What should be my first spyderco?

B

BriantheBlade

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Aug 5, 2009
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I have recently acquired a taste for the looks of spyderco and am now trying to decide what the best model would be to get me started. I like that they are a sturdy, high quality knife that can be used and yet is lightweight. I would be looking for something that would fit my hand well, and I have really big hands, and something that would be good to go from cutting up boxes at work to carving wood when im relaxing outside. Oh yeah and I would like to keep this under $50. So I was wondering what the experts would say...
Thanks,
Brian
 
there isn't much choice for under $50, I guess an endura/delica would be my pick over the chinese line up
 
The under-$50 part limits you just a little. My first thought is the Resilience. Big honkin' blade, and in your price range. Fine knife, with full flat grind, decent steel, and opens like butter.

In the range of maybe $55 - $60 on a large online auction site, you can get an Endura, with either sabre grind for a little extra strength, or full flat grind for maybe a little better slicing. Its thinner and a little smaller than the Resilience.

But I would point you to the Resilience, or its smaller brother the Tenacious. Rock on.

IMG_1615.jpg
 
Yeah I was kind of wondering if I should try one of the chinese line-up or if i should be looking for a deal on one of the other ones? I do like the look of that resilience and the tenacious looks like it would be pretty good and can be gotten cheap enough to be a beater, but i wanted to see if the pros thought i should go for a non-chinese model. I got my brother one of the "Q" blade ones with the cool spiderweb blade about 14 years ago and somebody stole it about 9 years ago which sucks because I hear they are hard to find these days and worth a little more than the $20 I paid for it new back then.
thanks
Brian
 
I'd consider the Delica the "flagship" model for Spyderco knives. I would save a few extra bucks, and start there. If you really want to go low-cost, check out the Kiwi!
 
Delica, Endura, Tenacious, or Resilience... thats about it for around 50 bucks...
the Delica and Endura are both VG10/FRN handles made in Japan Delica is smallest of the 2
the Tenacious and Resilience are both 8cr13mov/g10 made in China Tenacious is smaller of the 2..
you could also check out the Byrd line since you dont want to spend much money..

The way I see it, just save your money (10or15 bucks a week is super easy to do) and before you know it, you'll be able to buy a knife that you can feel proud to own and use.. It will be made from top quality materials and hold its sharp edge for a long long time. It will be a knife you can pass on to your children, or grandchildren! I see so many people who refuse to spend $100 or more on "just a knife", but in reality they've spent even more than that since they always buy 20-50$ knives that they're never completely happy with or dont last! Save the money, and get the knife you only have to buy once.. just my 2cents.. good luck, and show us what you decide to get!
1badcj_7
 
Keep it simple and buy Delica. There is the reason why it is a bestseller for many years.
Another great choice is Centofante 3
 
Well the price restriction is mostly because I want to see how I like the design and feel of a spyderco before I go too crazy buying up the top of the line. just testing the waters If I like it then ill pop on something on there higher end. My descendants won't be hurting for decent cutlery I assure you.;)
Thanks guys and keep the suggestions coming if anybody has anything new to add!
 
Although Resilience is made in China, Spyderco ensure the QC is right up there. What Powernoodle said is what I also experience.

It is several notches above the China branded Sanrenmu and Enlan, even though the two mentioned are excellent as well. As a starter knife to find out if you'll like Spyderco, it fits the most, especially you mention large hand, it's the best fit.
 
Go to an army navy store or anywhere that sells knives. If they carry spyderco 99.999% chance they have enduras and delicas. Ask to handle one see how you like it. Like someone else said if youre setting a limit of 50$ you will only be testing the lower end of the ladder which may not represent the whole spyderco lineup. I reccommend a delica or endura.
 
Another vote for the Delica.

If you're trying to sample what Spydercos are all about, this is the one to get. I think this model embodies most of Spydercos design philosophies/ priorities, and is a fine example to introduce yourself to the lineup.
 
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Just get a Paramilitary-2 now and get it over with. You're going to end up with one eventually and if you buy one from a retailer that doesn't screw you, you'll definitely be able to get your $98 back, so there's low risk.
 
I'd skip the midrange and go straight to the PM2 around
$100 if you are right handed. I have 15 or 20 spydercos and that's the only thing I carry anymore besides a sheeple friendly UKPK in the other pocket.
 
If you get a resilience or a tenacious and like it you'll probably love the para 2 so like some have mentioned just save time and money and get a para 2. :p Seriously though you'll probably want one of each anyway. I've got an ambitious, persistence, tenacious (all in blue or green) and several para 2's and while I like them all the para is in a different class.
 
Go Delica. Then you will get an Endura. Then you will find yourself carrying Delica more but you don't want to sell your Endura. When time is right, you will be glad that you keep the Endura.
 
I agree with some of the other posts. skip midrange and go straight for the 100 dollar plus range! these knives all feel WONDERFUL in hand, in fact, thats partly why so many people start thinking Spydercos are beautiful even though they seem ugly at first. The other good thing about getting a top end spydie is, even if you decide you dont like it you can still get back what you paid for it assuming you dont use it much. Quality knives hold thier value very very well.

I dont feel like the cheap spydercos are a good representation of what the brand has to offer at the high of the scale. The cheap ones are really nice but, the manix, paramilitary2, and sage are SOOOO much better than the tenacious line, and endura/delica... That being said, i think the Endura is your best bet if you still just dont want to take that chance. I have many knives over the 100-200 point and I still carry my Endura 4 %90 of the time!! Its a sweet EDC knife, easy to keep sharp, holds its edge better than 8cr13mov, comfy to hold, slim and light in the pocket, and plenty of blade length to handle any task! With all the great suggestions people are giving, im excited to see what you go with, keep us posted!!
1badcj_7
 
I made the same decision a year ago. It's basically either delica or endura. 3" or 4". VG10 for $50... it's very good.
 
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