Is there a quintessential Spyderco?

[Wartstein]

1990 and maybe the mid-2010s, most people buying their first Spyderco probably bought either a Delica or an Endura. ...

True with this guy :)

I am not that long into Spyderco, I think it was 2017 (?) when I bought my first, a Delica indeed.
Did not know anything at all about the brand then, never heard of it before or let alone the name "Sal Glesser".

Was just curious how this... differently looking knife would feel, did not expect too much.

But then I was blown away immediately by how it just WORKED.

The Delica was just a bit small for what I like in a general EDC, and so my next Spydie was an Endura - still my overall favorite folder out of all brands to this day. (and the Delica still my favorite in its particular size range)

[steelcity16]

Absolutely the Delica. I've tried just about every main model from Golden and Seki and the Delica is what I carry 99% of the time, albeit in the wharncliffe variety. But I have a ton of leaf Delicas and carry them all as well from time to time.

[Bloke]

overall favorite folder out of all brands to this day.

[Wartstein]

overall favorite folder out of all brands to this day.

Alex!! Where´ve you been and glad you´re back!

(And of course I am extremely honored that your first post in over a year (just checked) is about "bloking" me... )

[electro-static]

The delica-endura-police family are quintessential spydercos for me.

[Mr Blonde]

When I first got into Spyderco knives, the Military was very popular but then I think the Delica/Endura were considered the 'quintessential Spyderco models'. I think these days, to many knife afi's the PM2 would be it.

[Enactive]

overall favorite folder out of all brands to this day.

Greetings, Alex! Now that's a knife!!

[Wartstein]

overall favorite folder out of all brands to this day.

Greetings, Alex! Now that's a knife!!

As Alex pointed out: It´s my true favorite, so don´t you make fun of it!!

[ZrowsN1s]

Surprised by the answers.

PM2 is what I have always considered Spyderco's 'Flagship' model. At least since I've been collecting. Signature blade shape, signature lock, more variations, sprints, exclusives than anything else.

[ZrowsN1s]

overall favorite folder out of all brands to this day.

We missed you.

[bdblue]

I’m new to all of this but wondering if there is one, quintessential representation of the brand. What’s the model most synonymous with Spyderco? Thanks!

I will say Delica because it seemed the be the most popular Spyderco model when I became aware of the brand. Similarly I think the Police could be considered as well. However today I consider the PM2 to be the most quintessential model.

[Tristan_david2001]

I guess most people value market reaction over true design representation

[kriezek]

Delica Delica Delica

In production for over 30 years, when you see a Delica you pretty much know that it is a Spyderco knife. And many, many Spyderco knives have that similar looking spine. FRN scales comes standard which shows classic Spyderco. But as you can see, even with upgraded scales it is obvious that a Delica is still a Spyderco. Why, because who can miss that large Spydie-hole which raises the spine up from the handle to give your thumb a great grip.

Why would I choose Delica over the PM2 which is another well known and classic Spyderco - price. While Spyderco has become more expensive over time, and some of its knives are a bit over-priced imo, they have always tried to have knives available for the working man (or woman) that was affordable, yet a good knife. And the first such knife that really hit it big and has stayed that way was/is the Delica. It is just a great little EDC pocket knife.

And even with ALL of the great Spyderco offerings, it is still a great knife and one that I highly recommend to anyone that does not own one to add to their collection. The ones below include the original Delica as well as Delica 4 in various steels.

[Matus]

I am not disagreeing with the Calypso/Delica/Endura/PM2/Mili line of thought here, but I am missing the perspective of Spyderco bringing knives by various designers and all of the Ethnic series knives. These knives for me are one of the most unique 'features' of Spyderco and the immensely expand design variations and often offer unique user experience. With every new release it is this kind of knives that I am looking forward to most.