Spyderco Paysan vs. Spyderco Drunken -- Toy or Tool?

This comparison focuses on the differences between two seemingly similar, but significantly different knives. They share the same materials, but wholly different philosophies. This is why I love Spyderco, because they can provide a wide range of excellence, and give us these difficult choices.
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[@Mrche626]

I’ve watched this video at least a dozen times trying to decide which knife to get. Thanks to your help, I went with the Paysan.

[@NomenclaturalMan]

The Drunken is one of the most gorgeous knives in its complex milling and design, the Paysan is beautiful in its more simplistic and sleek overall design. The Drunken is one of my favorite knives ever and I have a Paysan waiting at home in the mail for me, I can't wait to check it out!

[@johnconnor7501]

Shawn how did u like your paysan?

[@NomenclaturalMan]

@@johnconnor7501 I like it a lot. It's got a really slim profile and carries well for such a big knife. Sure, it's a little thick behind the edge, but S90v takes a mean edge and just stropping it had this thing shaving easily. I think the detent is just fine for such a heavy blade. It's pretty drop shut but maybe not as much as others, still a great action regardless. I think that's its absolutely worth it if you can get it at a little off retail price.

[@Thom_S]

I hesitated purchasing the Drunken due to its price. It is a great knife, glad I purchased one. Also planning to buy the Paysan. Spyderco offers such a wide price range with their knives that allows anyone to have a great knife no matter what you can afford. The PM2 is still my all time favorite knife.

[@zerostreakwindowcleaning4741]

Have them both and definitely prefer the Paysan. Mine is perfectly centered, no lockstick, beautiful knife. The detent is a little on the weaker side but the blade doesnt just fall out

[@dannyt6798]

Thanks, Doc. The Paysan is a true winner in my heart.. one of those grails I hope to hunt down some day. Gotta start saving my pennies!

[@258awesomeness]

I really wish spyderco would do better grinds on higher end pieces like these. would be nicer to see something thinner behind the edge or at the very least with a hollow grind, especially on the paysan there

[@jaromasar5458]

Spydiechef IS like laser compare with these.. .018/1000s..

[@ACDFking]

I ended up buying both. Sounds crazy but they really fill different niches. There are a lot of things that aren't perfect on thses knives. But for me, the positives outweigh the negatives. The Paysan has a very large and heavy blade and a very light weight handle. I like both of these things. The detent is weak but it helps with the spidey flick and in an emergency it can be 'thrown open'. The blade just past the cutting edge is very thick and at some point I may get it reground but for now it works well enough for most things. The clip is a piece of junk so I replaced it with an MXG PM2 deep carry clip which looks great and works well. Bottom line is that I enjoy carrying it and playing with it more than most other knives.But the criticisms are well founded and this knife will not be for everyone. The Drunken has a great blade and is very light weight. It is easy to carry and cuts as well as my PM2.

[@electricfatbiker9717]

I think I could watch you flip the paysan and watch it drop shut four hours at a time, another awesome video ! I’ve got a paysan on the way (-;

[@sgsheff]

Jealous!

[@electricfatbiker9717]

Can’t wait ~ I am not a knife collector but you never know, this could be the start of a new hobby !

[@sgsheff]

@@electricfatbiker9717 well, everyone should always have a decent pocket knife on them. You don't have to be a collector to have some great knives

[@electricfatbiker9717]

have to have some, knives, watch, flashlight yes yes yes

[@sgsheff]

@@electricfatbiker9717 Exactly! Knives are just one piece of the puzzle.

[@Gaston-Monescu]

I want Spyderco to succeed in this price range. My choice would be a Paysan with a regrind, but for both these knives I keep thinking: what else can I get for the price? Of four of my recent purchases, two cost less than the Paysan - the Evo Typhoon and the CKF Sukhoi 3 - and two are more expensive - the Burger EXK CFL and the Thorburn L51 Compact. I think they all justify their respective prices. I agree with you that these two Spydercos do so as well, but it’s clear that many of the Drunken’s and Paysan’s competitors regarding price are attractive alternatives.

[@DoctorFrunkey]

This is a very accurate assessment. Spyderco needs these knives to do well so they can improve this segment. Competitors are doing some things much better. But Spyderco has a purity of purpose that could make for some amazing high end knives.

[@Gaston-Monescu]

Doctor Frunkey Agreed. Speaking of competitors in this price range, From Russia with Knives is showing the CKF Jourget collab as available now. Thought you might be interested.

[@MOONGOONJOON]

I like the Pay more

[@DirtyGingy]

I can say this much: for the cost, the Drunken is more function for your money. Also, with a little care, the Drunken can nearly drop shut. I polished my washers and hit them with 10 weight nano oil.

[@DirtyGingy]

I'll follow up my saying that the Drunken should have been on bearings. If I had access to an end mill, I would milk slowly into the blade to make bearing pockets.

[@valebliz]

I've got a Druenken and still have the and itch for the Paysan. Probably will do it. My only gripe with the Paysan clip is that well, it's a standard Spyderco clip, they could have done a different finish on it, do it in titanium or whatever. The Drunken one is pretty bad out of the box but at least is different.

[@ACDFking]

An MXG PM 2 deep carry clip fits on the Paysan.

[@ex-subsailor3480]

Good video, nice knives.

[@mpurvin]

Nice video Frank! Maybe do a paysan vs Arius video next!

[@Gaston-Monescu]

mpurvin Nice idea! I’d watch it. When you consider buying a Paysan, the question in your mind is likely to be: what else could I get for this price? A basic Arius isn’t far off. Mine actually cost me less.

[@mickkeim4142]

Thanks for this Doc...I’ve been trying to make a good decision on these...even though I can’t afford either one. Great review nevertheless.

[@AtilioEscobar]

The sound of the Paysan is superb.

[@carlstanland5333]

I agree with a fidget factor. I carry band-aids in our cars for that reason.

[@carlosmatos9848]

Lol, I've switched to super glue. Band-aids can feel awkward when fidgeting

[@christamu2]

For me it comes down to basic ergos between the two. That point on the Drunken's handle is gonna hit right where my third finger sits. I went with the Paysan but the Drunken is very nice too.

[@jaromasar5458]

Drunken is like Spydiechef with CF handle.. At least the blade shape but Spydiechef is thinner grind.. Drunken is better of the 2 cause (for me) I like phosphorbronze washers and thin edge.. That's the beauty of knife when you have great cutting tool coupled with gorgeous esthetics..The Paysan is thick like Pryer for that reason I would buy it

[@slidetek]

LOL, 2 knives I can't use. If I were right handed and not double jointed - I'd probably give the nod to the Drunken. I've already had the real deal Paysan, and, eh. The blade is chunky - not that I did that much with San Mai! But I'd go with the full flat for general use. You are _so_ right about the clips, _people have no idea._ Peter's clips are lacking at best. But they look good! No worries folks, if you want a great looking _and_ functional clip, no doubt Mr. Purvis is already working on a run, as long as you don't mind spending another $200 or so! Anyway, kudos to Spyderco for waking up, smelling the coffee and becoming world-class again. A lot of competition in this price range, and they're a legit choice regardless of point of origin.

[@DoctorFrunkey]

Tony with the true wisdom as always. Thank you my friend!

[@nathanb316]

I’m left handed and doubled jointed and I STILL got the Drunken. I can open it with both hands with both thumbs and both index fingers and I am a large guy with extra large glove wearing hands. I can also use the right side clip in my left pants pocket without sacrificing much. It was never intended to be a self-defense knife. I have a gun for that. The knife was too beautiful and unique to say no. I think the Paysan is over priced for what you get. I got a Benchmade Anthem over the Paysan. Ball Bearings, integral titanium with a stronger ambidextrous axis lock, and superior steel, oh and did I mention better warranty with blade replacements, something Spyderco will never do because of supposed CQI reasons. But I do love Spyderco and thats why I had to get this high end one for my collection.

[@megapleb]

Most of my knives are on bearings, but I have a few on washers, and they do drop shut nicely. Is the blade on the drunken too light for that, or do you think there's another reason it won't drop? Edit - If you would be so kind, when you take weights and measurements, it would be great if you could give them in g and mm as well as oz and inches, just saves some of us a calculation :)

[@dantem5228]

Washer knives have a weird concept. They drop shut on compression locks, as the lock bar is fully taken away from the blade. With frame/liner locks, lots can drop shut until you take your thumb away. Then its slow and smooth, as the detent ball slows down the action.

[@bobb.9917]

Have absolutely no interest in the Paysan (same for The Smock). I have a beautiful WE 702A integral, which I think is just as nice or nicer that the Paysan and it was over $200 less. Integrals just don't WOW me. The integral design usually adds weight and disassembly/re-assembly caveats and while cool (I own one and love it), I just don't get all excited about that aspect of a knife. PLUS, Spyderco put a stock clip on a $500 knife. WHAT?!?! My Drunken is a much more exciting design and an incredible performer all around after completely re-bending it's beautifully designed but poorly implemented clip. Love it. It’s my favorite Spydie to date out of the 6 that I own.

[@BennyBladez-]

I agree Dr. But I want them both lol, one to fidget n one to work with. Thanks for the video.

[@DoctorFrunkey]

If you can get both, do it! These are 2 of the finest knives they have ever done.

[@BennyBladez-]

@@DoctorFrunkey I'm going to try lol

[@sgsheff]

I think it's funny when people complain about others buying more expensive knives. If you look at the gun world most guys buy and review guns in the $500-$2000 range. Knives are one of the least expensive hobbies.

[@DoctorFrunkey]

This

[@valebliz]

Well watches are even more expensive by that logic, even my cheaper ones are all above 1500 and that's nothing. Still a knife is an extremely simple obiect in comparison.

[@Rothbardy]

Guns are more complex through design, manufacturing and testing

[@andyseal8134]

I bet the secondary market for the Nirvana has dropped. Glad I sold mine prior to this release.

[@DoctorFrunkey]

I disagree. Since the knives are so different, Nirvana will remain a unique knife. Prices should hold.

[@CASTRO45ACP]

The paysan cost over 500 bucks and comes with a basic clip, they could've made a titanium clip and it still would work. The rest of the knife is beautiful and the clip just looks like it doesn't belong.

[@zlatkojovanovic5802]

I would like to see wire clip from Spydieshef on Paysan...

[@jacobwild278]

My drunken falls shut no problem. In my line of work i never take a bearing knife so the drunken definitely checks an important box for me. I very much envy the paysan which i do not own. On a side note. The drunken is extremely limited by its pretty; but functionless pocket clip, a milled clip is necessary in my opinion.

[@MrVegaslive]

4-5 hundred. Better have stainless Damascus, fancy looking handle and a none cheapo pocket clip. I like and purchased the paysan. Just waiting delivery. Although, I still feel it's somewhat overpriced given the above mentioned aspects it's missing.

[@axegekko6477]

Do you think Spyderco will make a smaller PasaDo you think Spyderco will make a smaller Paysan, in the 3"-3.25" area? Something less than a O.G. Rassenti.

[@dantem5228]

I had the drunken. I loved it. If it was on bearings (some spyderco videos said they had bearings) i probably would have kept it. IMHO it is more comfortable in hand than the chef, and the disengagement of the lock is soooo much better. So ill keep my chef. But, i sold it and I have a paysan on the way. Fidget factor is big in my world. The We/Massdrop thresher still has the best action so far of those that i own. Second, and close to the Shiro neon.

[@carlosmatos9848]

I like the Drunken, the only thing that I don't care for is the weak detent. If I end up keeping it I might just drill the detent hole out a little bigger.

[@dane5896]

Let me know when you are going back to the statue of liberty? I need one of those knives.

[@nickkazarian3334]

Dan E 😂

[@Stahlwerk88]

Hahaha man, ouch.

[@DoctorFrunkey]

LOL

[@lucacadianalbert]

Amen about the pocket clips on the custom Rassenti - they are horrible. Great comparaison review.

[@onedgecustoms6688]

Great video Boss. I don't know how into fixed blades you are, but I'd love to send out one of my designs when the prototype/s come in. Give me a shout & let me know if your interested. It'd be awesome to see one of my knives on your channel.

[@electricfatbiker9717]

How many knives does a guy need to have before he’s a collector ? So far I have 4, three Spyderco‘s and one benchmade,. Hummmm

[@DoctorFrunkey]

Once you are past 1 knife I consider you a collector. Once you realize you need more than 1 and you mentally justify a second, third, or fifty seventh knife---you are a collector!

[@electricfatbiker9717]

Definitely down for the PAYSON and then get a little drunken 🥴 or at least One or two adult beverages to celebrate 🎊 the new knife 🔪

[@lanehoward4466]

Drunken 💪😎💪

[@Fall-off-currencies]

Off course the paysan is a better quality piece. It's the pinnacle of pocket knives

[@SpartacusBadBoy]

Frank you should have said which one has the cooler name for a point. Because the drunken seems to be the winner. It makes all who wield it drunken and call all knives drunken (10:09). Either that or you really need to get drunken after this video. 😅😁🍾🔪

[@freedomring6364]

Sold my paysan bad lock slip.

[@TheMaylo78]

Just like ZT Models

[@CNYKnifeNerd]

No

[@vitessedesign6087]

That Drunken is so hot right now

[@wildflower1542]

Both Paysan & Drunken don't have a good pocket clip , what are you talking about ! Knife enthusiast want's a deep pocket clip , until now Spyderco didn't have any of it's model .What is wrong Spyderco ? Wake up ...

[@jacknemo8021]

The Paysan couldn't be more of a Griptillian if Benchmade had made it.

[@TheStabbyCyclist]

Classic ignorant "This knife looks like this other knife because of the blade shape" comment.

[@DoctorFrunkey]

The blade shape is not unique. Mel Pardue did not invent the sheepsfoot. Spyderco is not ripping Benchmade. That is looking at the world through a narrow lens.