Buying guide for best spyderco knives
Anyone who uses a knife knows the difference between one that’s poorly made and one with superior workmanship. A strong precision blade, quality metal, and rugged handle combine to make tasks easier to accomplish whether you use this tool every day or occasionally.
If you know knives, you probably know about Spyderco, a company that has focused on quality craftsmanship and innovative features since its founding more than four decades ago. What started as a modest business venture has grown to an international presence manufacturing numerous knife designs to fit any knife user’s needs.
Whether you’re looking for your first Spyderco knife or another to add to your collection, BestReviews can help you decide. We pride ourselves on helping customers shop for the best products available, including this brand’s excellent cutlery. So, read on to learn more about all that Spyderco knives have to offer.
History of Spyderco knives
Spyderco’s history of quality cutlery began in 1976 when Gail and Sal Glesser began selling the Tri-Angle Sharpmaker, a tool for sharpening numerous types of blades. Five years later, they introduced their first folding knife to the market out of the company’s home base in Golden, Colorado. The knife quickly gained many enthusiastic and loyal customers who loved the round hole at the base of the blade for easy opening and the convenient pocket clip. Over the years, Spyderco’s patented designs have earned awards for their innovation.
Today, the company distributes its various tools, sharpeners, and an outstanding selection of knives around the world. Whether you’re looking for a knife for fishing expeditions or a utility tool to carry in your pocket for everyday use, Spyderco has a knife to fit your needs.
Why own a Spyderco knife?
There are countless uses for a knife, and the chances are good that you can find a Spyderco design to perfectly match your needs.
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Outdoors: Do you like to hunt, fish, or participate in other outdoor activities in which a knife comes in handy? Spyderco knives offer a wide variety of blade sizes made of durable materials perfect for rough and rugged use.
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Survival: If your adventures take you deep into the mountains, woods, or other wilderness environments, a knife is a vital tool. Spyderco’s handles are just as tough as the blades, making them ideal for cutting through rope and branches.
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Tactical: Many service professions require a knife that’s built to stand up to tactical use. Spyderco has a line of knives featuring high-tech designs specifically for tactical (or self-defense) purposes.
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In the kitchen: Cooks need knives too, even if they don’t have to venture beyond the kitchen or grocery store to find their food. Spyderco makes practical, reliable cutlery that includes knives for chopping, cutting, and slicing a wide range of food items.
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Everyday carry (EDC): These are the knives you take almost anywhere you go. If you happen to need a tool to cut a string, open a package, or for some other unexpected need, you’ll be happy to have a Spyderco knife in your pocket.
- Collecting: If you’re a knife enthusiast, chances are you have more than one. Spyderco knives come in a variety of designs, all with sleek, durable blades and high-quality handles to match, so you’ll be proud to add one to your collection.
Did you know?
Do you primarily use a knife for DIY tasks around the house and yard? If so, you might want to consider Spyderco’s multi-tools, which include scissors, bottle openers, and other tools in addition to a useful blade.
STAFF
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Spyderco knife features
Along with exceptional craftsmanship, Spyderco knives have a number of features that suit them to a variety of cutting tasks.
Blade hole: This innovative feature helped define the brand, and it has become a must-have for folding knives because it makes them easier and safer to use.
Precision steel blade: Spyderco uses the best steel available for its different types of blades. Each blade is forged with alloys that give it the strength and durability to perform its intended tasks.
Blade shapes: It doesn’t matter if you use a knife for DIY tasks, preparing food, or cutting tough rope, Spyderco makes a blade for nearly every application. Serrated, S-shaped, straight edge, curved – you can find a blade shape for your specific cutting needs.
Handle: Spyderco puts as much thought into the handles as they do the blades. After all, what good is a durable blade without a strong handle? Carbon fiber, stainless, and titanium are some of the more popular materials for handles that are built to last.
Grip: When you’re using a very sharp knife, precision depends on a reliable grip. Spyderco knife handles have curves and grooves that feel comfortable in the hand, as well as textures and coatings for slip-resistant handling.
Pocket clip: Spyderco knives with this handy feature, including the popular folding models, clip easily over the top of your pocket for secure carrying and easy access.
Lock: The company also offers blades with locking mechanisms that are both easy to operate and secure when in place.
"Are you looking for a basic Spyderco knife that’s easy to use? You’ll appreciate one with a plain edge, simple folding operation, and lightweight build. These knives are ideal for everyday use."
STAFF
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Popular Spyderco knife designs
Spyderco makes a wide range of cutlery, so you’re sure to find one that’s practical for whatever you need to cut. Here’s a look at some of the most popular varieties.
Folding: Folding knives come in different styles for different uses, from utility to survival. These knives feature the original design the brand is known for, including the user-friendly blade hole. Arguably the most popular type made by Spyderco, these blades fold neatly and securely into the handles when not in use.
Fixed blade: Knives with fixed blades are always ready for the next task. These come with a tough storage case.
Multi-tool: Multi-tools have blades and come with other tools that also fold into the handle to form a compact unit.
Cooking: In the kitchen knife category, you’ll find bread, paring, chef’s, and utility knives, all designed for the professional chef or occasional cook.
Collectible: Nearly any style of knife by the company would fit nicely into even the pickiest enthusiast’s collection.
Expert Tip
A Spyderco knife with a blade of between one and three inches is perfect for carrying in your pocket. While it’s long enough for many purposes, it’s also short enough that it isn’t heavy or awkward to carry.
STAFF
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Real or fake?
Imitation may be a form of flattery, but not when it comes to purchasing a Spyderco knife. Spyderco customers expect quality. Counterfeit versions lack the design and workmanship found in cutlery by the iconic brand. Here are a few things to keep in mind if you have any concerns over the authenticity of a Spyderco knife.
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Look for clues. It can be difficult to tell a real Spyderco knife from a fake, but there are some subtle cues. The real deal has sharp detailing, vivid lettering, and outstanding workmanship.
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Check the price. There are authentic Spyderco knives that fall on the lower end of the price spectrum. However, if the price seems unrealistically low, chances are the deal really is too good to be true.
- Note the logo. Genuine Spyderco knives come in packaging labeled with the company’s name and logo, not generic or plain boxes or packages.
Spyderco knife prices
The prices of Spyderco products are as diverse as the knives themselves. While some specialized knives, such as survival, tactical, and collectible, can cost several hundred dollars, you can find a wide range of different styles in the $100 to $175 range. Multi-tools and basic folding and straight-edge knives range in price from around $19 to $75.
Tips
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Don’t forget a sharpener. In addition to your favorite knife, consider purchasing a Spyderco sharpening tool so your blade never gets dull.
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Give as gifts. Do you have a knife lover on your gift shopping list? Thanks to the superior quality, Spyderco knives make excellent gifts for anyone who uses or collects knives.
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Fit the knife to the purpose. If you frequently use knives indoors and outdoors, you might want to consider purchasing two Spyderco knives: one suited for basic utility uses and another built for heavy-duty cutting needs.
- Invest in quality. Don’t let the price of a high-end or specialized Spyderco knife stop you if you’re in the market for this specific type of cutlery. Over time, the craftsmanship and longevity will likely prove to be a lasting investment worthy of the cost.
FAQ
Q. How does the hole in the blade of a Spyderco folding knife help make it easier to unfold the blade?
A. Not only is the blade hole a signature feature of the brand’s folding knives but it’s also very useful. Instead of having to try to pick or pry open the blade, simply placing a finger in the hole will allow you to easily open the knife.
Q. I’m interested in buying a Spyderco folding knife, but I’m concerned about safety. What do you recommend?
A. While Spyderco knives fold securely into place, models with the added benefit of locking blades provide added security. They are also a good choice for novices and people who don’t use their knife frequently.
Q. What’s a good blade length for an outdoor knife?
A. If you’re looking for a practical blade for outdoor tasks when camping, fishing, or exploring, a five-inch blade is quite useful. Combined with the handle length, it totals approximately ten inches. You should be able to accomplish most outdoor jobs with a knife of this size.
