First SE Spydie

[Saucerito]

Hi,

I’m looking for recommendations for my first SE Spydie. I’ve read Evil D’s thread on SE so obviously I feel the need to try one. I’d preferably like something that doesn’t need too much reworking to get optimal serrations, a different model than what I already have (see sig), something that can be used for EDC, food prep, or cardboard breakdown, and under $150 (willing to hear reasons for going above this). Really, I guess I’m looking to hear what y’all think are the best representations of good SE from spyderco.

The Stretch 2 XL has my eye right now in PE or SE so that’s one option I’m looking at.

[sal]

Hi Saucerito,

Welcome to our forum.

sal

[ladybug93]

welcome! i would consider a caribbean. i know it's more expensive, but it's a great knife.

[Coastal]

Without reservation, a Caribbean @ $217. If that's a hard pass, then a Stretch 2XL.

[skeeg11]

If you're dipping your toe in a sea of toothsome blades for the first time, you might want to check out Spyderco's Byrd line of serrated knives for thin money before dropping serious coin on upscale models. I really really like my Harrier 2 serrated wharnie at around $35.00 landed to my doorstep.

[Catamount123]

Another vote for the Stretch XL SE. I recently got one, and think it would be a great introduction to serrations.

[cabfrank]

Stretch XL or Endela, for the shallow serrations. The Delica Wharncliffe has fantastic serrations also, but you have two Delicas.

[cabfrank]

Oh, and welcome!

[vivi]

stretch xl would be a fine choice. it's a very good model. SE Pacific Salts are also a legendary option, but if you don't require extreme corrosion resistance Stretch XL is tough to beat.

[Bemo]

If you're dipping your toe in a sea of toothsome blades for the first time, you might want to check out Spyderco's Byrd line of serrated knives for thin money before dropping serious coin on upscale models. I really really like my Harrier 2 serrated wharnie at around $35.00 landed to my doorstep.

I'm going to second Skeeg here. I have several SE Spydies, but these Harrier Wharnie's are just so crazy good for what you pay. I was using my SE one this morning in the garden and again am just amazed.

That said, don't count out the Rock Jumper either. I prefer it over my Endela SE.

[olywa]

I've been drinking the SE kool-aid for a little while now. My experience was pretty rocky at first, mainly because of the way that I butchered up the edges on my first couple. This despite being a pretty competent free-hander with PE blades. But thank goodness we have a couple of very skilled enablers on this forum and some of their advice finally stuck. I have actually managed to repair my earlier transgressions though I'm not sure that my Salt 2 SE H1 will ever fully forgive me.

Were I to start down the SE path all over again, I would start with the Byrd Harrier 2 Wharnie recommended above and stick with it until I had my sharpening down pat. I actually have that knife and always reach for it when attacking my yard. Now that I'm confident in maintaining the edge, I've decided to pick up a Stretch 2 XL SE. The shallow serrations on that knife look similar to the serrations on my now many-times-sharpened Salt 2 SE H1 and Dfly Salt SE. But it took me quite some time for me to get them there.

Corrected to say Salt 2 SE H1 instead of Pac Salt 2 SE. Sheesh, I'll have that second beer now...

[Wartstein]

...
...
The Stretch 2 XL has my eye right now in PE or SE so that’s one option I’m looking at.

I can just second Cabfrank:

Stretch 2 XL SE: Perfect choice with pretty perfect serrations right from the factory imo. And great for the food prep you mention as one task.
And VG10 is decent in PE, but great in SE for me.

Endela SE is great too with also amazing serrarions.

[JD Spydo]

welcome! i would consider a caribbean. i know it's more expensive, but it's a great knife.

I would have to agree with the selection of the Carribean. And for a fixed blade I would take a look at the JUMPMASTER models or the Aqua Salt.

My very first full SE Spyder I got back in 1995. It was the stainless Mariner model with GIN-1 blade steel. I've been hooked ever since.

[elena86]

Pacific Salt 1. H1 in spyderedge has no competition.

[cabfrank]

No argument with that suggestion at all. It is a fantastic knife.

[Wartstein]

No argument with that suggestion at all. It is a fantastic knife.

It is indeed (Pac Salt 1 SE), and a beast of a blade.

Still: Imo the Endela SE and Stretch XL SE work bettee out of the box for "regular"/"light to medium" EDC tasks.

@Marius: This might very well not be true if one sharpens SE the way and as good as you do.

[ladybug93]

Pacific Salt 1. H1 in spyderedge has no competition.

this is normally my #1 suggestion, but i felt like it was more similar to the op's current knives than the caribbean.

[legOFwhat?]

Everyone should have a Byrd Cara Cara 2 Rescue! I've purchased dozens of them and gifted them to all the men in my family, for under $40 it's tough to beat.

[JD Spydo]

I wish I knew more about the jobs you intend to use your first Serrated/Spyderedged blade for? Because types of uses would depend a lot on my personal recommendation.

Because there are instances where I would recommend a full SE Hawkbill for certain jobs. Other jobs I would recommend a "sheepsfoot" blade design.

For a wide range of every day carry I might even recommend a "Dodo" model in a jurisdiction where blade length is a legal issue. The more info you could share with us the better.

[Saucerito]

I wish I knew more about the jobs you intend to use your first Serrated/Spyderedged blade for? Because types of uses would depend a lot on my personal recommendation.

Because there are instances where I would recommend a full SE Hawkbill for certain jobs. Other jobs I would recommend a "sheepsfoot" blade design.

For a wide range of every day carry I might even recommend a "Dodo" model in a jurisdiction where blade length is a legal issue. The more info you could share with us the better.

I appreciate you trying to understand my potential uses for this knife. I don’t really have a specific use in mind right now. It will likely be for general EDC type tasks and I don’t have a blade length restriction. I’d actually like to try using a longer blade since most of mine are in the 3” range. Although I started the thread specifically looking for a knife for me, my intention was really more around which knives come with the best teeth right off the bat.

The Byrd Harrier suggestions are good but I think I’m leaning towards the Stretch XL since that will knock off a few birds for me (PM2/Military blade profile but thinner, longer than most of my knives, lightweight, SE, reasonable price). I also think the Caribbean would be cool but I’d really need to handle one in person first. The handle looks very wide in the pocket and uncomfortable (not to mention kinda ugly).