The Spyderco Sage 5 LW: More Than A Cheaper Plastic Version?

The Lightweight Spyderco Sage 5 took me a little bit by surprise, not gonna lie. Not a shock that I like a Sage though, so I guess I should have expected it.
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Thanks for watching and take care!

[@cocabandi]

If I were ever to purchase another Spyderco knife in my life, it would, no doubt be this knife. It truly meets all the requirements I would want from an urban EDC. Thanks for exposing this little jewel to me. 👍

[@JTsKnifeLife]

My pleasure, thanks for watching it!

[@zachstuff]

I've been enjoying the LW versions and watching what they modify on each one. Seems like this is a fine purchase for the price! Thanks for the in depth review JT!

[@JTsKnifeLife]

Sure thing buddy!

[@ocomegashadowstacking5886]

Wow nice looking design Spyderco knife!!! :D

[@patrickvanovermeeren4513]

Great review !! Thanks for sharing !

[@JTsKnifeLife]

Absolutely!

[@111111111Tiger]

I solved the debate. I own both versions. Both can be and are winners. Doesn't always have to be one or the other... Thanks for the video

[@wanderingmagoo9028]

Great review. I love my Sage 5 lw . I got it for 113 so was a bit better deal and since I don't have a Para 3, Para 2 or original Sage 5, it was a good fit. My first compression lock and it is awesome. :) Have a good one and happy holidays.

[@JTsKnifeLife]

You too, glad you like yours!

[@Hoodoooutdoors]

Hell yes about "I'd have a purple knife"! That makes 2 of us.👊👊

[@JTsKnifeLife]

Yessir, you know it. 👍

[@petergalione9704]

My LW right out of the box swung freely without a hint of blade play. I know that the original could get there after breaking in, but it is still nice to see that right off the bat. If the regular Sage 5 had real carbon fiber...Now, that would be cool!

[@JTsKnifeLife]

Yes indeed, I'd have to buy a third!

[@esoteric5277]

Thanks for the review👊 Ordered one today and with a little luck I'll have my very own tomorrow🤗 I really appreciate how the Lightweights tend to be quite a bit more affordable. For me the weightreduction only becomes a decisive factor if it brings the weight down below 115 grams/4 oz. In fact, I love my Native 5LW, but I would probably love the G10 version a bit more simply because it weighs a little bit more (it's a nice idea that the steel liners also add some structural strenght, but I can't really see a real reason how I would ever need that added strenght on a pocketknife. In fact, I think the blade would be the first thing to break🤔 But as Nick would say, I digress😩 I do hope the Native 6 will have a compressionlock with a button, similar to that on the Smock. But for now, I think this is going to be my favorite Spydie😎

[@WilliamMancel]

I got my Sage 5 lw in a few days ago and it is fantastic. The FRN feels great & the lower price point helped me get it. With Slicy Dicy's discount at WMK, I was able to get it for $113.25 after shipping. I didn't like the blade shape of the Para3, but the Sage 5 lw looks great to me. Mine is super smooth & was perfectly centered. I have a Delica & Endura, but this is my first compression lock. The fidget factor is off the scale.

[@JTsKnifeLife]

Awesome choice for a first compression lock. So much fun to play with!

[@ToRo909r]

It’s so hard to find aftermarket scales for this knife. I like that the LW version is basically the same knife just different scales. They both have the same liners. Parson Bladeworks makes scales but they’re always sold out.

[@benwilson7870]

This knife is super compelling to me. Nice job on the video and... less than a week until Skywalker!!!!

[@JTsKnifeLife]

I can't believe it's finally here! The movie, not the knife hahaha.

[@benwilson7870]

JT's Knife Life Totally!!!

[@fishabyss753]

Can’t wait for the Drunken lw

[@JTsKnifeLife]

Hahaha that would be greata!

[@carlrunderson266]

Sage5 is my perfect knife love both

[@gregwalker4236]

enjoyed! can't wait til i get mine. wonder if the smock will get the frn. if so, yeah. the sage 5 lw reminds me of the back lock chapparal(?) about 95 for the base model. frn seems not to care about pairing with keys in the pocket, and that's a nice thing for me.

[@JTsKnifeLife]

Smock FRN would be interesting!

[@tincansailor9437]

Wow - the LW is so much bigger! 😉

[@jerryweil7053]

Nice review! I just pulled the trigger on the Sage 5 LW, and it’s got 2 things going for it: the added strength of nested liners (missing in the PM 3, which it’s commonly compared to) and the useful texturing of the FRN scales (I’ve never been a fan of the carbon fiber “overlay”: it’s always seemed more like a textured contact paper to me.) UPDATE: the knife just arrived, and after handling it for just one hour, it’s become my favorite Spyderco edc. Smooth action, and perfect blade centering with no blade play. The nested liners give the knife a solid feel in the hand, with the bi-directional frn scales saving the added weight. The texturing of the frn also makes for a solid grip when removing the knife from my pocket. I’d never pay more for carbon fiber scales if an frn version with this texturing was an alternative.

[@JTsKnifeLife]

Hahaha I've never heard anyone describe it that way. Clever.

[@OLMmedic]

Love your vids. Very relaxing on my mornings off JT. Not sure if your a watch guy. Cant remember but, do you have any recommendations on a leather watch strap. Nato or zulu is what i prefer but not even sure you like watches. Looking for a good leather nato or zulu. I have a popov leather belt and strap but the company has made a few mistakes on my orders. Looking for a new brand

[@JTsKnifeLife]

Hey buddy thanks a lot! As for watches, I have a few but nothing too fancy, and I have zero experience with secondary straps. Sorry my friend.

[@ScottBondradioflier]

I’ve seen these for 113 on some knife web sites. The FRN scales look better than the P3LW scales imo. I have the regular Sage 5 but I’m really considering this one too! Thanks for the great video!

[@JTsKnifeLife]

Thanks for watching! And yeah, I think I saw 123 on some website and that's what I paid so I went with it.

[@kenmarapese9085]

I'm a fan of FRN, it's durable. Take a folder with Titanium, Aluminum, Mircarta, G-10, Carbon Fiber and FRN scales, open the blade, smack down on the handles with a hammer and see which one has the least amount of damage. Take a titanium folder and one in FRN and toss them out of a vehicle going 20 mph onto the payment and see which one has the least amount of damage. Your title states "Cheaper" which most of us equate as less quality, in reality the quality is the same or better, it's just less expensive. Spyderco doesn't use FRN because it cheap, they use it because it's durable and makes an excellent tool handle.

[@OCD4EDC]

I do a full disassembly of the Sage5 Lwt in my video, if you want to see the internal changes. Great video, love the Sage5!!! Thanks 👍👍👍

[@JTsKnifeLife]

Thanks man, I appreciate it! I'll have to check that out. 👌

[@OLMmedic]

Home run for sure.

[@JTsKnifeLife]

For sure!

[@jococo7920]

I confirm

[@bentonleach6730]

I agree that it’s should be called sage 5 FRN. Like the chaparral. I love it though. It’s a bigger chaparral with a compression lock.

[@JTsKnifeLife]

Exactly!

[@b_nast19]

Nah it's basically the same size. Handle is smaller but the blade is basically the same size. Thinner stock tho

[@jimm244]

I like Spyderco’s FRN. If I were considering a Sage 5, I’d go LW for sure. It would be interesting to know how these two knives sort out against each other, sales-wise.

[@JTsKnifeLife]

I'd be interested to know that as well, definitely.

[@barrylevitt1170]

Prices are on the Sage 5 lightweight are 113.95 from GP knives, Knife Center and knife Plus while Blade HQ and White Mtn. knives are trying to add extra markup at 122.95.

[@SteveKluver]

Yes, Spyderco is encouraging their dealers, to move to a 30% discount, instead of the 'earlier' 35% off. With the entire price increase, going to the Dealers. The amount Spyderco gets, will remain the same.

[@barrylevitt1170]

@@SteveKluver Thanks for the information.

[@itsaknifestyle8482]

I honestly think they should’ve named is the “Sage 5 FRN”. I feel like it’s too heavy to be called a lightweight. Really great knife though👍

[@BurroB0Y]

Feel the same way. I honestly just think it was mainly a marketing decision since lightweight knives are really popular right now.

[@JTsKnifeLife]

Agreed. But Sage 5 FRN would sound too cheap.

[@WilliamMancel]

Great comparison. The LW is closer to my budget.

[@JTsKnifeLife]

It's a great option!

[@charlesdudek7713]

I chose the lw version because I actually like the look and feel of Spyderco's frn and I am one of those people who aren't a big fan of the cf laminate over the g10. I am super happy with the Sage 5 lw.

[@JTsKnifeLife]

Cool. Spyderco does make good FRN for sure. 👍

[@susanjavier2008]

I totally agree with you 100 % between the original and the LW, I have both and there is a difference in the feel that the LW has , it's slightly thinner, grippy and comfortable , also I swapped a black pocket clip on the LW and it looks even better with the all black handle , great observations and video , Thanks again

[@JTsKnifeLife]

Thanks a lot Susan, and great idea with the clip!

[@ocomegashadowstacking5886]

Today All My Friends just sent me Something in really big Box with some many Stuff in it and I can't not open it up Until Christmas day And I can't wait!!! :D

[@Hoodoooutdoors]

You have friends? Jk... Merry Christmas bro!

[@ocomegashadowstacking5886]

@@Hoodoooutdoors yeah!!! :D

[@rustyknifelover4463]

I am just starting to get into smaller knives. I got a Benchmade Bugout and a Spyderco Para 3in Maxamat. I think I am small knifed out. I would like a LW Shaman.

[@JTsKnifeLife]

That would be interesting...

[@inthepocket7405]

Great stuff buddy! I’ve been wanting to try a sage, and I had been wandering if I should try the lw. Is the the pivot the same as the para 3 lw, where it only has a liner and washer on the one side?

[@JTsKnifeLife]

I'm not sure. Haven't disassembled. I know it's updated from the regular Sage 5 though. Maybe I'll take them both apart...

[@jeo1349]

Full steel liners as well. P3Lw does not have that.. Pivot bushing was used on the CQI Kapara as well, GAME CHANGER if they start using the bushing on all models........

[@rustyknifelover4463]

I would love a LW Shaman, but with a thinner blade.

[@JTsKnifeLife]

That would be interesting.

[@caseytyler8326]

Oooo idk I need to hold in hand to see some fiber glass reinforced nylon is awesome while it can feel cheap I’m guessing it’s good though

[@JTsKnifeLife]

Well, it didn't feel expensive, but it is quality stuff for what it is 👍

[@TTT-du6oj]

FRN really is tough and the sage 5 lightweight also has a pivot bushing like the pm2 which helps make for a really smooth drop shut action,inherently smoother than phosphor bronze washers👍

[@JTsKnifeLife]

That's cool and all, but it ain't a better knife than the regular Sage 5. 🤷‍♂️

[@TTT-du6oj]

⁠​⁠@@JTsKnifeLifeI think if you compared 10 sage 5’s and 10 sage 5 lightweights the lightweight version would probably win in action smoothness across the board but some of the sage 5’s are really smooth.I am a big fan of all the sage series knives.Nice review 🤙

[@JTsKnifeLife]

@@TTT-du6oj I wouldn't disagree there. And I wish I'd gotten into the Sage series before they all became so rare and hard to find. The Sage 4 was so overlooked and now is impossible to find.

[@TTT-du6oj]

@@JTsKnifeLife For sure,I have the sage 1,sage 2 titanium,and the sage 5 lightweight,wish I could come across a sage 3 bolt action lock at a fair price,easier said than done.I think they are a well thought out design and the Taichung factory does a great job on fit and finish👍

[@zero2three1]

I'm good with my regular old, blocky Sage 5. It's not exactly heavy either. This LW version is cool and I'd sooner get this than the Para 3 LW as it has full liners on both sides. But neither is very compelling.

[@JTsKnifeLife]

Can't really argue against the regular Sage 5. 👍

[@crowsnest43]

Long live the Empire

[@JTsKnifeLife]

Absolutely!

[@REAPER-1xxx]

Sage 5 is Spyderco’s best model imo. Every other model has a larger flaw than this one. I handled both the Sage 5 and Sage 5 FRN and purchased the Sage 5. FRN is not my preference. I didn’t notice a difference in the action. Both had the best action of any Spyderco I handled at a store. I will only consider a model a LW if it ditches the liners. Liners are a good thing as they keep the knife balanced. Only thing that could make me like the Sage 5 more other than colour and steel options would be if it was made in USA. So basically the Golden factory G10 and nice flush mounted screws. But other than that it has the size, blade shape, lock mechanism (comp lock), tang doesn’t interfere either (Shaman, Lil’ Native, handle material (G10), no liner feel (nested liners), curved handle (unlike PM2), deep carry wire clip. So few G10 models have a wire clip (only siren comes to mind) A wishlist for the Sage 5 would be a few steel options and colours built with USA available materials such as brown Micarta scales or Dark Blue G10 with flush mounted screws. Maybe Cru-wear or S110v as options and S45vn as the base steel. But honestly I can’t complain about the current model. S30v is perfectly fine steel, the G10 scales with CF laminate overlay are fine too and not having flush mounted screws is nothing to worry about.

[@rlepidi3573]

I’d prefer the LW, however I’m not sure if it’s my eyes, but they keep fixating on towards the middle of the scale where the directions meet and it looks odd to me.

[@rickkerans8485]

I agree that there wasn't much weight to lose. For the 30 dollar difference and no change in steel it is going to be hard to not do the Sage 5 LW before or in place of regular Sage 5. I don't have any idea which one they should do next.

[@JTsKnifeLife]

I'm not sure either. Maybe a LW Native Chief??? Or Shaman?

[@rickkerans8485]

@@JTsKnifeLife A Native Chief that would be great to see.

[@coryhall561]

Dammit, i wish i would ha e watched this the other day. I’ve been trying to buy a knife for 3 weeks and keep getting screwed on the secondary market. Had to sell my entire knife collection because a surgeon ruined my back. Finally got a little cash, and can’t find a decent used knife. Fml.

[@ronniebragg6764]

Check out Parsons blade works he make beautiful marbled carbon fiber scales for the sage 5 lightweight I just ordered a pair $70 they come in marble marble and red marble and blue

[@JTsKnifeLife]

Yeah, that stuff looks great!

[@pop4803]

Is the laminate slick or grippy? Most laminates are too slick for me.

[@SteveKluver]

The CF laminate? It is perfectly grippy, Harry. My favorite G10, ever.

[@pop4803]

@@SteveKluver thanks, steve I holding a civivi right now and that laminate is slick . That's good to know.

[@JTsKnifeLife]

It doesn't feel slick, but it sure isnt as grippy as the lw versiion..

[@mickkeim4142]

I don’t know...it is definitely a better value than the original.

[@JTsKnifeLife]

I think so too.

[@randyf.9188]

Great option for one of the best models they make, but calling it lightweight is misleading when compared to the original.

[@JTsKnifeLife]

That's true. 👍

[@Outpost_76]

With the Para 3 LW you say it isn't cutting that much weight, the g10 is 3.5 ounces and the LW is 2.4 ounces. That's close to a 1/3 weight reduction in overall weight. Sure the Sage 5 makes no sense since it's such a small reduction.

[@JTsKnifeLife]

Yeah, there's definitely a bigger difference with the Para 3, but that's not a heavy knife either, at least in the way that i look at things. I definitely remembered it wrong though, but it just goes to show that i don't really worry about that stuff so much I guess.

[@lenzielenski3276]

I don't have a light weight and don't think I will. At that price, I'd rather have the carbon fiber. I'll probably sand the scales down so the contour is more like the Sage 2 (or the light weight) but for the small difference in weight and price, I'm going to have to go with the original.

[@JTsKnifeLife]

Can't fault you for that. As you know, I'm a big fan of that first one.

[@mt_baldwin]

Yeah your sage 5 is smooth, mine isn't. You're Ikuchi didn't drop shut, mine did. My kapara dropped shut, a lot of peoples non-CQI version didn't. The bushing pivot eliminates this variance, or at least reduces it.

[@SteveKluver]

Yes. I would think, that they will move as many knives as they can. Over to the bushing set-up. The difference between my first Kapara, and the latest one. To me, is quite noticable.

[@JTsKnifeLife]

Well said. And man, I sure wish my Ikuchi did hahaha

[@Lumpy_Peter]

I have yet to see a classy looking spyderco. Almost every non-knife person bursts into laugh when I pull out my "Klingon-looking" Chaparral. "Why do you have a hole in your knife?"

[@JTsKnifeLife]

I think a lot of them are classy, personally. Furthermore, I don't expect non knife people to understand, nor do I care if they do. To me, a pair of Jordan sneakers looks silly and would be uncomfortable to wear. But Sneaker Collectors don't agree, nor do they care what I think. And they shouldn't. I have my own reasons for liking what I like. Screw everything else.

[@Lumpy_Peter]

@@JTsKnifeLife Although I strongly believe that everyone is free to like whatever and whoever they like, I also feel that there's greater objectivity factor in being classy. Jordan sneakers might be beautiful to some, they might be classic, but I doubt they ever can be classy. Spyderco itself says that they are designing knives in the dark. And that's where they shine most. On the opposite end I get almost unanimously positive reactions on a GEC knife. (But I do not go for anything too extravagant from them either.)

[@jbl2735]

Paramilitary 2 LW

[@Keith_the_knife_freak]

I agree.. i like my sage lw much more than my standard sage. Mostly because the action on my regular sage is not good.. no matter how much I've tried to tune it..

[@JTsKnifeLife]

That's a bummer. I did hear some people had that problem. I wonder if you could swap the scales. 🤷‍♂️👍

[@laserbrain7774]

S5 goes for $189 now and LW is like $140. both those #s are bullshit, neither one is worth $140.

[@bobb.9917]

My Sage 5 is great..(no PM3 in my collection 😬). I am fine with the CF laminate, especially over the FRN. I see no point in a LW version, other than an opportunity for Spyderco to sell more knives. Nothing wrong with that...but, "to me", the LW version is a step-down in materials for no reason. I will take the quality and the "light-weight" of my original Sage 5. Plus..I would rather take my $130 and purchase some other knife entirely, instead of a very similar version of a knife that I already own and love. Yeah, the LW is another option, but not one that I will take. Thanks. 👍

[@JTsKnifeLife]

I think for most people it's a good option but only if you don't already have the original. The original is great.

[@PS987654321PS]

Why are you shouting?

[@JTsKnifeLife]

I think I had been in the pool that day without wearing ear plugs and there was water lodged in my ear which made it hard for me to hear myself so I was extra loud.

[@evvignes]

I despise the G10/carbon fiber scales. Unacceptable.

[@JTsKnifeLife]

I like them. Acceptable.