Ok school me on a Spyderco

Syph007 · **on:** February 02, 2012, 02:33:32 PM

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 · **Reply #1 on:** February 02, 2012, 03:41:46 PM

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 · **Reply #2 on:** February 02, 2012, 03:46:22 PM

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 · **Reply #3 on:** February 02, 2012, 04:08:17 PM

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 · **Reply #4 on:** February 02, 2012, 04:20:04 PM

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 · **Reply #5 on:** February 02, 2012, 04:43:36 PM

Endura looks good to me thanks that was easy!

Grant Lamontagne · **Reply #6 on:** February 02, 2012, 04:50:34 PM

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 · **Reply #7 on:** February 02, 2012, 05:07:28 PM

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 · **Reply #8 on:** February 02, 2012, 06:06:32 PM

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 · **Reply #9 on:** February 02, 2012, 07:02:56 PM

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 · **Reply #10 on:** February 02, 2012, 07:23:54 PM

Quote from: Syph007 on February 02, 2012, 06:06:32 PM

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 · **Reply #11 on:** February 02, 2012, 07:41:55 PM

Quote from: Syph007 on February 02, 2012, 06:06:32 PM

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 · **Reply #12 on:** February 02, 2012, 08:12:32 PM

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 · **Reply #13 on:** February 02, 2012, 10:14:05 PM

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 · **Reply #14 on:** February 02, 2012, 10:40:49 PM

Quote from: Syph007 on February 02, 2012, 06:06:32 PM

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

bladechick777 · **Reply #15 on:** February 03, 2012, 12:01:13 AM

You Can Get An Endura For Cheap On The USA Amazon.

Also.. To Answer Your Spring Assisted Knife Question...
Kershaw Leek
Kershaw Rake
Kershaw Shallot
Kershaw Blur
Kershaw Zing
Kershaw Asset
Kershaw Tremor
Kershaw Needs Work
Kershaw Speedbump
Kershaw Boa
Kershaw Turbulence
Kershaw Packrat
ZT 0300 Series
ZT 0350
ZT 0400

AimlessWanderer · **Reply #16 on:** February 03, 2012, 11:09:02 AM

I think you're doing the right thing by seeking an iconic Spydie - something that defines what that company is about, but if you like it try to resist the pull to go back there for the next couple of knives. Nothing against Spydies whatsoever - I just think you benefit from trying a diverse range.

You might end up going back to Spyderco's for eveything afterwards, or you might find some real treasures elsewhere. My most carried folding knives are currently Byrd, Nieto & A.Wrights - for no other reason than those knives work the best for me ... and lets face it two of those don't get many mentions anywhere. Popular isn't always best

bladechick777 · **Reply #17 on:** February 03, 2012, 03:01:57 PM

Well, I Agree With Trad, But Also... It Depends On The Knife From The Company.
You May Love The Spyderco Endura, But Hate The Pacific Salt Or Something.
Then You May Buy A Benchmade Griptilian, But Hate The Benchmade 960.
Then You May Love The ZT 0350 But Hate The 0200, Etc.

It's Good To Keep Variety, And You'll Soon Learn Your Favorite Brands And Your Favorite Type Of Knives.

asupernothing · **Reply #18 on:** February 03, 2012, 06:50:48 PM

Quote from: bladechick777 on February 03, 2012, 03:01:57 PM

You May Love The Spyderco Endura, But Hate The Pacific Salt Or Something.

I would also agree with the idea of trying different brands, as well as different models from those brands.

Its also hard not to like the Pacific Salt.
The Pacific Salt is essentially an endura done in H1. There are minor differences, such as a different clip, but its pretty much the same.

bladechick777 · **Reply #19 on:** February 03, 2012, 07:03:02 PM

Lol The Pacific Salt Was Just An Example.
I Mean Like He Could Like One Knife From A Brand And Completely Dislike Another.

So Different Brands Are Good.

Also I've Heard H1 Has Poor Edge Retention And Such. Plus It Doesn't Come In FFG Like The Endura Now Does Either Lol. Maybe One Day It Will.

asupernothing · **Reply #20 on:** February 03, 2012, 10:17:44 PM

LOL I know what you meant, I was just teasing a bit.

You are right on the H1 with poor edge retention, though it is still pretty close to 440c. My understanding is that it is a cold worked steel, so it doesn't get hardened the same way as the other steels we are used to. That being said it is also supposedly a work hardening steel, though I haven't used it enough to be able to tell.

I think the FFG endura/delica was meant to be a limited run that just did so well that they kept it. (my understanding of what happened, I could be wrong)

jekostas · **Reply #21 on:** February 03, 2012, 11:45:52 PM

Quote from: bladechick777 on February 03, 2012, 07:03:02 PM

Also I've Heard H1 Has Poor Edge Retention And Such. Plus It Doesn't Come In FFG Like The Endura Now Does Either Lol. Maybe One Day It Will.

Plain edge H1 retention is somewhere between AUS-6 and AUS-8. Serrated is closer to 440C.

As for grinds... due to the way H1 hardens it *can't* be flat ground due to the way the steel hardens when worked, at least on a commercial scale.

bladechick777 · **Reply #22 on:** February 04, 2012, 12:26:43 AM

With All Of The Knife Masters Out There... I'm Sure They Could Figure Out How To Do Flat Ground H1.

jekostas · **Reply #23 on:** February 04, 2012, 01:09:39 AM

Quote from: bladechick777 on February 04, 2012, 12:26:43 AM

With All Of The Knife Masters Out There... I'm Sure They Could Figure Out How To Do Flat Ground H1.

H1 can be flat ground, but not on a commercial scale. A guy like Tom Krein can do one-offs, but apparently with H1 you have to constantly cool the knife as well as grind a little bit off of each side at a time. That's way, way too time and tool intensive if you're doing big runs of knives.

Potassium Hydroxide · **Reply #24 on:** February 05, 2012, 11:14:53 PM

Quote from: jekostas on February 03, 2012, 11:45:52 PM

Plain edge H1 retention is somewhere between AUS-6 and AUS-8. Serrated is closer to 440C.

How does AUS8 compare to 440C?

asupernothing · **Reply #25 on:** February 05, 2012, 11:39:07 PM

Quote from: Potassium Hydroxide on February 05, 2012, 11:14:53 PM

Quote from: jekostas on February 03, 2012, 11:45:52 PM
Plain edge H1 retention is somewhere between AUS-6 and AUS-8. Serrated is closer to 440C.
How does AUS8 compare to 440C?

pretty close

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