Suggestions for next spyderco

I'm fighting the itch to buy another spyderco!

Basic background: I'm a professor at a university with a no weapons policy that's enforced with common sense.

I've got a PM 2 that I love. I've got a mini grip and a full size griptilion as well. Also a SAK rambler. Those four are my primary carry options (the various fixed blades would violate the no weapons policy).

I often carry just the rambler if I have to wear slacks but I can also carry the mini grip comfortably.

On days when I can wear jeans I can carry the larger folders like the PM 2 but always add the SAK just in case I need to use it in front of someone.

I want (don't need) a new knife. I've been looking at the Para 3, the sage 5, Lil native, and delica. What am I missing? Suggestions or recommendations?

I'd like a blade 3 inches or less and perhaps with a different blade shape than the PM 2 (which I love BTW).

Budget is flexible but I want something I'll carry, not a shelf queen!

Thanks everyone!

in spydercoby MISProf

96%

IGotSomeBigQuestions

Check out the Native 5

elos85

Second this. Carbon fiber S90v is on my short list

Ev3ntH0rizon_

S90v/CF Native was on my short list too until I picked one up at the last MAP holiday on Father's Day. 100% worth it, it really is a crowning achievement of design and materials. The sound it makes when it opens and locks is down right sexy, and it has some of the best fit and finish of any of my other Spydercos.

woodsman_777

Yes. I started with the PM2, then the Para 3, & recently picked up a couple Native 5s and it’s a great knife!

cm_bush

My recommendation is a Salt Native 5 in Magnacut or a Delica in K390.

Both are backlocks with 3” blades and check all the boxes. The Salt is great if you want similar ergos to the PM2 with a shorter blade, and may be nice if you ever need the rust-proof qualities.

On the other hand, the Delica in K390 is the best performing Spyderco I have for pure cutting performance, and it really does stay sharp a lot longer compared to the likes of S30V, Magnacut, and Cruwear. The only downside to me is that it has no finger choil and the PM2 spoils you with that.

juicewya

Native 5 Magnacut ftw

senior_pickles

The Delica is an excellent knife. It is also well suited for your situation. It’s small, doesn’t look tactical, is a back lock (which, for some reason, seems to scare people less), and it punches above its weight when it comes to work.

The Sage 5 would also work.

MISProf

Those two and the Lil native caught my eye!

Thanks

Sluggworth

The Lil native is a great compliment to the pm2. Small, non-threatening, fits in the pocket perfectly (with discrete wire clip). I use mine at my office job all the time. I personally like the compression lock more than backlocks like native 5 or delica.

Apprehensive_Park176

Definitely you should try a Dragonfly

CentropristisStriata

I love the dragonfly k390 wharncliffe as a backup to my PM2. It’s perfect edc or companion.

fingerblastders

Sage 5

DakianDelomast

Every spydie fan needs three knives. A LW Native 5, LW Para 3, and a Delica. Collections should then spiral out from there based on your preference.

Cincy-IPA

Mark out Delica and add Chaparral LW and you are 💯. Steel type runs with native and para; handle scale runs with chap

GendrickToblerone

Native 5 lightweight

MasterOfDynos

Sage 5 is going to come out in blue g10 and spy27. I’d say to wait for that.

ParticularWolf4473

I’m waiting for the Magnacut Salt.

I’d rather have SPY27 than S30V but with the premium they’re charging for it I’d just get the G10/CF Sage 5 Kaviso still has for $140.

MasterOfDynos

It’s the same blade, I don’t think there is a noticeable difference between magnacut, s30v or spy27. I guess I just like the blue g10 more than the frn or carbon fiber look, but $140 is very hard to look over.

gr3y_-

stretch 2 in k390. or an endura/endela k390.

perfectdetent

Get something fun out of the Taichung factory, like a Techno 2 or Swayback.

niniche63

Native 5 salt magnacut SE or delica k390 SE.

TallBeardedBastard

Smock you can fudge the line. Cutting edge is under 3” the total length is 3.3”.

crossusn

Delica 100%, especially if you’ve never owned one

Wild_Comedian77

Highly recommend the Native 5 in G10.

Luminous_0

Manix 2? UKPK may be something you could use without catching looks at uni

NCJohn62

Native 5 with the CF scales and S90V blade. Yeah you're going to pay up for it but you're also going to get probably the best melding of form and function in Spyderco's lineup for an EDC across any situation.

Scuffedpixels

Another vote for Native 5, I have my second on the way. The lock back is really nice and still very flickable.

Cincy-IPA

Definitely check out the super thin chaparral

Kavit8

This is why I have my lil native. Great for dress pants at work. I have one with the wire clip and smooth G10 so it doesn’t rip/mark the pants.

Horsecock_Johnson

Spydiechef so you can experience the greatness of that Taiwan factory. Maybe the new Techno 3 for something small.

swampvoodoo

I would try a Spyderco Roadie just for fun it is a slip joint it goes in your pocket so nobody will see it it's got a good workable blade and it's something different

R_H_Twist

Para 3 S45VN=perfect ergos, Native 5 Spy27, Delica K390 Wharnie, Dfly 2 K390 Wharnie.

_mnb7

Check out the native 5, sage 5, and lil native

Accomplished_South70

Dragonfly gets my vote

Positive-Setting-243

Fav is Sage 5 lightweight (one of my grail knive) along with much mentioned Native 5 (in whatever configuration) & Chaparral lightweight-amazing slicer. Also completely it seems under the radar is the RockJumper -super wharncliffe for value( being discontinued therefore great deal) or its sister LeafJumper (which you can also get in k390). But hey I like all my Spydercos.

MISProf

I'm not familiar with the last two! Thanks!

TK421whereareyou

Most of your knives are around the same size. I’d suggest getting a Dragonfly II in your choice of steel. It’s small but punches way above its weight class. Fits in the hand and is light and non threatening if you pull it out in the class. It’s the best little big knife there is.

Lampropeltis33

Sage 5 - Great knife and great price at Kaviso 👍🏻

Lampropeltis33

Another fun option if you want some Spyderco Damascus (VG-10). Delica is a time tested EDC 👍🏻

useful-idiot-23

The PITS M390 is a slip joint and with the clip removed totally disappears into my pocket.

It's got a fantastic blade steel and as it's non locking propel aren't usually scared by it.

But because of its unique slip joint designs if you are holding it tight enough it's not going to close.

Few-Knee9451

The Manix is great

crh1023

All good suggestions. My top to bottom choices: manix 2, sage, smock, para 3, k390 delica, native.

dv303

They’re not 3” or less but smaller blade profiles- Ikuchi and smock are nice for different blade shapes. Everyone raves about the para 3 , I have one but it gets zero pocket time to my pm2s and smock. Carried a Delica with Emerson opener for about 10 years too.

MISProf

The smock has been on my wish list for a while! How do you like it? I've seen a few complaints about not being comfortable to hold.

Sandmanspann

I have all the small spydercos mentioned and it depends on what lock you prefer, what steel, and if you ever want to take your knife apart. Maple Chaparral is very cool and the best slicer of any. There is a reason why people have so many spyderco knives…. Can’t make a firm decision so they buy them all.

KingMidasYYC

Chaparral , small, cute, premo scale options

silver-cursor

Microjimbo?

ducero

Chaparral would be my suggestion

xXKUTACAXx

K390 Lil Temperance. Has not left my pocket since I purchased it.

NjGTSilver

You definitely need a dragonfly 2 in your collection. Referred to as a “little big knife”, it’s an erg omicron masterpiece.

disguiseunknown

If you want a rambler like legal spyderco that you can carry at University, check out the spyderco clipitool. I find it cool to have a SAK like spyderco.

Tibash

Check out the Spyderco Kapara.

teattreat

I have over 60 knives, mostly Spyderco. My most carried knife is the Spydiechef. It's longer than 3", but you barely feel it in the pocket, it's so thin, full flat grind, weirdo blade shape that just works. If you're going to go small, don't discount the dragonfly! A very capable knife that fits into any pocket.

Live_Virus9124

The PD1 sprints are nice. Have an Endela on the way. What I absolutely need is the g10 Sage 5 in Rex 121. You need it as well. Good luck.

CentropristisStriata

Where’d you find PD1 sprints?

Live_Virus9124

GP Knives had the Endura and Endela up a couple days ago.

majorpowell

Sage 5 > Para 3 imo. Slicier blade stock and a little finer built. Coming out now in some great steels too, SPY27 and REX121, and Maxamet is always awesome, too.

Native 5 is another great option. Not as fidgety as Sage 5 (back locks are rock-solid, but boring) but the Native 5 has better ergos than Sage 5 to me.

MAXiMUSpsilo5280

The techno 2 is an awesome knife it’s overbuilt giving it a big knife feel. I got the Wyoming fade from bladeswelove. Polished blade and anodized scales really pop.

barrymckok

Harpy. Slim, no snag, concealable, and has killer looks and even better skills. I love mine in full serrated.

bravo_serratus

Oh dang it’s my turn to say it! “Why not all the above?” /s

MISProf

That's the obvious answer

HarpoonSpanto

Native 5 Lightweight CPM SPY27

MISProf

Thanks I'll look

MISProf

Thanks everyone! I've got some new options to drool over

MISProf

Is kaviso for real? I've never heard of them!

MISProf

So many good ideas! I had not considered the dragonfly or chapparal. I LOVE the compression lock and choils on the PM 2, but the dragonfly weight is insane. It's been ages since I used a back lock (anyone remember the original gerber LSTs? There's one around here somewhere!)

Dang, now I need more than one ... Lots of good options. Thanks! (Wish I had a good knife place close by!)

For the people that mentioned spydiechef: yep. It's on my list!

Hey, is Kaviso a good place to order from? I've never heard of them.

holokai808

The Dragonfly 2 handle is pretty small compared to the Chaparral. I wear large/size 9 gloves and find the DF2 okay for single cuts but not comfortable for extended use. The Chaparral is a little thin for extended use but still feels better in the hand as it fills the palm without being bulky. You can find good deals on the Chaparral with cf scales ($140-ish?) if you want something a little classier than gray frn. It’s slicey, very non-knife-people friendly, and has better fit and finish (Taichung!)

graphixpunk

Are you implying that the pm2 is not a weapon? Be honest

MISProf

Nope. We have a big ag campus so lots of faculty and students carry smaller knives. The PM 2 is a bit big esp since I'm not an ag faculty. :)