Sage 5 Lightweight | Spyderco’s Best EDC Knife

[@MichaelE.Douroux]

The Sage 5 LW has a pivot bushing, where the regular doesn't. Keeps the blade centered and makes for smoother action.

[@manifestgtr]

The sage 5 lw is always my recommended first spyderco. It’s a brilliant example of everything that spyderco gets right about pocket knives, it’s tightly produced, comfortable, smooth and endlessly usable in a practical, everyday setting.

[@GearedTowardGear1]

Amen!!! Thanks for watching!

[@richardvirchow3390]

I just ordered a Sage 5 LW - I like the shape of the leaf-blade, like the fact that the knife has steel liners. And I imagine that the pivot bushing will make opening a lot easier. Can’t wait for delivery. Great review - thanks..!

[@vincentlee2743]

That native 5 with the red handle and black blade looks absolutely brilliant!

[@megaronknives3032]

If they would make the Sage 5 in this configuration with like CTS-XHP, uffff that would fly off the shelfs...

[@Trolldaddy5]

I wish they did a native 5 with a compression or axis lock! Then it would be perfect

[@TheDigitalcrack]

I know I'm a year late to the party and conversation but dude you are absolutely right. I just got this knife and yes...yes...yes...I have no idea what the heck they did in the Taiwan shop compared to the US shops but this knife's production is spot perfect. All the detail are done so well and the HEAVENLY action is beyond anything I have ever felt. I have to be honest here, I truly didn't believe people who talked about this opening and closing. I have had 4 Spyderco's with compression systems and all of them feel the exact same BUT This one. It feels like it's closing down on a rubber shock system or something and the opening is so easy and smooth ...like it's gliding. Love the feel in my hands and the look of the volcano grips. Even the weight is perfectly done ...making it feel like a strength instead of something hollow.

[@GearedTowardGear1]

Yes!! Very well said. It really is amazing how this knife feels compared to other compression locks. Your description of a “rubber shock system” is spot on!!!

[@OLMmedic]

I absolutely love the sage 5 lightweight. I just got the new variant in m5 with green frn. By the way , i agree about how awesome frn is. I will take good frn over most materials

[@bladecentered2264]

Great video, I had to sell my para 3 LW also, because of the thumb ramp cramping my thumb. Looking to pick up a sage 5 LW now

[@sonofliberty78]

Just got a Sage 5 LW with a coated M4 blade. It immediately kicked the FF Stinger I had been carrying, (still a great knife), right out of my pocket. It’s my second Spyderco. My first one was a M4carta Shaman. I’m not messing around. 😁 Thanks much for the review!

[@jhnstn00]

This is great review that clearly covers specs and explains your opinion and rationale well. Keep it up with the knives. Would definitely recommend your channel and have subscribed. Very well delivered.

[@Regolith86]

I've been rotating through a Sage 5 LW, a Manix 2XL, and a Shaman as my EDC knife for the past 4 months. I also own one of the early Natives, but it hasn't really been my go-to EDC for a couple of years now (though it did spend a good 13 or so years in that role). Each knife has something it does just a little bit better in terms of ergonomics than the other, such that I can't really say that the Sage 5 has the best ergos. For me, the thumb ramp on the Sage is still a little bit too much, and it leaves my thumb feeling a bit cramped when used in the forward grip with the finger choil. The handle is also just a bit too small to be completely comfortable in the rearward grip. It is definitely a great knife to carry, though. The Manix 2XL has a similar thumb ramp and hence a similar issue when used in the forward grip, but it probably has hands down the best ergonomics when used in the rearward grip of any of the four knives. It just locks into my grip like it was made specifically for my hand. The Shaman is great in either the forward or the rearward grip due to its Native-style blade and contoured handle, but loses a few points due to some sharp edges on the G10 and the slick handle. The pocket clip can also be a bit of a hot spot. My dream knife I think would be a Shaman/Native-style blade on the Manix 2XL handle with a compression lock and a wire pocket clip.

[@randyf.9188]

The Sage 5 is their best model in that size IMO. I prefer the wire clip as well. I don't have the "LW", simply because there's not much difference in weight. It would be better for outdoor activities.

[@trlarosa]

What a great video. Thank you so much! I stumbled upon the Sage 5 lightweight on a list of top edc knives and started to investigate because I do t have a Spyderco and love the spydie hole. I’m going to need to try it. From the video I also love everything about it, particularly the size, blade shape, and wire clip. The compression lock seems good and secure. For my larger hands I think it will be better than the Chaparral. Great job and I have subscribed. Take care!

[@luv4tig]

I own both. And the para 3 lightweight feels better in the hand. The handle is slightly longer which provides a better grip and better mobility. Other than that, I prefer the Sage 5. Put the Sage 5 blade on a para military 3 handle. And you'd have the perfect knife.

[@darrengreen8701]

I just bought the sage 5 lw. I compared it to the para 3 and had the same opinion as you on the 2 knives. Great video.

[@charlesdudek7713]

The Native handle is thicker because if I'm not mistaken it is linerless so the frn or frcp is structural. Love that red and black on the Native. I ordered the Sage 5 a couple of days ago and the lack of color choice was my only gripe, otherwise it checks all the boxes for me. Great video.

[@ScottBondradioflier]

Welcome back Sean! I’ve never been a big Spyderco fan. That said, I love the Sage 5! The only other Spydie I have is the frn Chaparral which looks like a “honey I shrunk the knife” Sage 5. After watching this video I think there might be a Native 5 and or a Centofonte in my future. Thanks for the video brother!

[@GearedTowardGear1]

Hey Scott! Thanks so much for watching brother!

[@tomcaldwell5914]

I wish Spyderco would offer more options in steel and scales for the Sage 5 LW. I like everything about it but want more choices.

[@mildmannerededc]

Fantastic video and review Sean! So glad to see the Sage 5 getting the love it deserves. Oft overshadowed by the Para3, but the leaf blade and ergos are frankly just better. Thanks!!

[@GearedTowardGear1]

Amen brother!!

[@The_Professor_]

Hey! It’s Sean! I was wondering when this video would come around. Great video as always my friend!

[@Zaque-TV]

Yeah I love the slight thumb ramp. Same with the manix 2lw. Welcome back!

[@GearedTowardGear1]

Thanks so much for watching!

[@solaydbak]

Good video. I’d have to say I love the para 3 lw. And BD1N steel hasn’t been tested yet. But it’s supposed to be a top tier steel.

[@jococo7920]

I buy one today I'm really happy with it feel solid and great ergo in the hand ... in beginning I was going for the benchmade bugout but at the end i choose sage 5 lw and i really love it

[@bunzoreviews8049]

Congrats on almost 5K. I’ve been waiting for a video. Can’t wait to watch it

[@GearedTowardGear1]

Thanks so much Bunzo!!

[@spiderdavis3296]

I agree with you.The sage 5 lite weight has a better blade shape than the para and the blade is thiner. I love mine.

[@esoteric5277]

Only had my Sage 5LW for a couple of days now, and I don't own any other Spydies aside from the Native 5LW and Manix 2LW, yet (I do have the Byrd Robin, Crow and Cara Cara, as well as Ganzo's Meadowlark-lookalike F759M). I was actually a bit surprised to find that the Sage is easier to carry than the Native, even though it's a bit wider and sits a lot deeper in the pocket (I'm not necessarily a fan of deep-carry clips). It's a lot easier to get my hand past it into the pocket than it is with the Native (although that would change if I'd put a deepcarry clip on the Native, which I might still do🤔). The Sage would be even nicer if it had a bladeshape like that on the Native and a buttonrelease like on the Smock🤗 It would be totally awesome if the Sage 3 were still in production😎 Better yet if it would always be available with all five different locktypes, and if we could customize scales (color and materials), clips and blade (shape, material and finish) right off the bat🤩🤑🤐 In all honesty though, for EDC, fidgetability and affordability, I do prefer my BM 555 and 565😖. But for actual use, Spyderco wins😅

[@GearedTowardGear1]

Amen! Well said. 👊🏻👊🏻🍻🍻

[@l1l8Note]

Super great review. Thx for this good vibe sharing talking about the Sage 5

[@rhino5419]

Hello Sean. So glad to have you here again. Lol. I hope you and your family are well and safe. I believe i have pereviously said i am not a plastic or a Spidey fan, I like the boxes though. That won't stop me watching. All the best, stay safe.

[@GearedTowardGear1]

Hey there! Great to hear from you sir! Thanks so much for watching despite not being a Spyderco fan, lol. They’re not for everyone that’s for sure, I know so many people who like them and many who don’t. I think it’s a pretty polarizing brand.

[@jackchn23]

I’ve been wanting a Spyderco PM1 model to checkout. I carry a Salt H1 when surf fishing at the beach, or off shore. It has never let me down. It’s big, but light hardknow it’s there until you need it. The H1 steel really does a great job at being rust free from the salt water.

[@GearedTowardGear1]

Right on man! The Salt series are fantastic. I’ve had a couple of Pacific Salts and I have a Native 5 salt that’s fantastic.

[@wasnt_it]

I was hoping that this one wouldn't have liners before it came out, but it probably functions better with them and I still quite like it. I carry a Sage-1 pretty often too, which I've had for almost a decade I think. I wish they'd put a wire pocket clip on a version of the Native some day, (as I'm sure you would too). CQI that thing!

[@hilltopknivesandgear8103]

Hey brother!!!!! Good to see you!!!! Or hear you or whatever 😁!!! Hope all is well brother!! Never owned any of the the sage series. But id like to have the full ti 1. Oh BTW I see you're at 5k!!!! Congratulations brother!!!!!!

[@GearedTowardGear1]

Hey brother, thanks for watching man! I didn’t even realize I had hit 5k. I hadn’t been paying too much attention to it these last couple weeks. That’s pretty neat though! 👊🏻👊🏻👊🏻

[@sk0siris]

Wellcome back ;)!!! It looks great knife and fidget friendly!

[@GearedTowardGear1]

Thank you!!

[@Slithh]

Well hell. You talked me out of the Native 5 and into the Sage. The info on the liners was huge for me. Thank you so much for that!! The Native 5 is still on my radar but NOT the light weight. FRN has always felt cheap and flimsy to me but it makes sense on the Sage with the liners. As always, great video Sean! You are always a wealth of information!

[@GearedTowardGear1]

Hey brother! Thanks so much for watching! If you snag a Sage 5 LW I’ll be super interested to hear how you like it! And if you hate it I’ll buy it from you, lol.

[@Slithh]

It's ordered lol. I'm glad i didn't pull the trigger on the Native 5 LW. I think i would have been disappointed. I am looking forward to the Native 5 in G10 one day as well as the Sage 5 in G10. I may buy the Native soon and the Sage 5 original will have to wait. I'm impatiently awaiting a package(s) with the Perpetua, Kershaw Highball and Civivi Exarch. It's like Christmas! I really, really need to sell some inventory! That's why they call it a collection right?? I digress.

[@Deadtileyedie]

Yeah I 100% agree with you. This Is my edc. But you could always collect the whole sage series. I want the maximet sage 1 as well. Im also a big fan of the manix 2 mainly for its ergos and strength but the sage 5 has the the manix 2 beat on ergos and the compression lock and full liners the sage 5 is pretty strong!

[@patrickvanovermeeren4513]

Good to hear from you.. One of the most easy to edc knives. Good ergonomics,handy size. Great presentation, thanks for sharing.👍😊

[@GearedTowardGear1]

Thanks Patrick!

[@tpaynemm]

Nice video. Only thing I would have liked to compare to was a Manix 2 lightweight

[@rustyknifelover4463]

The Sage 5 LW is on my buy list. I have been collecting Cold Steel knives. Recon 1, AD10, and SR1. Getting a Code 4 with the Snaggletooth Ring and Deployment.

[@GearedTowardGear1]

Nice man! Cold Steel makes some great stuff. I’ve had the American Lawman on my buy list for a long time.

[@rustyknifelover4463]

@@GearedTowardGear1 Me too. The list keeps growing.

[@Trolldaddy5]

I really wish they would do a native 5 with a compression lock. I have the lil native and it's awesome. I want something a little bigger but I think the sage 5 is ugly, and i just dont like back locks, so i won't get a native 5, although it looks like the perfect knife!

[@doejon9424]

I think the Sage 5 Lightweight is great, but it could be better. It's off to a great start with the super thin blade, compression lock, wire clip & liners. Jimping is perfect. For me the Native 5 is more ergonomically friendly, for me personally. The handle needs to be tweeked a skosh. Is that a "Never Summer/NFFF" Native 5 LW in LC200n you have ?

[@wylinout2257]

Thx for the vid. Now definitely waiting on the Spyderco Centofante Vid drop 👍

[@dualsportoutdoors]

Why the hell did I not get the notification? I had the bell on! Sweet knife! Hope all is well Sean!

[@jeremyspaulding7735]

Welcome back Sean another great review this definitely peaks my interest I only own a tenacious from Spyderco and have been wanting to try a higher quality knife from them I think this may be the one price is right and I definitely like size and construction keep up the great work my friend

[@GearedTowardGear1]

Thanks Jeremy! Great to hear from you my friend.

[@jamesross8274]

Native 5 for me It has everything I need in a in a knife.

[@beardedgear]

It just makes me want an FRN Sebenza even more.

[@GearedTowardGear1]

Hell yeah man, gotta get a Taichung Sebenza LW!!

[@stoneblue1795]

The red handled Native 5 with the black blade as well as your OD green Bugout are quite splendid. Just saying (well done).

[@GearedTowardGear1]

Haha, thanks JP!! The red Native 5 started out as a pink knife and I dyed the handles and swapped in a black blade, lol.

[@boss3251]

Sage 5 lw is the reason I don't own a para 3 lw anymore. 100% agree they need more variations. I'd be all over a salt version with lc200n blade and liners.

[@GearedTowardGear1]

A Sage 5 salt would be LEGIT!!

[@PatSmith-cp8rg]

Welcome back.

[@GearedTowardGear1]

Thanks Pat!

[@sethking3]

Great review 🔥

[@alanfisher6704]

I love my Sage 5 LW!

[@jerseyknifeguy6382]

Hey Sean what are you really not doing reviews anymore!!!!!!! It’s been a minute good seeing you

[@GearedTowardGear1]

Hey brother!! Yeah I took some time off that’s for sure, I’ve been crazy busy with a recent promotion at work and a newborn baby! I didn’t upload any videos for like a month!

[@bigboreknifegear8349]

Another great video brother, been on withdrawals from your channel 😟🙂 looks like a great all around edc choice. That centofonte looks fantastic.

[@GearedTowardGear1]

Lol! Thanks for watching Scott!

[@rodneypearson6986]

Great video I hate Spyderco's for years now the Native 5 is a favorite of mine hate the clips on them don't understand why they put that clip on them. There wire clips are amazing. Gotta try a sage now. ✌️

[@GearedTowardGear1]

Right on Rodney!! The Native is so good isn’t it? With an aftermarket clip of course!

[@davidkurle5418]

Great video Sean! I get excluded from most compression lock models because I use my knives mostly left handed (thank God for my lefty PM2), but I really like the blade shape and the overall size of the sage. If it was a lockback I would probably own one already. A friend loaned me his native for a day just to try out, and I really liked that one too. Have a great weekend, my friend.

[@GearedTowardGear1]

Right on David! The Native is great, especially for left handed folks! Thanks for watching!

[@Lumpy_Peter]

Is the clip stiffer on the Sage 5 LW than on the Chaparral FRN? My only experience with wire clip is from Chaparral FRN and I find it quite soft.

[@unclecow]

finally able to get to this great video Sean

[@user-wr6wo6vr8r]

One of your favorite knives, the Spyderco chaparral comes in the same two variations

[@itsaknifestyle8482]

Isn’t there a titanium version?

[@GearedTowardGear1]

Yes it does, I showed them both in the video.

[@GearedTowardGear1]

There were a few Ti version of the Chaparral, but no Ti version of the Sage 5. There have been Ti variations of the Sage over the years, the Sage 2 is one that comes to mind.

[@user-wr6wo6vr8r]

Geared Toward Gear you’re right I forgot about the titanium version, and there’s two of them that were discontinued plus the new sun and moon version coming soon

[@mickkeim4142]

Thanks Mr Gear...I think you forgot the para 3 lightweight. I’d really like to see your comparison on that. Opps...I spoke too soon, I was still watching. I really like the Para 3 lightweight...maybe I’m missing something...lol.

[@GearedTowardGear1]

I talked about the Para 3 LW toward the end. I don’t own one (but have owned 3 previously). I’m not a fan of the Para 3 in general and based on my preferences I think the Sage 5 would destroy the Para 3 in a head to head battle for EDC glory! Lol. Thanks for watching Mick. All the best.

[@mickkeim4142]

Geared Toward Gear ...thanks, that’s good to know.

[@mickkeim4142]

Geared Toward Gear , I would still like to see that comparison simply because I see them as almost identical.

[@rickkerans8485]

Congratulations on 5K subs. You have grown immensely since I first found your channel. The Sage 5 LW is a great looking knife. Since you said it works as well as it looks I was sold. It reminds me a lot of the Native series. I do believe this will probably be my next Spyderco. Really like the compression lock. Thanks for sharing this and your opinion and reasoning.

[@GearedTowardGear1]

Thanks so much Rick!! It’s always a pleasure to hear from you and I’m so very grateful for the support. Thanks for watching my friend.

[@Steve-Goff]

I don’t own a single Spyderco. That Sage 5 LW and the Native 5 LW both look like winners to me. What pocket clip do you have on the Native

[@GearedTowardGear1]

The pocket clip on the Native is from MXG Gear. They’re fantastic, price range is around $22-$26

[@Lumpy_Peter]

December last year I bought my first ever (and only) Spyderco - FRN Chaparral. The knife is meh, a O.K., but I think my experience would have been better if it had a compression lock, which is probably never going to happen. So my second best bet is Sage 5 lw and I think your review might just tip me over. That being said, I am not a huge fan of the aesthetics and even though all Spydercos look kinda weird and ugly to me, I would really prefer something with Native 5 looks with a compression lock and thin stock.

[@GearedTowardGear1]

Thanks for watching Peter! I wish they offered the Native 5 in a compression lock, they would be amazing. But I think you’re right, the Sage 5 LW is probably as close to that as we’ll get.

[@Snijkamp]

Where did you get that deep carry clip for the native5? I like it!

[@GearedTowardGear1]

MXG Gear! They make great stuff and they’re affordable too.

[@Snijkamp]

@@GearedTowardGear1 thanks! I will look them up

[@Mrtojo]

looks very nice! Love the clip too!

[@GearedTowardGear1]

Thanks Tojo!! 👊🏻👊🏻

[@chestrockwell3491]

Why didn't you clean the Sage 5 blade? What's with the goo?

[@GearedTowardGear1]

Probably some tape reside if I had to guess. It’s a knife I use and had used that day before filming.

[@robertanderson1015]

Hear hear! I totally agree.

[@GearedTowardGear1]

Thanks for watching dad!

[@Zaque-TV]

Hey man I hope you're doing well!

[@GearedTowardGear1]

Thanks bro! I’m doing well - I’ll have a new video coming in about a week. Hope things are going well for you too man.

[@JadeSchafer]

Interesting thoughts.

[@GearedTowardGear1]

Hey Jade! Thanks for watching!

[@СерегаСавельев-р7к]

Отличный нож!!!

[@richklangen1833]

👍✌🤘🤙👌🍻🍻🍻