Spyderco Forums

abbazaba wrote:Looks like you already got some great answers, but I thought this comparo photo I posted recently might be relevant : Chaparral gets me vote... Right in between the Native5 and DF2


Manix2, Sage1, Native5, Chaparral, Dragonfly2, Delica4

That is a great picture. Thank you!

Recently got a DF2 standard and liked it so much, I just ordered it in G10. It really is a big knife in small knifes clothing.
Got the G10 for more formal nights in my tux.

Native 5 Maxamet? (or S110V)
Also love the combo of that with a SE Dragonfly.
(my Native 5 is S35VN but Maxamet sounds pretty good especially if you prefer something that keeps an edge for a long time)

Native 5 and Para 3 are great choices. The Native 5 is offered in many different flavors too. The Domino is awesome, just slightly larger than the Para 3 but smaller than the Para 2. As far as small knives go, the Dragonfly 2 is a favorite. I have the Nishijin glass version with ZDP-189, love it.

You could look at the Para 3, also. I like the N5 but my hand loves the Delica more. The N5 is stouter, though. The LW is actually thicker than the Endura, not at all like the svelte Delica. Still, the N5 is a great knife. I would highly suggest looking at the Chaparral, too, and while you are at it, look at the Techno.

Doc Dan wrote:You could look at the Para 3, also. I like the N5 but my hand loves the Delica more. The N5 is stouter, though. The LW is actually thicker than the Endura, not at all like the svelte Delica. Still, the N5 is a great knife. I would highly suggest looking at the Chaparral, too, and while you are at it, look at the Techno.

And the Caly 3?

I'd check out the secondary market for a caly 3. Don't get the upcoming sprint because I need one :D haha kidding...

Chaparral or Caly 3 because they are both GREAT knives. My wife's favorite knife is her bolstered Caly 3. If's she's not careful, I might pilfer it. :D

On that comparison pic, where did that deep carry clip on the Manix come from? That's not stock!

anycal wrote:On that comparison pic, where did that deep carry clip on the Manix come from? That's not stock!

Might be a deep carry wire clip from the Spyderco Foundry

anycal wrote:On that comparison pic, where did that deep carry clip on the Manix come from? That's not stock!

Yup, deep carry clip from the Foundry, etched to a matte finish using ferric chloride.

Perfect fit.

I bet if Spyderco was to sell those, they would be very popular. I'd easily cough up what custom clips are going for. And it's just a piece of wire...

Search no further. MAXAMET Native 5. It just bumped my HAP-40 Delica as my favorite work edc. The edge stability and retention are ridiculous. Sharp as heck and it stays that way. I haven't put it down since I got it and it barely looks used aside from a hint of patina starting along the spine and thumb hole.

Ladybug / Manbug because the name will trigger some and provide cheap entertainment in addition to doing it's knifely duties.

DF in ZDP.
But it will be not your last Spyderco,believe me...

I've grown rather fond of my Ti Squeak. Even as small as the handle is, I can still get a good three finger grip on it. I'm not going to go chopping down trees with it, but for regular everyday usage, I don't feel underknifed at all.

I'm late to the thread -- and I'll just be confirming your stated choice -- but I'd go with the native 5 LW in s110v. The size, the steel, the weight align with what you were saying. And if you prefer the G10 and liners, that's great too.

I haven't handled the new UK Penknife in s110v, but I want to try one. If I can get past the idea of going without a full lock: it has that Caly profile; it's light; it's in a great EDC steel. So it might be another good possibility, given that the non-locking aspect is more familiar to non-knife colleagues at work...

My suggestions:

Caly 3 in zdp-189, Discontinued but you might still be able to find one. The Hap-40 version should be here soon and would be my first choice if I couldn't find zdp-189. Delica size but with a choil. :)

Chaparral

DF2 with zdp-189 or one of the Sages if you're alright with s30v.

There's also the s110v UKPK if you're alright with a slip-it. Basically a non-locking Caly 3.

I'm not recommending the Native because it just doesn't fit ME well. YMMV :spyder:

Personally, my favorite small Spyderco EDC is the Bradley Air its nigh on perfect for me.. Sadly its listed as discontnued at Spyderco, but it does show up occasionally used

Native 5 LW with S35VN. A premium steel for less than $87, great ergos, and light weight.