Why Spyderco?

Things to like about spydercos:
1. opening hole is easy, quick, reliable.
2. solidly built out of high quality material (even the FRN is very strong and functional).
3. Best out-of-box sharpness in the business in my experience.
4. solid, reliable lock-up.
5. Sal tries out a lot of steels and offers many models with premium steels.
6. Even the less expensive models are first-rate in quality, build, materials.
7. Emphasis on function, beauty is in the eye (or opening hole) of the beholder anyway.
8. Lots of models to choose from so something for nearly every purpose or preference.
9. Long useful life span. I've lost a couple but never broken one or had one fail in any way.

I have more spydercos than one person really needs, but if I could only keep one it would be the paramilitary 2. For a see-if-you like the functionality trial, I would get a Delica. Great handy edc sized knife that is not too expensive. Endura is the larger version. Lots of choices if you want upgraded steel choices or handle material.
 
A lot of their blades have a full flat grind, and I find them very useful.

You should look at the Manix 2 if you like heavy knives that feel solid and fit the hand. The Manix 2 XL is bigger, but the milled liners takes a lot of weight off it.

The Manix 2 used to have a sabre grind and 154CM steel, but is now FFG and S30V. It still have solid liners from what I've heard.
 
I see where the poster that said they look cheap is coming from. I suspect that to some, Spydercos seem dated. After all, thick stock sharpened prybars with textured G10 scales are all the rage now. If that's your idea of a functional folder:rolleyes:, then the fiberglass handled Delica would look positively chintzy.

I almost forgot - any knife that isn't a framelock and a flipper is both fragile and out of dated.

(I know this isn't true - see the <roll eyes> smiley face - but I'm talking about the current trend and how it shapes people's perceptions of what a quality knife is.)

To the person that thinks they look cheap - Give one a try. I wasn't much of a fan for a long time. Then my wife got a Tenacious as a gift. Great value, nice knife. I dipped my toe in the shallow (ie inexpensive) water by picking up an waved Delica. I've carried everyday for a year. I'm looking for a Manix 2 next. (Three great value knives by the way. Tenacious, Delica and Manix 2).

Or don't give one a try. I'm not a fanboy. I won't get my feelings hurt if you don't.
 
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leozinho said:
I almost forgot - any knife that isn't a framelock and a flipper is both fragile and out of dated.

(I know this isn't true - see the <roll eyes> smiley face - but I'm talking about the current trend and how it shapes people's perceptions of what a quality knife is.)
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+1 on that. My Kershaw Zing and CRKT Ripple, both modern framelock flippers, certainly don't feel strong and sturdy. A Native FRN feels way stronger in actual use.
 
exmaxima said:
+1 on that. My Kershaw Zing and CRKT Ripple, both modern framelock flippers, certainly don't feel strong and sturdy. A Native FRN feels way stronger in actual use.
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The Native 5 is a little tank of a knife, I have 2 of them, one in S35VN and the other in S110V....
 
dogrunner said:
Things to like about spydercos:
1. opening hole is easy, quick, reliable.
2. solidly built out of high quality material (even the FRN is very strong and functional).
3. Best out-of-box sharpness in the business in my experience.
4. solid, reliable lock-up.
5. Sal tries out a lot of steels and offers many models with premium steels.
6. Even the less expensive models are first-rate in quality, build, materials.
7. Emphasis on function, beauty is in the eye (or opening hole) of the beholder anyway.
8. Lots of models to choose from so something for nearly every purpose or preference.
9. Long useful life span. I've lost a couple but never broken one or had one fail in any way.

I have more spydercos than one person really needs, but if I could only keep one it would be the paramilitary 2. For a see-if-you like the functionality trial, I would get a Delica. Great handy edc sized knife that is not too expensive. Endura is the larger version. Lots of choices if you want upgraded steel choices or handle material.
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Thank you, this is the form of response I was looking for. I think I will go with an Endura. Thank you so much
 
I own several quality knives from many different manufacturers including an older Spyderco Manix 2 that I carry to work everyday. It has great ergonomics, and is made from high quality materials. It's been through hell and back and is still going strong. They're great knives and a great value. You won't regret buying one.
 
For me, its the Spyder-hole. I just prefer it to a thumb-stud. Also, I like that most of their models are both right and left hand friendly. Lastly, for the quality, and the fact that they have so many different designs, they are quite affordable.
 
Your welcome. You really can't go wrong with the delica or endura because they are great knives, especially for the price, and won't break the bank.
 
I held off buying a Spyderco for years. As somebody else mentioned they make a specific blade for almost any purpose. My first buy was the Civilian. You can't get much more specific than that. The warranty is void if you use it for other than self defense.

Then I picked up a Uliize. They grow on you. The quality is obvious.
 
As many have said, I've never been able to get into their looks. I think it's the leaf shaped blades. I've got a pm2 that I quickly fell in love with once I got past its looks. I also have a military, and I've been looking at a southard lately. The more chances I give them the more I like them. Personal opinions aside, I really respect them for experimenting with all sorts of steels and staying modern without falling in to the "tactical" theme. Who knows, in a couple years I could be a full fledged fan boy.
 
I like to think of spyderco as asparagus. Some people love it, some hate it. However, most will agree that they're good for you. But, you can't tell if u like them by looking at them. You must give it a try!

For me, I tried a PM2 and a Manix 2. I didn't really love either. Both were very good knives and the PM2's deployment was super-smooth, but neither were for me. Doesn't mean I'm a terrible person. Just means I either do not like Spydies OR I just haven't found the right one yet. Thankfully, Spyderco isn't the only knife maker on the planet and there are so many makes/models that there are plenty for me to find ones that I do love!

Btw, haven't given up on spyderco just yet. Still searching for the "one".
 
These days when someone says to me, I don't like Spydercos, I say yeh they're no good. No skin off my nose.
 
I was never a fan, but had only ever held one with the exaggerated spydie hole. Sure it's functional but it looks funny and catches on your pants. Also sits uncomfortably in hand when closed. I looked into it a bit and found some I really liked. I broke down and dove right in and picked up a Manix 2 Cru-wear. Amazing knife! Grip melts into your hand, flicks open ever so nice, solid, carries very well and FULLY ambidextrous! (I'm a lefty). I liked it so much that I'm hooked, Blue g10 Lava, Techno, Farid K-2 and now a Native 5 110v on the way. (and about 4 or 5 more I'd like)

I own and love other brands too, here's a few...
Zt 550(3rd gen) with custom scale
Brous Silent Soldier flipper
Boker Pipsqueak

...but a Spydie usually finds it's way in my pocket anyway.
 
ReddAEN, a few years back I was kind of in the same boat as you about Spyderco. So, to try out the ergos without spending much money I bought a Byrd Cara Cara 2 (basically a less expensive Endura) I found that I really liked the ergos and the thumb hole. Now my collection seams to be gaining more and more Spyderco knives. Welcome to the the forums.
 
i generally do not like thumb studs on a knife, there are a few exceptions, but knives like the kershaw knockout and piston just make me sad, I would love them if it weren't for the thumb stud, they don't function as stop pins, they're just there. I would want both those knives if they got rid of the thumb studs, who needs em when you got a flipper and a stop pin?! The point i am getting to is that spydercos don't have thumb studs, they don't have any extra metal on the blade, they are designed with the spyder hole in mind and every time they look good. And the cutting performance isnt in any way hindered by the hole, can't say the same about some thumb studs....
Not to mention you can get some amazing values like the below s110v manix2.

 
EDCanAdamas said:
Don't let the Cold Steel guys hear you say that :eek:

Spyderco makes a great knife, and you have such a vast selection to choose from. Don't like Chinese products, get one made in Japan. Hate VG10 steel, buy one of the Golden Colorado models in S30V. Spyderco also appeals to the so called 1% of knife collecting/using with their limited editions, sprint runs, and blades with prices well above the $200 mark.

Perhaps you ran into flea market versions of Spyderco folders? They are really common, and yes those knock-offs will fail apart in your hands.
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I'm one of those "Cold Steel guys" and i actually agree with him. To the untrained eye a Cold steel looks like a plastic gas station knife. They look cheap but looks can be deceiving.

Anyway, on topic. Spyderco is not my company of choice but they do make great knives. I have only owned a couple and aside from a clip breaking on one i have zero complaints. Not sure what your budget is but i would suggest picking up a Persistence or Tenacious. Around $40-50 and you can experience the quality. If you don't want to drop that much to go ahead and get a Grasshopper. It is a keychain knife (no clip) but even in that you can feel the quality and it may be small but performs like a medium sized knife. $15-20.
 
coldmrk said:
i generally do not like thumb studs on a knife, there are a few exceptions, but knives like the kershaw knockout and piston just make me sad, I would love them if it weren't for the thumb stud, they don't function as stop pins, they're just there. I would want both those knives if they got rid of the thumb studs, who needs em when you got a flipper and a stop pin?! The point i am getting to is that spydercos don't have thumb studs, they don't have any extra metal on the blade, they are designed with the spyder hole in mind and every time they look good. And the cutting performance isnt in any way hindered by the hole, can't say the same about some thumb studs....
Not to mention you can get some amazing values like the below s110v manix2.






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Which Spyderco model (orange) is on the left ?
 
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