What should be my first spyderco?

Get the Delica.

Whatever you decide later, there will be a hole, an incompleteness, to your collection if you don't have a Delica.
 
I would suggest looking over the for sale (or for trade) forums at the bottom of the forums list...
Your budget might be able to score a lightly used Endura (which is probably more appropriate for large-handed folk). Try the waved versions as well - their cutting efficiency won't be as great, but still more than adequate to most users' needs.
But if you like large handles, but not large blades, get a Paramilitary 2. It will probably suit your needs and is one of the most popular knives here on the forums. If you like even bigger handles and blades, the Military is my choice. I've never found a need for something bigger. Others might include the SuperLeaf (also compression lock). Either will set you back around $100-$150.

While the Tenacious and Resilience, etc are decent knives, I've never really warmed to them in terms of ergos... for that matter, the Endura and Delica are merely okay in that respect as well.
Honestly after handling quite a few, I never understood the need for the Delicas or Enduras in my collection, so I sold them.
 
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My first was a Native, which is still one of my favourite knives. It is about as inexpensive as you can get with S30V steel.
 
You WILL like Spydercos. There are few who don't, and oftentimes it's just an aesthetic thing. I have a buddy who was gung-ho on benchmade... All he carries now is a Stretch.

If you really feel the need to dip your toes in the spyderco water, I suggest getting something that won't go unused once you buy a higher-end model.. Because you inevitably will. I'd suggest maybe a ladybug hawkbill in H1 (very unique knife and definitively spyderco) or a manbug. Keychain knives can be invaluable around sheeple. Or perhaps a dragonfly? They come in VG10 and H1, have an amazing deep-carry wire clip, and show you how much a smaller knife can accomplish. Yes the delica and endura are great, but in my opinion there are better knives in the lineup which make those two seem less appealing to me (barely ever use my delica anymore). The tenacious is a great knife too- it gives tons of blade for the handle size, the blade shape is very useful, it fits nicely in the hand, and it only costs about $35.

That said I, like many others, think you should just cut to the chase and get a paramilitary 2. It meets the hype. I've never held anything that felt so natural and purpose-driven. It's the product of two generations of knife makers and is the culmination of a number of features that make spydercos great. Save up and pull the trigger.
 
Wow great responses! Just what I was looking for, a lot of opinions to work from. Ive found a few enduras for my price range but have been liking the looks of the dragonfly now too... I know its a little smaller but I do really like the way it looks.
Thanks
Brian
 
I went the WM Native-Delica-Endura route before ordering my Para 2 today, so I will see when it gets here. It looks like I could have saved my $60.00 on the Endura now.
 
Wow great responses! Just what I was looking for, a lot of opinions to work from. Ive found a few enduras for my price range but have been liking the looks of the dragonfly now too... I know its a little smaller but I do really like the way it looks.
Thanks
Brian

A TON of people LOVE that design. Go with what you gravitate towards. A small knife adds more control and is less conspicuous. Just please post pictures of whatever you get! It's common courtesy ;)
 
I'm new to the Spyderco line, just receive my brown para 2, so I have to say the para ain't to shabby for a first Spyder. Perfect blade center, and smooth as butter, great flipper. Everything I read about and seen on the tube.
 
A couple weeks ago I bought my first Spyderco and chose the Endura4 FFG in VG10....Been carrying it everyday and its lighter than smaller knives I've carried in the past..Honestly I don't even notice it in my back pocket and the blade is perfect..I bought a Delica4 because of all the reviews I've read but haven't carried it yet..I think the Endura4 is "The perfect folder"....
 
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