Spyderco Forums

No. My location has no knife laws. In fact you can open carry knife/firearm legally.

I find that a 3-4" blade does everything I need for EDC tasks.

YMMV.

I have XL hands so I seek out designs that incorporate a choil.

I really don't like to carry larger knives, so the choil give me the extra real estate i need for a comfortable grip.

Plus I really like the added control that choking up on the blade gives me.

So I obviously voted for the choil.

Another vote for the native here.

If I carry it, it gets sharpened/reprofiled.

like others were have stated.

The only ones that aren't reprofiled are BNIB.

IMHO, you're not missing a lot. I had a Manix 2 in S110v and was so underwhelmed with it, I sold it. It's the only Spyderco I've ever sold. There was nothing wrong with it exactly. But it was the most "vanilla" edge that I've ever experienced. I have a moderate knife collection with a dive...

Some people really ruin the vibe around here. But I suppose that was their idea all along.

The color reminds me of the old translucent roller skate wheels and brakes back in the late 70s and early 80s

Yes I do.

But I wouldn't want every knife to have one.

That photo quality is Sasquatch/UFO level resolution so it's really hard to discern any defects.

I must be getting old

I too have a high standard for sharpness. As Sal stated, there are techniques that maintain a high level of sharpness and also minimize steel removal. And, yes, you can absolutely wear a knife out prematurely by "over-sharpening". Of course, over-sharpening means different things to differ...

The Para 3 is one of my top 3 favorite Spyderco models along side the Sage 5 and Native 5. Growing up in the age of pocket folders, I find it interesting that people consider knives in this range "small". No offense to anyone but I still laugh on the inside when my 5"2" buddy pul...

My friends always wait until the edge resembles the spine to ask for a sharpening.

The N5LW doesn't require lube as others here have stated. It really causes more problems than it cures on this knife.

Add to that, many people over lube their knives anyway. Less really is more. And in this case, none seems to be the key.

I use DMT plates to thin out the edge on steels that can handle such edges.

I just take my time.

I also use a micro bevel to increase said edge stability.

I feel your pain as I too struggle with "breaking the seal" on a new knife.

It can be a real sense of loss to put the first blemish on a highly prized piece.

The only example of BD1N I have is the Para 3 LW.

I has surpassed my expectations in all areas.

It holds a fantastic edge, very tough, and is darn near stainless in the true sense of the word.

The blade would fail long before either handle would, so it really comes down to personal preference.

...grippy yet easy on the pants.

PE for me.

Each to their own but I personally can't stand SE pocket knives.