Which model has impacted your preferences the most?

[Jason Paul]

I may have to say the Pacific Salt 2 as well.

When I was first looking at getting a "good" knife and ended up looking a Spyderco, the first one I looked at was the Para 3. I knew about the compression lock and that was the hot thing about Spyderco, so that's what I thought I wanted. Tried it out in a store and thought it was cool - didn't even look at backlocks at all; skipped over them because they're "old and clunky".

After a little research, I ended up getting a Sage 5 LW instead of the Para 3; and I'm glad I did. I think it's a better knife overall. It was cool, compression lock and all.

My daughter had a Mini-Griptilian at the time, and I thought the Axis lock was cool. So of course, I needed a Manix next. Got it and liked it pretty well too.

A little more time here on the forums, and a few knives later, I ended up getting a few Spyderco backlocks; one being the Pacific Salt 2 SE in LC200N. That one made me realize a few things:

I like larger folders.
Larger folders can still be slim & comfortable in the pocket.
I appreciate the lightness of linerless FRN.
I appreciate the peace of mind of high corrosion resistance.
I like backlocks quite a bit, probably even better than the other Spyderco locks I have.
I prefer no choil on larger folders.

All that said, I also found the Pacific Salt 2 the least comfortable, ergonomically. It wasn't terrible, but not as nice as my others. But, all the positives made me want to warm up to it. I ended up getting another Pacific Salt, but PE in H1.

With a little time and adjustment, I've really started to warm up to the ergonomics of the Pacific Salt 2 and Endura. I had read of others on the forum doing the same - didn't like it at first, but warmed up to it. I found with just a slight adjustment in how I line my fingers up made it pretty comfortable, and I'm pretty happy with the ergonomics now.

On a related side note, I think I find backlocks more fidgety than other locks. People talk about the compression lock being fidgety, but to me it only seemed satisfying in that way for a few minutes. After that, it was like, click-clack-click-clack, and now what? For me (for now); I find the slow roll to a solid click, along with the hand/finger manipulation to close the lock more satisfying.

Jason

[JSumm]

I may have to say the Pacific Salt 2 as well.

When I was first looking at getting a "good" knife and ended up looking a Spyderco, the first one I looked at was the Para 3. I knew about the compression lock and that was the hot thing about Spyderco, so that's what I thought I wanted. Tried it out in a store and thought it was cool - didn't even look at backlocks at all; skipped over them because they're "old and clunky".

After a little research, I ended up getting a Sage 5 LW instead of the Para 3; and I'm glad I did. I think it's a better knife overall. It was cool, compression lock and all.

My daughter had a Mini-Griptilian at the time, and I thought the Axis lock was cool. So of course, I needed a Manix next. Got it and liked it pretty well too.

A little more time here on the forums, and a few knives later, I ended up getting a few Spyderco backlocks; one being the Pacific Salt 2 SE in LC200N. That one made me realize a few things:

I like larger folders.
Larger folders can still be slim & comfortable in the pocket.
I appreciate the lightness of linerless FRN.
I appreciate the peace of mind of high corrosion resistance.
I like backlocks quite a bit, probably even better than the other Spyderco locks I have.
I prefer no choil on larger folders.

All that said, I also found the Pacific Salt 2 the least comfortable, ergonomically. It wasn't terrible, but not as nice as my others. But, all the positives made me want to warm up to it. I ended up getting another Pacific Salt, but PE in H1.

With a little time and adjustment, I've really started to warm up to the ergonomics of the Pacific Salt 2 and Endura. I had read of others on the forum doing the same - didn't like it at first, but warmed up to it. I found with just a slight adjustment in how I line my fingers up made it pretty comfortable, and I'm pretty happy with the ergonomics now.

On a related side note, I think I find backlocks more fidgety than other locks. People talk about the compression lock being fidgety, but to me it only seemed satisfying in that way for a few minutes. After that, it was like, click-clack-click-clack, and now what? For me (for now); I find the slow roll to a solid click, along with the hand/finger manipulation to close the lock more satisfying.

Jason

Interesting, I find the backlocks more satisfying to open close as well. I was in the Compression Lock is the last lock I will own club until I spent a lot of time with the Endela. I can flick it open just as fast, but really enjoy a slow roll open most of the time. Closing adds a little extra step, but again I find it more satisfying.

As far as the ergos, I actually find the Endura to be very secure in hand. The bumps act like extra grip so the knife doesn't feel like it wants to roll. As much as I like a neutral grip, there is just something more secure to me about the Endura.

[vivi]

My Pacific Salt 2's occupy a weird spot in my collection. They're my favorite model to carry and use, but just about every other Spyderco I own has better ergonomics for my hand.

If we get something like a Stretch XL or Chief Salt, I wonder if I'll ever carry one again?

[wrdwrght]

Every new model (≠variant) I acquire seems to play havoc with my current preferences.

I let this happen because I’m not looking for the perfect Spydie. Instead, I’m looking to make a case for living with any Spydie I happen to acquire, such that it could become my only Spydie.

This indulgence—of finding a match between what the designer intends and what I have reason to want—takes awhile. Indeed, years passed before I finally decided that I didn’t want my Tatanka (wonderfully built but too big, too heavy, and now sold). My later-acquired Police4 and Military Model made clear my upper-end threshold for size and weight. And so, here I am, still holding some 70 other Spyderco models, each slowly telling me that what I’m prepared to live with is fairly broad. Trusting in Sal and Eric has quite a high ROI.

A few days ago, I got an LNIB CE Salsa. Spydiewiki supposes this model to be the first Little Big Knife, a concept Sal says came about to make the Ladybug appealing to military members. While one could argue that hard-use would exceed the Ladybug’s design-parameters, it would not the Salsa’s, even though it is far less stout than the similarly lengthy Techno. The short Salsa has a tall handle to fill the hand, a cobra-hood to focus serious thumb-pressure on the blade (as well as to seat a defensive reverse-grip), and an early implementation of the strong compression-lock to keep things under strain in place.



This implementation relies not on a detent-ball but on a milled blade-notch that requires the blade to be clicked back into its handle (at the position in my photo) and firmly pushed out of it (viewtopic.php?f=2&t=69663&p=1064058&hil ... ch#p106405). Lots of new thinking in this model make it a keeper.

[RustyIron]

There are two knives that changed my preferences in ways I did not expect.

The first was Benchmade's interpretation of the Emerson CQC7. It's the knife that opened my eyes to the possibilities that there was something beyond the traditional three-bladed slipjoints.

The other perspective-changing knife was the Endura. From that knife I learned that longer blades are not only useful, but can be carried in the pocket quite comfortably. The other lesson that a short height makes the knife more comfortable to carry, and it doesn't substantially detract from the ergonomics.

I don't carry the Endura any more because I stepped up to the Police, which has all the good points of the Endura, and the blade is even longer!

[Netherend]

It’s a toss up between the Manix 2 and Native 5.
The G10 Manix 2 was the first knife to change my standards entirely on what I want a knife to feel like in hand. The comfort in hand and confidence behind it still impress me after owning and using it for a couple of years. I used my Manix on house projects ,gardening , featherstick creation and boxes for years.

The Native 5 (my first N5 was a lightweight salt )set the standard for me for EDC . It excels in comfort, slicing power, durability, lock strength and weight. My salt native lead me down the path to buying a pac salt and helped me discover a love of backlocks … (next stop is that chief) I recently picked up a linerless G10 N5 and it is awesome . I am finding it difficult to EDC anything else lately. I did not expect the linerless G10 variant to feel as solid as it is… it’s like a luxury little tank . It’s a tough little knife to beat. It really has it all and it barely takes up any pocket space .

[Road Tripper]

For me, I think it's the Delica. The first time I cut cardboard with it was a revelation, and it remains a joy. The Delica also gave me an appreciation for FRN.

I started my current knife adventure with heavier-built knives, but have come to appreciate a thin, well-ground blade and lighter but still solid builds. That, combined with a shallow belly and tip at or below the horizontal centerline, seems to work best for me. However, the Delica clip is a minor hotspot, and I find the handle a touch too short in height near the pivot.

Eventually, I made my way to the Watu, and that has combined my favorite elements. The handle is comfortable, and it cuts very well. The little bit of belly near the tip adds some versatility relative to a Wharncliffe, and I love the look of the knife. An FRN Watu (in blue, ideally, and silver clip please) would definitely be of interest.

I'm keeping my Delicas, though!

[Wandering_About]

My first Delica, a stainless handle version that I bought as my first "good" knife perhaps 15 years ago.

[Giygas]

Definitely the K2.

Off the top of my head, probably half of my collection is made up of folders with at least 4" blades. That all started with the K2. It was also my first experience with 10V, which quickly became my favorite class of steels. It also helped lead to me becoming a full-fledged steel nerd, but Larrin shares equal responsibility for that. That's the good.

It also showed me that I really do not like thin handled knives. Sure they're a little better in pocket, but they're a whole lot worse during use. Once I added some carbon fiber scales it felt... right. Now my favorite style of knives are liner locks with thick titanium liners.

It also initiated my search for a custom from Farid, but I won't classify that as good or bad yet, just annoying.

Honorable mention to the k390 p4lw for causing me to ease up on my dislike of both FRN and back locks.

Really good idea for a thread!

[nonstainless]

Stretch 2 - the ZDP version was my first . I remember how long it took me to choose the "right" model. I thought I'd buy just one knife with that weird plastic handle pattern and a hole in the blade. Just to give it a try. Could not had been wrong more The stretch's ergo impressed me a lot and it easily became my most favourite edc. It set my benchmark on choosing any folder. Perfect blade shape, ultra-ergonomic handle, very lightweight for its size and lately available also in k390...
Later on, other models refined my preferences further - both positively: sage 1, pm2, and negatively: para3 (too high blade), manix (uncomfortable in pocket due to so wide footprint when closed). It has been an exciting journey and I'm looking forward to stretch xl

[Hardbawl]

the Native in Cruwear. Pros: American made. the lock spring holds the blade shut until you need it open. Offers safe one hand opening and closing with either hand. Tip down carry us possible. Good blade design. Great steel.

Cons: It is little. But, its combination of great features led me to the Spyderco that I now carry. The Spyderco Chief is the best Spyderco made for me. I've carried it daily for over 2 years and haven't gotten bored with it yet. It's big enough for XL hands. The hand filling handle is safer. I have learned that CPM S30V is a truly great knife steel. It is so good, I bought a spare.

[sal]

Hi Nonstainless,

Welcome to our forum.

sal

[steeljustice]

My PM2 is my EDC you just can't beat the one handed closing and it's great blade design.

[ladybug93]

i've been thinking about this a lot since it was posted the other day. i'm not sure why... now that i've settled on an answer, it seems so obvious.

the pacific salt is the knife that brought me back to spyderco. i bought it when i moved to hawaii and quickly realized the utility of a knife i don't have to worry about, no matter what i'm doing or where. it's been on runs, rainforest hikes, snorkeling and free diving, swimming in pools, and through just about every regular edc task i deal with. it could be my only knife, but it pried open pandora's box and led me to buy a handful of other spydercos, many of which are salts. salt knives set spyderco apart, in my opinion, and the pacific is one of the best.

[kobold]

the pacific salt is the knife that brought me back to spyderco. i bought it when i moved to hawaii and quickly realized the utility of a knife i don't have to worry about, no matter what i'm doing or where. it's been on runs, rainforest hikes, snorkeling and free diving, swimming in pools, and through just about every regular edc task i deal with. it could be my only knife, but it pried open pandora's box and led me to buy a handful of other spydercos, many of which are salts. salt knives set spyderco apart, in my opinion, and the pacific is one of the best.

When will people learn? Never use your knife as a pry bar, especially not on Pandora's box.

[Paraguy]

My first Spyderco: the Dragonfly.
I would also say the para 3 because it was my first comp lock

[Kevinim82]

Which model has impacted my preferences the most. Sadly the knife that is the most about compromises. This moment it would be the Spydie Chef. Like Ladybug93, having a Salt knife is a nice worry free way to be.

But in all seriousness, my preferences are gauged on mall ninja-tude. #spydiethrowersforever

[mmadison]

Great topic. Delica 4 Emerson Wave

The Emerson "Wave" feature captured me. A local store owner demonstrated it for me in on a Delica in about 2008. I have since never carried anything without this feature (or aftermarket 5x5, hat-tip Michael Janich) or the zip tie mod (which sucks).

The utility is second to none IMHO, enabling the fastest possible deployment, one handed, without point-of-failure / dirt gathering parts like springs. After installing sheet-rock on a ceiling (one hand up, holding weight and encountering an unexpected need to cut quickly) I ordered one all of my friends.

I would buy a truckload of K390 Wharncliffe Endura 4's with the wave feature, if that could exist (I know, geometry, but one can fantasize).

[metaphoricalsimile]

For me I think the knife that answers this question isn't a Spyderco knife, but it did lead me down a rabbit hole that lead to my interest in, and eventual preference for, spyderco knives. This knife is the Civivi McKenna.

Here is my original review on bladeforums: https://www.bladeforums.com/threads/civ ... e.1748975/

The big takeaway from that review is that the McKenna has a very generous blade length in a very tiny package, but materials and construction choices limit its utility as an EDC folder if you do anything other than opening envelopes and packages. The McKenna uses bearings to achieve a really great action at a budget price, but poor tolerances mean that after a year of use the pivot hole in the blade was starting to show some galling. The D2 blade has great edge retention at a budget price, but also means that you have to be careful to keep moisture out of the pivot or it will rust. The tiny handle houses a relatively lot of blade but doesn't offer much to hold onto for when you need to bear down on a cut. On the positive side it was very easy to manipulate one-handed.

So because I needed a folder that I could use for light construction tasks, I knew I wanted something that had better ergonomics, heartier construction with washers rather than bearings, and more stainless steel. My next knife was a Spyderco Manix 2 LW in BD1N and nearly every knife I've purchased since has been a Spyderco.

[warriorsociologist]

Over all, I think the most influential shape for me has been the Native -- esp. the early 2000s OEF Native I briefly had. *Still looking for a replacement* (USMC 95-2004).

I am also strongly drawn to the Stretch/Stretch 2. I'll have to get a Stretch XL in my hands to decide on it, but I honestly think it will be a bit large for my tastes. I already know that I like the Stretch 2 as a back-up field dressing knife, and my blade limit on such things is 3.5".... when I eventually get a Stretch XL, I'll relegate it to different tasks.

As for steel, I was introduced to CPM-M4 steel in my GB & GB2 knives. This steel was the biggest wake-up call for me since I first found BG-42 a decade earlier....or, perhaps 52100 years before that. When H-1 hit the scene, I bought a PE Pacific Salt and it's been one of my favorites ever since (yes, even in PE -- a toothy edge on H-1 works like micro-serrations). I still think a Catcherman in H-1 (SE) or LC200N (PE) would be an outstanding knife to resurrect. A key improvement (besides the steel) for me would be stock thickness....well, actually "thinness" that would allow for at least a little blade flex.

Right now, I'm especially enamored with CPM-Cruwear and Z-Wear PM, as it comes on the Z-Carta/Cru-Carta Shamans. The combination of excellent edge holding with outstanding toughness is a gamechanger -- all in a semi-stainless package. I'd love to see a linerless Stretch 2 with K390 or CPM-Cruwear/Z-Wear PM.

Finally, like many others, I'm looking forward to the release of several knives in MagnaCut. I've got (2) SALT Natives on order, as well as I'm really hoping that a few of my favorites will someday soon see some of this new steel (i.e., a "salty" Stretch 2, Stretch XL, Catcherman, & "Siren II" (with redesigned handle/blade interface that won't as easily close on/cut index finger).