The Best Spyderco Knives For Everyday Carry

Since the debut of its first-ever blade in 1981, Spyderco has become an increasingly revered name in the pocket knife space, with an expansive and illustrious history that’s included the introduction of a slew of noteworthy innovations and just as many legendary fixed blades and folders. As one of the most eminent knife outfits currently in operation, Spyderco’s catalog is currently comprised of some of the most popular and sought-after blades on the market. This includes a plethora of models that are highly conducive to everyday carry duties — blades that we’ll be highlighting today in this guide to the best Spyderco knives for everyday carry. Alongside our picks for the Colorado company’s best everyday carry folders, we’ll also be delving into the history of the brand, what makes it so special, and what sets it apart from other leading competitors. 

Before we go any further, we should first unpack the history of Spyderco. Spyderco’s story begins in 1976 in Redding, California, when husband and wife Sal and Gail Glesser first conjured up their inaugural invention known as the “Portable Hand.” Designed to securely hold small objects in place when performing intricate tasks, the Portable Hand was comprised of a weighted base equipped with four arms, each of which culminated in an alligator clip. This would ultimately afford the Glessers experience in designing and prototyping products, which they would harness to create Spyderco’s first official product with the Tri-Angle Sharpmaker in 1978 — the same year the husband and wife packed up and relocated to Golden, Colorado, where the company remains to this day. Primarily sold at fairs, knife expos, and trade shows, this multi-rod sharpener still remains in production today (albeit in a modernized form). 

On the heels of his work-stand and sharpener, Sal would ultimately unveil Spyderco’s very first knife in 1981 with what was christened the “C01 Worker.” Produced until 2001, the C01 Worker was a legitimately game-changing, watershed knife that represented a slew of significant industry firsts — many of which have become common practice today. On top of being Spyderco’s first knife, the C01 Worker was also the first-ever tactical pocket knife, the first one-handed-opening pocket knife, the firs thumb-hole-opened blade, and the first folding pocket knife to feature a pocket clip. This knife also boasted a myriad of design elements that are now recognized as Spyderco hallmarks such as its overall handle profile, thumb-hole opening, and lead-shaped blade, though just as importantly, it also began a history of innovation that’s become baked into the brand’s identity and MO ever since. 

In the more than 40 years that have passed since debuting the C01 Worker, Spyderco has become one of the most respected names in the knife space, with a reputation for delivering high-quality, utilitarian knives that are engineered from the ground up for hard use. Its prolonged success also enabled Spyderco to massively expand its catalog to include an ever-growing assortment of different fixed blades, folders, and other small accessories such as tools, pens, and keychains. Also armed with a slew of noteworthy patents, trademarks, and industry awards, Spyderco now features a worldwide distribution network and manufacturing facilities in Japan, Italy, Taiwan, and, of course, its home country of America. 

Carried by everyone from active military personnel to industrial workers to EDC enthusiasts, Spyderco’s knives have developed a world-class reputation for a plethora of different reasons. First off, rather than being penned to look elegant or aggressive, the Colorado company designs all of its knives with a primary focus on utility. Not only are these highly-calculated knives engineered to lend themselves to everything from fine and delicate cutting tasks to hard use, but as true workhorses, they’ve also been designed to make maintenance as streamlined and easy as possible — a fact that’s frankly unsurprising considering that Spyderco’s knives are actually made to be used and aren’t just show pieces or “drawer queens.” 

These designs are made all the more impressive by the fact that Spyderco brings them to life utilizing high-end materials and meticulous manufacturing standards, As touched on above, another defining trait of the brand is its dedication to innovation. This has not only lead to a myriad of major breakthroughs and firsts, but has also resulted in Spyderco constantly striving to push the envelop, with even its best-designed, most-popular blades being slowly but steadily tweaked and improved over time. From the texturing and ergonomics of its handles to the profiles and thickness of its blades, just looking at Spyderco’s knives leaves zero doubt about the fact that these blades are designed with a focus utility, performance, and functionality over everything. 

Another aspect that makes Spyderco so revered is its standards for build quality. While admittedly nicer on its more high-end models, Spyderco has developed a much-deserved reputation for churning out fixed blades and folders that benefit from ultra-tight tolerances and super-stringent quality control standards. This is made possible through hand assembly and finishing, which massively elevates the quality of these items. So, once you add up its stellar designs, top-notch build quality, and use of premium materials, it becomes blatantly clear why the Spyderco name carries so much weight in the knife community. Interestingly, it doesn’t end there, as there are a few additional factors that further separate Spyderco from other knife makers on the market. 

On top of meticulously crafting knives, Spyderco’s factory also offers a slew of other supplementary services such as free cleaning and sharpening, as well as reassembly and removal of integral pocket clips, just to name a few. What’s more, if you happen to chip or snap the tip of your Spyderco’s blade — which seldom happens, though when it does is typically a result of the knife being dropped or being utilized as a pry tool — the knife can then be sent to the Spyderco factory which will re-grind and/or re-profile the blade (and can also re-serrate it, too, if desired). It’s also very much worth pointing out that Spyderco stands behind each and every knife that leaves its factory with a lifetime warranty against defects in material and workmanship — an element that, wen combined with the services the company’s factory offers, practically guarantees a lifetime of use. 

There are a great many similarities between Spyderco and other eminent American knife makers like Benchmade or Microtech. Spyderco’s designs tend to put a major premium on utility over all else, with looks taking a backseat to functionality. This highly utilitarian nature is largely based on a well-proven existing formula — the foundation for which was laid by the C01 Worker — that includes a now instantly-recognizable look that screams “Spyderco” — unlike a great many Benchmade or Microtech knives that can’t easily be identified without seeing a logo (or proprietary locking mechanism). In addition to guiding Spyderco’s selection of premium materials, this utility-trumps-all ethos also means that the Golden, Colorado company seldom produces ultra-top-shelf show knives — like Benchmade does with its Gold Class or Microtech with its Signature Series and Marfione Customs lines. 

Spyderco also caters to a more working-class demographic, with high-quality, high-priced knives often purchased for work duties, along with a lesser expensive lineup of sub-$100 folders that still make for fantastic workhorse blades. And it’s because it makes both high-end and more affordable knives, coupled with the fact that it produces its knives in so many model variants, all with differing handle colors, blade shape, and edge types, that Spyderco’s collective catalog is much larger than Benchmade’s, with the former’s being comprised of more than 300 knives while the latter’s consists of less than 100. 

Another very blatant manner in which Spyderco differs from Benchmade and Microtech is in its choice of locking mechanisms, with Spyderco typically employing its signature compression lock (or a lock back on its less expensive models) while Benchmade and Microtech opt for their own proprietary AXIS and RAM-LOK mechanisms (at least on their folding knives). Likewise, Benchmade’s folding knives are widely known for their use of thumb-stud setups while a bonafide Spyderco hallmark is undoubtedly the brand’s thumb-hole openings. In general, Spyderco’s more high-end knives also tend to boast thicker blades than their Benchmade-produced counterparts. 

Spyderco Tenacious

Best Affordable/Entry-Level Pick: Probably one of the most adored folding pocket knives in the world, the Tenacious can be found on the hip of anyone who desires quality craftsmanship at a reasonable price. Capable of going tip to tip against more expensive knives thanks to its 8Cr13MoV blade steel and G-10 handle, it comes with a 0.76 blade-to-handle ratio, which is respectable, though the heavier handle shifts the weight a little and can feel awkward to some. It’s quick and hearty, but not quite as deadly slender as most of Spyderco’s lineup, making this a working knife. With a decent blade thickness of 0.122”, this accessibly-priced workhorse of a folder legitimately offers some of the best bang-for-your buck in the entire knife space. Spyderco also produces the Tenacious in more than 20 different variants, all ranging in handle material, finish, and edge type.

Spyderco Dragonfly 2

Best Compact Pick: It’s easy to discount the Dragonfly 2 as another undersized folding knife that doesn’t give you the grip necessary to really accomplish much, but that’s a window shopping mistake you shouldn’t make. The Japanese-made VG-10 stainless blade is light and begs to be used. In addition to its blade steel being sourced there, this entire knife is also made and assembled in Japan. A hair under 5.5 inches all told, it virtually disappears into your pocket, but can handle heavy work when it comes out thanks to the resiliency of the craftsmanship. This is also owed to the fact that, despite its size, the second-gen Dragonfly sports FRN handles with Spyderco’s patented bi-directional texturing, as well as jimping at the spine and choil — items that collectively afford the Dragonfly 2 stellar grip. In typical Spyderco fashion, this knife is offered in a wide array of model variants. With a delicate curve, few small knives feel quite as good in your hand, whatever your size.

Spyderco Delica 4

Best Classic Pick: The Delica 4 is most commonly the choice of the everyday carry crowd, mostly because it is made to be utilitarian, pulled out again and again for everything from cutting bales on a farm to fast fights on the mean streets of Chicago. Jimping on the spine along with the FRN (Fiberglass Reinforced Nylon) handle with bi-directional texture lets you use it from any angle for any purpose without it slipping out of your grip. It’s just 2.5 ounces with screwed-together construction that is about as stiff as it gets outside of a full tang fixed blade. First released in 1990 alongside the Endura, the now-fourth-gen Delica has garnered a large enough following that there’s now a wide range of available aftermarket parts and mods for the Delica 4 such as custom titanium scales. The Delica 4 is another one of the models that Spyderco produces in several dozen different variants, as well, including with different blade shapes and edges, along with the normal selection of handle material and finishes. 

Spyderco Para 3

Best Overall EDC Knife: With a shorter 3.00” blade and an overall length of just 7.27”, the Spyderco Para 3 is a more compact version of the PM2 that’s been reconfigured to be more conducive to everyday carry use — while retaining the qualities and characteristics that have made the Para Military 2 so revered. Made in America, the Para 3 features a beefy 0.14-inch-thick blade that’s composed of Crucible Industries’ CPM SPY27 blade streel — a Spyderco-exclusive construction that’s essentially a modified version of the S35VN/S45VN formula. Unsurprisingly, as a more EDC-focused alternative to the already legendary PM2, the Para 3 boasts a wide array of available aftermarket upgrades and mods, plus is offered in a pretty significant number of different factory-built model variants. 

Spyderco Manix 2

Best Workhorse Pick: The Manix 2 bears the same basic dimensions as the Tenacious in terms of length, but it is nearly a full ounce heavier. This is thanks in part to the hollow saber grind and the full liners. It also uses CPM S30V steel, which is an advanced powder metallurgy stainless steel made specifically for blade constructions that can hold a very fine edge and fight off corrosion with the best of them. On the handle you’ll find very heavy texturing to accommodate the weightier knife and give you better traction when using it — the same material and setup found on the Para Military 2, and for the same reasons. Another major highlight on this knife is its use of a ball-bearing locking mechanism, which provides an ultra-sturdy lockup while being incredibly easy to use. A huge paracord-level lanyard hole makes it perfect for camping as much as EDC. This knife does come at a more premium price point, though it no doubt represents a massive jump up in quality over knives like the Delica and Dragonfly, with a much thicker and more high-end blade, a more premium handle and locking mechanism, and a markedly smoother and more flickable action and deployment. 

Spyderco Chaparral

Best Gentlemen’s Knife: What happens when you take Spyderco’s signature workhorse formula and give it a dapper, upscale redux with some major gentlemen knife influence? The answer is the Spyderco Chaparral. Not only does it feature a less aggressive, more understated appearance that allows it to better fly under the radar, but the Colorado company’s normal G-10 or FRN and VG-10 or S30V constructions have been stepped up to carbon fiber scales paired with a super-premium CTS-XHP blade steel. It also has slightly smaller dimensions at under 6.5” overall — granted this shortened length allows the Chaparral to weigh in at a very svelte 2.50oz. With that said, these deviations from the brand’s typical MO don’t mean the knife sacrifices on performance — or build quality. Sadly, in lieu of a compression or ball-bearing lock, this other-wise top-shelf knife comes equipped with a back-lock. 

Spyderco Sage 5

Best Upgrade Pick: Using a black pocket clip against the carbon fiber exterior, the Sage has a decidedly understated look. Instead of flash, the Sage focuses on precision with a CPM-S30V steel blade that is flat ground for exact cutting in any circumstance. Though it uses a linerlock, it isn’t just any liner lock, and sees its blade kept firmly in place via the brand’s signature compression locking mechanism — also famously found on the PM2. Revered by knife enthusiasts, this mechanism has proven not to move in the slightest, even after years of constant carry, so there’s no travel or play to worry about. Since the handle is technically G-10 with carbon fiber atop it, you can debate whether or not it’s a true carbon fiber knife, though what you can’t debate is the fact that this dual material selection has resulted in a remarkably rugged yet lightweight set of scales that feel excellent in the hand. The more study 3.03” blade also gives this model a slightly more unique look while still obviously being a Spyderco. Sadly, despite its premium pricing, the Sage 5 is made in Taiwan — though you’d admittedly never know it based on the knife’s build quality and overall fit and finish. 

Spyderco Para Military 2

Best Tactical/Self-Defense Pick: In 2010 Spyderco introduced its second-generation Para Military knife, and while the company didn’t know it at the time, it had just debuted what would quickly become one of the most legendary and revered everyday carry knives in history. Also known simply as the “PM2,” the Para Military 2 boasts top-notch construction and build quality and ticks just about every box one could possibly hope for when shopping for an EDC knife. With a full-size 4.82-inch handle, a 3.24-inch blade length, and a blade thickness of 0.145”, the PM2 simply looks and feels like a knife made specifically for hard use — whether that tactical or industrial. The PM2’s immense popularity has not only resulted in Spyderco producing the knife in a massive number of different model variants, but its success has also given way to a nearly unparalleled selection of available aftermarket parts and upgrades for this icon of an EDC knife. 

The Best Benchmade Pocket Knives for EDC

If you enjoyed this deep dive into Spyderco, then you’ll almost certainly appreciate our guide to the best Benchmade knives for EDC, where we count down our top picks from the Oregon City outfit while also delving into what makes its knives so expensive and so special.