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Spyderco Knife

Top Picks

Last Updated: May, 2023
Pros
  • Exceptional knife for the price
  • Maxmet steel has great edge retention
  • Compression lock and Spyder hole are great for one-handed operation
  • American-made knife with excellent fit and finish
  • Size, weight, feel, and blade quality make it an EDC classic
Cons
  • Overpriced compared to other knives
  • Clip can catch on edges or corners
Bottom Line
The Spyderco Paramilitary 2 is an exceptional knife for the price with great features like the compression lock and Spyder hole. However, it may be overpriced compared to other knives and has some quality control issues with the clip and screws.
Pros
  • Multiple deployment options
  • Smooth action
  • Great fit and finish
  • Solid factory edge
  • Secure plunge lock
Cons
  • Certain design aspects could be improved
  • Grip may not be comfortable for everyone
Bottom Line
The Spyderco Smock is a highly fidget-able knife with multiple deployment options, smooth action, and great fit and finish. It has a solid factory edge, secure plunge lock, and is lightweight and easy to carry. However, certain design aspects could be improved, and the grip may not be comfortable for everyone. The price may also be too high for some, and the CF laminate may not be worth the price.
Pros
  • Thin and lightweight
  • Excellent build quality and great materials
  • Precision machine, cut, and sharpened blades
  • Good for specific tasks
  • Good for outdoor activities
Cons
  • Emerson "wave" opening feature is problematic
  • Blade not sharp
Bottom Line
Spyderco knives are generally of good quality and great for specific tasks and outdoor activities. However, some models may have issues with the opening feature, blade sharpness, and pivot screw.
Pros
  • Lightweight and perfect size for everyday carry.
  • Stays sharp for years despite abuse.
  • Grippy handle that never feels like it will slip.
  • Easy to sharpen.
  • Good construction.
Cons
  • Cheap pocket clip that wears off easily.
  • Paint wears off pocket clip quickly.
Bottom Line
The Spyderco Endura 4 is a lightweight and durable everyday carry knife that stays sharp for years. However, the pocket clip and color options may not be to everyone's liking, and the edge may dull faster than expected.
Pros
  • Tough and durable
  • Great weight
  • Super sharp out of the factory
  • Good clip
  • Ergonomic design
Cons
  • Opening and closing requires a lot of interaction with the blade
  • Blade off center
Bottom Line
The Spyderco Tenacious is a durable and tough everyday knife with a good weight and ergonomic design. It has a super sharp blade out of the factory and is easy to sharpen. However, some users have reported issues with opening and closing the knife and the packaging could be better.

The Ultimate Buying Guide for Spyderco Knives: Types, Key Considerations, Features, and Prices

Overview

Spyderco is a well-known brand in the knife industry, and for good reason. Their knives are designed with precision, quality, and innovation in mind. Whether you're a collector or a daily user, there's a Spyderco knife that will fit your needs. In this buying guide, we'll explore the different types of Spyderco knives, key considerations to keep in mind when choosing a knife, the features that matter most, and prices you can expect to pay.

Types

Spyderco offers a variety of knife types to suit different needs and preferences. Here are some of the most popular types:

1. Folding Knives: Spyderco folding knives are perfect for everyday carry. They're compact, lightweight, and easy to use. The Spyderco Delica 4 and Endura 4 are two of the most popular folding knives in their lineup.

2. Pocket Knives: Pocket knives are similar to folding knives but are designed to be carried in your pocket. The Spyderco Dragonfly 2 and Chaparral are two great options for pocket knives.

3. Fixed Blade Knives: Fixed blade knives are larger and more durable than folding or pocket knives. They're a great option for outdoor activities like camping or hunting. The Spyderco Bushcraft and Street Beat are two popular fixed blade knives.

Key Considerations

When choosing a Spyderco knife, there are a few key considerations to keep in mind:

1. Blade Steel: The type of steel used in the blade will affect its durability, sharpness, and corrosion resistance. Some popular blade steels used by Spyderco include VG-10, S30V, and CPM-S110V.

2. Blade Shape: The shape of the blade will determine its intended use. For example, a drop point blade is great for general use, while a tanto blade is better for tactical situations.

3. Handle Material: The handle material affects the knife's grip and durability. Spyderco uses a variety of materials, including G-10, FRN, and titanium.

4. Locking Mechanism: The locking mechanism keeps the blade securely in place when in use. Spyderco offers a variety of locking mechanisms, including the Compression Lock and the Ball Bearing Lock.

Features

Here are some of the key features to look for in a Spyderco knife:

1. Blade Length: The length of the blade will affect its versatility and intended use.

2. Blade Thickness: A thicker blade will be more durable and better for heavy-duty tasks.

3. Weight: The weight of the knife will affect its portability and ease of use.

4. Clip Position: The clip position determines how the knife can be carried.

5. Blade Grind: The blade grind affects the sharpness and durability of the blade.

6. Serrated vs. Plain Edge: A serrated edge is better for cutting through tough materials, while a plain edge is better for general use.

7. Blade Finish: The finish of the blade affects its appearance and corrosion resistance.

Prices

The price of a Spyderco knife can range from around $50 to over $500, depending on the type of knife and its features. Folding knives are generally the most affordable, while fixed blade knives are typically more expensive.

Tips

Here are some tips to keep in mind when choosing a Spyderco knife:

1. Consider your intended use for the knife.

2. Choose a blade steel that fits your needs.

3. Look for a handle material that provides a comfortable grip.

4. Choose a locking mechanism that you're comfortable with.

5. Consider the weight and portability of the knife.

FAQs

Q: What is the best Spyderco knife for everyday carry?

A: The Spyderco Delica 4 and Endura 4 are both great options for everyday carry.

Q: What is the best Spyderco knife for outdoor activities?

A: The Spyderco Bushcraft and Street Beat are both great options for outdoor activities like camping and hunting.

Q: What is the Spyderco warranty?

A: Spyderco offers a limited lifetime warranty on all of their knives.

Q: Are Spyderco knives made in the USA?

A: Yes, Spyderco knives are made in the USA.

Q: Can I sharpen my Spyderco knife myself?

A: Yes, Spyderco knives can be sharpened using a sharpening stone or other sharpening tool.

Conclusion

In conclusion, choosing a Spyderco knife can be overwhelming, but with the right knowledge and research, you can find the perfect knife for your needs. Keep in mind the key considerations, features, and prices when making your decision, and don't be afraid to ask for help if you need it.

Runner-Ups

Pros
  • Comes razor sharp out of the box
  • Lightweight and easy to carry
  • Durable and long-lasting
  • Cool-looking design
  • Smooth one-handed opening
Cons
  • Lock placement can be inconvenient
  • Blade dulls easily and is hard to sharpen
Bottom Line
The Spyderco Delica 4 is a high-quality, durable, and lightweight pocket knife that comes razor sharp out of the box. While some users have experienced issues with the lock placement and blade dullness, overall it is a reliable and impressive EDC option.
Pros
  • Sharp blade
  • Lightweight
  • Easy to open and close with one hand
  • Good grip
  • Practical and versatile
Cons
  • Handle feels cheap
  • Hard to flip out blade one-handed
Bottom Line
The Spyderco Delica 4 Lightweight is a practical and versatile EDC knife that is lightweight, durable, and long-lasting. While the handle may feel cheap to some, the sharp blade, good grip, and easy one-handed opening and closing make it a great choice for everyday use. It outperforms more expensive knives and is thin enough to carry comfortably in a pocket. However, the action on the blade and finishing could be improved.
Pros
  • Razor sharp blade
  • Solid construction
  • Lightweight
  • Good value for the price
  • Takes an edge well
Cons
  • Quality can be hit or miss
  • Stiff action
Bottom Line
The Spyderco Tenacious is a good value for the price, with a razor sharp blade and solid construction. However, quality can be hit or miss and the action may be stiff. It may not be the best choice for those who prioritize ease of use and durability.
Pros
  • Versatile for various cutting tasks, including skinning and processing deer, beheading and cleaning catfish, and more.
  • Razor-sharp edge that holds up well.
  • Comfortable handle that fits well in the hand.
  • Beautiful and polished blade that is great for camping and hunting.
  • Lightweight and easy to handle.
Cons
  • Steel may dull quickly when working with kindling.
  • Slippery handle that may not be suitable for use in bad conditions.
Bottom Line
The Spyderco Bow River Fixed Blade Utility Knife is a versatile and durable knife that is perfect for various cutting tasks. While it may have some downsides, such as a slippery handle and a finish that may react to water and soap, it is still a great option for those looking for a reliable and affordable knife.
Pros
  • Lightweight and sturdy
  • Razor sharp out of the box
  • Tight lock up with zero blade movement
  • Perfect size and weight for EDC
  • Nice grippy texture on FRN handles
Cons
  • Lock release set up for right hand use
  • No steel liners, feels a bit unbalanced
Bottom Line
The Spyderco Para 3 is a lightweight and sturdy EDC knife with a razor sharp blade and tight lock up. However, it may not be suitable for left-handed users and lacks steel liners, which can make it feel unbalanced. The BD1N steel can chip easily and the wire pocket clip is weak. Overall, it is a quality knife with a nice grip and pocket clip, but there may be better options available.
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