Spyderco Forums

I've come to dislike sharpening choils because of the potential for snagging material. None of the Spyderco knives in my rotation have them and I'm glad! I sharpen on either bench stones or a Sharpmaker.

I avoid frame locks, for a couple of reasons: I don't want to worry about pressure on the lock ...

I'm excited for this one, in the (contoured!) white G10. It looks like a nice slim and light carry. The 8Cr… steel is fine for my typical uses.

I'm interested in a few models in SPY27, and also looking forward to reviews on the Mantra 4.

With the caveat that I haven't tried too many steels, I'd say SPY27. I've had the most luck with it for sharpening and general use. After that, 20CV and 154CM for similar reasons.

It's one of my favorite knives.

Part of why I prefer Spyderco knives is the lack of a sharpening choil. I also like how an abrupt plunge grind (for example, Manix) helps guide material that, with a choil, might get caught.

I'm still gaining skill with freehand sharpening but was able to get a hair-whittling edge on my SPY27 Manix. That steel really is nice to sharpen, so kudos to Sal! I'm looking forward to adding some more SPY27 to the collection.

I used a 1000 grit diamond stone to start, then a 1000 grit ceramic ...

First: Paramilitary 2
Favorite: Mid-backlock Manix 2

I started with a PM2, but have since moved it along. Depending on what I'm doing, these days I usually carry a Manix, Delica (both blade shapes), or Dragonfly. I have a few other Spydies and other brands that rotate in once in a while. The Kapara remains a favorite for food prep.

The opening hole ...

I'm thinking about a SPY27 PM2, and K390 Dragonfly.

I have a Delica 4 in VG-10.

My pick is the Manix 2 mid-backlock circa 2018. I like that it has a closed handle spine for comfort, and the back lock is easy to operate even with gloves. The smooth G-10 is excellent going in and out of the pocket and the shape of the handle makes it secure in-hand. I might wish for a little ...

I think the backlock Manix could be my one-and-done knife. I prefer the slightly thicker handle for comfort, but wouldn't object to a bit more chamfering. The texture on the G-10 is perfect for me; it gives enough traction, has a pleasant feel, and is smooth going in and out of pocket. The fully ...

I'd really love to see a simple, single color G10 version (maybe the "smooth" variant like certain Native models) of the Chaparral join the FRN version as a utility-oriented version of the knife.

Despite owning 40+ Spyderco's over the years, and owning the complete collection of Chaparral handle ...

Thank you Sal for engaging on this topic and being patient and transparent. It's been an interesting discussion from everyone.

I've tried knives from other makers, and while I still have a few in the collection, by and large the knives I carry and use are from Spyderco.

There's a quote ...

Thank you Sal, for sharing your thoughts in this thread.

One of my first Spydercos was a PM2 ($125 in late 2017). Going just by inflation, that would be about $160 today, but I'm sure other factors go into the final price, even excluding the MAP changes.

My knife collection (more than I need, to ...

Thanks so much for sharing your review, zuludelta. A well-written and thoughtful knife review is always a pleasure! I enjoyed your Yojimbo review as well.

I had a Chaparral FRN and Sage 5 LW, but moved them along because they snagged a bit going in out of pocket (blue jeans). I know there's a smooth spot for the clip, but I think it was the edges of the handle that were catching. By contrast, my Delicas and Manix LW are fine.

(I was able to get one ...

I keep coming back to the Delica. I have other knives in that size class (Watu and Sage among them), but there is something about the Delica that makes it special. I do wish for silver clips instead of the black painted clips.

In terms of carry, the knife I most commonly have with me is a Victorinox Rambler. In terms of cutting use, I would say the Manix since I mainly use the non-knife tools on the Rambler.