Picking out a Spyderco pocket knife takes a lot of research or at least a little experience with what you like or don’t like.

Most of the time, the laurel of “best Spyderco pocket knife” often goes to a model like the Delica, Endura, Tenacious, or one of the Paramilitary models.

But this review is going to take a slightly different approach and a closer look at another great choice: the Spyderco Sage 5 Lightweight.

Here’s what you should know.

First Impressions, Size, and Specs

This Spyderco pocket knife is middle-of-the-road in terms of size, perhaps just a little on the smaller size.

It’s 7.13” overall, with a 3” blade. It’s also a real featherweight, at only 2.7 oz.

It’s fairly unassuming and even lacks the characteristic humpback of most Spyderco pocket knives, with a nondescript blade shape and handle profile.

Closed, the knife looks vaguely ovoid, with slightly pointed ends. This makes it very unassuming although it remains utilitarian.

All the same, the knife offers a lot to love.

Steel and Blade Profile

Let’s start with the steel and blade profile.

First, for the blade profile. It’s a full-flat ground 3” blade with 2.6” of cutting length, with a satin finish.

It’s officially called a spear point, but it retains the classic, wide leaf shape of most Spydies. This makes it useful for a large range of tasks from slicing to carving and even drilling and detail work - spear points excel at that.

In lieu of the classic “Spydie thumb ramp” this Spyderco pocket knife has a graceful ramp that curves up and away from the shoulder of the knife before evening out at the spine.

Blade steel is a winner, here, too. It’s CPM S30V, which packs 1.45% carbon, 14% chromium, 2% molybdenum and 4% vanadium.

It should go almost without saying that this much carbon allows it to take and hold a very sharp edge, while that much chromium makes it effectively stainless.

Also, those healthy helpings of vanadium and molybdenum make it much tougher and more wear and impact resistant.

So what you get is a Spyderco pocket knife with a super steel but without a stellar price tag.

Handle Materials and Ergonomics

The Spyderco Sage 5 lightweight comes with dimpled/textured FRN (fiberglass-reinforced nylon) scales that are fairly ergonomic.

It indexes well, has a gentle curve along the back that fits, even locks into your palm nicely, and a few swells/notches along the leading edge of the scales that receive your fingers nicely.

It’s well balanced, fairly ergonomic, and comfortable to use in a variety of different grips.

The handle materials, like the blade steel, are also a winner here. Fiberglass-reinforced nylon may be basic, but it is lightweight and exceptionally strong and durable.

It has all of the benefits of G10 and Micarta, but is lighter than both. Nylon is very lightweight, and its reinforcement with fiberglass makes it impressively strong.

Also, FRN is non-absorbent, a poor conductor of thermal energy (making it suitable for use in the cold) and moisture and corrosion resistant. The scales are also maintenance-free.

In addition, the texturing on the scales is not overly aggressive but feels quite nice, actually. It would probably offer a great grip even if the scales were wet or greasy.

Carry, Deployment, and Lock Type

This Spyderco pocket knife is made with a reversible, tip-up pocket clip that’s suitable for deep carry, although for a knife this size you could also free-float it in a pocket.

Deployment is typical for a Spyderco, via the naturally ambidextrous “Spydiehole” thumb holes and a silk-smooth pivot system.

Lockup is sure and consistent and this Spyderco pocket knife features a compression lock, which is basically a lock back, but stronger.

All in all, there are no curveballs from this knife and it is a joy to carry and use.

Who Should Get This Spyderco Pocket Knife?

If you’re looking for an affordable Spyderco that’s average in terms of size, perhaps on the smaller size, and very lightweight, with an unassuming profile and naturally amenable ergonomics, this is for you.

You’ll get the added bonuses of the super steel and wildly versatile blade profile, too, all at a very reasonable price considering all of the specifications that accompany it.

Get a Spyderco Pocket Knife Here and Save

Interested in this Spyderco pocket knife or another that we carry?

Check out our collection of Spyderco knives via the previous link. We carry a huge collection and have great relationships with our vendors so if you’re looking for a model that you don’t see contact us at WhiteMountainKnives@gmail.com and we will see if we can get it for you.

Remember - all orders through White Mountain Knives that ship in the United States ship for free!