Top 10 Best Spyderco Pocket Knives (Buyer’s Guide and Knife Review)

For anyone who uses a pocket knife, you certainly know the difference between one that’s poorly manufactured and one with outstanding workmanship. A tough precision blade, superior metal and a durable handle unite to make tasks easier to accomplish whether you use this tool everyday or occasionally. 

All knife enthusiasts definitely know about Spyderco, a company known for its quality craftsmanship and innovative features since its founding more than four decades ago. What started as a humble business venture has expanded into an international powerhouse manufacturing numerous knife designs to meet the needs of professionals and knife enthusiasts. 

Whether you’re looking for your first outstanding Spyderco pocket knife or another to add to your growing collection, this in-depth article can help you decide. Our goal is to help consumers like you shop for the best products available. 

In this ProSurvivalStrategies.com Guide you will be well-informed of the following:

• A quick history of Spyderco Knives.
• Why own a Spyderco pocket knife?
• And much more!

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In a hurry?  Check out our Top 10 Best Spyderco Pocket Knives in the quick comparison chart below.

All of the above-mentioned Spyderco pocket knives are excellent choices. They all have outstanding craftsmanship, innovative features and are designed to meet the harsh demanding needs of professionals and avid knife enthusiasts. However, we simply had to choose the best one of all the above-mentioned powerhouses. Our #1 Top Pick is the Spyderco Para Military 2. 

The Spyderco Para Military 2 is Spyderco’s most popular and in-demand pocket knife ever created. This heavy-duty pocket knife is all about strength, reliability and perfection. If you are looking for a near optimum balance of high performance, weight and ruggedness, it definitely won’t let you down.

This is a highly-regarded military knife model that strikes an acute balance between exceptional performance and practicality. When you decide on purchasing a pocket knife it definitely has to be more than sharp. It’s overall design must be well-rounded and capable of withstanding abuse.

As you move to Spyderco’s higher-end offerings, the coveted Para Military 2 is, without a doubt, the most iconic and talked about in the the knife community. It is a mid-sized EDC (slightly on the larger end) with an overall length of 8.24 inches. The blade is 3.42 inches in length with a cutting edge of just over 3 inches. With a blade thickness of 3.8 millimeters, it’s designed to withstand repeated abuse.

For its overall size, the PM2 is not particularly heavy for its size at 3.9 ounces. Don’t worry, you will not feel as if you are carrying a sword. It feels incredibly stable and firm in your hand as you would expect from Spyderco. Best yet, it’s big enough to be extremely useful in the field.

The blade is manufactured with the remarkable CPM-S30V (often referred to as S30V) steel as standard. It has excellent edge retention, resists rust effortlessly and is typically used for high-end premium pocket knives.

What makes this steel unique is the introduction of vanadium carbide which gives S30V its extreme hardness. Dollar for dollar, it is generally regarded as one of the finest knife blade steels giving you an optimal balance of edge retention, hardness and toughness. The blade is extremely effective in performing a multitude of cuts such as chopping, slicing, stabbing and thrusting.

Aside from the exceptional CPM-S30V stainless steel blade, the PM2 is well-equipped with Spyderco’s patented and first rate compression lock. This is definitely not your average liner lock found on most budget pocket knives. When the PM2’s blade is locked up, this thing is rock solid.

This incredibly strong lock should never fail under normal use. However, even under the most extreme conditions, it’s really not possible to break this mechanism. This high-strength lock allows the knife to be closed one-handed without placing your fingers in the path of the edge. The compression lock is easy to use, reliable, durable and resistant to all kinds of abuse.

The handle is made of the ever-so-impressive G-10 material and measures 4.8 inches long. G-10 is regarded as one of the toughest knife handle materials. It is extremely durable with a high level of strength, meaning it will last for a very long time even under heavy abuse in both wet and dry conditions.

The textured black scales give you the confidence that the PM2 will not slip from your hand when put to use. It strikes a great balance of safety without it feeling uncomfortable in your hand. Better yet, you are able to use it with the same maneuverability as your smaller pocket knives.

The Para Military 2 is also equipped with a four-position hourglass clip that supports left and right-side, tip-up or tip-down carry. Let’s not forget the lanyard hole that gives you another carry option.

The Spyderco Para Military 2 is also available in: black handle with stainless steel standard edge blade, midnight blue handle with stainless steel standard edge blade and a black handle with a black finish blade as seen above.

It’s no surprise that the Spyderco Para Military 2 is our top choice. The resulting synergy from the tip of the blade to the end of the handle represents the ultimate folding knife design. Not too hard on the wallet and built like a tank, the Para Military 2 screams perfection and quality. 

Top 10 Best Spyderco Pocket Knives!

In a hurry? Take a quick look at our Top 10 Best Spyderco Pocket Knives below.

1. Spyderco Para Military 2
2. Spyderco Para 3 
3. Spyderco Assist Salt
4. Spyderco Tenacious
5. Spyderco Delica 4 Lightweight
6. Spyderco Endura 4 Lightweight
7. Spyderco Tasman Salt 2
8. Spyderco Resilience 
9. Spyderco Pacific Salt 2
10. Spyderco Dragonfly 2

A Quick History of Spyderco Knives.

Before we get into the in-depth review of our Top 10 Spyderco pocket knives, it is important to understand Spyderco’s history of how this humble knife manufacturer turned into a highly-acclaimed worldwide giant.

The very foundation of Spyderco traces its beginnings to 1976, when inventor Sal Glasser developed a strange-looking device called the Portable Hand. Despite its freakish look, this device allowed jewelers and hobbyists to work with small fragile parts because it held small parts securely in place while allowing the user to use both hands freely for other purposes.

It’s of interest to note that the Portable Hand’s very design has a striking resemblance to a spider. Add this with Glasser’s love for sports cars that have names akin to spiders and the company’s name Spyderco was born.

With the immediate success of the spider-like Portable Hand, Sal and his wife Gail frequented trade shows before securing their roots in Golden, Colorado in 1978. During this time, the company intuitively focused upon manufacturing and selling their first product the Tri-Angle Sharpmaker, a tool primarily sold around various fairs and trade shows throughout the country.

However, innovation never ceases and by 1981, Spyderco introduced their first folding knife to the public, the CO1 Worker. This innovative pocket knife was the first to ever feature a distinctive round hole in the blade for quick and extremely easy one-handed opening.

Its unorthodox design revolutionized the knife industry, and introduced something new and desirable. In fact, this distinguishing feature was granted a U.S. utility patent in 1981, and absolutely defined the shape of the modern folding knife. To this day, it remains an iconic symbol to Spyderco’s brand, the Trademark Round Hole. It may not be pretty, but this distinctive design can never be labeled unusable or undependable.

Not only did the CO1 Worker introduce the first distinctive round hole, it was also the first of its kind to feature a “clothing clip” as part of its design. This so-called “clothing clip” allowed the user to effortlessly attach it to a pocket or belt. This was Spyderco’s first everyday carry pocket knife.

Since the CO1’s inception, Spyderco’s patented designs have earned numerous awards for their innovations. In 2000, Spyderco’s founder was inducted into the Blade Magazine Cutlery Hall of Fame for his outstanding contributions and impressive innovations in the knife industry.

Today, Spyderco is a fierce and reputable knife manufacturer and rightfully so. They have equipped soldiers, hunters, fisherman and outdoor enthusiasts with exceptionally rugged and durable knives. Their outstanding pocket knives can be found around the world. 

Why Should You Own A Spyderco Knife?

You should own a Spyderco pocket knife if you admire craftsmanship, quality, unsurpassed durability and exceptional cutting performance. As you already know, there are countless uses for an exceptional pocket knife. You can definitely acquire a Spyderco pocket knife to meet your specific needs. 

• Tactical: Tactical knives are specifically designed to meet operational requirements of duty-bound personnel as well as other tactically-oriented users. Spyderco has provided countless armed professionals, First Responders and concerned civilians with innovative and high-tech designs specifically for tactical applications. 
• Survival: When it comes to knives, you want to trust the best to get you through any expected or unexpected situation, especially if you find yourself out in the wilderness or any unfortunate situation. From skinning animals to cutting sticks to building a fire, there are so many uses for a quality pocket knife. That’s why you should consider looking into the best Spyderco pocket knife. It gives you a piece of mind simply knowing you have something extremely reliable, durable and trustworthy by your side. 
• Outdoors: If you are an avid outdoorsman or woman and you enjoy camping, hiking, fishing or hunting, a quality Spyderco pocket knife will always come in handy for a variety of outdoor tasks. Spyderco offers a variety of durable and rugged pocket knives that are excellent choices for outdoor use. From lightweights to heavyweights designed for rugged use, you are in the best position to choose what’s suitable for you. 
• Everyday Carry (EDC): Spyderco pocket knives are not just for tactical, survival or outdoor use. Instead, having a quality pocket knife for everyday carry can be beneficial no matter where you live. Certain Spyderco models listed below are extremely compact, durable, lightweight and multi-functional. From cutting boxes, opening packages or some other unexpected tasks, you’ll be extremely pleased to have a quality Spyderco pocket knife readily available right in your pocket. 
• Collecting: If you love knives and consider yourself an enthusiast, I’m sure you have several Spyderco knives in your admirable collection. These might even be the ones you admire most. Spyderco pocket knives are available in various designs, featuring sleek high-quality durable blades, robust handles and that ever-so-popular distinctive round hole for quick and easy one-handed opening. Add one to your collection, I’m sure it will impress your friends. 

QUICK TIP:
If you have a knife enthusiast on your shopping list, a Spyderco pocket knife makes an awesome gift thanks to its superior craftsmanship and quality. Just sit back, relax and watch their eyes sparkle.

• Cost-Effective: Spyderco pocket knives are known for their superb craftsmanship, durability, exceptional cutting performance and overall quality. Ultimately, these are pocket knives meant to last you a lifetime (as long as you properly take care of it). The models listed below are a “one and done” deal, unless you love your knives. Replacing low quality pocket knives can easily become a costly venture. Invest in quality, don’t let the price of a high-end or specialized Spyderco pocket knife deter you if you are in the market for a quality tool. Over time, the craftsmanship and longevity will more than likely prove to be a lasting investment worth of cost. 

Whether you’re looking for a pocket knife for professional use, outdoor excursions or simply need a quality utility tool for everyday use, Spyderco definitely has a pocket knife to fit your personal needs.

What Are Some Of The Outstanding Features Of Spyderco Pocket Knives?

Along with outstanding craftsmanship and ruggedness, Spyderco pocket knives have numerous features that make them extremely suitable for a multitude of cutting tasks. 

• Precision Steel Blade: Spyderco definitely knows blade steel and uses the best for its different types of blades. Each magnificent blade is forged with alloys that ultimately give it the strength and durability to perform cutting tasks. For example, the 10 best pocket knives listed below are equipped with either CPM-S30V, VG-10, H-1 or 8Cr13MoV Stainless Steel. Keep in mind that 8Cr13MoV is a budget steel but let’s not dismiss it completely. Even an inferior steel can perform exceptionally well. Spyderco’s hardening process is highly-acclaimed and you end up with a great overall affordable blade. 

QUICK TIP:
A dull blade is extremely dangerous and difficult to use. In addition to your Spyderco, consider purchasing a portable knife sharpener or sharpening stone to keep your pocket knife razor sharp.

• Blade Hole: This thumb hole isn’t for show - as you just read above, this innovative patented feature helped define Spyderco knives since 1981. This was developed as a more user-friendly alternative to nail nicks and thumb studs. The hole allows you to open and deploy the blade quickly and effortlessly. This feature is extremely useful when operating in less than admirable weather conditions or when you are wearing gloves.
• Blade Edges and Profiles / Shapes: Having the option of choosing the right blade edge and profile is priceless. Spyderco gives you a variety of blade edges to choose from - plain or straight edge, partially-serrated and fully-serrated edges. In support, Spyderco also provides a wide range of blade profiles such as Leaf, Blunt Tip, Wharncliffe and Hawkbill just to name a few. You can find the best blade edge and profile that’s perfect for your cutting tasks.
• Strong Locking Mechanisms: Spyderco definitely knows that the locking mechanism is the heart of any pocket knife. The Compression Lock is Spyderco’s patented gem. In fact, it’s considered one of the strongest on the market today giving Benchmade’s Axis Lock, Cold Steel’s Tri-Ad and SOG’s Arc Lock fierce competition. This ingenious design is so strong yet so simple to operate. This hard use-rated lock is found on Spyderco’s Para Military 2 and Para 3 hard use knives (just below). Other Spyderco pocket knives are also equipped with strong and solid back locks and hefty budget-friendly liner locks. Spyderco pocket knives fold securely into place giving you a piece of mind that they will not inadvertently spring into action in your pocket or suddenly close when putting them to use. 

QUICK TIP:
To keep the lock at its highest performance, occasionally oil the joints and springs of a pocket knife with a drop of oil or two. This will assure easier opening and closing, prevent rust and lessen wear of your Spyderco pocket knife. Three great oils to consider are HOPPE’s No. 9 Lubricating Oil, KPL Knife Pivot Oil and BreakFree CLP. Take care of your pocket knife and it will take care of you. 

• Handle: Spyderco clearly understands that the handle on any pocket knife is not just an aesthetic design to entice a consumer. They put as much thought into their handles as they do with their outstanding and durable blades. Spyderco offers you high-quality such as FRN, G-10, Carbon Fiber and Titanium just to name a few. However, for purposes of this article, the top 10 Spyderco pocket knives below are well-equipped with either G-10 or FRN handles. These two rugged synthetic handles are known for their unsurpassed durability, toughness and longevity.
• Ergonomics: Most Spyderco pocket knives are ergonomic wonders. However, everyone’s hands are different - not to state the obvious. One person’s comfort can be another’s torture. Spyderco makes pocket knives in several sizes and you can easily find a knife that fits your hand, unlike other companies that have particular handle sizes and shapes that pretty much defines them. No names, let’s keep it friendly. The handles are textured and some models feature Spyderco’s Bi-Directional Texture pattern giving you a solid grip when performing all your cutting tasks with its high-quality razor sharp blade.
• Pocket Clip: When Spyderco knives are used and carried properly, their pocket clips will last as long as the knives themselves. Spyderco offers wire clips designed for deep-pocket carry while others position the knife higher and closer to your pocket’s edge. Another great design is Spyderco’s hourglass-shaped pocket clip. This gives you great retention and will not easily abscond for your pocket. It also gives you 4 mounting positions (tip-up, tip-down, right or left hand). Those are just two quick examples of Spyderco’s durable and ambidextrous pocket clips.
• Lanyard Hole: All of the 10 best Spyderco pocket knives featured in this article are equipped with lanyard holes. This important feature allows you to tie paracord to the end of a knife and subsequently wrap it around your wrist for more security when using the knife. It also gives you another option to secure your knife onto your gear if you are not too keen on securing your knife in your pocket. 

Spyderco pocket knives give you superb features and craftsmanship that’s extremely important when looking for a durable pocket knife. 

Are Spyderco Pocket Knives Expensive?

Spyderco is known for its high-quality pocket knives that boast meticulous craftsmanship and top-notch quality materials such as CPM-S30V, VG-10, H-1 blade steels and G-10 and FRN durable handles. While often expensive, Spyderco knife prices accurately depict their value and are not inflated considering their superb quality and craftsmanship. From the tip of the blade to the end of the handle, these knives are built to last.

Although Spyderco is often considered a high-quality brand, it isn’t mainly known as an expensive knifemaker. The prices of Spyderco knives are as diverse as the knives themselves. They offer pocket knives in many different price ranges, but the vast majority of their selection falls between $100.00 and $300.00. For purposes of this article, the most expensive Spyderco is the Para Military 2 ($208. 99) and the least expensive is the Spyderco Tenacious ($56.00).

At the end of the day, you are in the best position to choose which one best fits your budget. Invest in a quality Spyderco pocket knife. Over time, the craftsmanship and longevity will prove to be a lasting investment worthy of the cost. 

Remember, there is a great Spyderco pocket knife for every budget.

In-Depth Reviews Of Our Top 10 Best Spyderco Pocket Knives.

As if we couldn’t say enough about this tank of a pocket knife. The Para Military 2 is such a durable pocket knife, we also featured it in our best hard use folding knives and rightfully so. Fondly referred to as the PM2, it has amassed a huge, cult-like popularity since its early inception in 2010. Slightly over a decade, its popularity continues to skyrocket.

This monster is up for any herculean task you could put it through. It simply oozes quality and perfection from the tip of the blade right down to the end of the handle. The PM2 is 100% made in the USA by the Colorado-based Spyderco factory. This beast is the successor of the highly-acclaimed and military-proven Para Military 1 model. So let’s get you better acquainted with this masterpiece.

This icon is made from high-quality materials and Spyderco never compromised on material quality. You will immediately notice how solid and durable the PM2 will feel in your hands.

Premium CPM-S30V stainless steel takes the PM2’s performance to a high level. Despite new steels such as S35VN, S90V and S110V hitting the market, CPM-S30V still maintains a competitive edge due to its ease of sharpening, ability to take a razor-sharp edge and long-term edge holding ability. Best yet, it offers excellent rust and corrosion resistance. This is a knife that will last you a lifetime.

Another great feature of the PM2 is its overwhelming blade thickness. Break out the ruler and measure 3.8 millimeters. As you can see this is definitely not your average pocket knife. The blade is designed for extreme abuse and will adequately take a licking and keep on ticking. It will adequately tackle your cutting tasks such as chopping, cutting, slicing, stabbing, prying - anything. Make no mistake, this is a powerful cutting tool.

The ever-so-popular G-10 textured handle of the PM2 further solidifies its quality. The handle is firmly held in place with screws. You will also notice a large lanyard hole at the end of the handle completing its top-notch overall construction.

The handle further features top-notch stainless steel liner carefully crafted to ensure your PM2 doesn’t weigh you down. Great ergonomics (i.e. G-10 handle with scales) provide you with an incredibly solid and secure grip. This gives you the utmost safety when operating in wet conditions or cutting through a tough object. It’s designed in a fashion that is wider at the pummel and gets narrower at the gripping position, giving you excellent slip-resistance and most importantly “fatigue-free handling”. You will also notice jimping on the thumb ramp that offers you a spot to place your thumb against when cutting through a hard object. A forward finger choil also allows you to choke up on the blade when you're engaged in finer cutting tasks.

The PM2 comfortably sits in your hand no matter what position you hold it. Once you put it to use, you will instantly appreciate its overall ergonomic configuration.

Deploying the blade is a breeze. If you take a quick look above, you will immediately notice Spyderco’s signature thumb hole. The 14 mm diameter lets your thumb easily and quickly engage the blade. If you wear gloves, don’t worry, you can easily access the blade just as quickly.

No cheap locking mechanism here! One of the most overwhelming and frustrating experiences of any pocket knife is a cheap and unreliable locking mechanism. The PM2 is definitely the exact opposite. Featuring Spyderco’s highly-acclaimed compression lock, the PM2 delivers an extremely strong and solid lock-up. When you open this beast up, there is no hint of blade play. Now when you disengage the lock, the blade smoothly falls shut, and you don’t have to worry about forcing it closed with your hands. Better yet, when the blade is disengaged, your finger / fingers are nowhere near the path of the blade, ensuring your safety.

The PM2 is equipped with an hourglass-shaped pocket clip. This deep carry clip gives you great retention and will not easily leave your pocket. However, the best part is it gives you 4 mounting positions (tip-up, tip-down, right or left hand). This gives you an extremely comfortable carry.

Keep in mind this legendary masterpiece comes in various configurations: Black G-10 handle with a standard CPM-S30V Stainless Steel blade, or Midnight Blue G-10 handle with upgraded CPM-S110V Stainless Steel blade.

The PM2 is a flawless icon destined to continue its reign for the ensuing decades to come. 

Pros:

• Successor to the military-proven Para Military 1 model.
• Optimum balance of high performance, weight and ruggedness.
• CPM-S30V stainless steel blade has excellent edge retention, resists rust effortlessly and is typically used for high-end premium pocket knives.
• Extremely strong and durable Spyderco patented compression lock.
• Textured G-10 handle gives you an incredibly strong and secure grip.
• 100% made in the USA.

Cons: 

• May not be the most suitable for everyday carry.
• Pricey - however, you are getting an iconic masterpiece made from high-quality materials. 

The Spyderco Para 3 is a more compact and less intimidating version of the iconic and legendary Para Military 2. It is another exceptional and solid design that fuses strength, reliability and perfection that is easier to carry. The PM3 is sure to please those who love the Para Military 2, but prefer a smaller blade or reside in a location with blade length restrictions.

Ounce for ounce, the Para 3 features the same robust materials as the Para Military 2. This compact titan has an overall length of 7.24 inches (1 inch smaller than the PM2). The blade is just shy of 3 inches in length with a cutting edge of 2.63 inches. Now, the PM3 features the same blade thickness as the PM2 of 3.8 millimeters. Don’t let its compact size fool you, the PM3 is also designed for hard use.

Since the PM3 is the PM2’s little brother, they clearly share the same DNA. So let’s talk about the blade. It is manufactured with the exceptional CPM-S30V (commonly referred to as S30V) steel. S30V stainless steel gives you superb edge retention, resists rust effortlessly and is used for high-end premium pocket knives. The introduction of vanadium carbide further enhances the extreme hardness of S30V stainless steel. This gives you a complete package of edge retention, hardness and toughness. So if you are serious about your knife and want outstanding performance, S30V steel delivers.

The PM3 also features Spyderco’s patented and exceptional compression lock. This locking mechanism might actually be the most ingenious lock design in the knifemaking community. That is because Spyderco took a tried-and-true concept and transformed it into one of the most secure mechanisms.

Literally, a compression lock is very similar to a liner lock. It operates almost the same way - the metal liner within the handle is actually a spring that shifts into place under the blade once it’s deployed, preventing the knife from closing without the spring moving back out of the way.

But here’s the catch, the compression lock is housed in the spine of the handle rather than the front. Unlike liner locks that may be knocked out of place by impacts and hard use, the compression lock increases the lock pressure and therefore its security. Aside from a solid lock up, this incredibly strong lock allows the knife to be closed one-handed without placing your fingers in the path of the blade’s edge. This system is easy to use, reliable, and extremely resistant to all types of abuse - of course within reason.

The PM3 is also equipped with a G-10 handle that measures 4.29 inches long. G-10 approaches absolute perfection when used as a knife handle. This premium laminate of fiberglass and resin can sustain a ridiculous amount of abuse from strikes and blows, chemical abuse and high-moisture environments. You will also notice it’s grippy in your hand when wet or greasy. The PM3 features the same textured black scales as the PM2 giving you the confidence that you will not suffer an inadvertent accident when putting it to use.

The Para 3 is also equipped with a 4-position hourglass clip that supports left and right-side, tip-up or tip-down carry. Let’s not forget the lanyard hole that gives you another carry option.

Beauty is in the eye of the beholder and that’s why the Para 3 is also available in black handle with stainless standard edge blade, digital camo handle with stainless steel standard edge blade, midnight blue handle with upgraded CPM-S110V stainless steel standard edge blade, digital camo handle with black stainless steel blade, and black handle with a stainless steel fully-serrated edge blade.

The Spyderco Para 3 is another excellent choice that features the same DNA as its big iconic brother the Para Military 2. Lighter on the wallet and superbly built, the PM3 is definitely for those looking for a more compact viking. 

Pros:

• Modeled after the desirable Spyderco Para Military 2. 
• Compact and lightweight design doesn’t compromise strength, reliability and performance. 
• CPM-S30V stainless steel blade has excellent edge retention, resists rust effortlessly and is typically used for high-end premium pocket knives.
• Customizable 4-position carrying pocket clip.
• Tough and durable Spyderco patented compression lock. 
• G-10 handle withstand a ridiculous amount of abuse. 
• 100% made in the USA. 

Cons: 

• Handle might be too small for some people’s liking.
• Some are not big fans of the shallow pocket clip. (It can be swiped for a deep-carry pocket clip.)  

The Spyderco Assist Salt is a multi-purpose rescue tool that combines versatility with the ultra-corrosion-resistant qualities of H-1 steel that sets a new standard in rescue tools.

The Assist Salt features one large 3.25 inch locking blade equipped with rip-through-anything serrations excluding the first ¾ inch near the tip where it has a plain edge design. Its tip is blunter than a butter knife and rightfully so. It allows you to cut through seat belts, clothing and the like without the risk of inflicting further injury to the accident victim.

One of the most defining features of the Assist Salt is the H-1 steel blade. According to Spyderco, H-1 is a unique material that uses nitrogen instead of carbon that ultimately creates a steel that is tough, holds an impressive edge and is just about impervious to corrosion. This makes it a superb rescue tool for professionals and civilians. It’s ideal for rafters, divers, kayakers, saltwater fisherman -anyone who spends significant time on the water and wants a knife without a pointy blade that may puncture a raft or flotation gear.

A tough ambidextrous back lock is extremely reliable and well-suited for heavy-duty use. It gives you a piece of mind that the blade will not close during a critical situation. When properly maintained, it's not sensitive to dirt, dust or other debris causing it to jam.

If you look closely at its design, the blade features Spyderco’s Trademark Round Hole. It gives you a swift, positive, one-handed opening, even while wearing heavy gloves. The blade’s spine has finger grooves that turn the Salt into a unique, scissor-like cutting tool. You can place a rope or cord to be cut between the blade and the handle. Think of it along the lines of a cigar cutter.

What’s extremely unique about this rescue tool is the retractable carbide glass breaker. You simply use the same finger grooves as discussed above and squeeze the blade against the handle when the knife is closed. A retractable carbide glass breaker immediately engages from the butt’s end. It’s fully exposed when you need it most to safely and efficiently break windows to extricate a victim.

We’re not done yet. Integrated within the yellow handle is a survival whistle for extra utility. In the event you are lost or need to signal fellow rescuers, it’s readily available.

The yellow handle is made from tough FRN (Fiberglass Reinforced Nylon) and has Spyderco’s Bi-Directional Texture pattern. Its finger grooves give you a solid and secure grip when performing rescue duties in wet and unsuitable conditions. It’s bright yellow color gives you the confidence that you will not lose it if you set it down.

It comes with a reversible wire pocket clip for tip-up carry also. Unfortunately, this rescue tool is not MOLLE compatible. 

Pros:

• Serrated blade edge / plain edge with blunt tip design.
• H-1 steel blade is extremely resistant to corrosion.
• Ambidextrous and tough back lock.
• Spyderco’s Trademark Round Hole for quick blade opening.
• Unique integrated retractable carbide glass breaker and integrated whistle.
• Tough yellow “see me” FRN Handle with finger grooves.

Cons: 

• No sheath.
• It’s pricey - however, you are purchasing a very unique, high-quality rescue tool. 

Spyderco manufactured well-renowned pocket knives and the Tenacious is an excellent full-sized pocket knife at an extremely reasonable price. This is a well-made pocket knife for users with large hands and space in their pockets. The Tenacious is a solid performer and edged out by more sophisticated Spyderco pocket knives costing much more.

The Tenacious is equipped with a full-sized utilitarian blade that definitely deserves your attention. Time to break out the ruler and let's get into the specs. The Tenacious has an overall length of 7.76 inches. Its blade is 3.39 inches, 3 millimeters thick and well-equipped with a plain cutting edge measuring 3 ⅜ inches. As you can see, this is a full-sized pocket knife that’s excellent for those of you that have large hands.

So let’s assess blade integrity. As you already know, no knife will pass muster if it doesn’t come razor sharp. As with all Spyderco pocket knives, the Tenacious will shave you - don’t try it home. The blade is manufactured from 8Cr13MoV steel. Although highly-regarded to some degree, it’s not the best in the business unlike CPM-S30V or H-1 stainless steels.

However, let’s not jump to conclusions. 8Cr13MoV is a Chinese interpretation of AUS-8 steel. Even inferior steel when hardened can perform extremely well. Rest assured, Spyderco’s hardening process is highly-acclaimed and you end up with a great overall blade. 8Cr13MoV offers you great aspects such as good edge retention, corrosion and wear resistance and hardness, but at a more affordable price. So whether you are looking for an entry-level or budget-friendly work, camping, hunting or everyday carry pocket knife, the Tenacious is a good choice.

The Tenacious is equipped with a hefty liner lock. Liner locks are one of the more common mechanisms featured on budget knives. This mechanism’s characteristic component is a side spring bar located on the same side as the sharp edge of the blade, “lining” the inside of the handle.

When the knife is closed, the spring bar is held under tension. When you engage the blade, the tension slips the bar inward making contact with the butt of the blade, keeping it firmly in place and preventing closure. To disengage the blade, you use your thumb to push the spring bar towards the pocket clip so it clears the contact with the butt of the blade. Use your index finger to push the blade just enough so the bar is depressed so you can remove your thumb and then proceed to close the blade.

Similar to the PM2 and PM3, the Tenacious also features a durable G-10 handle. This premium laminate of fiberglass and resin withstands serious abuse from strikes and blows, chemical abuse and high-moisture environments. You will also notice the handle is grippy even wet or greasy. The textured black scales on the handle further enhance confidence, giving you a piece of mind that the Tenacious will not slip from your hand when put to use.

The 4-position pocket clip of the Tenacious gives you the option of tip-up or tip-down carry, with the blade opening with your left or right thumb. This customizability is a welcomed feature. A lanyard hole also gives you the option of easily attaching fobs or lanyards.

Being tenacious means one holds fast, is persistent and cohesive. It means being tough and tireless until achieving your ultimate goal: all knife-worthy definitions for a worthy and budget-friendly pocket knife. 

Pros:

• Exceptional quality for the price.
• Full-sized pocket knife that’s excellent for those of you that have large hands.
• 8Cr13MoV steel blade offers you great aspects such as good edge retention, corrosion and wear resistance and hardness, but at a more affordable price.
• Heft and durable liner lock.
• G-10 handle withstands abuse from strikes and blows, chemical abuse and high-moisture environments.
• Customizable 4-position carrying pocket clip.

Cons: 

• At 4.1 ounces, it may be too heavy for everyday carry.
• 8Cr13MoV is a lesser quality steel but it keeps the price extremely affordable. 

The Spyderco Delica 4 Lightweight is definitely a noteworthy pocket knife with an extremely iconic name. Lightweight? Absolutely! Delicate? Absolutely not! You will be blown away by how light this pocket knife is and amazed by its durability and toughness. The Delica 4 Lightweight is another outstanding example of Spyderco’s effective knife-making abilities.

For the majority of users, the Delica 4 Lightweight just might be the best all-around Spyderco everyday carry knife. It boasts an overall length of 7.125 inches, a 2.875 inch blade with a 2.56 inch plain cutting edge and a thickness of 2.5 millimeters. It weighs a mere 2.5 ounces, making it a great everyday carry companion.

If you decide to purchase a Delica 4 Lightweight, pass it over to the woman or women in your life just to see what they think of this handy little knife. I can almost guarantee they will love the weight and feel of the knife. Let me forewarn you though, you will find yourself guiding a tour in search of the color of their choice.

What makes the Delica 4 Lightweight so admirable is its blade that’s forged from high-end Japanese VG-10 stainless steel. This is the most popular and highly-regarded Japanese stainless steel in the business. The name means V Gold 10, meaning Gold quality or Gold standard. It was originally marketed to Japanese Chefs, but instantly became a favorite in the knife community abroad. Spyderco especially has made VG-10 a famous steel. VG-10 gives you exceptional strength, durability, corrosion resistance and is relatively easy to sharpen. Due to its amazing features, VG-10 will definitely cost more than other knives but you get what you pay for.

The Delica Lightweight 4 is equipped with an extremely robust back lock (also referred to as a lockback or mid lock) located right on top of the spine. This is a locking mechanism featured on many classic American folding knives such as the iconic and legendary Buck 110 Folding Hunter. I know, it’s Spyderco's time to shine and rightfully so.

This locking mechanism is extremely easy to operate. It’s basically a spine on a spring. When the blade is engaged, the spine locks into a notch on the back of the blade. To disengage the blade, push down on the exposed part of the spine (in this case in the middle of the handle) to pop up the section of the spine in contact with the blade. This disengages the lock allowing you to swing the blade back into the closed position.

The benefits of this locking mechanism is its reliability, strength and safety. The lock is out of the way of your grip when using the Delica 4 Lightweight, meaning you’re unlikely to inadvertently disengage the lock and have it close on you. It further keeps your hands free and clear of the blade’s path when closing the VG-10 steel blade, minimizing the risk of cutting yourself. The blade stays put thanks to the solid and firm lock up.

Similar to the Spyderco Assist Salt, the Delica Lightweight 4’s handle is made from tough FRN (Fiberglass Reinforced Nylon) and features Spyderco’s Bi-Directional Textured pattern giving you a solid grip when performing all your cutting tasks with its high-quality razor-sharp blade.

Since we are on the topic of the Delica Lightweight 4’s handle, you get to choose the color of your choice. It is available in 7 colors and patterns and various blade profiles such as partially-serrated, fully-serrated, and Wharncliffe.

A 4-position pocket clip gives you the option of tip-up or tip-down carry, with the blade opening with your left or right thumb. This customizability is a welcomed feature. A lanyard hole also gives you the option of easily attaching fobs or lanyards.

The Spyderco Delica Lightweight 4 oozes craftsmanship and quality. Lightweight? Yes. Delicate? No way!

Pros:

• Lightweight, yet extremely durable and tough.
• Highly-regarded VG-10 stainless steel known for its exceptional strength, durability, corrosion resistance and ease to sharpen.
• Durable, strong and ambidextrous back lock.
• FRN handle with bi-directional pattern.
• Customizable 4-position carrying pocket clip.
• Multiple options of blade profile and handle colors to choose from.
• Excellent craftsmanship and overall quality.

Cons: 

• FRN handle may have a plastic feel to it. However, it is extremely durable, tough and keeps the knife lightweight.
• Not intended for hard use. If you want a hard use pocket knife your better options are the Spyderco Para Military 2 or Para 3. 

The Spyderco Endura 4 Lightweight is a pocket knife that you won’t fully appreciate until it rests in the palm of your hand. Once you pick it up and flick it open, you will immediately see how deceptively thin and light this powerhouse is. The Endura 4 Lightweight is all about business all the time.

The appeal of the Endura 4 Lightweight is that it is a large knife but at the same time lightweight and pocketable. It has an overall length of 8.75 inches, a 3.75 inch blade with a 3.438 inch cutting edge and a blade thickness of 3.0 millimeters. It weighs 3.6 ounces, 1.1 ounces more than the above-mentioned Delica 4 Lightweight. If you're not a fan of the partially-serrated edge, don’t worry because the Endura 4 Lightweight is also available in a plain and fully-serrated edge if you are looking for a more specialized pocket knife.

Similar to the above-mentioned Delica 4 Lightweight, the Endura 4 Lightweight’s blade is forged from high-end VG-10 stainless steel, designed in Japan by Takefu Special Steel Company. This is the most popular and highly-regarded Japanese stainless steel in the business. Originally, it was aimed at the production of high-end kitchen knives and marketed to Japanese Chefs.

However, its superior quality was immediately recognized by the knife community overseas and became almost an overnight favorite. In fact, Spyderco and Fallkniven (a manufacturer of quality survival knives) started using VG-10 stainless steel for their outstanding knives. VG-10 gives you exceptional strength, durability, edge retention and extreme corrosion resistance. Due to these highly sought-after features, VG-10 does cost more, but you get an extremely reliable blade.

The locking mechanism here is the classic and ever-so-durable back lock. The lock is rock solid. Once deployed, the blade sits firmly in place and there is no back and forth or side-to-side play. The benefits of this locking mechanism is its reliability, strength and safety.

Now of course, as with any knife that has been in service for years, you may develop noticeable “blade play”. This is easily rectified by simply tightening the pick screw. The back lock also has a small groove that outlines it from the rest of the spine. Thus, depressing the lock with your thumb won’t seem to be a problem even blindfolded. Deployment of the blade is extremely smooth.

The handle here consists of skeletonized liners and FRN (Fiberglass Reinforced Nylon). This further enhances the slim and lightweight overall design. Due to the bi-directional aggressive texturing and “grippy” material, the functionality of the Endura 4 Lightweight exceeds expectations. It is easy to use in any weather conditions. Wet or greasy - the handle will keep its usability for a very long time. Ultimately, it gives you a solid and secure grip when performing cutting tasks.

A 4-position pocket clip gives you the option of tip-up or tip-down carry, with the blade opening with your left or right thumb. This customizability is a welcomed feature. A lanyard hole also gives you the option of easily attaching fobs or lanyards.

Thin, lightweight, extremely capable and equipped with high-end VG-10 stainless steel, the Endura 4 Lightweight is an exceptional pocket knife that will impress you. 

Pros:

• Deceptively thin but built like a powerhouse.
• 3.75 inch blade that is 3 millimeters thick.
• VG-10 steel blade gives you exceptional strength, durability, edge retention and extreme corrosion resistance.
• Strong and durable back lock.
• FRN handle with bi-directional texturing.
• Customizable 4-position carrying pocket clip.

Cons: 

• FRN handle may have a plastic feel to it. However, it is extremely durable, tough and keeps the knife lightweight.
• Blade play may develop - this exceptional pocket knife is not intended for hard use. 

The Spyderco Tasman Salt 2 is a force to be reckoned with. It is a power fusion of Spyderco’s rip-through-anything serrations, a radically curved Hawkbill blade and ultra-corrosion resistant H-1 blade steel. This is an ideal choice for anyone working near water or needs a blade with extreme cutting power to rip through fibrous materials and hard to cut materials like netting, line, webbing and rope.

This is definitely one mean looking and extremely capable pocket knife. It has an overall length of 7.05 inches, a 2.80 inch blade with a 2.45 inch cutting edge and a blade thickness of 2.5 millimeters. Its overall weight is a mere 2.1 ounces. Its overall design is definitely an eye-catcher. The Salt 2 is also available with a wicked plain edge blade.

One of the most defining features of the Assist Salt is the H-1 steel blade. According to Spyderco, H-1 is a unique material that uses nitrogen instead of carbon that ultimately creates a steel that is tough, holds an impressive edge and is just about impervious to corrosion.

The Salt 2 also features a radically curved Hawkbill blade. This distinctive blade profile clearly resembles a hawk’s beak, with its sharp downward curve. As you can see above, the dull spine curves straight down at the end in the same direction as the sharp edge. Ultimately, it creates an extremely sharp point facing downward. This allows you to handle the Salt 2 safely while applying more cutting force. It has the same advantage as a Sheepsfoot blade. Even if the blade itself is dull, the point remains extremely sharp, allowing you to finish a cut. The Tasman 2 “collects” the material it cuts by drawing it into a concave edge just like a hawk’s beak.

A tough ambidextrous back lock is extremely reliable and well-suited for heavy-duty use. It gives you a piece of mind that the blade will not close during a critical situation. When properly maintained, it's not sensitive to dirt, dust or other debris causing it to jam.

The yellow handle is made from tough FRN (Fiberglass Reinforced Nylon) and has Spyderco’s Bi-Directional Texture pattern. Its finger grooves give you a solid and secure grip when performing cutting tasks in wet and unsuitable conditions. It’s bright yellow color gives you the confidence that you will not lose it if you set it down.

A 4-position pocket clip gives you the option of tip-up or tip-down carry, with the blade opening with your left or right thumb. This customizability is a welcomed feature. A lanyard hole also gives you the option of easily attaching fobs or lanyards.

Radically designed and equipped with an extremely anti-corrosive H-1 stainless steel blade, this pocket-powerhouse sets a high standard in mariner’s cutting tools. 

Pros:

• Eye-catching overall design.
• Well-equipped with rip-through-anything-serrations.
• H-1 blade steel is almost impervious to corrosion.
• Hawkbill blade profile is extremely sharp and “collects” the material it cuts by drawing it into a concave edge just like a hawk’s beak.
• Tough ambidextrous back lock.
• Bright yellow FRN “see me” handle with Spyderco’s bi-directional textured pattern.
• Customizable 4-position carrying pocket clip.

Cons: 

• FRN handle may have a plastic feel to it. However, it is extremely durable, tough and keeps the knife lightweight.
• Wide in the pocket - it’s a pocket hog. 

The Spyderco Resilience is the biggest and baddest of Spyderco’s value line. Besides its impressive size, it still retains all the impressive features such as a G-10 handle, a broad and extremely sharp leaf-shaped blade, the well-renowned Spyder Hole opening method, and the standard Spyderco spoon clip. The Resilience is a simple and extremely popular pocket knife, and its simplicity is part of its overwhelming appeal.

Make no mistake, the Resilience is a large pocket knife. It has an overall length of 9.40 inches, a 4.2 inch blade with a 4 ¼ inch cutting edge, a blade thickness of 3.1 millimeters (.1 millimeters thicker than the Spyderco Endura 4) and weighs in at 5.1 ounces. When it comes to larger pocket knives, there is one thing that is universally true, they all tend to have comfortable handles. The Resilience comes well-equipped with a 5.25 inch handle. So if you have big hands, the handle is extremely accommodating.

What significantly reduces the overall price of this extremely popular pocket knife is its blade steel. The Resilience’s blade is manufactured from 8Cr13MoV. It’s not a high-end steel such as CPM-S30V, H-1 or VG-10. However, let’s not count this affordable pocket knife out. Even inferior steel when hardened well can exceed your expectations. Rest assured, Spyderco’s hardening process is exceptional and ultimately you end up with a great overall utilitarian blade.

8Cr13MoV gives you great features such as good harness, edge retention and corrosion and wear resistance, but at an extremely more affordable price. So if you are looking for an everyday beater or simply a friendly work knife, the Resilience is an incredible option.

Similar to the Tenacious, the Resilience is also equipped with a hefty and durable liner lock. This design further keeps the overall price highly affordable.

Liner locks are one of the more common mechanisms featured on budget knives. This mechanism’s characteristic component is a side spring bar located on the same side as the sharp edge of the blade, “lining” the inside of the handle.

When the knife is closed, the spring bar is held under tension. When you engage the blade, the tension slips the bar inward making contact with the butt of the blade, keeping it firmly in place and preventing closure. To disengage the blade, you use your thumb to push the spring bar towards the pocket clip so it clears the contact with the butt of the blade. Use your index finger to push the blade just enough so the bar is depressed so you can remove your thumb and then proceed to close the blade.

The Resilience also features a durable G-10 handle. This is a very uncommon feature on budget knives because G-10 is commonly featured on high-end pocket and survival knives. This premium laminate of fiberglass and resin withstands significant abuse from strikes and blows, chemical abuse and high-moisture environments. Even wet or greasy, you will notice the handle remains grippy. Textured black scales further enhance your grip preventing inadvertent injury.

Of course this big pocket knife is all about ergonomics. The Resilience has better ergonomics than small pocket knives. However, smaller pocket knives carry better than bigger ones. Keep in mind that due to its size, you will definitely notice you are carrying the Resilience. It's just a very, very big knife. However, to accommodate its impressive size, Spyderco has done their best in keeping this monster as slim and trim as humanly possible. At 5.4 ounces, it's chunky, but when you take into consideration other 3.5 inch knives on the market that weigh as much or more, that’s not too bad.

Another great feature is the 4-position pocket clip that gives you the option of tip-up or tip-down carry. Fully ambidextrous, it accommodates left-handed users extremely well. The standard Spyderco spoon clip is tough and low key, making the Resilience a decent everyday carry pocket knife. A well-placed lanyard hole further allows you to attach a fob or paracord of your choice.

Feature-for-feature and dollar-for-dollar, the Resilience is a robust pocket knife and a great buy in our Spyderco line-up. 

Pros:

• Simple and extremely popular pocket knife, and its simplicity is part of its overwhelming appeal.
• Large pocket knife with an extremely comfortable handle.
• 8Cr13MoV gives you great features such as good harness, edge retention and corrosion and wear resistance at a way more affordable price.
• Hefty and durable liner lock.
• High-grade G-10 handle.
• Customizable 4-position carrying pocket clip. 

Cons: 

• 8Cr13MoV is not a high-end steel but it significantly reduces the price of this highly utilitarian knife.
• Liner locks are commonly found on budget knives. However, Spyderco’s design is hefty and durable. 

Another shining example of Spyderco’s passion of providing you with the best pocket knives is the Spyderco Pacific Salt 2. With an ultra-corrosion-resistant H-1 blade, the Pacific Salt 2 is a highly sought-after and capable full-service pocket knife. Due to its resilient anti-corrosive blade, the Pacific Salt 2 was perfected to perform in and around water.

The Pacific Salt 2 closely mimics the Spyderco Endura 4 Lightweight. However, the Salt 2 is slightly smaller give or take one or two millimeters. It has an overall length of 8.72 inches, a 3.78 inch blade with a 3.39 inch cutting edge, a blade thickness of 2.9 millimeters and weighs 2.9 ounces. This highly-refined masterpiece is also available with a fully-serrated blade. The serrated model is ideal for anyone looking for extreme cutting power to rip through fibrous and hard to cut material such as netting, thick fishing line, webbing and rope. If you are not too keen on the black coated blade as featured above, the Salt 2 is also available with a black handle with a standard stainless steel blade edge.

Spyderco never ceases to provide you with the best quality pocket knives and the Pacific Salt 2 is a prime example. Similar to the Assist Salt and Tasman Salt 2 (equipped with that wicked Hawkbill blade) the Pacific Salt also features a H-1 steel blade. According to Spyderco, H-1 is a unique high-end material that uses nitrogen instead of carbon ultimately giving you a superb stainless steel with great anti-corrosion properties. H-1 truly shines because it doesn’t contain much carbon, and the amount of nitrogen acts like a carbon and does not interact with chlorine to trigger rust. The inclusion of Molybdenum further enhances corrosion resistance. Another reason for its high anti-corrosive properties is the inclusion of Chromium. Thus, the Pacific Salt and its brethren (i.e. Assist Salt and Tasman Salt 2) are ideal for knives to be used around fresh and saltwater. H-1 is also very easy to sharpen and a simple portable sharpener will give you a razor sharp edge.

With a high anti-corrosive blade, the Pacific Salt comes well-equipped with an iconic and exceptionally strong back lock. The lock-up is rock solid. Once deployed, the blade sits firmly in place and there is no back and forth or side-to-side play. The benefits of this locking mechanism is its reliability, strength, ease-of-use and safety.

Now of course, as with any knife that has been in service for years, you may develop noticeable “blade play”. This is easily rectified by simply tightening the pick screw. The back lock also has a small groove that outlines it from the rest of the spine. Thus, depressing the lock with your thumb won’t seem to be a problem, even blindfolded. Deployment of the blade is extremely smooth.

The blade handle is made from tough FRN (Fiberglass Reinforced Nylon) and has Spyderco’s Bi-Directional Texture pattern. Its finger grooves give you a solid and secure grip when performing cutting tasks in wet and unsuitable conditions. Best yet, you get to choose the handle color of your preference. The Salt 2 comes in bright “see me” yellow or green.

Similar to the Endura 4 Lightweight, the Pacific Salt 2 also features the distinguished and versatile 4-position pocket clip, giving you the option of tip-up or tip-down carry. If you are left handed, don’t worry, the Pacific Salt 2 is fully ambidextrous and significantly accommodating for left-handed use.

The Spyderco Pacific Salt 2 is a shining example of a rugged pocket knife designed for professionals and novices who need an exceptional knife to perform in and around water. 

Pros:

• Highly sought-after and capable full-service pocket knife.
• Fully-serrated blade maximizes cutting power.
• H-1 steel blade is extremely resistant to corrosion.
• Iconic and exceptionally strong back lock.
• Bright yellow “see me” FRN handle with Spyderco’s Bi-Directional Texture pattern.
• Versatile 4-position pocket clip.

Cons: 

• Serrated blade needs a specialized sharpening tool. You can always opt for the standard stainless steel blade edge. 
• FRN handle may have a plastic feel to it. However, it is extremely durable, tough and keeps the knife lightweight. 

The Spyderco Dragonfly 2 is a remarkably lightweight and refined colossus that gives you the perfect balance of its compact size and exceptional cutting performance. It further features a uniquely shaped handle that’s comfortable and accommodates all hand sizes. Its superior blade-to-handle geometry and leveraging points made the Dragonfly 2 cut and feel like a much larger knife when in your hand.

Let’s not underestimate this little beauty. It has an overall length of 5.563 inches, a 2.25 inch blade with a 1.875 inch cutting edge, a blade thickness of 2.5 millimeters and weighs 1.2 ounces. This lightweight is full of surprises, aside from the standard straight edge blade, it is also available in a serrated version with a bright yellow handle featuring premium H-1 corrosion-resistant stainless steel. An ideal choice if you need to rip through fibrous materials, netting, thick fishing line, webbing or rope.

Similar to the Spyderco Endura 4 Lightweight and Spyderco Delica 4 Lightweight, the Dragonfly’s blade is also forged from high-end VG-10 stainless steel designed in Japan by Takefu Special Steel Company.

This is the most popular and highly-regarded Japanese stainless steel in the business. Originally, it was aimed at the production of high-end kitchen knives and marketed to Japanese Chefs. However, its superior quality was immediately recognized by the knife community overseas and became almost an overnight favorite. In fact, Spyderco and Fallkniven (a manufacturer of quality survival knives) started using VG-10 stainless steel for their outstanding knives. VG-10 gives you exceptional strength, durability, edge retention and extreme corrosion resistance. Due to these highly sought-after features, VG-10 does cost more, but you get an extremely reliable blade.

Not only are you getting high-end VG-10 stainless steel, the Dragonfly also features a very durable and strong back lock. Once the blade is fully deployed, lock up is extremely solid. It sits firmly in place and there is no blade play (i.e. back and forth or side to side). This mechanism is extremely reliable, durable and highly-regarded for its ease-of-use and safety. Fully ambidextrous, it's extremely accommodating for left-handed use.

Its handle is designed from tough FRN (Fiberglass Reinforced Nylon) and further features Spyderco’s patented Bi-Directional Textured pattern. This well-rounded handle gives you a solid and secure grip when putting it to use in wet and unsuitable conditions. Of course beauty is in the eye of the beholder and if aesthetics is important to you, the Dragonfly 2 comes in various color configurations such as digital camo, bright orange, pink and dark grey with the amazing Emerson Opener.

The pocket clip is another exceptional design. This is a Spyderco wire clip that is small but extremely secure. This little piece of hardened steel gives you a deep and reliable carry. The handle has also been designed for ambidextrous tip-up carry. It is virtually invisible when riding in a pair of your favorite jeans or dress pants for more formal occasions.

The Spyderco Dragonfly 2 punches well-above its weight and is one of the best compact everyday carry pocket knives on the market. 

Pros:

• Perfect balance of its compact size and exceptional cutting performance.
• High-end VG-10 stainless steel gives you exceptional strength, durability, edge retention and extreme corrosion resistance.
• Durable and strong back lock gives you a solid lock-up.
• Tough FRN (Fiberglass Reinforced Nylon) featuring Spyderco’s patented Bi-Directional Textured pattern.
• Wire pocket clip is extremely secure.
• One of the best compact everyday carry pocket knives on the market. 

Cons: 

• FRN handle may have a plastic feel to it. However, it is extremely durable, tough and keeps the knife lightweight.
• Not intended for extreme use. 

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Final Note.

Since its inception in 1981, Spyderco has continuously brought us innovative designs, craftsmanship and nothing but high-quality pocket knives. This solidified Spyderco’s reputation as an international powerhouse.

The top 10 Spyderco pocket knives listed above are a testament to Spyderco’s outstanding craftsmanship and overall ruggedness. From the tip of the blade to the end of the handle, these knives represent quality, modern design and refined functionality.

From professionals to novices, any one of our top 10 Spyderco pocket knives will give you outstanding performance.

What do you think? Did we miss your favorite Spyderco pocket knife? Drop us a quick message.

If you are a knife enthusiast at heart, don’t forget to check out our articles on compact fixed blades, survival knives, hard use folding knives and the best budget knives.

Wherever your adventures take you, stay vigilant, be safe and we wish you and your families nothing but the best.

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