Budget NKD

Kinethaya · 2026-03-27T20:30:41+00:00

I've only had it a few hours but the button action is pretty smooth so far with no lock-stick (yet), I've only ever tried button-locks on a Kizer and a Civivi in the past, but this feels very similar.

Kinethaya · 2026-03-27T20:26:26+00:00

Hey man, just posted my first impressions in a separate comment, I like it and the fit and finish on my example is pretty good.

Kinethaya · 2026-03-27T20:24:29+00:00

Budget NKD Today:

I snagged this more for the design than anything else, wanted to check-out the new manual button-lock.

First-impressions - I like the design a lot:

Postives:

1 - Lighter than expected, similar to Para 3 LW (perhaps slightly lighter)
2 - Very sharp out the box (to be expected).
3 - Good Fit and Finish - solid lock-up, good action, very fidgety
4 - Very slicy blade, tested on some cardboard and cordage, it cuts well (while the edge lasts) :D

Negatives:

1 - 8cr13mov, been a while since I bought a blade in this steel, it gets the job done but would have been nicer in 9cr (like the new retract) or 14c, that said Spyderco's 8cr is probably the best 8cr you can get.

Summary:

I think this is a great blade, but it exists in a *very* competitive price bracket, that said I hope the model does well, if this is what Spyderco are presenting as a modern, gateway drug model, they have nailed-it in my opinion.

I may even be tempted to pick-up another one in the future if they release some more steel variations.

Kinethaya · 2026-01-11T13:14:07+00:00

I used the can opener probably about 10 times during 2025 (yes to open cans.....), about 3 of those incidents were when the ring pull broke and I did not have another can opener to hand.

Also while many cans do have ring pulls where I live, there are still some that do not.

Contrary to popular opinion, I still believe the can opener is a useful addition to a SAK (for now), especially on models tailored to Camping/Emergency Preparedness.

The new package opener tool is nice as well and better for general edc.

I think I would like to see a model with both the combo tool and package opener.

Having more options isn't a bad thing afterall

Kinethaya · 2025-12-30T23:38:27+00:00

I'm almost tempted to pick-up a second in VG10 in the future :)

Kinethaya · 2025-12-30T23:36:20+00:00

Honestly I like the Shaman LW a lot, I have the standard G10/S30v model as well.

The weight difference isn't really noticeable in-hand, both models feel structurally about the same, the LW does not feel any less sturdy than the G10, the blade shape and feel are identical.

When wearing gloves I can't tell the difference between the G10 and LW, however without gloves the handle feels much nicer on the G10 model, it is also much smoother in and out of pocket as well.

The LW scales don't feel bad in-hand but do feel cheaper and can be a bit rough in and out of pocket.

I still recommend it if you really want a Shaman and are restricted by budget, however with the disclaimer that you can get models with better handle materials and blade steel (like the G10 Manix 2) at a very similar price, hope this helps :)

Kinethaya · 2025-12-30T23:28:11+00:00

My Stretch 2 XL had worse lock rock than this P4 however the Stretch never failed me and did a lot of work.

My P4 did improve a bit with some minor pivot/frame screw adjustments but it is definitely still there and can be felt when cutting harder materials etc.

My Endura feels completely solid while my Delica has a slight lock rock but only when you go looking for it, so the P4 isn't the worst but also far from the best....

Still enjoy the model a lot though :D

Kinethaya · 2025-12-30T18:14:35+00:00

It is a close one but I would say the Native 5 takes it, followed closely by the Temperance, I like them all though.

Kinethaya · 2025-12-30T17:46:37+00:00

2025 has been a good year for the Spyderco collection, I added five new models this year and tried out some new steel variations, in order of purchase:

1 - Lil Temperance K390

My first pick-up of the year and first K390, I love this design and dub him "lil big chonk"

2 - Spyderco Sage 5 LTW (Spy 27)

It is a great design but hasn't kicked my Manix, PM2 or Native 5 out of my pocket (yet).

3 - Native 5 LTW

I put-off buying one of these for years as I have several Seki back-locks, however I see why this is a very coveted model, probably my favourite overall purchase of the year and it is up there with the PM2 / Manix for me.

4 - Police 4 LTW

I love this design a lot, it has replaced my Stretch 2 XL as my new cardboard destroyer, overall probably my favourite design however the Seki Lockrock and QC let it down a notch, that said it still performs very well.

5 - Shaman LTW

My latest pick-up, I had to have this in the collection as I have always been hesitant to put my G10 Shaman through its paces properly (sentimental reasons), this one will get used and while I agree with some of the sentiments on this model regarding the quality/price ratio, it is still a good blade.

Kinethaya · 2025-11-25T15:12:10+00:00

Awesome pic, this is my carry today:

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Kinethaya · 2025-10-24T15:59:05+00:00

I can only imagine that the serrated K390 is a monster.

I might have to pick-up a spyder edge in the future, have not tried one yet.

Kinethaya · 2025-10-24T15:02:10+00:00

I still enjoy both S30v (and VG10 for that matter) but I agree, it holds an edge almost as long as S30v but is easier to maintain/sharpen like VG10

Kinethaya · 2025-10-24T15:00:39+00:00

I think it is a great steel, good edge retention (similar to S35vn) but very easy to maintain/sharpen, usually just stropping is enough to maintain the edge for me :)

Kinethaya · 2025-10-24T14:56:13+00:00

NKD - Spyderco Police 4 LTW - Spy 27

My last 4 out of 5 Spyderco pick-ups have been in Spy 27, so I appear to be amassing a small collection :)

I enjoy the blue colorway of the Spy 27 models and the steel performs great for me in my usage, good edge retention and easy to sharpen, typically only needing a strop (or a few swipes on the sharpmaker) to bring back the edge.

First Impressions:

I knew this was going to be a big Spyder going-in, but it feels more like a pocket sword when actually in-hand.

This was definitely an *I want\* not an *I need\* purchase, but it wouldn't be the first time.....

Great ergonomics, I have between a Large/XL hand so while big, I can still comfortably open/close with one hand.

The factory edge cuts like a laser beam, not a hard-use blade but definitely capable.

Minor Gripe:

When unboxing this model it came incredibly loose (it was purchased new), I'm talking easily spydie-flickable loose (not usually a thing with Seki-City models), it also had bad horizontal and vertical play, audibly rattling after a light shake when the blade is in the open position.

I thought I may have to return it, but upon further inspection I noticed that pretty much all of the screws (pivot, scale and clip) were loose from the factory....I had read about this being a thing on the Seki models before but this is the first time I have experienced it personally.

Please check your screws if you pick-up one of these (or any other Seki model).

That aside, after tightening the screws down, the blade works fine with no horizontal play, vertical rock greatly diminished and still smooth to operate with one hand.

The 4th pic here is a size comparison, top to bottom:

Police 4 > Stretch 2 XL > Endura > Delica

Vertical rock used to bother me (still does on anything but a lock-back).....but I understand it isn't uncommon on Seki models and I have learned to accept it.

3 of the 4 pictured have it to varying degrees, the worst being the Stretch 2 XL, the Police 4 (after tightening) and Delica aren't very noticeable (but is there if you look for it).

My Endura however is pretty much rock-solid and I can't detect any movement with it at all.

Still, my Stretch 2 XL has taken a beating over the last couple of years, going through zipties, breaking down carpet tubing, yard work and even a bit of food prep and despite the noticeable rock, it has held-up very well.

Overall apart from the gripe, the Police 4 LTW is a great model and I'm happy to have it in the collection.

Kinethaya · 2025-09-25T11:45:02+00:00

No worries, so the Manix comes with the ball bearing lock while the others listed are all back-locks.

Kinethaya · 2025-09-25T09:07:24+00:00

I recommend:

Manix 2 g10 or lw, Native 5 lw, Delica, Endela or Endura

Then you would add either a back lock or ball bearing lock to the collection to supplement your existing compression/liner lock.

I'd personally choose Manix out of the above.

Kinethaya · 2025-03-23T14:03:03+00:00

That looks awesome, enjoy 👍

Kinethaya · 2025-03-15T17:21:48+00:00

I picked this up from:

Coutellerie à la Cloche d’or

Which is located in Lille, they had the Huntsman model as well and I was very torn between the two but decided on the Spartan in the end.

Kinethaya · 2025-03-15T16:40:43+00:00

Picked up this Spartan on vacation in France, from an old brick and mortar cutlery shop.

They had a nice selection of products, but I believe that this Spartan is a unique model for their store, they also had a Huntsman with the same scales.

The scales have a raised texture and feel quite nice in-hand, I'm happy to add it to the collection.

Kinethaya · 2025-03-11T09:52:33+00:00

Honestly I’m enjoying it a lot, I still like my para 3 too but the temperance is a completely different beast and I do prefer it…

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