Monthly Archives: October 2025

Folders, Review

NATIVE CHIEF™ LIGHTWEIGHT SALT® CPM® MAGNACUT® — Teeth For The Deep.

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Serrations aren’t everyone’s favorite, but one thing is undeniable: Spyderco knows how to make them perform. I’ve tested serrated Chaparrals and even the semi-serrated CPM-M4 Tenacious, but the Salt Chief in Magnacut takes this to another level thanks to its relatively long blade.
The “Salt Chief” … does it ring a bell to South Park’s fans ?
(Ah, Isaac Hayes Salty Chocolate Balls...)

For the record, Magnacut behaves similarly to CPM-4V but is far more stainless, which explains why the Salt Series (like this Chief) thrives in humid and coastal conditions.
(The LC200N version of the very same knife (with green FRN handle) would be even better in terms of corrosion resistance but Magnacut’s edge will last longer.)

My first Chief, a special edition in CPM-4V nicknamed Hellboy, was already a beast which I considered replacing my Spyderco C36 Military — and this lightweight Salt Chief has teeth that remind me of a Nine Inch Nails album : pointy, high tech, raw and aggressive.

This relatively long folder is remarkably light: 88 grams for a 102 mm blade — 21% lighter than the G10 version, according to Spyderco.

This is a serious tool for mariners, divers, explorers, military personnel, cooks, gardeners, and anyone who might let their knife get wet. Unlike my Salt Sage 5 (plain edge, monster in the woods), the Serrated Salt Chief is clearly aimed at humid/coastal environments.
(There is also a plain edge Salt Chief C244PYL which could be more versatile.)
The serrations concentrate force on small points along the edge, allowing fibers to be cut more effectively than a plain edge of the same thickness. Each tooth acts like a mini-chisel, making tasks like slicing rope, cord, seatbelts, fibrous fabrics, or vegetation far easier.
But it will be harder to cut straight as the serrations are chisel ground on the left of the blade. So it will naturally be deviate to the right during a push cut.

The multiple points of contact make serrated edges actually longer than straight plain edge. Even if the points dull slightly, the valleys continue to cut, which is why serrated blades are preferred in emergency for cutting seat belts for example.
And serrated edge are not difficult to resharpen. Do it like you would sharpen a chisel with a ceramic able to reach each valleys. Once you get a burr just one or two passes on the other side of the edge and it is back to razor. No big deal really.
Magnacut love leather though; But it won’t be easy to strop it obviously, unless using the rims of a leather belt…

The ergos are just great. Same cockpit as the Native 5.

Out of the box, I noticed a slight tip imperfection — less than a millimeter — which I easily corrected on a diamond rod in under a minute. Even with Magnacut’s hard, corrosion-resistant steel, the tip can be fragile but repairable. This means one thing: use your sh*t !
This light amphibious folder is made to be a workhorse in the sea or earth because it is also easy to keep clean.

Those diamond corners are perfect to put a fresh edge on a serrated blade.

This time again, Spyderco uses a Full-Flat Grind with SpyderEdge. But this is a very very aggressive serrated edge, much more aggressive than the serrated Chaparral for example and, yes, so aggressive and pointy, it can snag and tear but it will do the job. It won’t be a clean cut but the job will be done very very quickly.
(On the Chaparral, the serration are rounded to avoid snagging when cutting. Those same serrations can be found on another serrated folder made in Taichung for Spyderco: the LC200N made Caribbean.)
So the Salt Chief serrated is also a potential emergency tool with a pointy blade!
It will excel in marine scenarios like cutting wet cordage very quick. So this knife feels especially suited for maritime or humid environments. Those serrations also will cut in vegetation with minimal effort. Actually even a gardener or a farmer would appreciate that raw cutting power made to endure mud and rain.
But keep it mind, this is raw cutting, fast and dirty. Perfect in emergency. But the cuts won’t be clean. You won’t slice raw meat into loafs like a chef knife would. Also keep it mind the the chisel edge blade will drift to the right.

As you can notice, the teeth of the Chief are more pointy and deep than, for example, the Tenacious CPM-M4 which is less agressive.

That lightweight Chief strong mid-backlock mechanism is impressive: no liners or spacers and… zero play (unlike my CPM-4V G10 Native Chief, which had slight vertical play.), and perfect action. The blade falls gently when unlocked, The drop-shut action is smooth, supported by a very strong spring, and the knife oozes quality from every angle.
Ah ! Zero play, this what we often got from Golden made backlocks this lightweight long knife is no exception !

This long pointy folder feels lighter than expected for its size, yet solid and trustworthy. It should be perfect for fishermen, mariners, firemen, policemen, divers, gardeners, ranchmen, farmer, construction workers or anyone working in the outside or in corrosive/humid environments from the rainforest to the ocean. The combination of Magnacut steel, Spyderedge, and Yellow FRN handle makes it an emergency tool — especially for those who value edge retention, corrosion resistance, and very aggressive cutting performance in wet environments.

In short, the Serrated Salt Chief designed by Eric and Sal Glesser is a serious, reliable, and powerful folder — perfect for professionals in demanding conditions who need to cut deep and quickly.

“I just got Eric a Megaladon Shark’s tooth for Christmas. Had serrations on the tooth, 150 million years ago. I don’t think serrations are a “new” thing.“
Sal Glesser

Folders, Review

Spyderco Chaparral® SLIPIT™ Birdeye Maple C152NLWDP – The Lucky Charm.

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The Chaparral series is quite unique in Spyderco’s catalog. Originally designed to showcase different handle materials on the same platform, it has evolved into a performance-driven tool for one simple reason: the blade stock is exceptionally thin.
That thinness means it cuts deep with minimal effort.

It is even thinner than the UKPK which is the thinnest of the SlipIt Family.
(“SLIPIT®” is Spyderco’s trademark name for non-locking folding knives.
These knives stay open through spring tension rather than a mechanical lock.)

2mm for the Chap and 2,5 for the UKPK.


I’ve owned the original carbon fiber version, and earlier this year I reviewed the Lightweight serrated model — still one of the most efficient “matter separators” you can carry in your pocket.
Now, thanks to the Spyderco Ambassador Program, I’ve had the great opportunity to test the Slipjoint Chaparral.

It’s worth pointing out that the Chaparral is far from an entry-level model. It’s the premium, Taiwanese-built sibling in the SlipIt family — and at about twice the price of most SlipIt knives, it clearly plays in a higher class.

And this is an eye candy:

You can notice that Spyderco even includes a transparent protector over the clip area to prevent the handle from the clip during transport.


The knife arrived sealed in a plastic bag, likely to protect the wooden handles from changes in humidity.
Made in Taichung, Taiwan, and shipped to Golden, Colorado, this precaution makes perfect sense — Golden’s dry climate has been known to affect wood scales before (as seen with their Bushcraft fixed blade).
The handles themselves are beautiful. Carrying a piece of wood in your pocket almost feels like carrying a good luck charm.


This is my first Spyderco folder with wooden scales, and I must say — it has real charm.


The knife comes with Spyderco’s standard wire clip, but I have swapped it out for the shorter clip used on the MicroJimbo, Lil’ Native, or Dragonfly — it’s more discreet and I wanted to do it before leaving any mark on the wood.

Here pictured with the Metropolitan and with the microclip mounted on.
A downside of the wire clip is that it can create a “hotspot”, or point of discomfort, when applying significant pressure.
That’s why I prefer that shorter clip cannibalized from another folder — it helps avoid this issue. When doing extended wood prep or cutting in the field, where downward force is applied, ergonomics really matter.

BTW the Metropolitan pictured above costs about half the price of the Chaparral, and while both fall into the same blade-length category, the Met’s blade is roughly 33% thicker. The Metropolitan’s M398 blade is impressive when it comes to edge retention, but the CTS-XHP used on the Chaparral has proven to be a reliable, all-terrain stainless steel that performs beautifully on that exceptionally thin blade stock. An M398 blade at just 2 mm thick would certainly be too brittle for practical use.

Here is the Chap pictured with the MicroJimbo, the UKPK, the Serrated Chap, the Wasp and the Roadie XL.

Now, about the mechanics:
The Chaparral SLIPIT specifically replaces the usual Chaparral’s back-lock with this “notch-joint” spring system. The Chaparral backlock is also unique in the Spyderco catalog as it get an hidden pin for zero vertical play .
Most Spyderco slipjoints close in two stages — first, disengaging the spring tension, then a mid-stop for safety.
Not the Chaparral. Once you disengage the spring, the blade flows smoothly all the way to the closed position.
(Compare that to the Manly Wasp (pictured in orange) or Comrade, which both have four distinct steps!)
That said, disengaging the blade on the Chaparral requires a bit of effort — which is actually a good thing, especially for whittling. Feeling a blade start to close while it’s wedged in wood is never pleasant.
I’ve had that experience with the beautiful COBOL, and it’s not something I’d want to repeat.
Compared to other SlipIt models, the Chaparral is not in the same range of spring tension. I was initially afraid the action might feel too soft.
It is not soft but noticeably less hard than my UKPK, Urban, Squeak or Metropolitan. My strongest being my Heinnie G10 Urban.

All in all, the Chaparral is a very capable tool — not just a pretty face.
While its aesthetics are undeniably strong (especially with those bird’s-eye maple scales), some users have raised concerns about the stability and durability of the wood in moist or wet environments.
Naturally, a wooden handle requires a bit of care — you don’t want to let it soak in the sink. (Buy a UKPK Salt instead !)
Wood isn’t G10 or FRN; its warmth and character come at a small cost in terms of maintenance and environmental sensitivity.
If you need something very rugged (wet/humid environments, rough carry), it might not be the best choice or you might pick a version with more durable scales.

And again, that blade stock is so super thin which makes it an incredible slicer. Opinel class ! You need to experience it to believe it.
That’s the case for all Chaparral anyway, nothing new about that.



The fit and finish is near perfect. Notice how the spine and handle are gently bevelled as always with Taichung’s !
This is little folder for users who prioritize slicing performance, sharpness, and elegance, the Chaparral SLIPIT is just appropriate for EDC/“gentleman, lady” use.
The non-locking SLIPIT mechanism is suited for jurisdictions (including Europe/UK) where locking blades may be restricted — that adds to its appeal.  If you want also a knife that carries lightly, looks premium, and doesn’t feel like a bulky tactical folder, this hits that niche. But you may want to treat its maple scales carefully and avoid heavy moisture.
I will rinse my Chap under the tap but immediately wipe it dry, this is as simple as that. I will see if wood will change on the long run and it will surely add some character. No worry.
The non-locking SLIPIT mechanism may not feel as secure as a lock-back, and the “no half-stop” means the feel is really different that other SlipIt designed by Sal Glesser.
Anyway any Chaparral will teach you a lesson on the importance of grind and thin geometry but this one will keep it legal in many countries.



If you’re seeking a precise, elegant everyday-carry folder with top-tier steel, superb slicing geometry, refined looks and minimal pocket presence — the Chaparral SLIPIT delivers strongly.
Oh boy does it slice, hell yes.
And it brings luck.

Folders, Review

SPYDERCO SQUEAK Part IV – The Micro SlipIt as the only travel knife.

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Choosing a travel folder is easy for me — I own quite a few knives of various lengths dedicated to that purpose.
Traveling from France to the UK, however, means avoiding any locking blade and any edge longer than 3 inches (76 mm).

Models like the UKPK, Metro, Urban, Chaparral Slipjoint, The Roadie, the Manly Wasp, or even the Couteaux des Sorgues or any small Swiss Army Knife, would all fit the bill.

For the record the non locking mechanism of the SlipIts is reviewed in this review here.

But this time, I’ve decided to take the Squeak designed by Sal Glesser. The Titanium/Elmax Sprint Run Jewel. Easy to pocket, One Hand opening are my choice. Usuaully I use a UKPK from Heinie for my UK trips.
This time, it will be the Squeak Deluxe. This micro-folder has been a constant companion in my pocket since 2017, and it’s perfectly watch-pocket friendly — but as my only knife for a road trip? That’s the real question.

I don’t know about you, but my uses for a knife when traveling abroad are many — from cutting labels to sharing a piece of cake.

The first thing I ask from a blade is that it stays very, very low-profile.
A deep-carry clip is mandatory in that regard. However, the Squeak’s stock clip isn’t exactly discreet, so I swapped it for a MicroJimbo clip — the same one used on the Lil’ Native — which is noticeably shorter.

Frankly, this shorter clip should come standard on all SlipIt models from the factory!

I often use my EDC knives right on the plate. Eating with a sharp blade is non-negotiable — and most of the time, my wife ends up borrowing mine, so it goes back and forth throughout the meal.

Of course, ceramic plates aren’t exactly a razor edge’s best friends. They can sharpen a blade in spots, but mostly they’ll dull it fast.

For food prep or eating on a plate, my favorite blade shape is the Wharncliffe, since only the tip makes contact with the hard ceramic surface. The MicroJimbo would have been perfect for that — if only it weren’t a locking knife. Honestly, I’d love to see a Wharncliffe SlipIt someday!

For now, the Squeak brings a bit of belly and that razor-sharp Elmax edge. It truly shines with pizza — that perfect mix of soft top and hard crust demands a blade that cuts deep and steady.

I didn’t bring any sharpening stone to touch up the edge, but I found that mostly the tip was the part coming into contact with the ceramic.
With longer blades, I usually tilt the knife slightly to avoid any 90° cuts against the plate. But with the Squeak, I just went at my pizza like a hungry wolf.

The result? A bit of dulling — maybe 1 mm toward the tip — but nothing I actually noticed during the trip.
I sometimes straighten a rolled edge on a mug’s rim or a sink edge, but not this time. I didn’t bother. Elmax isn’t brittle, so there was no real concern anyway.

The tip needs to stay razor sharp, since I also use it to open plastic bags, while I use the edge near the pivot for cutting labels. Despite the dulling, I couldn’t feel any loss of performance on plastic.

Using a short blade naturally means a bit more sawing motion, or sometimes two slashes for one cut — but with the Squeak, that was no issue at all.

Its biggest challenge might have been scones, but with those, I just think twice and cut once!
Even slicing a lemon for tea worked perfectly — I simply rolled the fruit on the board while cutting through it.

All those mundane tasks only proved how essential the Squeak was as our sole cutting tool during our five-day road trip.
It handled every meal — cutting bread for toast, slicing soda bread leaves — and never once did I feel underknived.
The Squeak performed flawlessly in every task, and above all, it was an absolute pleasure to carry and use.

So, does size matter?
In this case, the Squeak has clearly proven itself as both a great travel companion and a perfect EDC for countries that are cautious about knife laws.

Folders, Review

Spyderco Cobol — The Modern Ikuchi, or Just an Exercise in Style?

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Today’s review is a bit special.
Every now and then, I like to invite other reviewers and true knife enthusiasts to share their perspective.
This one comes from Guillaume Gx, moderator of the Spyderco Fan Club on Facebook — and a man who definitely knows his way around an edge.
Also all photography featured in this review is the work of Guillaume Gx.

Let’s get straight to the point — much like its sibling, the Nand, the Cobol doesn’t carry a knifemaker’s DNA.
This is not a blade born from the forge, but rather a stylistic exercise, a conceptual piece with a distinctly “Japan-inspired” design. And that’s where any comparison to the Ikuchi ends.

Mechanically, this slipjoint shares the same traits as the Nand: soft tension, little to no sense of security. A light press on the spine will start the blade folding, which instantly rules out anything beyond light, food-related tasks.

But perhaps that’s the idea. The dining table seems to be the natural battlefield for this miniature katana.
Unfortunately, the sweeping arc drawn by the handle and blade demands contortionist wrist angles, while the tanto-style tip hardly helps when it comes to cleanly separating food. In this arena, the Ikuchi—or even the Nand, with its almost twice thinner blade—will fare gracefully where the Cobol clearly struggles to hide its discomfort.

Gone is the Nand’s M398 steel. The Cobol features an M390 blade—beautiful to admire, but challenging to sharpen. Guided systems will have trouble catching such a low-profile edge. Seasoned sharpeners will need to rely on freehand skill to bring out a proper cutting edge (the factory edge being nothing to brag about).

So, is reason telling us this is a flop?
Not quite. Let’s remember that, like the Nand, the Cobol wasn’t crafted by a bladesmith but by designer Paul Alexander. This knife should be viewed as a concept piece, a non-knifemaker’s take on knife design, a genuine exercise in style.

You can’t help but salute the intent—and the audacity. Spyderco showed real boldness in releasing two designs that stand as true UFOs in the eight-legged universe.

And so, I look to the sky, hoping to see another one someday.

(The Nand and the Cobol)

Advice, Folders

Spyderco’s SLIPIT™ Family – Which one should you choose—and for what purpose?

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The SLIPIT™, is a group of American-designed folding knives developed by Spyderco. Originating from the UK Penknife (UKPK) project
— the first folding knife to combine their one-hand-opening Trademark Round Hole™, clip carry, and a non-locking mechanism — and drawing inspiration from the Caly series, the group comprises the UKPK, Metropolitan, Urban, and Squeak models. All were designed by Sal Glesser.




The Blue Brother of my Slipit family is the UK Penknife (UKPK) Blue G10 CPM SPY 27 version AKA “The great slicer” or “The Golden Child” as it is made in Colorado when the others are made in Italy.
My UKPK is the G10-handled version in CPM SPY27 steel. It features the thinnest blade (2.5 mm vs 3mm for the other members of the SlipIt family) and offers the best slicing performance, with a cutting edge measuring 75 mm.
You can notice its this G10 version got 4 screws on the handle. (When Spyderco site is only showing 3 screws for their UKPK G10 SPY27 model)
Edit: I got an answer from Golden about that:
“The photo of the G10 model you see online is a photoshopped version of the lightweight model, which only has 3 screws. The 4 screw version is standard for the g10 variant.”
The FRN UKPK got 3 screws and a short spring/backspacer. Perhaps easier to rinse and clean. Its Salt version even exist in yellow with CPM Magnacut and in green with LC200N and also with serrated edge.

On mine, its thin CPM SPY27 blade is particularly well-suited to maintenance by leather stropping, and this model is unique in the group for employing a fork spring, likely necessitated by the longer stainless steel backspacer. Thanks to its blade steel, the UKPK also provides the greatest lateral strength of the series.

Its versatility makes it suitable as a travel knife, steak knife, whittling tool, office companion, or even a light kitchen knife.
You can even change for another style of clip if you want a toolish look.
The UKPK won’t let you down FRN or G10 version. They are great travel non threatening folders.

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS
Overall Length: 6.89in 175mm
Closed Length: 3.95in 100mm
Blade Thickness: .098in 2.5mm
Blade Length: 2.95in 75mm
Edge Length: 2.57in 65mm
Handle Material: G-10
Origin: United States
Steel: CPM® SPY27®
Knife Weight: 2.2oz 63g

The Black Brother of the Slipit family is the Metropolitan, a tad shorter than the UKPK but often described in my book as having “an everlasting edge.” This model is notable as the only Slipit presented here with an FRN (fiberglass-reinforced nylon) handle. FRN is great and solid and the Metro got a full spring/back spacer.

Its key strength lies in the choice of blade steel: Böhler M398, known for delivering extremely long-lasting edge retention at a comparatively very accessible price point. Despite its 3 mm blade stock, the Metropolitan remains an excellent slicer. While M398 offers less lateral strength than CPM SPY27, it excels in edge holding, making this model particularly well-suited as a folding skinner or for heavy-duty tasks such as breaking down cardboard.

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS
Overall Length: 6.31in 160mm
Closed Length: 3.73in 94mm
Blade Thickness: .118in 3mm
Blade Length: 2.68in 68mm
Edge Length: 2.43in 62mm
Handle Material: FRN
Origin: Italy
Steel: M398
Knife Weight: 1.6oz 45g

The Red Brother of the Slipit family is the Urban, my Low Profile London Traveller, produced as an exclusive edition for Heinnie Haynes. This model was acquired at approximately twice the cost of the Metropolitan, owing to its premium blade steel: CPM S90V, a high-performance alloy offering edge retention on par with Böhler M398. Now the FRN Urban is released with M398 too which makes my previous expensive Heinnie S90V Urban quest totally obsolete.

Released prior to the availability of the Metropolitan and the M398 Urban, this knife also features a G10 handle with a distinctive finish. Its compact dimensions allow it to be carried discreetly, such as in the watch pocket of denim trousers. In this collection, the Red Brother is primarily employed as a travel knife for use in London. I have it equipped with the short MicroJimbo clip for the lowest profile possible.

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS
Overall Length: 5.95in 151mm
Closed Length: 3.54in 90mm
Blade Thickness: .114in 2.9mm
Blade Length: 2.49in 63mm
Edge Length: 2.15in 55mm
Handle Material: Red G10
Origin: Italy
Steel: CPM S90V (on mine) M398 for the FRN version.
Knife Weight: 60 gr (for mine) 56 gr for the FRN version in M398.

Big Pizza ? No problemo.

The Silver Brother – The Tweetanium !
The Squeak is truly a jewel within the SlipIt family. Despite its compact size, it never leaves me feeling “under-knived” when carried in a watch pocket.
I once owned a Squeak Deluxe Sprint Run with a titanium handle and Elmax steel blade, which I eventually passed on to JD. Thanks to Guillaume, I was able to acquire another example, new in box.

JD first acquired the original Squeak SC154PBK and used it extensively, praising its thin cutting edge, dependable Böhler N690Co steel, ergonomic handle, wire clip, and reliable one-handed usability.

Later came the titanium sprint-run version, which felt even sharper at the edge, requiring less effort when cutting. Its rounded titanium scales were warm to the touch, slipped smoothly into the pocket, and offered a more refined feel than the FRN model. The stiffer titanium construction also produced a stronger spring, giving the knife a crisper “walk and talk.” While one-hand opening was slightly more demanding, both versions remained capable of the classic “Spydie drop.”
The titanium scales are smooth under the thumb and provide superb ergonomics in a three-finger grip. Construction is minimalist, relying on only two body screws plus one for the deep-carry clip.

This is a three fingers grip when the Urban is still a four finger grip.

This rare titanium variant stands out as a refined upgrade over the standard Squeak—an elegant evolution of an already excellent design.
I love Elmax steel since my Lionspy. I remember beating the crap out of it and it was really forgiving: no chipping and great sharpness. It is tough for a stainless steel.

Its short blade is full-flat-ground, exceptionally thin at the edge, and employs a slipjoint-style “notched-joint” mechanism: the spring holds the blade open during use and offers resistance when closing.

It slice through a Coke bottle butt with its factory edge ! Not many models from the Spyderco line can do that right out of the box.
In practice, performance is outstanding. The small blade slices cleanly through materials such as plastic, wood, ropes and even after extended use—up to a year on my first Elmax Squeak—it remains razor-sharp with only minimal stropping required. Elmax, a rare style among Spyderco knives, is that good !

The Spyder hole and blade spine are the also the sharpest of the family. It could be used to strike some ferro rod.

Compact yet versatile, the “mini micro” knife proves remarkably capable for everyday tasks: cutting meat at the table (where the blade’s belly is especially effective), opening tags, breaking down plastic, and more. It also maintains a discreet, non-threatening presence in public and restaurant settings. It makes a great money clip too.


TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS
Overall Length: 5.05in 128mm
Closed Length: 3.05in 77mm
Blade Thickness: .118in 3mm
Blade Length: 2in 51mm
Edge Length: 1.75in 44mm
Handle Material: Titanium
Origin: ItalySteel: Elmax (for mine) N690Co (for the FRN version).
Knife Weight: 69 grams (48 grams for the FRN version)
The Squeak in this titanium version is the heaviest of the family.

Le Choix des Armes

  • Blue UKPK – the versatile slicer.
  • Black Metropolitan – the non locking hunter’s companion.
  • Red Urban – the low-profile city dweller.
  • Silver Squeak – three fingers power house.

Each model is reliable, discreet, and delivers outstanding cutting performance thanks to their blade geometry. They shine on the plate and impress with pure slicing ability on the hardest materials (my pastic bottle tests…). Thanks to their relatively strong non locking mechanisms, they also handle whittling tasks—yes, even the Squeak is surprisingly pleasant and powerful against any piece of wood.
And don’t forget, now their slip-joint strength is impeccable. Also each knife comes with a choil, keeping your fingers safe from unwanted blade closure.
Really, when it comes to staying open, Sal Glesser’s four slip-joint designs outclass his excellent Roadie XL—and put Anderson’s COBOL to shame.
Sharp, firm, secure, and reassuring—no surprises when handling these slipjoint knives which are proof that size doesn’t define performance. 😉

Mama Caly can be proud of her slipIt offsprings !