recommend a spyderco to a knife enthusiast

[Monty]

What is the knife meant to do?

Good question. I'm just thinking what would be a great gift that exemplifies the Spyderco brand for someone who owns a lot of knives, appreciates knife design, but owns no Spyderco's.

It doesn't necessarily need to be the perfect EDC, and I'm personally trending away from flippers as the spydiehole is what makes this brand stand out to me.

[JonLeBlanc]

I would get the Kapara I think it's probably the best thing they're making at the moment under $200, police I've heard has a pretty rough finish from factory

My Police 4 does have a slightly "unfinished" character to the blade, but it's a slicer like no other! Not to mention a classic design!

[Tucson Tom]

The Mighty Military would be my pick. :)

Yes indeed.

Or even the Shaman -- unique in the Spyderco lineup with stout blade steel and contoured scales.
If the CF/S90V sprint is still available, that is some knife.

[SF Native]

The paramilitary 2 would be my first choice. Police (especially the k390 model) is also good.
The shaman is good too.

[Sharp Guy]

I love a lot of Spyderco models but currently I'd have to say Kapara or Native 5 Fluted CF. I know they've already been suggested but they're worth mentioning again.

Paramilitary 2 is always a great choice too

[wrdwrght]

What is the knife meant to do?

Good question. I'm just thinking what would be a great gift that exemplifies the Spyderco brand for someone who owns a lot of knives, appreciates knife design, but owns no Spyderco's.

It doesn't necessarily need to be the perfect EDC, and I'm personally trending away from flippers as the spydiehole is what makes this brand stand out to me.

Well then, it would have to be a Glesser design, not a collaboration with an outsider.

What to recommend?

The Military, Stretch, Chaparral, Caribbean, and Shaman are my favorite “Sals” (in order of model #), followed by the Police, Calypso, Pacific Salt, Sage, and Urban (again in order of model#). I’d recommend any of them without hesitation. Same with the PM2 and Chief that Sal and Eric designed together. And I’d also recommend the Manix, Manix2, and Lil’ Native. They are “Erics” I have and really really love.

EDIT: I notice that representatives of the latest Glesser-thinking among my faves are in the Native family, namely the Shaman (Sal), the Chief (Sal and Eric), and the Lil’ Native (Eric). Hmmm.

[koenigsegg]

I love a lot of Spyderco models but currently I'd have to say Kapara or Native 5 Fluted CF. I know they've already been suggested but they're worth mentioning again.

Paramilitary 2 is always a great choice too

Kapara was even better than I expected and that seems to rarely happen

I would get the Kapara I think it's probably the best thing they're making at the moment under $200, police I've heard has a pretty rough finish from factory

My Police 4 does have a slightly "unfinished" character to the blade, but it's a slicer like no other! Not to mention a classic design!

I was in no way trying to say it's any less awesome. I really really want one but just haven't been able to pull the trigger with so many other blades happening at the same time. Maybe I'll trade for one some day

[jpm2]

If you want it uniquely Spyderco, wouldn't it need to include the compression lock, wire clip, and something like pp cf/g10 scales?

Sage 5.

[anycal]

Based on the models you listed, he seems to be into US made knives.

If you can find it, the Ti/CF framelock (R.I.L.) Military would be a great knife to complement his collection.

[TomAiello]

Go with something you can EDC.

Spyderco knives really aren't pocket jewelry, so if you're not using it regularly, you're far less likely to appreciate it.

[Sumdumguy]

Baby Horn before they are gone

Also, you can't go wrong with a Caribbean!

[ugaarguy]

Shaman. It has the comp lock, it's part of the iconic Native family, and it has a thicker blade (at least by Spyderco standards) that a ZT and Benchmade user would appreciate. The Paramilitary 2 has never felt right in my hand, but I love the more neutral handle shape of the Shaman.

Or, get a Native 5 Lightweight Salt. The Native family isn't as well known as the Delica / Endura family, but it's still iconic it's own right. The Native Salt gets you into a really well known, US made Spyderco, knife series, and combines it with their unique near-rust-proof Salt series.

Last, get a Chaparral Lightweight. It mixes Spyderco's willingness to manufacture is Asia, the lightweight plastic handle back locks they're known for, and Spyderco's focus on thin, acutely ground blades that put an emphasis on slicing with no intention of being used as a prying tool. CTS XHP run that thin is also amazing. The Chaparral hasn't yet gained Delica level icon status, but it may be the quintessential Spyderco.

[rabbitanarchy14]

Para 3. For any sprint or production model. Perfect size blade for all.

[Doc Dan]

Delica. There is a G10 version out there. I changed from all the ones the OP mention to Spyderco because of the humble Delica.

Great suggestion! It slipped my mind that you can still get the Fradon Lock (Safe and Lock Store) Carbon Fiber Delica with Hap40. (Not the humblest of Delicas, but a very fine knife worthy of any collection).

I would get the Kapara I think it's probably the best thing they're making at the moment under $200, police I've heard has a pretty rough finish from factory

I've heard there were some issues, mine was great other than needing a drop of oil and proper sharpening.

There is the Bento Box Delica, also, and the DLT Trading Manix with 20CV and red G10.
I haven’t gotten started on the Endura.

[elena86]

I allways recommend the most iconic Spyderco; the old school SS SE Police :spyder:

[JonLeBlanc]

I was in no way trying to say it's any less awesome. I really really want one but just haven't been able to pull the trigger with so many other blades happening at the same time. Maybe I'll trade for one some day

Oh you're good man, I didn't think you were coming down too hard. You should get one though, the LW model *might* replace the G-10 at some point!

[spyderwolf]

Endura in his favorite color,for a folder.
Jumpmaster for a fixed blade.Or a custom Mule,if you realy like the guy.

[Catamount123]

If the person receiving it likes larger folders, and doesn’t live in an area where they are restricted from carrying them, the Native Chief would be a great choice. Mine hasn’t left my pocket since I got it. The Shaman is another good option. On the shorter blade, and less expensive, side, the Para 3 Lightweight is a great EDC, and exemplifies many/most of the things that make Spydercos unique.

[Cowboyfromhell]

Dragonfly 2 salt hawkbill serrated.....it won't break the bank plus its something a lil different.

[JuPaul]

On the shorter blade, and less expensive, side, the Para 3 Lightweight is a great EDC, and exemplifies many/most of the things that make Spydercos unique.

I gave my bother a para3 lw for his first spyderco, and he's loving it. But he's more of a utilitarian when it comes to pocket knives, definitely not an "enthusiast" that might want something a little fancier. Still, it's a good intro-to-spydie choice, for sure.