Ok school me on a Spyderco

[Syph007]

I'm heavily into fixed blades, MTs and SAKS but never really bought a full size folder.   It's no secret that spydercos are popular and well it seems like a good place to start for me.

So... if you were picking one, what would you pick for a full size non serrated spyderco folder?  I looked at their website and it's completely overwhelming with the choices and I didn't know where to start.

[Grant Lamontagne]

Simple- Endura. 

http://spyderco.com/catalog/details.php?product=208

There are lots more out there and Spyderco has a huge selection of knives, many of which I really don't know all that well, but the Endura has been a mainstay for Spyderco for about a thousand years now.  While the knife I always think of when I think Spyderco is the Police model, the Endura is a slightly smaller, more pocket friendly and much more affordable version.  It's not a discount knife by far, although the price makes it appear that way.

Def

[PyroJames]

I love the Endura and agree with Def.  It's lightweight and not too expensive so it's a good intro knife to get you started on Spyderco.  Endura is a back lock folder so if you prefer a different style of lock, consider a Military, Para-Military 2 or Manix.

[Jmora]

endura is good because it has also been around a while and has had a lot of improvements made (e.g. slightly rounded tip to minimize chances of breakage).
The tenacious is very popular, and cheap, this is because it is made in China, spyderco has them build it to a high standard, they get good reviews.

[enki_ck]

Another vote for the Endura, for a large folder. I prefer back locks, they are much easier to close in gloves or if your hands are wet or bloody. Try closing a liner/frame lock with gloves.  I'd like them more if they had a finger choil like their cousin Cara Cara has, though.

Don't buy them directly from Spyderco, you can get them NEW from most eBay or knife sellers for about $55 - $60.


If you'd like something that will never ever rust (might get dull, but never rust) there's also the Salt 1. Comes in yellow or black. cca $50 - $55

http://spyderco.com/catalog/details.php?product=170


Another a bit smaller back lock is the Caly 3.5 or regular Caly 3. Cost a bit more though. cca $100
http://spyderco.com/catalog/details.php?product=581

[Syph007]

Endura looks good to me thanks that was easy!  

[Grant Lamontagne]

Sorry, did you want us to make it difficult?  If so, then you should have asked what multitool to buy for general EDC!   

Seriously there are probably better Spydies out there, but if you want the real Spyderco experience, go for the Endura.  I think Travis can get you a decent deal on one if you like- don't buy it in Canada as it'll cost more.

The Persistence and Tenacious are nice knives for what they are, but if you want a Spydie, get a Spydie.  The Endura defines Spyderco better than any other knife in their lineup.  Now had you asked for a decent folder the answer would have been different as there are lots of good knives in the same range as an Endura, but since you specified Spyderco, that really is the clear winner.

Def

[Syph007]

No i for sure wanted a spyderco, so thats what I will get.   Travis already helped me get a paratool for cheap, I'll ping him about a spyderco after next payday. 

Next on my list would be.. whats a good assisted opening folder (non serrated again).  Is that a harder question to answer?

[Syph007]

Does 65 bucks seem reasonable for a Canadian seller?

http://www.warriorsandwonders.com/Spyderco/spyderco_Endura_4_Orange_FRN_Handle_FFG_Plain_Edge

I kinda love the orange scales.

[bladechick777]

Out Of The Spyderco's I Have Owned And Handled I Would Recommend:
Endura
Delica
UKPK
Manix 2 - Very Nice - They Now Have The XL Version. 
Paramilitary 2
Police 3
Native
Tenacious
Resilience
Lots And Lots Of Spydies.

[Grant Lamontagne]

Does 65 bucks seem reasonable for a Canadian seller?

http://www.warriorsandwonders.com/Spyderco/spyderco_Endura_4_Orange_FRN_Handle_FFG_Plain_Edge

I kinda love the orange scales.

That's probably about as reasonable as it gets up here, at least in the limited amount of research I've done.

Def

[jekostas]

Does 65 bucks seem reasonable for a Canadian seller?

http://www.warriorsandwonders.com/Spyderco/spyderco_Endura_4_Orange_FRN_Handle_FFG_Plain_Edge

I kinda love the orange scales.

warriorsandwonders.com and srknives.com are going to be your best bet for new knives in Canada.  You might be able to snag something cheaper on eBay but you'll have to deal with customs delays.

As for Spydercos... if you want to understand what a Spyderco is all about, Def's right - the Endura is one of the first models you should look at.  Classic, functional Spyderco design.  The Delica is the other.  If you need a non-locking folder, the UKPK.  I think those three really kind of embody the "concept" of Spyderco - good steel, quality build, and functional design above all else.

[asupernothing]

Endura is the way to go here. Its not a small folder, but I get the feeling that you are not looking for a small knife. Everyone else is right about the endura/delica being the best way to get into Spyderco, and the FFG versions are just incredible. My prediction is that soon you will have quite a few spyderco knives. (Once you pop you can't stop)

[Heinz Doofenshmirtz]

I'm a little late to the party here (as usual) but I couldn't agree more.  Endura is the way to go.  Specifically, I think you should get the full flat grind model with the VG10 blade.  Best value for the buck that Spyderco makes.

If you want something more pocketable, the Delica is the way to go.  They're not much less than an Endura though, so the Endura will give you more knife for your money.  Get the Delica if you want to use it for EDC as the Endura and Tenacious are on the large side for pocket carry.

If you just want a general beater knife you can thrash and abuse and that will still come out smelling like a rose, and not spend a lot for, get a Resilience, the bigger brother of the Tenacious.  3/4" of an inch longer, bigger handle, bigger blade, bigger everything for only a few bucks more than a Tenacious.  I think they go for about $40 US.  As I said, to me, the Tenacious is still too big for pocket carry, so if you're going to get one, just spend a little bit more and get the Resilience instead.

[jzmtl]

Does 65 bucks seem reasonable for a Canadian seller?

http://www.warriorsandwonders.com/Spyderco/spyderco_Endura_4_Orange_FRN_Handle_FFG_Plain_Edge

I kinda love the orange scales.

Price is okay but hay kills Canadian price is shipping and tax. You are looking at almost $20 on top of that, so I usually buy from US