Which Sypderco Do YOU Recommend?

E

EdLovr

Joined
Oct 29, 2000
Messages
8
Hello,

I am looking at purchase a folding blade pocketknife to carry with me when I begin my FTO training. I have heard good things about Spyderco knives and I would like to know which model(s) the people on this board prefer. If you're in the frame of mind to do so, feel free to tell me why you prefer the model you do.

I know some LEO's carry knives as a backup weapon but I have no training in that area and my intentions are simply to use it for utility functions (i.e. cutting people free of seatbelts, etc.). Since most of my "toys" tend to get beat up and really put through the ringer, I'm looking for a medium-expensive knife that is very durable and has a good warranty.

Thank you for any information you can give me.

Regards,

Ed
 
There are so many great knives out there by Spyderco. Best way to find out which one is for you, is to check their new site and admire their collection.

HOWEVER, most people have a favorite. I, of course, prefer the Native. Here are the reasons (ad nauseum), which I actually had to save on a separate text file for whenever this question came up again:

1) Blade is 3 1/8", which is within legal-limit in most places (alright it's not 3", but difference is negligible). This assures you have the biggest you can get, but not too big.

2) Perfect balance between tactical and utility purposes. Blade is spear-point, hollow ground, which is great for thrusting and slashing techniques. Also great to cut a myriad of stuff.

3) CPM440V blade and comfortable FRN handle for only $43!!! (www.discountknives.com) You get the best of both worlds: premium-quality steel for unbealievably low price.

4) Handle is comfortable with at least two grip positions. Grip long by putting index finger and middle finger in extended handle choil, or short by putting index finger in natural steel choil (located just below the edge) and middle finger in handle choil. Gives you great cutting, stabbing and slashing control. Also it features a web-pattern to eliminate slippery conditions.

5) Spydie hole assures easy opening and closing of blade. It is bar-none the best system to open a knife, beating the thumb stud and disk IMNSHO. It is also excellent for doing the "drop opening" technique.

6) Tip-up carry great for drawing at lightning speed, plus handle does not stick out in a "threatening" position, IMHO.

7) Knife is very lightweight. Great for carrying clipped in shorts or jeans.

You really cannot go wrong with this knife for most purposes. However, keep in mind that there are many great models out there, so keep checking and reading the responses.

Good luck with your decision!

-Flood
 
I am no "Rescue Expert", but I know a few and they have always told me if you are going to cut someone free from a seatbelt or cut a strap on a kyak, you need to have a knife with a blunt end. I heard of a story here in N.C. when a man got capsized in his kyak and a man (E.M.T.)jumped in to rescue him and pulled out his knife (clip point blade) and accidentally stabbed him in the leg while cutting the strap. The man sadly bled to death before they could get him to the hospital. If I was going to be cutting people out of seatbelts and such, I would go for the stainless steel handle Rescue Jr. It is not too large (alot of accident victims might be scared if you flip out a large knife). If you don't go for the stainless handle, go for the bright orange Jr. If you lose it on an accident scene, you are more likely to find it than the black handle. I hope this helps.
michael

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"For the Word of God is living and powerful and sharper than any two-edged sword."
Heb. 4:12

"Lets meet at My house before the game on Sunday" God.

"If Al Gore Wins I am leaving the country"
Said by Me
 
The knife I usually carry on duty is the Spyderco Wegner. It is one of the most comfortable knives I have handled. The ergonomics are incredible. Very versatile design and built like a tank.



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Dennis Bible
 
NCBlades wrote:
"I heard of a story here in N.C. when a man got capsized in his kyak and a man (E.M.T.)jumped in to rescue him and pulled out his knife (clip point blade) and accidentally stabbed him in the leg while cutting the strap. The man sadly bled to death before they could get him to the hospital."

I would be VERY interested in reading any substantiation of this story. I bet you'll find it on the internet right between the one about some guy waking up from a one-night stand minus a kidney and the street gang initiation that involves killing the next driver who flashes bright headlights.
 
My overall favorite is the Native, Flood already covered that. The Rescue models may be more what you are looking for. Better yet, buy both, you probably will anyway.

Paul
 
I used to be a fire/rescue emt myself. I sure wish I had my native then.

I have the plain-edge zytel model and love it.

It is sharp enough out of the box to go through a seat belt but you might consider the serrated version.

I noticed your post on the Emerson forum. I have a CQC7b. I like the spyderco better. It seems alot sturdier to me.
 
I recommend the trauma shears/Spyderco Rescue or Endura combination. Durable and inexpensive. You'll use your shears 99% of the time - you REALLY shouldn't use a knife to cut someone out of seatbelt/harness/etc. -though when you need a knife, nothing else will do.

-Jim Lockhart
 
Just a thought. Training or not I would still want a knife that could perform defensive duties as well as utility. Never can tell when you may need it. The rescue is a nice knife and is certainly capable of slicing someone if need be, but I would have to look at some others that may be a little more capable of defense if needed.

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Dennis Bible
 
The Mini Dyad is legal in most jurisdictions, has a great blunt tip rescue blade, a backup conventional non-serrated blade and a steel pocket clip.

I carried a Mini AFCK for a while but I made a point of moving it from clipped to my pocket to inside the pocket when I went left my vehicle because of the blade length and court unfriendly name.

I have been in a car when my seatbelt buckle got swallowed by the seat and my Dyad is a constant source of comfort to me.
 
If I was only going to own one Spyderco, it wouldn't really be much of a challenge to figure it out. The Military is the flagship of the line and for many good reasons. I prefer the fully serrated version for a worker.

Gregg
 
I would recommend one of two choices, depending upon your own preferences. I would choose either the StarMate or the Lightweight Native, both in plain edge. TH reasons fo rthe Native have been adequately explained, so I will focus on the StarMate. It is, in my humble opinion, the finest production folder available. Mine has a 3 3/4" blade of 440V steel that has only just now needed sharpening after over a year of hard use. It is somewhat smaller in the hand and pocket than the Military and it fits my hand better, although the blade is about the same length. It has a liner lock that uses an eccentric pivot that Spyderco adjusts at the factory to make the liner/tang ramp fit just right for lock-up and I have never had it or my Military fail. Its action is smooth as glass asn may be openned instantly using the "Spyderco drop". All in all, an excellent tool.

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Walk in the Light,
Hugh Fuller
 
I would suggest talking with some of your friends and fellow officers about what they carry. As a fellow officer and knife nut I would reccomend to you either the Delica or the Endura. These are two great knives and usually are not priced too high. After you have had them for a while you might then move up to the more expensive Spydercos. I would also suggest that you get your endura Or Delica with the 50/50 blade.
I started out with a 50/50 Endura and have carried a police model,remote release, snapit,and a worker. well I finally found the Spyderco I love the most for work and that is the Wayne Goodard Lightweight with the 50/50 blade.
 
The Wegner is the best working/ defensive folding blade a street cop could ask for. I've been carrying one for about 2 years now both on and off duty. It's ergonomics are second to none. The blade is very strong and it locks up like a vault. I have used mine mercilessly and it has never let me down. I've handled the Military and it's a great blade but the Wegner is better. (IMHO) Get one. You will NOT be disappointed.
 
Originally posted by Jaeger:
The Wegner is the best working/ defensive folding blade a street cop could ask for. I've been carrying one for about 2 years now both on and off duty. It's ergonomics are second to none. The blade is very strong and it locks up like a vault. I have used mine mercilessly and it has never let me down. I've handled the Military and it's a great blade but the Wegner is better. (IMHO) Get one. You will NOT be disappointed.
Click to expand...

Absolutley! The Wegner is a great knife. It is excellent for both utility and defense applications. I think that some peopel do not consider it because it is marjeted as a "folding hunter" instead of a "tactical". At one time it was going to be the official Gunsite knife. The Wegner is one of my all -time favorites. I have tried other knives for duty but the Wegner is the one I keep coming back to.



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Dennis Bible
 
The Military or a Starmate. Both are great. If you want a use for all knife, that won`t cost to much get an Endura.

W.A.

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"To strive to seek to find and not to yield"
Tenneson
Ranger motto
 
Pretty much all of Spyderco's line up is outstanding. I really like the serrated Endura for bang-for-the-buck. I also just got a Gunting, and it is hands down the best-made, most secure, highest quality folder I've ever handled. I'm really looking forward to seeing the compression lock on more knives, so my advice to you would be to buy an Endura now, and wait and see what other knives the compression lock comes out on.
 
I recommend the Starmate.
I think you already knew that though.
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After trying all most all of the sydercos,the wegner gets my hands down vote.I also think it is the strongest and has the best blade shape.

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Ray
 
I would reccomend the native. I have had lots of different knives.(I mean lots)and I always come back to Spyderco. They seem to have the best value for the money. The native is simply an excellent design. I have never heard anything negative about it.

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Brian
AKTI# A000991
What's the best folk dance for my monkey?
 
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