Which Spyderco for my first?

19-3ben

19-3ben

Joined
Jul 27, 2015
Messages
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OK guys, I've never been a huge Spyderco fan, but I'm already thinking about a present for my upcoming birthday (ok, ok. My birthday is in June, but you can never start too early with this sort of thing). I think it might be time to break down and accept the awesomeness of Spyderco.

So here's a rundown of what I'm looking for and what I do with a knife.

My needs:
A blade somewhere in the 3"-3.5" range. I could even push it a little longer like 3 3/4" but don't want a very large knife.
I have a very strong preference for G10 or Micarta scales. FRN just feels cheesy to me.
Easy one hand opening and closing. I don't want to have to do some kind of acrobatics to close the knife with one hand, and there really are times I can't spare a second hand.
$100 or less.


What I do with a knife:
In my professional life I'm an attorney, and in that capacity a knife is rarely, if ever used. However, I'm kind of a jack of all trades. In the past two weeks my pocket knives have been used for scoring sheetrock, cutting vinyl tubing (brewing equipment), making feathersticks, slicing fruit out on the trail, cutting off the tip of a caulk tube, and that's just what I remember off the top of my head.

Right now, my primary pocket knife is my BM Griptillian in 154CM which I absolutely love. It's my old buddy. I don't plan on retiring the BM by any stretch, but I just want something, perhaps a bit parallel/overlapping. I'm kinda thinking the Manix2 in G10 would be a good first Spyderco for me. I love the shape of the blade, and it just seems like a very solid knife, especially with the BBL being a nice easy transition from BM's axis lock.

I know the PM2 seems to be immensely popular, but is the compression lock as easy to close one handed as the BBL? Also, the Manix 2 seems to be built with hard use in mind. Would the PM2 stand up to the same kind of use as the Manix? the tip looks like it could be a bit fragile.
Are there any others I should look at?
 
Sage 1 would be a great option as they are classy but will handle harder use. Good looking knife to with a suit.
I've just got a Manix 2, it's growing on me but I really like my black PM2. The compression lock really is very smooth, functional and fun. I don't pry with the tip of my knives and find the blade on the PM2 awesome.
 
NjMS said:
Sage 1 would be a great option as they are classy but will handle harder use. Good looking knife to with a suit.
I've just got a Manix 2, it's growing on me but I really like my black PM2. The compression lock really is very smooth, functional and fun. I don't pry with the tip of my knives and find the blade on the PM2 awesome.
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I'm going to second everything said ^there. I wear a suit ALOT, and my Sage 1 is the knife I carry when needing to look my best. It's a gentleman's folder, but that blade can take, and most importantly, dish out a real beating. Nothing beats out CF for class and heavy duty. That sporty look also lets people know it's tough. The black wire clip is not a chinsy piece of metal either and makes the knife just disappear inside the pocket. It's a little bit more that a C note but it's totally worth the extra bucks. I love my Sage 1!!!



I have been interested in the Manix 2 as well, G10 like you, but I have yet to flip the Spydie hole on that one. I went the PM2 route just based on those thick slabs of G10 and that insanely awesome compression lock. Holy Moly what a dream to carry and use!! Don't let that thinner tip fool you, it rocks just as hard as any thicker blade might. It's also just north of a C note, but again, worth every penny.



Good luck. Let us know what you decide on.
 
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Some great choices already proposed.

Manix 2 opens and closes easily with one hand and built like a tank. Keep in mind the CBBL is a little stiffer than the Axis lock. The lock on the knife in the picture works pretty easily. The locks on my lightweights are a little harder to work.

20160128_162951_zpsk4niaqbe.jpg



PM2 is a great choice. The compression lock is simple to use with one hand but a little tricky left handed. Still doable though. What I like about the PM2 vs. Manix 2 is it's a little lighter and not as wide in the pocket.

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Sage 1 is excellent too! Looks great and is very durable. Can be opened and closed with one hand very easily. Closing's not as easy as the M2 or PM2 but becomes second nature in time. Keep an eye on the exchange. These can be had for well under $100.

20160218_113937_zpsnhi0vt6l.jpg
 
Sage 1 all the way... Great everyday for all occasions knife, esp a suit. Plus the "thwack" it makes when you click it open makes me happy[emoji2]

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Fair warning...my Manix 2 was my Spyderco gateway drug. You'll inevitably own everything posted in this thread plus some.
 
BilboBaggins said:
Fair warning...my Manix 2 was my Spyderco gateway drug. You'll inevitably own everything posted in this thread plus some.
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I'm kind of afraid of that.

You guys have given me some great ideas. Here's a bit of my feedback on the advice. I hadn't heard of the Sage until this thread, but now I love the look and I WILL get one. For this particular knife I'm not looking for a liner lock, so it's not going to be my next purchase, but it's on the very short list, and very close to the top. Thank you for that!

I'm not super concerned about this being a "suit pants" type knife. With the type of law I do, I'm in and out of federal buildings and Fed Court all day, so the knife ends up staying in my car. When I CAN carry a knife in suit/slacks it's always something very traditional and non-threatening, like a slip joint with jigged bone and polished brass or nickel bolsters. You get the idea. As soon as I'm not working I slip into my "everyman" outfit. Jeans, cargo shorts, flannel, t shirts, whatever. That's where my BM Grip, Esee Izula 2, and Buck 110 usually share time in the carry rotation. I'd be adding the Spyderco into that group, so whether this knife looks right in business attire is not really a primary concern for me. Sorry if I didn't make that clear enough in my OP.

I love the idea of the PM2, and while it's out of budget for this purchase, it's on deck. It will be mine. Along with something in H1 from the Salt series for when i go kayaking/canoeing... and a Mule Team because I need one... and... oh no... what have you done to me?

Seriously though, thank you guys. I appreciate the feedback. Even the suggestions I'm not taking have all been really considered and are getting me to do the research and really learn Spyderco's product line and just how much I've been missing.
 
19-3ben said:
I'm kind of afraid of that.

You guys have given me some great ideas. Here's a bit of my feedback on the advice. I hadn't heard of the Sage until this thread, but now I love the look and I WILL get one. For this particular knife I'm not looking for a liner lock, so it's not going to be my next purchase, but it's on the very short list, and very close to the top. Thank you for that!
Click to expand...

Keep in mind that the Sage line is a series and there are also other versions with different locks and scale materials. I currently have the Sage 1, 2, & 3 and like them all. The Sage 2 (Titanium w/Reeve Integral Lock) is probably my favorite but I like the 1 & 3 as well. The Sage 3 uses a bolt action lock and functionally (IMO) is a cross between the BM Axis lock and the CBBL used on the Manix. The Sage 3 is possibly the smoothest knife I own. The others, including the Manix 2's, other Sages, Natives, etc aren't far behind.
 
Manix 2 and PM2 seem obvious choices (As they are, along with the Sage Series), and any of the above will make you immensely happy. Given that you'll also be potentially carrying in an office environment and might want something that looks a little more gentlemanly I'd also recommend you to consider a knife that I don't own (But will be picking up soon), the Gayle Bradley 2. The CPM M4 steel is great, and the carbon fiber overlay scales are a little more classy than plain G10, but will also wear use extremely well.
 
I always feel like the PM2 is the GOAT Spyderco. Yet I would carry, use and choose a Delica or a Manix 2 over it anyday. The three that I mentioned area all great knives. I am currently really loving the Manix 2 lw. I had one in S110v but recently traded it for a BD1 version as it's easier to sharpen and keep a keen edge. Love the format of the LW.
 
Well, i have to say, my head is swimming. Whereas even a couple months ago I kinda overlooked Spyderco as being those sorta funky looking folders that everyone else liked, I'm looking at more and more of them and thinking "wow, that makes sense!" I don't know if I'm just resigning myself to the quality of Spyderco, or if my tastes are maturing and I've grown into the product. Either way, I'm in trouble.

I'm starting to think that I need to look at this as an educational adventure, and start with the basics like the Delica and then work my way up. It's no longer an "I want one, so i might as well make it the best for me." I realize i'm going to end up with a bunch of them anyway.
I'm starting to understand the danger of these things.
 
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