My first spyderco...

[80L]

I've had my eye on spyderco knives for awhile, yet I always managed to get some cheap knock-off. After visiting this site I decided to check a local dealer, and I bought my first spyderco! Although it wasn't what I was looking for (An Endura) I found a Native lightweight. I sort of feel as though I should've gotten the Native with the stainless steel handle, but since it wasn't the knife I really had my eye on I went for the lightweight. Anyway, I love it! I can't believe I waited this long to get a good knife. I've read some of the posts and I've noticed you guys get pretty technical about knives. Now that I have one I can't wait to get another. Anyone have any suggestions on a good knife for the sporting individual (I'm into camping, hiking and rock climbing)? I'd like to hear what other people have to say about their knives. I welcome any technical info because I could use the education. Thanks for your input.



ADL

[The Stare]

Looks like I might get to be the first to recommend the Wegner model. It is a knife that has been primarily advertised as a folding hunter. However, that was a choice made after the Gunsite organization wished to declare the Wegner it's official tactical folder.

The Wegner strikes most people as being highly ergonomic. It is very stoutly made, even with only a single liner. It has a liner lock, which many people oppose on general principles, given the failure of many liner locks when given the spine whack test. The Wegner has the best safety in that instance of any knife I know. The ricasso is approximately an inch long. Should the lock ever fail, that flat piece of steel, the entire thickness of one of the thickest blades in a folder will come into contact with your finger. No digits will be lost. But, don't think negatively about Spyderco liner locks. I just don't recall many reports of liner lock failure. Certainly none with the Wegner.

As I said, the Wegner has a very strong blade, and point to that blade. It comes very sharp out of the box, and is ATS34 steel. Not quite as good as the steel on your Native, but nonetheless a good steel. It typically can be used harder than other stainless steels, so the edge holding is good, the stainless ability is fairly good. It remains strong and tough at about a RC 60-61. Am afraid I don't know how hard the steel is in the Wegner, but can say in general that Spyderco does as good a job, probably better, of heat treating the various steels used than any other manufacturer.

The Wegner isn't as large as say the Military or the Police models. Yet it feels like a "full-sized" knife. Can't remember the blade length off the top of what used to be my head.

Hopefully shootist16, Dennis, will chime in here and add more worthwhile reasons the Wegner is the knife he has carried the most as a LEO.

There are other good Spydercos. All are, actually. You picked my "other" favorite in the Native FRN ltwt. That is my left hand knife, while the Wegner is usually my right hand knife. I think they make a truly great pair of knives to carry.

Happy choosing. Oh, before I go, the task of helping you would be a bit easier if you were to specify the ways you expect to use the knife you're looking to buy. So many Spydercos are specialist blades that it might be that one is "THE" right one for you. I chose the Wegner because of its versatility.

Stare

[The Stare]

Forgot one thing. The ENdura is certainly an excellent knife. However, if you're planning to buy one, I'd wait until the blade steel is changed to VG-10, an excellent steel.

Stare

[vampyrewolf]

Wegner Jr is 2-7/8(2.875&quot<img src="wink.gif" width=15 height=15 align=middle>
Wegner is 3-5/8(3.625&quot<img src="wink.gif" width=15 height=15 align=middle>

I have had my Wegner jr for about 1 month, and find it to actually be better than my Delica for handling and use. No question on edge retention, giving it heavy use(in my opinion) and only giving it a small touchup on the serrations after 6 nights of cardboard cutting(3 weeks). My Delica actually is put away for now.

This thing stays in your hand with the G-10, opens truly smoother than any I've held, and stays sharp. One I'd recommend to anyone.

We all start with 10 fingers. Those with Spydies have 9 to spare, Still need a thumb. Good thing I still have 8 to spare...

[80L]

Thanks for the input Stare. I use my knife for just about everything. I got the Native to be used as an all-purpose knife. Whether its opening supply boxes, cutting rope or small gague wire (approx. 16ga), ripping though plastic, or cutting up my shirt to make a tourniquet for my newest gaping wound (ya never know) I frequently find myself pulling out my knife. I'm the guy who always has a knife when someone asks, &quot;Does anyone have a knife?&quot; I haven't done a tracheotomy, but I knew a guy who did! Hey, as an aside are there any board dwellers who have used their spyderco to trach someone?!

But, I digress...I use my knife mostly for cutting rope and opening boxes/ plastic packages. I'd probably benefit most from a talon-shaped blade, but they have such an unappealing look for me. Once again, thanks for your input. I never really considered things like blade hardness, but after doing some reading I realize that its pretty important! Thanks again.

[vampyrewolf]

ifyou are cutting boxes, why not get a cricket? I love mine for that, but now want a Harpy... Hawkbill blades are great on boxes, but hard to sharpen without a 204.

We all start with 10 fingers. Those with Spydies have 9 to spare, Still need a thumb. Good thing I still have 8 to spare...

[sam the man..]

Dude, good choice!
Think the Native Ltwt is a go when you are in the market for an all-round utility folder. Its smooth and durable and affordable! <img src="wink.gif" width=15 height=15 align=middle>

Sam

have spydies will travel