In the world of folding knives, no brand stands out like Syderco. Over the years, the company has established itself as a pacesetter in an extremely competitive industry with its aggressive leaf-styled knives. Their leaf-style blades are so unique that you can notice them from anywhere across the room.
Spyderco was founded in 1976 by an ambitious blade maker known as Sal Glesser. After it was established, the Colorado-based company produced its first ever blade product and named it the Portable Hand.
The Portable Hand was a folding knife made of stainless steel which could easily fit into anyone’s hands regardless of the size. Its vague arachnoid looks gave rise to the name Spyderco, a brand that has done nothing but grow ever since.
Several decades down the line, Spyderco still maintains its dedication to quality. Their attention to detail hasn’t changed, and brand is still known for its high-end blades with smooth actions, natural ergonomics, and strong locks. Here are the best Spyderco knives on the market today.
Top 10 Spyderco Knives to Buy
Spyderco Tenacious
Any knife enthusiast who appreciates quality craftsmanship in a folding knife will tell you that the Spyderco Tenacious is an absolute bargain knife.
With its high-end design, this knife can easily be mistaken for a super-expensive piece. It comes with a G10 handle and an 8CR 13MOV steel blade. The blade ratio on the Tenacious is .76, which is quite impressive for a knife of its price.
The only shortcoming of the Spyderco Tenacious is the weight of the handle. When using it, the handle shifts the weight of the knife, creating an awkward feel. Even though this knife is sharp and quick, it’s not the most vivacious Spyderco knife. But as a normal working knife, it is perfect.
Spyderco Paramilitary 2
- An Improved Classic – Undeniably one of Spyderco’s most popular and in-demand designs, the Para Military 2 distills the world-class performance of our legendary Military Model into a more compact, Pocket-Friendly package.
- Superior Quality – We kept the same high-performance full flat-ground blade but we’ve also lengthened the blade’s tip and added additional surface jimping to both the spine and finger coil.
- A Secure Grip – The G-10 handle is narrowed at the end improving the Ergonomics. The handle and blade have been profile thinner; removing uncomfortable angles when in the closed position.
- Easy-to-Use – The Para Military 2 features extreme strength, reliability, and ease of use of our patented Compression Lock mechanism and versatility of a 4-position pocket clip.
- Dependable – Refinements to overall construction may not be drastic but from the G-10 textured handle to the steel full flat blade, everything is sharper, smoother and guaranteed to provide performance and user comfort.
The Spyderco Paramilitary 2 combines the three most important aspects of a folding knife in one piece: durable lock, comfortable handle, and – most importantly – stainless steel. No wonder it has been touted as the touchstone for Spyderco knife designs.
The handle of the Paramilitary 2 is big, ergonomic, and comfortable. It comes with a front half-and-half finger choil for maximum control.
The Paramilitary’s lock also doesn’t disappoint. It is fitted with Spyderco’s trademark compression lock, which works like a liner lock. Moreover, the design of the spring leaf, as well as the tight fit on the stop pin and the tang of the knife, makes the compression lock more durable than the ordinary liner lock.
Further, the knife has a clip point blade with a unique profile. The blade has a straight spine and a curved cutting edge, which can be sharpened all the way to the tip. It also comes with a brilliant satin finish and has a full flat grind for best cutting performance.
The S30V steel that makes up the blade is a first-generation stainless steel, and may be the only weakness of this knife – it can chip easily when used for heavy-duty tasks. Spyderco rectifies this problem by hardening their S30V steel during the manufacturing process. This results in a durable steel knife for day-to-day use.
If you prefer tougher steel, Spyderco stocks tons of limited edition Paramilitary knives with all types of processed steel. However, they cost slightly more than the price of a standard Paramilitary model.
Spyderco Manix 2
- Ready for Anything – The Manix 2 is an extremely capable full-sized folder that is known for it’s strength and performance. Its broad blade provides exceptional cutting power, while its textured index finger choil and thumb ramp allow a forward grip.
- A Secure Grip – It’s scaled G-10 handle has a unique non-slip checked texture. This handle provides a special kind of comfort, creating a reliable, long-term carry.
- Dependable – If you are looking for control and precision, look no more. This knife features our PlainEdge grind which is known for creating a smooth and exact cut.
- Low Friction – This knife features a blade ground with flat bevels that extend from the spine all the way to the cutting edge. This grind reduces drag during cutting and decreases overall weight.
- High-Strength Lock – The Ball Bearing Lock features a patented compressive lock that wedges a ball bearing between a fixed anvil and the blade tang. The mechanism also serves as a detent to hold the blade in the closed position.
It’s not fair to rave about the Paramilitary 2 without mentioning the Manix 2. This Paramilitary’s beefier counterpart is a mid-sized knife with an outstanding design. Similar to the PM2, the Manix 2 is a remake of an older design. The original version was a lock back, while the latest model secures the blade with a caged ball bearing. This lock is fully ambidextrous and easy to manipulate with one hand.
The Manix 2 is a line of three different Spyderco knives with distinct configurations. The standard model comes with a G10 handle configuration which features stainless steel liners and a 3.375-inch full flat grind blade. The blade is made of CPM S30V steel, which takes the weight of the whole knife to 5oz.
The Manix 2 Lightweight comes with a similar blade to that of the standard model. But instead of a G10 handle, it has a linerless fiberglass-reinforced co-polymer holder. The lightweight wire clip of this model takes the overall knife weight down to about 3oz. Despite these variations, the Manix 2 Lightweight retains the tip-up carry.
If you like your Manix 2 bigger, you can opt for the Manix 2 XL. It has many cool variations of the standard and lightweight versions including the blue handles and the S110V steel. Of all the Manix 2 variants, the Lightweight Manix offers the best value for money. For about less than $80, you can get a knife with a mid-range steel blade that is easy to sharpen and has translucent black or blue handle.
Spyderco Native 5 Lightweight
- An Improved Classic – The Native model has been a mainstay of Spyderco’s product line for years as a result of it’s Superior Quality and affordability. The state of the art Native 5 is available in an array of handle choices and colors.
- USA Made – Spyderco takes tremendous pride in every knife we make, but the ones crafted in our Golden, Colorado factory are special because we invest a piece of ourselves in every USA-Made knife we create.
- Light and Durable – This Native 5 handle is fabricated with Fiberglass Reinforced Nylon. FRN is a polymer mixed with glass fiber that is injection molded and formed into a sleek textured handle, creating a lightweight yet high-strength knife handle.
- Dependable – If you are looking for control and precision, look no more. This knife features our PlainEdge grind which is known for creating a smooth and exact cut.
- High-Strength Lock – The Back Lock mechanism is known for it’s high-strength and ease of use. The locking system is positioned on the back of the handle.
The Spyderco Native was originally designed to be sold as an entry-level knife in the Spyderco selection. Thankfully, it has stuck around and received an upgrade to its 2015 model.
The Native 5 has a forward choil that perfectly compliments the outstanding FRN handle. To improve handling, the handle is textured with the bi-directional texture that is typical of most Spyderco knives. The Native 5 also features a leaf-shaped blade that’s perfect for all EDC tasks. It comes with stainless steel liners and a sturdy lock back mechanism.
Native 5 LW is the newest addition to the Native 5 line. It is made of S35VN steel, which is an upgrade of the S30V used in other knives in this list. As a result, the knife much easier to sharpen since the S35V steel is less brittle compared to S30V.
It is also worth mentioning that there is another version of the Native 5 that comes with S110V steel and blue scales. Of course, it costs more than the base model, but worth every penny.
Spyderco Endura 4
Spyderco’s Endura 4 comes in the form of a lightweight plain-edge folding knife with a length of 8.75 inches and a weight of just 3.4oz. It has a 4-way clip that can be used for a tip-down, tip-up, right-hand and left-hand carry.
The Endura’s FRN handle is textured with Spyderco’s Bi-directional Texturing for better grip and control. The liners on this blade are skeletonized and have phosphor bronze washers to minimize friction when using the knife. The spine of the handle is jimped, making the closed length of the knife to be 5 inches.
The handle is not the only outstanding feature of the Endura 4. The knife also has a full flat grind blade with a distal taper that reduces friction and optimizes slicing performance.
The blade is .125 inches thick and 3.75 inches long. It is made of Japanese VG10 stainless steel which is tough enough for light-duty and EDC tasks. At the base of the blade, there is a hole to facilitate one-hand opening, and a back lock for an ambidextrous release.
The only drawback of the Endura 4 is the jimping on the spine of the handle. It makes the knife slow to manipulate in urgent situations. Otherwise, the Endura 4 is a perfect knife as far as ergonomics and functionality are concerned.
Spyderco Tenacious Lightweight Folding
- Game Changer – Being tenacious means you are persistent and cohesive. It’s being tough and tireless in achieving your best performance; all worthy descriptive words for a hard-use knife
- Superior Blade Steel – The 3.39″ 8Cr13MoV stainless blade is ground-flat from the spine to cutting-edge for non-stop cutting
- A Secure Grip – This all-new lightweight version raises the bar even further with injection-molded fiberglass-reinforced-nylon (FRN) handle scales that reduce the knife’s overall weight by almost 12 percent
- Easy-to-Use – The blade’s shape coupled with an oversized Spyderco Round Hole and textured spine jimping allows you to open the blade and position your thumb on the spine in slip-proof confidence ready for work
- Pocket-Friendly – The Tenacious includes a Walker LinerLock and a black 4-way pocket clip lets the folder be set in a variety of carry and draw positions: Tip-up/tip-down left-hand/right-hand.
China-made Spyderco Persistence is strikingly similar to the Tenacious, but smaller. It is 6.8 inches long and weighs 3.3oz.
The blade on this knife is 8CR 13MoV. Like most Spyderco knives, Persistence’s blade is a full flat grind with a leaf shape for optimal cutting performance. It also features a big hole for single hand opening and an ambidextrous release. This blade is 2.75 inches long and .125 thick.
For the handle, Spyderco decided to go with G10 and skeletonized liners made of steel. They also fitted the Persistence with a 4-way pocket clip and a Walker liner lock. When closed, the knife is 4.125 inches long.
Although this knife shares a striking resemblance with the Tenacious, you would be wrong to regard it as a scaled-down duplicate. It bears some unique design features that you won’t find on the Tenacious. For instance, the blade of the Persistence is shorter and stubbier, making light-duty tasks easier and faster.
The only weakness of the Persistence is the small handle. It gives the knife an uncomfortable feel, especially during strenuous cuts. That aside, this is a good knife for EDC use. Its size allows it to fit perfectly in the pocket, making it easy to carry around.
Spyderco Ambitious
- A Value Folder- Spyderco offers a unique breed of knives that truly live up to their name. They are perfect for novice knife buyers and as gifts for those you might want to “convert” into knife enthusiasts.
- Superior Blade Steel – The 4.20″ 8Cr13Mov stainless blade is ground flat from spine to cutting edge for non-stop cutting performance.
- A Secure Grip – It has a black G-10 laminate handle, Ergonomically milled with prolonged fatigue-free cutting in mind. Comfort in hand means easier use long-term.
- Easy-to-Use – The blade’s shape coupled with an oversized Spyderco Round Hole and textured spine jimping allows you to open the blade and position your thumb on the spine in slip-proof confidence ready for work.
- Pocket-Friendly – The Resilience includes a Walker LinerLock and a 4-way pocket clip lets the folder be set in a variety of carry and draw positions: Tip-up/tip-down left-hand/right-hand.
The Ambitious is the best Spyderco knife cost-wise. It is a relatively cheap piece with excellent design features and outstanding slicing performance. It measures 5.812 inches in length, and weighs just 3oz.
The Ambitious sports a 2.25-inch 8CR 13MoV blade with a thickness of .125 inches. Like a true Spyderco blade, it has a large hole and a jimped thumb rail to facilitate one-hand opening.
The G10 handle of the Ambitious features skeletonized liners made of steel, a Walker liner lock, as well as a lanyard hole. The ambidextrous clip can be converted to allow a tip-down or a tip-up carry.
When it comes to applications, the Ambitious can do just about anything. It is tough enough to withstand intense jobs such as carving wood and any other EDC tasks. Unlike most knives, it doesn’t cause discomfort when used for strenuous cuts.
Spyderco Delica 4
- WIDE SPECTRUM OF HANDLE COLORS – The Delica 4 now offers new vibrant tones including blue, green, brown, gray, orange, zome green, black and purple.
- WIDE SPECTRUM OF HANDLE COLORS – The Delica 4 now offers new vibrant tones including blue, green, brown, gray, orange, zome green, black and purple.
- SUPERIOR BLADE STEEL – The blades are full flat-ground VG-10 Steel with a thinner highly refined cutting edge and a larger 13mm opening hole.
- ULTRA-LIGHTWEIGHT – Inside the handle are dual skeletonized stainless steel liners which strengthen the knife without additional weight and double as an anchor for external and internal components to attach through generating more sturdiness.
- ERGONOMIC – Added to the blade’s spine is slip resistant jimping. Phosphor bronze washers smooth out the open/close action and the clip is upgraded to a four-way tip-up, tip-down, left-or right-handed clip.
The Delica 4 is the best Spyderco knife for the everyday carry user. It was designed to perform a vast array of tasks, from cutting bales on an upcountry farm to settling disputes on the mean Chicago streets.
The handle is made of Fibreglass Reinforced Nylon and is textured with Spyderco’s proprietary Bi-Directional texturing for maximum grip. The whole knife weighs just 2.5 ounces. Even though its light, the Delica 4 is solid thanks to its compact, screwed-together construction.
Spyderco Tenacious Lightweight
- Game Changer – Being tenacious means you are persistent and cohesive. It’s being tough and tireless in achieving your best performance; all worthy descriptive words for a hard-use knife
- Superior Blade Steel – The 3.39″ 8Cr13MoV stainless blade is ground-flat from the spine to cutting-edge for non-stop cutting
- A Secure Grip – This all-new lightweight version raises the bar even further with injection-molded fiberglass-reinforced-nylon (FRN) handle scales that reduce the knife’s overall weight by almost 12 percent
- Easy-to-Use – The blade’s shape coupled with an oversized Spyderco Round Hole and textured spine jimping allows you to open the blade and position your thumb on the spine in slip-proof confidence ready for work
- Pocket-Friendly – The Tenacious includes a Walker LinerLock and a black 4-way pocket clip lets the folder be set in a variety of carry and draw positions: Tip-up/tip-down left-hand/right-hand.
The Dragonfly 2 is one of the top-selling folder knives in the Spyderco collection. It is a lightweight, 1.2oz knife with a mid-size blade and outstanding ergonomics. The full length of the Dragonfly is 5.56 inches.
The Dragonfly’s blade is made of tough Japanese ZDP189 steel with excellent edge retention. The whole blade is 2.25 inches long, and .093 inches thick. The handle is made of Fiberglass Reinforced Nylon, a bi-directional texturing, and a tip-up wire clip. The spine of the handle is jimped, and so is the choil. The blade is secured on the handle using a back lock mechanism.
Ideally, the Dragonfly 2 was designed to improve on the previous model in the Dragonfly line. It has succeeded in this regard by delivering greater ergonomics and more solidity than its predecessor.
However, it has its limitations. It is not the kind of knife you would use for heavy-duty tasks such as carving wood. Nevertheless, it has enough cutting power to be integrated into your carry system, especially if you only need it for light, precise cuts.
Spyderco Vallotton
- Folding Knives – Locking folding knives are safe, compact, and easy to carry. They also happen to be where the Spyderco revolution began.
- G-10 Handle – An epoxy filled woven glass fiber that is rigid, non-slip, and impervious to temperature changes and chemicals.
- HOLLOW GRIND – It comes with bevels that are ground with a concave radius. The bevels may extend the full width of the blade (full hollow grind) or only a portion of its width.
- PlainEdge Blade – This knife has a sharpened blade with no serrations or teeth sometimes referred to as a smooth blade.
- Specifications – Closed Length (Inches): 5, Overall Length (Inches): 8.7, Blade Length (Inches):3.7, Blade Steel: CPM S30V, Grind: Hollow
The dull contrast of the carbon fiber exterior and a black pocket clip greatly understates the looks of the Sage Carbon. But if aesthetics is not a deal-breaker for you, the Sage might be the best Spyderco knife you will ever use.
The CPFS30V steel blade delivers incredible precision with every slice regardless of the circumstances. The blade is firmly attached to a G10 handle which offers a comfortable and firm grip. Although it features a liner lock mechanism, it has proven to maintain its solidity after many years of continuous service. The Sage Carbon assures you of a great performance and durability.
Choosing The Best Spyderco Knife
The Spyderco collection is littered with amazing knives of every kind. While this affords you more freedom to choose, it can leave you spoilt for choice.
To pick the best Spyderco knife, always pay attention to factors such as ergonomics, ease of sharpening, lock mechanism and, of course, the price. Spyderco has something for everyone.
Happy knife shopping!
Jen Lin-Liu is the founder of Black Sesame Kitchen. A Chinese-American writer and a nationally certified Chinese chef in Beijing. Jen is the author of two memoirs, Serve the People: A Stir-Fried Journey Through China and On the Noodle Road: From Beijing to Rome with Love and Pasta.
