I’ve been wanting a solid Spyderco made alternative to the Benchmade Bugout. Nothing against Benchmade per se, I just vastly prefer the Spyder hole for opening and prefer Spyderco ergonomics overall. I see the Para 3 LW touted often, but it’s a bit heavier than a Bugout.
So I expanded my forum horizons a bit and did some searching on what Spyderco offered that was a real Bugout alternative. Over on the Spyderco forum I read a recommendation for the Salt 2. It’s 1.9 oz vs the 1.85 of the Bugout. Close enough. Blade is a bit shorter, but not enough to bother me. Both knives are linerless, so same/same. Back lock isn’t as sexy as an Axis lock, but honestly, a sub 2 oz knife with no liners hardly qualifies as a hard use special regardless of the lock. I’m also pretty fond of Spyderco’s execution of the back lock anyway.
Where the Salt 2 really wins out for me is the handle. It’s Delica 4 ergos all the way, and lord knows I do love the Delica 4 as a good mid sized knife the feels great in the hand. I went with the serrated Wharncliffe blade, but there are other options.
I can push cut paper with the blade although only one scallop does the cutting on this type of cut. It slices cardboard very well. Where I’ve found serrated edges to really shine of late is making feather sticks. For whatever reason, I can get noticeably thinner shavings with a Spyderco serrated edge than I can a plain edge. I’ve also found serrated edges to be better for me when cutting rope and zip ties, two things I cut a fair amount of. So far I’m loving this little guy and think it’s sinfully under advertised as a hiking/backpacking lightweight companion.
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Originally Posted by 5pins
