Branching out to other brands, recent additions

[drhanson]

[ATTACH]21049[/ATTACH]

I was a one brand guy (have a dozen and a half BMs) until very recently. I really got frustrated waiting for the exact configuration I wanted from that one brand so I've decided to branch out and give other reputable production knives a try.

I Live in the Metro Denver area so where better than the factory store in Golden? I really wanted a blade not exceeding 3.5" (CO thing) but not less than 3 1/4", light weight (< 4 oz.), thin, tip-up configurable, G-10 or Micarta scales, aggressive gimping and / or handle shape conducive to hard use. Spyderco had two that really fit the bill for me, the Caly3.5 & Para2. The Caly3.5 with its smaller handle and more discreet carry for when that's needed and the Para2 for the remainder.

The Caly and Para pack a ton of blade in a very light, easily carried package. Can't believe I waited so long to give them a try. I'm still partial to opening studs & Axis lock but I'm sure I'll adapt, the other benefits these knives have are definitely worth it!

The Manix2 (lightweight polymer) model is inbound, what else do you spyderco experts think I should I be considering that's consistent with my requirements? I need to get my list of must haves before next weekend's 'seconds' sale. Thanks for all the input, I really appreciate it!

BTW: The "other" new adds in the pic above 1) BM Emissary - amazingly fast opener, feather weight and highly recommended if you need a 3" EDC. 2) BM Subrosa - quality Ti frame lock, just wish it wasn't over 3.5" 3) MT Socom Elite - I just had to see what the hype was all about, gotta admit I'm impressed. Amazing amount of knife for the weight. Fit and finish exceeded my expectations. Wish they still made the mini version.

[Evil D]

Oooh if the Caly 3.5 just had a compression lock, my life might just be perfect.

[OldSarSwmr]

I know you said that the Manix2 Lightweight is inbound but I think that the regular Manix2 may make you happy too.

[JudasD]

Oooh if the Caly 3.5 just had a compression lock, my life might just be perfect.

I agree with this. I would love a Caly 3.5 with comp lock. drool.

To the OP, the Emissary is a killer knife. I really like it. If it was titanium and not easily scratchable aluminum, it would be about perfect! Not a fan of the Subrosa. Im trying to sell mine.

JD

[spydie fanatic]

You guys got my hopes up with the caly with compression lock...I almost screamed out in joy... :p

Caly3 ZDP on EDC duty at 2AM

Reheated some chicken and it sliced through it like it wasn't even there :D

[razorsharp]

ah, my 2 current favorite spydies :D . I have the m390 para and a reground caly 3.5 in superblue

[BAL]

Apparently 3 of those knifes didn't get the hole drilled in them. I'd send them back.

[Pockets]

Welcome! Nice collection. They don't fit all of your specs, but check out the Salt series.

[sal]

Hi Drhanson,

Welcome to the Spyderco forum.

sal

[jackknifeh]

Based on what you said you like I think you HAVE TO GET a Gayle Bradley. I'm more of a smaller knife guy for EDC (3" or so) but there are a lot of times I look in my pocket and there it is, the GB. The M4 steel is great and everything else about the knife is about as good. VERY solid work knife that is beautiful to carry as a larger gent's knife if you want.

Welcome to the forum.

[drhanson]

Hi Drhanson,

Welcome to the Spyderco forum.

sal

Thank you Sal! I think its great you maintain this forum and participate to keep in touch with your customers. That speaks volumes to your past and future success, keep up the amazing work.

[drhanson]

Based on what you said you like I think you HAVE TO GET a Gayle Bradley. I'm more of a smaller knife guy for EDC (3" or so) but there are a lot of times I look in my pocket and there it is, the GB. The M4 steel is great and everything else about the knife is about as good. VERY solid work knife that is beautiful to carry as a larger gent's knife if you want.

Welcome to the forum.

Excellent suggestion, I don't know how I missed that one, thanks! I'll definitely check out the Gayle Bradley. I'm also thinking the Superleaf may be a good addition.

[Ferris Wheels]

I don't know about everyone else but it seems like my Gayle Bradley gets sharper the more I use it. I hope it gets dull someday so I can see how my new spyderco sharpening stones work on the M4.

[drhanson]

As Dan suggested, the Manix2 is a great knife, I just got the all black version today. I'll carry it much more than the FRCP version as the G-10 has the perfect amount of texture to it and the added weight makes it feel much more substantial. An oz more weight would have been perfect from the FRCP version to the G-10 version, >2 oz is a little more than it needed; the FRCP balance point is too far forward while the G-10 version is a little aft of 'perfect'. That's really the only thing I'd change with it, it's that good. Wasn't there a blue G-10 version that had milled liners at one time?

Oh, and I resoundingly 3rd the nomination of a Caly with Compression lock (or CBBL).

[senorsquare]

Oooh if the Caly 3.5 just had a compression lock, my life might just be perfect.

I feel the same about the Native 5. It's my current EDC fave as is but put a compression lock on there and watch me swoon.

[Holland]

Oooh if the Caly 3.5 just had a compression lock, my life might just be perfect.

omg im drooling at the thought

[mattman]

As Dan suggested, the Manix2 is a great knife, I just got the all black version today. I'll carry it much more than the FRCP version as the G-10 has the perfect amount of texture to it and the added weight makes it feel much more substantial. An oz more weight would have been perfect from the FRCP version to the G-10 version, >2 oz is a little more than it needed; the FRCP balance point is too far forward while the G-10 version is a little aft of 'perfect'. That's really the only thing I'd change with it, it's that good. Wasn't there a blue G-10 version that had milled liners at one time?

Oh, and I resoundingly 3rd the nomination of a Caly with Compression lock (or CBBL).

All the sprint runs Manix2s had skeletonized liners.

[jwh]

[

I Live in the Metro Denver area so where better than the factory store in Golden? .

Welcome from a fellow Coloradian.

[kbuzbee]

It's been mentioned but the Native 5 is my favorite carry these days. I'm even giving Roman a run for top fanboy spot

Ken