What do you think is the best knife that Spyderco has released in the last five years?

Spydiechef.

Para 3 LW gets honerable mention.

FWIW, I probably “like” the Swayback the most. Like doesn’t necessairy equate to best.

 

Admittedly I haven't handled a large volume of new Spydercos, but I'm really happy with the Para3 LW. It is my go-to when I'm in a city/state with more restrictive knife laws.

 

I rarely come across a Spyderco that isnt a hit. In the last 5 years I really think the Sage 5 LW deserves some credit!

 

Pacific Salt 2

 

I've carried my original Pac Salt every day for maybe two years now. Considering trying the new version. Do you think it's that much of a step up?

EDIT: To answer the OP, the Native Chief is pretty rad!

 

The lock back version of the Lil’Native or one of the sprint run Meerkats. Tough call for me.

 

Everything in Lc200n

 

Para 3
Lil native comp lock
Shaman

 

Caribbean and Amalgam both do it for me.

 

The Gayle Bradley 2

Based on my sample of owning over 100 Spyderco's, 20-40 Benchmade's, one of each of Chris Reeves knives, and others, I have continuously returned to the Gayle Bradley 2. To me it balances time (to maintain M4), cost, and quality. Here is why I think it is Spyderco's best knife by my definition.

• Cost: Less than $170 (when I picked one up on sale new a couple years ago)
• Size: Medium sized that can be used for small light duty tasks to heavy duty tasks, and do so all day long
• Time: M4 steel takes a wicked edge and keeps it for a long time so I can work longer, and sharpening doesn't take me long so down time is short and back to work
• Ergos: Does not force you into one preferred grip or slicing angle, but the handle thumb rest is very comfortable to use all-day.
• Handle: The carbon fiber looks great and cleans up easy. The offset scales don't feel the best after a long time cutting, but also due to the chamfered edges, I don't feel hot spots.
• Blade shape: versatile and can be used in a variety of angles
• Blade grind: The hollow grind allows it to slice easily without giving up strength due to the thick spine (reminds me of a Sebenza)
• The pivot/deployment is silky smooth, yet controlled (reminds me of a Sebenza)

I could go on, but I won't bore you all more as I gush over my GB2. I'll end with saying that I have often considered it my "one knife for life" if I had to.

 

Bi-Fold

 

I'd actually like to hear more of your gushing over the GB2.

Had one. Sold it (with instant regret). I need a bit of a nudge to pull the trigger again...

 

I think the GB2 is an interesting design, and I have a GB1 in my garage as a work knife. My typical EDC is either a PM2 or a Manix 2. I like both but I like the design of the PM2 best. There are some bits about the GB1 that I don't like, and in common with a lot of people one of the things I don't like is the limited access to the lock bar. If I had the ability to custom design any model for Spyderco I would either make slight changes to the GB2 or I would morph the PM2 blade shape to look a little more like the GB2.

 

I like that carbon fiber handled native and the shaman is a great knife.

 

Amalgam, Shaman, or Gayle Bradley 2. Hard to choose!

 

Shaman Rex 45 and Siren LC200N are tied for first place.

 

GB1 and GB2.

I’ve posted these pics before, but you know I like to show them off...

 

Heavens to Betsy man, the GB2 is not only a phenomenal folder, but at today’s prices it’s a good value.
Now, scidattle on over to your favorite BF supporting retailer and git one.

Consider yourself nudged.

 

I’m pretty much with this guy.