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10 Best Spyderco Knife Reviews & Buying Guide

Last Updated: March 10th, 2022

When buying a good folding knife, we often face problems with the weight and durability of the blade. Even when the blades are durable, they are often made of a dull material that provides mediocre sharpness. This usually means that you’re putting your money down the drain.

You’ll be glad to know that we experimented with several models and picked the 10 best Spyderco knife available on the market. Spyderco has a wide range of knives with some unique features that can easily intrigue you. They offer incredible sharpness and lightweight designs as well.

10 Best Spyderco Knife Reviews

We know how difficult it can be to choose a single folding knife out of the multiple models online. Hence, we have prepared a detailed review of the most efficient Spyderco knives on the market.

1

Spyderco Tenacious Value Folding Knife

This portable folding knife is a sensible choice if you want to make fast cuts with zero burrs. It’s one of the best chop saw for metal. Its 14-inch razor-sharp blades are perfect for cutting through metal surfaces. Moreover, this model is capable of running a 15-inch blade as well.

This chop saw is equipped with a powerful 1800 watt motor with an added gearbox. The gearbox generates high torque and helps the motor run longer. And the powerful motor, accompanied by the intensified blade, makes it effortlessly cut through several inches of metal. 

Its motor can easily deliver up to 14 horsepower without heating up. The cuts are smooth and accurate, and you don’t need to use abrasives to even out the edges.

Thus, you don’t need to wait for the metal to cool and can start welding instantly. This will significantly reduce time Consumption and boost productivity. The mild steel blades are specially modified to last longer. 

In fact, the depth of cut remains Consistent over the entire duration of use. Unlike other chop saws, these blades don’t deteriorate over time either and give you the same accuracy as day one.

A 0-45 degree adjustable vice is also included with this rugged power tool. The swivel vice allows you to get precise cuts at an angle of up to 45 degrees with ease.

Pros

  • Improved accuracy with 14 inch mild steel blades
  • Durable heavy duty usage
  • Runs on a 1800 watt motor
  • Minimizes heat

Cons

  • Base isn’t leveled
2

Spyderco Delica 4 Lightweight 7.15" Signature Folding Knife with 2.90" Flat-Ground Steel

The second folding knife on this list promotes a high level of stability. Its heavy-duty steel base design makes it perfect for long-term usage. It’s equipped with one of the best chop saw blade for steel. 

14-inch mild steel blade can relentlessly cut through metal giving you a perfect finish. The PCE700 is meant for long-term usage and makes metal cutting a breeze.

Furthermore, the base is also laced with rubber which helps the saw to stay in place during use. Moreover, this power tool is specifically manufactured to reduce vibrations while operating. It keeps the machine stable no matter how many metal sheets you feed into it. 

The robust 3800 rpm motor keeps the blades running at an enormous speed. This boosts the blade’s capabilities of cutting through several pieces of metal at a stretch.

Furthermore, the motor also comes with replaceable brushes, and therefore, extends its lifespan. Now you don’t have to worry about the motor seizing in the middle of work. If you think changing wheel blades is costing you precious time, the PCE700 has taken care of that too. 

Additionally, he chop saw is fitted with a spindle lock system which makes replacing the wheel a piece of cake. The cutting fence is adjustable to 45 degrees and lets you get different but equally accurate cuts. PORTER-CABLE doesn’t shy away from taking safety precautions either. 

Pros

  • Stable steel base
  • Rubber bottom reduces vibrations
  • Runs on a 3500 rpm motor
  • Spark deflectors clear vision and ensure safety

Cons

  • Cord can reduce maneuverability
3

Spyderco Resilience Value Folding Knife

If you want a chop saw that promotes intense maneuverability, then look no further. The folding knife has an ergonomic design that lets you operate it with ease. 

The horizontal D handle surely makes operating the chop saw effortless and less exhausting. You can steer it around as you please to get that perfect cut. Also, a carry handle is also included for you to easily transport this power tool.

Apart from the ease of use, this tool is also equipped with one of the best chop saw blades for steel. The wheel is made of oxide grain which makes it more durable than any other. This gives you fast, cold cuts without wearing out the blade. It also comes with a quick-lock vise that attaches to any material you want to cut. 

Furthermore, the material is safely held in place while the blade cuts through it. The blades in the saw are also exchangeable. But unlike other chop saws, the wheel blade in this tool needs to be replaced using a wrench. In case you don’t lose it, you can easily store it on the chop saw itself! 

Moreover, the spark deflector in this chop saw is manually adjustable. This means you can cut the metal sheet at any angle and still won’t be grazed by emanating sparks.

Pros

  • Ergonomic design makes it easy to use
  • Wheel is made of oxide grain
  • Spark reflectors are adjustable
  • Motor generates up to 4 horsepower (maximum for any motor)

Cons

  • Alignment might need some adjustment
4

Spyderco Manix 2 Signature Folding Knife

This versatile power tool is one of the best Spyderco knives for metal. It can effectively cut through angle iron, light pipe, tubing, conduit, and various other materials. Not only does it give you extremely fine cuts, but it also does it four times faster than any other abrasive saw. Its 15 amp motor generously contributes to its steady performance and increases durability significantly.

This chop saw is easy to use due to its quick-release vise, which keeps the material in place. Results include even cuts and minimal vibrations during heavy duty. An additional socket wrench is complimentary, which can be used to replace the razor-sharp blades. 

The blade is made up of carbide material that can cut through metal faster without producing any excess burr. This carbide-tipped blade can also withstand repeated usage for a long duration.

Furthermore, the LC1230 runs on a potent 15 amp motor specially engineered by Makita to generate up to 1700 rpm. This feeds the wheels with enough power to cut through almost any impermeable material. It’s also environmentally friendly due to the collection tray that stores the debris.

However, what distinguishes this metal-cutting saw from others is the safety control system. Most chop saws come with the risk of starting abruptly, which may cause major accidents. Fortunately, the risk can be contained with the click of a lock-off button when you are not using it.

Pros

  • Runs four times faster
  • Carbide tipped blade lasts longer
  • Environment friendly
  • Lock off button

Cons

  • Chip collector can’t collect most of the debris
5

Spyderco Para Military 2 Signature Folding Knife

Looking for a chop saw that stays cool even after heavy-duty operations? Then this efficient folding knife is the best pick for you. It also results in increased sparks and heat production. This keeps lets you cut through any type of metal or wood fast and also keeps the chop saw cool. 

Reduction of sparks will also protect your eyes and help you see clearly while working. The MCCS14 chop saw is built of an aluminum based material which makes it last longer even after several uses. It’s specifically built to withstand extreme conditions and still give you optimum performance. 

It is undoubtedly one of the best chop saw on the market for heavy-duty usage. The specially modified wheel blades were built to effortlessly cut through a wide range of metals. 

It can easily slice through aluminum, stainless steel, wood, and many other materials. The exchangeable blades will present you with accurate cuts even at an angle of 45 degrees.

In fact, it can cut at any angle between 0 to 45 degrees and still maintain the same amount of precision. The blades can cut 5-1/8 inches of metal at 90 degrees. It can also cut a 4-1/8 inch round material at an angle of 45 degrees. 

Moreover, it has a safety guard fitted below it, which automatically retracts to prevent any unfortunate accidents.

Pros

  • Creates less heat and debris
  • Aluminium base can withstand harsh conditions
  • Can cut through a wide range of metals
  • Equipped with automatically retractable safety guard

Cons

  • Blade is prone to damage
6

Spyderco Atlantic Salt Lightweight Folding Knife

At number 6 we have the metal knife they call the Metal Devil! Frankly, the name says it all. This cuts through various types of metal with ease and grace. It lets you carry out heavy-duty operations in silence. 

So, no more worries of the chaotic noise pollution of metal grazing against each other. This chop saw is developed by a low speed, high torque motor technology, which gives you impressive results within half the time.

It might seem lower than what most chop saws generate, but it surely has its benefits. Moreover, the minimal amount of sparks that do fly towards you can be restricted using the safety goggles included amongst the package. It lets you see with full clarity while protecting your eyes from long-term damage.

Another crucial advantage of the low-speed motor is heat reduction. Heat production is significantly reduced and contributes to low burrs as well. This helps you get smoother cuts of metal in almost any shape you wish for. 

The blades are carefully engineered to make smooth contact with the material. It slices through like a kitchen knife on butter. 

Additional features include a beveling vice which helps retain the material and keep it from swerving. The firm grasp leaves no room for mistakes until you get that perfect finish. A pair of noise-canceling earplugs is also added as an extra precaution.

Pros

  • Sparks are significantly reduced
  • Minimized heat production
  • Cuts are smooth and accurate
  • Added safety goggles and ear plugs

Cons

  • Changing wheel blades takes longer
7

Spyderco Police Model Signature Folding Knife

Dedicated to the trade since 1942, this brand brings you the best chop saw for the money. This is an elusive model due to its specially modified blade. And this 12-inch blade can easily outwork any regular 14 inches saw blade in every aspect. It has an outstanding 4-1/2 inch cutting capacity with a smoother finish than a 14-inch blade. 

It can cut a 4.5 inch round pipe as well as 3.9-inch square stock with utmost precision. Needless to say, it can do anything a regular metal cutting saw can but better.

Cutting metal is virtually spark-free and burr-free, saving you the hassle of manually deburring the cut afterward. Furthermore, the motor, as powerful as it is, doesn’t start abruptly after switching on. It maintains a steady acceleration which makes it run longer even in extreme conditions.

Regardless of its potency, this metal-cutting saw is lighter than most. Weighing at 39 lbs, it can be conveniently carried to your workplace. A little locking pin is also added to keep it from accidentally starting up while in storage. 

To minimize vibrations, a quick-adjust locking vise can quickly latch on to any material you want to work on. 

It also has a miter fence which lets you cut in angles up to 45 degrees. An additional chip tray also comes with the chop saw, which accumulates all the needless debris. 

Pros

  • 12 inch blade with impressive cutting capacity
  • Spark and burr-free
  • Lightweight and efficient
  • Doesn’t contaminate the environment

Cons

  • Blade needs to be changed frequently
8

Spyderco Lil' Native Signature Folding Knife

A strong and durable high-quality drop-point pocket knife, the Benchmade Griptilian has a razor-sharp, solid plain-edge 3.45-inch blade which is made from tough American-made stainless steel, and the blade has well-rounded characteristics, good edge retention and width, and a high corrosion resistance.

The knife is ambidextrous, so whether you are left or right-handed, the injection-molded, finely-textured GFN (Glass Filled Nylon) handle has exceptional strength, but it is still lightweight, and it gives you a good firm grip even when it is wet.

Moreover, the two Omega-style springs and the axis lock are highly responsive so if you need to employ the blade in a hurry, just one press of the thumb studs and the blade locks securely into place, and you can close the knife with just a flick of the wrist. 

An excellent EDC knife, the Benchmade Griptilian has a standard pocket clip to keep the knife ready for action. 

Although it is a manually-operated pocket knife, it is very easy to use, with just one simple movement, you can activate the full-length straight-edge blade with just the press of the engraved thumb stud, and the solid black jigged synthetic slim-line handle feels comfortable in your hand, and it has a secure liner lock.

Pros

  • High-quality design
  • Made in the USA
  • Excellent value for money
  • Very good size
  • Smooth one-handed operation
  • Super Tru-sharp blade

Cons

  • Not ideal for heavy-duty use
9

Spyderco Kapara Specialty Folding Knife

One of the most lightweight, high-performing, but extremely affordable pocket knives, This knife features a new and improved design, making it one of the most popular pocket knives on the market.

The stout saber-ground VG-10 high-carbon stainless steel 3.75-inch blade also has a partially serrated cutting edge, which can make light work of cutting through the heavy-duty rope. The extra thick blade construction and special titanium carbonitride coating protects the blade from any corrosion or wear and tear.

Moreover, the blade is razor-sharp right out of the box, and the mid-position locking mechanism with a Boye dent prevents you from accidentally releasing the lock during use and makes sure that the blade stays firmly locked in place and ready for action.

The knife boasts a stainless steel liner that offers better durability and sharpness. On top of that, it’s equipped with a fiberglass reinforced nylon handle, which makes it more comfortable to use. It also comes with a bi-directional texturing pattern that allows you to maintain a stable grip while cutting.

For easy and convenient use, the pocket knife features Spyderco’s signature thumbhole that gives you a smooth and easy one-handed opening action, and a four-position pocket clip allows you to attach the knife to your belt or breast pocket. 

You can even remove the clip if you want to store the knife in your backpack or attach the knife to a lanyard or key ring.

Pros

  • High-quality pocket knife
  • Great value for money
  • Combination blade: flat-ground and partially serrated blade
  • Strong and durable high-carbon stainless steel blade
  • Razor-sharp blade
  • High corrosion resistance

Cons

  • Screws can come loose on the clip
10

Spyderco Tasman Salt 2 Lightweight Folding Knife

Whether you are out camping, hunting, or fishing, or just need a strong knife for DIY tasks around your home, you’ll find this folding knife extremely useful. This is a 2.75-inch titanium-carbo-nitride coated stainless steel straight-edge, drop-point blade. It has excellent strength, sharpness, edge retention, and corrosion resistance.

The sturdy ergonomic handle is expertly crafted from stainless steel, and the jimping gives you a secure grip. This pocket knife’s sleek design provides that much-needed control for feathering a stick, cutting through rope, leather, and even thick steak while you are camping in the wilderness.

 

For fast, one-handed blade deployment, just press the thumb stud, and the revolutionary SpeedSafe assisted system flips to open the blade, and the frame lock design locks it securely into place with one smooth movement.

To close the knife, push the frame to the side to unlock the blade and fold the blade back into the handle. This pocket knife is very compact and fits easily into the pocket of your jeans. You can use the lanyard hole or pocket clip for quick access.

Pros

  • Excellent price
  • Made from sturdy and strong stainless steel
  • Razo sharp blade
  • Sturdy stainless steel handle
  • Jimping on the handle and top of the blade allows for a good grip

Cons

  • Not lightweight

What to Look for Before Buying a Spyderco Knife ?

Just knowing about the different folding knives on the market won’t do you any good if you’re not aware of their defining features. These factors can determine how efficient and long-lasting each model is.

Blade Materials

Blades are usually made from strong stainless steel, or Titanium carbonitride coated high-carbon steel. Stainless steel blades are the most common, and they are a very good choice if you are only going to be using the knife every so often and they work well in wet conditions, but stainless steel is not the best choice for heavy-duty use, and its shine can dull a lot quicker than high-carbon steel blades. 

If you need a strong blade for outdoor use, why not consider a Tru-Sharp surgical stainless steel pocket knife. This type of steel has excellent blade strength and is highly resistant to corrosion and it is guaranteed to maintain its sharpness for a long time. 

Titanium high-carbon steel is considered to be the most durable type of blade, and it is a great choice for heavy-duty cutting applications, but it can rust and stain.

Blade Size

Yes, size does matter when it comes to the size of the blade. Small blades that are under 3-inches are ideal for small cutting tasks, and they make the knife more compact and easier to fit in your pocket. 

Medium-sized blades that are between 3-4-inches are very versatile and can be used for most cutting tasks, and are especially useful for hunting and fishing.

The Design of the Handle

How a knife feels in your hand while you are using it is very important. Whether you are using the knife for small detailed work or for heavy-duty cutting applications, look for a handle that features an ergonomic design or a handle that has a textured grip, which gives you more control.

Comfortable Grip

If you need to use the knife for hunting or fishing tasks or for fine detailed work, look for a knife that has an anti-slip, textured handle, or a black jigged solid synthetic slim-line handle, which can provide you with a comfortable and secure grip while you work. 

This is especially important if you need to exert a lot of pressure on the handle when you are cutting through a tough, fibrous material or when you have to work in the rain or in hot conditions, which can cause you to sweat.

Having a strong and secure grip on the handle will stop your hand from slipping, which can result in a nasty, serious cut.

Better Stability

If you need to use the knife for hunting or fishing tasks or for fine detailed work, look for a knife that has an anti-slip, textured handle, or a black jigged solid synthetic slim-line handle, which can provide you with a comfortable and secure grip while you work.

Handle Materials

Pocket knife handles can be made out of many different materials: synthetic material, injection-molded fiberglass-reinforced nylon, wood, or stainless steel.

While stainless steel makes a very sturdy handle, which is specially designed for heavy-duty tasks, this type of material can make the knife quite heavy, but there are some pocket knives that have holes in the steel handle to reduce any weight.

Fiberglass reinforced nylon or synthetic materials like plastic are very lightweight materials, but they may not be the best choice for challenging cutting applications as you need some weight in the handle to exert the right amount of pressure.

There are knives that have handles that are made out of wood which offer you a very stylish-looking pocket knife, but the handle may be a little slippery, so while this type of handle may be a good choice for everyday use, it may not suit more demanding cutting applications.

Locking Mechanism

A blade locking system is one of the most important features of a pocket knife. Safety is paramount when you open, use, and close the knife and is of particular importance if you want to carry the knife in your pocket. 

The majority of pocket knives use a liner lock or axis locking mechanism. Once the blade is released, the locking mechanism prevents the blade from closing when you are using it and also stops it from opening accidentally.

A locking system is especially important for heavy-duty cutting tasks as it keeps the blade firmly in place.

Related: Best Bushcraft Knife Under 100 | Top 10 Picks

Frequently Asked Questions

  • What should I look for in a folding knife?

Look for the simplest possible design, free from springs and other small parts that may fail. Frame locks are the most secure locking mechanism. They fold a portion of the frame inward when the blade is open, which prevents it from collapsing. If a knife has a frame lock, it’s a good one

  • Are folding knives good for self-defense?

For some, a knife offers all the self-defense they need. With the many options available, a knife can prove the perfect weapon for self-protection. In many cases, a folding knife is a choice because of easier concealment. However, with just a little effort, a fixed blade knife also can prove effective

  • What size knife Can I legally carry?

In the State of California, there is no maximum length for knives in general. However, the maximum legal length for a switchblade knife is 2 inches. Additionally, it is illegal to carry daggers or dirks concealed and also illegal to carry many types of knives which are designed for concealment.

Final Words

As we reach the end of this buying guide, we would like to mention how important it is to take precautions while using the best Spyderco knife.

They are extremely sharp and need a certain level of maintenance to function efficiently. Also, make sure you resort to the buying guide before you choose any of the reviewed models.

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