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.
The new Sage 5 Salt got a great geometry but I love convex edges. I like to remove the shoulder on the edge and with diamonds it is only a matter of minutes.
First thing. I do protect the sides of the blade to avoid scratching because I’m clumsy. I use thick duct tape AKA gaffer used to fix everything on the movie sets for everything including marks on the floor or information on magazines.
A two-sided pocket stone has long been the sharpening tool of choice for fishermen, outdoorsmen, and other knife users who needed a handy, versatile sharpener for touch-ups in the field.
In 7 minutes I got that result. I do not touch up the edge, my angle is aim toward the shoulder of the edge to thin it. You can see the edge is styill the factory edge.
Now it is just a matter to rinse it.
The factory edge still is razor sharp. But the geometry is improved and it cuts much more easily into hard matter. In 15 minutes I got an edge like I want. This was made on my Sage Magnacut.
Now with a more convex edge it is easier to strop it on leather. Magnacut behave a lot like Cruwear and both love leather. It won’t be that easy on CPM – 15V which needs much more patience ! Anyway a part 2 is now available.
First of all, thank you to Guillaume Xais who has convinced me to try the Sage 5 Salt. I have found a deal under 200 euros. In the past, I have owned some Sage(s) from the Sage 2 to the Sage 4 actually. You still can find the reviewss by clicking the links. The Sage 2 was a Sebenza killer when all the crave was about Christopher Reeves Integral Lock and titanium slabs. The Sage 3 was the Blue Brother. The Sage 4 was a masterpiece with its Front Lock and titanium Bolster never reviewed because too much a jewel of a knife.
(Picture by Guillaume Xais – instagram Spydigex_knives)
I wasn’t particularly interested in the Sage 5 Compression Lock, and even less in the Sage 5 Lightweight. Yet both the Sage 5 G10 and Lightweight versions proved so popular and well-regarded that Spyderco expanded the lineup into Maxamet, SPY27, REX 121, Magnacut, and CPM-M4 (thanks to Guillaume for the editing).
With the vanilla S30V, the Sage 5 was offered in six different alloys — some of the most impressive in terms of performance — demonstrating just how versatile and capable this design can be. “The Sage 5 Lightweight has also proven itself to be a perfect platform for showcasing the elite properties of high-performance blade steels.”
(Picture by Guillaume Xais – instagram Spydigex_knives)
For the record the Sage Series has traditionally expressed the same iconic design with different lock mechanisms, paying homage to the innovative designers who created them. Also Spyderco donates approximately 5% of sales of the Sage line to the National Alzheimer’s Association Denver, Colorado Chapter. (A Sage 6 is soon coming with a button/compression lock as found on the Smock.) So I have asked to Guillaume in the Spyderco Fan Club France, why should I invest in a Sage 5 Salt Lightweight in the first place ?
(Picture by Guillaume Xais – instagram Spydigex_knives)
“Its action, like any self-respecting Sage LW, is dazzling! This yellow contrasts with the hardware, the clip, and the deep black of the liners, like a Black Mamba face… I love it! My first Magnacut, by the way… I fish and am quite often at the seaside, it will complement my Ukpk salt (which is also very good). My favorites, however, remain the 2 and 4, true works of art!
For me, it does everything better than a Para3: handling, fluidity, less fragile tip, less tactical image, more rewarding feel of the FRN… there’s no comparison (from my point of view, of course). Add to that the Taichung Quality and Magna’versatility… they’re worth it, right?“
I was convinced !
First impressions: there’s some real heft to this lightweight — thanks to the full liners. I love it. The blade is perfectly centered, and the lock doesn’t stick.
The detent is impressively strong, almost magnetic — stronger than the detents on my recent Para 3 and Military 2. Go figure! And the action is smooth as oily butter. Classic, perfect Taichung craftsmanship.
The FRN pattern is hard, grippy and catchy I even got some issue to put in my pocket. It the same issue I had with my Chaparral Lightweight.
A passage under the sandpaper would be perhaps mandatory ? Let’s see what Papa Sal would advice in my case of protecting my pockets: “You can lessen the tension on the clip as an easy solution. Some sand the scales bit.”Sal in the Forums.
Some gaffer to protect the black screws when using sandpaper. Then cleaned under the tap and it’s good to go.
Well… it is so compact it can eventually be carried inside the pocket watch. But Sal was right like always, bending the clip a little has completely changed the way it clipped and for the better.
The metal hardware is all black certainly PVD coated. “Like all Salt Series folders, the clip, liners, and all handle hardware are also crafted from marine-grade materials.” said Spyderco. And Guillaume is right, the contrast between the black and yellow is an eye candy.
I have found a little hot spot on the choil which I felt under my index finger. Nothing a little diamond file won’t eliminate in a matter of minutes.
The Para3 is a really light package because there is almost no liner.
64 grams.
78 grams for the Sage 5 with its nested steel liners
The FRN is smoother on the Para3 as it is not the same pattern. Being a Salt the Sage 5 is destined to be used with wet hands.
The Sage 5 has a thinner 3 mm blade, and the chamfered edges on its spine are just stunning — smooth under the thumb and a true Taichung signature. Even the Spyderhole is gently finished.
A major plus for whittling is how easily my left-hand thumb finds a comfortable spot on the blade spine. With the Para 3, the thumb doesn’t have a proper ramp parallel to the cut. On the Sage 5, the parabolic spine of the leaf-shaped bladelets the thumb push comfortably in the middle of the spine, which makes a real difference during whittling.
Same blade length, but a different spine shape. The Para 3’s Spyderhole is especially suited for use with gloves.
Is the Sage more of a civilian EDC and the Para 3 more tactical? Not entirely certain. The Sage feels more solid in the hand and has more heft, while the Para 3 feels like a light, quick-reaction tool, and the Sage 5 is an all-terrain EDC.
The Sage handle is more compact and can be carried in the watch pocket, thanks to its grippy FRN and strong clip.
Grip is essential when working around water or with wet hands. The Para 3 is gentler on pocket edges, while the Sage out of the box can be a pocket shredder. Following Sal Glesser’s advice, I flexed the clip slightly for lighter retention — now it’s perfect.
Next, let’s take a look at the Sage’s geometry straight out of the box.
I was able to cut through the plastic without having de-shouldered the edge yet. It will be done in the next chapters. For the record, I was not able to get a clean cut with the factory geometry of my new Para3 and Military2 in CPM 15V.
So this blade has excellent geometry right out of the box: this is really impressive ! Without any touchup of the factory edge it goes deep in any material, soft or hard.
The Sage 5 Salt is a pure Sal Glesser design with its iconic leaf-shaped blade. Fun fact: the letters S‑A‑G‑E appear in order in his name!
This great folder is made in Taichung, Taiwan, renowned for its exquisite manufacturing and quality control. The blade is chamfered, and the jimping is soft under the thumb, making it a joy to handle.
Ultimately, this is a Highlander knife: “In the end, there can be only one.” The Sage 5 Salt feels like a Spyderco to rule them all — the only one I’d ever need in terms of portability, reliability, and performance.
Purely stainless from blade to screws, it is a true all terrain tool. I mean, you won’t need another knife as this one is totally impervious to salt water and boast that CPM Magnacut blade known for its great performance: “a revolutionary particle metallurgy steel that offers an exceptional balance of edge retention, toughness, and the extreme corrosion resistance.” It is true when properly heat treated and with the best geometry. (Again all those green marks are links to previous review or sources of this review.)
Polishing the Sage’s edge on a leather strap — aka stropping — removes the final imperfections, leaving an even razor-sharp edge. Magnacut, in particular, responds beautifully to leather stropping.
With the Vigtig and the Nano. I managed to get these three knives for under €200: the Sage 5 at €194, the Vigtig at €130, and the Nano at €192.
This means that, as of March 2025, CPM Magnacut knives can be found for as low as €130 — a good deal, though it may not last. The UKPK in CPM Magnacut should be in a similar price range, which I’m looking forward to.
So far, first impressions are excellent! The yellow handle makes it feel less threatening — more like an everyday tool than a “ninja mall weapon,” which is a definite plus these days.
It’s also ready for kitchen use, thanks to a strong edge that isn’t afraid of ceramic plates. Magnacut takes a razor-sharp edge easily with just a bit of ceramic and leather work. No need for diamond paste like on the mighty CPM 15V.
The amphibious Sage 5 is a perfect traveling companion — from mountain rivers to the ocean. It delivers impressive cutting power for its size, biting into hard wood effortlessly. The blade spine is very comfortable for push cuts, making it a reliable all-terrain tool.
It’s a dream knife for fishermen and woodcrafters, capable of accompanying you in virtually any environment. So far the Spyderco Salt serie is enlarged to very nice plateforms with Military flavours and civilian purposes.
First impressions of the Sage 5 are excellent — in terms of action, geometry, and ergonomics. This is a great EDC that’s fearlessly corrosion-resistant.
Thanks to Guillaume for the tip! Now time to convex it !
The Spyderco Military C36 entered my life before the turn of the millennium. Back then it was a CPM-440V (S60V) wonder, remarkable for its emphasis on lightness. With Fred Perrin, we called it a “quick reaction tool.” At the time, it was a genuinely innovative design: a folder with a nested liner and powder metallurgy steel, both cutting-edge features. It was a real breakthrough in the cutlery world, and a true Sal Glesser design — high performance on a light frame, or as Sal, a racing car enthusiast, would put it: a fast, efficient chassis built for speed and reliability. The idea was simple: “If your son were going into the military what folding knife would you send him with?” (“Do you think we were born in peaceful time ? Put out the lights on the Age of Reason.” Justin Sullivan.)
The very thin, pointy blade and the long handle of the Military were not understood at first. I often heard: “I can break the point!” or “I don’t like the blade-to-handle ratio!”
But Sal’s vision was deliberate. The elongated handle provided a secure grip and safe operation of the knife — even when wearing gloves in harsh conditions. And that needle-like point, when not abused as a pry bar, proved to be a reliable, precise all-terrain tool. What first looked fragile was in fact purpose-built: a cutting instrument optimized for performance, not for reassuring looks. I remember ESEE (the RAT) founder Jeff Randall having written a review of him bringing a CPM440V Military in the Peruvian Rain Forest. It was requested by Sal Glesser asking Jeff to use it hard in the equatorial zone. The review has been published in Tactical Knives and on Randall site before he started his knifemaking business. Eventually Jeff Randall prefer the SERE 2000 in VG10 but: “I have zero complaints against the Military, but for the role I use a folder in, the new SERE is absolutley perfect. Actually in a tactical role, the Military is a little faster to deploy for me. I think the Military is a perfect crossover between survival and tactical, but the SERE is the perfect survival folder.” The point is, the Military’s thin tip and liner lock were never an issue — even in the rainforest, where I pushed it hard.
Thanks to Spyderco’s CQI (Constant Quality Improvement) philosophy, the Military has been continuously refined over the decades. A titanium Reeve Integral Lock version was later released, giving a sturdier feeling but at the cost of the knife’s soul: it became heavy, losing that unique spirit of lightness and agility that made the original Millie so special. For the record, G10 is already a strong, proven material — it didn’t need titanium to inspire confidence. Also Eric made his own hardchore liner lock folder: the Tenacious. Spyderco will continue to promote well-made linerlocks especially those designed by Master Ed Schempp. His Bowie is a master piece.
The Military has always been a huge folder to carry casually, and even more so in the years after 9/11, when knives became heavily restricted and socially frowned upon. Yet, the C36 still managed to slip into pop culture: in Desperate Housewives, Season 2 Episode 8 (“The Sun Won’t Set”), Hector Ramos (played by Danny Trejo) nonchalantly peels an apple with a full-serrated C36 Military. A perfect Easter egg — a knife enthusiast immediately recognizes it, while most viewers just see “a big folding knife.”
It’s funny how pop culture sometimes normalizes what legislation and public opinion try to stigmatize: Trejo’s character wasn’t using it violently, but in the most domestic, innocent way possible — peeling fruit. That contrast says a lot about how the Military can be both a serious tactical tool and, at the same time, a simple everyday companion.
Then, the Market asked for a shorter version. Sal teamed up with Eric to design and produce the Paramilitary. A shorter version with a new strong lock developed for their Martial Blade Craft Line: the Compression Lock. Then came the Paramilitary V2 or PM2 which stillis a huge success. Then the Para3 (three inches blade) came for a more compact version and even a Lightweight version which is considered by Shawn Houston as a Compression Lock Delica.
It’s striking how pop culture can normalize what legislation and public opinion often stigmatize. After 9/11, carrying a large folder like the Military became suspect, even frowned upon. Yet in Desperate Housewives (Season 2, Episode 8: “The Sun Won’t Set”), Danny Trejo’s character Hector Ramos uses a fully serrated C36 not as a weapon, but in the most innocent domestic way imaginable — peeling an apple. That small scene perfectly captures the duality of the Military: a knife designed as a serious, high-performance tactical tool, yet just as capable of being a simple, everyday companion.
“More than 25 years after its original release, the eagerly anticipated Military 2 builds on that hard-earned reputation while incorporating several significant design improvements. Instead of a LinerLock, the Military 2’s full-flatground CPM® S30V® blade is supported by Spyderco’s signature Compression Lock® mechanism, which offers greater strength and even safer one-handed operation.”Quoting Spyderco.
To make it clear: the Military 2 is based on the Paramilitary 2 with a longer blade and handle. Is that simple ? It is a PM2 XL ! 😉
Designed in 1995, the first-generation Military (Mil1) came with a single clip option: tip-down carry. That choice wasn’t arbitrary — it was tied directly to Sal Glesser’s preferred opening method, the Spyderdrop. Pinch the hole between thumb and finger, give a flick, and let the weight of the handle swing the blade open. Faster than many switchblades, elegant, and utterly reliable. My Tenacious carries that same spirit: a knife built to be deployed quickly, smoothly, and without fuss — ready for work in an instant. That opening style is less common today, as most users gravitate toward the “Spyderco flick” or “thumb flick.” But those techniques depend on tip-up carry — the clip has to be mounted at the rear of the handle, not near the pivot. That’s why the Military 2 was so eagerly awaited with its new configuration… yet curiously, it’s still sold tip-down!
“The stainless steel liners that form the foundation of the lock are larger, giving the knife increased structural strength and anchoring its four-position pocket clip, which is configurable for left or right-side, tip-up or tip-down carry. “ OK but comparing the weight between the C36 (128g) and the C36-2 (124g) the Military 2 is 4 grams lighter. (114 grammes on my kitchen scale !)
“The skeletonized liners are nested within peel-ply-textured G-10 scales to maintain a slim profile and complement its open-backed construction to reduce the knife’s overall weight.”
I have been waiting for a Sprint Run before to jump into the M2 wagon. “C36GBN15V2″ ! (For the record, the first name of the Vanilla Military 2 is just C36G2, plain edge, and the new Mil 2 Salt is C36GMCBK2” and the Paramillie Salt is “C81GBKYLMC2” !…) My two previous Millie were Gandalf with a CPM-Cruwear blade and grey handle, Ghost with a CPM-M4 blade and jade handle. This one will bear the name of Gambit.
Now this one carries a CPM 15V blade — a state-of-the-art particle metallurgy tool steel with an extremely high vanadium content, heat treated according to Shawn Houston’s specifications. And 15V is nothing short of astonishing: its cutting ability and edge retention are absolutely breathtaking. Even Sal himself acknowledged it on the forums:
“The flesh is weak.” That’s the very sentence that made me pull the trigger on the Military 2, right after ordering the Para 3 in CPM-15V. If you want to learn about 15V, this is the review to read: it’s an ultra-high-vanadium steel, heat treated according to Shawn Houston’s recipe — a carefully refined protocol that pushes the alloy to around 65 HRC. The result? Performance that is nothing short of otherworldly. Everyone in the community praises Shawn for his mastery of this steel.
So when the chance came to experience the Military 2 platform powered by such an extraordinary steel, heat treated with this level of care and “love,” it felt like a now or never opportunity. Especially knowing that Crucible, the producer of CPM-15V, has since been acquired.
The Military 2 stands as the new flagship of the Spyderco family, a knife signed by both father and son. And this Sprint Run is truly a gem — a piece that simply oozes quality.
The action on this Golden-made Military 2 is simply wonderful: smooth as silk. Mine has zero lock stick and the blade is perfectly centered. Despite being heavier than a PM2 or Para 3, the blade’s momentum makes opening and locking effortless and confident — and the same goes for closing. In fact, this big folder is as easy to operate as a Para 3, making it instantly ready for use and safely closed just as quickly. The flat profile of the handle helps it disappear in the pocket, meaning you can carry a versatile 4-inch blade while keeping it unobtrusive.
There has been some discussion about the choil evolution between V1 and V2. The Military 2 has a slightly more pronounced choil, but it doesn’t bother me at all. The knife falls naturally into my hand, opening with a smooth middle-finger flick, and its generous ergonomics unfold like origami. The squarish, gritty G10 handle fills the hand securely and confidently.
How does it feel under hard use? The compression lock can be a hotspot without gloves — my friend Pascal even got a blister cutting quinces with his PM2. Gloves can be a good precaution. This sort of discomfort is less of an issue with a backlock or liner lock. I’ve also swapped the pocket clip for a rear flat deep-pocket clip, which gives me better control around the pivot while keeping the knife accessible.
The G10 could use a touch of sanding for my taste, but it’s beautifully executed — and this time, I won’t touch it. The Military 2 “Gambit” is a true quick-reaction tool: you need just enough traction to put the blade in motion and maintain precise control over your cuts.
(I’ve installed titanium slabs on a PM2 before, and while it changed the feel of the knife, it didn’t enhance the reactive, instantaneous handling you get naturally with Gambit.)
One thing I’ve always loved on the Maxamet Para 3 — and now notice on the 15V family — is how the hot spots and angles on the spine are gently rounded. It makes the knife comfortable in prolonged use. Add to that the stonewashed finish of the blade, which gives the Military 2 a satisfying, tool-like aesthetic, and it feels immediately ready for work.
If you add a deep carry clip you got plenty of low profile carrying options.
Tip down carry for Spyderdrops.
A true Heir to the Military first version has always been the Tenacious. It’s Eric’s answer to his father’s design, and what a brilliant evolution it is. The knife is a joy to Spyderdrop, and it feels incredible in hand during hard push cuts.
For the first time, the Gambit will be my Millie carried tip-up, and I can already tell it will change how I interact with the knife every day.
The clip doesn’t get in the way when I grip the knife firmly, thanks to the relatively long handle.
It also features a larger lanyard hole, similar to the Para 2, which adds versatility without compromising ergonomics.
The Gambit is designed as a worker, not a weapon — a reliable, high-performance 4-inch folder. While it’s not made for city carry, its design has always proven incredibly handy in the kitchen.
The Military 2 feels right at home in the woods, handling all chores during a hike or around the campfire — just as reliably as its father, the M1.
I’ve also noticed that the screws are now flat on this design, unlike the original Millie. (The Para 3 still has rounded screws.) I particularly love the large pivot screw on the Military 2 — bigger than many Spyderco pivots, including the Yojumbo and PM2 — giving the knife a solid, confident feel.
The Military 2 Sprint Run is the new flagship — the culmination of decades of evolution on an already classic big folder.
A few things to keep in mind: the original Military V1 isn’t a knife to leave by the roadside. As Brock O. Lee pointed out — and I agree — the M1 still has some subtle advantages:
The broad, curved clip melts into the hand.
Chamfering on the handle is excellent.
A smooth back with no compression-lock cutout hot spot.
The M2, however, is a strong evolution, built on the winning formula of the PM2. The compression lock is as strong as ever, though it can create hot spots between the thumb and index finger. Thankfully, the handle chamfering can be refined by hand, and the clip now allows for custom solutions.
This Sprint Run also introduces a steel that is extremely hard to beat in strength and edge retention. While I’m already enchanted by the PARA 3 in 15V, this “Mama Bear” folder brings massive cutting power in a light, flat, pocketable package. In terms of design and material, it’s an apex in modern cutlery.
Now the real testing begins — this review will be updated as I put it through its paces.
I don’t need a strong clip on such a long knife as it will rest gently in the pocket. Also a strong clip can ruin my pocket by shredding it. This copycat of Lynch is just perfect in term of retention.
Now I need to convex the edge a little. The blade cannot go through the plastic bottle’s butt.
it could not reach the middle of the butt where the plastic is at its thickest… when the convexed Para3 or the Zero Ground Nilakka went through it.
Diamonds are a Bear’s best friends! You can see the line where I carefully pass the diamonds to slowly convex the edge. But CPM-15V, in my experience and with my tools, demands patience and tenacity.
To be updated and continued!
There will be blood ! Now it is christen. That blade is a hair popping sharp razor right out of the box.
After deshouldering the edge, the geometry has improved dramatically — we’re really getting somewhere. On this long blade, the first third is incredibly precise, almost like carrying a scalpel from a smaller knife. With the Military 2, you truly have a highly versatile tool in your pocket.
I’ve loved the Military V1 for almost 30 years — it has long been one of my favorite workhorse folders. The CPM-15V blade, heat treated following Shawn Houston’s recipe, is just the icing on the bear. This Military 2 may well be the ultimate expression of the entire BBB 15V line.
Personally, I see this model as the pinnacle of an era: the most emblematic Spyderco design, paired with state-of-the-art heat-treated steel (Shawn wasn’t alone — big-name beta testers were involved), a proven geometry, and an incredibly versatile blade shape.
In short, I couldn’t miss it — especially since it’s a Sprint Run and, with the end of Crucible, everything about it feels historic.
So, “Gambit”, aka “C36GBN15V2” is really the “Mother Of All Bears” !
I have enjoyed the Para3 in CPM15V for a week now and after the first pictures, one of my friend Alexandre wrote to me “Looking forward for a convex edge”. And I have answered to him that I was not in a hurry to do it on this little wonder of modern cutlery. The steel seemed so hard ! But guess what ? What’s bred in the bone will come out in the flesh. After a week of frustration trying to get any good (spectacular) result on leather and white ceramic….
Some gaffer is on the blade to protect it from any scratches. My goal is just to “de-shoulder” the edge, to round it for a better leather stropping experience.
It is not rocket science and I’m clumsy and impatient. So I’m not helped by natural tendencies. As you can notice the edge near the guard will have less attention. My friend JD is able to go even but I’m not to his level in making beautiful edges.
But as you can notice it is getting better. I use a Double Stuff 2 from Spyderco. Mine is old and the glue between the ceramic slate has gone. The diamond slate is not as efficient as some decades ago but it should bite into CPM15V despite its humungous pourcentage of vanadium.
“Since CPM 15V has a high volume (23%) of vanadium carbides (87 HRC) which are harder than the ceramic alumina abrasives. (79 HRC)
That means 23% of the overall microstructure is being pulverized, burnished and adhesively worn to shape rather than cut at the apex.
Over the years I’ve observed a pattern in some folks complaining that these types of steels cannot get very sharp yet the same folks seemingly would refuse to use the abrasive that will cut the remaining 23% of that microstructure cleanly.
I do think that would be fascinating to do a controlled test and look at the differences between the starting sharpness and how that sharpness dies off with cut testing and then compare the loss of sharpness between the two with the same amount of cuts.
I’ve certainly seen this behavior in my personal experience, however, I’ve not documented and shared data publicly.
I’ve mentioned many times that my current favorites for sharpening are the bonded super abrasives rather than the electroplated abrasives. However, there is a cost difference, but in my experience it certainly pays for itself and has better performance.“ Shawn Houston on the Spyderco Forums
First look at the result.
Humm it needs to go one more round.
Ah, I am starting to enjoy the result and how the steel takes the light on the belly of the blade.
Now time to put some white compound polish on the leather.
Again I’m not focusing on getting it sharper it but just to polish the edge and remove any scratches. I want a better geometry like I use to have on the Para3 in M390.
CPM15V does not like to give away its particules. When I have been able to get mirror edges on D2, 52100 or SPY27 I’m not able to get it on 15V. I need certainly to upgrade my equipement and my game for that. I will polish it on Jade stone and post better results in the coming weeks. So far I’m happy with the result. More to come later as 15V is not as easy as I thought to work on (JD adviced me “I think diamond past would help with the stropping. Diamonds or cbn can cut the vanadium carbides, of with this steel has a lot”. Not impossible, especially with diamonds but easy. Maxamet on the other side has proven to be much easier to restore even after catastrophic damages. But I’m very happy with that Para3 which could be the HoulaHoula (*) of folding knives.
(*) Houlahoula are little birds with big balls and when they land they sing “Houla ! Houla !
On the Spyderco ForumsShawn Houston was kind enough to give some advice about how to get a mirror edge on CPM 15V:
“I recommend skipping the White Ceramic and Jade. 23% of the matrix in the 15V is harder than those abrasives. A bonded diamond/cBN stone should help with the desired finish.
You deburr the best you can with light alternating passes on the stone. From here, the edge should be sharp enough to cut paper cleanly before moving on. Afterwards, go to a leather strop loaded with 1um Gunny Juice and use alternating edge trailing passes.
This is a good benchmark; keeps the “bite” at the edge without smoothing out the slicing effect. It also helps keep the “grab” at the edge for draw cuts but still keen enough for push cuts.
There’s different kinds of stones. They’re not all created equal. You can take a diamond stone with the same abrasive and the same grit and it will leave a different surface roughness depending on the construction of the stone. Yes, there are three major types of bonded stone.
Metallic, resin and vitrified.
There’s even some that are hybrids. However, these are not the same as electroplated diamond abrasives.The work more like regular water stones with better surface finishes.
“Diamond or CBN are the way. You can put a functional edge on 15V with ceramics, but if you’re wanting the real performance 15V has to offer, you need to sharpen with abrasives that will cut the carbides in the steel.” Wandering_About on the Forums has sum it up.
“Based on the latest set of reviews, BBB CPM 15V steel demonstrates exceptional performance and user satisfaction.
Performance: * Excellent edge retention: Maintains a sharp edge for extended periods, even with demanding use (e.g., cutting blackberry roots, heavy use). * High edge stability: Resistant to chipping and rolling, even with hard use. * Versatile: Performs well with different edge angles and finishes (from toothy to mirror).
Comparisons: * Compared to K390, Maxamet, S90V: Sharpening is considered easier than K390 and Maxamet. * Compared to M4: Sharpening is considered comparable in difficulty to M4.
Key findings: * Sharpening Ease: Despite its high hardness and carbide content, 15V is surprisingly easy to sharpen. Users report successful sharpening experiences on a variety of tools, from diamond stones and CBN plates to simpler systems. Burr removal is consistently described as effortless. * Edge Retention and Stability: 15V exhibits excellent edge retention, maintaining sharpness through demanding tasks and heavy use. It also demonstrates high edge stability, showing resistance to chipping and rolling. * Versatility: The steel is versatile, capable of achieving both aggressive, toothy edges and refined, smooth edges. * User Enthusiasm: Many users express high levels of satisfaction with 15V, with some even considering it their favorite steel. Overall: BBB CPM 15V appears to be a top-tier steel that effectively balances exceptional performance with user-friendly sharpening characteristics. Its combination of edge retention, stability, and ease of use makes it a strong contender for demanding tasks and a highly recommended choice for knife enthusiasts.”
Jumping on the Para® 3 Lightweight Brown CPM® 15V® Sprint Run® wagon was an easy choice after a month of watching our American friends review this new CPM-15V batch.
Following the Manix 2 release two years ago, showcased in the Reveal 11, and a Paramilitary Brown version, here is the chance to test this remarkable steel on a lightweight platform: the Para 3 in brown FRN.
For record CPM 15V is “Boasting almost a 15 percent vanadium content, this remarkable material offers the highest wear resistance of any cold work tool steel available today. The full-flat-ground, satin-finished blade of this knife is further enhanced by a specialized heat-treating protocol developed by acclaimed custom knifemaker Shawn Houston. The result is a blade that offers extreme sharpness and unparalleled edge retention.”
Shawn Houston is known as Big Brown Bear on youtube and his skills in metallurgy and knifemaking as drawn the attention of the Glesser’s family.
In 2018, he has written on the Spyderco Forums that request: “Sal, Can we get CPM 15v? “I like this steel. It’s easier to work with then Maxamet and Rex121. Takes a killer edge and seems to be more stable then s110v.“
Larrin Thomas even answered: “You guys are crazy. But with Spyderco anything is possible.”
And in 2022 a first Spyderco knife designed by Shawn Houston in 15V with his own heat treat protocol was proposed. Eric’s Manix 2.
“The CPM 15V Sprint run was supposed to be a surprise treat. Eric wanted to share the CPM 15V with the custom heat treatment I worked on for my folder design. His idea was to use a standard model so people can get their hands on the steel. Which I thought was really, REALLY cool of him to do that. Working with Crucible and Niagara Specialty Metal we were able to select a specific melt of the CPM 15V that would respond best to this specially developed custom heat treatment. So, Eric and Sal really went all the way on this, no other production knife company on the planet would do something like this. Eric and Sal are one of a kind. You guys need to understand this is very unique having actual knife/steel/sharpening/edge people running a knife company that can cater to enthusiasts. Originally, I was given options for different handle scales for the Manix but the most important priority was to get the CPM 15V Manix out as soon as possible so it didn’t make any sense to use exotic scale materials. G10 is a great material to work with and brown g10 was selected because “Big Brown Bear” aka Triplebhandmade. (Me) I am aware as many others that brown g10 is not unique to this model. But the color of the handle scales and the handle scale material are irrelevant to edge performance and the most important priority was getting this out to you guys as soon as possible. Looks like the price is great too, if we used carbon fiber etc cost would have been higher. So, I hope you guys can respect that. The folder collaboration design was being pushed back due to production capacity being completely full at Golden. Please understand that I’ve been very persistent at wanting the knife made in Golden come **** or high water; I would wait until thestars burned out. Spyderco has been very busy increasing the size of their golden factory to meet the insane demand of the current knife industry after the global pandemic. Keep in mind, when a new product comes through the factory, they have to train the staff on how to make them, and what the best procedures are for creating that specific model in high volume with maximum efficiency. So, there is hidden effort when new designs come through at Spyderco. Folks need to remember if we want this folder made in Golden (my favorite factory) we have to be patient. My dream is to have a Golden folder we can all experience together.
I’ve gotten a chance to meet the people from the Golden factory I must say I’m even more excited about the idea of it being made in Golden. I’ve talked to the people that do grinding and heat treatment and there’s just something special about being able to talk to the folks that make your collaboration knife design. So, I keep pretty quiet about the folder because I don’t feel it’s necessary to see get people excited about something that doesn’t have a clearly set date of exactly when it can be expected and I don’t want to put any undue pressure on Spyderco because they’ve been working very very hard over the past couple years to get things that sometimes people take for granted and expect to magically appear on the shelves to buy. While I haven’t been posting in this thread everyday, I really appreciate you guys making sure to let Spyderco know this is something you want. So, thanks for always updating this thread and talking about it on social media.I really think you guys will like this knife and I can’t wait to get one in my pocket one day.
-Shawn“
Now this is new batch including Microjimbo, Yojumbo, Yojimbo2, Native, Military 2, Para3 G10 and Para3 Lightweight.
Like all its brothers and sisters it boast the BBB logo proving that the blade has followed Shawn Houston heat treatment.
In his excellent vidéo Shawn share his first impressions and also check the hardness of his Para3 and the result is 65.4 HRC ! Impressive !
Framed from his video: he performed five separate hardness tests just to be sure. It’s well known that Shawn Houston’s special heat treatment — refined over years and tested by renowned professionals — brings out the quintessence of CPM-15V, elevating its performance to exceptional levels.
“Well, most heat treatment protocols are for tooling, like the ones in datasheets — not really optimized for things like edge stability.” — Shawn Houston, on his own heat treatment
In practical tests, Pete from the Cedric and Ada Gear and Outdoors was able to cut through a rope 2,000 times without compromising the edge.
The action on my new Para 3 is perfectly smooth. I notice a little lock sticking but this is not an issue in my book.
And smooth enough that nothing unscrews on it — the blade closes like glass, effortlessly and precisely.
My Para 3 arrived perfectly centered, but with some burrs on the scales. (A burr is a raised edge or small piece of material that remains attached to a workpiece after a modification process.)
You can feel these tiny imperfections under your finger along the FRN edges.
I have “deburr” it with some diamonds rod. Nothing fancy but now the handle is fine. I don’t remember having that issue on my previous Para 3 review.
The edge is even.
I don’t see myself working on a convex edge on this one. Not for the moment.
The sharpness is high and that blade is a hair popping sharp razor right out of the box.
I have already cut my self with its very pointy point. My Para 3 is baptized !
Now it is truly mind.
It is said that CPM-15V loves leather for a crispy edge. (S90V or M398 for example don’t care about stropping…)
I’m curious how its 68 grams will compete with my Maxamet Para 3 G10 (98 grams) — sturdy yet smooth as velvet.
According to Spyderco:
“The term ‘lightweight,’ or the use of injection-molded handle components on a Spyderco folder, isn’t just about how the knife tips the scale. It’s about taking full advantage of the remarkable properties of FRN and FRCP, as well as our decades of experience as an industry leader in their use.”
So yes, this is a “light” saber.
The edge appears ground thinner than on the notoriously brittle Maxamet blade. Both blades receive special attention: the spine is smooth under the thumb, and the edges are expertly bevelled.
The chance to have such a steel on a lightweight folder would make it a great hunting knife like the Michael Walker ZDP-189 was in his days. The game’s fur is very abbrasive. CPM-15V could be even stronger than ZDP189 on the joints, more permissive.
Ericasedc has made a video about that:
She seems really happy with her Para 3 since she has received it. You can see all the videos she has made on her channel about the Para 3 15V.
Anyway, going in the woods equipped with a Tenacious CPM M4 and a Para 3 in 15V would be a great combo nowadays.
Now that I can carry the mighty CPM-15V steel in my pocket, I’m eager to test its performance over the long run. Stay tuned for updates on this page or in another chapter.
Having a featherweight folder equipped with such a formidable blade and steel is uncanny — it packs remarkable power in a pocket-sized package. I still remember fitting the Maxamet blade on my red FRN Para 3 just to experience that sensation of a powerful engine on a lightweight platform.
This Para 3 Sprint Run is already a triumph, offering the chance to experience a remarkable steel crafted by passionate knifeaholics.
As mentioned, I have no intention of convexing the edge for now — I’m trusting Shawn’s expertise. Unlike AEB-L, which can be thinned while remaining strong, CPM-15V is packed with carbides, so I’ll stick with the angle specified by Spyderco and Shawn, which is already thinner than Maxamet.
But now, the real fun begins: testing! Spoiler: the combination of geometry and steel makes it an excellent whittler — the blade cuts deep, and the wood feels incredibly smooth under the cut.
Final word of this review are from Shawn Houston who was quoting and answering to Todd from Scienceofsharp.com about 15V (as Todd’s goal is to increase our understanding of the role of carbides in cutting performance and how different sharpening techniques “interact” with the carbide): ““tremendous pleasure in using an extremely sharp knife or tool (and satisfaction when you have sharpened it yourself). Even though it is often a fleeting experience” That’s the “idée fixe” of it all. The little smile and feeling of elation when the edge lasers through material with zero effort. The stones, geometries, steels, heat treatments and the techniques. Chasing those fleeting moments of joy with high performance and riding the line between madness and clarity in trying to understand at the most intricate levels how it all really works. An insatiable quest.“
“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.”
Sal
“CPM 15V is a very difficult steel to manufacturer, so it may not always be available in the future. Crucible Industries LLC went to great lengths to produce the steel, it puts a great amount of wear and tear on the ceramic refractory designed to hold the super heated liquid steel during melting. This is necessary to dissolve the vanadium carbides to the very fine sizes that we see in the finished product. It’s quite a marvel that’s not often appreciated. 15V is basically the commercial limit for how much carbon and vandium they can get in a steel for production sizes batches. The benefits of this to the end user combined with excellent heat treatment is a enjoyable, lasting cutting experience that also touches up at the edge nicely with proper abrasives and sharpening experience.”
I’ve been tenacious — truly tenacious — in resisting the C122 Tenacious, even though I’d had my eye on that folder since 2008. After 17 years of flirtation, I finally ordered one. Why the delay? Its main weakness was always the less-than-stellar steel compared to the high-end knives I already owned.
Now, the CPM-M4 version is here to quench that long-standing thirst.
I don’t have much memory of a CPM-M4 serrated edge, except with another Eric Glesser design: the Dodo Exclusivefrom Blade HQ (C80GM4S). The Dodo was a real wood slasher — its S-shaped blade trimmed vines deeper and faster than almost any other, and the comfortable handle was perfect for power cuts.
Opportunities to play with a serrated CPM-M4 edge have been rare — until now. Here it is.
Back in 2008, when the Tenacious have been released it was a success.
Eric Glesser’s design was appealing to many for a simple reason: it was a well-thought-out, tough workhorse knifeavailable for around €30 (or less). A true blue-collar tool — built to be used and abused, like a modern-day Buck 110 for the pocket.
The best thing about the Tenacious was that it offered a thick, sturdy, well-built liner lock at a time when liner locks were falling out of fashion. Easy to display, easy to use, this no-choil, long-edge, compact working folder from Eric Glesser was a hit — and one of the best ways to catch the Spydervirus.
Now there is a FRN version in CPM S35VN. But it is as heavy as the G10 version and I’m not really a fan of FRN… Even if I absolutely love the FRN scales of my Serrated Chaparral.
“I’ve thrown it, dropped it, batoned wood as thick as my wrist, chipped the edge multiple times (didn’t think 8cr13mov could chip, thought it was too soft but was wrong), I’ve left in outside ONCE in the rain overnight because I forgot I placed it on my front porch the previous day, I have spine whacked it (just don’t, I most likely have an impulse problem… lol … same problem that causes me to buy a lot of knives) I’ve dug holes, stabbed the ground to cut weed roots out, and much much more...
I think by now you get the point. I treated the tenacious as if I got it for free and had 1000 more to replace it if something happened. I treated this knife as if I hated it.
The result? 4 years later, the Tenacious opens smoother than it ever has, not a speck of rust since I purchased it, I have oiled the blade a couple times but I can guarantee it was less than 20 times total in the last 4 years, lockup is a bit less solid, BARELY any blade play from side to side, even less blade play from front to back, g10 scales look smoothed over and scarred, but to be honest there is still plenty of traction. All in all, this knife is much more than what most of you need from a folder.”
My Persistence experience was excellent as described in my 2012 review (green words lead to link) but eventually I was disappointed with their steel. 8Cr13MoV can get sharp but lose sharpness much too fast for my uses. It was frustratring. I still got 8Cr13MoV knives like the Clipitool which is a great oyster knife. 8Cr13MoV is tough for a stainless steel, no surprise it was chosen for the Tenacious line.
The Tenacious is a sturdy well made liner lock folder with a super tool steel blade.
“This remarkable expression of the Tenacious® elevates this best-selling design to all-new heights with a blade crafted from American-made CPM M4 tool steel. Produced by the particle metallurgy process, CPM M4’s sophisticated alloy composition, high vanadium content, and extremely fine grain structure give it exceptional wear resistance and toughness-properties that translate to outstanding edge retention and impact resistance in knife blades. This knife’s full-flat-ground blade is available in both PlainEdge™ and CombinationEdge™ formats and is housed in a handle featuring brown peel-ply-textured G-10 scales.“
I have written many reviews about that fabulous alloy CPM-M4 it has never disappointed me and since I have sold my CPM-M4 Military and kept my Yojimbo 2 and Mantra 2 (reviewed and sharpened by JD) and use them hard, I know it is reliable and get a nice patina.
A lil’oil will prevent rust. CPM M4 is not 52100 and the patina will come slowly after cutting some lemons… “CPM M4 has good edge holding, sharpening ease, toughness, strength, and is not a rust monster…” to quote Rangodash.
Now a blade is 1/3 steel, 1/3 Heat Treatment and 1/3 geometry.
The Coke butt bottle pushing cutting test has been done with the factory edge right out of the box. It is thin behind the edge. It’s a good blade thickness for more nuanced jobs, but there is added strength from the thicker spine.
The knife sliced right in the middle were the materiel is thicker. This is just outstanding !
There are a great geometry and a thin edge on that tough CPM-M4 blade. The result is a sturdy matter separator.
It is not an exploit to cut into some tin can but the same “shallow”, “non snaggy” kind of serrations as the Chaparral made it easy.
Again, this is a “performance oriented” knife. The blade is not too thick like some “tactical” toys. It is made to perform not to show off.
“For notching, serrated edges work great. Feathersticking, maybe, maybe not. Serrated edges are ground on the show side, so they actually work better when used left-handed for cuts like that. I carry a serrated K390 Police4 all the time for rough work. It goes through little volunteer elm trees like a chainsaw. A SharpMaker makes it a breeze to maintain the edge.” to quote Yablanowitz.
The liner lock is thick in the same spirit of Gayle Bradley’s folders. The knife opens with a loud KLAK! — no blade play in any direction. The detent is strong but slightly “elastic,” meaning the blade moves a little before the release/tipping point engages. This makes it very secure, with no risk of accidental opening. I’ve noticed the same elasticity on the titanium version of the Tenacious. It’s important to note: this is not a weak detent — the blade won’t open without a deliberate, serious force.
Using the knife in Spyderdrop mode, a flick of the wrist catches the blade in the Spyderhole with no issue. Closing remains perfectly secure. There’s a tiny squeak out of the box, but a few drops of nano oil should mute it. The action isn’t buttery smooth like a compression lock on ball bearings, but after a bit of breaking-in and running-in, it will be wonderful.
The solid clip is delivered mounted in Tip Down carry, which suits well this knife for the Spyderco Drop featured on the Military 1 which got the same kind of “around the pivot” clip.
I have no intention of using tip-up carry or a deep-carry clip. This knife is a tool, meant for easy access rather than a stealthy edge. The Tenacious is always noticeable in the pocket, but that sturdy clip guarantees quick availability — reminding me of Massad Ayoob’s teachings.
Spyderdropping is an extremely fast way to get the blade into action — faster than many switchblades. Sal Glesser was already demonstrating this skill almost 30 years ago: grab the knife by the Spyderhole and SCHLAK! — it’s open and ready to cut.
The Tenacious features full steel liners, unlike the nested liners on the Military line. There are no backspacers, making it easy to clean under running water. At 120 grams, it’s not a lightweight folder — I appreciate a bit of heft on a working tool. (For reference, the new titanium version is 93 grams.)
Notice how perfectly centered the blade is right out of the box. The quality control on this “made in China” folder is impressively high.
(Sal’s Titanium Catbird (only 200 were made) next to Eric’s Tenacious.)
Eric and Sal have taken their time with the Byrd Line and their budget line to get the best from a family of makers in China. The Glessers have moved slowly but steadily, developing a trustworthy and excellent relationship with the knifemakers there.
To quote JustinRose40 on the forums in 2011: “Yes, every time I show someone my Tenacious I have to say “well it’s made in China but it’s not a China Knife, it’s still a Spyderco”. To which they usually say something like, “yeah I could tell that as soon as you handed to me”.
Since 2011, China has made huge leaps in knife manufacturing quality, and this steady improvement is clearly noticeable in the “new” rendition of the venerable Tenacious.
On Eric’s designs, there’s sometimes no choil, but you can notice a clever feature: a “proto-flipper” that acts as a quillon or guard to protect your fingers in case the lock ever failed.
Since 2008, I haven’t heard of any critical lock failures on the Tenacious or the larger Resilience. The Tenacious has earned its legendary status for a reason.
Another Eric design with an excellent blade-to-handle ratio is the Mantra 2, which uses a flipper. (I’m not a fan of that little opening hole — dirt always collects there!) Still, it’s a great design. The Mantra 1, with an opening hole, feels like the Taichung-made “uncle” of the M4 Tenacious.
The peel-ply-textured G10 scales don’t need sanding; they’re well balanced and won’t shred pockets. The brown color makes it feel less threatening, in my book.
Let’s put it to use while the satin blade is still silver.
The knife bites into wood like no tomorrow. The serrated CPM-M4 edge is a joy to use — it goes deep and steady, putting a smile on my face every time.
Blast from the past: the last combo-edge/semi-serrated knife I used was over 20 years ago — a Pre-Production D2 AFCK. As you can see, it’s been heavily used, and its geometry, steel, and blade-to-handle ratio aren’t nearly as refined as the Tenacious.
That macro shot shows the very smooth way to go from chisel ground serrations to plain edge.
“Serrated edges aren’t for everyone, and you may not like them, but you’ve got to get at least one just to try! Keep it around for nasty work, wet abrasive rope, zip-ties, yardwork, or playtime like in the pool, or at the lake or beach. Not to mention fishing duties.”to quote Benben.
The difference in cutting efficiency between a saber grind and a full flat grind is obvious. I don’t need to tiptoe around it — the advantage is clear.
Now let’s compare the Tenacious with various folders and fixed blades.
The Tenacious got a better blade/handle ratio than the Paramilitary 2 and a longer blade for a shorter handle. This is one key of the success of that design.
Since I play with Bushcraft here a nice combo to go in the wood. The Proficient is a masterpiece.
And with the ultra solide Boker in Magnacut. The 8,6 centimeter long blade of the Tenacious is generous edge wise.
Of course, I’ll strop that partially serrated blade on leather — no fear at all. I have my method for serrations, using the corner of the leather pad.
Maintaining the combo edge won’t be an issue; I’ll keep it sharp with cornered ceramic and jade stones.
So what do you get for €139 — the price I paid at the Coutellerie Champenoise? I’m really happy with my purchase. I plan to use the Tenacious a lot and on anything, simply for the pleasure of testing it on various materials. This knife isn’t afraid of plastic, wood, food, bones, cardboard, or aluminum.
This CPM-M4 version is set to show the full potential of one of the beefier EDC knives, especially with its serrated half-edge carved from super tool steel. Over 17 years, the Tenacious has proven it can withstand a lot of abuse.
The CPM-M4 Tenacious is not only a workhorse but a warhorse, like the pictured Adamas. I can easily imagine any soldier being glad to have such a reliable knife at this budget.
It’s slightly larger than small pocket knives, but smaller than the oversized ones some carry just to show off. The Tenacious would make an excellent day-hiking knife — a folder ready for the great outdoors. I’d take it on a trip to Africa or on a photo safari in the natural parks of Tuscany.
(this will often dull the blade’s edge with a little shining spot. Not here… Thanks to the serrations again ! )
This CPM-M4 Tenacious is sold at roughly double the price of the standard version, but in my opinion, it’s a rare chance to have this alloy on that knife. CPM-M4 pushes the boundaries of reliability and is a real pleasure to keep razor-sharp.
CPM-M4 will not chip and stays sharp for long. It’s a steel that has been used in cutting competitions. While Tuff Glideand various oils can keep it spotless, I prefer the protection of a gentle natural patina.
For twice the price of the vanilla Tenacious, this upgraded version delivers another level of performance in terms of toughness and edge retention.
“Old school cool with the Walker lock and satin finish. Well done Eric Glesser!” to quote Clay H on the Forums. My brown Tenacious looks gorgeous in its “beautility”, practically begging to be used across all terrains — sand, rain, or more. All in all, this beater is a beefed-up workhorse, built to be used hard and carried proudly.
This is not the first UKPK I have reviewed in this blog. I was a very early adopter of this Sal Glesser’s approach of the modern slipjoint all made in Golden Colorado. Some of my favorite are the Salt Versions in FRN: the Green LC200N and the Yellow CPM Magnacut. I even think, the serrated version of the Magnacut version could be an amazing legal travelling knife.
But they are FRN versions. I like FRN but I do love G10. Better, I’m a sucker for sanded G-10. Hence my love for the Heinnie Urban and its non-slip peel-ply texture. At first glance the satin-finished CPM SPY27 blade and signature cobalt blue peel-plytextured G-10 handle scales are juste gorgeous. Here are the full specs on Spyderco’s pages.
Like the Heinnie the skip joint got a strong mechanism. It is really a pleasure to feel this resistance which was totally absent from the very first drop point UKPK a decade ago. (Picture from Mr Blonde, Spydercollector site)
So far, I cannot imagine my self opening it with a flick like I was able to do on the LC200N FRN version. The Spring here on this G10 version is much stronger.
Let’s do some size comparaison. The UKPK is one of the long Slipit in Spyderco’s collection. It is almost a slipjoint Caly, even longer than a Chaparral. So you really don’t feel “underknifed” when you carry it in your pocket as your only EDC. It is also really handy and practical as a kitchen knife. The best thing is that this design keeps its blade length legal in most countries.
The long leaf shaped blade is a must in the kitchen almost idea. It is pointy enough and its is enough for vegetables. Most of the works done in the kitchen like peeling potatoes, cutting oinions, you name it, was always done with a short full flat ground knife like a “Nogent Couteau d’Office”.
Something about the G-10 version is the spring/back spacer closing the handle of the knife when the FRN got an open handle easier to rinse. But it is much more gorgeous and with a stronger spring for sure !
It also gives a little more heft to the knife. 48 grams for the FRN and 63 grams for the G10 version -> 31,25% heavier to be precise, almost a third ! But I do really love my heavy butt knives since my Schrade Sharpfinger.
Now this is my first CPM-SPY27 knife. Spy27 is a alloy recipe created in house with Crucible exclusively for Spyderco. It is a CPM ! So this is a premium super steel compared to VG10 or N690… In short it is a American Powder Metallurgy version of the Japanese VG10.
In Sal Glesser words: “We offer many steels for several reasons; 1) We are Steel Junky’s (even Edge Junky’s) and we like to experience the different flavors and we try to do that. 2) We believe that many of our customers are also Steel Junky’s (even Edge Junky’s) and they too get to experience and play with and “taste” as you say, the many options.
I wanted a USA made “tweaked” version of Gingami 1 by Hitachi and after some effort with Carpenter, we have a powdered USA made steel called CTS-BD1N Which is a refinement of Gingami 1. I wanted a USA made “tweaked” version of Takefu’s VG-10 and now we have a powdered “tweaked” SPY27.“
“However, it should be noted that the SPY 27 Larrin used for testing was not heat treated by Spyderco. Some minor differences between Larrin’s heat treatment and Spyderco’s heat treatment can probably be expected. That being said, Larrin is the best source of consistent, objective data and metallurgical interpretation for steel comparisons.” To quote Karl_H in https://forum.spyderco.com/viewtopic.php?t=87383
“SPY-27 will hold the fine edge longer… Its all about the stability of the fine edge, not the total wear resistance until fully dull. In this regard, SPY-27 can do what other stainless steels cant.” to quote Submicron in the same thread.
I am aware that Cobalt’s dust can be an health issue. Of course Rex 45 and Maxamet (10% of cobalt, 1,5% for SPY27) are the heavy weight steel in their tool steel category but the Spy27 (like VG-10), like all cobalt alloys needs to be carefully cleaned after a sharpening process. (Cobalt may cause an asthma-like allergy. Future exposure can cause asthma attacks with shortness of breath, wheezing, cough, and/or chest tightness. * Cobalt may affect the heart, thyroid, liver and kidneys. * Repeated exposure to Cobalt dust can cause scarring of the lungs (fibrosis) even if no symptoms are noticed. According to https://nj.gov/health/eoh/rtkweb/documents/fs/0520.pdf)
Let say SPY-27 is in the same club as the S35VN steels in terms of performance and it especially loves fine ceramic and leather stropping. It gets easily a very crispy edge like VG10 or BD1N . ( Steel which are “leather super friendly” are also LC200N, 52100, VG10, AEB-L… ) This is a must and a real pleasure for me as I keep my knives sharp mostly with leather. A touch up and it makes flying hairs from my arm again. And it seems true so far. I have not deshouldered the edge yet and intend to use it with the factory edge for some times but leather made it hair popping sharp. (Once deshouldered it is a straight razor with excellent edge retention… much better than S30V). To quote Sal: “SPY27 for some reason, seems to be punching above its weight.”
No crossroads, this Blue Djinn loves leather like the Bill Moran FB01 in VG10 loved it.
No need to use diamonds unless you want to reprofile the blade or round the shoulder then don’t forget to rinse the blade and to clean any dust. But talking about dangerous dust, I have sanded the scales to preserve my pockets. Never breath that dust !!! Do it under water or wear a mask. I got a neighbor who has been working around that kind of heavy dust and now he is breathing with two tubes in his nostrils. So be careful with your health. This Blue G10 got a very nice texture under the thumb like some denim, textil like. It is really pleasant, almost like some Micarta found on the QSP Penguin.
So when you sand G10, just go outside in the wind or work under water. You don’t want to breath G10 dust made of fiberglass and epoxy. Just rinse it under the tap to have it back to normal. Once tuned at your hand, G10 is a very very nice material.
As you can notice the scales are even thicket than the blade and the blade is perfectly centered.
There is the famous middle/half stop when closing or opening the knife. It works like a safety measure. This knife is harder to close than to open.
The UKPK is a very ergonomic knife. It feels like it melt in the hand. It is so confortable for heavy cuts. Because this blade can work hard with zero play.
The “pistol grip” is common in many Sal Glesser design like the Endura or the Military. It is much more pronounced on the Massad Ayoob.
No hotspots for me a very safe handle, really, this lil slipjoint is screaming to be used hard.
It is even confortable edge up.
With the Roadie XL. Another great Slipit with a very low profile, almost like a pen in your shirt pocket.
And the mighty Chaparral serrated. Two of Sal’s best designs. Two wolves in sheep disguise thanks to their thin solid blades.
I have decided to de-shoulder the edge for a gentle convex result in the middle of the belly.
My old leather with some polish compound is ready again to smooth the edge to razor level.
Because I want a better touch on the leather, I usually keep the normal edge at the point to keep material there and near the ricasso as I use this portion for special shores like removing the aluminium cap on bottles.
The Coke Bottle Butt test is passed with flying colors. As you can notice the plastic is 3mm thick. Not a single scratch on the blade.
So what do we got so far ? A master piece of knife design by monsieur Sal Glesser with a strong construction and state of the art in-house alloy serving a thin blade and an ergonomic handle. My advice: try to grab one before they disappear, it seems that G10 version is not here to last and it is really a sapphire: a true blue jewel !
Like I had mentioned in the glimpse review of the Serrated Chaparral, this little, thin folder is built to punch above its weight. Thanks to its sturdy construction and relatively strong stainless steel — the same type found on my Cold Steel Recon 1 XL — it can be tested and used like a much larger knife without compromising performance.
Solid steel, sturdy lock? Not much difference from a larger knife, in fact. 😉
So far, I’ve put the knife through its paces, cutting anything I could, and maintaining the edge with some Jade stones (see first picture). The mechanism shows no signs of play in any direction — rock-solid performance.
The plastic is thicker that the blade.
As you can see, the serrated edge is a chisel grind, which means it tends to deviate slightly to the right of the material being cut, much like a fin in water. I started the cuts with a bit of sawing, then transitioned to push cuts, and the knife effortlessly sliced through the thick plastic used to form the bottle.
This little knife is fierce in term of cutting performance. It is a lot of power in your pocket ! It is a pocket chainsaw !
The serrations really shine on the plate. You can push the knife hard against ceramic surfaces, and if the points ever need a touch-up, a few passes on a ceramic corner — or in my case, a jade corner — brings them back like new.
I have been able to reach razor level just by passing gently the Jade on it.
Actually it is fun to enhance the edge.
Actually, this is a bit of a comeback for me with serrations, dating back to my AFCK experience 25 years ago. Back then, I mostly used partly serrated edges, which helped initiate cuts on hard materials.
With a fully serrated thin blade and no plain edge, I initially wondered how useful it would be in the kitchen — especially since my wife’s favorite knives are Victorinox fruit knives (serrated). But it turns out, neither fruits nor vegetables can withstand the sharp, wavy edge of the Chaparral.
Funny enough I have been able to strop the edge of the Chap by using the side of the leather belt. CTS XHP is a steel which loves leather in my experience.
All in all, so far, so good. The Chaparral delivers impressive cutting power. Its thin, fully serrated edge is unique within the Spyderco line, pushing the design out of its comfort zone — and for a “knifeaholic” like me, that’s pure fun.
The next step is to trust this little knife enough to take it on a road trip in Italy — handling food prep, wood, and low-profile carry as my only pocketed folder. The Chaparral will make its return in May.
I’ve been an early adopter of the Chaparral. Nearly 13 years ago, I called it the “Extra Flat Companion”in my first review from 2012. Back then, the Chaparral was designed to serve as a platform to test different handle materials, while the Sage (another model “made in Taichung”) showcased various lock designs used in folders.
Twelve years later, Spyderco has introduced a major improvement to the Chap’s blade: their famous serrations. The brand is, of course, known for its Spyderhole, its clips, and… the performance of its serrated edges. Sal Glesser has long advocated the superior cutting performance of Spyderco’s sserrations. Scallops, moon quarters, and thin chisel geometry all work together to create the ultimate “matter separator,” making tough cutting tasks effortless.
Sal has refined his serrations into a recognized patterns and created the Spyderedge: “Spyderco’s two-step serration patterns consist of one large and two small serrations. The pattern increases the cutting edge’s surface area by up to 24%”. On the Chaparral, the serration are even better as they are rounded to avoid snagging when cutting. Those same enhanced serrations can be found on another serrated folder made in Taichung for Spyderco: the LC200N made Caribbean.
I’am not a serration’s fan. I prefer a short convexed blade like my Roadie XL to EDC but this is the opportunity to pocket a serrated knife designed to be low profile folder easily displayed in the middle of the sheeples.
The Chaparral is another Lil’ Big Knife in disguise. Go figure, his lock is equipped with an hidden pin which gives a lot of strength and stability. This improved backlock is also found on the Sage 4 but do not worry about vertical play.
Also the Chaparral’s blade is only 2 mm thick. A razor blade with serrations ? It should be interesting !
It even has teeth on its handle. The FRN scales feel almost like shark skin, which can be tough on pockets. My first step was to temporarily remove the pocket clip, then sand the scales to smooth them out.
The FRN doesn’t react as quickly as G10 when sanded. I still ended up with a slightly toothy handle, but it’s much more acceptable to me. Of course, this is a matter of personal taste — many users will appreciate the aggressive grip the pattern provides. I, however, prefer not to carry a pocket shredder anymore.
Lately, I’ve discovered that I really enjoy knives I can carry in my denim watch pocket. The Roadie XL, which I can now flick open with a wrist, is the king of that pocket and I use it hard despite its small size.
But this little “Tooth Faerie”, the Serrated Chaparral, also demands heavy use — and beware of its cutting power! Its steel, CTS-XHP, is known for being extremely reliable, even on thin edges. I’ve used it in many knives, including some Cold Steel Voyager XLs, and it never disappoints.
It will be very interesting to see how the Chaparral Light platform, equipped with a top-performance factory edge and an improved backlock, performs as a true workhorse — pushing the envelope of what the Chap’ can do. Spyderco has also just released a Slipit (non-locking) Chaparral, sold at nearly double the price of the FRN serrated version. Clearly, this one isn’t marketed as a “precious” collectible but as a pure performance tool. Spyderco has supercharged the Chaparral to be a user’s knife.
To summarize:
2 mm thick blade — this is thin !
Backlock enhanced with a hidden pin — zero vertical play !
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