The Spyderco Salt 2 LC200N Pocketknife: The Full Nick Shabazz Review

[@eclipse1018]

To defend the color a bit, it's almost Ryobi green, which I think gives it more of a tool aesthetic and bumps up its general lunchroom/non-knife people acceptability.

[@JACKBLACKTOSE]

Exactly, one of the reasons I like Native 5 Salt too. You'll also never lose the thing if dropped!

[@snafuequals]

@@JACKBLACKTOSE springtime in the forest I bet I could lose one 😆

[@TheCrunchyCrouton]

Would a designation of Sea-Hunter green be more appropriate in this case?

[@artemkanarchist]

K390 and LC200n steels bring Spyderco Delica platform to an entirely new level of awesomeness. Love them both and want them both

[@evan9201]

I carry a Salt 1 as my EDC. I spend a lot of time around saltwater: fishing, duck hunting, swimming. It’s held held up wonderfully. I appreciate the bright yellow color as I cant see very well at times.

[@harbour94]

Always have one of these clipped to my life jacket for dinghy sailing.. Love it!

[@markettrader911]

and yet, you never need to cut anything on your dinghy. It just "feels" good.

[@WilliamWallis]

Would like to see it with a wire clip.

[@scottgilmore2421]

One of the disadvantages to having a sharpening choil or notch is that it can sometimes snag on the material (like rope) that you're cutting.

[@JohnFrumFromAmerica]

Agree the sharpening choil adds nothing to functionality. If it's not there you can sharpen right up to the shoulder and end up with a bit more sharpened edge which can scratch the shoulder and look a little bit rough. The sharpening choil is an aesthetic choice and doesn't have a place if you want maximum function out of your knife as is the case with the salt series.

[@adrianenciso9277]

@@JohnFrumFromAmerica I disagree, I find sharpening choils are very useful beyond aesthetic purposes. I sharpen on stones and whacking a knife bolster repeatedly doesn’t make for a pleasant sharpening experience, and so in a lot of cases the edge in front of it will be much duller as it’s easier to just pretend there is a choil there and leave it half finished. Even if I do make an active attempt to sharpen the area in front of a bolster it really only works when my stones are completely flat, which requires extra flattening and a greater risk of the edges of my stones chipping because I can’t round them off or I’ll miss that area anyways.

[@tunturikuningas5393]

Yeah I hate sharpening choils

[@-trmxzer0-235]

If you have sharpen it all the way back you don't need to cut a notch in the blade. Its really not difficult at all to fix that little spot and go all the way to the choil. No getting material suck no recurveing just a coarse sharpening stone and some time.

[@JohnFrumFromAmerica]

@@adrianenciso9277 sounds like a problem with your stones I have no problem sharpening this area with diamond plates. And even if you leave the same space unsharpened that you would have for a sharpening choil you would still be better off as it won't snag things.

[@erhon5]

Honestly more ok with the green than the yellow of the other salt knives

[@troyounce3295]

Straight up facts

[@deathdonut7721]

Facts

[@mfreeman313]

It's pretty garish but you'll like it a lot more after dropping the knife in shallow water and being able to find it again.

[@kozmo7]

@@mfreeman313 The green or the yellow? For shallow water drops

[@mfreeman313]

@@kozmo7 Actually I got the UK penknife because that was the cheapest LC200N they had, and it was yellow. I'm sure you could see either in shallow water but maybe the green is marginally better, IDK. I just try to make up my mind not to drop stuff in the water.

[@Barryhatchet]

IIRC the color is more visible than other colors at scuba depths.

[@jolness1]

I wish they would do a Kapara in LC200N. Even with lime green scales

[@drewdidonato8594]

I want the kapara in literally ANYTHING EXOTIC. I'm a custom knife fanatic and the kapara is imo the best thing spyderco makes, even the halo knives. If they had one with some cooler materials, it'd just make it better

[@jolness1]

@@drewdidonato8594 I have a 20CV one that I love, it's perfect for food prep, I have a 5yr old and I eat a lot of fruit so it gets used almost exclusively for that. It's perfect for it, of course. Totally agreed it's the best thing Spyderco makes, it gets pocket time over much more expensive knives I have. Carries nice and slim, great blade shape and size and slices like crazy. A little odd looking in pictures, I almost didn't get one but I'm so glad I did. It's beautiful in real life and Alistair Phillips is such a nice guy. Had questions for him about the design and he got back to me. Took him a little time but he isn't a full time knife maker even, I was surprised he get back to me at all. The reply was very detailed even.

[@MF_UNDERTOW]

The opening holes are also larger on the salt knives vs the non-salt versions.

[@brianjohnson1519]

Yellow and Fluorescent Green are the two most visible colors underwater. Not a coincidence that they used them on the H1 and LC200N Salt series knives.

[@matthewadler1329]

I have no idea why I've been sleeping on this one. Next EDC for sure. Thanks Nick

[@L3001USPSA]

I just got back from Michigan, and the cars! Holy rust bucket Batman! They should make cars out of LC200N.

[@smilergrogan1452]

One of the few lockback knives that doesn't suffer from the blade crashing into the internal metalwork when it shuts, or when you sit on it. The kick just about lands on the pivot area of the lock bar, so the blade can't move downwards in the handle.

[@TheAdequateMedia]

Doing a sharpening video with the professional precision adjust; kizer sent me an LC200N drop bear lol. You and Cedric were the first creators I thought to brush up my knowledge base on the steel

[@jonr1510]

So much better than the H1 salt. The wharncliffe version is my permanent car/fishing knife. I've been carrying the Drift because it just feels more premium but for dirty wet jobs you can't do better than the salt2 series. I actually like the green color on this one. All we need now is a para3 ltwt in lc200n, imo that would be a truly perfect edc knife

[@mfreeman313]

I got a UK penknife salt version a while back after a guy here suggested looking for LC200N. I was struck at how good the edge retention is-really premium level-and how strangely few knives you see with it.

[@fullback118]

I like the green color just fine and appreciate the high visibility aspect, but I may end up dying the last inch of the handle black so that it is less conspicuous when clipped in my pocket (this is my current EDC knife).

[@BrentonCarr]

The green is because that color can be perceived better at greater depths of water. Also, great color for being visible outdoors.

[@cainkopczynskie6296]

I have the wharncliffe version and it's perfect for me to edc. The only problem is the black coating on the screws isn't the best.

[@Kyle_Sentz]

Hey nick, you mentioned you have done sharpening choils before. What file or stone?? Do you use? I own 30 spydies and a majority of them do need a choil.

[@GBall_Vision]

Get yourself a Dremel with a diamond tip bit

[@appalachiangunman9589]

I know a guy who used the Spyderco Triangle sharpeners to cut a choil in one of his Spydercos. He just used the point of it to cut the choil in there.

[@celebral_pelosi]

The color is there by choice because this is what you can best underwater. Same for the lack of the choil, they didn't include one because this way it can't get while cutting.

[@jacknemo8021]

They went a long way around the barn to not call this the Delica 5.

[@troyounce3295]

Well it's not. They just took the liners out and changed the blade shape and the scales are a bit thicker

[@TheBandFamousTM]

Love the Green

[@JustIn-op6oy]

This gives me similar feel in hand as my clip-it delica (obviously accounting for the difference that a molded FRN clip makes), particularly balance wise.

[@bert2530]

Ok, you sold it. Just got mine and I guess I am happy I didn’t pick the Bugout 🙂

[@ExtremeSquared]

I've always felt a fullly-polymer grip is counter-intuitively more durable than a part metal grip in a similar knife. Most people don't damage knives by abusing them in use -- most people damage a blade from dropping the knife. If you attach the same blade to a 2oz total knife, and to a 4oz total knife, drop-on-tip damage is much lower on the lighter knife. Even if you don't care about corrosion, the salt series is more drop-damage-resistant than other spydercos.

[@ciderandthorazine]

yeah, it's a deal with my beloved UKPk - when the pivot and tang are aligned by plastic alone, then blade centering is random. doesn't matter how exotic the plastic. it's an OCD-unfriendly construction.

[@TheMooseinaTree]

Don't worry about wearing dive watches Nick, most scuba divers wear wrist computers that double as a day watch and I haven't seen you bust one of those out. (SCUBA Shop Owner here as the source)

[@nandayane]

The Delica is $84 now in VG-10…. ooffff. I feel like the biggest value coming out of Seki are the knives in “upgraded” steel, a fist full of K390, ZDP-189, or LC-200N for $116-130 in a proven platform is a better value than a $84-94 VG10 knife in a proven platform.

[@gmoorach]

When it comes to corrosion resistance, H-1 and LC200N are not the same. H-1 is pretty much impervious to corrosion. Though, it's soft as warm butter. LC200N comes close in corrosion resistance. However, I wouldn't leave it submerged in salt water for a month. But, when you couple that extreme corrosion resistance with 154CM-like performance, you've got a big winner - a blade that performs and you don't have to worry about getting it wet having to dry it right away. I like knives with a longer cutting edge. So, I have a Pacific Salt II and a Caribbean. Both are great knives. I highly recommend both. Something to consider with respect to blade centering on the Salt II series. The stainless steel liners in the Delica and Endura are not as corrosion resistant as LC200N. It wouldn't be good if the blade didn't rust, but other parts of the knife did. So, Spyerdco eliminated them from the design. But, as a result the lateral stability of the blade relies solely on the FRN handle, which is relatively soft. So, there's not much that can be done there. However, once the blade is opened and the lock is engaged, there isn't any noticeable side to side blade play. And that's more important than blade centering when closed.

[@JohnFrumFromAmerica]

H1 is not impervious to corrosion either it's about the same as 316L stainless. Which is only rated for intermittent seawater exposure. For all intended purposes LC200n and H1 are equivalent

[@dustinwhitt5297]

Is this steel decent for toughness? I work in plastic mold injection and have to cut zip ties and cardboard all day long in a hot environment where I've been having problems with rusting.

[@GBall_Vision]

It has good toughness. You could go m390 20cv or stick with a fully stainless steel blade

[@dustinwhitt5297]

@@GBall_Vision M390 in my experience is too chippy for thick pallet straps, even chipped my XM 18 3.5

[@GBall_Vision]

@@dustinwhitt5297 no shit? I'm a carpenter I build modular homes I carry slot of different knives to work and they get good use the ones that go. I've taken my LUDT and taken it through the ringer and it still looks new damn near. I don't cut a lot of heavy plastic straps like pallet straps though. I'm surprised it chips my Spyderco and microtech in m390 do we'll. If I need alot of power Id take the Adamas the AD10 or a smaller fixed blade. I have a bunch of blade steels but haven't put them all through the ringer like that Cru wear. M4. M390. 20cv maxamet S90V 35vn and 30vn D2 14C28N I know my full size Adamas is tough as hell

[@dustinwhitt5297]

@@GBall_Vision I've thought about getting a new adamas in cruwear.

[@CKshouta]

Lc200N has very high Hardness for a stainless steel.

[@EricWebSurfer]

How's the no liners? It seems like it would make it a lot less sturdy feeling and actually less sturdy. No?

[@TheTranq]

I’ve been interested in the Salt series

[@stevestory8483]

What are your thoughts on this vs the Native 5 salt? Trying to decide between the 2 for camping and fishing/outdoors and wanted to get your opinion. Thanks for any help:)

[@jaredappleseed7037]

I like it but for $15 more dollars you can get a native 5 salt 🤷

[@fullback118]

I wish this was still the case (I see your comment is about 6 months old). Now it appears that the Native 5 Salt is out of stock everywhere with no ETA from Spyderco. I'm assuming they've halted production (hopefully only temporarily?). Nothing wrong with this new Salt 2 (and I recently bought one), but I think a lot of us appreciate the shape of the Native as much or more, plus it's made in the Golden, Colorado factory.

[@Dudeee_]

@@fullback118 they’re currently available. I got mine delivered from Blade HQ today. DLT Trading has also had some in stock!

[@The4cp]

The color is great around water

[@joerg-michajahn4963]

Quite the pundemonium. Nice! Blade really looks like the smaller sibling of the salty Endura :-)

[@AlrightAndy]

I was looking at these knives yesterday, thanks for the review!

[@DamionJR4923]

I would like to see the hardware in Titanium.

[@livinglife4921]

Should I go with serrated or plain edge what’s your 💭 thoughts

[@Phaminator525]

Nick will you review the civivi elementum fixed blade?

[@mengchenlee811]

Actually hopes they use the same blade shade as delica, for me kinda need the pointedness to bleed fish and bait preparation, just my personal preference.

[@lloydcates917]

I have the gen 1 and man is it tough to sharpen

[@jjabberjaw8822]

What do you think of this vs. the Delica in K390 for daily use? I've been debating between the two. Any opinions and/or suggestions would be appreciated.

[@NickShabazz]

Depends if you have needs for rust resistance. K390 for cutting, LC200N for water.

[@AGC828]

Blade length. I think is overloooked in the knife community. Especially for guys planning to "EDC" their folding knives. Better make sure the knife meets blade length laws...if planning to carry in public. :) AMaking the Salt 2/Delica 4 great choices in most states. The realistic choice...over the PM2, Manix 2, Shaman...etc...

[@mortuus4601]

What are the holes for?

[@mattadler4710]

Im attracted to this knife for several reasons, but Im concerned about the durability of the full FRN construction. G10 with no liners is great. I totally trust that material to hold up 100%, especially on folders like the Cold Steel American Lawman, but I have no experience with an all FRN knife. Can anyone weigh in here and tell me whats what?

[@kpfagerberg]

It’s a knife, it’s made to cut things. How strong does FRN need to be? It won’t break on you unless you’re smashing it through a tree or metal, which is apparently what people want their knives to do.

[@raleighepp5274]

I just lost my black Pacific Salt. I like bright colours.

[@TundraMMV]

Can you swap the scales with its yellow brethren ??

[@GuillotineStare]

Lovvvvve lc200n

[@charlescollier7217]

Nick, I can't believe you let this float by you: "...says the guy who doesn't dive. And wears dive watches. But anyways, I DIVEgress..."

[@awwwshucks443]

Did you do divegress?

[@wupwop]

Heck yeah

[@RobinJamesEricBond]

I personally think you should call the unit Ounches instead of ounces, unless you wanna step over to grams. you did it once by mistake in a previous video :D

[@latetodagame1892]

The sharpening choil can cause the knife to be ripped from your hand.

[@csquared4538]

You think if I bought this one knife I could stop buying knives?

[@CKshouta]

Im a bit salty that they took out the liners for rust resistance but didn't think about using G10 to compensate for it.

[@Treeguy-ny6vb]

Screws show wear too…

[@carlstanland5333]

Isn’t the clip titanium? It’s non-magnetic.

[@appalachiangunman9589]

My Spydercos screws aren’t magnetic, I guess they may use the same screws as on the Salt series to save money I suppose.

[@JohnFrumFromAmerica]

sharpening choil adds nothing to functionality. If it's not there you can sharpen right up to the shoulder and end up with a bit more sharpened edge which can scratch the shoulder and look a little bit rough. The sharpening choil is an aesthetic choice and doesn't have a place if you want maximum function out of your knife as is the case with the salt series.

[@alexanderbertallo1995]

For guided sharpening systems like Wicked Edge etc. a sharpening choil is a plus.

[@JohnFrumFromAmerica]

@@alexanderbertallo1995 why is that? What is the difference between a sharpening choil and just leaving the same length of blade unsharpened? Or just sharpening right up to the shoulder?

[@EagleJim62]

It's a delica. That's it.

[@glennpettersson9002]

On the other side of the Pacific we have to pay with dollarydoos. Ouch😬

[@Ravenankh]

This looks like just the knife for those of us working at the salted Vaseline factory.

[@BrentonCarr]

< native 5 salt.

[@mattadler4710]

why in the world are there no washers on this knife? thats a little disturbing.

[@jimbaker4942]

Wobbly bobbly camera day.

[@Thexaios]

To these puns, I say Cl later, Nick.

[@thejuicer9706]

Puns were awesome lol

[@mfblackburn1980]

This is a price gouge. They have something unique and they know how much folks who are often around saltwater want this advantage, so they have boosted the cost massively above an FRN delicate. Unfortunate disappointment for this Spydie fan. This is not reflective of the cost difference per ounce between VG-10 and LC200N. Now $124.25 in Aug 2022.

[@BaroqueBlues]

11:13 (It's as the Japanese would say... : "good") 😂

[@mosherogoff1252]

Hmm. No washers for the pivot you say? Sounds like Spyderco just 'maybe' closely examined a Ka-Bar Dozier -- they don't use any washers either and haven't for a LONG time.... :-)

[@ringbadingbingrading1181]

Some of their knives in the 90s and earlier didn't use washers and ran on plastic. It's been that way for a *long* time.

[@Skipper_Jimmy]

Thank. Good review, as always. However Nick Shabazz might say the review had a high degree of repeat-a-tude. I agreed with each of your main points, many times each.

[@Skipper_Jimmy]

Review was supposed to start with the word “Thanks”, not “Thank”

[@0neTwo3]

Came for a knife review… ended up getting punnished….

[@pokewokes9150]

From my experience of having a few knives in LC200N it holds an edge about as well as VG10. I was massively disappointed....... especially for the overinflated Spyderco price points. Their knives no longer represent value for money.

[@kymcopyriot9776]

The spydie tax is real! This is like taking a cheap but reliable family sedan, bolting on a carbon fibre spoiler and charging a sports car price for it.

[@jbeers1234]

You dive-gress, eh, eh…?

[@paulwilberforce9115]

Is the US the only ones left using imperial system lol ?

[@Stantonv]

Ah, such corrosive puns.

[@bahjinelson3986]

Grams are fine if you want to be picky and granular, but stone works just fine. 0.01 stone. It worked for our ancestors and change makes me angry. Solid reasoning.

[@BingsBuddery]

Nick rules... Spyderco is a snore.

[@matthuck378]

It'd be nice if they just madea delica 5 with a finger choil. They've done it with other models...I mean...C'mon, Spyderco. Also, make one in D2 and charge $45 for it.

[@matthuck378]

Dying doesn't work like that, Nick. If it were white, sure...Then you could dye it anything you want. Zombie green? Sure, you could dye it black....Or a darker green, but that's about it. Any other color would just visually mix with that green. PS: Spyderco should just sell it in different colors all the time, and **** their whoe 'sprint run' philosophy.

[@xeoknight845]

Or just sell aftermarket scales to exploit knife guys like other companies

[@Jezus42]

Oooff. This garbage fire is how I feel in general of all spyderco. Why am I paying that much? It's not good. It's barely above a mini mart knife. No washers all plastic ow won't rust! All spydercos are overpriced gas station knives always. It's not a gem and nobody wants one which is why others haven't made a far superior opinion.

[@kpfagerberg]

Then what would you recommend?

[@Jezus42]

@@kpfagerberg for what purpose.

[@kpfagerberg]

@@Jezus42 For anything. All you did was say that you didn’t like Spyderco. No other explanation. No details how to make them better or a better alternative to what the salt 2 is built for or a different knife to carry daily.

[@johnj.baranski6553]

wow...what a boring knife.

[@griffinm9]

It cuts!