For those who ordered the new Sage, lets see who can file a short report and picture first. I have looked forward to this one a while now and am anxiously
waiting. :)
Who will report first on their SageII?
Who will report first on their SageII?
SCARAMOUCHE! 
well i got mine in the mail
Very nice, smooth and looks great. at the moment it won't replace the Sage 1 in my pocket tho. Personally i like the original sage with the CF a bit better in the looks department. I'm a CF snob, but the Sage 2 will need to enter my EDC rotation for the true test.
I'm just personally worried about the Ti scales will hold up to scratches and stuff. The CF is extremely durable in this department IMO.
Very nice, smooth and looks great. at the moment it won't replace the Sage 1 in my pocket tho. Personally i like the original sage with the CF a bit better in the looks department. I'm a CF snob, but the Sage 2 will need to enter my EDC rotation for the true test.
I'm just personally worried about the Ti scales will hold up to scratches and stuff. The CF is extremely durable in this department IMO.
Ok, not by any means great pics but here they are:
Clicky for Pics
Intial impressions:
Size: As an owner of the first Sage; the CF and Walker lock iteration, I was already aware of this model's size. However, I continue to see posts from those asking for comparison pics or reporting how surprised they are that this is NOT UKPK/Caly 3 sized knife 1:1. It's actually a medium-sized folder, not huge by any means but significantly larger than I think a fair number of people anticipate. I do not currently have a Small Sebenza for comparison shots, but it's a good bit larger overall, mostly due to the blade and handle width. IMHO, it slots in between a full sized Sebbie and the small one.
Fit and Finish: Impeccable. To the point where it's almost sterile feeling. Not necesarily a bad feeling, it's just built that well and finished very, very cleanly. Aside from the blade there are NO sharp edges on the knife; all edges are broken with a chamfer or radius. The milled cut-outs for the wire clip are a great example of this. Even the cut-out for the thumb sweep, which is a blend of flowing edges is perfectly executed. The silver barrel backspacers, a carry over from the CF model look nice here, too. The flat-ground S30V blade sports an attractive machine grind finish and the edge is the obligatory Spyderco laser-beam sharp. In the closed position, the blade centers perfectly.
Function: Opening and closing is smooth out of the box, but mine felt a bit dry. A couple drops of lube later and the action is even slicker. Lock-up is excellent, not even the slightest hint of blade wiggle. Engagement of the lockbar is early and should allow for a long service life. The handle slabs are more or less smooth, yet not slick. Given this, some may object to a drastically less grippy surface than the 3-D weave of the first Sage's CF, but I find it hard to see this as a negative given that the shape of the Sage's handle all but guarantee a positive grip. The wire clip as always, is excellent and provides an unobtrusive deep carry. Like Reeve's framelocks, the lockbar does not stick or gall on the blade tang. And, like many integral or frame locks, it opens with a satisfying "ker-pop".
Other misc. likes: The included letter explaining the inspiration for each Sage version has been updated to include this RIL model, and really gives a sense of how much respect Sal has for other makers' contributions. It's just a nice, classy touch. Bronze washers are good, as is jimping on both choil and thumb ramp.
Nits to pick: The standard red box seems a few steps below the knife. Fortunately, the knife ships in a sealed plastic bag otherwise, I think the box would scuff the handles up a bit. Lanyard hole would be nice.
Overall: It's a faithful and honorable homage to the RIL, yet unmistakably Spyderco in every other way. Quality is simply not a question, even if it does bear the "Taiwan" mark on the blade. Solid feel, carries easily, and is one heck of a package at e-tailer prices that should level off to ~150 - 160 bucks or so. Highly recommended.
Clicky for Pics
Intial impressions:
Size: As an owner of the first Sage; the CF and Walker lock iteration, I was already aware of this model's size. However, I continue to see posts from those asking for comparison pics or reporting how surprised they are that this is NOT UKPK/Caly 3 sized knife 1:1. It's actually a medium-sized folder, not huge by any means but significantly larger than I think a fair number of people anticipate. I do not currently have a Small Sebenza for comparison shots, but it's a good bit larger overall, mostly due to the blade and handle width. IMHO, it slots in between a full sized Sebbie and the small one.
Fit and Finish: Impeccable. To the point where it's almost sterile feeling. Not necesarily a bad feeling, it's just built that well and finished very, very cleanly. Aside from the blade there are NO sharp edges on the knife; all edges are broken with a chamfer or radius. The milled cut-outs for the wire clip are a great example of this. Even the cut-out for the thumb sweep, which is a blend of flowing edges is perfectly executed. The silver barrel backspacers, a carry over from the CF model look nice here, too. The flat-ground S30V blade sports an attractive machine grind finish and the edge is the obligatory Spyderco laser-beam sharp. In the closed position, the blade centers perfectly.
Function: Opening and closing is smooth out of the box, but mine felt a bit dry. A couple drops of lube later and the action is even slicker. Lock-up is excellent, not even the slightest hint of blade wiggle. Engagement of the lockbar is early and should allow for a long service life. The handle slabs are more or less smooth, yet not slick. Given this, some may object to a drastically less grippy surface than the 3-D weave of the first Sage's CF, but I find it hard to see this as a negative given that the shape of the Sage's handle all but guarantee a positive grip. The wire clip as always, is excellent and provides an unobtrusive deep carry. Like Reeve's framelocks, the lockbar does not stick or gall on the blade tang. And, like many integral or frame locks, it opens with a satisfying "ker-pop".
Other misc. likes: The included letter explaining the inspiration for each Sage version has been updated to include this RIL model, and really gives a sense of how much respect Sal has for other makers' contributions. It's just a nice, classy touch. Bronze washers are good, as is jimping on both choil and thumb ramp.
Nits to pick: The standard red box seems a few steps below the knife. Fortunately, the knife ships in a sealed plastic bag otherwise, I think the box would scuff the handles up a bit. Lanyard hole would be nice.
Overall: It's a faithful and honorable homage to the RIL, yet unmistakably Spyderco in every other way. Quality is simply not a question, even if it does bear the "Taiwan" mark on the blade. Solid feel, carries easily, and is one heck of a package at e-tailer prices that should level off to ~150 - 160 bucks or so. Highly recommended.
Nice review!
That "Taiwan" mark is becoming a desirable mark of excellence. I will probably pick up a Ti Sage as well, but I'm sure I will share your gravitation toward the Walker/CF version. I just love that unique twill carbon fiber. The design, size, materials, and build quality on the Sage are about as good as it gets. I've been carrying my CF Sage more and more when "off the job".
It's it really is that good!
hickster
That "Taiwan" mark is becoming a desirable mark of excellence. I will probably pick up a Ti Sage as well, but I'm sure I will share your gravitation toward the Walker/CF version. I just love that unique twill carbon fiber. The design, size, materials, and build quality on the Sage are about as good as it gets. I've been carrying my CF Sage more and more when "off the job".
It's it really is that good!
hickster
I agree on both the Taiwan standard of quality and your preference for the CF version, although I just ordered the Ti. I like the twill CF scales a lot and its price is just unbeatable. What could change my mind would be a sprint run of the Ti with, say, an S90V blade just to differentiate it a bit more from the CF.hickster wrote:Nice review!
That "Taiwan" mark is becoming a desirable mark of excellence. I will probably pick up a Ti Sage as well, but I'm sure I will share your gravitation toward the Walker/CF version. I just love that unique twill carbon fiber. The design, size, materials, and build quality on the Sage are about as good as it gets. I've been carrying my CF Sage more and more when "off the job".
It's it really is that good!
hickster
I am sorry but I can't ignore this comment. Are you saying that this knife is more "desirable" or better built because it's made in Taiwan?hickster wrote:Nice review!
That "Taiwan" mark is becoming a desirable mark of excellence.
Please explain "desirable," because I am guessing many people including myself will not be purchasing this knife, just for that reason.
I am not trying to stir the pot, but that quote above struck a nerve.
-Rob
Knuckle dragger
Knuckle dragger
Feel free not to buy it, it will be your loss. Do not buy an iPhone or LCD screen or anything not made in the U.S. for the same reason.5.56 wrote:I am sorry but I can't ignore this comment. Are you saying that this knife is more "desirable" or better built because it's made in Taiwan?
Please explain "desirable," because I am guessing many people including myself will not be purchasing this knife, just for that reason.
I am not trying to stir the pot, but that quote above struck a nerve.
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The Deacon
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I would just say that with the Sage series Spyderco has shown those willing to be open minded that there is at least one Taiwanese maker capable of producing knives which exhibit fit and finish equal to or better than the best Spydercos made anywhere else.
If someone does not want to buy one because they don't like the design, or out of pure nationalistic sentiment, that's fine. Those are reasons everyone should respect, even if they feel otherwise. But to be open to knives from other foreign makers and not to the Sage strictly because of it is manufactured in Taiwan would not deserve the same degree of respect.
If someone does not want to buy one because they don't like the design, or out of pure nationalistic sentiment, that's fine. Those are reasons everyone should respect, even if they feel otherwise. But to be open to knives from other foreign makers and not to the Sage strictly because of it is manufactured in Taiwan would not deserve the same degree of respect.
Paul
My Personal Website ---- Beginners Guide to Spyderco Collecting ---- Spydiewiki
Deplorable :p
WTC # 1458 - 1504 - 1508 - Never Forget, Never Forgive!
My Personal Website ---- Beginners Guide to Spyderco Collecting ---- Spydiewiki
Deplorable :p
WTC # 1458 - 1504 - 1508 - Never Forget, Never Forgive!
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The CoPilot
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- Location: Lincoln, Nebraska, USA, Earth
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Were this discussion taking place about 40 years ago, there would be a general stigma against products with a "Japan" manufacturing stamp. "Made in Japan" used to synonymous with "cheap and inferior quality". Since then, the Japanese have proven that they can product top quality products when they want to. Spyderco's Byrd line has shown that quality knives can come out of China if the right quality-control standards are in place, and they are slowly gaining acceptance. Taiwan seems to be the next frontier. I've always been of the opinion that we should let the products speak for themselves.
><> The most important blood trail leads to the Cross <><
C09 CoPilots My Specialty
Integrity is Being Good Even if No One is WatchingTM
Looking for: C04 Executive plain edge, C09 CoPilot plain edge with brass liners and a G-2 marked blade
C09 CoPilots My Specialty
Integrity is Being Good Even if No One is WatchingTM
Looking for: C04 Executive plain edge, C09 CoPilot plain edge with brass liners and a G-2 marked blade
Great Review, great pictures, thank you alexcue and firebat.
It's what I expected and am glad so.
SCALES - will show scratches but don't really look bad, just look like a veteran. You can re-blast them easily with aluminum oxide and they look as good as new. I do that with my Sebenzas now and then.(tape all contact area)
CHANGE SCALE - to make them more grippy, should not be too much of a chore. Or mill flutes into the slab to give a little more grip.
I am just Impatiently waiting for mine to arrive :) .
It's what I expected and am glad so.
SCALES - will show scratches but don't really look bad, just look like a veteran. You can re-blast them easily with aluminum oxide and they look as good as new. I do that with my Sebenzas now and then.(tape all contact area)
CHANGE SCALE - to make them more grippy, should not be too much of a chore. Or mill flutes into the slab to give a little more grip.
I am just Impatiently waiting for mine to arrive :) .
SCARAMOUCHE!
Exactly. If someone is willing to buy a Japanese made :spyder: , why wouldn't they buy a :spyder: of equal, or greater, quality made in Taiwan? The Taiwanese government is democratic and pro-western, same as Japan.The Deacon wrote:...But to be open to knives from other foreign makers and not to the Sage strictly because of it is manufactured in Taiwan would not deserve the same degree of respect.
Tom
__________________________________
[url]http://spydercovt.com[/URL]
__________________________________
[url]http://spydercovt.com[/URL]
Junior avatar courtesy of dialexSequimite wrote:I use knives. I collect experiences.
I'm an admirer of Spyderco's designs. Using them is like immersing yourself in music or studying a painting in a museum. I buy some "fine" art but my preference is for usable art.
Thanks Gull Wing, I was just giving u my first impressions, just doing a quick hands on. Firebat did a great jobgull wing wrote:Great Review, great pictures, thank you alexcue and firebat.
It's what I expected and am glad so.
SCALES - will show scratches but don't really look bad, just look like a veteran. You can re-blast them easily with aluminum oxide and they look as good as new. I do that with my Sebenzas now and then.(tape all contact area)
CHANGE SCALE - to make them more grippy, should not be too much of a chore. Or mill flutes into the slab to give a little more grip.
I am just Impatiently waiting for mine to arrive :) .
Once i use it for a few weeks, and I will use it, I have a strong suspicion I'll be picking up a second one for the safe. The size, blade shape are general ergonomics of the Sage are one of my favorite.
Thanx for the advice of the Titanium, very good to know.
No it will not be my loss, because I didn't just pay an MSRP of $264.95 for a Reeve Intregal Lock from Taiwan or anywhere for that matter when $30.00 more gets you an actual RIL, made domestically by CR himself. I don't see the value in that.LorenzoL wrote:Feel free not to buy it, it will be your loss.
Deacon is right. And I would like to reinforce the idea that there is nothing wrong with having pride in your country. It seems that many have lost sight of that these days.The Deacon wrote:If someone does not want to buy one because they don't like the design, or out of pure nationalistic sentiment, that's fine. Those are reasons everyone should respect, even if they feel otherwise. But to be open to knives from other foreign makers and not to the Sage strictly because of it is manufactured in Taiwan would not deserve the same degree of respect.
-Rob
Knuckle dragger
Knuckle dragger
I can appreciate that. I kind of feel that way about the knives made in China. Not that I do not buy Chinese made products, but when I have a choice...5.56 wrote:
Please explain "desirable," because I am guessing many people including myself will not be purchasing this knife, just for that reason.
I regard Taiwan differently, they have a long, positive history with the United States. Anyway, the Chinese made Spyders are of decent quality, but do not match the Golden or Japan models. Of course, I my US made Spyders have a special place in my heart, but I defy anyone to challenge the quality of manufacture of the Spyders coming from that particular manufacturer in Taiwan. My CF Sage is the smoothest, tightest, most finely finished Spyderco I have. If the Sage II (apparently it is) and the Chockwe are as good, then as I said, it is becoming a mark of excellence. I also like the materials arrangement. They are making the knife with steel provided from the US (unlike the Japan knives).
In the end, its about the quality, regardless of where it is made (up to a point, of course).
hickster