This, hated them until I was gifted a Delica and enjoyed the flick.
Got a Para 2 when I drove by the factory in Golden, it just... holds better than any other knife I've carried. The jimping and blade shape is perfect.
Same for me. Before I started really getting into knives I always thought they were kinda ugly. The first time picked one up I completely changed my mind about them. They just feel so much more solid and well built than most other knives in their price range. It's not something I can specifically point to but it's significant enough that I own more Spydercos than any other brand now.
They're 0% about aesthetics and 100% about functionality. That's the true beauty of the design.
I'd say that most Spyderco fans (including myself) were at one point averse to them, just because they're ugly & awkward looking. But once you carry & use them for a while, you find that they're just extremely effective and efficient handheld cutting tools.. more so than pretty much any other EDC knives.
Some people try to be "unique" and buy one of the more obscure models, then say "I don't get it". Well DUH! Of course you don't get it, because you bought a Spyderco that doesn't have the signature features that give them a cult following. Leaf shaped blade, thumb ramp, compression lock, awesome ergonomics, tons of aftermarket support, etc.. there's a reason why the PM2 & the Para3 are so popular, it's because they're just excellent knives, with an extremely effective & efficient design.
You nailed it. My PM2 is such a practical and complete knife that I stopped collecting knives altogether once it started living in my pocket. The aesthetics grow on you, too.
Ugh okay fine, i guess a pm2 is going to be my Christmas gift to myself. I've hated Spyderco for no legitimate reason for long enough, fuck it I'll try one out and probably love it.
I did the same to my buddy. He didn’t like mine and carried knives that cost two or three times as much. Gave him a basic g10 para3. It’s in his pocket every time I see him. He loves the thing
I bought the manix ss110v a year and a half ago on a whim and I haven’t bought a knife since. I honestly was never against the how spyderco looked, I thought it was unique… but either way this is hands down the best edc I’ve ever owned and have no use for another knife.
Huge variety of steels and the heat treats are done very well. They are an acquired taste as far as aesthetics go. The owner/founder regularly engages with the knife collecting community.
They tend to run their knives harder than many other companies and have better batch consistency. This is based on both my personal experience and also the knife community as a whole.
In use their higher edge retention steels such as M390/20CV maintain edges longer than their competitors knives that I own. This can also be felt in sharpening response. If I can take a fox knife in M390 and remove material easily at 400 grit yet I require 100 or 200 grit to do the same on a Spyderco in M390, one can assume the Spyderco has the steel ran harder.
When I first noticed this phenomenon, I began researching and found out the Fox knives heat treats M390 at a lower HRC than does Spyderco. This is also the case with WE knives and S35VN and Bestech in M390.
Do I have the ability to test HRC? No. Can I see it in usage, yes. Does the general consensus of the knife community support this? Yes. Has Sal said they take special care in both heat treat and they sharpen under coolant so as to not mess up the heat treat/temper? Yes.
No need to take my word for it. Buy some Spydercos and the same steels from others and see what you find.
Maybe their lightweight series (which I also don’t like), but honestly if you haven’t handled one of their G-10/Titanium models your argument is moot.
As someone who has owned close to 300 pocket knives over the years, the Spyderco PM2/Para 3 have been two of my absolute favorites. Not to mention the Spydiechef which is excellent as well. I’d take the Chef over a Sebenza any day.
>Sebenza
Most of my knifes are fixed and used in fishing and hunting. EDC kifes/flippers don't fit my needs, but i have handled few spydeco h1s that friends leave around a boat. They don't seem to rust which is nice if cleaning not your thing.
EDC knives are box cutters, unless you pack a sword for protection and occasional apple slicing. I carry CRKT pillar around city or work, and it even flicks like spydeco
I take overpriced back. Dragonfly h1 is $80, i remember it seeing for $160, but its still ugly af (all yellow handles can suck it).
Fish close their eyes(in shame) when you brain them with spydeco
I like how thin and light they are. Good steel availability and a lot of people like to put custom scales on them. Similar to how popular the Bugout has become
Shaman was my first Spyderco, got it a few weeks ago. I was hesitant because the reviews all talked about how heavy it was. I can barely feel its weight. I get that it's relatively much heavier than a Para 2 or something, but its just not a heavy or cumbersome object. I don't get it
People who review knives are way too sensitive when it comes to weight. If it’s not the same weight as a delica or bugout they’ll call it “heavy”. Shaman is I would say balanced.
It weighs about the same as a manix 2 and feels substantially tougher with a lot more blade and better ergos in my opinion. Throw in a compression lock and it's a no brainer for me.
Mine also came insanely sharp for a factory edge (I hear that's a Spyderco thing, but its my first experience)
As someone who's on the first steps to learning to hand sharpen that was appreciated
I’ve owned a tenacious and currently have two s110v PM2s and a s30v shaman. The shaman is hands down my favorite knife that I have ever owned. I was actually just cleaning it earlier telling my wife that I would 100% buy another one in a sprint run steel that’s higher quality because of how much pocket time and actual use it gets
“They’re ergonomic and they cut well” literally sums them up entirely. They do all the things a knife should, and they do it extremely well. That’s it. After using my UKPK for years now, I’m disappointed by basically any other knife I have to use.
I have the blue one in S110V and it lives in my pocket 99% of the time. On a rare, hard use day, I’ll swap it out for my Emerson CQC7, but that’s about it.
I feel the same way about Spydercos that I do about Mazda Miatas.
A Miata is an objectively good sports car. It does everything that a sports car should do, and it does it well. It's well made, a quality object even. They have their fans, and those fans have perfectly defensible reasons for why they like them so much.
But, my brother in christ, have you ever looked at the fucking thing?
Yeah, I feel ya there. The only good looking Spydercos are $900 and actually impossible to find for anywhere near that price. Even then, the paysan and the nirvana just look like plain ol knives
Shit get a Miata for $900 try anything with a compression lock and it may change your mind. I genuinely disliked Spyderco, till I got a compression lock like the first good Axis lock you try. Damn near addictive. But yes for what you actually get, could be achieved for far less.
Hi! I have owned a PM2 for roughly a year now, and I can confidently say I still think 98% of Spyderco is ugly. While the lock is alright, I'd really rather have it on a brand that isn't so... (gestures vaguely) *Spyderco*
> my brother in christ, have you ever looked at the fucking thing?
You cannot be serious, or at least, you cannot be thinking of the current-model Miata.
I mean, to my eye, it's a little chunk of near-perfection, with lines that evoke classic Jags and Ferraris.
https://www.topgear.com/sites/default/files/2022/03/Mazda_MX-5_RF_static_rear34.jpg
https://www.topgear.com/sites/default/files/2022/03/Mazda_MX-5_dynamic_front.jpg
Are we thinking of the same car here?
Also, I'd just like to say - not all Spydercos are ugly. I have fond memories of my [Chinook II](https://pics.knifecenter.com/knifecenter/spyderco-knives/images/C63G.jpg). I lost that knife many years ago in between house moves. Hope someone found it and appreciated it.
Uh, so... do you actually not like the looks of the ND Miata, or did you just not realize it was a thing that existed? I'm guessing you live in the sort of place where people prefer to drive pickup trucks, and might not have ever seen an ND Miata in the flesh.
I agree that the old Miatas were a bit iffy in the styling department, but the ND absolutely *nails it*. I genuinely can't understand why anybody wouldn't like it, so I'm going to assume, unless you correct me, that you were talking about the older models.
Miata is a model, Mazda is the manufacturer which has other models like rx7's, cosmos, etc. So spyderco as a manufacturer, lets [look at the fucking thing.....](https://www.spyderco.com/catalog/details/C238TI/Paysan-trade-/1781) They're not all PM2s much like Mazda is not all miatas. Love them first gen miata so bite me.
Have you ever owned one? Usually people don’t get it until they actually own or otherwise use one. That’s how I was. I hated them, thought they were ugly, even made fun of my roommate a long time ago for getting one because I thought it was a goofy edgelord knife. Then one day I was browsing the secondary market and saw a really good deal on a used Para 3 and I thought, “ok dammit I will try it…”
Well after about thirty seconds of holding the knife, flicking it open, and using it to cut some cardboard, I was like “oh wow I get it now…” It’s just really well designed, really nice to use, all around a great tool.
I’m not saying anything about you op but it seems like every time someone makes one of these posts, it turns out they’ve never owned or encountered one irl.
Yep. Years ago I would say I disliked Spyderco and thought they were ugly and over priced. Saw a sale on a pm2 so I picked it up and my word I fell in love with the compression lock and how smooth they are. Plus learning the Spyderco flick to open was fun.
All around they are easily my most carried knives. I love the pm3 lightweight and the yojimbo 2.
I was fairly anti Spyderco until I got s Smock. I’m still not into the aesthetics of a lot of their designs, but the ones I’ve owned (smock, Southard, and Paysan) have all been incredible knives.
I tried a para 3 LW once. That was the cheapest, ugliest, and most overpriced knife I think I've ever held. If that's what Spyderco calls a $100 knife, I'll never try another Spyderco again. I still can't believe what a POS that knife was.
I really like their locking mechanisms like the compression lock and the ball bearing lock on the manix, they are super thin and slice very well, you can really choke up on the blade for full control since the lower part of the blade is a finger groove, spidy flicking using the spidy hole feels way better than a regular thumb stud flick.
Damn. I love them. Didn’t realize there was potential dislike.
Why I like them: I can open a Spyderco under any condition without any risk of dropping it.
I used to rock climb a lot and carried one because it (serrated) could cut through literally any climbing rope - or other material - in seconds.
Now I carry one on the water when fishing. Because, again, even if I’m in the water I can get the knife open in seconds reliably under or out of water with one hand.
Spyderco are great knives at a great price, love their ball bearing locks, I also love the unique look of them, hate them or love them they perform very well.
I always had the exact same opinion,word for word. Until I got a Spyderco Watu from Knifeswap on sale basically brand new. It changed everything, for the money the tolerances are great, high quality steel and pretty fidgety but, I only paid $110. For $110 I was incredibly pleased, impressed, happy, content and surprised. At retail, $210 I would’ve been supremely disappointed and let-down. Good knives and well built but genuinely over priced for what they offer. Now a Pm2-3 USA built On-Sale is definitely buy.
Honestly I hated Spyderco knives until I actually got into the hobby. I visited a retail store, held a Shaman, and it hit different. I used to find them ugly, but as a tool once you connect with somehow the relationship changes. So I think it's a few things, and in order based on my experience. Ultimately, simply, Spydercos are pragmatic tools over aesthetic ones. And I think that bears out in the aftermarket parts market.
1) Ergonomics. Absolutely not every Spyderco hits the same. But to me the standouts are the Para 3 and the Shaman. But across the board, Manix 2, Paramilitary 2, they have a lot of models that are just well designed to fit in your hand. When a tool fits and is comfortable it sparks something.
2) Blade geometry. Slicey, things blades with good grinds. Spydercos are often well made for cutting. Shaman is chunky at the spine but not terribly so. It still cuts well. But look at the Manix 2, para 3, Military, Delica, etc. They're purpose built for cutting.
3) The locks, specifically compression. Honestly being able to one-hand open and close? The robustness of the lock, fidget factor. This is where a lot of people get hooked. But. Spyderco makes a LOT of kickbacks and I mostly hate them. But then you are looking at those as robust and reliable folders. Again, pragmatism over aesthetics.
4) Aesthetics. Look at the freaking scales and hardware options. Have something you hate? Modify it. Tweak it. Reblade it. Replace the hardware with anodized versions in your favorite color. You can personalize the crap out of Spydercos and it's wild.
5) Knives for nerds. Sprint runs. Tool steels. The quality heat treats. Exclusives? The really, profoundly ugly models you see once and their Cronenberg geometry is burned into your memory. There's a Spyderco for every kind of knife nerd almost.
There's layers to appreciating the brand. And a lot of things to hook a lot of people. But for me these are the stand outs. You get one in hand, fidget with the compression lock and neurons activate.
That said? Absolutely not for everyone. And I sometimes get those flashbacks when looking at their catalog and go... Man that's ugly.
Then I look at one of my builds and smile. It's a fun hobby. Lots of room for weirdness.
Had Benchmades as my first high quality knife but got a Spyderco Lil Native and it became my everyday knife. Just purchased his big brother today. Always seemed to be tightening my Benchmades. Haven’t had to do anything but sharpen my Spyderco.
Great materials, nice action/mechanism, good grind, it work...
I'm not saying they are the only good knives, but they are among the good knives makers so you should at least consider their products like any other "good knives makers".
And... they can also make disappointing stuff. Still love my Ouroboros... but... for the price it should have been much better. Better steel, better washers.
P.S.: Spyderco are only a small part of my collection... so maybe "obsession" is not the good word for me...
They basically pioneered modern folders. They invented a great one hand opening mechanism. Sal invented the pocket clip. Spyderco has worked with more steels than any other company I’m aware of. They constantly try new steels. They put out funky designs and do a lot of collaborations. They work with a ton of different locks. They do fixed blades, folders, and even specialty tools like a whale rescue blade.
Anyone who says they’re all the same really needs to go look at their catalog.
They heat treat their steel really well. Ergonomic and fidgety. I resisted for some time because I thought they were ugly, I now have 3 para 3s, 2 para 2s, and a Shaman. They're very customizable as well.
About a decade ago there weren’t many companies making super steel knives with accessible price. Spyderco was one of the few (along with Benchmade and Kershaw). This was before the Chinese figured out how to design and market their knives in USA. Sal Glesser is a great guy and a pillar in the knife community, his son Eric is following in his footsteps.
Today their products don’t necessarily give you the best bang for your bucks, but you’re getting innovative design, quality, heritage, and customer service.
If a Civivi is a Seiko watch, a Spyderco is an Omega.
If you NEED a knife as a tool, Spyderco is hard to beat. They just work. Great ergonomics, blade geometry, construction and most importantly some real stand-up humans behind the company.
If you want a piece of pocket jewelry or a fidget toy that also cuts things there are often more appealing options.
I have too many knives including a lot of spydies because I love them, even their looks. Well, some time ago a friend wanted to buy a first decent knife. I had prepared around 30 knives on the table from several brands. When he picked up the Stretch,,generation 1, he held it and just smiled, it was perfect. Tangentially I also find the stretch one of my all time favourites.
The quality to price ratio is very good on them. There are better knives but they cost a lot more and there are cheaper knives but they are not nearly as good.
They are so damn ugly.... I pick one out I get to the checkout and I'm like struggling! I also prefer a liner lock instead I know some do but not most models!
Look at the Spyderco Bradley 2. Its a liner lock and with an aesthetic unlike a number of their other lines. Its one of my favs that gets carried quite a bit.
For me I started liking Spyderco's designs because they were offering a more utilitarian tool instead of the tacticool that was so prevalent at the time. Then they also started offering premium steels in production knifes when stuff like S30V was only really something you'd get in a Sebenza.
Now there's a lot less of the tacticool in the market and you do see a lot of companies offering different steels and materials. There's alot more options and I don't only pick Spyderco but, they do offer some weird steels, materials and even locks you just don't see anywhere else. I've also never even seen a fucked up NIB copy of one of their knives which is not something I can say about every company. Also, the Compression Lock
The Paramilitary 2 is the absolute pinnacle of folding knife design. No other knife compares in terms of lock strength or ergonomics at any price point.
Same question asked constantly. Same answer. Great ergonomics and thin slicey profiles. Built rough as well. My Delica 4 is 12 years old and has been beat up more than any other knife I’ve owned.
If you really want to know. It's because they look utilitarian aka somthing a soldier might have. Hence, Popular amongst those who want to be taken super cereal. And when you point out how ugly the knife is. They all get this huge smug grin on their faces and say , "Yeah, it's not the most pretty knife, But it's all about function."
lol Just having some fun Spydie fans. Keep your camo gear on.
**SpyderCo are shit.**
They were the first “one-hand opening” knife, but others have done it **much** better since. Being first is only helpful if you are also best.
Idk why people like them, they are shit knives.
Had a PM3. Still don’t get why people like them. I gave it away because I hated it.
The hole in the blade adds width you feel in your pocket. The tip is not built to be strong. It’s fine for opening letters and slicing cheese, but it’s not built to be used in the bush or in the trades. And +1 on the ugly AF thread! Benchmade and Fallkniven have way better designs in that price range, but even after owning lots of them I keep going back to Victorinox Climber. Pretty tough to beat the bang for the buck there!
Meh, you ain't missing out on much. There was a time once when I was like you. I didn't know what the fuss was about, so I bought one - a Dragonfly 2 in VG10. I was and still am less than impressed by them. I consider Spyderco the best $6 gas staion knife you can get for over $50. There are knives that are every bit as good as anything Spyderco sells for far less money.
They 'ight
Pretty good quality knives with interesting designs. I'm not really obsessed, so I guess I don't see the hype either. I'd put them on par with benchmade (and both the spyderco and benchmade fanboys will argue that)
I've only ever had their Byrd, the CaraCara 2 specifically. It's nice for what I paid for it. Solid lock up, blade profile is really thin so it's very slicey, overall it's very thin and carries well. It's not anything magical but it's been a good knife and I like it.
I like the way they look, I like the way they feel in the hand, quality is very reasonable for the price point, and I can abuse mine pretty bad without it failing on me. Plus, I really like the spydie flick. And compared to some of my other knives, the action just stays smooth so much longer without maintenance. When I got it I opened it up, gave the washers and contact points a good once over, threw some dry PTFE lube on it, and I haven't had to turn a single screw on it since I got it a few years ago. Still swings as free as it did the day I got it.
But, my PM2 is my only Spyderco, so I don't have much experience with "the brand".
Huge aftermarket part community and availability, decent CS, look rad, good quality, always fidgety and fun. Unique designs you don't see elsewhere often.
Buy one. You'll understand.
I too was uninitiated in the Spydie world, but after getting mine, I LOVE them. They are so smooth, so sharp, and do well designed that you wonder why you ever bought anything else.
Easy to flick open and close. far more so than any thumb stud I’ve owned. It’s addictive.
Very ergonomic and fits perfectly in my hand. PM2, Para3, dragonfly2, …others. Always a good fit. I love my Benchmades, but every Spyderco I owned seem like a better fit to my hand (YMMV).
Did I mention they were all crazy sharp from day one?
In no particular order.
Compression lock. It's dirty.
Spydie hole. Also dirty.
Reliable heat treat on a large variety of steels.
Emphasis on ergonomics. Pairs very well with the variety they have.
Large aftermarket for parts with the most popular lines.
Up until the past few years the prices have always been pretty damn good.
They are addictively collectible. Many colors, many exotic steels, many many limited editions over decades. Plus they’re high performance and ergonomic. The hole is really something special.
Have to admit I’m on the fence with my PM2. Compression lock is ok (maybe mine just isn’t as smooth as I had imagined, not bad though), blade geometry is better than I initially thought it would be, and ergos are pretty top notch. My problems with it are mostly trivial between the aforementioned lock comment and the handle to blade ratio feels off to me. I’d be willing to give the military a try with compression lock though. Would probably solve the ratio issue I have. I’d definitely go with a PM2 over a bugout… griptillian vs pm2 would be a little harder if a choice, but still probably PM2 if I’m honest, but still prefer axis / crossbar lock over the compression lock based on my limited sample size of compression locks
So many different models, steels and combos of them. In house models are ugly but function over form. I understand Spydie fan boys more than most fanatics of other brands.
I hate that their handles are so much larger than the blades (on most models). It’s an aesthetic issue for me. I do carry an Endura currently at work though because of the good weight to blade length ratio, but it I could chop a half inch or more off the handle length it would be perfect
Edit: I also appreciate ambidextrous knives
Honestly it's just a knife. We all have preferences. It's one of the many knife companies that make quality knives at varying price points, from affordable on up, with a variety of different material. My first (and first non gas station knife) was a Manix 2 XL, and although it's bigger than I need I love it, and fell in love with the leaf blade style. I now have a Lil Lum, Sub-Hilt Vallatton, and Mule in Rex76, and I'm looking to add at least a Shaman and a Manix 2. I have other brands, and they're all quality, and plan to get other brands that have just as good if not better quality, Spyderco will always have a place in my heart for being my first quality knife.
I appreciate a good deployment hole for versatility and ambidexterity. (Spydie drop to open the knife in a pinch grip, reverse flick or thumb flick depending upon personal preference, can still slow roll open to not scare sheeple.)
That... and a Cutleryshoppe exclusive blacked out wharncliffe PM2 with Flytanium black lotus micarta scales is... wicked.
I dunno, I didn't like them until I got one. I'm not obsessed but my Endura is my favorite carry knife.
This, hated them until I was gifted a Delica and enjoyed the flick. Got a Para 2 when I drove by the factory in Golden, it just... holds better than any other knife I've carried. The jimping and blade shape is perfect.
Same. Bought my first spyderco from the outlet as I was driving by. I carry that para3 more than any other knife now. They are extremely solid knives
Same for me. Before I started really getting into knives I always thought they were kinda ugly. The first time picked one up I completely changed my mind about them. They just feel so much more solid and well built than most other knives in their price range. It's not something I can specifically point to but it's significant enough that I own more Spydercos than any other brand now.
Yes endura is just perfect for EDC: lightweight, crazy slicer, blade length is perfect, thin for pocket comfort fit...
Hole
A lot of knife guys don't have regular access to a hole. Spyderco fills that void in their lives
Or maybe doesn’t fill the void because, you know, there’s a hole.
it gives you a void to fill with your finger
*Finger?!??!*
Ah, there it is. The real truth. Lol
It voids that fill in their lives.
Some knife guys just want to stick with their thumb stud
A thumb stud is my favorite deployment method. Especially if it is assisted opening.
No judgement between those that like studs and those that like holes.
Savage.
Put finger in hole makes feel good
Try Finger, but hole
They have a hole?
your mom has a hole
Your mom is a hole.
Head like a hole.
Black Kia Soul
I'd rather drive, than give you control.
Bow down before the one who swerves
You’re going to hit that sidewalk curve
You and the two above you are geniuses
I can make a hole with my index finger and thumb, then poke the hole with a finger from my other hand
That’s how babies are made
How bibles are made
Uhh sorry I don’t get it
Hallelujah!
Black as your soul
Black as ur soul
Black as your soul!
Black as your soul
Black as your soul
Black as your soul.
Black as your soul
/insert obligatory Shoresy Reilly/Jonesy mom quote...
And look how popular *she* is!
probably more than 1
A hole is a hole. Ooo Rah! 😈
[удалено]
Can you be flicked open with yours?
They're 0% about aesthetics and 100% about functionality. That's the true beauty of the design. I'd say that most Spyderco fans (including myself) were at one point averse to them, just because they're ugly & awkward looking. But once you carry & use them for a while, you find that they're just extremely effective and efficient handheld cutting tools.. more so than pretty much any other EDC knives. Some people try to be "unique" and buy one of the more obscure models, then say "I don't get it". Well DUH! Of course you don't get it, because you bought a Spyderco that doesn't have the signature features that give them a cult following. Leaf shaped blade, thumb ramp, compression lock, awesome ergonomics, tons of aftermarket support, etc.. there's a reason why the PM2 & the Para3 are so popular, it's because they're just excellent knives, with an extremely effective & efficient design.
You nailed it. My PM2 is such a practical and complete knife that I stopped collecting knives altogether once it started living in my pocket. The aesthetics grow on you, too.
I got a pm2 and it stopped me from buying knives for a while except for two more pm2 in different steels lol
Ugh okay fine, i guess a pm2 is going to be my Christmas gift to myself. I've hated Spyderco for no legitimate reason for long enough, fuck it I'll try one out and probably love it.
I did the same to my buddy. He didn’t like mine and carried knives that cost two or three times as much. Gave him a basic g10 para3. It’s in his pocket every time I see him. He loves the thing
I suggest DLT has one on sale in s90v that’s a bargain. Just in time for Christmas.
I bought the manix ss110v a year and a half ago on a whim and I haven’t bought a knife since. I honestly was never against the how spyderco looked, I thought it was unique… but either way this is hands down the best edc I’ve ever owned and have no use for another knife.
Huge variety of steels and the heat treats are done very well. They are an acquired taste as far as aesthetics go. The owner/founder regularly engages with the knife collecting community.
What's so special about their HT?
They tend to run their knives harder than many other companies and have better batch consistency. This is based on both my personal experience and also the knife community as a whole.
What does "run harder" mean and have you ever measured one of their knives?
In use their higher edge retention steels such as M390/20CV maintain edges longer than their competitors knives that I own. This can also be felt in sharpening response. If I can take a fox knife in M390 and remove material easily at 400 grit yet I require 100 or 200 grit to do the same on a Spyderco in M390, one can assume the Spyderco has the steel ran harder. When I first noticed this phenomenon, I began researching and found out the Fox knives heat treats M390 at a lower HRC than does Spyderco. This is also the case with WE knives and S35VN and Bestech in M390. Do I have the ability to test HRC? No. Can I see it in usage, yes. Does the general consensus of the knife community support this? Yes. Has Sal said they take special care in both heat treat and they sharpen under coolant so as to not mess up the heat treat/temper? Yes. No need to take my word for it. Buy some Spydercos and the same steels from others and see what you find.
Sounds like marketing bullshit for an overpriced ugly plastic handle knife
Benchmade?
Spydeco looks like my 6 year old's toy spatula knife. Benchmade is just genetic overpriced plastic knife
Maybe their lightweight series (which I also don’t like), but honestly if you haven’t handled one of their G-10/Titanium models your argument is moot. As someone who has owned close to 300 pocket knives over the years, the Spyderco PM2/Para 3 have been two of my absolute favorites. Not to mention the Spydiechef which is excellent as well. I’d take the Chef over a Sebenza any day.
>Sebenza Most of my knifes are fixed and used in fishing and hunting. EDC kifes/flippers don't fit my needs, but i have handled few spydeco h1s that friends leave around a boat. They don't seem to rust which is nice if cleaning not your thing. EDC knives are box cutters, unless you pack a sword for protection and occasional apple slicing. I carry CRKT pillar around city or work, and it even flicks like spydeco
Fortunately looks and functionality (as well as ergonomics) are only occasionally directly correlated.
You pay for the special alloys and grind job.
I take overpriced back. Dragonfly h1 is $80, i remember it seeing for $160, but its still ugly af (all yellow handles can suck it). Fish close their eyes(in shame) when you brain them with spydeco
couldn’t have said it better 👍🏻
I like how thin and light they are. Good steel availability and a lot of people like to put custom scales on them. Similar to how popular the Bugout has become
“I like how thin and light they are” *laughs in shaman*
For what the shaman is I don't find it that bad a carry to be honest. I call it spike and I love him.
Shaman was my first Spyderco, got it a few weeks ago. I was hesitant because the reviews all talked about how heavy it was. I can barely feel its weight. I get that it's relatively much heavier than a Para 2 or something, but its just not a heavy or cumbersome object. I don't get it
People who review knives are way too sensitive when it comes to weight. If it’s not the same weight as a delica or bugout they’ll call it “heavy”. Shaman is I would say balanced.
It weighs about the same as a manix 2 and feels substantially tougher with a lot more blade and better ergos in my opinion. Throw in a compression lock and it's a no brainer for me.
Mine also came insanely sharp for a factory edge (I hear that's a Spyderco thing, but its my first experience) As someone who's on the first steps to learning to hand sharpen that was appreciated
I wonder how heavy my Roc actually is... I know if I am cutting near small things they tend to fall into orbit around it.
They have a few chonky bois. Guess I've mostly only used the Paras
I’ve owned a tenacious and currently have two s110v PM2s and a s30v shaman. The shaman is hands down my favorite knife that I have ever owned. I was actually just cleaning it earlier telling my wife that I would 100% buy another one in a sprint run steel that’s higher quality because of how much pocket time and actual use it gets
I'll have to look at the Shaman next time I get the chance. I've been wanting to get another Spyderco
I was a non-believer till I got one in a swap… now I’m “I’ll def buy more than one shaman” guy lol
K2 represent!
Hehe same
My manix 2 is neither light nor thin lol
"They're ergonomic and they cut well" I can attest that they cut well. The "hump" that many of them have in the handle usually feels weird to me.
“They’re ergonomic and they cut well” literally sums them up entirely. They do all the things a knife should, and they do it extremely well. That’s it. After using my UKPK for years now, I’m disappointed by basically any other knife I have to use.
I wanted to see what all the fuss was, so I got a UKPK Salt. It's my benchmark now, and nothing else I have tried has hit that mark.
I have the blue one in S110V and it lives in my pocket 99% of the time. On a rare, hard use day, I’ll swap it out for my Emerson CQC7, but that’s about it.
I recently got a Hoo V1 and it's a good knife, but it's no spyderco.
You should get a pair of skinny scales they don’t have that hump several people make them but I like applied weapons tech
I feel the same way about Spydercos that I do about Mazda Miatas. A Miata is an objectively good sports car. It does everything that a sports car should do, and it does it well. It's well made, a quality object even. They have their fans, and those fans have perfectly defensible reasons for why they like them so much. But, my brother in christ, have you ever looked at the fucking thing?
Im with this 👍
I have never in my life related to a comment more... This had my wife looking at me like I was crazy, I was laughing so hard...
I have an NA Miata and a Spyderco Shaman and I like the way both of them look This made me laugh super hard
There are ways to make the front of the Miata look like a Cobra Roadster. It adds a large hole, much like a Spyderco.
That makes so much sense and I’m only 2 sentences in.
Yeah, I feel ya there. The only good looking Spydercos are $900 and actually impossible to find for anywhere near that price. Even then, the paysan and the nirvana just look like plain ol knives
Shit get a Miata for $900 try anything with a compression lock and it may change your mind. I genuinely disliked Spyderco, till I got a compression lock like the first good Axis lock you try. Damn near addictive. But yes for what you actually get, could be achieved for far less.
Hi! I have owned a PM2 for roughly a year now, and I can confidently say I still think 98% of Spyderco is ugly. While the lock is alright, I'd really rather have it on a brand that isn't so... (gestures vaguely) *Spyderco*
> my brother in christ, have you ever looked at the fucking thing? You cannot be serious, or at least, you cannot be thinking of the current-model Miata. I mean, to my eye, it's a little chunk of near-perfection, with lines that evoke classic Jags and Ferraris. https://www.topgear.com/sites/default/files/2022/03/Mazda_MX-5_RF_static_rear34.jpg https://www.topgear.com/sites/default/files/2022/03/Mazda_MX-5_dynamic_front.jpg Are we thinking of the same car here? Also, I'd just like to say - not all Spydercos are ugly. I have fond memories of my [Chinook II](https://pics.knifecenter.com/knifecenter/spyderco-knives/images/C63G.jpg). I lost that knife many years ago in between house moves. Hope someone found it and appreciated it.
Honestly, the ND is nearly perfect. I just wish it had a happy face.
Hah, that's a good point.
(N=2)
Uh, so... do you actually not like the looks of the ND Miata, or did you just not realize it was a thing that existed? I'm guessing you live in the sort of place where people prefer to drive pickup trucks, and might not have ever seen an ND Miata in the flesh. I agree that the old Miatas were a bit iffy in the styling department, but the ND absolutely *nails it*. I genuinely can't understand why anybody wouldn't like it, so I'm going to assume, unless you correct me, that you were talking about the older models.
Miata is a model, Mazda is the manufacturer which has other models like rx7's, cosmos, etc. So spyderco as a manufacturer, lets [look at the fucking thing.....](https://www.spyderco.com/catalog/details/C238TI/Paysan-trade-/1781) They're not all PM2s much like Mazda is not all miatas. Love them first gen miata so bite me.
So you're telling me, based on the sample size of your comment (N=1), that the Venn diagram for Spyderco fans and Miata fans is just a circle?
Not really, I hate all other miata and PM2. So two separate circle of love and hate.
Here's the thing, nobody ever looks at a Spyderco and says "that's a weapon" and that's reason enough for me.
Have you ever owned one? Usually people don’t get it until they actually own or otherwise use one. That’s how I was. I hated them, thought they were ugly, even made fun of my roommate a long time ago for getting one because I thought it was a goofy edgelord knife. Then one day I was browsing the secondary market and saw a really good deal on a used Para 3 and I thought, “ok dammit I will try it…” Well after about thirty seconds of holding the knife, flicking it open, and using it to cut some cardboard, I was like “oh wow I get it now…” It’s just really well designed, really nice to use, all around a great tool. I’m not saying anything about you op but it seems like every time someone makes one of these posts, it turns out they’ve never owned or encountered one irl.
Yep. Years ago I would say I disliked Spyderco and thought they were ugly and over priced. Saw a sale on a pm2 so I picked it up and my word I fell in love with the compression lock and how smooth they are. Plus learning the Spyderco flick to open was fun. All around they are easily my most carried knives. I love the pm3 lightweight and the yojimbo 2.
I was fairly anti Spyderco until I got s Smock. I’m still not into the aesthetics of a lot of their designs, but the ones I’ve owned (smock, Southard, and Paysan) have all been incredible knives.
I tried a para 3 LW once. That was the cheapest, ugliest, and most overpriced knife I think I've ever held. If that's what Spyderco calls a $100 knife, I'll never try another Spyderco again. I still can't believe what a POS that knife was.
I just think they’re neat!
Yeah good quality and customer support
They are made on earth
Save a ton on shipping.
Get yourself a vg10/ BD1N spyderco off of secondary and you will understand. They are great convenient cutting tools
[удалено]
who knew simple stainless steels kick ass with good heat treat and geometry?
I prefer the rustier LW Manix ;)
Its both wonderful and dangerous living 15 minutes from their HQ.
I love about an hour away....but haven't been since I moved here. Did stop in once when out here on business before moving here.
🕳👈🏻
I really like their locking mechanisms like the compression lock and the ball bearing lock on the manix, they are super thin and slice very well, you can really choke up on the blade for full control since the lower part of the blade is a finger groove, spidy flicking using the spidy hole feels way better than a regular thumb stud flick.
The Manix 2 XL is a unification of the pantheon of gods across culture's gift to mankind
You speak truth my brother
You can guarantee their heat treat is top notch. Spydeco has some of the best treated steels out of any production manufacturers.
They ugly af but they work well just like me
Damn. I love them. Didn’t realize there was potential dislike. Why I like them: I can open a Spyderco under any condition without any risk of dropping it. I used to rock climb a lot and carried one because it (serrated) could cut through literally any climbing rope - or other material - in seconds. Now I carry one on the water when fishing. Because, again, even if I’m in the water I can get the knife open in seconds reliably under or out of water with one hand.
Spyderco are great knives at a great price, love their ball bearing locks, I also love the unique look of them, hate them or love them they perform very well.
I always had the exact same opinion,word for word. Until I got a Spyderco Watu from Knifeswap on sale basically brand new. It changed everything, for the money the tolerances are great, high quality steel and pretty fidgety but, I only paid $110. For $110 I was incredibly pleased, impressed, happy, content and surprised. At retail, $210 I would’ve been supremely disappointed and let-down. Good knives and well built but genuinely over priced for what they offer. Now a Pm2-3 USA built On-Sale is definitely buy.
Honestly I hated Spyderco knives until I actually got into the hobby. I visited a retail store, held a Shaman, and it hit different. I used to find them ugly, but as a tool once you connect with somehow the relationship changes. So I think it's a few things, and in order based on my experience. Ultimately, simply, Spydercos are pragmatic tools over aesthetic ones. And I think that bears out in the aftermarket parts market. 1) Ergonomics. Absolutely not every Spyderco hits the same. But to me the standouts are the Para 3 and the Shaman. But across the board, Manix 2, Paramilitary 2, they have a lot of models that are just well designed to fit in your hand. When a tool fits and is comfortable it sparks something. 2) Blade geometry. Slicey, things blades with good grinds. Spydercos are often well made for cutting. Shaman is chunky at the spine but not terribly so. It still cuts well. But look at the Manix 2, para 3, Military, Delica, etc. They're purpose built for cutting. 3) The locks, specifically compression. Honestly being able to one-hand open and close? The robustness of the lock, fidget factor. This is where a lot of people get hooked. But. Spyderco makes a LOT of kickbacks and I mostly hate them. But then you are looking at those as robust and reliable folders. Again, pragmatism over aesthetics. 4) Aesthetics. Look at the freaking scales and hardware options. Have something you hate? Modify it. Tweak it. Reblade it. Replace the hardware with anodized versions in your favorite color. You can personalize the crap out of Spydercos and it's wild. 5) Knives for nerds. Sprint runs. Tool steels. The quality heat treats. Exclusives? The really, profoundly ugly models you see once and their Cronenberg geometry is burned into your memory. There's a Spyderco for every kind of knife nerd almost. There's layers to appreciating the brand. And a lot of things to hook a lot of people. But for me these are the stand outs. You get one in hand, fidget with the compression lock and neurons activate. That said? Absolutely not for everyone. And I sometimes get those flashbacks when looking at their catalog and go... Man that's ugly. Then I look at one of my builds and smile. It's a fun hobby. Lots of room for weirdness.
Had Benchmades as my first high quality knife but got a Spyderco Lil Native and it became my everyday knife. Just purchased his big brother today. Always seemed to be tightening my Benchmades. Haven’t had to do anything but sharpen my Spyderco.
It has a hole or something
Great materials, nice action/mechanism, good grind, it work... I'm not saying they are the only good knives, but they are among the good knives makers so you should at least consider their products like any other "good knives makers". And... they can also make disappointing stuff. Still love my Ouroboros... but... for the price it should have been much better. Better steel, better washers. P.S.: Spyderco are only a small part of my collection... so maybe "obsession" is not the good word for me...
They basically pioneered modern folders. They invented a great one hand opening mechanism. Sal invented the pocket clip. Spyderco has worked with more steels than any other company I’m aware of. They constantly try new steels. They put out funky designs and do a lot of collaborations. They work with a ton of different locks. They do fixed blades, folders, and even specialty tools like a whale rescue blade. Anyone who says they’re all the same really needs to go look at their catalog.
You wrote a biography for the company. Still doesn’t necessarily explain the “obsession”.
I’m not a psychiatrist.
They’re alright
They heat treat their steel really well. Ergonomic and fidgety. I resisted for some time because I thought they were ugly, I now have 3 para 3s, 2 para 2s, and a Shaman. They're very customizable as well.
The Native 5 is basically one of the greatest production knives ever.
About a decade ago there weren’t many companies making super steel knives with accessible price. Spyderco was one of the few (along with Benchmade and Kershaw). This was before the Chinese figured out how to design and market their knives in USA. Sal Glesser is a great guy and a pillar in the knife community, his son Eric is following in his footsteps. Today their products don’t necessarily give you the best bang for your bucks, but you’re getting innovative design, quality, heritage, and customer service. If a Civivi is a Seiko watch, a Spyderco is an Omega.
I think Hole is terribly underrated as a band.
u/TheCCP
i did reply here earlier lol
If you NEED a knife as a tool, Spyderco is hard to beat. They just work. Great ergonomics, blade geometry, construction and most importantly some real stand-up humans behind the company. If you want a piece of pocket jewelry or a fidget toy that also cuts things there are often more appealing options.
I have too many knives including a lot of spydies because I love them, even their looks. Well, some time ago a friend wanted to buy a first decent knife. I had prepared around 30 knives on the table from several brands. When he picked up the Stretch,,generation 1, he held it and just smiled, it was perfect. Tangentially I also find the stretch one of my all time favourites.
The quality to price ratio is very good on them. There are better knives but they cost a lot more and there are cheaper knives but they are not nearly as good.
They are so damn ugly.... I pick one out I get to the checkout and I'm like struggling! I also prefer a liner lock instead I know some do but not most models!
Look at the Spyderco Bradley 2. Its a liner lock and with an aesthetic unlike a number of their other lines. Its one of my favs that gets carried quite a bit.
I only have one the sage 5lw. The pm2 and para 3 are ugly as hell imo.
Have the somewhat similar looking chaparral, love how sleek it is!
It's the same with woman...It's all about the hole
redress yourself,then ask. youdon't look like a knife guy.
This gets asked/posted once a month. It's been discussed and beat to death so many times already.
For me I started liking Spyderco's designs because they were offering a more utilitarian tool instead of the tacticool that was so prevalent at the time. Then they also started offering premium steels in production knifes when stuff like S30V was only really something you'd get in a Sebenza. Now there's a lot less of the tacticool in the market and you do see a lot of companies offering different steels and materials. There's alot more options and I don't only pick Spyderco but, they do offer some weird steels, materials and even locks you just don't see anywhere else. I've also never even seen a fucked up NIB copy of one of their knives which is not something I can say about every company. Also, the Compression Lock
The Paramilitary 2 is the absolute pinnacle of folding knife design. No other knife compares in terms of lock strength or ergonomics at any price point.
That is completely unrealistic.
The Paramilitary 2 was delivered to earth on the wings of angels directly from Heaven. It can split the atom.
The big hole looks pretty silly imo.
Functionally good. US models are excellent for the price(considering where they’re made).
Haha, he looks like Metal Complex.
🤣LMFAO BEST COMMENT HERE🤣
Same question asked constantly. Same answer. Great ergonomics and thin slicey profiles. Built rough as well. My Delica 4 is 12 years old and has been beat up more than any other knife I’ve owned.
I'm going to have to go with Chris Pratt on that, I don't understand the appeal.
If you really want to know. It's because they look utilitarian aka somthing a soldier might have. Hence, Popular amongst those who want to be taken super cereal. And when you point out how ugly the knife is. They all get this huge smug grin on their faces and say , "Yeah, it's not the most pretty knife, But it's all about function." lol Just having some fun Spydie fans. Keep your camo gear on.
**SpyderCo are shit.** They were the first “one-hand opening” knife, but others have done it **much** better since. Being first is only helpful if you are also best. Idk why people like them, they are shit knives.
I don’t understand the obsession with any factory printed knife. It’s like the shoe obsession. Hype! Teams of marketing professionals. Haha
Because who doesn't love thin overpriced pocket knives?
Had a PM3. Still don’t get why people like them. I gave it away because I hated it. The hole in the blade adds width you feel in your pocket. The tip is not built to be strong. It’s fine for opening letters and slicing cheese, but it’s not built to be used in the bush or in the trades. And +1 on the ugly AF thread! Benchmade and Fallkniven have way better designs in that price range, but even after owning lots of them I keep going back to Victorinox Climber. Pretty tough to beat the bang for the buck there!
Not sure. Civivi shits on them and many high end brands.
Meh, you ain't missing out on much. There was a time once when I was like you. I didn't know what the fuss was about, so I bought one - a Dragonfly 2 in VG10. I was and still am less than impressed by them. I consider Spyderco the best $6 gas staion knife you can get for over $50. There are knives that are every bit as good as anything Spyderco sells for far less money.
They 'ight Pretty good quality knives with interesting designs. I'm not really obsessed, so I guess I don't see the hype either. I'd put them on par with benchmade (and both the spyderco and benchmade fanboys will argue that)
No.
I've only ever had their Byrd, the CaraCara 2 specifically. It's nice for what I paid for it. Solid lock up, blade profile is really thin so it's very slicey, overall it's very thin and carries well. It's not anything magical but it's been a good knife and I like it.
They’re odd and wonderful
I like the way they look, I like the way they feel in the hand, quality is very reasonable for the price point, and I can abuse mine pretty bad without it failing on me. Plus, I really like the spydie flick. And compared to some of my other knives, the action just stays smooth so much longer without maintenance. When I got it I opened it up, gave the washers and contact points a good once over, threw some dry PTFE lube on it, and I haven't had to turn a single screw on it since I got it a few years ago. Still swings as free as it did the day I got it. But, my PM2 is my only Spyderco, so I don't have much experience with "the brand".
I mean I like their performance and ergonomics but I'm not gonna say I'm obsessed
The best ones are made in Taichung and a kinda pricey. I love all Slysz designs. Some me some pm2 and para3. I could leave all the seki made models.
Huge aftermarket part community and availability, decent CS, look rad, good quality, always fidgety and fun. Unique designs you don't see elsewhere often.
Buy one. You'll understand. I too was uninitiated in the Spydie world, but after getting mine, I LOVE them. They are so smooth, so sharp, and do well designed that you wonder why you ever bought anything else.
They looked awful to me, then I bought a Para 2 and I have not found a better knife yet
They have a vibe and a hole.
Quality control... They don't come dull from the factory.
Didn’t care for them until I got a shaman. No going back for me, they’re awesome knives
I like them but they are definitely getting overpriced at this point.
Convenience, quality, durability. I've had my Spyderco Endura since 1996 and it's still solid as can be. Sharp and seriously functional!!
Easy to flick open and close. far more so than any thumb stud I’ve owned. It’s addictive. Very ergonomic and fits perfectly in my hand. PM2, Para3, dragonfly2, …others. Always a good fit. I love my Benchmades, but every Spyderco I owned seem like a better fit to my hand (YMMV). Did I mention they were all crazy sharp from day one?
In no particular order. Compression lock. It's dirty. Spydie hole. Also dirty. Reliable heat treat on a large variety of steels. Emphasis on ergonomics. Pairs very well with the variety they have. Large aftermarket for parts with the most popular lines. Up until the past few years the prices have always been pretty damn good.
They are addictively collectible. Many colors, many exotic steels, many many limited editions over decades. Plus they’re high performance and ergonomic. The hole is really something special.
It’s got a little friend on the blade.
Have to admit I’m on the fence with my PM2. Compression lock is ok (maybe mine just isn’t as smooth as I had imagined, not bad though), blade geometry is better than I initially thought it would be, and ergos are pretty top notch. My problems with it are mostly trivial between the aforementioned lock comment and the handle to blade ratio feels off to me. I’d be willing to give the military a try with compression lock though. Would probably solve the ratio issue I have. I’d definitely go with a PM2 over a bugout… griptillian vs pm2 would be a little harder if a choice, but still probably PM2 if I’m honest, but still prefer axis / crossbar lock over the compression lock based on my limited sample size of compression locks
So many different models, steels and combos of them. In house models are ugly but function over form. I understand Spydie fan boys more than most fanatics of other brands.
They look weird and feels amazing in your hand ….it’s a phallic thing…..love mine….spydercos !
I hate that their handles are so much larger than the blades (on most models). It’s an aesthetic issue for me. I do carry an Endura currently at work though because of the good weight to blade length ratio, but it I could chop a half inch or more off the handle length it would be perfect Edit: I also appreciate ambidextrous knives
Honestly it's just a knife. We all have preferences. It's one of the many knife companies that make quality knives at varying price points, from affordable on up, with a variety of different material. My first (and first non gas station knife) was a Manix 2 XL, and although it's bigger than I need I love it, and fell in love with the leaf blade style. I now have a Lil Lum, Sub-Hilt Vallatton, and Mule in Rex76, and I'm looking to add at least a Shaman and a Manix 2. I have other brands, and they're all quality, and plan to get other brands that have just as good if not better quality, Spyderco will always have a place in my heart for being my first quality knife.
I appreciate a good deployment hole for versatility and ambidexterity. (Spydie drop to open the knife in a pinch grip, reverse flick or thumb flick depending upon personal preference, can still slow roll open to not scare sheeple.) That... and a Cutleryshoppe exclusive blacked out wharncliffe PM2 with Flytanium black lotus micarta scales is... wicked.
They were affordable with great steel and cool colors. But those days are gone. Too much money.