A gift to myself.

[tkdman41]

I have been saving my change since I was 14. I like saving my change so much that I absolutly refuse to spend it on anything optin to break a dollar rather than spend a quarter. My problem is I now carry only a small amount of cash for emergencies and my change cans are no longer growing. So today I will count my change and buy myself something nice with a portion of it but need help deciding. I have narrowed it to the following:

Superhawk
Sretch 2 cf
Barong
Kukri
Pheonix
Mini Persian
Chinook 3.

Thoughts?

[Manix Guy 2]

Get your hands on one , you will not regret it ! MG2

[mrappraisit]

I think it will depend on what you like in a knife's performance. You have knives from medium to large on your list, plus knives with many different grinds, and blade materials. Will you use it to slice fine materials, or cut big heavy materials? Will you use it an office, on a farm?

If you already own other knives I think you may be happiest if you really consider what you like best about your favorite knife, then buy the knife with similar features, but a different steel or in a different size. Then again you may want to try something totally different from what you already have?

If you are still totally unsure of which knife to get then at least you know that all of the models listed would be easy to re-sell if you want something different. If I had the cash I would buy the Stretch2 CF, I get the feeling that once the CF model is discontinued and the FRN models are on the street for a while this will be a valuable knife.

[tkdman41]

I pretty much have all my knife needs covered so this isn't going to fint any specific need. I work in an office but usually open a box at least once a day. I spend at least one weekend a month outdoors but have knives for all my outdoor needs. I'm leaning more towards the stretch 2 or superhawk.

[mrappraisit]

I pretty much have all my knife needs covered so this isn't going to fint any specific need. I work in an office but usually open a box at least once a day. I spend at least one weekend a month outdoors but have knives for all my outdoor needs. I'm leaning more towards the stretch 2 or superhawk.

I say try the Stretch 2 first. Enjoy your new knife :)

[MCM]

+1 on the CF Stretch II.

After the new models come out, everyone will know how good this knife really is.
Then they will want the CF model, and they may or may not still be around.

After its limited run, this one to become tough to afford.

PM sent....... :)

[DMgangl]

I bought the Superhawk thinking it would be a nice looking hawkbill for when I have to dress nice. But as soon as I started carrying it, it has become my main EDC. I may carry something else along with it like another serrated knife, but the Superhawk is the main knife I always carry no matter what.

DM

[gunmike1]

I personally would go for the Superhawk, as it is by far the most ergonomic knife I have ever held. The hawkbill blade does an amazing job at almost all cutting tasks save for food prep. The compresion lock is simple and extremely strong, the knife is just superior in almost all respects. The Superhawk is my favorite Spyderco of all time, and I own and have used a lot of them. To me there is no more ergonomic knife, and when you add in the tremendous cutting abilities that a hawkbill brings and the wonderful compression lock I just can't get enough of this knife. That super sharp tip just sinks in to start a cut and you have complete control over how deep the cut goes. Cutting small vines like blackberry bushes are easy because the blade's curve holds it on the cutting edge, the same goes for rope. This is pretty much my ideal knife. I never would have thought I would like a hawkbill until I got the knife, now I'm hooked.

That said, the Stretch 2 CF or the Caly 3 CF are great knives. Both have ZDP 189 steel, which is my favorite for a folder. It takes an amazing edge at ultra thin angles (or even just standard angles), and the edge retention is very impressive. I just got a Caly 3 CF because it is just a great design and the smoothest lockback that I have ever handled. The grind is very thin and cutting oriented, so if you plan on a bit tougher cuts the Stretch 2 might be a better knife for you (or if you also need another 1/2" of blade). The Spyderco mid lock (mostly known as the back lock) is extremely reliable and quite strong. Since I am awaiting the Stretch 2 FRN ZDP model I ended up getting the Caly 3 CF, but there is no doubt the stretch 2 CF is one of the finest models to come out of the Spyderco lineup. It would be hard to argue against it. The Stretch 2 is a superior cutter with the great edge qualities of ZDP 189, so the only argument against it is that you will be able to get it cheaper if you can put up with FRN scales instead of the very nice CF on the model for sale now.

As a side note, have you saved up for a sharpener? If you plan to use your knife a quality sharpener like the Sharpmaker is a must. I would also recommend the Ultra Fine rods and a Course diamond stone (either the diamond rods or a benchstone that you can lean against the rods) for rebeveling a knife to the 15 degree setting (or thinner), as the medium stones on the sharpmaker can take a while to rebevel, especially on ZDP 189. Luckily, most Spydercos come from the factory with about a 15 degree per side angle (though I've had some as thin as 10 degrees per side, which is great), but a lot of other manufacturers knives come from the factory well over 20 degrees per side. After making your purchase I would start saving for a sharpener, as having to send your knife in to Golden to get that great Spyderco sharpness and having to wait to get it back will be frustrating. After a decent amount of practice and some frustration you will be able to meet or exceed factory sharpness if you stick with your sharpening.

Good luck, and congratulations.

Mike

[gunmike1]

I bought the Superhawk thinking it would be a nice looking hawkbill for when I have to dress nice. But as soon as I started carrying it, it has become my main EDC. I may carry something else along with it like another serrated knife, but the Superhawk is the main knife I always carry no matter what.

DM

Same here. If I can only carry one knife (I usually carry 3), I carry the Superhawk. To me it is that good.


Mike

[alexcue]

I'd go for the Stretch II. It's a larger knife (for my taste) that i was reserving for "special" occasions. There is something unique about it's shape and balance. I liked it so much, I actually went backwards and picked up the now discontinued Original Stretch, I have the CE and (soon to arrive) PE versions and am amazed at the quality of this knife.

Very few knives do i double (or triple up) on, The Delica is one but it has so many variations and styles i can't resist, and it's so affordable to boot. The Stretch II will be one that will hopefully get a second standby, collector version in my collection.

[bh49]

All depends on your needs and preferences, but I would choose Mini Persian.
I also work in the office, need to open boxes, mail, help with lunch, peel an orange and so on. My primary EDC is Persian is great at any task plus looks good. Do not be mistaken by size of mini Persian, it is very capable knife. If I wouldn't have C83, I wouldn't hesitate to use 75 mm Persian for the same tasks.

[duff72]

I got to hold a superhawk recently and it felt great in the hand but the stretch 2 is a nice one too those get my vote

[jlfletcher]

Definitely either the Superhawk or the Stretch 2. Especially if you are going to treat yourself. These are the standouts of the Spyderco lineup.

[tkdman41]

Definitely either the Superhawk or the Stretch 2. Especially if you are going to treat yourself. These are the standouts of the Spyderco lineup.

These are what I'm leaning towards. I basically have to decided between the nicer steel or the more exotic blade shape.

[gunmike1]

These are what I'm leaning towards. I basically have to decided between the nicer steel or the more exotic blade shape.

There is also the lock and handle shape to consider. I really like Spyderco lock backs, but the comp lock is my favorite lock. Also, the Superhawk fits my hand perfectly, it just feels right in my hand. Everyone is different though, so I think it would be best if you got a chance to handle both knives before you make your choice.

Mike

[The Deacon]

If you're buying it to use, I'd vote for the CF Stretch II. It is, in my opinion, the best general purpose working knife Spyderco has ever built. Great ergonomics, top shelf materials, excellent fit and finish, fully ambidextrous, and versatile blade shape. If all that were not enough, it also packs more blade into less handle than just about any Spyderco.

[tigerose123]

Superhawk
Sretch 2 cf
Barong
Kukri
Pheonix
Mini Persian
Chinook 3.

I would either go with the barong or the pheonix. I love my barong, I've had it for about a month now and I'm very pleased with it. On the other hand the pheonix feels insanely nice in the hand (my hand anyways). I know I'm going to get one of these for sure. Im sure you will be happy with whatever you get though. After all it is a Spyderco :D

[vito72]

from your list i want go in follow order

Chinook III
Mini Persian
Phoenix
Superhawk

chinook its one of the best well built spyderco ready for all pourposes maybe not so lightweight but good for everything and totally durable.
Minipersian its very elegant and Phoenix too, i heard from rewiew of Mr Blonde Phoenix have the not polished natural titanium parts very easy to scretch in daily uses but simply to repolish.
But its hard choice alll them are great pieces...

But i will go first from your list with Chinook without doubts.

[clovisc]

get em all... :D

[Wraithe9113]

I would do the Phoenix.

Definate artistic appeal. Can always use that as a reason for carrying in the office. Good ball lock, nothing like it. Granted, I am projecting my wishes...