Created by Michael Janich, the MicroJimbo takes the iconic Yojimbo 2 design but in a smaller form, making it more legally and practically usable for everyday carry (EDC). This piece is a true jewel. With an MSRP of $300, it ranks among the most expensive Spydercos when measured by cost per millimeter of edge: just 57 mm. That’s a scale of value I may have to start considering. On the Microjimbo in 15V, for example, each millimeter of edge comes to $5.26, whereas on an Endura in VG10 it’s only $1.56 per millimeter.
Of course, CPM 15V is costly, and two signatures on the blade mean royalties. It’s a jewel, yes—but also a gem in its own right. No disclaimer on this one, as it was bought by myself at Lamnia in Finland for 237 euros. Great service and it was delivered in France 5 days later.
Action wise, the detent on mine is quite strong, with no lock stick, and the blade drops freely back into the handle. This little folder practically oozes quality.
Compared to my Yojimbo 2, the Microjimbo features a full flat–ground blade with a distal taper—very reminiscent of the first Yojimbo in that regard but with full-flat-ground Wharncliffe style blade, roughly 2.45 inches long.
It is made of Made from CPM-15V, a cold-work tool steel with nearly 15% vanadium, prized for insane wear resistance and edge retention. The blade is heat-treated using a protocol developed by Shawn Houston, further enhancing its performance with a HRC of 65 (more or less but that’s a lot !).
Ambidextrous, tip-up carry only for the MJ and its reversible deep-pocket short wire clip.
It is equipped with Spyderco’s reliable Compression Lock.
The 3.7 mm thick, stonewashed blade is a beauty—short, sharp, and full of character. The edges aren’t perfectly even toward the tip, but that doesn’t bother me; sooner or later it will be convexed anyway. After just a couple of passes on leather, the Microjimbo was already delivering a crisp, razor-sharp edge, effortlessly shaving arm hair. And for once with CPM-15V, I was pleasantly surprised at how well the steel responded to stropping.
In my CPM-15V family this little folder is not the one to underestimate. That blade shape as proven to be incredibly powerful. This knife feels like Lotus Seven equipped with a V8.
The Microjimbo 15V, with its self-defense pedigree, actually falls into the same MBC category as the Lil’ Temperance. With such a compact edge, it’s more of a last-ditch option—a tool that could still deter a threat. It won’t reach vital organs, but it could sever an artery. That said, knives remain one of the worst possible choices for self-defense in my book. Knives are ambush/backstabbing weapons.
Another last-ditch, highly capable small folder is the Chaparral Serrated. Its serrations can be extremely painful—an advantage in self-defense situations when you need to break a hold and get away.
Remember: 1 – Run, 2 – Hide, 3 – Fight. Fighting should always be your last option!
For three times the price of a Metropolitan, you get the same edge length but in a heavier package. Once in hand, it feels remarkably secure—despite having neither guard nor choil—almost like holding a small fixed blade.
Another comparaison shot: the Lil Native convexed by Jan Dirk feels much smaller and stubby than the Microjimbo. But on the picture there is no real difference. Both are reliable lil’big knives with strong blades and strong locks.
There’s no jimping on the handle or the blade, yet indexing the knife is effortless. You always know exactly where the edge is, allowing for precise, controlled cuts. That G10 definitely leans toward the pocket-shredder side.
I prefer my G10 with a smoother finish, so I used 400-grit sandpaper to tone it down—taking care to avoid inhaling the hazardous G10 dust.
I’m able to carry the Microjimbo in my watch pocket. I appreciate the strong detent—it keeps the blade securely closed while in my pocket. However, because it’s so strong, it’s difficult to open with any finger other than the thumb. No easy Spyderflick on this one.
The Microjimbo isn’t out of place on the kitchen cutting board. In fact, this will likely be its main battlefield, as I use my pocket knives extensively in the kitchen. I do need to be careful, though—its pointed tip tends to catch the flesh with a predator-like hunger.
Once razor-sharp, I haven’t been able to dull any of my CPM-15V blades so far, even after cutting cardboard and other abrasive materials. I’m glad to carry such a compact yet robust folder as I continue to explore this remarkable alloy.
Michael Janich has clearly done his homework on this little knife. Designing smaller blades is always tricky, and this one is a pure gem. The choice of a full-flat-ground blade is fully justified by the placement of the Spyderhole, and the geometry remains uncompromised.
I’m looking forward to putting this little knife through its paces.
that the Lil’ Temp is very much a hidden gem, refined over two decades by Sal Glesser. In essence, it’s his answer to the compact, heavy-duty 3-inch folder — a kind of “Techno Glesser” that still offers a full, hand-filling grip. Its tall blade profile allows for a finely tuned convex geometry, translating into cutting performance that feels far beyond its size.
K390 is, in my book, a friendly steel. By that I mean it sharpens up to a razor edge without too much effort. It isn’t quite as easy to work with as CPM Magnacut, but it’s far more forgiving than something like CPM 15V. The trade-off is that K390 will stain readily, so regular wiping is part of the routine.
The trade-off is that K390 stains readily, so a quick wipe-down is essential to keep it looking and performing at its best.
The fact that K390 isn’t stainless is not really an issue if you keep the blade clean and check it regularly for any sign of rust. In practice, a bit of grease or oil is enough to protect it, and over time the steel develops a natural patina that gives the knife real character. My own Lil’ Temp is already showing that patina, and it only adds to its appeal.
Geometry is absolutely critical when working with wood. No matter how tough the steel, without the right blade geometry the knife simply won’t bite or carve efficiently.
A full flat-ground high blade simply can’t compete when working on hard wood. That’s why Sal Glesser’s “Lambo of bushcraft knives,” theProficient, stands out: it combines a high full-flat ground blade made from a high-carbide super steel (S90V) with an exceptionally comfortable handle. The result is a knife that slices, carves, and handles demanding tasks with ease — the kind of tool that performs all day without fatigue.
The relatively thick handle of the Lil’ Temp makes it extremely comfortable to hold and use. Its design also provides excellent indexation, making it easy to know exactly where the edge is — even easier than on an Opinel or the round handle of the Proficient.
In the woods, the Lil’ Temp is easy to deploy and put into action. Its point is robust enough to withstand some abuse. While K390 isn’t the toughest steel available, it’s still harder and more wear-resistant than many stainless alloys, making it highly capable in practical use.
The thick spine of the Lil’ Temp provides an easy resting spot for the thumb, especially on push cuts. This gives excellent control and allows you to apply strength precisely where it’s needed.
The grain structure of K390 responds exceptionally well when working on wood. After some careful convexing on diamond stones, the edge has developed a shape that balances sharpness and durability perfectly for carving and utility tasks.
I was able to carve pickets without breaking a sweat. The knife’s gentle belly plays a key role, working like a guillotine on the wood fibers and making controlled cuts effortless.
The true kings of woodworking and whittling remain the Wolfspyder and the Boker Vigtig vs Wild. Their authentic Scandi grinds allow them to bite into wood with astonishing ease, making controlled carving and fine whittling effortless.
In that context, one of my favorite full-flat-ground folders for whittling is the Native 5 Salt, once convexed. It’s an absolute pleasure to use on wood, combining smooth slicing with precise control.
A folder’s handle will always be less comfortable than that of a good fixed blade, simply because of the compromise required to fold the blade into it.
That said, the Lil’ Temp is among the very best in this regard. Other outstanding handles include the Manly Comrade, the Benchmade Adamas, the Cold Steel Recon 1, and the Wolfspyder — the latter benefiting from Ray Mears’ design philosophy, focused on knives you can use all day long without developing hot spots or splinters.
(Comrade, Recon 1 on the LT’s left and Wolfspyder on its right)
(Adamas and Lil’ Temp)
Another example of relatively demanding use is making this risotto using an old chunk of dry Parmigiano which needs to have its rind removed, then cut into half-inch cubes — no easy task given how hard the cheese can be.
It’s also a great way to detect hot spots: the weakest point, if any, in the compression lock. That notch on the back of the handle all but guarantees a sore hand after extended use.
Apart from a single trip into the woods, I’ve mostly used the Lil’ Temp in the kitchen, where it’s been steadily building a nice patina. I’ve also taken the opportunity to test its ergonomics with wet hands. The FRN handle pattern is one of Sal Glesser’s great innovations: it gives the knife a no-nonsense, tool-like appearance while ensuring the handle stays locked in place once gripped.
Conclusion
The Lil’ Temperance 3 K390 Lightweight (“Shorty”) stands out as a compact powerhouse in Spyderco’s lineup. With its super-steel blade and excellent geometry, it elevates everyday carry versatility, combining cutting performance, ergonomics, and durability in a smaller format.
Its lightweight build and aggressive handle design make it a tool you can truly rely on. Whether in the kitchen, at the workbench, or outdoors, the Lil’ Temp proves itself capable of handling demanding tasks without compromise. The FRN handle texture, designed by Sal Glesser, not only lends a purposeful, tool-like look but also ensures a secure grip, even with wet hands.
From reviews across the community, a consistent picture emerges:
Exceptional cutting performance — even in tasks where utility blades struggle
Superior carving and utility — excels at both fine control and hard work
Secure lockup — the compression lock feels noticeably beefier than on similar models
Excellent ergonomics — comfortable for long use, even damp conditions
Edge retention — the K390 steel holds its sharpness impressively well
Durability — little to no wear after months of use
Practical carry — light, compact, and easy to deploy one-handed
Minimal maintenance — just regular wiping and light oiling keeps it in peak condition
As one reviewer put it, this “box-destroying little chode of a knife” punches well above its size. Another called it “a tank… carefree, strong AF, and super comfortable.” After extended use — from food prep to cardboard — users report only minor stropping needed, with many calling it one of their favorite Spydercos in decades.
In short, the Lil’ Temperance 3 K390 Lightweight is a sleeper hit: not the most popular Spyderco, but for those who carry it, often a personal favorite. A compact EDC with the heart of a work horse.
Disclaimer: This knife was supplied at no cost by Golden as part of their brand ambassador program. Spyderco’s decision to include this publication is appreciated, though the review that follows remains independent and unbiased.
This is my first glimpse at the middle Brother of the SLIPIT™, the Metropolitan. Made in Maniago. It is an Italian Spyderco. Un altro piccolo grande coltello !
It is made in Maniago like my Heinnie Urban and it is a pure Sal Glesser design. The blade comes razor-sharp straight out of the box. The factory edge is excellent, though I know it can be refined just a touch on leather. It’s a very thin grind—thinner even than on my Roadie XL. While M398 isn’t as leather-friendly as SPY27, it can still be brought to a high polish, as I managed with my Roadie XL after breaking its tip.
Being slightly longer than the Urban, the Metro’s handle comfortably fits four fingers when using the choil. This choil also adds an important safety feature, preventing accidental closure on your fingers. The choil-hump combinaison—acts like a guard, directing cutting force straight into the blade while relieving stress on the handle and pivot.
“Metro In the Middle” pictured: the G10 SPY27 UKPK “Golden Child”, the Metro and the Heinnie G10 S90V Urban.
To quote my friend Wayne Thomas Heywood Adamson: “So now we have a middle ground between the UKPK and the Urban. I was surprised when the Urban shrank in size but that was clearly now to make room for the Metropolitan.”
(Made in Golden – Maniago – Maniago.) The 68mm Metro’s blade thickness measures 3 mm at the spine, with a full flat grind in a leaf-shaped profile. By comparison, the longer UKPK “Golden Child” comes in at just 2.5 mm, which makes it the undisputed king of SlipIt designs. That said, opting for a slightly thicker blade in M398 is a sound choice. M398 is not known for its toughness—certainly less forgiving than Spyderco’s in-house CPM SPY27 alloy—so the added thickness provides welcome reinforcement.
The S90V Urban is 2,9mm !
And the Roadie XL is 2,8mm
Making the Metropolitan the thicker of the wild bunch ! By an hair !
Now about the weight…
At 51 grammes it is really light in the pocket.
The action is very good. It is as strong as my Urban and UKPK. perhaps a bit less hard to close but this is not really an issue. I have noticed the Metro’s back is a full spacer/spring construction like a G10 version (when the UKPK FRN Salt is not for example.) It does not share the same “fork” spring of the UKPK but the same slipjoint mechanism as the Urban. You can feel the spacer moving up when closing.
So what can we expected from this Metropolitan compared to its siblings? A little more room for your fingers. The Urban and the Squeak are three fingers knives, the Metro and UKPK are four fingers. This is also an opportunity to showcase M398 in a high, full-flat-ground, thin blade. The Roadie XL’s narrower profile already favors cutting efficiency, and the Metro builds on that. In terms of edge retention, M398 belongs in the same category as S90V—a steel I know well from my Urban model, where securing an exclusive sprint run was a real challenge. With the Metro, however, M398 is now part of the regular production lineup, offering users a true “super stainless” steel in an accessible package. But beware M398 does not like torsions, like my Walker in ZDP189 which has been able to survive all those years.
The Metropolitan could really be a major upgrade for my Italian Hares Hunter in Tuscany. For the record, skinning game—especially dealing with hair full of sand and dirt—puts a significant challenge on edge retention. Hunters typically don’t use their knives for woodcraft; their main task is working on hares and similar game. In that context, a blade of 68mm in M398 could offer a real advantage.
The Metropolitan—easy to carry, legal in many countries, and made of stainless steel—could be the perfect hunter’s SlipIt, which is great news for many of my friends.
Disclaimer: before going further I need to precise that this knife has been sent to me for free by Golden as part of their brand ambassador program. I thank Spyderco for choosing this little blog and for their trust in my reviews.
“The Lil’ Temperance has been a 20 year personal project. We planned an FRN version 10 years ago, but because it is a smaller market to serve, and I wanted to epitomize the concept, the progress was slow. We changed the design, locks, clips, patterns, etc. Made many prototypes over the years.
The “Spirit” of the design has remained the same. Essentially, a tough, legal 3″ blade MBC folder. Along with my own experience, I had input from James Keating (the Riddle of Steel), Bob Taylor (Warrior designer), Mike Janich (whom we all trust and revere), Bram Frank, Craig Douglas and Laci Szabo.
The first runs made for an interesting design, that was effective for two grips. Then I altered the design to also serve Pikal concepts (forward edge up and reverse edge in.), which was not incorporated in the original design. I’m looking forward to the FRN version. sal“
My first Lil’ Temperance was a “Rhino” — the nickname for the C69 full-flat-ground trailing point blade. That model was released 25 years ago. At the time, I also gave it another nickname: the Lil’ Chinook, after James Keating’s Chinook — a stout folder with a thick trailing-point blade made from CPM440V.
I even found a picture from Knives Plus to document it:
That folder was also available in Leaf Shape Blade like this new K390 just received from Golden today.
Twenty-five years ago, Sal Glesser was deeply influenced by the Martial Blade Craft approach. During that period, he designed the FB05 Temperance, a fixed blade in VG10 made in Japan with combat applications in mind. A trainer version was also available, featuring a red handle and a dull, skeletonized blade.
Sal also created a folding companion: the very stout Lil’ Temp C69, made in S60V (440V) in Golden. It was marketed as “a compact yet heavy-duty folding knife suitable for defensive use.”
Both the FB05 and the Lil’ Temp C69 featured round marks in their handles to facilitate quick grip changes — for example, transitioning from an icepick grip to a hammer grip — a key element in knife fighting. The C69 even had a special clip designed to match its three craters, showcasing the new in-house Compression Lock. The first iteration was extremely strong, often painfully pinching the skin between thumb and index, but in every other way, it was a true “folder on steroids.”
I don’t advocate using knives for defense; they should be a last-ditch option — the very last weapon you’d want to rely on. Historically, knives have always been tools of attack, from backstabbing to throat cutting, not instruments for self-preservation.That’s why I was glad to see that the Temperance II shifted toward a more “camp utility–oriented” design. The current Sprint Run of the Lil’ Temp I features a CPM Cruwear blade, which emphasizes tooling performance over combat potential. Unlike a VG10 blade, which could be used as a weapon, Cruwear is designed to stay sharp reliably over time — a knife for work, not just to be sharp once and used in aggression.
The K390 version of the Lil’ Temperance 3, following the path of the VG10 model, continues this shift from weapon to tool. Gone are the rotating points on the clip and handle; the focus is now purely on utility. With K390 steel, the knife becomes a genuinely tough, long-lasting edge tool — a folder built for work rather than combat.
That 4 mm-thick blade with its high full-flat grind really begs to be used hard — it inspires confidence in every cut. Its leaf-shaped profile would even make it an excellent Parmigiano knife, allowing you to twist the blade into the cheese to fragment it with ease. 😉 For reference, the Millie and Shaman feature slightly thinner blades at 3.7 mm.
K390 is simply a great steel. Period. I’ve already written extensively about it — for those interested, here’s a link to one of my detailed reviews.
In short, K390 is a high-vanadium tool steel with outstanding wear resistance. It can hold an edge through extended wood carving, feathersticking, or fire prep. Although K390 is non-stainless and will develop a patina, it is forgiving, strong, and maintains a razor-sharp edge for a very long time.
K390 is made for workers who need a reliable tool and know how to care for their blade. It responds exceptionally well to leather stropping, which helps maintain its edge. (For reference, the upcoming CPM Magnamax is expected to be a stainless version of K390, similar to how CPM Magnacut relates to CPM 4V.)
Keep in mind that K390 loves to patina and will rust if left unprotected. A light coating of mineral oil — like the kind sold by Ikea for cutting boards — is an easy and effective way to keep corrosion at bay.
I noticed a small nick on the out-of-box factory edge. No big deal — it happens, especially since the knife had just been “chipped” to France. 😉
To fix it, I reached for my Spyderco Stuff 2 and Fällkniven DC4 diamond stones. I worked the blade carefully, avoiding the edge on leather, until the nick was no longer visible. A few passes on a white ceramic rod brought the edge back to razor sharpness. Ten minutes later… the Lil’ Temp was ready for action.
It’s now impossible to spot the chipping — or maybe it was a slight bend. Either way, it’s fixed. I’ve seen the same issue with my Tenacious in M4 after it hit a stone floor, and once again, diamond stones worked their magic.
K390 behaves similarly to CPM-M4: it’s forgiving and easy to maintain despite being a stellar alloy. While I love CPM-15V for its toughness, it’s a bear to sharpen, whereas K390 is much easier to fix.
That said, K390 is still non-stainless: it will pit and rust if neglected. Take care of it. I know plenty of people who would struggle — they throw their knives in a toolbox and never clean them. K390 is not for them. But for those who maintain their tools, it’s a super duper steel that rewards proper care.
The Lil’ Temp has no choil, which means you rely entirely on the handle for grip and control. I love choils on slipjoints, where there’s no lock and you often grab the folder by the blade. But on a reliable locking folder, a zero choil works perfectly.
The Compression Lock is ultra-reliable, strong, and designed to prevent accidental disengagement. You can depend on it completely — there’s no fumbling, no second-guessing.
That thumb ramp is wide and a perfect comfy spot for your thumb or for that tender web skin between the thumb and the index finger. The action is smooth but as smooth as the Sage5 or the Millie 2. No vertical play. No pinching. Drop chute after a little wrist flick. The opening arc is a little wider on this one due to the placement of the hole a little far from the axis but the Spyderflick is easily done. It is fidget pleasant folder ! I don’t think it is good for tip down carry and “spyderdrops” as the guard is a little to wide. But for tip up carry and middle finger’s flips, it is perfect. The relatively thick handle is really comfy even when squeezed. So far I have not find any hot spot. I will certainly sand the edge off the FRN but nothing is really needed, it is just my taste in smoothing everything.
Lightweight ? Not really at 108 grams for a 3 each blade. Only 5 grams less than the G10 version. This “Lightweight” version has kept its two recessed skeletonized stainless steel liners (when the Para3 Lightweight, for example, ditched them). Here, only the G-10 scales has been replaced by two beautiful thick blue scales. This color is really sheeple friendly and the wife already likes it. The black clip is also a very nice touch. This folder oozes some very toolish scents: this is a work poney !
The open construction of the Lil’ Temp also makes it very easy to keep clean. You can rinse it and quickly check for any dirt or debris, which is especially useful after outdoor or kitchen use.
The heavy-duty clip is built for work. That FRN handle can be a pocket shredder — no doubt about it. Sanding the FRN scales doesn’t change that in my experience. This is a true blue-collar folder, meant to be clipped in solid pockets and relied upon day after day.
The knife is enough compact to jump into the watch pocket !
« I bend the clip slightly on almost every knife I carry.
I usually take something wedge shaped and slide it under the clip a small amount at a time until I get the bend I like. Not everyone will like the same bend so incremental bending works best. I like very little resistance in retrieving my knife from my Right-Front-Pocket. Just enough to keep it from falling out of my pocket. YMMV.
sal » That’s a game changer and pocket savior once you have found the sweet spot of clip retention.
Once a samurai, now a wandering ronin. Once a self-defense knife, now a powerful tool. Regardless of its past, the Lil’ Temp is a true gem — thoughtfully designed, finely crafted, and made in Japan.
“The maker said it was a very difficult model to make, and for him to say that, I’m guessing it’s true. They’ve been making our knives since 1980. I worked with the Grand Father and the Father and Eric works with the son. I think we’re fortunate to be able to bring the model to you.
Sal“
Sharing the same FRN pattern as the Golden-made folders, the Lil’ Temperance features a larger pivot screw than the Para 3 and Sage 5 (made in Taichung). Despite its small size, the lack of a choil gives it plenty of usable edge.
Edge-wise, it’s impressive: the Lil’ Temp offers virtually the same cutting edge length as the larger and heavier Manix 2, all within a form factor similar to the Para 3. Its “no choil” design is reminiscent of my Tenacious, maximizing the usable blade while keeping the knife compact.
The blade length is just shorter than 3 inches with 74mm. It is not designed to reach the heart between the ribs. It is designed to work hard on various materials. It is designed as a formidable “hard use” cutting tool.
See how the poor bottle falls apart under the Lil’ Temp’s edge!
I remember seeing the Spyderco Police showcasing K390 — a knife originally oriented toward martial use, gradually drifting into more practical, tool-like applications. I’m glad to see the same evolution with the Lil’ Temperance: “Although rooted in Martial Blade Craft design, it provides reliable, full-service performance for any cutting task.”
And it doesn’t hide its abilities. Compact though it is, it’s unapologetically loud about its cutting power.
I couldn’t agree more — this is shaping up to be a truly tough, little big knife, perfect for Part 3 of my adventures. But don’t forget the Part 2, first.
I have had the chance to buy that UKPK in G10 for 100 euros in January 2025. Since, it has been my “go to the city” favorite folder.
Sometimes replaced by the Roadie XL for a lower profile or Dredd my Urban in S90V made in Maniago and exclusive to Heinie in the UK.
The UKPK is remarkably versatile, proving itself even in woodworking. Its strong, reliable mechanism keeps it ready for anything — all while remaining fully within legal limits. Stripping vines, carving rods, scraping, cutting — it handles everything with ease. The spring “lock” never falters, and the finger choil adds an extra layer of passive safety, even if it’s rarely needed.
Its thin yet strong CPM SPY27 blade is a true joy to use on wood. In this domain, the UKPK stands out as one of Spyderco’s best hidden gems across all categories made in Golden. And if I ever had to defend myself against an animal, I believe it would perform every bit as well as the legendary Calypso (all the story here).
The tip has seen plenty of use, and all I can say is that Spyderco’s in-house SPY27 steel is extremely forgiving. You can push it hard with no damage to the edge. I’ve compared it with many of my favorite wood-cutting knives — including some specialized for woodworking — and it performs impressively in the same league.
One way I now measure the value of a pocket knife is by the pleasure I get from using it. The UKPK easily ranks among the top on my list. Strong, thin, and precise, it excels as a true “matter separator,” handling everything from everyday tasks to more demanding jobs like scraping paint.
There’s also a distinct joy in keeping the edge razor-sharp, and SPY27 has become my new favorite for that. Achieving a razor edge is a breeze. Being in the AEL-B class, it’s even easier to work on than Magnacut and is extremely leather-stropping friendly. After just a quick session on leather, SPY27 regained that legendary crisp edge — and it’s such a pleasure to use!
Hairs are flying and the convexed home made edge is shining like a mirror. This is really part of the joy to use leather strops on a steel.
So it is a joy just to strop it again and again just to maintain this razor edge.
Then for forced push cuts, the geometry of the UKPK is just a killer. It goes deep like a thin Opinel blade can go.
To keep the knife sharp, I’ve mostly relied on leather stropping, with occasional touch-ups on white ceramic, even after cutting cardboard, plastic, acidic food, and hard wood. The UKPK in SPY27 is a winner, offering a significant boost in edge retention and versatility. Maintaining its vorpal edge is even easier and more enjoyable than with the excellent Magnacut or LC200N versions.
It’s no wonder this steel has earned such a special place in my heart.
And I was not able to get any chipping or edge bending in six months. It gives an hint about the high quality of the inhouse heat treatment on that inhouse steel.
Used in the plate, the SPY27’s core refused to be damaged: no pitting, no rust, no stain. No damage on the plate ceramic too. It a gourmet companion and a wonderful carnivorous friend.
In the kitchen, geometry-wise, the UKPK can compete with the best — for example, the Patrick Bonetta Kitchen Warrior. The G10 version is also a visual delight. I never felt “under-knifed” with my Urban, but the UKPK could easily be my one and only Spyderco. A three-inch, legal, high-performance sharp blade is a must-have for EDC, and such knives are surprisingly rare.
This is 100% Sal Glesser design. This Golden-made gem is the all-terrain pocket knife my grandfather would have dreamed of! Hence its name The Golden Child. 😉
For an alternative you can now get The Metropolitan. Its little brother.
For a two-week road trip in Italy, the serrated Chaparral was my only knife. Sal Glesser’s Chaparral has been studied many times on this blog, but lately, the serrated version has become a central part of my rotation.
Why is this knife such a great traveling companion?
Friendly FRN handle: The grey FRN offers excellent grip, even with wet hands, making it comfortable and reliable in a variety of conditions.
Blade length: At less than 3 inches (71 mm), it’s easily accepted as a pocket knife. The serrations effectively add about 25 % more cutting edge, boosting performance without increasing size.
Flat and thin: Its slim profile allows it to comfortably fit in a watch pocket.
Sturdy mechanism: The hidden pin ensures zero vertical play, providing a rock-solid feel.
So this little big knife was my main cutting gear for two weeks.
I was able to open it in restaurant without to be noticed and replace the dull silverware provided. The serrated Chap is a folding steak knife by essence.
Its thin blade is making the cuts accurate even on delicate cream croissant shared with a coffee.
One of the challenge for such a thin blade is the famous hard cheese found in Emilia-Romagna: the Parmigiano Reggiano.
Normally, Parmigiano is not “cut” — a traditional leaf-shaped short knife is stuck into it and breaks off large chunks like a wedge. That approach wasn’t a problem for the thin CTS-XHP blade of the Chaparral. It dug in deeply and, with a slight torsion, fragmented the cheese effortlessly.
Hard sausages in Tuscany can be made from deer or doe or even boar. Again, bring a thing serrated edge to the board and it will be a success.
Pizza can be a challenge. You want to cut through all the layers without dulling the edge on the plate. Serrated edges do not dull easily in the plate. And even some knives encountered provide serrations at the end of the edge like this one:
Here the Chap near a friend’s Captain which has been used to deal with mozzarella.
It feels good to be not the only Spyderco in the village.
After two weeks with the Chaparral, I never felt “under-knifed.” It performed reliably in all conditions — rain, seashore, and forest — and remained socially unobtrusive. Its cutting power, thanks to the thin, hard CTS-XHP blade, proved that a pocket-sized chainsaw can be an essential part of any traveling kit.
After two weeks of use, the Chaparral showed no rust issues, no bent serrations, and no gritty mechanism. I simply rinsed it under the tap and let it dry in my pocket.
Even now, I don’t feel any need to resharpen the blade — the serrations are extremely difficult to dull. For a travel folder, I can confidently say: the Chaparral comes highly recommended!
If you want to see some spectacular moments from my two-week Italian road trip, I’ve released four video postcards on YouTube, all filmed and edited on the same iPhone 14 Pro that provided the photos for this article. If you enjoy them, feel free to give a thumbs up and subscribe to my Youtube channel.
You know what ? It’s time to thin the edge of Gambit. Pictures are better than thousand words.
The gaffer is here to protect the blade against my clumsiness.
The Double Stuff 2 is the main tool. But it is old now. It has lost some of its teeth in many many edges reprofiling…
But eventually it is a cheap Sharpy bought on Amazon which seems to be 15V best friend. It is 800 grit. And it bites into 15V like no tomorrow. So I was able to round the edge’s shoulder. Let’s test it.
It goes deep and steady. There is real improvement. But gosh, 15V do not like to lose its particules. Compared to Magnacut or SPY27, CPM-15V is hellish. Now I perhaps don’t have the best diamond tools for that. But really, it is not a piece of cake in my book.
Now could it be a answer: The Military 2 reaching the 67 HRC ? But that was exactly my impression after watching the YouTuber’s video — until Jake, a metallurgist for 14 years, left an exceptionally detailed, well-sourced comment under this review. To quote his conclusion:
“… Spyderco did an amazing job getting a near custom level heat treatment on an amazing steel at an affordable price to many people who otherwise wouldn’t have been able to spend large sums of money on customs. But expecting 67Rc is a bit too much. Shawn has said it repeatedly that it isn’t realistic for a production knife company to hit hardness levels that high and also be able to work the material.“
Many thanks to Jake for his eye-opening comment — truly appreciated!
My goal here isn’t to touch the edge itself, but to smooth the border between the flat of the blade and the edge angle. This allows me to maintain the edge primarily on leather while reducing drag when cutting hard materials like plastic or wood.
The equipment I used was again the Spyderco Double Stuff 2, focusing mainly on the diamond side. I experimented with gentle, round strokes on the flat diamond stone instead of always moving in the same direction — it seems to remove metal much faster.
For aesthetics, I plan to follow up with white ceramic or jade stones to approach a mirror finish, similar to the Sage 5. Magnacut responds beautifully to polishing, whereas CPM-15V doesn’t particularly care.
The use of gaffer helps preventing any deep scratches on the blade finish. It works great. The black dust is metal removed by the diamonds. I do that outside in the wind. I don’t want to breath that dust.
Eventually this second round has gone so smoothly (compared to the first one linked at the start of this review) that i was on the verge to work on the Military 2.
Remember Sal saying: “The Edge is a Ghost. Always changing. Dying (dulling) being reborn (sharpened) split personality (angles and geometry changing). Think of the edge as gas in a vehicle. It runs out of gas and you put in more gas. We provide the format, materials, design for use, variety to avoid boredom and create interest, but the edge is your creation. The result of your understanding, education, experience and practice.“
The comparison between the Sage 5 Salt and the Para 3 continues. In short: the Sage 5 has superior geometry thanks to its high 3 mm FFG blade, while the Para 3 features a sturdier blade, a thinner point, and is overall lighter (no steel liners).
It’s really your choice — both are highly capable and complement each other, coming from the same design mind. Shawn Houston even notes that the Para 3 carries “that Delica vibe.”
I’m impressed by the Sage 5’s exceptionally smooth action — one of the best among Spyderco’s compression lock knives. I love both knives. These days, the Sage Salt rides with me, but while both won’t let you down, the smooth Sage is more fidget-friendly. Both are great, but the Sage 5 is simply less popular… 😉
Let’s go back to the same process but adding 15 minutes more can be a game changer in term of geometry. But let’s be clear this is typically the Pareto law which says: “The Pareto principle states that for many outcomes, roughly 80% of consequences come from 20% of causes.” It means that in 15minutes + this new 15 minutes it is not the most efficient as 80% of the job was done during the 6 first minutes last time. But those added fistful of minutes are a little bonus to even the bevels.
As you can notice I have concentrated my thinning process mainly on widing the bevel.
10 minutes later, I got a more even larger bevel which should go shining after some leather stropping.
On another fistful of minutes, I will work on the tip but I like to keep some material here. Now I’m basically dealing with a flat grind with a convex edge at the end. In Japanese a convex grind is also called a hamaguri grind. Literally this means: clam. This name comes from the convex way the side of the shell moves to the end. Exactly like the full convex edge. A full convex grind is sometimes also called an appleseed grind. Again because of the pointy tip of the seed of an apple.( I’m a fan of アップルシードa Japanese manga series written and illustrated by Masamune Shirow.) But for now it is much than satisfying in terms of whittling and dealing with hard maetrail to cut. The edge goes deep in every push cuts and the high FFG blade five a lot of control for powerful results.
(Badge designed by Guillaume Xais)
So far my initial impression are confirmed: the Sage 5 Salt is a keeper and another 3 inches blade length Spyderco to rule them all like the Delica 4, the Native 5 or the Para 3 or even the UKPK ! All are Sal Glesser’s children (The Para 3 paternity is shared with Eric !)
It is perfect in all aspects – sharp thin blade, centered, strong detent compared to the Military 2, no blade play, suuuper smooth. The Sage5 is the best implementation of a compression lock I have ever had… Perfect tolerances and no lock stick.
The open-backed construction allows easy cleaning. This Sage 5 is really asking to be used and, thanks to its yellow handle, retrieved even on the forest or ocean floor. Really a must have 3 inches knife for all occasions. And I’m a huge fan of the Native 5 and the Para3. But this Sage 5 seems to lead the pack.
Seven years ago I was already in love with a KnifeCenter Exclusive Native. The idea to propose a smooth G10 handle was IMHO a great EDC enhancement as G10 can turn any knife into a pocket shredder.
As you can notice the Native 5 with its OEM clip can perfectly be clipped to a watch pocket.
I was certain I have missed the opportunity to own one of those smooth operators exclusively made for the KCI when, Alex, a fellow member of the Facebook Spyderco Fan Club France has pointed it to me. They were still in stock ! HERE !!
I know monsieur Howard Korn, the founder of the KCI, since his very beginnings back in the 90’s when he was all alone, and suggested me to design their logo. Howard was the very first reseller to propose knives on a big scale using a very new medium: the world wide web ! What a venture ! And eventually what a success ! It was before Amazon and Howard is one of the pioneers in terms of spreading the cutlery’s culture worldwide. Hence now the great videos which are produced in house. Again, it has been a smooth transaction from the USA to France thanks to a great customer service for a great exclusive. I may be biased but this is my customer experience for almost 30 years with the Knife Center: flawless and inspiring.
Eventually I have found out I have bought perhaps the very last one of those Native Exclusive as 10 days later my order (June2024) they are now out of stock.
So what do we got here ?
I have written a lot about CPM Cruwear ! But this tough and well balanced alloy which can provide a crispy razor edge is perfect on small or long folders. This is a workhorse steel and one of the greatest high tech alloy available in modern cutlery. I have even proved how hard it was to get a patina on it. This time with DLC coating no patina or rusting will be feared. BTW DLC Diamond Like Coating is used from implants. It is not toxic.
This all black version of the Native is ready to be used in all weather conditions.
So here we got a very low profile package with a none threatening design as black knives matter when confronted to sheeples who could point you as a Mall Ninja with a dark saber.
These days I am reluctent to carry in the city a long blade/folder and my search for accepted shorter knives, locking or not locking is evident. I have previously studied knives which can be used in the city and the Native is one of them. The idea is a maximum of polyvalence for a tool which should raise eyebrows. A friendly not threatening package. The knid of knives my grandfathers and father used to carry without any after thoughts but in planes. 😉 When heading for the countryside, I don’t restrict my self in terms of blade length but for a big city, I play a very low profile game and most of the time I do strictly follow the Law even if I’m not fearing any kind of Police check. Hence the Native: same cockpit as Hellboy which is used a lot in the kitchen as the Chief as turned into a Chef but shorter.
There is also a swedge or on the blade spine on the Native which is not present on the Chief.
The action is smooth with zero blade play as chute drop is obtain by releasing the lock. I have already written and how those Golden Native are top notch in term of fit and finish, using them since 2011.
This version with no liner is for me the best design and this Exclusive the best of the best. In those years of titanium frame locks and axis locks, the chance to own a great lockback is precious. And this one is for me: the Last of The Mohicans !
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