The Spyderco Sage 2 is the second knife in Spyderco’s Sage series of knives, which pay tribute to different knife makers who have brought a revolutionary features to knife locking design. The design of each Sage knife centers around a knife maker and the design feature they are known for.
The Sage 2 – Your New EDC Knife
The Sage 2, or Titanium Sage, recognizes Chris Reeve, and his R.I.L. or Reeve Integral Lock. The titanium scales of the knife are used 
for both the scale and the lock. Some very high end, durable knives use this type of lock, and use titanium for the lock material, so the Sage 2 is in good company with both it’s locking design and use of titanium. The Sage 2 however comes in at a price point some what more affordable than those high end survival knives, while still using high quality materials and staying in line with the workmanship of a Spyderco knife.
The Sage 2 is made of 6A14V titanium and CPM S30V steel. The blade length is 3”, and blade thickness is .125”. Overall closed length is 4.188”, and weight is 3.5 ounces. The fit and finish on this knife is outstanding. Out of the box the knife was razor sharp and the blade was centered in the handle, and after daily use for a few months, it’s still centered. The blade opens smoothly on bronze washers and locks up solid with approximately 40% of the lock bar contacting the blade, which is pretty standard for most Sage 2s, and frame lock knives in general. The scales are screwed together with spacers, leaving a flow through design, and all screws are countersunk into the titanium handles for a smooth feel. The scales have beveled edges and a wire clip that is reversible. The wire clip is not the strongest point of the knife, but it works well and fits in well with the overall design style of the knife. Outdoors I would use a knife pouch rather than trust the wire clip for retention, but I’d do that with a lot of folding knifes.
The Blade
The 3” blade is in a trademark Spyderco leaf shape and is made of Crucible S30V, a very good steel. The .125” blade thickness originally did not inspire confidence in me, but now I feel that this knife can perform more than just EDC tasks. The steel really holds it’s edge and I rarely sharpen it, and if I do it’s just a slight touch up. The fine tip allows for precision work while the spear point and big belly allows you to really dig in and get cut some big slices without worrying about losing the edge. The spine and finger choil have jimping, allowing you to choke up on the blade to get leverage. There is a “Spydie hole” on the knife which allows for one handed opening, and it glides open very smoothly. When it was new it was a bit stiff opening and closing, but has since broken in.
The knife is made in Taiwan. While I would prefer that this knife was made in America, I don’t think I could have gotten such a good value if it was made in the USA. There is absolutely nothing wrong with the manufacture of this knife, and I will reiterate that fit and finish are excellent. The materials and workmanship are very high quality and I carry this knife almost daily. I put my trust into this knife and it’s county of origin does not sway that trust because when it comes down to it, I’m trusting a Spyderco knife.
A Good EDC Knife?
The Sage 2 would be a perfect utility folder, except it’s also a perfect EDC knife. It is made with style and class, high quality materials, 
but you could take it into the bush and do camp chores and wash it off in a stream. It’s perfectly at home in the office opening boxes and cutting fruit, but it is capable of much more. It’s a puzzling knife, part of me wants to baby it, treat it like it’s delicate, but I know better. The blade is sharp and strong, the lock won’t fail, and neither the blade nor the scales will rust easily. It’s just too pretty to abuse.
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Love Spyderco!!
I'll stick with my old Remington Bullet Knife for EDC. Almost 70 years old and still one of the strongest folders I have ever used! They don't make them like they used to.
Spyderco knives are excellent and you really can't go wrong with any of their knives. Most "spyder freaks" agree that the spydies made in Taiwan are only second to the Golden, Colorado spydies. However, for a survivalist, ditch the folders and go fixed blade.
Good looking knife. I think my next 'hundred dollar' purchase(s) will most likely be flashlights. I need some SOLID lights for both weapons mount and pocket carry so I'll go with the knives I have. Solid blades, Kay-Bar for the belt, Army survival knife (GI issued in 1970) in the BOB, and my Case and Schrade in the pocket.
I'm right there with you Capt. Being partial to edge tools, I'll stay with my old "Case" Combat knife ( KABAR copy), Case yellow handleTrapper (30 YO), Gerber locking folder. My daily carry is a Case Yellow handle tiny trapper 3" and a Gerber multi tool. Other than the multi tool, my knives are often refered to as relics, but these tried and proven tools continue to serve me well. Others include a handmade12" machette a friend brought back from Brazil in 73, bone handle Uncle henry filet knife that used to have a 10" blade and of course my scout hatchet I got back in the 60s. Having grown up in a much different time, I carried a pocket knife since I was 5, everyday, including school and no one thought a thing about it! My generation knew the "proper" way to wear a baseball cap too. hahahahaha
Interestingly enough those old "relics" cut just as cleanly now as they did 40 years ago! OK, my KABAR is a new knife but I have no doubt that my great grand kids can use it when it is their time. I did forget my Swiss Army, my Leatherman, my Army commo knife, and misc. other blades.
I like it they wear their hats that way. It tells me who the idiots are that put looking "cool" ahead of protecting their vision. I now know who to trust and who won't make it.
I've got a Fenix LD20 and a Quark AA. The Fenix IMHO is a more solidly built light. Tough, but operates as smooth as silk. It's a double AA with good run times, but the Quark (single AA) has a 'moonlight' setting I really like. The Quark has given me a little trouble lately as it has started *fizzing?* Sort of a crackling/flashing effect. I'll probably send it back for repairs/replacement. I got it for EDC purposes. Speaking of which…
I just got a Maratac AAA Extreme from CountyComm for my key ring. REALLY small and bright. (I put a piece of scotch tape over the lens for a little diffusion. It's a twisty with two settings. I really dig it for the simplicity. It's built like a tank.
I use Eneloops in all 3.
My $.02
I've had a Spyderco Clipit Endura for almost 20 years and I still carry it everyday. It has a lot of sentimental value, but it's also a one of the best quality knives I've ever owned.
Does it have the 'waffle' patterned handle? I think I had one of those back in the day. Still miss it. :/
Nice review. Thanks!!!
Thanks Dan! I hope you had a good Thanksgiving. I appreciate the feedback.
Nice review, I bought a Spyderco mariner about 25 years ago and love it, still carry it occasionally (although i like to use my less expensive knives for work-I am pretty tough on work knives-no matter how tough they are). But no other folder I have holds an edge like my Mariner. The serrated edge is brutal and easy to maintain, it might be time to look into upgrading, thanks for the info…
Sounds like a good knife Mr. Smashy, like Capt Bart & Straydog I have a "weak spot" for good knives… My VERY expensive knife kit that I bought when I was a butcher is a perfect example. I have never picked up a Spyderco knife, I couldn't justify the prices of the few I have seen around here when cheaper (priced) blades can fill the role I use them for. I think after reading your review I am gonna have to pick myself up one for my birthday. Thanks
good review, but “… holds it’s edge …” needs to be fixed – typo i’m sure and just a nitpick on my part… oh, and i love my Sage 2 – it’s destined to be a classic due to its design! 🙂
I'll Stick to my old Leatherman Supertool (USA). Has more than just a blade and it locks open too.
i like my gerber
Holy Crap!!! 150.00 for a pocket knife?!? I have a buck 110 for 30.00 and a pocket tool for 11.00 . I can use either one of those for anything that knife can do and more! I've trusted my life on cheaper knives, but the trick is to buy for quality not price or name brand. I've noticed the more expensive knives I have I am afraid to loose them and you have to worry about depreciation when you sharpen them. The best knife is the one you have on you when you need it.
I carry an old Navy issue marlin spike as well as that buck 110for both and the pocket tool I carry, I have 65.00 invested and I know I can use them to survive…do it almost once a month for fun.