why spyderco?

[Cursum Perficio]

Spydercos are made for the hand, not the eye. It's handling and using them that gets the message across to you properly.
Doesn't mean some don't find them aesthetically appealing, but that of course is always in the eye of the beholder.
And the quality is there for sure, the variety of designs too, and the ability to personalize.

There are two types of pocket knife - Spyderco and 'others'.
I have 'others' too and they are great knives, but Spydercos way out number everything else in my modest collection of about 30 folders.

The Para 2 is a great choice, here's some pics to encourage you:

 

[Kwon Kwang]

Super jealous of that Sage 4, CP! Nice knives!

 

[ZuluKilo]

For me, a couple things stand out:

-The range of styles and types of knives Spyderco produces is immense and trumps every other manufacturer IMO. I truly believe that there is a Spyderco for everyone if they are willing to try one.

-Sal, the founder, takes an active interest in his customer base...an absolute understatement really. Almost 10k posts on one internet forum, this forum, is a testament to his dedication. At the end of the day, I really feel like he is interested in my viewpoint/interests/likes/dislikes/input when it comes to his products...that's not something I can say about any other company whose products I consume. Period. That fact alone makes Spyderco knives more appealing to me.

 

[Kwon Kwang]

For me, a couple things stand out:

-The range of styles and types of knives Spyderco produces is immense and trumps every other manufacturer IMO. I truly believe that there is a Spyderco for everyone if they are willing to try one.

-Sal, the founder, takes an active interest in his customer base...an absolute understatement really. Almost 10k posts on one internet forum, this forum, is a testament to his dedication. At the end of the day, I really feel like he is interested in my viewpoint/interests/likes/dislikes/input when it comes to his products...that's not something I can say about any other company whose products I consume. Period. That fact alone makes Spyderco knives more appealing to me.

Good post, 100% agreed.

 

[Spectre]

I got my first Spyderco Native based on comments from forum members. I believe that was 1998. I have occasionally carried other knives, but come back quickly to Spyderco. The Native 2 LW was carried for at least 10 years, including a tour in Afghanistan. I tried the Manix 2 in 2009, and it finally replaced the Native 2 for all but wear in dress pants.

When the Manix 2 LW came out, that replaced the Manix 2, since the LW could be worn in slacks and was 2 oz lighter. I carry a Manix 2 XL when I'm in an Army uniform. I will occasionally rotate in a Manix, Native 2, Persian 2, or Poliwog G10.

Spydercos have good ergonomics, quality steel, fair prices, and the company has consistently high ethics. When I thought of a company that might be willing to help make a dedicated defensive knife for our service members, Spyderco was my first choice. I have used them in harm's way and in difficult circumstances, and have never been disappointed at their performance.

John Shirley

 

[Fred Sanford]

For me, it's all about the hole, and the Spyderco crew. I've met Sal in person and he is a wonderful man. Spyderco is the most like a family out of any company that I have ever visited or been involved in.

For me, it is always about the people...not so much the thing. It just so happens that their "things" work awesome and are sharp as heck. Best edge geometry of any knife I've owned. Always shaving sharp.


Form follows function baby.

 

[ThePeacent]

Never understood what the fuss was about, and never liked the looks of them.

But, being forced to try out the H1 steel due to the harsh work environment I was wasting all my EDCs on, I got a Pacific Salt.

It all changed then. With use, I appreciated every aspect that makes Spydies so unique.

The PacSalt was the most comfortable. It was lighter than all my other folders. It cut better than all its competitors. It held up and swallowed everything I threw at it, and got out better than any of my previous EDC knives.

So I tried another Spydie, another Salt. And another, and then another one...the rest of the story is well known. Today I have one of them with me 24/7. No exceptions!

Can't go wrong with Spyderco, in any possible way. They are here to stay!

 

[Slumblor]

Why not Spyderco?

 

[Cursum Perficio]

Super jealous of that Sage 4, CP! Nice knives!

Thank you
I always really liked the look of the Sage 4 and thought I would get one sometime, even though back locks aren't my first choice. Always had other folders higher on the list though.
Then when I saw they were being discontinued I bought one immediately. Glad I did.

It's simply flawless. Centering, lockup, smoothness, fit and finish, ergonomics, aesthetics (to my eye), blade drops under it's own weight when the lock is disengaged. I'm quite enamored with this folder.

At 4.2 ounce it weighs the same as a Military but that doesn't bother me at all, in fact it has a reassuring feeling of solidity to it.
I confess I rarely carry it, which is very unlike me, all my knives are users. But somehow the greatest pleasure I derive from this Sage 4 is in simply admiring it. Maybe in time it will get a few scratches and marks and it will then become more used.

OP, putting model/shape/size aside, this is in many ways a prime example of 'why Spyderco', or to go a step further, 'why Taichung Spyderco'.

 

[3rdGenRigger]

My Sage 4 is also very nice as far as fit and finish (Like all of my other Taichung Spydies...VERY good QC out of that factory). The lockup of the lockbar is particularly satisfying...more so than any of my other back lock knives. The way it snaps into place really only leaves one descriptive metaphor in my mind to describe it; Bank Vault.

 

[borage123]

if i may? what is the first spyderco knife? the one with the carbon fiber handle and orange blade?

 

[Cursum Perficio]

if i may? what is the first spyderco knife? the one with the carbon fiber handle and orange blade?

Sorry mate, it's not clear which you are referring to, though by carbon fibre handle I guess you might mean the Sage 1? If there's an orange tint to the blade in that pic it's the result of my poor photography skills.
Excuse me if I'm wrong about which you are referring to.

The Sage 1 is a sweet EDC folder and everything I said about the build quality of the Sage 4 also applies, it's also light weight with the CF and milled liners.

Must off to work now.

 

[borage123]

darn, thats a shame but still a nice knife. i am torn between the manix 2 and the paramilitary 2

 

[TheOutdoorNerd]

One of the things that's always stood out to me about Spyderco versus other brands: They are the only knives that seem to get better the more I use them.

 

[nickedone]

My Sage 4 is also very nice as far as fit and finish (Like all of my other Taichung Spydies...VERY good QC out of that factory). The lockup of the lockbar is particularly satisfying...more so than any of my other back lock knives. The way it snaps into place really only leaves one descriptive metaphor in my mind to describe it; Bank Vault.

"Spyderco even cuts through road hazards that would leave others swamped!"

 

[Kwon Kwang]

Nice pictures! You guys are killing me!

 

[nickedone]

Spyderco makes a broad array of products with many choices of size, form factor, steel options and price/value ranges, with exemplary quality control across the board.
Whether one's choice is driven by ergonomics, esthetics, specific application or economics, Spyderco has a quality product to suit your needs.
The wide range/good value also fosters enthusiast exploration of new and different knifage.

Superb customer service.
Responsive to customer input, feedback and recommendations.
Respectful of the end-user, while demonstrating concern for big picture/long term viability of the industry and the livelihood of those who share this passion.
Innovative, with traditional values.

What's not to like?

(Geez, sounds like a shill---negatory!)

"Spyderco is the Taylor Guitars of the knife industry."

 

[CapitalizedLiving]

so ive been looking at some more higher end knives as my collection grows and in every video ive seen they always have a spyderco knife. what is it about spyderco that people love? im kinda at a blank to be honest. the knife everyone recommends is the paramilitary2 or the endura and even recommend them over some amazing knives. is it the spydy hole or the handles? is it the treatment with the blades? the price? i have no clue! to me they seem like they are more bulky width wise and take up more room then lets say the benchmade griptillian. im sorry if this doesnt really make sense but im sure one of you guys can understand what im saying and tell me what there opinion is!

Because only Spyderco has Gayle Bradley collaborations, that's why.

 

[borage123]

i do not like em

 

[coinbuysell]

Hi Borage,

Welcome to our forum.

I would suggest you consider the size that interests you rather than the "looks". "Looks" are secondary in our knives to function. The Para 2 is popular and seem to please most. Our forte is "reliable, high performance". The Para 2 cuts well (full flat grind on exceptional steels). It's reliable and sturdy. A great deal of thought and refinement has gone into the model.

sal

They are not my favorites but I do have an ZDP-189 Endura, CTS-204P Southard, and CTS-XHP Domino, which are all nice knives, but their people are why I would not hesitate to buy another one that interested me...look at how many posts the Owner has on this site and they are all welcoming and thoughtful vs. some of the other manufacturer's snippy and defensive posts regarding anything negative. That and the fact that they use different/new steels for people to try out, which reminds me of my PSF27 Mule that I forgot to mention

I just tend to prefer flippers, and they do not make many at this time, but I do have the two that I wanted to try and they are exemplary (Southard and Domino).