eddiethedogDon't be deterred. The titanium version of this knife had been my daily carry for a few years, now. I even tried to replace it, but couldn't find something that worked better for me.
eddiethedogI'll take Taichung over Golden, CO any day. Sorry, but the factory in Taiwan is simply superior to any factory Spyderco presently owns. Believe me, I'd rather have USA made...unless the build quality is inferior (which is rare, but in this case, holds true). I own multiple Spydercos from all factory regions (except China), and hands down, my Taiwanese knives are the best.
Here's how I rank the various Spyderco factories with my current considerations to date. This is solely my opinion. Others may disagree. However, I own a ton of knives (10k+ value) and a large majority, Spydercos.
1. Taichung, Taiwan
2. Golden, CO
3. Seki City, Japan - My EDC when I wear my work Dickies is an Endura 4 Wave. VG-10 holds a phenomenal edge, however is not the friendliest to sharpen...plus scratches easily. Still, my most carried blade because I'm not worried about hurting it, and I'm confident in the spine lock.
4. China - I've never owned a Chinese made Spyderco, proud to say...although I've been tempted. ;) I'm only ranking China last due to my extensive research, not from personal experience.
overgroundWhat do you like better out of the Japanese blades ...the Moki or Seki- cut ?
Some spydies also come from some of the Italian blade factories also Fox ..... And Lionsteel I think
AntibacterialCompletely forgot about Moki - I believe (I'll have to check) that I only own 1 Moki knife which is an old Spydercard. I'm pretty sure my 2 original Persians (red and black G10) are from Seki and I know my Endura 4 is. Being that I only have the Spydercard, it's kind of hard for me to comment on Moki's production build quality. That being said, I love the Spydercard. I also forgot about Italy - of which I own none save for a Fox Karambit, which I got here on a drop, and it's a fantastic example of quality.
Also, I invite everyone to vote in my firestarters poll. http://dro.ps/v/HniE4wZ
overgroundIf i recall moki produced spydies have the rounded letter in spydies.
I think they do the Persian and caly models..whereas delica and endura are seki cut made.
They are a little gritty in the pivot but they wear in quick.
RiskIt really depends upon your intended application. For pocket jewelry / collecting, this. You're going to have a much better grip under working conditions with the FRN. I personally like both the Native 5 and the Delica 4. A little more partial to the Delica, just because it's offered Waved. It'd be a tough decision though, because I like the FFG and blade shape of the Native. You can get the Delica in FFG...just not FFG AND Waved. If we're talking non-waved & FFG Delica 4 vs. Native 5...I'd go for the Native 5. I prefer the leaf blade shape and a choil, but you can't really go wrong with either. I'll sometimes do the zip tie trick if I really want a Spydie Waved.
overgroundThanks for the info. I already own both a Delica 4 and Native 5 in FFG/FRN, and was just contemplating picking up the Sage.. changed my mind for now and looking at something from either Benchmade or Kershaw. Just want something a little different from what I already own.
RiskDelica and Native are both great knives, but I consider the Sage to be a step up in quality. I prefer a frame lock or liner lock before back lock. Also, FRN is very nice and grippy but feels a bit cheap.
overgroundTrying to decide between something from Benchmade (Griptilian/Mini or Osborne 940/941).. or Kershaw Leek/Scallion. So far I only own the 2 Spyderco and a Kershaw Chive (tons of pocket time with this little blade), just wanting something that's good but different from what I own.
RiskI have held or used all the models you mention. Right now my favorite is the Spyderco Paramilitary2. The grip/mini is a good blade but I think the handles feel cheap and plastic. The Osborne I held last night, its a solid knife but a huge knife. Makes my PM2 look like a miniature version. I have a Spyderco Tenacious/Manix2/Pm2 and I like them all, I also got on this drop for "something a little different".
RiskI have all of the knives you listed except the plain 940. You can't really go wrong with the Grips. I have a mini and the full size Cabelas' version in D2: http://www.cabelas.com/product/Benchmade-reg-D-Steel-Griptilian-reg-Plain-Blade-Knives/1545630.uts . They're both great, hardworking blades. Now if you were to ask me which of those you listed I like best, I'm going with the most expensive choice - the 940-1. It's beautiful with good steel and the blue standoffs really pop, but you pay for it. The Leek and / or Scallion are both solid options and can be had for good prices... in fact, there's a drop for the Leek happening right now.