The Spydie itch

[blades&wrenches]

Ever since I lost my old delica 3 many years ago, I have been itching for another Spyderco. Well in the past month I have acquired a Chaparral 2 Ti and a Native 5. They're such excellent blades, now I want more! Thanks Spyderco, the itch is stronger than ever!
So which is next? I'd love to hear your opinions.

 

[tchapman414]

I know the feeling! I purchased a PM2 just a little while back, and have ended up following it with a Domino, Gayle Bradley, Vallotton, and Police G10, along with an Endura as a gift. Spyderco makes just incredible knives!!

 

[longun]

My latest cure for the itch was the Manix 2 s110v. So far it has been better than Calamine lotion.

 

[quigibo]

So many ways to go.

What do you want?

Big = Military
Small = Dragonfly
Big, elegant & tough as hell = Gayle Bradley
Big(ish), infinitely practical & tough = Stretch
Mid size, pretty & practical = Sage (any of them)
Something different & cool as hell = Tasman

 

[mark jeneson]

I've got a titanium military arriving tomorrow! I'm already surfing the exchange waiting to pounce on something new

 

[blades&wrenches]

So many ways to go.

What do you want?

Big = Military
Small = Dragonfly
Big, elegant & tough as hell = Gayle Bradley
Big(ish), infinitely practical & tough = Stretch
Mid size, pretty & practical = Sage (any of them)
Something different & cool as hell = Tasman

Something medium: 3-3.5"

 

[quigibo]

these are rough numbers

Sages = 3"
Domino = 3.1"
Paramilitary 2 = 3.5"

all outstanding, midish sized knives.

The Southard is also just a hair under 3.5" never handled one but heard nothing but rave reviews.

I freaking love my Gayle Bradley which has a 3.43" blade... but it has a lot of handle and heft. It ends up being a big < 3.5" knife.

 

[whp]

The stretch is a nice knife. The sage 1 is underrated.

 

[blades&wrenches]

Might also add I'm a fan of back lock and frame lock.

 

[remnar]

Caly 3 or 3.5.

I have plenty of spydies and my most carried is the CF Caly 3 with zdp-189 blade. The Calys are thin with a deep pocket clip, and they have plenty of blade for everyday use.

 

[farokhsidhwa]

So many ways to go.

What do you want?

Big = Military
Small = Dragonfly
Big, elegant & tough as hell = Gayle Bradley
Big(ish), infinitely practical & tough = Stretch
Mid size, pretty & practical = Sage (any of them)
Something different & cool as hell = Tasman

Agree with this^. Emphasis on the Gayle Bradley. Dont forget the tough is the toughest (3v)

 

[danthaman1980]

Take a good hard look at these three:
- Southard
- Stretch Super Blue
- Gayle Bradley (yes it is a liner lock, but it is a really really nice one)

 

[3rdGenRigger]

I'd say Domino, ParaMilitary 2, or any of the Sage series...though no matter which Spyderco you choose you'll know you made a good choice. Whatever skin absorbed crack Sal works into the handles of these knives is potent stuff

 

[PayneTrain]

3-3.5" encompasses a lot of models. Back lock and frame lock, ok a little closer. Narrow it down a little more, what's another feature you're into? So far I'll recommend either the Stretch or the Southard. The Stretch is light and slim for its size, has a great blade shape for slicing, and can be found in 3 great steels (mine is ZDP-189 in green). Really comfortable to carry, hold, and use. The Southard is just a home run all around. Looks great, feels great, and works great. Beautiful finish, comfortable design and materials, great blade shape and steel, and the flipper is just so smooth it feels like it's spring assisted.

 

[blades&wrenches]

Let's narrow it down:
Prefer full steel liners
Less than $200

What about these locking systems
Like the manix 2: how's the bbl?
Heard nothing but good things about pm2: how's the comp. lock?

 

[quigibo]

Might also add I'm a fan of back lock and frame lock.

Let's narrow it down:
Prefer full steel liners
Less than $200

How about a Stretch (right at 3.5") in Superblue? That would cover everything you've mentioned and get you a sprint run knife. The first online book store I checked has them in stock. There might be some others out there as well.

The Sage 2 would get you a frame lock and cover all your requirements also.

I can't comment on the PM2 or Manix locks as I've never had either of them.

 

[skyhorse]

Let's narrow it down:
Prefer full steel liners
Less than $200

What about these locking systems
Like the manix 2: how's the bbl?
Heard nothing but good things about pm2: how's the comp. lock?

They're both amazing,imho. The Manix 2 Lightwieght doesn't need the full steel liners which is a plus for me.

 

[xceptnl]

caly 3 or 3.5.

I have plenty of spydies and my most carried is the cf caly 3 with zdp-189 blade. The calys are thin with a deep pocket clip, and they have plenty of blade for everyday use.

^^^this

 

[Lycosa]

All Spyder knuts need one Spyderco knife in HI steel.
rolf

 

[PayneTrain]

Let's narrow it down:
Prefer full steel liners
Less than $200

Stretch is still an option.

What about these locking systems
Like the manix 2: how's the bbl?
Heard nothing but good things about pm2: how's the comp. lock?

I got the new S110V Manix 2, and I really like it but the lock is just a little stiff on mine. Usually not a problem but every once in a while I'll fail to release it and totally embarrass myself in front of...myself.

The comp lock took a little getting used to, but I'm really starting to like it now that I've loosened the pivot. I can swing it open and closed without touching the blade, and the blade is still dead centered. A lot easier to use than when it came with such a stiff pivot.

Both are well within your price range, so now you've got two more options.