The Three Types of Carbon Fiber Used in Spyderco Knives

[lava_lamp]

Spyderco makes several versions of carbon fiber scales:

As of this writing, the most common version is a smooth and shiny carbon fiber. It looks great, but is too slick to provide an optimal grip and shows scratches easily. It is used in:

• Balance
• Caly III
• Civilian
• Cricket
• Delica
• Dragonfly
• Harpy
• Kiwi
• Kopa
• Ladybug
• Native IV
• Police
• T-Mag
• UK Pen Knife

The least common version is a rougher carbon fiber that looks more like modified G10. Is provides a better grip, but is the least aesthetically attractive of the three. It is used on these models:

• Military
• Stretch II

The version used in most later model Spydies is twill carbon fiber. It is my favorite. It looks better than the Stretch II version and provides more grip than the Native IV version.

• Chapparal
• Gayle Bradley
• Navaja
• Sage I
• Terzuola

 

[marthinus]

Thank you. I actually ordered the GB for the feel of the CF and then of course CPM-M4. Have the Military in M4 and am vary happy.

 

[sodak]

I love the smooth the best (got it on a Caly 3), but have to agree about it's shortcomings. Sure is good looking, though!

 

[felix7]

I have a native4 and I found its CF Perfect, it has right grip , not too much not too low and smooth CF dosn`t destroy pockets-fabbric.
I like medium textured G10, but my favourite material is smooth G10 or CF (eyes candy)

 

[tradestar]

I was looking at the GB on Ebay and saw one that said new version liner? can any of you Spyderco experts clarify that for me? I am also looking at the Sage1. Need some CF. I like the look of the ergos on the Sage better, but I carry tip down right back pocket and dont like the feel in the hand of a clip on tip up. So the GB has a PM type clip that I like and 4 way carry. Im having a tough time with this one.

 

[senoBDEC]

The new version liner might be that it is now skeletonized which reduces the weight and changes the balance a little towards the blade. I have one old and one new version and honestly I like them both equally and didn't REALLY see the need to skeletonize the liners...
Re: steel - I prefer the M4 on the GB over the S30V on the Sage 1 but honestly, both knives are VERY different whereas the Sage 1 is more of a light-weight gent's knife versus the classy, but sturdy workman-like GB.
If you've never tried a wire clip I wouldn't worry about the ergos/comfort as they are probably the best of all the Spyderco clip designs. That said, consider the Des Horn as well. Tip-down wire clip, very needle-like pointy blade in S30V and very lightweight. Might be a bit hard to open from initial reports.

Re: CF - I prefer the one on the Stretch CF and the GB. However my favorite CF knife at the moment remains the ZDP Spyderco Walker.

 

[tradestar]

The new version liner might be that it is now skeletonized which reduces the weight and changes the balance a little towards the blade. I have one old and one new version and honestly I like them both equally and didn't REALLY see the need to skeletonize the liners...
Re: steel - I prefer the M4 on the GB over the S30V on the Sage 1 but honestly, both knives are VERY different whereas the Sage 1 is more of a light-weight gent's knife versus the classy, but sturdy workman-like GB.
If you've never tried a wire clip I wouldn't worry about the ergos/comfort as they are probably the best of all the Spyderco clip designs. That said, consider the Des Horn as well. Tip-down wire clip, very needle-like pointy blade in S30V and very lightweight. Might be a bit hard to open from initial reports.

Re: CF - I prefer the one on the Stretch CF and the GB. However my favorite CF knife at the moment remains the ZDP Spyderco Walker.

Thanks for the reply. I hear ya on the knifes being 2 different animals, thats my dilemma. Both are probably the way to go. Do the Sage a GB have the same CF? I thought they did, they sure look the same. I'll check out the Walker. Thanks again, Im a new Spyderco owner, just got my first one 2 weeks ago a PM2. This knife makes me want to try a few more Spydercos.