Tough Decision!

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Dekz

Joined
Oct 26, 2007
Messages
1,392
I think it's time for me to pony up and give a decent Spyderco a try. I'm having a very tough time deciding between the Bob Lum Chinese folder and a Sage. Any insight would be appreciated, or other suggestions around ~$115 from any maker.

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i think the lum is really appealing and i think its in a more limited supply so youd probably regret not picking it up. just my .02cents
 
I thought about getting a ZDP-189 Lum, but realized I would never use the thing. I picked up a Sage II instead.

Overall, I think the Sage I would be a better bet if you want to use it.
 
This Lum is VG-10. But perhaps you are saying that you would not use it due to rarity and not blade steel?
 
Dekz said:
This Lum is VG-10. But perhaps you are saying that you would not use it due to rarity and not blade steel?
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I knew it was VG-10. ;)

Yes, because it's a sprint and rare I would feel awkward using it. Right now I feel that with the closeness to the initial release (people still have it in stock) there isn't much demand for the VG-10 versions as there is for the ZDP-189 versions.
 
I may well be a minority of one, but I don't like the Lum Chinese folder. I got one of the black ZDP-189 models, carried it, used it, tried to like it and failed. It just doesn't feel good in my hand. The Carbon Fiber Walker liner lock version of the Sage has far superior ergonomics for me, and it has seen more pocket time than the Lum ever will. I can't comment on the RIL Sage, as framelocks hold no appeal for me, but the CF version is a great little knife.
 
If you're actually going to use it, I'd go with the Sage. The Sage can be had for a little less money and has S30V to boot instead of the Lum's VG10. I will say that I haven't used/held either, but I had a Sage thread going recently for recommendations and all were highly positive...led me to buy one which I am currently waiting to receive. Judging from looks (again, no hands-on experience yet), I think the Lum looks a little dangerous since there is no choil/finger groove. I could see my hand slipping onto the edge if I'm not careful.

If you're looking for a collectible, get the Lum.
 
Man this is tough. I really like the Sage, and have heard nothing but excellent reviews on it. My friends and I are really into cars, so anything Carbon Fiber is automatically awesome.

That being said, I think I'm leaning towards the Lum. Since I'm probably going to end up with both eventually anyway, it makes more sense to get the Lum first, since it's a sprint run of 600. Surprisingly there are no Sages on eBay for less than I could get them from an online store. However there are quite a few Lums that I may be able to get lucky on.

I had never even heard of it before, but I fell in love with it when I saw Justin's post in the EDC thread:
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IMHO:
The Lum looks better, has a nice leaf shaped VG10 or ZDP189 blade, but the almite coated aluminum handle is slippery.

The Sage I feels better in hand, better grip as the CF has a nice texture on it. The leaf shaped s30V blade is smaller, but does have a choil if you like them.

Overall, between these 2, if the Lum had G10 or the same textured CF grip as the Sage, the LUM would be my choice hands down. But the Sage get my vote here with a better grip, good steel, and low rider clip.
 
I just purchased the sage carbon fiber. And it is awsome. I would have to say out of the box this is the sharpest knife I have ever owned, it cuts like a laser through cardboard. The only comment I will make regarding the sage is that the actual cutting area was a little shorter than I had expected, based on watching reviews and such. I have no experience with the lum, but can say the sage is one of my favorites. You forget you have it on you thanks to the deep carry pocket clip.
 
Dekz said:
Man this is tough. I really like the Sage, and have heard nothing but excellent reviews on it. My friends and I are really into cars, so anything Carbon Fiber is automatically awesome.

That being said, I think I'm leaning towards the Lum. Since I'm probably going to end up with both eventually anyway, it makes more sense to get the Lum first, since it's a sprint run of 600. Surprisingly there are no Sages on eBay for less than I could get them from an online store. However there are quite a few Lums that I may be able to get lucky on.
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My exact thoughts! Right now they are going for dirt on ebay, as you said, you should be able to find a sweet deal on those, maybe even less than dealer cost where as the Sage, its pretty hard to find it for under $100+ as its a pretty hyped model at the current moment. I know it has WONDERFUL F&F (I own one) but personally I feel better about carrying a Japan made Spydie, the fact that it has Bobs name on it makes it that much better!

RIP BOB LUM!!!!
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The Lum is awesome. Very tight lockup and is easily the most comfortable in the pocket out of any knife I have ever owned. However I handled a framelock Sage at my local store and it was pretty cool. I would still prefer the Lum though.
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I personally have and EDC one of the black ZDP models. I'd take it or the VG10 over the sage any day. However, over the the VG10 there are a lot of knives which could put up a good fight. A Benchmade Mini-Skirmish, one of which I just ordered, for example. A Spyderco Persian 75mm. Many, many knives.

You really have to make this choice for yourself. I will note though, that the grip is wonderful and I've never worried about sliding into the blade. The curve at the bottom of the handle is almost pistol like, but very comfortable.
 
You weren’t kidding when you said it was a tough decision.

There is just something about the Lum it has absolutely incredible lines, given the choice and taking into consideration that the Lum is a sprint run that would be my choice.
 
I've never owned a Sage, but I did own the Native 4 CF (which is pretty similar) and sold it. Like the Native, the Sage seems fairly overpriced and ordinary to me. The Lum is distinctive and different. (I have the ZDP-189 version.)

If you don't have many knives and don't own many Spydercos, I'd suggest the Sage. It will show you what Spydercos are all about.

If you are looking to get more exotic and try something different, the Lum is the better choice IMHO.
 
Went to the local knife store and got to handle a Sage today. VERY nice knife. I think I still have my heart set on the Lum though (which unfortunately the store did not have).

Is there anything else I should consider in the $100 or less range? I'm a very light user, I buy most of my knives based purely on aesthetics (and quality). So please no Griptilian/Endura/etc suggestions, I'm not looking for a hard user, I'm looking for something special.
 
If your looking for other options, Benchmade 940’s show up on the exchange for around $100, nice looking knife (IMO).
 
Dekz said:
Went to the local knife store and got to handle a Sage today. VERY nice knife. I think I still have my heart set on the Lum though (which unfortunately the store did not have).

Is there anything else I should consider in the $100 or less range? I'm a very light user, I buy most of my knives based purely on aesthetics (and quality). So please no Griptilian/Endura/etc suggestions, I'm not looking for a hard user, I'm looking for something special.
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Small Spyderco Persian, BEAUTIFUL/FUNCTIONAL Spyderco that can be had for under $100.
 
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