My first article about the Military 2 Salt was a story about evolution. About how Spyderco quietly transformed one of its most iconic folders from the ATS-34 era into something that almost feels like the final expression of the Military concept. From ATS-34 to the Salt Age, the journey was technical, historical and, in many ways, inevitable.
This time, I want to talk about something much simpler : Living with Gurney, my Mil 2 Salt. (I nicknamed my Military 2 Salt Gurney, after Gurney Halleck from Dune. A warrior, a troubadour and, above all, a dependable companion. Somehow, it seemed fitting.) Because after months of carrying it, I’ve stopped thinking about its steel, its lock or even its impressive specifications.
I simply reach for it. And I like it. I like its texture and action. I did not like some hot spots.
The very first thing I did was reshape the edge. Not because Spyderco’s factory edge wasn’t excellent—it was—but because every knife eventually becomes personal.
Sal Glesser has often said that sharpening a knife is one of the ways its owner truly makes it his own. I couldn’t agree more.
Over the years I’ve come to prefer a convex edge on almost every working knife I own. It glides through food beautifully, feels stronger behind the edge and, perhaps more importantly, suits the way I maintain my knives.
Magnacut seems to love that de-shouldering treatment of mine.
Once the convex geometry is established, maintenance becomes almost effortless. A few strokes on a leather strop are usually all it takes to bring the edge back to hair-popping sharpness.
Just a few moments with a strop on fine leather (NOT that Gucci !) or white ceramic, and the Military 2 Salt is ready for another week of work.
No complicated sharpening sessions. No steel removal unless it’s really necessary. Free-hand sharpening is a skill to hone. 😉 Pun absolutely intended.
Now, about those hot spots I mentioned earlier.
I also rounded the blade spine.
Not because it needed it, but because I simply love the feeling of a nicely rounded spine under my thumb. It’s a small modification that makes prolonged use even more comfortable and gives the knife a more refined, almost custom feel.
Like the convex edge, it’s one of those little personal touches that turns a production knife into your knife.
Ah, and the choil ! Just to fit it to my hand. I have used the diamonds rods from my Spyderco TriAngle sharpening system.
Those scales are french fries friendly. 🙂
Ok, like many knife enthusiasts, I spend far more time preparing food than cutting ropes or surviving in the wilderness.
Summer only reinforces that habit. (Here pictured with my favorite kitchen knife custom the Kitchen Warriors made by Patrick Bonetta)
Tomatoes, cucumbers, peppers, avocado, watermelon, mozzarella, feta, peaches, lemon, herbs… preparing large salads means wet hands covered with olive oil, lemon juice, vinegar and vegetable residue. Exactly the kind of environment where many folders start feeling slippery and where corrosion quietly begins its work.
The Military 2 Salt simply doesn’t care. Citric acid ? Bring it on ! And that G10 pattern/texture really keeps the knife perfectly anchored in my hand even when everything is slick as butter under the sun.
I would ever think that its ergonomics almost reveal once my hands are wet and slippery. And you know what, in cutlery, luxury is not having to think.
Magnacut attracts all the attention nowadays and corrosion resistance sells knives. But what I appreciate most isn’t the laboratory performance. It’s the peace of mind. Nothing is going to rust. Nothing is going to seize. Nothing requires immediate cleaning because I forgot the knife in the sink after cooking.
That confidence is difficult to quantify, but it changes the relationship you have with your tool.
This is something few knives offer.
At around €200 (or about $200), the Military 2 Salt is hardly a budget knife, but I honestly think it’s a bargain for what you’re getting: a thoroughly refined design built around one of the most capable blade steels available today.
(A deep pocket carry clip is a must for a low profile attitude.)
That knife, it removes one more concern from everyday life. You simply use it, rinse it if needed, strop it from time to time… and never worry about rust, corrosion or a reluctant pivot. No lock stick on mine actually. Just a smoooooth opening and closing.
The Military has always been a large folder. Well balanced and alive in your hand once opened.
But its pointy blade is undeniably imposing.
Yet the black and yellow Salt colors completely change the perception people have of it.
Instead of looking tactical, it looks… useful.
That yellow jacket Salt identity somehow soften its silhouette. It becomes an obvious tool before becoming a military weapon.
That surprised me.
I expected a big folder built with soldiers (of fortune), outdoorsmen and hard users in mind. And it is.
Instead I found one wasp of a folder that almost disappears into daily life despite its size.
Larger folders are often criticized for being excessive.
Sometimes that’s true. But excess is good in a sturdy piece of equipment.
I do love the Lil’Temperance in K390 which is a beast of a folder. But when summer arrives and you’re slicing an entire watermelon, preparing vegetables for several people or working with large ingredients, blade length suddenly becomes an advantage rather than a compromise.
This is exactly where my UKPK Salt or even my Sage Salt begin to reach their limits. Blade length in the kitchen is defining the use of the knife.
These days, whenever I know I’m going to spend time doing wet work, I instinctively grab the Military 2 Salt.
If I’m cooking—or simply lending a hand in a friend’s kitchen—the Military 2 Salt usually travels in my bag, while a smaller Slipit, like the Urban, rides in my pocket. (Or a Microjimbo, Meerkat, Lil’Native…)
The same applies when I’m camping or travelling.
Peace of mind is priceless, and that’s exactly what Spyderco’s CPM Magnacut Salt knives give me.
Gurney comes along as well, bringing all the qualities I appreciate most: a high-tech blade, superb balance and effortless reliability.
Not because they’re the strongest folding knives I own. But because they’re the ones I never have to worry about. I know they’ll deliver—whether in terms of cutting performance, corrosion resistance or simple reliability.
Easy to deploy. Easy to control. Easy to clean and keep it dirty. Easy to put back in the pocket. Solid. Reliable. Efficient. The Military 2 Salt has become exactly that.
A big folder to live with. A little piece of Colorado in my pocket.
You know how much I enjoy giving names to my knives. Well, this Meerkat Sprint Run ( >>>>PART 1<<<<) is going to be called Casper.
Partly because of its very friendly personality, and partly because of its famous Phantom Lock. It seemed only fitting.
Like the friendly ghost, the Meerkat is small, harmless-looking and easy to like. It quietly disappears into a pocket, only to reappear when needed. And then, of course, there is that Phantom Lock. A lock that remains hidden, mysterious and just a little magical, even after all these years.
So yes, this Meerkat has officially become Casper the friendly folder, especially toward sheeples.
Now, as many of you know, I tend to baptize my knives the traditional Nemo way: with a little bit of my own blood.
And the Meerkat did not disappoint.
Ah ! When closing the blade with a wrist flick after disengaging the Phantom Lock, make sure your middle finger is well clear of the blade’s path. If it isn’t, it will quickly discover that the Meerkat’s edge is less friendly than its name suggests.
The closing blade comes down like a tiny guillotine, and yes, it cuts very well.
Ask me how I know. 😉
Nothing serious, just a small nick, but it serves as a useful reminder: the Meerkat may be compact and charming, yet it is still a very sharp Spyderco.
But once you start playing with the Meerkat, several things quickly become apparent.
First, it is surprisingly fidget-friendly.
Once you get the hang of it, disengaging the Phantom Lock and flicking the blade shut with a simple wrist movement becomes second nature. It is one of those knives that invites interaction. Before you know it, you find yourself opening and closing it repeatedly just for the pleasure of the mechanism. Just keep that middle finger away !
The second thing I noticed is how enjoyable the knife is to deploy using the good old Spyder Drop. Draw !!
Screenshot
I know this opening method is no longer fashionable. Nowadays, many users prefer to flick open a tip-up folder with their index finger. But the classic Spyderco opening technique—grabbing the knife by the Round Hole and snapping the blade open with a wrist flick—works wonderfully well with the Meerkat. The reasons are simple: tip down carry and… The handle carries a surprising amount of weight thanks to its steel liners, full backspacer and robust construction. That extra mass gives the knife excellent momentum during deployment, making the opening feel smooth, positive and satisfying.
Another pleasant surprise is the ergonomics. Despite its compact size, the handle comfortably accommodates all four fingers. The index finger naturally settles into the choil, while even the pinky gets its own dedicated space. The result is a grip that feels far more secure and powerful than the knife’s dimensions would suggest.
Then there is the blade.
One detail genuinely surprised me. Looking at the blade stock thickness, the Meerkat is actually thinner than the famously thin UKPK.
Meerkat: 0.096” (2.4 mm)
UKPK: 0.098” (2.5 mm)
We’re only talking about a tenth of a millimeter, but I still found it amusing. The UKPK has long been my benchmark for a thin, high-performance cutting blade. Yet here comes this odd little Meerkat, quietly slipping underneath it. Perhaps that helps explain why the knife feels so eager when slicing wood, food, cardboard or just about anything else. The Meerkat may look chunky because of its stout handle and full stainless steel liners, but the blade itself is surprisingly lean.
Like many great Spydercos, it hides its elite cutting performance in plain sight.
Its generous belly and thin geometry make it an outstanding cutter. The edge remains in contact with a cutting board through much of the cutting stroke, allowing clean and efficient slicing.
I’ll admit that, despite its tiny size, I ended up doing a surprising amount of kitchen work with it. Tomatoes, vegetables, even breaking down and portioning a chicken—the little Meerkat handled everything without complaint.
Agile in hand and eager to cut, it never feels overwhelmed.
This little knife is a genuine worker.
The textured FRN scales provide excellent traction, preventing any tendency to slip during use. Equally important, I found absolutely no blade play, either vertically or laterally. That’s reassuring on a knife whose pivot is not particularly accessible for adjustment.
In actual use, the Meerkat reveals itself as an exceptionally capable travel companion.
Low profile, discreet and easy to carry, yet remarkably efficient when called upon. Much of that comes from its relatively thick handle, which provides excellent control, while the thin, tall blade slices with a combination of precision and authority that continues to surprise me.
Small sheeple friendly folder, yes but very, very, very serious cutter. An impeccable companion that disappears into a pocket. Ghostlike. Always there when called upon. And far more capable than its size would ever suggest.
Ah, the Meerkat and its magical Phantom Lock… Ah ah ah! This one takes me straight back to 2002. Back to the Future, Spyderco style. The Meerkat is one of those knives that seems to have been designed for a single purpose: making knife enthusiasts scratch their heads. First impression? This is a very small knife. Even compared to the Chaparral. The Chaparral owes much of its DNA to the C62 Navigator. It was a compact lockback with the same short blade (saber hollow grind) optimized for travel and office-friendly carry. It also carries forward the spirit of the C09 CoPilot, continuing Spyderco’s long tradition of creating small knives that cut far bigger than their dimensions would suggest.
Naturally, I slipped the Meerkat into my fifth pocket, where it fits absolutely perfectly. In fact, it feels like it was designed for that role.
The second thing you notice is that this little oddball is set up for tip-down carry, just like the mighty Spyderco Military. And yes, you can still perform the classic Spyderco Drop without any issue ! 🙂
In hand, the Meerkat feels like a stout little worker. The action is firm, the lock-up is rock solid, and despite its compact size, there is nothing delicate about it. Everything feels purposeful and surprisingly robust.
Then comes the Phantom Lock. The Ghost in the Shell. 😉 I have just found that video made by Wouter (Spydercollector) 16 years ago !
Just hand the knife to another knife enthusiast and watch the show begin. They open it. They admire it. Then they try to close it.
Confusion follows. That’s when you starts smiling. 🙂
More than twenty years later, the Phantom Lock remains one of the cleverest and most entertaining locking mechanisms Spyderco has ever produced. It’s practical, it’s secure, and above all, it’s pure Spyderco: innovative, unconventional, and just a little bit crazy. 😄
Sliding the scale to unlock the blade.
Yep, some knives are designed to sell with some tactical bells and whistles. Others are designed to impress for their cleverness. The Meerkat never became a mainstream Spyderco classic. It was too small for tactical enthusiasts, too weird for traditionalists, and too clever for its own good. Yet more than twenty years later, Spyderco decided to bring it back as a Sprint Run equipped with CPM-SPY27 steel and cobalt blue FRN scales.
And honestly? I’m so glad they did ! Because the Meerkat was a knife from the future, designed twenty years ago.
And it is cute !
No, really, it remains one of the most futuristic designs ever released by Spyderco. At first glance, it looks like a tiny leaf-shaped folder with a humpback silhouette and a blade barely longer than your thumb. Full Flat Grind, the Spyderco Signature, deep carry clip Then you discover the lock. The famous Phantom Lock. Unlike a traditional back lock, the Meerkat closes by slightly twisting the handle scales in opposite directions. The mechanism releases almost magically, making the knife feel more like a gadget from a science-fiction movie than a conventional EDC your grand’pa would have chosen in a gun show.. Even today, very few production knives offer anything remotely similar. Sal Glesser is an inventor. He loves his craft. I still can hear his laugh when I have handing a Meerkat to a knife enthusiast, the reaction is the same: “Wait… how do you close this thing?”
Mission accomplished ! (Still confused by the Phantom Lock? Don’t worry, you’re not the first. Just push on the Spyderco logo to slide the scale. Suddenly, the magic trick reveals its secret. And you’ll soon be able to operate it with one hand.) 😉
The Meerkat carries its fully flat-ground blade measuring just over 5 cm (2inches). On paper, that sounds ridiculously small. In practice, it slices like a miniature lightlaser.
Spyderco’s leaf-shaped blade profile has always been one of the most efficient cutting geometries in the business. Give it a thin full-flat grind and suddenly this tiny folder starts behaving like a much larger knife.
Opening parcels. Food prep. Sharing a fruit. Breaking down cardboard. Removing parcel. Protect your family against enraged bear attacks. You name it. The Meerkat will perform all of these tasks with surprising authority.
The blade disappears in any pockets with its deep tip down carry system.
This Sprint Run upgrades the original steel to CPM-SPY27, Spyderco’s proprietary powder metallurgy stainless steel developed with Crucible. The goal was simple: create a steel offering a balance of edge retention, toughness, corrosion resistance and ease of sharpening.
I’ve not used enough SPY27 on larger folders like a Bodacious or a Manix 2 XL to fully explore its limits, but I do understand what Spyderco was trying to achieve with what I often call their “powder metallurgy VG-10.”
My own experience with SPY27 comes mainly from a UKPK that I have nicknamed The Golden Child.
What I’ve discovered is this: SPY27 doesn’t try to win steel competitions. It simply works. The edge stays keen for a long time, corrosion resistance is excellent, and maintenance remains refreshingly easy compared to some modern “super steels.” Much like Magnacut, SPY27 seems to love a leather strop. A few passes are often enough to bring back that crisp, shaving-sharp edge.
Many users compare its overall performance to S35VN, appreciating how straightforward it is to touch up. Perhaps they’re right. Personally, I don’t really care whether it lands closer to S30V, S35VN or S45VN. What matters is that Spyderco consistently gets the recipe right. Because a blade is never just an alloy. A blade is alloy + heat treatment + geometry.
And Golden’s people understand that better than most. What I want in 2026 is a blade steel that is easy on my mind. A steel that won’t punish me for grabbing the wrong sharpening tool while travelling.
A steel that can be maintained without turning sharpening into a science project.
A forgiving steel.
At sixty years old, I find myself caring less about ultimate edge retention and more about living with a knife. SPY27 feels like one of those steels that wants to work with its owner rather than against him. For a compact EDC like the Meerkat, that balance is exactly what I want.
This is not a knife meant to chop down forests. It is, however, a surprisingly capable whittler. The generous belly, thin blade stock and full-flat grind simply devour wood. Whether shaping a tent peg, sharpening a stick for the barbecue or absent-mindedly carving curls while sitting by a campfire, the Meerkat performs far beyond what its dimensions would suggest.
The blade bites eagerly, tracks predictably and leaves behind clean, controlled cuts.
Small knife. Big appetite.
Yes, it really is that powerful.
The Meerkat is a knife meant to disappear into your fifth pocket and be forgotten.
Twenty years after its introduction, that’s still what impresses me most about the Meerkat: not the Phantom Lock, not the rarity, not the nostalgia.
The fact that such a small knife cuts so ridiculously well.
The knife represents an era when Spyderco was willing to experiment with strange concepts simply because they were interesting.
Today many manufacturers chase trends. The Meerkat reminds us of a time when designers chased ideas. Its unusual lock, compact dimensions and unmistakable silhouette make it instantly recognizable among hundreds of modern folders.
You don’t buy a Meerkat because it is the most practical knife. You buy it because it is unmistakably a… Meerkat. Cute, clever and sharp.
That SPY27 Sprint Run does not reinvent the Meerkat. Fortunately. It preserves everything that made the original memorable while upgrading the steel to something genuinely useful for modern everyday carry.
Tiny. Strange. Ingenious. Solid, Stout. Great ergonomics for a 2 inches blade. The Meerkat remains one of the most charming oddballs ever released by Spyderco. And in a knife world increasingly filled with tactical clones and oversized pocket swords, that may be exactly what makes it special.
Not because it is perfect. Because nothing else feels quite like it. Invention, innovation…. Open it. Read between the line and twist the scales to close it.
The Meerkat is a jewel of a user. The kind of little big knife you can clip into a pocket every morning and completely forget about—until you need a knife. Then it reminds you exactly why it’s there.
Much like the little African animal that inspired its name, the Meerkat has a habit of suddenly popping up when something interesting needs attention. That’s part of its charm.
Disclaimer: This knife has been provided through Spyderco’s Ambassador’s program and friendship. Thank you to them for letting me review it. It felt like welcoming back an old friend I hadn’t seen in over twenty years.
If the Meerkat has piqued your curiosity, do yourself a favor and visit the website of my friend Wouter (“Mr. Blonde”). Few people know Spyderco history better than he does:: https://spydercollector.wordpress.com/tag/meerkat/
Also, there is a great thread on the Spyderco Forums featuring information, anecdotes and historical details contributed by collectors (including my friend and contributor, Robin “Ramonade): https://forum.spyderco.com/viewtopic.php?p=1885029#p1885029
One of the things I enjoy most about the Spyderco community is that there is always somebody curious enough to take a knife apart and look beyond the catalog specifications.
This time, that somebody was my friend Robin Hette.
In a recent video, Robin completely disassembled his new Para Military 2 Lightweight and discovered a couple of interesting details showing how Spyderco has refined the design his compression lock.
The changes become apparent as soon as the knife is taken apart: the Compression Lock spring got now a longitudinal groove running down its center. Its purpose appears straightforward: improving the spring’s lateral stability and reducing side-to-side movement during operation.
It’s a major modification possible only on a mold FRN scale.
Yet these are exactly the sort of details that reveal how seriously Spyderco treats continuous improvement.
Screenshot
The scales tell a similar story.
Comparing Robin’s disassembled PM2 Lightweight with the his Para3 LW reveals noticeably less internal milling. Spyderco has left more FRN in place on the PM2.
At first glance this may seem counterintuitive on a knife designed around weight reduction. But rigidity matters too.
The additional material should provide greater structural stiffness while adding very little weight to the overall package. The result is a handle that remains exceptionally light while feeling even more robust.
That philosophy of Constant Quality Improvement has defined Spyderco for decades. Observe. Test. Improve. Repeat.
Thanks to Robin’s curiosity—and willingness to completely tear down his knife—we get a rare glimpse of that process in action.
The latest PM2 Lightweight under its scales, however, it tells a familiar Spyderco story:
“Good enough has never been good enough.” 😉 So, kudos to Eric Glesser and the Spyderco team for continuing to push the envelope.
But enough about engineering. What’s the PM2 Lightweight actually like to live with?
Well, let’s just say it’s a lot more pleasant than trying to get an AI image generator to accurately reproduce a knife model from reference photos. 🙂
But…Now imagine… It’s dark in the basement. You’ve had a long day. You’re tired. Nothing seems to go quite as planned. You need a sharp tool. Anything ! For a moment, you think you don’t have one. Then you remember. Your knife should be sitting in your right front pocket. Exactly where it has been all day. So light that you forgot it was there. So comfortable that it never demanded your attention until the precise moment you needed it.
A few ounces of FRN. A blade in CPM 15V. Or K390. Or MagnaCut. It doesn’t really matter. It could be that new PM2 Lightweight Sprintrun. It could be the built-like-tank Lil’ Temperance Lightweight in K390. It could be the sleak Sage 5 Salt Lightweight in MagnaCut.
Different knives. Same philosophy. But that PM2 Lightweight pushes really the concept one step further. No stainless steel liners. Just enough material to hold together one of the most capable folders Spyderco has ever designed. A reliable cutting tool so light that I forget it’s there—until the moment I need it.
And that’s the whole point: the best pocket knife isn’t the one you admire all day long. It’s the one you completely forget about—right up until it does exactly what it’s supposed to do. That’s what Lightweight means.: “When you need it, it’s already there.”
I recently used the PM2 Lightweight in a French pub to slice some rather excellent chili dry sausage on a wooden board. The pub had kindly provided a knife, of course. I didn’t use it. Instead, I reached into my pocket and pulled out the PM2 LW. Same size as the dull kitchen knife provided. Nobody noticed that PM2 LW. Not a single glance. Not a single raised eyebrow. The sausage, however, attracted plenty of attention.
By the end of the evening, everyone had enjoyed a few slices and a few beers. The PM2 simply returned to my pocket, unnoticed.
And somehow, that feels like the ultimate compliment for an everyday carry knife.
Mine has also been used in all condition, and for kitchen duty, my own PM2 Lightweight in CPM15V is starting to develop that beloved slight patina after processing several kilos of fresh tomatoes. That’s perfectly normal for CPM 15V. A little discoloration is simply part of the deal.
A pocket knife that never shows signs of use is usually a pocket knife that isn’t being used enough, don’t you think ?
So far, the PM2 Lightweight has proven itself to be a reliable and faithful companion. The color of the FRN scales on this particular version won’t appeal to everyone. Personally, I rather like it. Combined with the stonewashed blade, it creates a surprisingly discreet package. A kind of visual camouflage. The knife doesn’t draw attention to itself.
And that’s another quality I look for in an everyday carry knife: civilian stealth. Not stealth in the tactical sense. Stealth in the social sense. The ability to be perceived as a tool rather than a weapon.
A good EDC knife should solve problems, open packages, slice food, cut cardboard and occasionally rescue a stubborn piece of string. It doesn’t need to announce its presence.
That PM2 Lightweight excels at exactly that. Despite its relatively generous blade length, it remains remarkably unthreatening in appearance. The muted gray-green handle and stonewashed finish help it blend into everyday life, where it belongs.
After all, the best EDC knife is rarely the one that attracts the most attention. It’s the one that quietly gets the job done without attracting any at all like a silent companion.
In the rarefied atmosphere of high-end custom knives, true elegance rarely announces itself loudly. It reveals itself slowly — through proportion, restraint, tactility, and detail. The Des Horn 450# belongs to this vanishing category of objects: creations that do not merely impress, but seduce.
This is my second folder from my friend Des Horn. (I have known Des and Linda for nearly twenty years now. Des Horn is a true legend in knifemaking — a master of his craft, and above all, a gentleman.) The first folder was a beautiful Imvubu that was unfortunately confiscated at airport security after traveling clandestinely beneath my wallet. I was absolutely convinced my pockets were knifeless — until the metal detector disagreed. Watching it disappear into the security tray was genuinely heartbreaking. Losing such an elegant piece because I was sprinting to catch a flight for a TF1 reportage made the whole scene feel even more absurd. Some objects are replaceable. A Des Horn never truly is.
Des knew about this very first-world tragedy, and after nearly ten years I finally decided it was time to own another of his beautiful knives. I asked him which folder, among all his creations, was his personal favorite. His answer came immediately: “The 450#. My favorite.”
(Pictured here is the 450# my friend Jan Dirk has bought from him 15 years ago. Perhaps JD’s favorite in all his collection. Actually Pascal Jaffre also have one…)
He told me he would find a particularly unusual piece of carbon fiber for it and also: “This one has a “2K” finish . Very tough and durable and is used on exotic cars to finish the carbon fibre. It was the only one I had finished without a clip.”
And then came the part that genuinely left me speechless: this special 450# was a gift from Des Horn for my 60th birthday !!! In a world where so many luxury objects are reduced to transactions, gestures like this carry something infinitely more valuable: humanity, generosity, and the quiet bond between two friends. I will remain forever grateful. Thank you Des and Linda.
At just 26 grams, the knife found its name almost immediately: Spirit. Spirit of Cape Town. Partly for its impossible lightness, as if the knife itself barely belonged to the physical world. And partly for what the French so beautifully call la part des anges — the angel’s share — that invisible portion reserved for time, memory, and things too precious to truly possess. A knife this light almost feels immaterial. A gift like this certainly does like a whisper of steel…
Spirit is less a cutting instrument than a study in modern aristocratic design. At first glance, it appears almost understated. There are no aggressive lines, no tactical theatrics, no oversized hardware screaming for attention. Instead, the knife radiates the confidence of an object that knows exactly what it is.
And what it is, precisely, is one of the most refined lady and gentleman’s folders ever conceived.
The first sensation delivered by the 450# is disbelief.
Lift it, and the knife nearly disappears in the hand. Versions executed in marbled carbon fiber and Nitrobe 77 steel have achieved almost mythical status among collectors for their featherlight construction — a level of portability more often associated with luxury writing instruments than with precision folders. Yet despite its ethereal mass, the knife feels structurally complete, almost architectural.
This paradox defines the genius of Des Horn.
Spirit (like all 450#) is not designed around brute force. It is designed around intelligent refinement. Every millimeter exists for a reason. The slim silhouette slips effortlessly into tailored trousers or the inner pocket of a cashmere jacket, becoming part of the wearer rather than an accessory imposed upon him.
In an era obsessed with excess, the 450# celebrates discretion. It is housed in a beautiful buffalo leather pouch, a cocoon-like case designed to protect it from pocket dust and daily abrasion. Simple, tactile, and perfectly in tune with the object it carries — an understated sheath for something already defined by discretion and refinement.
Once in your hand, the action itself is an exercise in restraint. Unlike modern folders engineered for theatrical deployment, the 450# front flipper unfolds with subtle precision. The movement feels intimate, almost private — a mechanism intended for connoisseurs rather than spectators. The blade opens with silky assurance, revealing tolerances that reflect decades of accumulated craftsmanship. It is also fully ambidextrous — intuitive, balanced, and genuinely enjoyable to handle. That sense of play is not incidental; it is part of the design language. Because beyond precision and materials, pleasure matters. Fun, tactile satisfaction, and the simple desire to interact with the object are essential parts of how I evaluate and experience it.
The blade is crafted from Nitrobe 77. Ah… another legendary steel. Revered among enthusiasts for its extraordinary corrosion resistance and exceptional cutting performance, Nitrobe 77 manages to combine qualities that rarely coexist: hardness, toughness, edge retention, and remarkable flexibility. It takes — and keeps — an incredibly sharp edge, while remaining astonishingly resilient under stress. Des himself has demonstrated its elasticity in some videos that almost seem unreal the first time you watch them. And for those familiar with the world of performance steels, seeing Shawn Houston — the magician behind CPM 15V heat treatments for Spyderco — speak highly of Nitrobe 77 says a great deal about the material’s reputation among serious knife people.
“Nitrobe77 has 0.9% wt N which it uses some of to make nitrogen martensite like lc200n. Some of that nitrogen total is locked up as Cr2N that dissolves at the temperatures N77 requires to harden. That nitrogen put in solution will become nitrogen martensite when quenched. The nitrogen that did not dissolve stayed behind in a nice, small compliment of Niobium rich nitrides (MN type/NbN) which don’t dissolve in the Chromium and Austenite as readily as the Vanadium at the temperatures required to harden Hence why we have Nb dominant MN type. These Nitrides are just not at enough volume to make this steel a “rope killer”
The Nitrobe 77 is unique thanks to it’s ability to get harder than the other Nitrogen martensite rich steels like Lc200n thanks to being designed for precipitation strengthening. Using liquid nitrogen cryogenics and multiple high tempers after quenching allows the steel to raise up in HRC each cycle after hardening thanks to converting retained austenite that didn’t transform from quenching to hard martensite and also the nitrides precipitating from the martensite and coarsening to the necessary sizes to strengthen the steel to resist displacement and make up for the shrinking of martensite.
It is possibly the best sharpening steel in the world and can operate at 62-64rc, The Nitriding process combined with this chemistry and volume makes a fine structured steel. The wear resistance is not super high however.
Nitrobe77 is one of my favorite steels but unfortunately due to cost, difficulty making at the steel mill and it not being cost effective to heat treat mass production. It has finally been discontinued by Damasteel as of 2018, they kept it alive for a long while.
I feel Des Horn has done some amazing work with Nitrobe 77 and had helped the steel persist for a long time @Deshorn”
Des Horn heat-treated the Nitrobe 77 blade through a triple-cycle process, each stage followed by a carefully controlled cryogenic quench in liquid nitrogen. Three heat treatments. Three deep freezes. A complex sequence designed for pure performance — pushing Nitrobe 77 to its best toughness, and edge stability.
The phrase “gentleman’s folder” has become tragically diluted in recent years, attached indiscriminately to any small knife wearing carbon fiber. I feel like that 450# restores dignity to the term.
(My friend Robin had the opportunity to meet Des at Solingen 2026 Knife Show. He was the one who brought “Spirit” to me. He even made a pic comparing the Spyderco C153GP and the custom made 450#.)
The 450# is a knife conceived for cultivated environments: the desk of an architect in Capetown, the leather seat of an Aston Martin crossing Mayfair, the quiet ritual of opening correspondence in a private office lined with walnut and books. It is the kind of personal knife John Steed or Emma Peel might have carried — discreetly elegant, technically refined, and perfectly at home beside a tailored suit or inside the glove compartment of a vintage Bentley.
But like in The Avengers, one should never confuse kindness with weakness. John Steed and Emma Peel always carried themselves with a kind of effortless civility that concealed something far more formidable beneath the surface. Spirit follows the same logic.
(And what about the New Avengers? A testament to that spirit is the collaborative work Des has done with James Purdey & Sons, creating a knife truly worthy of the Purdey name. Fans of Joanna Lumley will especially appreciate the reference.)
It may be feather-light in the hand, but it is anything but fragile. The marriage of advanced carbon fiber and Nitrobe 77 gives it a structural toughness that belies its weight. This is not delicacy — it is engineered resilience, refined to the point of invisibility. Hard as a nail, yes — but with the composure of something that never needs to prove it.
(And yes, it slices through plastic bottle bottoms like they’re made of warm butter…)
Ironically, its liner lock would also make it thoroughly unlawful in today’s UK. And yet, beneath its understated sophistication lies some remarkably serious engineering. The lock bar itself is crafted from Grade 5 titanium and fitted with a silicon nitride detent ball rated at an astonishing HRC 93. Tiny details perhaps — but precisely the kind that reveal the obsessive level of refinement behind a Des Horn folder.
And like all great luxury objects, it communicates identity. Carrying a Des Horn does not suggest aggression or preparedness. It suggests discernment.
I heard that among serious collectors, the 450# has acquired an almost cult-like reputation precisely because it avoids spectacle. Owners speak of the knife with unusual affection, describing it less as gear and more as a companion piece — something lived with daily and appreciated continuously.
(Des holding his personal 450# at a dinner after the SICAC 2025 in Paris…)
Over more than four decades, Des Horn has developed a design language that blends technical mastery with sculptural sensitivity. His work often incorporates rare materials sourced from Africa itself: Gibeon meteorite, pietersite gemstones, mammoth ivory, hand-engraved titanium, and complex Damascus steels. (His workshop is so clean you could eat on the floor.)
Yet despite these exotic ingredients, his 450# never descends into ornament for ornament’s sake. Even the most elaborate versions retain purity of line and proportion. That discipline is what separates luxury from mere decoration.
(With no choil, Spirit actually offers more usable edge length than the Golden Child.)
Because true luxury has never been about being seen. It has always been about knowing. And Des Horn knows. He understands la part des anges — that invisible fraction of perfection that can never be fully owned, only sensed. He understands the spirit of a blade not as an object, but as a living balance of steel, geometry, heat, and intention. And perhaps that is what sets his work apart: not just mastery of materials, but an almost philosophical restraint — the ability to let excellence remain quiet.
There are knives that become products, and there are knives that become dialects. The Spyderco Para Military 2 since its inception belongs firmly to the second category.
For sixteen years, the PM2 has occupied a rare position in the knife world: not merely respected, but culturally embedded. Made in Golden Colorado USA Earth, designed in the lineage of the original C36 Military model and its offspring the Paramilitary 1 from 2004, the Paramilitary 2 refined the formula into something more agile, more urban, more universally wearable. Key improvements introduced in 2010 were: Ergonomics: Thinner, refined G-10 handle. Mechanism: New Bushing Pivot System for smoother action. Clip: 4-position pocket spoon clip. Blade: Slightly thinner blade profile with an elongated tip. From there, the Spyderco Paramilitary 2 quickly established itself as a modern classic in the knife industry. It also became the most compelling ambassador for Spyderco’s in-house Compression Lock system, turning simple fidgeting into something unexpectedly addictive.
Its full-flat, leaf-shaped blade geometry delivers near-universal utility — a fine, precise tip paired with a confident, efficient cutting edge. In use, it feels less like compromise and more like calibration.
And then there is the ergonomics: that unmistakable Spyderco palm swell and forward choil, which transform hard tasks into something almost composed, almost effortless.
Even AI now generates imaginary PM2 variants — sometimes hilariously inaccurate ones with back locks — which says a lot about how deeply the Spyderco Paramilitary 2 has embedded itself into modern knife/EDC culture.
Because the PM2 was never just a tactical folder. It became the Porsche 911 of contemporary EDC: instantly recognizable across a room, endlessly reinterpreted, yet impossible to mistake for anything else but one of the Spyderco Millie family.
And yet, for all its success, the classic PM2 always carried a subtle contradiction. It was a knife celebrated for everyday carry that still weighed like a “serious” tool. A tool which floats like a butterfly but sting like a bee. So, the same process which turned its little brother Para3 G10 into Para3 Lightweight has been applied: get rid of G10 scales and bring the Fiber Renforced Resin / FRN !
The new Spyderco Paramilitary 2 Lightweight changes that entirely.
At roughly 76 grams, the PM2 LW does not feel like a trimmed-down PM2. It feels like an entirely different interpretation of the design. To put that into perspective, it is even 16 grams lighter than the Spyderco MicroJimbo — a knife already considered compact and featherweight by EDC standards.
Compared to the classic G-10 PM2, the difference becomes almost startling: 32 grams gone, dropping from 108 grams to just 76. That is nearly a 30% reduction in weight.
Edge-wise, the blade-to-weight ratio is remarkable — and decisively in favour of the Spyderco Paramilitary 2. 😉 Oh well, I’m joking — these two knives were never meant to compete. They simply occupy different territories of utility, and both earn their place in my pocket for different reasons. Still, this new Lightweight feels like the moment Spyderco finally allowed the PM2 to become what it was always destined to be: not merely lighter, but almost spectral. The Para3 LW vibes haves been compared to the Delica. The PM2 got the Endura’s: a ghost of a knife you completely forget is clipped to your pocket… until the exact second you need it. Another clue? The clip. Look closely.
The deep-carry clip makes the knife feel even stealthier in the pocket, almost invisible in daily carry. Tip-up only, though. It’s not exactly a pocket shredder, but it’s not the gentlest on pocket seams either — even if the clip geometry and FRN patterning have clearly been tuned to make deployment and carry as smooth as possible.
In my view, the central “medallion” on the Spyderco Para 3 (pictured here) feels more refined and better resolved visually. It has a cleaner, more intentional integration into the design.
Here, on the PM2, it simply reads “Para Military 2” — which feels oddly understated. Curiously, the Spyderco name itself is nowhere to be found on that element, a surprising omission for such an iconic model.
But then again, this is exactly the kind of detail enthusiasts obsess over.
Personally, I prefer the FRN molding of the Spyderco Para 3 Lightweight in the epicenter of the pattern — it feels slightly more refined and cohesive. On the other hand, I find the Spyderco Paramilitary 2 Lightweight superior around the Compression Lock interface and the access to the Spyderhole, both of which feel more open, more natural, and ultimately more satisfying in use.
The handle transformation comes primarily through the FRN handle — fiberglass reinforced nylon — a material longtime knife enthusiasts still love to debate with almost religious intensity. Traditionalists often associate premium folders with layered G-10, titanium, or carbon fiber. FRN, by comparison, can seem almost too practical, too honest about its intentions. Forums discussions around Spyderco’s lightweight models reveal the familiar divide: some users still perceive FRN as less luxurious, while others praise its traction, comfort, and remarkable reduction in carry fatigue. One thing is certain: FRN brings a significant leap in ergonomics.
You can see how the design has been subtly refined to erase the boxy, almost overbuilt feel of the G-10 version. Spyderco’s history with FRN stretches back through legendary lightweight models like the Spyderco Delica, Spyderco Endura and the Spyderco Salt Series — knives that became icons precisely because they vanished into the pocket while remaining utterly dependable in dirty, wet, unforgiving environments. The people at Golden has spent decades refining FRN into something uniquely their own. On a Spyderco, FRN is not budget plastic. It is engineered utility. The texture, invented by Sal Glesser, is the key.
That bidirectional pattern grips the hand with a kind of mechanical confidence — less refined than blasted titanium perhaps, but more secure when life becomes sweaty, cold, rushed, or imperfect.
What makes the Spyderco Paramilitary 2 Lightweight genuinely fascinating is not merely its weight reduction, but the engineering compromise Spyderco somehow refused to make. Because removing mass from a back lock or liner lock is relatively straightforward. Removing mass from a Compression Lock platform is something else entirely. The Compression Lock is one of the defining mechanical signatures of Spyderco — a brilliantly elegant system designed by Sal Glesser that combines strength, fluidity and one-handed safety with an almost addictive tactile character. But unlike simpler locking systems, it traditionally depends on nested steel liners and a rigid chassis architecture.
In other words: it was never meant to live inside an ultralight FRN body. That is the hidden tour de force of the PM2 Lightweight.
Spyderco did not simply shave material away from the classic design. They had to rethink how the Compression Lock itself could survive — and still feel reassuringly precise — inside a platform whose entire philosophy is flexibility, lightness and minimal structure.
FRN has a very different mechanical behavior from G-10. It flexes differently. Resonates differently. Carries load differently. The scale’s edges can feel a touch sharp/aggressive out of the box, but I usually knock the initial bite down slightly with my thumbnail. Not a big deal.
And yet, in hand, the PM2 LW still delivers that familiar Compression Lock experience: the sharp metallic click, the secure lockup, the controlled drop-shut feel, the confidence under pressure. The knife retains the mechanical identity of a “real” PM2 despite having shed nearly a third of its weight.
That balance is far harder to achieve than most users realize.
Too much liner removal, and the knife begins to feel hollow or vague. Too much FRN flex, and the lock loses its aura of precision. Too much steel reinforcement, and the entire Lightweight philosophy collapses under its own contradiction.
Spyderco somehow threaded the needle. In hand, the result is fascinating because the PM2 LW does not feel cheap, nor stripped-down. It feels optimized — almost industrially purified. As though the designers kept asking themselves a brutal question: “How little knife can we leave… before it stops feeling like a PM2?” And the answer, apparently, was 76 grams.
So who, exactly, is this new Spyderco Paramilitary 2 Lightweight really made for? Not the collector seeking desk-jewel materials. Not the enthusiast who wants maximal heft and polished mechanical theater. This PM2 is for people who actually carry a knife every day and do not want to feel it in their pocket. Like a ghost… a spirit. For the light traveler, moving through the world in technical fabrics and ultralight luggage — absolutely yes. The Spyderco Paramilitary 2 Lightweight is exactly on point. For the architect, photographer, paramedic, cyclist, climber, sailor, or city commuter who notices every unnecessary gram. For those in the field where every gram really matters — soldiers, paratroopers, operators, and anyone carrying their world on their person — the Spyderco Paramilitary 2 Lightweight makes immediate sense. For the those who slips a knife into athletic shorts and forgets it exists until the moment it is needed. And when needed, the action remains fluid , smooth and effortless, while the absence of heft is almost disorienting at first. This is where the name Lightweight stops being a designation and becomes an identity — carried here to its purest, most unapologetic expression. Yes—there is something almost pure in handling this Spyderco Paramilitary 2 Lightweight, something slightly disorienting in its lightness. Almost paradoxical. Elegant, refined, stripped to essentials — and yet fully present in the hand. It doesn’t try to impress through mass or presence anymore. Instead, it disappears, and that absence becomes the experience itself. As the late Mark Hollis (*) once suggested, “Only silence is more beautiful than music…” and in a strange way, that idea translates surprisingly well here. This almost weightless refinement might be the closest thing cutlery has to silence: a design so resolved it no longer insists on its own existence, only its function.
The genius of the Lightweight is psychological as much as physical. A heavy knife asks for commitment. A 76 grams PM2 becomes invisible — and invisibility is the highest achievement in EDC design.
Ironically, reducing the weight also sharpens the very essence of the PM2 itself. The famous blade suddenly feels more dominant, more alive. Several early owners have described the sensation as though “all the weight is in the blade,” giving the knife a startling immediacy in hand.
Pictured beside a 120-gram Spyderco Military 2, the contrast becomes almost absurd. Of course, the Lightweight will not seduce everyone.
Some users will always prefer the denser, almost bank-vault solidity of G-10 scales and full steel liners. Others simply enjoy the tactile indulgence of heavier materials. (I once installed Flytanium bronze scales on a Spyderco Para 3. The result was magnificent — and roughly as subtle as carrying a ship anchor.)
And that is perfectly fair, because the classic G-10 Spyderco Paramilitary 2 remains one of the greatest production folders ever created.
But the Lightweight introduces something unexpectedly contemporary to the platform: efficiency without compromise.
This particular example happens to be a Sprint Run equipped with CPM 15V — a truly high-octane alloy. Yet the steel is almost secondary to the broader philosophy behind the knife. Much like the celebrated 15V Para 3 Lightweight before it, this PM2 LW pairs one of the most extreme high-performance steels available with an astonishingly light 76-gram platform.
The CPM 15V Sprint Run is the enthusiast’s reading of the idea — a limited-production exercise in maximum performance taken to its logical edge. 15V itself borders on the extreme in the best possible way. With an unusually high vanadium content of nearly 15%, it was developed for exceptional wear resistance and outstanding edge retention. In Spyderco’s implementation, it is further elevated by Shawn Houston’s specialised heat treatment, identifiable by the discreet “Triple B” mark engraved on the blade.
The beautifully stonewashed blade arrives with an edge that is immediately convincing — thin, precise, and unmistakably sharp straight out of the box. In my experience, it may well be one of the finest factory edges Spyderco has ever delivered. Hair-popping performance is effortless, almost casual, and geometrically speaking, even the informal “bottle” or light push-cut tests feel almost trivial. Much better than on my Para 3.
Oh well, the exotic steel may attract the headlines. (As a bit of a steel enthusiast, CTS-BD1N on the “vanilla” Spyderco Paramilitary 2 Lightweight doesn’t really excite me — it’s solid, reliable, easy to keep razor sharp, forgiving but uninspiring. I wouldn’t seek it out like I would CPM Cruwear steel, but I’d never pass on a great design just because of it.)
But the real story lies elsewhere: the revelation that one of the most iconic hard-use folders ever produced can suddenly feel almost effortless, friction less… pure.
Not diminished. Distilled. Purified. And distillation brings spirit. Spirit is light. And this purity is no lie.
Disclaimer: This knife has been provided through Spyderco’s Ambassador Program, upon my own request. Thank you to the Spyderpeople for letting me review it.
(*) For a musician and singer, Mark Hollis is unusually interested in silence, in what could be described as the gaps and intervals between notes. To listen to Spirt of Eden (1988) and Laughing Stock(1991), the last two albums by Talk Talk, the band of which he was singer and principal songwriter for more than a decade, is to encounter a music of fragments and dissolution, his murmured vocals often simply fading away as a song does not so much end as expire.
In 2026, does the decade-old Mantra 2 still have what it takes to stay relevant?
(For the record, the Spyderco Mantra 2 is a flipper-style folding knife. It features ergonomic twin titanium handle scales, a robust Reeve Integral Lock, and a lightweight open-backed construction. Its narrow drop-point profile suits a wide range of cutting tasks, and it opens quickly via an integral flipper and ball-bearing pivot.)
This question inevitably comes to mind when placing it next to the Edgerati, you know ? It’s that beautifully executed modern lightweight workhorse that embodies contemporary folding-knife design. On the surface, the comparison might seem unfair. The Mantra 2 belongs to an earlier design generation, one that predates today’s obsession with extreme lightness and visual minimalism. Yet, in actual use, the gap is far narrower than expected.
One aspect where Eric Glesser’s design continues to impress me is that blade-to-handle ratio. It remains among the most efficient in its class, extracting maximum cutting edge from a remarkably compact footprint. This efficiency translates directly into real-world ergonomics, with no sense of compromise in grip or control.
Pocket carry is another domain in which the Mantra 2 quietly exceeds expectations. Its footprint is remarkably discreet—once clipped in place, the slim, folded knife nearly vanishes. In daily carry, it becomes an almost invisible companion, a subtlety that even many newer designs struggle to achieve despite advances in materials and manufacturing.
A decade on, the Mantra 2 shows no signs of obsolescence. Rather, it stands as a testament to the enduring value of thoughtful fundamentals and intelligent proportions, which age far more gracefully than fleeting trends. It has been wielded in the kitchen, carried deep into the woods, relied upon as a traveling companion, and pressed hard into demanding materials—yet it continues to perform flawlessly, a quiet tribute to its lasting design.
Along the way, I decided to upgrade the Mantra 2 with a shorter mini pocket clip—the kind found on the Lil’ Native Compression Lock, the Microjimbo, or the Dragonfly. A seemingly minor adjustment, it nevertheless has a surprisingly tangible impact on daily carry, subtly refining accessibility and pocket presence without altering the knife’s elegant proportions.
The shorter clip further reduces the knife’s visual footprint in the pocket, enhancing an already discreet carry profile. More importantly, it improves comfort in motion, removing any unnecessary contact points while preserving secure retention, making the Mantra 2 feel almost weightless and effortless throughout the day.
This small modification feels entirely in line with the original design philosophy of the Mantra 2: efficiency over excess, function over spectacle. Rather than altering the knife’s character, the shorter clip refines it, subtly updating the platform without betraying its intent.
In a way, this simple upgrade underscores the enduring strength of the Mantra 2’s design. A decade on, the knife requires no reinvention—its fundamentals remain exemplary. One minor critique persists: I’ve never been particularly fond of the small Trademark Round Hole™, which tends to trap debris and demands occasional cleaning. Personally, I would have preferred a simple laser-engraved circle as Spyderco’s signature—subtle, elegant, and maintenance-free.
Even so, the knife’s core mechanics continue to impress. After ten years of regular use, the liner lock has not shifted a single bit. Its stability and reliability remain flawless, a quiet testament to Spyderco’s engineering and the robustness of the Reeve Integral Lock.
It is also worth remembering that the Mantra 2’s blade is crafted from CPM M4, a choice that says a great deal about the era—and the intent—behind the design. At the time, M4 was far from a marketing buzzword. It was selected for performance, not for trend alignment.
In use, CPM M4 still delivers what made it so respected: outstanding edge retention, a fine, aggressive cutting feel, and a toughness that inspires confidence during harder, more demanding tasks. Even when compared to newer powder metallurgy steels, it remains deeply relevant, particularly for users who prioritize cutting performance over corrosion resistance.
On this particular example, the steel is allowed to fully express its potential thanks to the work of my friend JD, who polished and sharpened the blade with remarkable efficiency. His edge work brings out everything M4 has to offer, resulting in a cutting performance that feels both refined and uncompromising. His skill is undeniable, and it shows immediately in use.
Of course, M4 comes with its own expectations. It asks for a certain level of care, a willingness to maintain the blade and accept patina as part of its character. Yet this trade-off feels entirely coherent with the Mantra 2’s tool-first philosophy. Rather than chasing stainless convenience, it embraces performance and durability.
A decade on, the CPM M4 blade reinforces the sense that the Mantra 2 was designed as a serious cutting instrument first—and as an object of design second. In 2026, that approach feels less dated than it does refreshingly honest.
Set against the PITS 2 in Böhler M398, the Mantra 2 reveals just how differently two knives can approach the same everyday cutting mission. Where the PITS 2 leans heavily into modern metallurgy, with M398 offering extreme edge retention and near-total corrosion resistance, the Mantra 2 counters with a more tactile, tool-driven philosophy embodied by CPM M4.
The PITS 2 feels engineered for low-maintenance efficiency: a steel designed to hold an edge seemingly forever, largely indifferent to environment or neglect. In contrast, the Mantra 2 demands engagement. Its M4 blade rewards attention, maintenance, and sharpening skill with a cutting feel that remains distinctly more aggressive and communicative.
In practical terms, the difference is less about absolute performance and more about attitude. The PITS 2 represents the pinnacle of contemporary refinement—clean, controlled, and technically flawless. The Mantra 2, meanwhile, feels more alive. It is a knife that invites use, interaction, and care, developing character over time rather than resisting it.
In 2026, choosing between the two is not a question of old versus new, but of values. The PITS 2 in M398 showcases where modern EDC design has arrived. The Mantra 2 in CPM M4 reminds us why performance-driven fundamentals still matter—and why some designs age not by fading, but by deepening.
Ultimately, the Mantra 2(linked to JD review)remains an outstanding choice in 2026. Its exceptional blade-to-handle ratio and discreet, effortless portability continue to set a benchmark that many newer designs still struggle to match.
Notably, my own example—part of the very first generation—has never exhibited the slightest issue with its ball-bearing pivot. A decade on, it operates with the same smoothness and reliability as it did out of the box.
Proof, if any were needed, that strong proportions, intelligent engineering, and a focus on real-world use can stand the test of time. The Mantra 2 is a pure flipper workhorse.
The Chaparral series is quite unique in Spyderco’s catalog. Originally designed to showcase different handle materials on the same platform, it has evolved into a performance-driven tool for one simple reason: the blade stock is exceptionally thin. That thinness means it cuts deep with minimal effort.
It is even thinner than the UKPK which is the thinnest of the SlipIt Family. (“SLIPIT®” is Spyderco’s trademark name for non-locking folding knives. These knives stay open through spring tension rather than a mechanical lock.)
2mm for the Chap and 2,5 for the UKPK.
I’ve owned the original carbon fiber version, and earlier this year I reviewed the Lightweight serrated model — still one of the most efficient “matter separators” you can carry in your pocket. Now, thanks to the Spyderco Ambassador Program, I’ve had the great opportunity to test the Slipjoint Chaparral.
It’s worth pointing out that the Chaparral is far from an entry-level model. It’s the premium, Taiwanese-built sibling in the SlipIt family — and at about twice the price of most SlipIt knives, it clearly plays in a higher class.
And this is an eye candy:
You can notice that Spyderco even includes a transparent protector over the clip area to prevent the handle from the clip during transport.
The knife arrived sealed in a plastic bag, likely to protect the wooden handles from changes in humidity. Made in Taichung, Taiwan, and shipped to Golden, Colorado, this precaution makes perfect sense — Golden’s dry climate has been known to affect wood scales before (as seen with their Bushcraft fixed blade). The handles themselves are beautiful. Carrying a piece of wood in your pocket almost feels like carrying a good luck charm.
This is my first Spyderco folder with wooden scales, and I must say — it has real charm.
The knife comes with Spyderco’s standard wire clip, but I have swapped it out for the shorter clip used on the MicroJimbo, Lil’ Native, or Dragonfly — it’s more discreet and I wanted to do it before leaving any mark on the wood.
Here pictured with the Metropolitan and with the microclip mounted on. A downside of the wire clip is that it can create a “hotspot”, or point of discomfort, when applying significant pressure. That’s why I prefer that shorter clip cannibalized from another folder — it helps avoid this issue. When doing extended wood prep or cutting in the field, where downward force is applied, ergonomics really matter.
BTW the Metropolitan pictured above costs about half the price of the Chaparral, and while both fall into the same blade-length category, the Met’s blade is roughly 33% thicker. The Metropolitan’s M398 blade is impressive when it comes to edge retention, but the CTS-XHP used on the Chaparral has proven to be a reliable, all-terrain stainless steel that performs beautifully on that exceptionally thin blade stock. An M398 blade at just 2 mm thick would certainly be too brittle for practical use.
Here is the Chap pictured with the MicroJimbo, the UKPK, the Serrated Chap, the Wasp and the Roadie XL.
Now, about the mechanics: The Chaparral SLIPIT specifically replaces the usual Chaparral’s back-lock with this “notch-joint” spring system. The Chaparral backlock is also unique in the Spyderco catalog as it get an hidden pin for zero vertical play . Most Spyderco slipjoints close in two stages — first, disengaging the spring tension, then a mid-stop for safety. Not the Chaparral. Once you disengage the spring, the blade flows smoothly all the way to the closed position. (Compare that to the Manly Wasp (pictured in orange) or Comrade, which both have four distinct steps!) That said, disengaging the blade on the Chaparral requires a bit of effort — which is actually a good thing, especially for whittling. Feeling a blade start to close while it’s wedged in wood is never pleasant. I’ve had that experience with the beautiful COBOL, and it’s not something I’d want to repeat. Compared to other SlipIt models, the Chaparral is not in the same range of spring tension. I was initially afraid the action might feel too soft. It is not soft but noticeably less hard than my UKPK, Urban, Squeak or Metropolitan. My strongest being my Heinnie G10 Urban.
All in all, the Chaparral is a very capable tool — not just a pretty face. While its aesthetics are undeniably strong (especially with those bird’s-eye maple scales), some users have raised concerns about the stability and durability of the wood in moist or wet environments. Naturally, a wooden handle requires a bit of care — you don’t want to let it soak in the sink. (Buy a UKPK Salt instead !) Wood isn’t G10 or FRN; its warmth and character come at a small cost in terms of maintenance and environmental sensitivity. If you need something very rugged (wet/humid environments, rough carry), it might not be the best choice or you might pick a version with more durable scales.
And again, that blade stock is so super thin which makes it an incredible slicer. Opinel class ! You need to experience it to believe it. That’s the case for all Chaparral anyway, nothing new about that.
The fit and finish is near perfect. Notice how the spine and handle are gently bevelled as always with Taichung’s ! This is little folder for users who prioritize slicing performance, sharpness, and elegance, the Chaparral SLIPIT is just appropriate for EDC/“gentleman, lady” use. The non-locking SLIPIT mechanism is suited for jurisdictions (including Europe/UK) where locking blades may be restricted — that adds to its appeal. If you want also a knife that carries lightly, looks premium, and doesn’t feel like a bulky tactical folder, this hits that niche. But you may want to treat its maple scales carefully and avoid heavy moisture. I will rinse my Chap under the tap but immediately wipe it dry, this is as simple as that. I will see if wood will change on the long run and it will surely add some character. No worry. The non-locking SLIPIT mechanism may not feel as secure as a lock-back, and the “no half-stop” means the feel is really different that other SlipIt designed by Sal Glesser. Anyway any Chaparral will teach you a lesson on the importance of grind and thin geometry but this one will keep it legal in many countries.
If you’re seeking a precise, elegant everyday-carry folder with top-tier steel, superb slicing geometry, refined looks and minimal pocket presence — the Chaparral SLIPIT delivers strongly. Oh boy does it slice, hell yes. And it brings luck.
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.
