SuperLeaf or Not ???

[Wolverine666]

I'm currently trying to decide if my next Spyderco purchase should be a SuperLeaf or not. I love the look of it and with a nice thick blade (4mm) of VG-10 it is extremely tempting. Also , I like the Compression Lock a lot (I have the same lock on my Para Military 2). And the G10 handle looks to be a really nice fine texture with skeletonized full stainless steel liners. Awesome.

I have never owned a Spyderco that was made in Japan so I'm a bit leery that maybe the quality won't be up to the standards of my Golden , Colorado Spydercos. Maybe I'm just being silly but I'd like to find out if any of you guys have the SuperLeaf or any other Spyderco made in Japan. How's the quality and fit and finish ?

I'm also considering the Manix 2. I love the shape of that knife and I'm a big fan of the Ball Bearing Lock. I don't know much about Carpenter Steel so I'm staying away from the latest Sprint Run. Especially since I found out that the CTS-BD30P was an accident and not the intended steel for the knife. I would gladly stick with the standard Manix 2 with 154CM and the fine-textured G10. And at @ $80 , how can you go wrong ???

Any and all thoughts and opinions are welcome. Thanks guys.

[chuck_roxas45]

You won't go wrong with a superleaf.

[TinjaNurtle59]

I'm thinking about going for the Manix 2 next then superleaf down the line when my budget says so :D Awesome pictures btw Chuck. Did you take them yourself?

[razorback1595]

I have never owned a Spyderco that was made in Japan so I'm a bit leery that maybe the quality won't be up to the standards of my Golden , Colorado Spydercos.

Japan gives great quality, china and taiwan are the country's most famous for crappy products (except for spyderco's :D )

[Mr Blonde]

I have never owned a Spyderco that was made in Japan so I'm a bit leery that maybe the quality won't be up to the standards of my Golden , Colorado Spydercos. Maybe I'm just being silly but I'd like to find out if any of you guys have the SuperLeaf or any other Spyderco made in Japan. How's the quality and fit and finish ?

I feel that for many years the Japan made spydies displayed better f&f than the US made models. You still cannot beat a lockback Spydie made by Moki in Japan in build quality. The SuperLeaf is a niche knife, not as fine a slicer as a Chinese Folder, but very stout. Its kind of like a bigger Li'l Temperance. The f&f on my sample was fine.

[mikerestivo]

The Superleaf is my knife of choice for my camping trip this weekend. It's a great large all-around folder.

[Wolverine666]

Good to know. The Superleaf is very similar in size and weight to the Manix 2. Which is why they both appeal to me. They both seem very strong and solid. I held a Manix 2 and I really liked the fine-textured G10. And the Ball Bearing Lock is awesome.

But that super thick 4mm VG-10 blade on the Superleaf is calling my name. Does anyone know when the Superleaf debuted ? Was it 2011 ?

[Minibear453]

Japan gives great quality, china and taiwan are the country's most famous for crappy products (except for spyderco's :D )

Hey!! I'm from Taiwan and I find that somewhat offensive... sorry, but Taiwan and China are entirely different countries. Taiwan actually makes good products... Selmer and Jupiter Saxophones are made in Taiwan, as are many other instruments. From what I hear, the Taiwan made knives aren't lacking either, Chaparral, Gayle Bradley, Sages, they're all supposed to be good, high-quality knives.

Anyways, sorry, I'm Taiwanese and it's a thing. Like if you called some south koreaners north korean?

ANYWAYS, Japan makes good knives... the Endura was made there, and I have no beef with it. Also, I think all the VG-10 knives are made in Japan, not sure though, but I think VG-10 is a japanese steel or something?

[Wolverine666]

Yes , after reading extensively today , I have found that VG-10 is a premium Japanese stainless steel made by Takefu Special Steel Inc. And it is similar to 154CM in most respects but does everything just a bit better (better edge retention , finer sharper edge etc.). If i get the Superleaf it will be my first knife with VG-10.

But the Manix 2 has 154CM made by Crucible and their steel is phenomenal. Even the fairly common 154CM is better because it's from Crucible. I suppose either knife is a great choice. Spyderco knows how to build them.

I'm so split.

[jabba359]

The Japanese quality, fit, and finish is excellent and I consider them to be neck and neck with Golden for 2nd best (after Taiwan). I have the Superhawk (the hawkbill version of the Superleaf) and find it to be a very well built, heavy duty folder. I've never had a major problem with a Japanese-made Spyderco (aside from a gritty Caly3 that cleaned out fine), so I think you're safe going with them.

As far as Carpenter steel is concerned, have no fear! They are able to match (and even exceed) the Crucible versions that have been staples in the Spyderco lineup for many years. The mix-up Manix that you refer to uses Carpenter's BD30P, which is their equivalent of CPM-S30V (the go-to steel for many of the Manix 2 sprint runs). I doubt you'd see any noticeable difference between the two. There's nothing wrong with picking up the 154CM Manix 2, but keep your eyes peeled for future Carpenter steels, as they are doing some really cool things in the cutlery world.

[SQSAR]

I like my SuperLeaf a lot, and if F&F is your concern, than I can say without reservation that it is a non-issue. I have nothing remotely negative to say about the SuperLeaf, and I'm glad I got it when it came out earlier this year. Frankly, I think it is a knife that has failed to gain a large following despite its many attributes.

However, if I had to choose just one, between the SuperLeaf and a Manix2, , , , , I'd go with the Manix2 first. F&F of both seem comparable to one another, but for me I just really like 154CM. Conversely, I (for some reason) am not a huge fan of VG-10, but I am probably in the minority for my preference of 154Cm over VG-10.

My guess would be that you will (1) be happy with either one you get. And (2), you will eventually end up with both.

P.S. I also agree that Taiwan is #1 for F&F. And I never thought I would be writing that over a U.S. made knife.

[Blerv]

No need for politics...

Golden, Seki, Taichung...all amazing quality. In fact looking around online you will find Seki-City being one of the worlds epicenters for cutlery.

All nations are able to make horrible products or even good ones that are occasionally flawed. This is because humans make them. A specific shop can't and shouldnt speak for an entire country. That's like me representing America...terrifying.

You really need to support who you want to. It's a personal topic. I'm more model loyal than brand or country. Just my stance tho.

Frankly money typically backs quality. Buy a $100+ knife and should be a solid high performing tool. At $300+ it better have fantastic F&F. At $30 a Tenacious exceeds all expectations because it's an amazing knife for the price.

[Wolverine666]

I like my SuperLeaf a lot, and if F&F is your concern, than I can say without reservation that it is a non-issue. I have nothing remotely negative to say about the SuperLeaf, and I'm glad I got it when it came out earlier this year. Frankly, I think it is a knife that has failed to gain a large following despite its many attributes.

However, if I had to choose just one, between the SuperLeaf and a Manix2, , , , , I'd go with the Manix2 first. F&F of both seem comparable to one another, but for me I just really like 154CM. Conversely, I (for some reason) am not a huge fan of VG-10, but I am probably in the minority for my preference of 154Cm over VG-10.

My guess would be that you will (1) be happy with either one you get. And (2), you will eventually end up with both.

P.S. I also agree that Taiwan is #1 for F&F. And I never thought I would be writing that over a U.S. made knife.

How come you are not a fan of VG-10 ? I like 154CM a lot too. Ideally , I'd like S30V in my next Spyderco but I definitely have no problem with 154CM. I also like M390. I may have to investigate which Spyderco folders have S30V or M390. Does anyone know off hand ? But right now it looks like 154CM (Manix 2) and VG-10 (SuperLeaf) are my top two picks.

[Blerv]

154cm and VG10 are more or less competitive equals in production folders from the same company. I think VG10 has better grain polish though. It's more personal preference than a concern.

There is a Para2 sprint coming out with m390 and the standard model comes with s30v. You might consider it instead as it's more affordable and slender in pocket. The Manix2 is great and so is the Super___ handle. I prefer the grip of my Superhawk to the Manix2 personally but it's super close.

[Wolverine666]

154cm and VG10 are more or less competitive equals in production folders from the same company. I think VG10 has better grain polish though. It's more personal preference than a concern.

There is a Para2 sprint coming out with m390 and the standard model comes with s30v. You might consider it instead as it's more affordable and slender in pocket. The Manix2 is great and so is the Super___ handle. I prefer the grip of my Superhawk to the Manix2 personally but it's super close.

Actually , I have the Para Military 2 (with Digi Camo and S30v). I like it but I dont love it. The blade is said to be thick and it is thick but just at the base of the spine. It quickly tapers off to a thin point. Like I said , I like it fine but I prefer a thicker blade. I do , however , really like the Compression Lock. Works great with solid lock up.

Anyway , I love that Spyderco consistently has sprint runs coming out with different (upgraded) materials.

[jabba359]

I may have to investigate which Spyderco folders have S30V or M390. Does anyone know off hand ?

The majority of production knives coming out of Golden and Taiwan use S30V (with some exceptions of course). Some favorites include: Sage series, FRN Native, Military, Paramilitary 2, some Manix 2 sprints, Chokwe, G10/CF/Ti UKPKs, and PPT. If you go to the catalog and type in "S30V" in the search, it will bring them all up (though one or two that show up actually use a different steel).

As for M390, there aren't any models with that yet except the Mule. Preorders are up for a Para 2 with blue G10 and M390 at Bento Box Shop, or you can preorder the CF Millie with M390 from Knifeworks. Those are the only two folders announced so far with this steel, though I wouldn't be surprised to see a Manix 2 with it in the near future.

[Sithus1966]

I love them both.

[chuck_roxas45]

Awesome pictures btw Chuck. Did you take them yourself?

Thanks, and yes, I took 'em myself TinjaNurtle59.

[Mike157]

Unless you have a specific task in mind that might fit one knife over another, I don't think you would go wrong with any of the knives you're discussing. I think the Superleaf is the heavier of them and sometimes feels a bit too heavy to carry in some of the lighter walking shorts I have (I still do though). I have never been disappointed in any Spyderco I have received, whether it be from Japan, Taiwan, China, or the US. I think quality of the Spyderco knives coming from Taichung is excellent. Whether you like the design or not, check out the Butch Valloton (did I spell this correctly?), for a solid design with near perfect fit and finish (all my opinion of course). And unless you are a heavy user, I'm thinking you'll be pleased with which ever blade steel you end up with on these knives - though I tend to gravitate to the latest super steel just because I'm a junkie.

Having said all of that, you may want to look at the brand new Native 5 with the S35VN blade steel. The Native 5 is a bit smaller than the others and, in my opinion, a very solid knife. Unless you're going for a larger blade, I think it is a good size for every day carry. It also has a good lock-back design which I'm partial to. I apologize for sounding a bit too enthusiastic, but I'm always happy with the Spydercos I get. My favorites being the Superleaf, Manix 2, Para Military 2 (the last two in a few of different steels), and now the Native 5. If you looked at the pile of pants on my chair now, you would find the Superleaf in my walking shorts, a Manix 2 in my "mow the lawn" jeans, a Para 2 in my everyday jeans. I will admit that a Sebenza rotates in also. The Native 5 just arrived in the mail a few hours ago so it's following me around the house for hands-on play time. Mike

[Wolverine666]

Haha. Thanks Mike157. It seems we have much in common. I am also a junkie for the latest and greatest super steel. All of my jeans and cargo pants have the same worn spot on the right pocket from where my EDC knife rests. I don't like pocket clips so I remove them and carry my piece (knife that is) in my pocket. Leaving a worn patch on all the right side pockets from the knife bulge. But I like it. The Manix 2 is such a bargain at only @ $80. And I can't stop thinking about the Ball Bearing Lock. Siiiiiigh , I know either knife will be a great addition to my arsenal ( I mean collection) but I"m still undecided. I better check out the Spyderco site a few hundred times more before bed tonight :)