From time to time, I open the columns of this small blog to fellow authors who feel like sharing their thoughts on certain knife models. This has already been the case with JD and Pascal. Robin, a gifted French knife maker, is therefore the newest contributor, and here is his take on a knife I do not own but like very much. –Nemo

“Here’s my in-depth take on the Dyad Jr. equipped with Spyderco’s proprietary CPM-SPY27 steel, a knife that quietly embodies much of what makes Spyderco such a compelling brand.

Spyderco is one of the few manufacturers that can still make each Reveal feel genuinely exciting. While many brands rely on incremental cosmetic changes, Spyderco continues to juggle bold new designs with thoughtful revivals of older, sometimes underappreciated models. In the previous Reveal, two knives immediately caught my attention: the Edgerati, a completely new Sal Glesser design, and the Dyad Jr., a classic concept brought back to life with modern materials. One represents Spyderco’s future, the other its heritage, and the Dyad Jr. in particular spoke to me because it pairs a proven design with a steel I genuinely appreciate.

I’ve owned all three incarnations of the Dyad platform: the full-size Dyad, the Dyad Jr., and the Micro-Dyad. Each has its merits, but if I had to pick the most balanced and versatile of the trio, the Dyad Jr. wins without hesitation. It hits that sweet spot between usability and carry comfort. It’s large enough to feel like a “real” tool in hand, yet compact and flat enough to disappear into a pocket without effort.

Picture from “goodruckk” on Reddit.

Comparing this new iteration to the older versions, several differences stand out. The most obvious, and arguably the most important, is the upgrade in steel. CPM-SPY27 is a substantial leap forward from what the Dyad Jr. originally offered. It brings improved edge retention, corrosion resistance, and overall consistency, while remaining easy to sharpen, a balance Spyderco has become increasingly good at striking. The second major improvement is the screw-together construction. This may seem like a small detail, but it’s a meaningful one. Serviceability, long-term maintenance, and overall precision all benefit from a screwed construction, and I personally consider this an unequivocal upgrade over the pinned build of the past.
(Important note: it is also clipless. Something to keep in mind. This folder will be digging deep in your pocket big time like a Swiss army knife – Nemo.)

Pictures from Heinnie Haynes.

Despite its compact footprint, the Dyad Jr. delivers a surprising amount of performance. This has always been true of the design, but it feels even more pronounced here. The plain edge blade features an extremely fine, needle-like tip, easily one of the thinnest I’ve encountered on any Spyderco. It excels at precision work, piercing, and controlled slicing.

The serrated blade, on the other hand, is a pure cutting monster. For fibrous or abrasive materials, it offers edge longevity and cutting aggression that few single-blade folders can match. Having both options available at all times, without compromising ergonomics or carry comfort, is still a uniquely compelling proposition.

Fit and finish are excellent. The knife feels noticeably tighter and more refined than earlier versions. Both blades lock up solidly, with no vertical play whatsoever in my sample. Spyderco’s Seki-City backlocks have always had a strong reputation, but this one genuinely impressed me. In terms of perceived sturdiness, it comes surprisingly close to benchmarks like the Native 5 and Chaparral, which is high praise considering the Dyad Jr.’s dual-blade complexity.

Before I go back to what this knife is clearly meant for—cutting things—there’s one final point worth addressing: the price. Buying Spyderco in Europe is rarely inexpensive these days, and expectations have to be adjusted accordingly. That said, the Dyad Jr. positions itself extremely well. At under 130 €, you’re getting two fully functional blades, a smart and compact design, excellent build quality, and a modern, well-rounded steel that’s easy to live with. In the current market, that’s not just reasonable, it’s genuinely good value.

In short, the Dyad Jr. doesn’t try to be flashy or trendy. Instead, it quietly delivers versatility, performance, and thoughtful execution. For those who appreciate Spyderco’s more engineering-driven designs, this is a return that feels not only justified, but very welcome.”

(I will certainly update that review with more pictures from Robin later this week. – Nemo)