My three favorite Spyderco folder designs

[Jeb]

If I had to choose only three it would fall hard on three of these four:

Endura4
Manix 2XL
Military II
Police4

It's still early this morning but here is three I have on me right now, not included is my DogTag Spyderco and it's always on me if I am not in bed.

[Igi964]

Native 5 LW

Delica 4 (especialy Wharncliffe)

Bodacious - if it is lighter with thiner more slicy blade, could have been #1

[derp]

I can't decide on an order for #3, 4 and 5 so here is my top 5

#1 Military 2
#2 Police 4 LW
#3 Para 3 LW / Manix 2 / Lil' Temperance 3

[ZrowsN1s]

From a strict Utility standpoint:
Shaman
Police4
Wharncliffe Endura

Hawkbill Dragonfly, SE Salt Dragonfly, Wharncliffe Dragonfly for my 'small knives'

And if we're including SD the P'kal all day.

[vivi]

If I had to choose only three it would fall hard on three of these four:

Endura4
Manix 2XL
Military II
Police4

It's still early this morning but here is three I have on me right now, not included is my DogTag Spyderco and it's always on me if I am not in bed.

great taste! I'll be carrying my M4 Manix XL later this week.

[Jeb]

V

These 4 knives here just flat work. They have always been solid in my expectations...

[Red Leader]

Lots of great designs, and some of them more or less emblematic of Spyderco's focus on cutting/edge performance - a lot of great steel and geometry show up on many models, and what this means for us is a lot of great options that end up having great core performance.


Design #1: LT3 LW

Right now I'm enjoying the Lil' Temperance 3 in K390, and wish for more K390/compression lock combos. If one doesn't immediately write off the design as 'ugly' or 'stubby' and get it in-hand, you'll find it is extremely ergonomic even with very squared-off handles, and offers and fantastic locked-in grip. The ultra tall full-flat grind allows for the blade to have good cutting geometry while still ending up fairly stout. These taller blades end up getting us the best of both worlds in slicing ability and strength.

Design change ideas: Extend the handle forward another 1/8" so it lines up with the grind line to make zipping through material easier and you also get even more kick/ricasso to land on your thumb when closing. Let's also get a full steel liner version for additional stiffness.



Design #2: Sliverax

Second up would be the Sliverax, as it is such an elegant design, with even more beauty to be found in it's handle-forward efficiency. With a higher end steel (S60V, 10V, etc) and true carbon fiber scales it would be freakishly good.

Design change ideas: remove flipper tab, maybe make one 3/4 size, Sage 5 size



Design #3: Spydie Chef

3rd would probably be the Spydie Chef, which I don't own, but have held and played w/ plenty of times. Simple, unique, and higher end...what a cool knife and great design.

Design change ideas: Give it Magnacut and a lockbar insert (as long as no systemic lock stick)

[twinboysdad]

Chapparel LW (PE)
Dragonfly 2
Yes this is random as heck- Pingo

[u.w.]

Not necessarily in order of preference:

1) Police (4 LW)
2) Resilience LW
3) PacSalt FFG/Endura family

I'll see about taking and uploading a photo later (I'm at work now)

u.w.

[vivi]

resilience is a really nice design. I wonder if we'll ever see them run in M4?

[Cowboyfromhell]

Military 2
Manix 2
Endura 4

[Chieftjs]

Para3
Para2
Endela

[Tucson Tom]

Paramilitary
Shaman
Manix

[Brock O Lee]

Military
PM2
UKPK

[horzuff]

My number one is pretty easy - the Military 2

The following two are a bit difficult. Four contestants come to mind: Kapara, GB2, Police 4 LW and Stretch 2 XL LW. If forced to I think it would come to the Kapara and Stretch.

So the final round up would be:
1. Military 2 S110V (I like exotic and stainless, doesn't get any better)
2. Kapara
3. Stretch 2 XL LW K390 (pretty obvious why)

[jwesley235]

Speaking only about aesthetics, my favorites are probably the Schempp Tuff, the Canis and Native Chief. Speaking about what really fits in the hand, it's the Police 4 LW, Rockjumper and the Tuff again.

[pngeezer]

Native 5 LW
Sage 5 LW
Delica - Hon Mention!

[Actinolite]

I don't have that many Spydeymodels. Also, due to carry laws here, I tend to favor smaller knives. So, of the ones I own, here are my top three:

1. Lil' Native, 10V
2. Native 5 LW, SPY27
3. Mule Team, K294. Yes, I can carry this as long as it is open carried in a sheath, hanging from my belt.

[abbazaba]

First to mind PM2, Endura, GB2

[Wartstein]

No 1 is easy: Endura 4 platform (Endura and Pac Salt 2)

- Perfect "regular" size (anything smaller tends to get a bit too small for my liking when it comes to general EDC)
- For my hands and how I hold knives great ergos
- A ton of actual grip area (for me including the "ricasso", choking up on that one is probably my main grip on that model)
- Good edge to handle ratio and enough cutting edge
- Not TOO curved, but rather straight edge
- Reasonably thin (for the length) but still strong bladestock, and I also like the strengthening "drop" towards the tip (that could easily be modded to "more pointy" without loosing cutting edge length)
- Nice, slim carry (and luckily NO deep carry clip!)
- Backlock, FRN - does not get any better practically speaking in that regards
- Choice between the "heft" and nice balance of the linered Endura or the superlight weight and a bit thicker handle of the Pac Salt 2
- At least with the Pac Salt a good ffg SE version (which I prefer over PE)

No 2: Chaparral FRN

Actually WAY to small for a general EDC knife, but just absolutely perfect for what it is...

- Thin carry, pretty low weight but extremely sturdy built
- Best backlock ever
- Amazing blade to handle ratio
- Reasonably thin blade stock for such a small knife, but still strong blade (and tip, due to the broad leaf shape)
- For my hands very good and super locked in ergos (also pretty long overall grip area for a knife that small)
- Great SE version

No 3 is a tough one, but probably still the Stretch 1 ("one", not the current "two"!)

- FRN and backlock - as said, for me the best package
- Long, completely straight ("wharncliffy") edge section
- Amazing edge to handle ratio for a knife with choil (for comparison: Stretch 1 handle: 4.4", cutting edge 3.2 "; Manix handle 4.7", cutting edge 2.9"...)
- Great ergos, very locked in and a tad more grip area than a Manix
- The kind of choil I prefer ("minmal", shallow, short)
- That "funky", but very practical original Stretch blade shape with a rather strong tip
- Thin, slicey blade