What is it about Spyderco?

Catmouth

Catmouth

Joined
Apr 3, 2012
Messages
345
Howdy. First off let me start by saying I am not here to start a argument or flame war or anything. I would just like some info from Spyderco collectors/users. I am mainly a larger fixed blade type of guy. I do EDC a folder since taking my BK2 to the office would be impractical. :D A day can not go by that I do not hear or see something about Spyderco online. I have never used or even held one for that matter. There are no dealers near that I have found. It seems like a lot of attention is given to colors of models and such, I guess rarity?

Anyway to my questions. What is it that makes these knives so special? Are they that good of a folder, or is the collect-ability/resale of the knife also an incentive to buy it? Are most of you collectors or users of the knives? Some designs look like they are more for show than usability ( they are not the only brand that is like that ) Not trying to pick on them, I genuinely want to know what the allure is before I decide to drop the money on one without getting to play with it first.

Again I hope that you Spyderco fans do not think I am here to stir things up. That is in no way my intent. I just want to see if I need to try out a Spyderco or 2. Thanks!
 
They make great users. very practical ergonomic designs, great steels, fantastic value, and most of the designs are more thin and flat than other manufacturers' knives, which I think feels a lot better in your pocket. And tons of designs to choose from.
 
I'm no Spyderco collector, though they do tend to make a lot of sprints, I've found a few that I really enjoy. FFG blades are nice, and Spyderco has some good value.

I think I'm going to start looking more carefully at the mules.

I think you owe it to yourself to try a couple, same as Benchmade, Kershaw, and the rest of the known brands.
 
I would also say they generally tend to slice better and weigh less than most of their competition.
 
For me, Spydercos just plain work. They are designed with performance in mind. I believe it was Sal that said he designs knives in the dark. You have to hold and use one to get it I guess.
 
Great steel, great designs, outstanding customer service. Great knives for the most part, I have several. What i like the best is that they are solid affordable blades. They are good folders, no doubt about it and when you add to that the collect-ability of some models it makes it an even better proposition owning certain ones. I was recently comparing my Ti Mili to my Lg Sebenza the other day. I have to say the fit and finish is pretty damn close... I'll still give the edge to the Sebbenza but you get the idea. Some will like them and some won't.... They kind of grow on you
 
The first time I saw a Spyderco knife I thought it was ugly. I couldn't understand why people loved them so much. To be honest, they looked a bit weird to me. But I was in the market for a mid-range folder, upgrading from a Gerber paraframe (not a bad $15), and I watched review after review on the "perfect" EDC folder. The top three makers that kept coming up (of course) were Benchmade, Kershaw, and Spyderco. I owned 2 Kershaw knives at the time (Asset and Tremor) and was extremely impressed with the F&F of both for the $15 I paid for them. I wanted something a little different, had a bit of cash to spend, but didnt want to spend Griptilian money, so I bought an FRN Endura. I thought the spyderhole would have been a little weird (given i had used thumbstuds my whole life) but WOW. The ergonomics of the handle, the F&F of the knife, the FFG blade; I was in love. It was my first Spyderco (certainly not my last), and as I held it in my hand I realized what all the hype was about. It just felt GREAT...not just good, GREAT. This was the first time I had spent more than $50 on a knife, and it also made me realize generally, the more you spend, the better quality product you get. I have since bought a few more mid level Kershaws and Benchmades, but I keep coming back to Spyderco's. For me, the the ease of opening (Spyderhole), their extremely ergonomic handles, and their stellar Vg-10 steel left me wanting more.

After the Endura, (which my girlfriend now carries full time) I decided to try the famous "little-big" knife Spyderco was famous for, the Dragonfly. I got the second generation FRN version. When I opened the box, I was a little disappointed because I thought the knife was going to be bigger in my hand. Once I actually put it in my hand, however, I was amazed. I am a pretty big guy, 6'2, 205, but this knife felt perfect in my hands. It molded so comfortably in my hand it truly felt bigger than it was. I didn't care how small it LOOKED because I felt I could do anything with this knife! I now carry a Dragonfly II full time (i am working on a collection of them, that's how much it had an impact on me.)

I just started seriously collecting knives in March of this year (2012), and the brunt of the knives I've bought have been Spydercos. For the materials they use, the F&F, the ergos, and the surprisingly reasonable prices for such knives, it's easy to see why they have such a following. (Wow, reading this back I sound like a major fanboy, but I can only speak from my experience with them.)

Current list of Spydercos
Endura 4 purple FRN
Native black FRN
Dragonfly 2 black
Dragonfly 2 ZDP-189
Dragonfly 2 G-10
Paramilitary 2 black g-10
Tenacious Blue G-10
Tenacious Green G-10
Caly 3.5 G-10 black
 
I really, really love the spyderhole! It's soo much easier than a thumstud but the edges are kind sharp and to take some nail away but no biggie!
 
At first, I really didn't give Spyderco a chance. I was into Cold Steel first and Benchmade. I hated the way Spydercos looked at first but after I got my first Military, I was hooked.

The materials that Spyderco uses is just first rate. From their G10 scales, pocket clips and blade steel choices. Even the black finish they use on their clips are very durable. It doesn't chip but rather it just fades. I can't say the same for Benchmade or Cold Steel.

Also, the DLC black coating on their U.S. blades are also very durable. I also like the different locks Spyderco has to offer and their liner locks are very reliable and done right compared to some other companies. Another thing I like about Spydercos is the thumb hole opening. It just flat out works compared to thumb studs.

I use to be into fixed blades more so than folders when I first started "collecting" knives. But like you said, it's sometimes hard to discreetly carry it around. The thing I love about folders is that they are very portable.
 
They are amazing slicers...and thats what knives are for! They have full flat ground blades with great steels. They are not meant for clollectability so much unless you get the sprint runs. (same knives, just different steels and handle colors7material) But people collect them anyway because they are just great.
In my opinion you should get the Paramilitary 2, one of the best pocket knives out there...and to many THE best! But do some research and see whats best for you..if you like bigger blades then the regular military would be a good option! :)

But you also really have to hold a Spyderco in hand to really see what they are about, not to mention see one in person...I liked them and had a lot of interest before owning them, but when i saw one and handled it for the first time I WAS BLOWN AWAY!
 
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I think with you being a Beckerhead you will appreciate a Spyderco. They just work. Of course there is the appeal of the multiple selection of designs/colors/steels used, they just make knives for a wide array of uses. I would be curious as to what folder you EDC? I don't ask to call you out, I'm just curious. I EDC a Manix 2 and love the way it fits my hand.
I appreciate the honest question, hope you find a Spyderco you enjoy.
 
Lovely knives. They are just really good at what they do, which is providing a no-nonsense tool, which feels great in the hand, is very dependable and really grows on you. I have the Endura and the Tenacious, and they are wonderful tools. I love the Spydiehole! Its just a great way to open a knife.
 
Catmouth said:
Howdy. First off let me start by saying I am not here to start a argument or flame war or anything. I would just like some info from Spyderco collectors/users. I am mainly a larger fixed blade type of guy. I do EDC a folder since taking my BK2 to the office would be impractical. :D A day can not go by that I do not hear or see something about Spyderco online. I have never used or even held one for that matter. There are no dealers near that I have found. It seems like a lot of attention is given to colors of models and such, I guess rarity?

Anyway to my questions. What is it that makes these knives so special? Are they that good of a folder, or is the collect-ability/resale of the knife also an incentive to buy it? Are most of you collectors or users of the knives? Some designs look like they are more for show than usability ( they are not the only brand that is like that ) Not trying to pick on them, I genuinely want to know what the allure is before I decide to drop the money on one without getting to play with it first.

Again I hope that you Spyderco fans do not think I am here to stir things up. That is in no way my intent. I just want to see if I need to try out a Spyderco or 2. Thanks!
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I don't know which models prompted that assessment, although I wouldn't argue against it. The thing is, the models that look the strangest to your eyes feel the best in your hand and work the hardest on the job. The Dodo for example. When I saw that one, I thought "This is a joke, right?" Pick it up and it has a grip like a politician running for office, and I swear it goes looking for things to cut.

Spyderco knives are well made, high performance cutting tools that have to be used to be appreciated.
 
They have a nice, honest, down to earth approach and they make knives where function comes first. They make really nice fixed blades, but they really excel when it comes to practical folding knives, where they have made a lot of inventions that have changed the field over the years.
 
OldSarSwmr said:
I think with you being a Beckerhead you will appreciate a Spyderco. They just work. Of course there is the appeal of the multiple selection of designs/colors/steels used, they just make knives for a wide array of uses. I would be curious as to what folder you EDC? I don't ask to call you out, I'm just curious. I EDC a Manix 2 and love the way it fits my hand.
I appreciate the honest question, hope you find a Spyderco you enjoy.
Click to expand...

Currently I am carrying a SAK Farmer. I rotate between it and a BK14 or Case Stockman ( i think ) that my wife gave me and some Gerber folder. I like all the blades but none scream " This is the one!" Years ago I had a Kershaw that was given to me and was the bees knees, but I knew nothing of knives then so I have no idea what model it was. Sadly it was lost. Still kinda looking for something that will fill that role after all these years haha.
 
I'll echo the sentiments of those who say--

IT'S ALL ABOUT THE HOLE

Knife on top- easy to deploy, has a nice curvature that angles the blade downward when holding your hand in a neutral position
Knife on the bottom- more difficult to deploy, especially with wet hands, no curvature so when cutting something your wrist needs to provide all the bending

IMG_2463.jpg
 
Catmouth said:
Currently I am carrying a SAK Farmer. I rotate between it and a BK14 or Case Stockman ( i think ) that my wife gave me and some Gerber folder. I like all the blades but none scream " This is the one!" Years ago I had a Kershaw that was given to me and was the bees knees, but I knew nothing of knives then so I have no idea what model it was. Sadly it was lost. Still kinda looking for something that will fill that role after all these years haha.
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Thanks. Definitely nothing wrong with a traditional for an EDC. Even though I want you to give Spyderco a shot, I still say wear your BK2 to the office!:D
 
You have to handle and use some of the Spyderco line to appreciate them. If you don't, the appeal will remain a mystery to you. That's the way it was with me. The first look most folks have of models like the Dodo, or the Poliwog, or Lava, or Captain, usually brings a negative response. You have to have them in-hand to "get" the point of the design. I still can't always visualize those that I will like and not like until I handle them (case in point - the Vallotton - which I thought I would hate when I saw it - then I played with one - then I bought it).

Now I don't like every single model they make, but I like a lot of them.

To me, there is no bettter working knife on the market, for the money. You can get top-notch materials, great ergonomics, fine workmanship, durability, and elite steels for a really decent price. For me, I haven't found a company out there that beats them overall on those terms.
 
Just do this. Find a way to hold a Paramilitary 2, either at a store or one owned by a friend. At first sight it will look a bit uninspiring. But then handle, flip it open, grip it well, etc. For me that was the essential Spyderco experience. If it doesn't work for you then, Spydercos are probably not for you.
 
I too wasn't keen on the way they looked, but thought I'd buy one to see what all the fuss was about.

I now own 10 Spydercos including some lovely sprints and actually love the way most look.

It's funny how your opinion can change once you actually get one in your hand.
 
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