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Name your best bang for your buck spydie readily available
Posted: Tue Jun 13, 2017 11:22 pm
by SG89
*S110V UKPK. Awesome steel, awesome knife, perfect office edc, I don't miss the lock. Sub $85
*Manix 2 lightweight CTS XHP. A nice go between if you don't want BD1 but also don't want S110V or s90v or their higher price. Sub $90.
*Hap40 Manbug. Best pound for pound Spydie in a steel that stays sharp a long time. Sub $55.
Maybe this thread could help those new to spyderco make some decisions on what their next Spydie should be :)
Re: Name your best bang for your buck spydie readily available
Posted: Tue Jun 13, 2017 11:29 pm
by vivi
IMO you can't beat the Cara Cara in FRN. 20$ for one of the most ergonomic folders on the market. Excellent grind, great clip, steel is good enough to get the job done in all but the most extreme cases.
I carry a Pacific Salt because I'm happy paying an extra 50$ for rust proof properties, but in terms of a dollar / performance ratio the Cara Cara wins for me.
I think a lot of people sleep on it. Slap a round hole on it and upgrade the blade steel and it'd be Spydercos best folder. I think its the most comfortable, refined expression of the Delica / Endura / Police lineage to date.
It's my go to Spyderco for gifting to friends and family. Meadowlark for those with smaller hands, same story.
Re: Name your best bang for your buck spydie readily available
Posted: Tue Jun 13, 2017 11:45 pm
by Doc Dan
Delica, Endura, (FRN and Salts) and the CTS-XHP Manix 2.
Re: Name your best bang for your buck spydie readily available
Posted: Wed Jun 14, 2017 1:06 am
by gingerninja
The Gayle Bradley 2
Re: Name your best bang for your buck spydie readily available
Posted: Wed Jun 14, 2017 1:06 am
by ZrowsN1s
H1 Dragonfly, lw Native 5 s35vn, ZDP Delica. All top shelf knives for under $100
*edit the "Salt" series is a better answer
Re: Name your best bang for your buck spydie readily available
Posted: Wed Jun 14, 2017 4:59 am
by anagarika
Vivi wrote:IMO you can't beat the Cara Cara in FRN. 20$ for one of the most ergonomic folders on the market. Excellent grind, great clip, steel is good enough to get the job done in all but the most extreme cases.
I carry a Pacific Salt because I'm happy paying an extra 50$ for rust proof properties, but in terms of a dollar / performance ratio the Cara Cara wins for me.
I think a lot of people sleep on it. Slap a round hole on it and upgrade the blade steel and it'd be Spydercos best folder. I think its the most comfortable, refined expression of the Delica / Endura / Police lineage to date.
It's my go to Spyderco for gifting to friends and family. Meadowlark for those with smaller hands, same story.
Totally agree with you.
Endura / Delica for extra smooth handle and VG10 for better corrosion resistance. And the ease of disassmbly for cleaning (until the maker of Cara Cara stop using that **** of a thread locker).
Re: Name your best bang for your buck spydie readily available
Posted: Wed Jun 14, 2017 5:06 am
by twinboysdad
I have owned a whole bunch and my answer is broken down this way:
Golden- Native 5
Seki-Dragonfly ZDP 189
China- Tenacious family
Tai Chung- GAYLE Bradley 1
Italy- Pingo
Re: Name your best bang for your buck spydie readily available
Posted: Wed Jun 14, 2017 5:07 am
by twinboysdad
But the GB1 ^^ might be the greatest value ever produced by Spyderco
Re: Name your best bang for your buck spydie readily available
Posted: Wed Jun 14, 2017 7:26 am
by gunmike1
Vivi wrote:IMO you can't beat the Cara Cara in FRN. 20$ for one of the most ergonomic folders on the market. Excellent grind, great clip, steel is good enough to get the job done in all but the most extreme cases.
I carry a Pacific Salt because I'm happy paying an extra 50$ for rust proof properties, but in terms of a dollar / performance ratio the Cara Cara wins for me.
I think a lot of people sleep on it. Slap a round hole on it and upgrade the blade steel and it'd be Spydercos best folder. I think its the most comfortable, refined expression of the Delica / Endura / Police lineage to date.
It's my go to Spyderco for gifting to friends and family. Meadowlark for those with smaller hands, same story.
A lot of people sleep on the Byrds but they are good knives. I had one of mine Rockwell tested at 61.5 RC by Phil Wilson. They take a very good edge and hold it very well for my purposes since I usually sharpen my knives before most people would.
Re: Name your best bang for your buck spydie readily available
Posted: Wed Jun 14, 2017 7:36 am
by JD Spydo
There are two really old school Spyders that I've thought for years were very reasonably priced and have both endured some very punishing jobs. I'm speaking of the Stainless handled, ATS-55, full Spyderedged RESCUE model from the late 90s. Also i have a 440V, full SE NATIVE model that I got for a very modest amount and it's been a pitbull of a folder over the years. For no more money than I invested in both of those Spyderco models I've gotten a very huge return on that investment. Also both of those models I'm still using for rough jobs.
I could also include any of my H-1 Salt models in that same comparison.
Re: Name your best bang for your buck spydie readily available
Posted: Wed Jun 14, 2017 7:42 am
by bpahk
For pure value, any of the current offerings in s110v or maxamet. Even just a few ago, you'd be hard pressed to find anything in those steels at less than 5x what they're selling for now (with exception of the forum native). The lightweights like native manix ukpk especially are amazing value.
Re: Name your best bang for your buck spydie readily available
Posted: Wed Jun 14, 2017 7:47 am
by ThePeacent
Vivi wrote:IMO you can't beat the Cara Cara in FRN. 20$ for one of the most ergonomic folders on the market. Excellent grind, great clip, steel is good enough to get the job done in all but the most extreme cases.
I carry a Pacific Salt because I'm happy paying an extra 50$ for rust proof properties, but in terms of a dollar / performance ratio the Cara Cara wins for me.
I think a lot of people sleep on it. Slap a round hole on it and upgrade the blade steel and it'd be Spydercos best folder. I think its the most comfortable, refined expression of the Delica / Endura / Police lineage to date.
It's my go to Spyderco for gifting to friends and family. Meadowlark for those with smaller hands, same story.
stole my words! For a Spydie I was gonna say the Pacific
for all the Brands' products I'd have voted the Cara Cara 2, I got mine new for $16!
thinner, lighter,
slicier and sturdier than most options in the market today at 20-30 dollars
Re: Name your best bang for your buck spydie readily available
Posted: Wed Jun 14, 2017 7:56 am
by dplafoll
Right now, I think it's a ZDP Dragonfly or Delica, or the basic Native 5. In a few months, it will be, without question, the Chaparral LTWT. That size, that design, that steel, for around the price of a regular Delica. Another candidate will be the Alcyone.
Re: Name your best bang for your buck spydie readily available
Posted: Wed Jun 14, 2017 8:00 am
by JD Spydo
ThePeacent wrote:Vivi wrote:IMO you can't beat the Cara Cara in FRN. 20$ for one of the most ergonomic folders on the market. Excellent grind, great clip, steel is good enough to get the job done in all but the most extreme cases.
I carry a Pacific Salt because I'm happy paying an extra 50$ for rust proof properties
stole my words! For a Spydie I was gonna say the Pacific
thinner, lighter,
slicier and sturdier than most options in the market today at 20-30 dollars
You make a great point PEACENT because the H-1 Salt Series for all the wide range of different models designed for such a broad spectrum of jobs has the be the best overall bargain in the entire commercial knife market. All of the Hawkbill models should have an H-1 Salt version IMO. Also you could add Reverse S blades to that line up as well.
Re: Name your best bang for your buck spydie readily available
Posted: Wed Jun 14, 2017 8:36 am
by Nate
Lots of good responses, but I'll say K390 Urban sprint for the price of a standard Delica.
Re: Name your best bang for your buck spydie readily available
Posted: Wed Jun 14, 2017 8:43 am
by wrdwrght
I consider the Tasman Salt one helluva bargain. The price is OK by me when weighed against what it does for me in the yard.
Re: Name your best bang for your buck spydie readily available
Posted: Wed Jun 14, 2017 9:05 am
by palonej
Without a doubt, for me, it's the Pac Salt in SE.
For ~ $80 I opened the box to a perfectly centered, rock solid, super smooth, incredibly sharp and fun flicking pocket chain saw that will out live me while being abused as my main work knife!!
I have many amazing Spydies, but for an all out working knife......for $80??? No brainer for me!!
Joe
Re: Name your best bang for your buck spydie readily available
Posted: Wed Jun 14, 2017 10:12 am
by on_the_edge
My $.02 is a Ladybug Salt Hawkbill and here's why:
1. Very inexpensive;
2. It is an unstoppable machine that is perfect for opening any package, including cutting through straps and banding;
3. A small lanyard with a key ring followed by a mini carabiner and you are ready to go anywhere and have extremely easy, quick access to the knife;
4. With it setup as above, in hand, it feels very comfortable in hand, and is as useable/practical as any full size knife;
5. It easily "disappears" in your pocket, on your keyring, attached to your belt, etc.;
6. It's as maintenance free as it gets; and
7. In case one cares, it's not going to raise any eyebrows with the public in use.
Re: Name your best bang for your buck spydie readily available
Posted: Wed Jun 14, 2017 10:40 am
by twinboysdad
on_the_edge wrote:My $.02 is a Ladybug Salt Hawkbill and here's why:
1. Very inexpensive;
2. It is an unstoppable machine that is perfect for opening any package, including cutting through straps and banding;
3. A small lanyard with a key ring followed by a mini carabiner and you are ready to go anywhere and have extremely easy, quick access to the knife;
4. With it setup as above, in hand, it feels very comfortable in hand, and is as useable/practical as any full size knife;
5. It easily "disappears" in your pocket, on your keyring, attached to your belt, etc.;
6. It's as maintenance free as it gets; and
7. In case one cares, it's not going to raise any eyebrows with the public in use.
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This is a good answer. Mine cut zip ties with ease a few weeks ago. Couple of pulls across the white stones and screaming sharp again. I love mine
Re: Name your best bang for your buck spydie readily available
Posted: Wed Jun 14, 2017 10:46 am
by 425KRS
The Cat G10 and the DragonFly 2