🤷‍♂️ Was trying to find out about a nice knife I just inherited.
Thanks in advance 👍
Click to expand...
Those little signatures on the blade are usually the initials of the knife's designer.

 
Voted Yes.

The biggest pro to me is the ergonomics of most of their models. The larger handles kind of let your hand roam to where it needs to be for specific jobs, and the smaller handles keep your hand away from the blade and will let you get decent purchase to do the work. Even though I like the feel of a heavier knife, I think Spydercos shine the brightest in the lightweight form.

The biggest con is the endless variety of steels, handle material and locking mechanisms that lead to an empty wallet.
 
I value spyderco for many reasons, they are innovative, practical, their quality is always excellent, the thumb hole is amazing, the clips are my favorite, and they always slice well.
My only real issue with spyderco is that many models are pocket hogs, too wide in the pocket, I wish they would offer more models less sculpted for ergonomics that were slimmer and more neutral.
Between the hump for the hole and the wide sculpted handles, they often make that pocket a dedicated knife only pocket, can’t even get my hand in that pocket without taking the knife out, and can’t make squatting down uncomfortable at times, Manix 2 XL comes to mind.
 
In my pocket today.
It's a very good cutting instrument, it's light, I like the looks of it and it's very original.
Built very well, great ergonomics and leverage and I always liked seeing Sal around in the forums talking back to people here.
R5irxA2.jpg
 
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Ahhh,,, the allure of Spyderco. Yes I am a Spydie fan and have been since I bought my first one back in the early 90’s. It was an Endura with a combo edge as best I can remember. It was an awesome knife and cut very well. I liked everything about it especially the thumb hole opening and the pocket clip method of carry. This was the first time I had ever experienced either on a knife. Up to that point I had always carried some sort of locking folder like a Buck or a Gerber in my pocket. Once I had experienced clip carry and hole opening method I was hooked. The original Spyderco’s had a plastic carry clip molded into the body of the knife which could be broken off if caught on something. The original clips were very strong but still could be broken off and weren’t replaceable which is why they were later changed to steel and mounted by screws. Anyway the Endura available today is a much refined version of the original and still one of my favorite models from Spyderco. For anyone who doesn’t know when you buy a new Spyderco you will be getting a knife that is well executed in design and well built with the latest and greatest handle and blade materials. You will have a knife that will perform well in the hand, cut like a laser, and last a lifetime if taken care of.
 
mrmesser said:
Hi all, can anyone tell me, is there a difference between more common golden colorado's and ones with a signaiture? Im not seeing the Signature on many others.🤷‍♂️ Was trying to find out about a nice knife I just inherited.
Thanks in advance 👍
Click to expand...
 
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