Spyderco Siren - Review After a Few Months of Use/Carry

[@luftkraftwerk]

Great to have you back!

[@SpartanJohns]

Thanks! Good to be back

[@matusknives]

This must be the best review of the Siren I have seen, thank you. I would love to hear your opinion on the Caribbean.

[@SpartanJohns]

Thank you very much! I have thought and looked into the Carribean when I bought the Siren. Right now I do not have the funds...but it is on my to do list

[@matusknives]

@@SpartanJohns I have a barely used Caribbean and a Native Chief in Rex 45 that I am looking to sell. I am located in EU. Should you happen be interested you can contact me on Messenger or IG (matus6x6).

[@jorgepiscoyadiaz9050]

Damn! Great review. It’s the first time I encounter your channel and I’m impressed with your style of review, it’s different and informative. Good stuff :)

[@jorgepiscoyadiaz9050]

I’m going to buy one btw

[@SpartanJohns]

Thank you! I am glad to hear you liked my style. I want to give more information but that does lead to longer videos. Most skip thru....which is fair.

[@SpartanJohns]

I like the model but think that they should have spend a bit more time testing the prototype. It still has a few issues. However...I still have mine...and I still like it, flaws considered. how do you like yours?

[@samuelmarmolejo4378]

Opening it with the back lock is what gave it that flat spot I noticed myself that the spring will touch the edge when you push in on the lock while it’s closed

[@SpartanJohns]

Not so much opening as closing it. When the blade slammed in the lockbar. Still a design flaw as it can easily be done so that it does not happen.

[@bobgox]

an excellent detailed review on a unique Spyderco , thanks as always SJ !

[@floridamanknives]

Thank for bringing me here!

[@bobgox]

@@floridamanknives sure thing my friend, SpartanJohns always has something interesting to say, and i found his perspective on this Siren model, after using it for a while, quite informative !

[@floridamanknives]

@@bobgox I did too!

[@SpartanJohns]

Glad you liked the video. I was looking forward to testing this knife for some time. And now that I did I am still intrigued on how/what it takes for me to make it even better. i am hoping that once i reduce the edge angle, and with that a bit of the blade width, it will not ding up the edge and I'll be able to appreciate and see better how it holds an edge.

[@bobgox]

@@SpartanJohns looking forward to it SJ, thanks again for all the you do, very educational & sincerely enjoy your always interesting content, wishing you all the best !

[@mr.shellcracker9161]

I really like the closing bias of lock backs. I can’t get this knife unfortunately because I’m used to closing my pacific salt by chocking up on the finger guard then engaging the lock and dropping the blade. Because the blade starts a little further up on the pacific salt it’s safe

[@SpartanJohns]

you can do the same with this one. Just make sure that your finger is right on the G10 pressing upwards. some time has passed and i still like the idea of the siren....but i feel like the backlock is not doing it. I had the Pacific salt(h1) with me for 1 month on vacation and I felt really much better with that one in pocket. As for the LC200N models....the Caribbean is my favorite!

[@InGratitudeIam]

I really like how you presented the facts about this knife. Thanks for taking the time.

[@SpartanJohns]

Thank you! I am glad you liked the video. I still own the knife and still like it but it has its shortcomings which few people talked about

[@user-fg4jw5df5i]

Great review, thank you. You covered everything I was worried about, mostly blade steel, grind, and the darn hammer grip depressing the back lock. I have carried a PM2 for years, currently one with 20cv and upgraded titanium handles. Granted, my use is more utilitarian and not very hard use. Always with self-defense in mind, as it’s getting more dangerous in the streets here. This 20cv is a pocket razor, stays sharp for me, and doesn’t hit anywhere to create a dull spot. I love a Colorado made knife as I’m from Colorado, I’ve had a Spyderco since I was a Cub Scout. I guess thank you again, I found the Siren on sale and almost jumped in it. But I think I will pass on it. Your full, honest review was so helpful. I will definitely be watching more if your vids. Well done bro!

[@SpartanJohns]

Glad you found the video useful. I thin kthe Siren is a very nice model. But it has it's shortcommings. I like the knife...or rather the idea of the knife. if it would have a sturdier backlock or a comp lock it would be really good. As a utilitarian knife, the PM2 is great! I have the model since 2011. I recently got he CRUWEAR and the MAXAMET versions, simply out of curiosity and because the PM2 is such a versatile model For more, and more frequent videos, have a look at my patreon page. Some videos are free there too.

[@kpfagerberg]

Probably look into a CCW if you’re worried about self defense

[@amedeoperri3571]

Thank you for the review, and happy for your coming back

[@SpartanJohns]

More to come! But slowly. Hopefully I'll manage to find the time and stick to my plan

[@sonofliberty78]

Thanks for such a thorough, long term review! You explained several important details of the Siren which were not mentioned in the other reviews I’ve seen. I ordered a Siren yesterday, because the model is discontinued, and I didn’t yet have a LC200N blade. I managed to find one, (from a reputable dealer), for ~$121 shipped. I think I’ll be pleased with the Siren; especially for that price. 😁

[@SpartanJohns]

Sorry for the late reply...By now you probably have your Siren. How are you liking it! I still have mine and I like it but I still have to come to terms with certain things. If you feel like it ...i'd love to read your thoughts on your knife. I will look for your comment since I don't get decent notifications from YT on these older videos

[@alcanonico1112]

Could you be causeing the flat spot on the edge by your opening the knife? Maybe the lock bar contacts the blade when you depress the lock with the knife closed.

[@SpartanJohns]

Yes! That is the part which touches the blade. When you close the knife whil holding the lockbar depressed or when you depress the lockbar while the knife is closed.

[@santikilmister]

Good to see you again dude! Id like to see you more often if you can!

[@SpartanJohns]

Thank you! Glad to be back and i hope to be able to keep it going.

[@ACGREAPER]

Awesome video glad to see your back! Hope all is well thanks for the video great way to end the day.

[@SpartanJohns]

Thanks! I am certainly glad you liked the video. :)

[@Traderjoe]

It’s great to see you again Denis! I was wondering how you are doing. It’s good to see your thumb finally healed up. I haven’t seen this knife yet, I will look into it. I prefer the compression over the back lock. But this one looks enjoyable to fiddle with

[@SpartanJohns]

I also prefer the comp lock over the back lock but in this case, it being so smooth...it is an interesting change

[@Traderjoe]

I agree about Cedric and Ada and the sisal rope cutting tests to determine a benchmark as to when a steel loses the ideal edge. But also think it’s a little subjective because the point where a knife goes from a razor to barely cutting printer paper is not as fine a line as probably you and I would notice. From what you are saying here, if a knife is very slightly less than ideal, you would not mind and you’d make due, and that’s exactly what I do. I’m not a razor edge snob and can live with a working edge knife.

[@SpartanJohns]

As you said..it is good to have a benchmark. I like sharpening knives and i also like having a shaving sharp edge on a knife. But in my everyday life i have learned that if you use your tools you can't possibly keep them 100% sharp all the time. Some people do not use their tools very much so they keep their edges sharp and when they need them and actually use them they are disapointed. I think that one cannot actually feel while working with a knife, for example cutting cardboard for 30-45 minutes, when an edge goes from shaving sharp to only splicing paper cleanly. I have tested a few thinned out grinds and they did almost the same thing even when they went to that stage of "not slicing paper" the grind was so thin that it did not matter that much. I think that just by using your knife everyday you can at some point figure out whether you are happy with its edge retention or not. But i do enjoy watching cut tests :))

[@BladeWalker77]

Hi from Italy, nice and complete review, and beautiful woods behind you.

[@SpartanJohns]

Thank you very much! Glad you liked the video. :)

[@turing2376]

Thanks for the video! Enjoyed learning those points about the knife.

[@SpartanJohns]

Glad you liked it and even more glad you found it useful. Thank you!

[@floridamanknives]

Already I’m loving mine for both EDC and fishing!! Great video 👍 New Sub. I’ve used my H1 Dragonfly 2 Salt for over 6 years and love it. The edge retention isn’t the best but it is easier to sharpen. I’m loving LC200N already too.

[@SpartanJohns]

I am liking the LC200N so far but I'll be able to make up my mind about it once i fix the edge/lock issue. that will come with the next 1-2-3 sharpenings i presume

[@iamfuckingyourwaifuandther2743]

@@SpartanJohns BLeh, just got mine today, and it has the same issue :/

[@SpartanJohns]

@@iamfuckingyourwaifuandther2743 you mean the blade dulling because o the backlock?

[@scdub]

Great review! Subbed to your channel, passing on the knife. ✌️

[@SpartanJohns]

Hey! I'm glad I can help. The Siren is a good knife but I can see why it would not be on everyone's list. I personally do not like the back lock too much. the S90V version kinda caught my eye

[@mikexter6860]

Glad your back buddy😉👊🏼

[@SpartanJohns]

Thank you very much! :) I am glad to be able to do this again too

[@sublyme2157]

Thanks for this review, it was extremely helpful!

[@SpartanJohns]

Glad you found it useful. It is a nice knife but has its shortcomings/design flaws

[@ericsierra-franco7802]

Just bought one today.

[@SpartanJohns]

I hope you like yours. I have to be honest: I love/hate this folder at this point. I like the design more and more.I just can't get over it's flaws. I keep playing with it. The smoothest backlock I ever had. I wish they would have worked on the issues a bit more. After you get some time with it...i would appreciate you telling me what you think of it. And if you think the points I mentioned here are valid for you. Thanks for taking the time!

[@mistersmith3986]

Didn"t know this was a big guns channel.

[@SpartanJohns]

Oh damn! I remember seeing this comment and I have a good comeback...but now...i completely forgot it! Thanks! :)))

[@ianleicester7066]

thanks for sharing , do you free hand or use a guided system when sharpening ? kind regards ian.

[@SpartanJohns]

Hi Ian, It really depends on the knife. I like using a guided system to get nice clear lines on some knives. Especially those with a full flat grind and v edge. On others, and less expensive or work knives...i free hand sharpen. I don't have the skill level and i never really worked on getting that good as to create nice clear lines while free hand sharpening. I am more focused on getting a good sharp edge. this is why i sometimes use guided systems, sometimes sharpen free hand. BR, Denis

[@michaelmontalbano772]

@spartanjohns Great video! You mentioned you prefer axis lock over back lock. What locking system would you prefer in a folder for backpacking or camping? I’m in a wet mud environment and am contemplating switching from 940 to a spyderco lock back…? I’ve always been of the though , less moving parts , less opportunities for breakage or malfunction… thanks.

[@SpartanJohns]

I prefer the axis lock. For just about anything. Now...if you want just one knife....yes...the omega springs on an axis lock can break. it never happened to me but i just bought a mini bugout which had them broken. Lockbacks are ok.....but the better version of a lockback is Cold Steels Tri-AD Lock. If in a wet, muddy environment....I would choose the Pacific Salt over the Siren. I like the Siren. It is fancier. But the Pacific Salt feels more reliable in use to me. In my experience(which might be very limited when it comes to muddy environments) I never had an axis lock fail. I kept a Ganzo wet with salt water for weeks. The springs rusted there were stains...but it kept going. It does come down to what you would rather have in your pocket. I prefer the axis lock because there is no movement of the blade while cutting. The same you get with a Tri-AD Lock.... If the Siren would have a Tri-AD Lock....i think it would be damn near perfect

[@sheltermonkey6065]

1. In my hands, there's not even a remote possibility of being able to depress the lock even slightly by gripping tightly. It's just not in a place that gets much pressure. However, I would like to see a Boye dent, but just because it makes lockbacks more comfortable to operate. 2. I looked under a microscope and don't see a micro bevel. The apex is slightly rounded. Perhaps it was lightly stropped. 3. I haven't had an issue with the blade contacting the internals.

[@SpartanJohns]

1. i have shown in this video that in my hands it happens. I guess size and "meatiness' of the palms matters a lot 2. Mine had one. A true micro bevel. I assume that burr was left over from sharpening and they removed it in a haste 3. I guess my "SpartanJohns good luck" came into play and i got that model where the blade does contact the internals. I am pleased to hear that some models don't have these issues. What edge angles did yours come with when it was new?

[@sheltermonkey6065]

@@SpartanJohns Hi. If I move my hand back an inch and rotate the web of my thumb into the "dent", I'm able to get a bit of blade play, but with my hands, I really have to try to duplicate that issue. I'm not sure about the angle of the secondary bevel. The "thickness-behind-the-edge" is about 0.020" below the center of the Spydie hole. The only flaw on my knife is that the pivot pin for the lockbar sticks out more on the right side.

[@phillipnunya6793]

You should put out a survey to see how many other people have the same issue with the blade contacting the internals, then contact Spyderco.

[@SpartanJohns]

I asked a few friends who have the Siren. They all have this issue.

[@StonyK]

Schön mal wieder was von dir zu sehen :) Ich hoffe es kommt wieder öfter was von dir. Schönes Messer, ich mag Spyderco. Die bauen schon ganz nette Messer aber leider lassen sie sich das auch sehr teuer bezahlen. Gibt andere Hersteller die genauso gute Messer bauen und weniger als die Hälfte verlangen. LG Thomas

[@SpartanJohns]

Danke! Freut mich dass dir das Video gefallen hat. Ja! Da hast du recht! Spyderco macht coole sachen aber sie sind schon ziemlich teuer. Deshalb mag ich, fuer schwere Arbeiten, klappmesser benutzen die in China hergestelt werden. Manche sind sehr zuverlaessig und, ich muss zugeben, manchmal price/performace denke ich liegen diese viel hoeher als die von Syderco

[@StonyK]

@@SpartanJohns Ja da gebe ich dir Recht. Schau dir mal die Messer von Kubey an. Die sind Preis/Leistung echt der Hammer.

[@SpartanJohns]

Werde ich machen. Danke fuer den Typp

[@Bonercondoner]

Woah! A new video on my feed? Neat.

[@SpartanJohns]

:) Hope you liked the video!

[@mistersmith3986]

I'm not in to small folders but have been looking at the Siren lately it might become my second small folder. Thanx for thr video my Bladed Brother 👍 ⚔️ ✝️ 🇺🇲

[@SpartanJohns]

I don't know if you bought one or not...but nowadays there is a version of this knife with S90V steel...and carbon fiber handle scales...A bit pricey...but if you are not dead set on LC200N....i would suggest you pick up the S90V version...if you are dead set on LC200n...check out my series on the Caribbean... I would get that one over the Siren anyday

[@mistersmith3986]

@@SpartanJohns Thanks for the info. I don't like carbon fiber. I only have one knife that has a carbon fiber show side and that's NOT the reason why I bought it.

[@SpartanJohns]

@@mistersmith3986 Some carbon fiber handles are good some are bad. I have 3 CF fiber handle scaled knives from the taiwan taichung factory and they are ok. I have others...from other manufacturers and they are crappy. But yeah...i get it! Most times I prefer a grippy micarta to any other material.

[@ganzulo]

Salutare Denis, daca treci vreodata pe langa Frankfurt, esti bine venit pe la noi, bem o bere si discutam despre cutite:-) Mi-ar place sa te cunosc personal, pe KZbin imi dai impresia a fi un baiat tare interesant dar si de treaba. Toate cele bune si sanatate!

[@SpartanJohns]

Salut! Ma bucur ca ti-au placut videoclipurile mele. Dupa ce trece nebunia in care traim acum sper si eu sa mai incep sa calatoresc. Toate cele bune! :)

[@grandriver3152]

Ha ha, good to see you bro! I chose a Spyderco Manix2 light in this type of knife with the BD1 steel. Axis lock but very strong detent and corrosion resistance. I have cut myself bad once reaching into my pocket and somehow my Ontario Utilitac was a bit open. Since then the detent is a big deal. BTW, I noticed the bandage is gone👍☺

[@SpartanJohns]

I have never cut myself while reaching into my pocket for my knife. But that is something I do always think about. This is one reason to consider backlock, or axis lock knives. A strong detent is also good. However that can interfere with how easy it is to open the knife when you need it. So when it comes to detent...it has to be just right Thanks! :)

[@amedeoperri3571]

Have you ever tested lionsteel knives?

[@SpartanJohns]

I have only tested and reviewed the SR1A. After that I did not look that much into Lionsteel. Fit and finish is good but the SR1A was a bit too thick behind the edge for harder tasks for my liking

[@amedeoperri3571]

@@SpartanJohns Thanks for the answer, I mainly meant the fixed blades, especially resilience and edge holding of niolox and sleipner

[@SpartanJohns]

I have never even held a Lionsteel fixblade. I do like the way some models look. and at some point consider buying one...but for my taste...they were a bit expensive. However they do make beautiful stuff.

[@amo757]

Good review.

[@SpartanJohns]

Glad you think so! Thanks!

[@Chriscueva]

That's crazy if the blade is in fact striking the lock or anything else 😳

[@SpartanJohns]

I thought so too. I will reduce the edge angle further and by that the blade will become a bit more narrower. hopefully it is just a question of a few nanometers

[@ElectrULove]

The design of Spyderco's knives bothers me since I believe the hole in the blade weakens it and the knives seem unsightly as a whole. However, I had to have a siren because I loved the design, particularly the blade's form and the fact that it was rustproof.

[@SailfishSoundSystem]

Good review, but I disagree about the Axis Lock. It can break. Mine did on a Mini-Griptillian in 154cm. The Axis Lock is strong, but has more points of failure. Poor heat treatment of the springs. 2 Omega springs vs. 1 back lock. The back lock, especially the TRI-AD Lock (which is based off of another lock that Cold Steel's Demko didn't design, is more reliable. Both are pretty good, but I would always choose a back lock folder over an axis. Hogue Knives designed a better Axis Type lock after Benchmade's patent expired called the Able Lock. It uses better Omega springs.

[@SpartanJohns]

Any tool or part can fail. In my experience the axis locks are pretty reliable. I am not saying that they absolutely do not fail. This is like the statement that D2 chips easily. Of course it does if the HT is bad. I have not had any omega spring break on me yet. I have had other Benchmade springs break on me. Like the ones in my Serum. And unfortunately BM does not make those anymore. That is a head-ache!

[@octavian.mariuss7633]

In sfarsit.. Astept un clip nou de pe vremea lui Cuza:)) Ce parere ai despre L.T. Wright GNS

[@SpartanJohns]

Sper ca ti-a placut videoclipul. Nu am avut niciodata ocazia sa lucrez cu acel cutit. Forma mi se pare buna pentru chestii de padure, dar depinde tot timpul de grosimea lamei si de unghiul de ascutire. Eu tot timpul recomand ceva apropiat de unghiul de taiere pe care il au cutitele Mora. 9-12 dps.

[@xjasonkillxX]

14:40 good point. Might be a production failure? I cant think about such brand with that negative point. If it isnt a production failure i would say - no, cant buy this.

[@SpartanJohns]

I only have this knife. Other people did not mention the things I mentioned so theirs might be ok