Spyderco Forums

Dyad C44: Best of both worlds, dual blades, Full blade in PE and SE.

It was in my pocket today

I have a serrated edge pacific salt for those chores and I'm extremely happy with it. My most used spyderco by far.

It really depends on what you mean to use it for in the outdoors. For me lighter is better. I have used a SAK and survived just fine. I don't see any need to baton with a knife- pick up what wood you need. A delica or endura in vg-10 will suit you just fine in FRN or a manix lightweight. If you want to split wood go buy an ax.

Lots of choices. I like the Superleaf, Manix2 XL, and Military.

shunsui wrote:Lots of choices. I like the Superleaf, Manix2 XL, and Military.

The manix 2 would get my vote. :)

I have cleaned a lot of game with a Delica although the Bradley in my pocket would be a better choice. My favorite folder for outdoor use is the Para--my old D2 has the most field time but the Orange XHP P2 is about perfect.

I don't honestly see a need for a lot of blade length for outdoor use--my fixed blades (aside from fillet knives) are also under 4" and I have not found a use for more blade length even when cutting up elk or doing 'woodwork'.

shu wrote:I have cleaned a lot of game with a Delica although the Bradley in my pocket would be a better choice. My favorite folder for outdoor use is the Para--my old D2 has the most field time but the Orange XHP P2 is about perfect.

I don't honestly see a need for a lot of blade length for outdoor use--my fixed blades (aside from fillet knives) are also under 4" and I have not found a use for more blade length even when cutting up elk or doing 'woodwork'.

The biggest advantage is just that a longer edge means more edge to use, or more edge to distribute the wear on. Apart from something like a machete where length is essential, you can do just about anything with 4 inches of blade.

The more I use cts-xhp in my mule the more I like it. Stain resistant and really does a great job on the edge. A mule is a great size too. The down side is not easily available.

For outdoor use, the Paramillie fits the bill nicely: it is comfortable, has great blade geometry, strong lock and quality materials.
Another plus for those who preffer original American products - it is made in Golden using 100% US materials and work force.

Gayle Bradley

I'm curious why you want a folding knife for outdoors use?

I spend a large part of every work day outdoors, and my edc is normally a Manix 2.

I've been using my K390 mule lately, though, and I think that the fixed blade has some virtues for harder use.

If I was going to be out on a longer trip, and was only bringing one knife? Maybe the Manix 2? Or maybe the FRN ZDP Dragonfly, if weight was an issue? Or my Tasman Salt if I was worried about corrosion resistance?

I've seen a couple videos on Youtube where some guys went out in the woods and beat the **** out of a Manix2XL. They were batoning with it, hammering, chopping, and the knife held up perfectly. The Manix2's lock seems to be capable of taking more abuse than other locking systems.

Personally, I do fine with one of my Millies or Gayle Bradley. There's also a chance I'll get a Tuff for Christmas tomorrow and 3V is a great steel for hard outdoors use.

Folders are not the best outdoor knives, but if you must have one, here is what I would think about:
1. It should have a strong lock (think compression lock if limited to Spyderco...the jury is still out on the power lock)
2. It must be light weight. Nothing is worse than having a heavy folder in your pocket pulling your pants down as you hike or walk around.
3. It must have good, durable steel. This does not mean a super steel. It must be very tough and not prone to chipping or breaking.
4. You must be able to sharpen it in the field without any fancy sharpening kits or machines.
5. It must be cheap. You do not want to lose or break an expensive knife in the field.
6. Its blade shape must be appropriate for a lot of differing tasks. Some blades are made for slicing, some for piercing, and some for skinning. The Manbug has the perfect all around shape but is .55" too short for general use. If the Man but had a 2.5 inch blade, a spine the same thickness as the Pingo, G10 scales, larger pivot pin, and a compression lock, that would be a good all around folder.

If this is a knife you do not plan to use, but only have with you in case of a necessity or light chores, you will be okay with a folder.

You might want to think about a light, compact, fixed bladed field knife. Preferrably the knife should have a full tang (Kershaw makes one in the USA, cheap). If we think Spyderco, then the Enuff is a great choice. The Bill Moran is a good second choice.

Merry Christmas

Doc

Resilience or Manix XL (for twice the price) all the way. Both have those strong *** steel liners and a nice big flat ground blade to get whatever job done. Military if lightweight is a serious factor.

I don't care for the Superleaf myself, its got so much potential (I dig the steel, handle materials and the lock), but the blade and handle both just seem a little off to my tastes. Pivot's shifted to the front while most of the blade is shifted to the back and the handle ratio to blade looks huge and I don't care for the pointy tip on the heel. Also the street price seems to float around one and a half times the street price of the Manix XL(so I get some sticker shock to boot). May be the perfect knife for someone else just not me.

BatCountry9 wrote:I've seen a couple videos on Youtube where some guys went out in the woods and beat the **** out of a Manix2XL. They were batoning with it, hammering, chopping, and the knife held up perfectly.

That's one **** of a test for a folding knife. :)

BatCountry9 wrote:
The Manix2's lock seems to be capable of taking more abuse than other locking systems.

Yeah, I agree,.... it is my favorite design of lock.

Great suggestions in here.
Main main outdoor knives are fixed blades, but when using one of my folders the Military sticks out above the rest.
Probably because of the long handle that goves great grip.

There are many great Spyderco models that are great for outdoor use. I guess you just have to determine what job you have specifically you are wanting the knife for. I have a really good friend that I sold one of my C-60, G-10 handled Sprint Ayoob models to and he tells me it's the very best field folder he has ever used.

I personally like the Impala and the old C-48 Wegner models in the past line up. Myself I had great luck skinning a deer once with my C-111 Captain model. I've often wondered if Mr. Jason Breeden had in mind that the Captain model would make a premium skinning knife when he designed it?

I also think that the G-10 handled Police model would be a great outdoor folder.

I always take one of my Catcherman models when I go hunting or fishing. But mainly for processing meat and fish along with birds.

My fixed blade FB05 Temperance 1 model is my ultimate favorite for a wide range of outdoor cutting chores but this thread is about folders so I won't go any further with that one. I've also heard great reports on how versatile the STRETCH model is for outdoor usage.

I do wish at some point they would bring back the Impala model. It is a great outdoor folder.