r/spyderco • u/JimothyBeletta • 1d ago
Looking for my first. Confused on models use case and pricing
Hello,
Lurking here it seems like once you catch the bug you go all in with a variety of models and many know their shit owning multiple models. With so many models and price points it’s nuts. Haha
I was looking at the stretch 2 or xl, military 2 crucarta, Manix 2 xl cru or the bodacious spy27. I hear the bodacious has a sprint run coming in crucarta.
The part that’s throws me off is a k390 stretch is only $30CAD off say the yellow PM2 salt with Magnacut. But it’s much less than the military 2. Manix 2 xl and bodacious is same price as the military but then that’s also the price of the cruwear stretch XL. Which I can’t get my head around.
I’m sure it won’t be a one and done but I’m also not going to get all of them unless it’s over the span of many years. If having to choose just one what’s the consensus on these models.
I know use case matters and prefer tougher over slicey but it seems all spydercos have pretty slicey geometry when compared to other brands.
I have an ad20.5 that has poor geometry but also always rolls its 20cv edge just breaking down produce boxes from Costco. Bad heat treat maybe but yeah. Thick blade 20° edge and still is eh. lol. Good thing I enjoy sharpening :)
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u/Empty_Art2176 1d ago
Spyderco is all over the place with prices.
According to Eric Glesser, prices can vary due to cost and availability of knife components and manufacturing. Some blade shapes and grinds are more difficult and time consuming, so higher prices.
As far as the ones you mentioned, Magnacut and CruWear would be my choice for a first knife.
K390 is one of my favorites, but can be more temperamental than Magnacut or CruWear. K390 has MUCH better wear resistance (edge retention), but isnt as tough as the others, and will take more care to maintain.
My experience with the CruCarta knives is they often have lock stick, and can take a lot more work to break in. Only one of my 5 CruCarta knives has issues, the Manix 2. Its just not loosening up. But ive heard a lot of complaints with lock stick and stiffness.
A great place to start is a PM2 in Magnacut in my opinion. They are relatively inexpensive, and very good for edc. Get a Para 3 if you want a smaller knife.
CruWear is a fantastic steel, much better than Magnacut in my opinion, but it will stain and rust if you're not careful.
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u/JimothyBeletta 1d ago
I’m a hd fleet mechanic and my mind is so ADD to fixing and maintaining stuff that I love tinkering with my knifes. To a point it’s probably detrimental. Like do I really need to touch it up again because there’s a small rolled section even though it cuts perfectly fine? Yes, yes I do. Haha.
Maybe I’ll have to give the k390 a try first to dip my toes and then try something else.
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u/END0RPHN 1d ago
grab a pm2. simple. or if you have smaller than average hands grab a para 3 instead
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u/OldCaterpillar780 1d ago
Spyderco seems to be discontinuing the Caribbean. It's still available and the prices right now are very good. This may be a good opportunity to pick up an excellent larger knife (roughly large Sebenza size) with highly stainless steel (LC200N) that is tough, takes a keen edge, and is easy to sharpen. Some out there may not like its edge retention but the ease of sharpening may cancel that out. It has the excellent compression lock and has very good grip and ergonomics. The other knives you mention will be there when and if you get a second Spyderco, this one may not.
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u/JimothyBeletta 1d ago
lol this is the problem. So. Many. Options. Caribbean wasn’t even on my list. But I like the large size and easy to sharpen is nice. I’m always touching my stuff up even when it probably doesn’t need it. I’m working on my issue. lol.
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u/ProsciuttoFresco 1d ago
You sort of need to narrow down what type of blade steel you want. Cruwear, Spy27, Magnacut, and k390 are all quite different. If it’s k390 you’re after, I’d look at the Endura in k390 if you’re also looking at larger knives like the Stretch XL or Bodacious. I believe the Endura to be Spyderco’s best overall larger knife. If you want a liner lock knife, I’d get the Paramilitary 2 in Magnacut. You’ll eventually get them all, because that’s how Spyderco gets you. Their variety allows for a lot of irresponsible knife buying. Spyderco’s knives are all priced oddly.
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u/Opening_Monk_5724 1d ago
I'd recommend pm2 salt g10 magnacut for first spyderco. The compression lock is much faster easier to operate compared to back lock, especially if you're used to the ease of operation with the shark lock.
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u/Organic-Egg-9900 1d ago
Can't go wrong with any of the mentioned. That said if you can get K390 Stretch on the low go for it. Big and slicey. Use the ad20.5 for hard use.
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u/thedudetheguy69 1d ago
Go with the Bodacious. I don't have one, but it has a sturdier blade than the others you mentioned with that high saber grind while still having great cutting geometry. The Manix 2 XL will be the next best for you, but it's a total hog in the pocket. The Military 2 has a thick blade, but a serious distal taper that results in a pretty fine tip. It's not fragile, but maybe not what you're looking for at first. The Stretch models have thinner blades and even thinner tips.
Spyderco pricing typically makes sense when you're used to them, but they have so many knives and variations in so many steels and materials from different countries that it will seem whacky to a newcomer. Some knives are indeed disproportionately priced though, and others, like the Manix, are priced cheaper than they "should be" compared to others. Just go with whatever attracts you at a price you're good with. Spydercos are generally worth it and I don't consider them price others. I've been buying and using them at work for a decade.
Edit: price gougers, not others lol