Spyderco Resilience Lightweight Black Blade 18

I bought my first Resilience when it came out, possibly more than 10years ago. At the time I owned multiple knives, many Spyderco: sprint runs and standard issue. I was also making knives and was totally "down the rabbit hole" of knife collecting/testing/reviewing. Exotic, high carbide, hyper-steels were the order of the day. I got the first Resilience as a beater to spare my exotic Militarys and other large folders. It surprised me. In fact this knife (and some fixed blade Stu Mitchells in SF100) gave me an epiphany; as a heavy knife user I had fallen for the exotic steel marketing spiel. I sold most of collection, keeping a few favourites or blades that fulfilled specific role (I live by the sea and dive/spear fish etc so H1/LC200N have a place.) The Resilience became my EDC, hacking brambles on daily dog walks, gralloching/ butchering deer, camping, etc. It survived a point first landing on tiled floor (broken the tile) and total neglect on the cleaning front. It's got a stable edge that doesn't microchip and is easy to sharpen (20dps). The pivot needs occasional adjustment (takes seconds) to keep blade centered. After 10years, the lock travel was looking a bit much. Still secure but I ordered a successor in case it was discontinued and then a third in lightweight FRN guise (I keep this at 15dps and it's been fine for heavy tasks.) That first knife cost around £45 and it's still going strong. Its newer stablemates are over £80 but represent extraordinarily good value. I still have a Mili, Para 2 K390 and Police K390 but the Resiliences are my go to big folders. Occasionally I'll take a Rajah or Espada XL if I know I've got a bigger job but want the discretion of a folder but the Resolience is the sweet spot for me. Happily all three of mine have had no quality control issues- fit, finish and function have been spot on.

I love the Resilience, chiefly, I think, because of it's size (one of the largest knives Spyderco currently offer) -- I have large hands, and my two Spyderco UK knives look look somewhat out of place in them. (I have plenty of Spydies, and a few Byrdies too; and this is not my first Resilience.) The Resilience may just be my favourite pocket knife! (However, I am prone to vacillation here, as would be anyone with a large collection of knives). And, at this price point, it is, in my view, one heck of a bargain. I have spent a great deal more on pocket knives and received far less. If you are looking for a large pocket knife (that does not seem as large as it is unless you place it next to an UK legal carry), I would strongly recommend you consider the Resilience.