New Member Introduction and First Spydercos Impressions

[Mud Shrimp Moe]

So I've been here on this forum for about two weeks, drawn here by research I started to do after reading Spyderco reviews on Amazon. I'm a 44 year old Texan white collar worker who is somewhat outdoorsy, handy (in a DIY way) and generally not afraid of work. So I've carried knives off and on, but more in a utility role. I've carried Swiss Army knives, small low to mid end folders, and fixed knives depending on the day. I owned roughly ten knives. That was two weeks ago.

When researching Spydercos I was initially drawn to the Chinese models (Tenacious, et al) based on value, but then kept reading reviews and decided to upgrade to USA and Japanese made models with somewhat more classic appeal.

Since joining this forum I've purchased and received the following:

Paramilitary 2 (Digital Camo)
Manix 2
Delica 4 (blue FRN)
Dragonfly

I chose the above very carefully, actually, wanting to fashion my own "starter pack" to see what the Spyderco hype was all about. I intentionally chose knives that were of fairly different sizes and feel, and wanted to compare G10 to the FRN material in particular, as well as get a feel for USA made Spydercos versus the Seki City, Japan models.

And this week, I've purchased, but haven't received the following:

Cricket (stainless, SE)
UK Pen (leaf with maroon G10) <- intended as a gift instead of a keeper
UK Pen (drop point in blue) <- intended as a gift instead of a keeper
Delica 4 (purple FRN)
Spyderhawk PE (yellow)
Endura (not sure of model since it's a used / cheap deal on eBay, but appears to be hollow ground combo edge with pin construction)

So that's roughly a knife per day. I've gone insane. :eek: Two will be gifts. And I need to slow down.

For a week now I've been EDC'ing the Delica and the Manix 2. I've carried the other two as well. Suffice to say, I'm a bit obsessed with the blades so far.

[eneyman]

Congrats Moe, i'm sure there are plenty more to come. I actually just got the camo military after loving my para 2 camo so much and upon opening the knife was overwhelmed by the size, but then felt how **** ergonomic and amazing it is.

If you are looking to try out the larger end of the spectrum definitely check out the military, a lot of great versions out there (orange, camo, ti, brown xhp steel)

[MightySpydie]

From one new member to another, welcome.

I think you'll be very happy with your Spyderco investments. I've been collecting and using Spydercos for about 7 years now and have yet to be disappointed with one of their products.

[Blerv]

Welcome aboard Moe :) . Get ready to explain your obscure new hobby to the masses, lol.

[Azwaiian]

Wow! That is the way to start your spydie addiction, er I mean collection! I think a lot of the members here have probably started the same way you did, including me!

Welcome to the forum and I can't wait to see what else you buy.

Rock on.

[Mud Shrimp Moe]

If you are looking to try out the larger end of the spectrum definitely check out the military, a lot of great versions out there (orange, camo, ti, brown xhp steel)

Thanks for the recommendation. For the moment, the Para 2 is all the blade I really want/need in a folder. I know the Military, Resilience and others are larger. I can carry up to 5.5 inches here in Texas (bigger if camping/fishing), but for now don't see a larger folding knife in my immediate future. I do have some larger fixed blades for heavy outdoor use, however.

The Military is beautiful, however, and the matched camo pair with the Para 2 must be really nice to have.

[Slash]

Can you say "addicted"? :)

[Freediver]

Welcome to the forum. You picked some excellent knives for your first ones, I'm impressed. If you do plan on getting more I would suggest a ladybug for your keychain as well.

[DCDesigns]

WELCOME. I LOLed at your name! haha.

YOU, sir, need to add some Taichung Goodness to your collection. In my opinion, the best made spyders (best qc) come from Taiwan. The twill carbon fiber they do in taichung is just fantastic!!!! Buy a Gayle Bradley, Just do it, and you will understand.

[Dr. Snubnose]

Ay Mud Shrimp Moe...Welcome on board...Nice start to the collection you got going on there. I can't make any suggestions for you I only have 424 spydercos, but if you are in my neighborhood you are welcome to come by and playing with them....ahhhh...I'll make one suggestion...buy them all!!! This way you'll save on the plane fare....LOL.....Enjoy the forum...Doc :D

[SolidState]

Welcome to the board. You probably won't have a problem keeping up with the pace here. There is a reason they call them "Sprint Runs."

[jackknifeh]

It looks like you have gotten off to a running start with a very nice selection. Your choices cover a nice variety of needs from smaller knife to larger, hard use knife. You don't need any more knives but when you do order one I'd like to put in a suggestion for three. Chaparral, Sage 1, Gayle Bradley. All are beautiful knives and between the three you have a great set for EDC and hard use as well. The Sage 1 it a great knife and my favorite. You have a Manix2 so you are covered for any hard work you may want to use a folder for. The GB feels just as tough but is just too pretty to work with in a dirty work environment IMO. Use the Manix2 for that. But, the GB is a great EDC knife and just in case you need the extra umph, it has it. The Chaparral is without a doubt a great gent's knife. I really love that knife.

Welcome here and have fun.

Jack

[bartvdb]

welcome; nice collection . greeetzz and enjoy .

[Mud Shrimp Moe]

YOU, sir, need to add some Taichung Goodness to your collection.

You know, I'll go ahead and confess I have reservations about the Taiwanese and Chinese (PRC) knives. The Sage 1 was high on my list until I learned it's Taiwanese made, which got it bumped. Also the blade length on the Sage 1 isn't much different from territory I already have "covered." But, as I'm learning, practicality kind of goes out the door when it comes to Spyderco collecting.

I'm definitely curious about carbon fiber handles (never owned any ... or even seen in person), but they all (or is it just most?) seem to be made in Taiwan. I've read enough here to know the Taiwanese made Spydercos are good. It's just a mental block for me at this point.

But I will want a carbon fiber handled knife for certain ... probably the Sage 1 or Chapparel, as I find both of them beautiful.

[chuck_roxas45]

You need some M4 and carbon fiber from Taichung.

[Mud Shrimp Moe]

That's a beauty, Chuck. That's the best pic of a Gayle Bradley I've seen!

[Mud Shrimp Moe]

I don't know if it's kosher to mention pricing on this forum. However, I just went to Amazon and ordered a Gayle Bradley and a Sage 1. I highly suspect the pricing is a mistake. The orders may be cancelled. However, if they are honored, then I just got a screaming deal. If you're interested in these knives, check it out.



EDIT: It's got to be a mistake at Amazon. I just ordered about ten Spydercos at what I'm sure is a fraction of wholesale pricing. I bet the orders are cancelled, but might as well try.

[Evil D]

Hey you never know, i've seen some pretty outrageous deals sometimes. Looks like you're off to a good start.

[syphen]

Wicked "starter pack"!!
Thats a good way to ensnare yourself into Spyderco collecting.
Mabye Spyderco should make a nice starter box set like that, which also includes a pamphlet about the forums, addiction and several copies of the current catalogues. Not cheap, but once people get it, they will understand. (Your starter is certainly over $300 in value! lol)

Don't fear the Taichung knives. They quality from them is superb. I love my Sage's and Chaparral.

The twill carbon fibre used in the Chaparral and Sage 1 offers good grip and looks fantastic. Its much better for EDC use then the CF used on the Caly 3 ZDP-189 and Lum Chinese Folder (Nishijin woven, which is freaking gorgeous either way)

[skatenut]

Welcome to the forum and to the addiction! :D

You certainly started with full speed and picked some excellent knives.

Keep going! :)