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What should be my first spyderco?
- Thread starter BriantheBlade
- Start date
- Joined
- Mar 13, 2005
- Messages
- 2,026
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.
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.
Last edited:
Razorsharp-Travis
BANNED
- Joined
- Aug 16, 2011
- Messages
- 612
i did the same as you, spent 50, i wish I saved another 50 on to that 
, as EZBake said, buy a para2 and be done with it 
, as EZBake said, buy a para2 and be done with it - Joined
- Sep 9, 2010
- Messages
- 173
I personally would save up some more and buy a Para 2 or Millie. But a Delica or Endura are awesome!
- Joined
- Sep 21, 2000
- Messages
- 943
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.
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.
- Joined
- Aug 5, 2009
- Messages
- 288
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
Thanks
Brian
- Joined
- Apr 12, 2012
- Messages
- 1,668
Get the tenacious man you won't regret it trust me.
- Joined
- Sep 21, 2000
- Messages
- 943
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
- Joined
- Aug 7, 2011
- Messages
- 564
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"....