Newbie, 1st Spyderco selection help

[Badabing11]

Hi all , new guy here . Sitting around recovering from shoulder surgery and have become slightly obsessed with Spyderco knives . My top 3 so far are the Manix 2 with 204P steel, the shaman with CHP Steel, and the Smock with S30V.

I really like the looks of the smock

I like the steel of the Manix

I like the ergos of the shaman and the larger blade.


My use is really not very aggressive at all . I use my knife mostly for cutting tape to open my shotgun shell boxes . So I pretty much just like knives . I do edc carry .

I am somewhat puzzled on the priority of steel. I currently use a benchmade Osborne assisted with
CM154 steel and just has not held the edge very well at all. It’s on its way back to benchmade.

My initial lean is to the Smock or Shaman . I wish the smock had a sprint run of some more interesting steel, but for my light use, that would only add to cool factor . The allure to the Manix 2 is the sprint run of 204 steel.

Of the 3, what are thoughts on which to buy first? ( yeah, I’m hooked , I’ll likely get them all)

Thanks

JR

[sal]

Hi Badabing,

Welcome to our forum.

sal

[vivi]

I'd recommend trying to find a local store where you can handle them in person.

Ergonomics can vary a lot from person to person.

I asked a similar question around 20 years ago and the consensus answer was a Delica 4.

It didn't fit my grip well, so I sold it and did some research of my own, and eventually decided on the Military model.

That's still one of my favorite folders to this day.

Steel plays an important role in edge holding, but sharpening is a big component of that as well. While you're trying to decide which Spyderco to start with, I would practice sharpening what you have.

Modifying the edge angle and the grit finish of the apex can have a tremendous influence on edge retention. I've made knives hold a working edge 4x as long by changing how they were sharpened.

[zhyla]

I am somewhat puzzled on the priority of steel.

Well, I’m going to tell you that steel mostly does not matter. And then everyone after me is going to say how important steel is. Steel is an area Spyderco is known for and part of the draw for enthusiasts.

I don’t really consider the steel much when I’m buying knives.

I currently use a benchmade Osborne assisted with CM154 steel and just has not held the edge very well at all. It’s on its way back to benchmade.

154CM is a decent steel. It’s what the Manix 2 launched with. I’m surprised a Benchmade isn’t holding up up — I’m assuming it’s a new knife that hasn’t seen a ton of use.

I would caution against the Shaman if you’re not sure you want such a hefty knife. It’s pretty beefy. The Manix 2 is a solid choice and a quintessential Spyderco model.

Have you considered the PM2?

[Scandi Grind]

Hmm, I would say I think the Smock is the most appropriate to your very light usage needs, the Shaman might be the most comfortable to use, but deffinitely beefier than you need, and the Manix is a great all-arounder as long as the ergonomics suit you, which is hard to tell without holding it first.

[Manixguy@1994]

I always say as said by Vivi , if a shop is close by check out models of interest in hand . In the photo gallery there many comparison shots that will give you some idea what could possibly work for you . I would strongly suggest to check specs of models comparing weight and blade lengths . Let us know wantyou think after your purchase and have fun ! MG2

[Synov]

If you like 204P/M390 you will also like S90V. If you don't care about stainless, 15V is also a good choice. This should open up your options a bit.

[RugerNurse]

I always suggest the Delica as a first knife. I’ve carried the salt 2, which has the same handle just no liners, for a long time. Been great. If all you’re opening on light stuff like shotgun shell boxes VG10 would serve you fine.

[Badabing11]

If you like 204P/M390 you will also like S90V. If you don't care about stainless, 15V is also a good choice. This should open up your options a bit.

By this graph, it appears to me like Cru Ware is in the sweet spot of edge retention and toughness . Don’t hate me, but I’m an engineer . I really like a good balance of properties . Although cruware may give up something in rust resistance , it best pushes my ocd buttons . It’s probably a difference I’ll never notice, but the techno geek in me will know

[ladybug93]

of the knives you're considering (and all others, in my opinion), the manix is the superior design. 204p is a good steel. forest green is a great color. nothing to lose going with that one. unless you have abnormally large hands, the manix will be comfortable in multiple grips. and unless you break down boxes all day, it will also be great in everyday use.

[Gamecock]

I would definitely go with the Manix. I have tried a lot of Spydercos, and the Manix 2 is definitely my favorite in the medium size range. Sage 5 for the smaller knives. That green Shaman is a great one, and I would jump all over it.

[Badabing11]

of the knives you're considering (and all others, in my opinion), the manix is the superior design. 204p is a good steel. forest green is a great color. nothing to lose going with that one. unless you have abnormally large hands, the manix will be comfortable in multiple grips. and unless you break down boxes all day, it will also be great in everyday use.

I wear 2xl gloves . That is actually one reason I was considering the Shaman.

Anyone else out there that can palm a basketball ?
I’ve been all over the place on this . Every morning I wake up liking a different one of the 3.

Guys with big paws, how does the Manix work for you ? I was actually considering the Manix 2 XL for a while . But it just looks monstrous on the YouTube’s .

I’m grateful for all of you that have replied to my post,


JR

[Fastidiotus]

You can always buy a smock down the road but the other 2 knives are limited runs so you may want to grab one of those while you can, though to be honest neither is flying off the shelves so you have time to decide.

[elena86]

Smock is your best bet ! It looks cool, it’s fast to open and close and that reverse tanto hollow ground blade cuts like a champ. They released a few exclusives, one in M390 and one in 20CV but S30V is a premium steel for the average user.

[Razzy]

Also get a manbug for your 5th pocket. Amazing little fella!

[SpyderEdgeForever]

Welcome to the forum. For the longest time I would have recommended the Endura line. However, after sal the company founder and some other folks on here showed me the great value of the Paramilitary Lightweight that is also a good choice. The Stretch series are also great.

[Scotty63]

You can't go wrong with the Paramilitary 2 or the Manix2, g10 or lightweight.

[benben]

I love the Manix, I think it's a fantastic user design. But having all the knives I have and have used for years, if I were to go back now and buy that very first Spyderco....I'm pretty sure I'd start over with a Stretch first, and then build a collection from there!

The OP says he has huge hands, a Stretch XL in fully serrated VG-10 would make a great user, so easy to keep screaming sharp, and you just can't beat the price! If not serrated, then maybe a XL in K390 or PD#1 plain edge.

[gooeytek]

I'd go for the Manix2 or any of the medium/larger models with the forward choil.

[Steeltoez83]

If price doesn't matter- I'd go with the military 2 in crucarta. However I wouldn't overlook the byrd Cara cara2 as a budget friendly option.