Tag Archives: Knives

Spyderco Manix 2 MagnaMax – First Glimpse at The Interceptor.

06/07/2026 nemosandman 3 Comments

As with some of my previous Spyderco reviews, I would like to begin with a brief disclaimer. Spyderco kindly provided this knife for evaluation at my request as part of the Spyderco Ambassador Program. As always, receiving a sample does not influence my opinions. Every review published on Nemo Knives Review reflects my own experience after carrying and using the knife.

Goose: “You can shut the gate on this one, Maxie… it’s the duck’s guts!”
Barry (MFP mechanic): “Yeah, she’s the last of the V8s! She sucks nitro… with Phase 4 heads, twin overhead cams, 600 horsepower through the wheels! She’s meanness put to music and the bitch is born to run!”
Goose: “He’s in a coma, man!”

— From the screenplay of Mad Max (1979), written by George Miller and James McCausland.

First Impressions

The very first thing that struck me wasn’t the impeccable fit and finish—those are exactly what I’ve come to expect from Spyderco. It was the weight. Those days I mainly review Lightweight FRN folders but there is something about that Manix 2…

This MagnaMax version weighs 136 grams on my kitchen scale, roughly 20 grams heavier than both of my previous Manix 2 models. The additional mass is noticeable in hand, but rather than feeling cumbersome, it reinforces the impression that this is an exceptionally robust working knife. It feels dense and built to withstand years of hard use.
Thanks to a hint from Robin, the mystery behind the extra weight turned out to be quite simple: this Manix 2 features full stainless steel liners. Unlike some previous versions that use skeletonized liners to reduce weight, these are solid throughout, adding approximately 20 grams to the knife. The difference is immediately noticeable in hand, giving the MagnaMax version an exceptionally robust, confidence-inspiring feel.
So I went back through the Manix’s history to understand why.

Back to the Origins

Looking back to 2004, Spyderco released two remarkably robust folders. First came the Chinook, designed by Master-at-Arms James Keating around a Bowie-style blade capable of powerful back cuts. Then, following the same philosophy but with Spyderco’s signature leaf-shaped blade, came the C95 Manix.
Few folding knives have blurred the line between folder and fixed blade as convincingly as the Spyderco Manix. When the original C95 was introduced, it quickly earned a reputation for almost overbuilt strength. Designed to withstand relentless abuse, it inspired confidence in the harshest conditions and became a favorite among users who valued absolute reliability. Its only real compromises were a slight amount of vertical blade play inherent to its lock design and its considerable weight. At 154 grams, the original Manix felt reassuringly robust, but it was anything but discreet in the pocket.
My friend Brian, a retired U.S. Navy helicopter pilot and avid hunter, has carried the original C95 Manix as his primary EDC since its release in 2004.
“My Manix goes everywhere with me. It’s the first knife I put on in the morning and the last one I take off at night,” he wrote to me yesterday.

Five years after introducing the caged Ball Bearing Lock on the Dodo, Eric Glesser chose not to simply refresh the Manix, but to rethink it from the ground up. Introduced in 2009, the Manix 2 was conceived around a deceptively simple challenge: retain everything that made the original so exceptionally strong while reducing its weight by roughly ten percent. Achieving that balance required far more than trimming a few grams. The knife received a redesigned handle with more refined ergonomics, creating a tool that cut better, carried easier, and felt noticeably more natural in hand without sacrificing the confidence-inspiring durability that had defined the original Manix.

The heart of this transformation was the lock itself. The original Ball Bearing Lock, invented by Sal Glesser to satisfy the demanding standards of MBC (Martial Blade Craft), was already one of the strongest and most innovative locking systems in the folding knife world. Eric Glesser refined that concept even further by developing and patenting the Caged Ball Bearing Lock specifically for the Manix 2. By enclosing the ball bearing within a precision-machined polymer cage, Spyderco was able to use a smaller bearing while preserving the lock’s remarkable strength. The result was a mechanism that operated more smoothly, improved everyday ergonomics, simplified assembly, and remained exceptionally resistant to wear—all while making the design significantly more difficult to copy.

In 2014 in Spyderco Catalogue it is written:

“Manix2
Full skeletonized stainless steel liners give the G-10-handled Manix2 exceptional strength and heft...

The Full Liner Mystery

Spyderco has used both full and skeletonized liners throughout the Manix 2’s history, depending on the production period and model. Although skeletonized liners were used on many versions to reduce weight, the standard Black G10 Manix 2 had already returned to full stainless steel liners before the introduction of MagnaMax. Rather than marking a return to full liners, the MagnaMax version continues that robust, hard-use philosophy.

(Screenshot from Nick Shabazz video published eight years ago. )
Nick himself noted, on the day the video was released, “This video is an antique, one of the oldest in my backlog,” suggesting that the knife had actually been filmed several years earlier.

Robin (AKA Ramonade) later commented on the Spyderco Forum, “On Shabazz’s video, it’s from 2015, just like mine.”
Thanks again to Robin for taking the time to disassemble his Manix 2—and, more importantly, for putting it back together without launching the spring or the Ball Bearing Lock across the room!
Then again, that’s probably no surprise. He’s a talented young knifemaker with a very promising future ahead of him.

(Two Manix 2s disassembled by Robin to verify the manufacturing dates hidden beneath the blades, helping make this review as accurate as possible.)

Robin also pointed out another important detail: the Manix 2 Salt G-10 in MagnaCut is not a Sprint Run but a regular production model. It therefore demonstrates that Spyderco has also used skeletonized liners on a standard production Manix 2, rather than limiting them exclusively to Sprint Runs. This further could highlight that liner construction has varied depending on the specific model and intended purpose, rather than following a single rule across the entire Manix 2 family.

Spyderco has used both full and skeletonized liners throughout the Manix 2’s history, depending on the production period and model. Although skeletonized liners were used on many versions to reduce weight, the standard Black G10 Manix 2 had already returned to full stainless steel liners before the introduction of MagnaMax. Rather than marking a return to full liners, the MagnaMax version continues that robust, hard-use philosophy.
But I do love the extra heft and the bottom-heavy balance of this MagnaMa(ni)x. It anchors the knife securely in my palm, making it feel incredibly stable and controlled during use. Rather than feeling bulky, the additional weight inspires confidence.

Looking back at the discussion, I realize my perspective was strongly influenced by the Manix Sprint Runs I own and use most often—namely that 2009 S90V Sprint Run and the new Salt G-10. Several Spyderco Forum members rightly pointed out that, for the standard G-10 Manix 2, full liners have actually been the norm for years. That’s a fair observation and an important distinction.
It is also worth mentioning that some members suggested that full liners may slightly reduce manufacturing costs by eliminating the skeletonizing process.

Yes I know, I may sound like I’m splitting hairs, but this whole Manix 2 weight story is actually quite fascinating. After all, one of Eric Glesser’s original goals in 2009, when replacing the original Manix’s back lock with the Ball Bearing Lock, was to reduce the knife’s overall weight. Spyderco’s 2014 Product Guide even described the standard G10 Manix 2 as featuring skeletonized stainless steel liners. That’s what makes the full stainless steel liners—and the additional heft—of the MagnaMax version particularly intriguing.
To me, it gives the impression that Spyderco was willing to prioritize strength over shaving off a few extra grams. Whether that decision was driven purely by design philosophy, manufacturing considerations, or a combination of both is something only Spyderco could answer.

Anyway, skeletonized liners date back to at least 2009—my own C101CFP has them.

Here’s my summer 2009 C101CFP (announced by Eric Glesser on August 5, 2009), pictured alongside the MagnaMax and the MagnaCut. As discussed in the article.

Because there are fewer hidden cavities beneath the scales, full liners also offer fewer places for moisture and debris to accumulate, potentially reducing the risk of hidden corrosion over the long term.
Since those liners are left uncoated, they are easy to inspect, clean, and apply a light coat of oil whenever needed. (Of course, coated skeletonized liners, such as those found on the Salt G-10, are also a premium solution—they simply reflect a different design philosophy.)
It all reinforces my impression that this Manix 2 MagnaMax was designed first and foremost as a dependable workhorse.

I remember this excellent BushcraftUK review of the CPM-M4 Manix 2, where the author Xavierdoc from Wales wrote:
“I don’t know how long the lock mechanism will resist the onslaught of pocket crud and the skeletonised liners are a potential blood/muck magnet.”

It raises an interesting point. Skeletonized liners undoubtedly save weight, but they also create additional cavities where mud, blood, wood dust or other debris can accumulate. Full liners may be heavier, yet they could prove easier to clean after messy outdoor tasks—something that hunters and game processors might particularly appreciate.

(The S90V is in the middle of the picture, MagnaMax on the right, Magnacut on the left)

A Blade That Speaks of Confidence

Looking more closely, I noticed that the blade tapers more aggressively toward the tip than my original S90V Manix 2 and is even thinner than the MagnaCut version. That finer tip should provide greater precision for detailed cutting tasks while still aiming to preserve the strength expected from the Manix platform.
More importantly, this refined blade geometry reflects the confidence that Eric Glesser, Sal Glesser, and the Spyderco team have placed in the remarkable capabilities of MagnaMax.

Edited July 7: As forum member Wartstein rightly pointed out, a finer tip also represents a trade-off. If the Manix is viewed as a hard-use folder, a thinner tip could potentially limit some of its abuse tolerance. Whether MagnaMax’s toughness fully compensates for this change remains to be seen in long-term use.

Lock-Up and Action

Like all my Manix 2s, everything feels perfectly assembled, with the precise action and rock-solid lock-up that have made the Manix 2 one of Spyderco’s most respected designs. There is no blade play whatsoever, yet the blade remains perfectly centered and drop-chute when unlocked. The only difference I immediately noticed is that the Ball Bearing Lock feels slightly stiffer than on my older Manix 2s, most likely due to a stronger spring ? Since the knife is brand new, I’ll reserve my final judgment until it has been properly broken in. At the moment, the Ball Bearing Lock spring feels just as stiff as on my MagnaCut G10 Salt.
A stronger spring makes the action feel more deliberate and virtually eliminates any gravity-assisted opening. A wrist flick is still possible, in reverse grip, but it takes significantly more commitment than with my other older Manix 2s. Whether this is intentional or simply the result of a brand-new spring remains to be seen, but it certainly reinforces the impression of a knife built with security and reliability in mind.

I know some users would prefer a lighter spring tension, and some even trim or replace the spring to make the lock easier to operate. That’s entirely a matter of personal preference.

I’ve also never really managed to close a Manix 2 without pulling back both sides of the lock, unlike all of my Axis-Lock Benchmades. My Adamas, for example, have an exceptionally smooth Axis Lock, and even my old AFCK (the Axis Lock version) is much more easier to operate pulling back only one side of the lock.
I remember some self-defense instructors criticizing Benchmade’s original AXIS Lock on the BM710, arguing that an opponent might be able to disengage the lock during a struggle by pulling back on the lock bar. Whether or not that concern was realistic, it was an interesting argument at the time.

The Manix 2, originally developed with Spyderco’s Martial Blade Craft philosophy in mind, has always felt deliberately more secure to me. The Ball Bearing Lock demands a more deliberate action, making accidental disengagement seem considerably less likely.
As for me, I like the reassuring feeling that my knife is not going to open accidentally in my pocket. In a way, it reminds me of shifting gears in an old Porsche Carrera with a manual gearbox—you don’t do it with hesitation, you do it with purpose. That’s exactly how I approach the Ball Bearing Lock on this MagnaMa(ni)x.
The downside is that it can be a bit more challenging to operate with wet or greasy fingers. That’s probably one of the reasons why some users replace the factory polymer cage with an aftermarket aluminum or titanium version, which often provides a more positive grip. Fortunately, the Manix 2 is one of the most customizable production folders on the market, with an impressive range of third-party parts available.

Small Details That Matter

Now, from a purely cosmetic standpoint, the blade appears to have received a slightly more pronounced tumble, resulting in an almost stonewashed finish. It seems a little less pronounced than on the CPM 15V Sprint Run, but the resemblance is striking.
Really, this is a beautiful blade !

Another pleasant surprise was the jimping. I immediately noticed that the edges of the thumb ramp and choil jimping have been subtly beveled. It’s a small detail, but one that makes a noticeable difference in comfort without sacrificing grip. Ironically, this is one of the first modifications I usually make myself with a diamond rod. This time, Spyderco has already done it for me. 🙂

So, what do we have so far ? A slightly heavier Manix 2, a strong Ball Bearing Lock spring, flawless action, and impeccable fit and finish and great attention to details. So far, what’s not to like?

One small modification I made was to lightly sand the clip-side G-10 with 400-grit sandpaper. I prefer a smoother texture there to avoid turning the knife into a pocket shredder. I do that on every knives.

Personally, I’d liked my G-10 a little more refined (smooth like the Knifecenter Exclusives), especially since the Manix already provides plenty of grip through its excellent jimping. Softening only the clip-side scale slightly doesn’t compromise control for me—it simply makes the knife much kinder to my pockets, period. 😉

And my wife is grateful too… it means one more pair of trousers survives the Manix. 😉

But this knife isn’t just about that.
The real story begins with the steel itself.

Meet MagnaMax

Now about MagnaMax which is core of this release:
As of July 2026, if we set aside Spyderco’s Mule Team test platform, the MagnaMa(ni)x stands as the first true production folder to introduce this remarkable steel to the broader knife community.
MagnaMax is one of the newest high-performance stainless steels developed by metallurgist Dr. Larrin Thomas. Building upon the innovations introduced with MagnaCut, its goal is to push the balance between toughness, wear resistance, edge retention, and corrosion resistance even further. Rather than maximizing a single property, MagnaMax aims to deliver exceptional overall performance, making it particularly attractive for hard-use folding knives. It represents the latest step in the evolution of modern powder metallurgy steels designed specifically for real-world cutting performance.

		Chromium (Cr)	Vanadium (V)	Molybdenum (Mo)	Tungsten	Cobalt (Co)	Niobium (Nb)	Nitrogen (N)
MagnaMax	~1.15%	~10.5%	~3.5%	~2.0%	~1.0%	~7.5%	~1.5%	–
MagnaCut	1.15%	10.7%	4.0%	2.0%	–	–	2.0%	0.20%
CPM S90V	2.30%	14.0%	9.0%	1.0%	–	–	–	–
K390	2.47%	4.2%	9.0%	–	2.0%	2.0%	–	–

MagnaMax – Designed to deliver an exceptional balance of toughness, wear resistance, edge retention, and corrosion resistance. The addition of cobalt and tungsten further enhances its overall performance.
MagnaCut – One of the most balanced stainless knife steels ever developed, combining excellent toughness with outstanding corrosion resistance.
CPM S90V – Famous for its exceptional edge retention thanks to its very high vanadium content, though it is less tough and more difficult to sharpen.
K390 – An outstanding non-stainless tool steel with phenomenal edge retention and wear resistance, intended for demanding cutting tasks but requiring regular maintenance to prevent corrosion.

Criterion	MagnaMax vs MagnaCut
Edge retention	Notably superior (K390/Vanadis 8 level)
Corrosion resistance	Equivalent, very good
Toughness	Slightly lower
Sharpening	Harder (standard stones), diamond recommended
Availability (2026)	Very limited, near-boutique

MagnaMax in Context

In terms of performance, MagnaMax should offer edge retention comparable to K390 and Vanadis 8, placing it in the same general class as CPM-10V and CPM-S110V, while outperforming steels such as M390, ZDP-189, S60V, S30V, and CPM-M4 in wear resistance.

In toughness, it appears to sit just above Vanax, S35VN, CPM-154, and CTS-XHP… slightly below MagnaCut, yet still in the upper tier of stainless knife steels.

I was not one of the lucky MagnaMax Spyderco Mule owners but the consensus emerging from discussions on the Spyderco Forum is that MagnaMax is viewed as a specialized, edge-retention-focused premium steel. It seems particularly well suited to EDC and repetitive cutting tasks where wear resistance is paramount.
For bushcraft or survival use, however, where toughness often takes precedence, many members still favor MagnaCut, Cru-Wear, CPM-3V or CPM-M4.
As the Manix is a folder rather than a fixed blade, I don’t expect to subject it to heavy bushcraft. Still, many users happily rely on the Manix 2 in the woods.

As you may have noticed, the “CPM” marking has disappeared from the blade. That’s no coincidence. Following the closure of Crucible Industries, Spyderco has dropped the CPM designation from its blade markings. While the steel itself remains the focus, this small detail quietly marks the end of an era in the history of modern knife steels. 😦

In many ways, MagnaMax feels like the offspring of MagnaCut and K390. It aims to combine MagnaCut’s outstanding balance of toughness and corrosion resistance with the exceptional wear resistance and edge retention that have made K390 legendary among knife enthusiasts. While it is not literally derived from either steel, its design philosophy seems to bridge the gap between these two outstanding performers.

One interesting clue to Spyderco’s confidence in MagnaMax came from Eric Glesser during the Amsterdam Meet 2026, where he suggested that MagnaMax could eventually replace CPM S30V/CPM S45VN in Golden, Colorado-made folders. If that transition takes place, it would position MagnaMax as Spyderco’s new premium all-around stainless steel for many production models.
It is more than just a steel upgrade; it marks the beginning of a new era for Spyderco.

Ergonomics That Stand the Test of Time

The ergonomics of the Manix 2 platform have already been covered extensively in my previous review of the Manix 2 Salt G10. The outstanding handle design, aggressive jimping, Ball Bearing Lock, and exceptional grip remain unchanged here. MagnaMax does not alter what has always been one of the strongest aspects of this design.

The familiar combination of textured G10 scales, full stainless steel liners, and Spyderco’s proven hardware gives this knife an unmistakable feeling of strength. Combined with its additional weight, the knife inspires confidence the moment it is picked up. This is a tool that feels engineered for demanding work rather than simply everyday pocket carry.

Ready for Work

Out of the box, the edge is razor sharp. The factory sharpening is excellent, producing a clean, aggressive cutting edge that easily meets Spyderco’s reputation for outstanding factory grinds. The accompanying photographs speak for themselves.

Yes, the factory edge is absolutely razor sharp. After just a few light passes on a leather strop, the edge became even keener. Hair-whittling? Not quite—but hairs were flying effortlessly with the slightest touch. An excellent factory edge !

First Verdict

Eric’s Manix 2 MagnaMax appears to be one of the most versatile folding knives Spyderco currently offers. Its combination of toughness, ergonomic comfort, and strong lock makes it equally at home as an everyday carry knife, an outdoor companion, a workshop tool, or even a capable kitchen slicer. It is the kind of knife that encourages you to use it without constantly worrying about damaging it.

As this knife has just arrived, I want to evaluate it exactly as Spyderco intended before making any personal modifications, such as totally rounding the spine or applying one of my convex edges.

That said, I couldn’t resist giving the factory edge a quick test. Right out of the box, it sliced cleanly through the butt of a Coke plastic bottle like a hot knife through salted butter. If that’s any indication, Spyderco has absolutely nailed the factory edge on this MagnaMax Manix 2.
(Notice in the photo the smoothly chamfered blade spine and softened jimping, just like those found on the CPM 15V Sprint Runs.)

Direct comparisons with my Manix 2 CPM-S90V, the Manix 2 Salt CPM MagnaCut, the Paramilitary 2, and the Military 2 Salt would deserve an article of their own. Each represents a different philosophy, and MagnaMax may well redefine where the Manix 2 sits within Spyderco’s lineup.
After only a short time in hand, the Manix 2 MagnaMax already feels like one of the most compelling versions Spyderco has ever produced. It combines the legendary ergonomics of the Manix platform with one of the most advanced stainless steels currently available, while everything else has been subtly reinforced to create an uncompromising workhorse. Full stainless steel liners, a stronger Ball Bearing Lock spring, reassuring heft, and flawless fit and finish all contribute to a knife that feels built for a lifetime of hard use.

If long-term testing confirms these first impressions, this could become one of the finest all-around production folding knives in Spyderco’s catalog—a knife designed not to excel in only one area, but to perform exceptionally well in almost every situation.

This MagnaMa(ni)x feels like one of the last great V8 interceptors—a machine with real character and a touch of history. Black G10 scales, full stainless steel liners, a stout Ball Bearing Lock spring… everything about it conveys strength and purpose.
For its very first production folder in MagnaMax, Spyderco clearly didn’t hold back.
They went full throttle!

A Blade Swap for Wet Work

Since I intend to put MagnaMax through extensive testing in wet environments, I decided to take advantage of all the corrosion-resistant hardware from the Manix 2 Salt G10—its coated liners, black screws, and ceramic Ball Bearing Lock—so that the only component I’ll need to keep an eye on is the blade itself.

To avoid wrestling with the notoriously stubborn lanyard tube, I also kept the Salt’s G-10 scales. They only needed a light touch with 600-grit sandpaper to tame their aggressive texture and avoid carrying what was essentially a championship-grade pocket shredder. 😀

This way, I’ll be able to see how well MagnaMax stands up to every kind of wet work I can throw at it, whether in the kitchen, out in the woods, by the river, or even in the ocean.

Swapping the blades was a pleasure in itself. It gave me the opportunity to appreciate just how cleverly the Manix 2 is engineered and how impressively tight Spyderco’s manufacturing tolerances are.

The only minor hiccup involved the pivot. Each blade appears to be individually fitted to its own pivot, so the MagnaMax pivot wasn’t compatible with the DLC-coated MagnaCut blade. Reinstalling each blade with its original pivot solved the issue immediately. In the end, I swapped not only the blades but also their respective pivots—and, if memory serves me right, perhaps even the washers!

After the swap, the knife feels like the Manix 2 Spyderco never made. The MagnaMax blade paired with the Salt G-10 chassis combines exceptional edge retention with the corrosion-resistant hardware of the Salt series. Lockup remains rock solid, blade centering is perfect, and the action is every bit as smooth as the factory configuration. If there is such a thing as the ultimate production Manix 2, this custom hybrid comes remarkably close.

I’ve decided to keep the original polymer cage. The current black version is considerably tougher than the translucent cages used on the earliest Manix 2 models, so I see no reason to replace it.

I’ve also decided to keep the factory clip. It rests perfectly on the Salt G-10 scale’s sweet spot and carries comfortably exactly as Spyderco intended.

The Manix 2 has already proved itself over nearly two decades. The real question is no longer the platform—it is MagnaMax. If this steel delivers in everyday use what its design promises on paper, Spyderco may have introduced one of the most significant production blade steels of the decade. The next few months will tell.

V8

Every knife I truly bond with eventually earns a name. This one was an obvious choice: I’ll call this Manix MagnaMax “V8.”

Like the legendary Pursuit Special from Mad Max, this knife feels unapologetically overbuilt and full of character. Black G10 scales and a stout Ball Bearing Lock spring—it has the soul of a machine built to survive the Wasteland, cutting deep and true long after lesser blades have given up.

And now you understand the hint at the beginning of this review. 😉
The Part 2 is here:
https://nemoknivesreview.com/2026/07/24/magnamax-manix-salt-v8-the-road-test/

Folders, Review

Spyderco Military 2 Salt – C36GBKYLMCP2 Part 2 – Wet Works & Piece of Mind

26/06/2026 nemosandman 3 Comments

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.

Folders, Review

Spyderco Meerkat CPM-SPY27 Sprint Run – The Return of the Phantom’s Menace.

12/06/2026 nemosandman 1 Comment

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.

>>>>>>PART 2 “The Friendly Ghost <<<<<<<

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

And of course as mentionned:
>>>>>>PART 2 “The Friendly Ghost <<<<<<<

Folders, Review

PARA MILITARY® 2 LIGHTWEIGHT BROWN CPM 15V® SPRINT RUN® — Let there be light again ! Part 1

09/05/2026 nemosandman 6 Comments

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.

Part II is here:
https://nemoknivesreview.com/2026/06/01/para-military-2-lightweight-brown-cpm-15v-sprint-run-part-ii-a-major-improvement-spotted-by-robin/

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.

Fixed Blade, Review

Pekka Tuominen – The Master of the Boreal Blade

26/02/2026 nemosandman 1 Comment

It was upon receiving one of my friend Jur’s knives — a superb hunting knife by Pekka Tuominen dating from 2012, forged in Silversteel and fitted with a handle incorporating walrus ivory — that I felt compelled to turn my attention back to Pekka Tuominen.

People often ask me: who is Pekka?

Consider this, then, a renewed portrait.
Because in Finland, a knife is never just a knife.

And the snow is never just the snow.

In the deep boreal forests where autumn means moose season and winter hardens the earth into something resembling iron, blades are not judged under showroom lights but against bone, sinew, cold, and time. It is in this demanding landscape that Pekka Tuominen has built his reputation — quietly, methodically, without spectacle.

He is not a factory. He is not a brand machine inflated by marketing departments and limited drops. He is a craftsman in the most literal sense of the word. And among serious Nordic hunters, his name circulates with a particular, understated respect.
Pekka’s relationship with knives began before memory. His grandfather, a part-time blacksmith, forged blades; his father worked as a carpenter. He received his first knife before the age of five. For him, the object was never exotic — it was elemental.

As a teenager immersed in scouting and outdoor life, he reached a simple conclusion about survival: the most important tool in the wilderness is a knife. Naturally, in Finland, that meant a puukko. At eighteen, he studied in Inari, in northern Lapland, training as a wilderness guide. There, he learned the fundamentals of puukko making. That period marked the true beginning of his craft.
A decisive intellectual influence came earlier, when he first read Sakari Palsi’s 1955 book Puukko. The text, he recalls, opened his eyes. It clarified what truly defines a puukko — not ornament, not material excess, but proportion and line.
For Pekka, a knife unites tool, design, and art in a single object. He cannot imagine life without one.
I have written a long review here about it.

Ask him to describe his ideal puukko — as a user rather than a maker — and he returns to simplicity. A blade of approximately 90 millimeters, paired with a 110 millimeter handle. Dimensions rooted in tradition, refined by use. Multipurpose, balanced, restrained.

He appreciates steels such as 115CrV3, often referred to as Silversteel, RWL34, and 52100. Yet he insists on a hierarchy that reveals the seriousness of his approach: the steel matters, but heat treatment matters more.

He is no rigid purist. One of his own heavily used test knives pairs stabilized black ash burl with a CPM S30V blade. He admits to having “wrongly” used it — and to grinding it down repeatedly as a result. For Tuominen, a knife that remains pristine has not yet fulfilled its purpose.

In an age of aggressive silhouettes and theatrical grinds, Tuominen defends restraint. A true puukko is defined by a relatively short, straightforward blade; a handle without finger guards; no exaggerated pommel; and clean, continuous lines that flow from tip to sheath.

He favors birch bark for its warmth and grip, but also works with curly birch and Micarta. His sheaths are hand-stitched, typically from vegetable-tanned leather. He admires traditional Finnish patterns — Tommi, Pekanpää, Kokemäen — whose differences lie more in decoration than in structure. The essential design language remains consistent across regions.

“The material does not make a puukko,” he says. “The design does.”

In Finland, the word puukkoseppä carries weight. It does not describe someone who merely grinds blades. It denotes a professional who forges, heat treats, shapes, finishes, and sews — who understands the knife as a complete entity.

Tuominen forges Silversteel and 52100, as well as his own Damascus from 15N20 and 1090. Stainless steels such as RWL34 are ground rather than forged. In every case, he performs the heat treatment himself.

This decision is not romanticism. It is control.

Heat treatment determines hardness, toughness, edge retention, resistance to chipping, sharpening behavior — in short, character. By managing austenitizing temperatures, quench timing, temper cycles, and when appropriate cryogenic steps, he tunes each blade for hunting reality rather than laboratory extremity. He does not chase maximum HRC for marketing appeal. He pursues balance.

The difference is felt not in specifications but in seasons.

One Finnish hunter wrote on a forum, after two moose seasons with his knife, that he had done nothing more than strop it. A Swedish outdoorsman described the sharpening behavior as clean and predictable, “no surprises.” The praise is never flamboyant. It is consistent. Stability, reliability, endurance.

While many outside Scandinavia associate Finnish craft primarily with the puukko, Tuominen’s strongest following among experienced outdoorsmen is tied to his dedicated hunting knives. These are not nostalgic reinterpretations of folklore. They are instruments designed for skinning and field dressing large game in cold climates.

Their geometry avoids ego. Clean drop points, disciplined grinds, carefully judged balance. No theatrical belly, no tactical posturing. In hand, they feel neutral — and that neutrality becomes invaluable during extended work. Fatigue diminishes. Control increases.

In sub-zero conditions, poorly treated steel reveals itself quickly. Edges chip, roll, or turn brittle. Tuominen’s blades are repeatedly described as stable. It is a modest word, but in the field it is decisive.

Finland formalizes its craft traditions through national qualifications overseen by the Ministry of Education. Tuominen earned the title puukkoseppämestari, Master Blade Smith, after passing rigorous examinations and presenting a master’s work to a jury. At the time of his certification, only seven craftsmen in the country held that distinction.

Today, knife making occupies the vast majority of his time. His waiting list extends roughly a year. Collaborations, including work with Spyderco, have broadened his international presence. Yet when asked about ambition, his answer remains almost disarmingly modest: he wants to become a better knife maker.

He considers craftsmanship a lifelong education — one in which imperfections are not failures but invitations to improve.

In a global knife culture increasingly captivated by spectacle, Pekka Tuominen’s work stands apart for its restraint. He works alone. He grinds, heat treats, shapes, and stitches himself. From blade to sheath, the knife remains under one set of hands.

He often summarizes his philosophy with a line that sounds simple enough: a simple man makes simple knives.

In Finland, however, simplicity is never simplistic. It is discipline. It is proportion. It is respect for the task at hand.

And in the forest, that is what endures.

Pekka’s site: https://pekkatck.fi

More articles about Pekka: HERE

Fixed Blade, Review

Patrick Bonetta’s Kitchen Warrior “Birdy” – The Essential Edge of Haute Cuisine.

24/02/2026 nemosandman Leave a comment

Disclaimer: This knife has been provided through Patrick Bonetta ‘s friendship. Thank you to him for letting me review it. 😉

In a professional brigade, hierarchy is everything. Precision is everything. And above all, the paring knife is sacred.

The very first lesson in any serious kitchen is this: the couteau d’office is the cook’s most precious tool. It is the instrument that never leaves your side, the blade that performs the quiet, relentless choreography of peeling, trimming, turning, scoring. Before the grand gestures of service, before the spectacle of plating, there is this small blade—and the discipline it demands.

Hygiene, of course, is non-negotiable. In that environment, a folding knife is an indulgence the brigade cannot afford. A fixed blade is imperative—clean lines, no hidden cavities, nothing that compromises sanitation. Form follows function, and function follows rigor.

Yet the realities of service introduce their own hazards. A paring knife can disappear in an instant—swept toward the bin with a cascade of peelings, or carelessly dropped into a drawer where other blades wait to bruise its edge. In a kitchen moving at full tempo, neglect is not malicious; it is simply inevitable.

The solution is as elegant as it is practical: keep the blade on you. Always. Within reach. Around the neck, suspended discreetly yet ready in a heartbeat. Thus was born the idea of a refined thin neck knife—an ultra-thin, fixed blade forged in chrome-vanadium steel, equivalent in spirit and performance to Nitrum from Arcos. Fine-grained, corrosion-resistant, responsive to sharpening, it offers the clean bite and resilience demanded by daily service.

On the right is her brother AKA the Tactical Parking Knife reviewed here.

This is not a novelty. It is a working instrument—one now worn by internationally renowned chefs, among them the celebrated Alain Ducasse, who commissioned several for his own use. In kitchens where standards are uncompromising and reputations global, tools are chosen not for ornament but for excellence.

And excellence is precisely what defines Patrick Bonetta. Perfectionist by philosophy, the house approaches finishing and ergonomics with almost obsessive care. The balance is intuitive. The Birdy’s grip—secure without fatigue. The transitions between handle and blade—flawless. Nothing is left unresolved.

The result is “Birdy”, a paring knife elevated to high craft: a lil’marvel of proportion and purpose. In the kitchen, it slices, peels, and minces with fluid authority. It becomes an extension of the hand, a silent accomplice to high precision cuts… or not. 😉

True luxury in gastronomy is not spectacle. It is control.
And control begins with the right blade.

–– The two last photo (c)Patrick Bonetta —

Advice, Folders, Review

MIKE READ PITS™ 2 – C269TIP – Part 2 – Low Profile De Luxe SlipIt.

24/11/2025 nemosandman Leave a comment

Digression: Did you think we were born in peaceful times?

In Western Europe today, amid increasing concerns over violence and insecurity, carrying a fixed blade — something I’ve done for decades with a short fixed blade — or even a locking folder can easily be misinterpreted.

And every single day, in the fall of 2025, the European newspapers report yet another knife attack or crime.

Knife attacks in the United Kingdom have shown a persistent and worrying upward trend in recent years. National data indicate that police recorded just over 53,000 knife‑enabled offences in the latest annual cycle, with assaults and robberies accounting for a substantial portion. While knife-related homicides represent a small percentage of overall offences, the absolute numbers remain high, with young people disproportionately affected. Offences involving the possession of bladed weapons have also risen, highlighting broader issues of accessibility and carrying habits in urban areas. Compared to a decade ago, knife-related violence has increased significantly.

(From a locking folder to slipjoint folder…. Sign of the times ?)

Most knife crimes in the UK use everyday knives like kitchen knives, because they’re cheap and easy to access. But a significant minority of attacks involve more “exotic” or dangerous blades: like machetes !

In Germany, some state-level police offices estimated more than 21,000 knife attacks in 2022, which corresponds to about 60 knife attacks per day nationally.

In France, knife attacks also remain a major concern, with more than ten thousand recorded assaults involving bladed weapons in the most recent year across areas policed by the national force alone. This figure corresponds to roughly a few dozen attacks per day and does not include all regions or the gendarmerie’s jurisdiction. Schools in the Paris region reported over a hundred knife-related incidents within a year, highlighting a sharp increase in youth involvement and the normalization of carrying knives. Broader national indicators show rising attempted homicides and a high proportion of armed robberies committed with knives, underscoring the central role of bladed weapons in everyday violence.
French law places certain knives (e.g., automatic opening, butterfly/balisong knives, fixed-blades over a certain size, double-edged blades) into stricter categories (Category D weapons) when carried without legitimate reason. Folding pocket-knives of everyday use (e.g., classic French models) are more tolerated — they may be treated as tools rather than weapons if not used aggressively or carried without justification.

Country	Estimated Knife-Crime / Knife-Attack Rate (per 100,000)

England & Wales (UK)

~89 / 100,000 (using ~55,008 knife-enabled offences and a population of ~61.8 M)

France

~15 / 100,000 (based on ~10,397 reported “knife attacks” and a population of ~68.6 M)

Germany

~10.7 / 100,000 (using ~8,951 knife-attack figure from 2023 data)

In the UK, the rules are straightforward: a non-locking knife with a blade under 3 inches.
But now it seems that one-hand-operated folders are no longer welcome;
For the record, one-hand operation is actually safer: not only for opening, but also for closing the knife. A closed folder is a safe folder, and being able to switch your tool into “safe mode” quickly is a genuine advantage.

In France, things are far murkier — everything hinges on intention and context of use. It’s almost a Minority Report situation.

Ironically, in the country of Opinel and Laguiole, we’re now backpedaling because of sheer stupidity. And I’m not blaming the criminals who use knives to hurt people — that’s obvious. I’m blaming the people who carry a knife for self‑defense.
After a search from the Police in front of an high school:
“Why do you bring this knife to school ?”
“To defend myself !”
A knife is not a self‑defense tool — it’s a catalyst for problems.
Awareness, on the other hand, is a self‑defense tool, and that’s something you really need to keep sharp.
Even something as simple as wearing AirPods can compromise your ability to stay safe, cutting you off from your surroundings.

Unless you’re a gangster settling scores with your own kin, a knife will never be your bodyguard — not even with training.
In fact, it can make things worse, especially if you think you’re “trained in knife fighting.” A knife as a weapon is a killer’s tool, meant for ambush and combat, not for duels.

(The only blade that might actually “help” you — for example in an attempted‑rape situation where you are physically overwhelmed, dominated, and restrained — is also the one that will almost certainly land you in even more trouble afterward. And if you ever reached that true last‑ditch moment, your best hope would ironically be a short serrated edge rather than a razor edge; under an adrenaline surge, an aggressor won’t even register a clean cut. The Spyderco Manbug Wharncliffe SpyderEdge comes to mind.
But even then, you would need the mindset to become the aggressor just to survive — and you must be prepared to defend your actions in court afterward.)

I remember reading about an elderly man who was being harassed by a gang of young men. In the confrontation, he slashed the hand of one of his aggressors with his Swiss Army Knife — and in the end, he was the one standing before the judges.
“To claim self‑defense, sir, there must be proportionality between the attack and the response.”

“It’s also a mindset.
I’ve carried a knife since I was 9 and have never had the inclination to cut or stab someone.
It’s all about how you have been raised.”
Des Horn

So let’s remain ladies and gentlemen, and let’s be low profile in our EDC choices.
The knives we carry and appreciate are not pocket bodyguards — they’re tools we genuinely enjoy using for simple, everyday tasks.

Enter the Alien/PITS2 and the whole generation of modern slipjoints.

Carrying a knife in today’s civilian world means opening parcels, prepping food, cooking, doing small repairs — being a handyman or -woman, or at least trying to be. I’ve written before about the modern slipjoints we now have access to: knives that benefit from three decades of “tactical” evolution. They offer deep-carry clips, true one-hand opening and closing, and high-performance steels refined for modern cutlery.

All of that is perfectly embodied in Spyderco’s SlipIt line.

So why would you choose a Mike Read folder? Is it better than a UKPK or an Urban?
Nope. The SlipIt flagship UKPK, for example, also has a thin edge, and you can even dress it up with titanium scales if you feel like it. Its mechanism is also stiffer, with a two-stage closing “safety” that makes the blade feel more controlled on the way down.

So why choose the PITS2?
It ultimately comes down to taste — your willingness to spend a bit more, your appreciation for the mechanism, the maker behind it, and of course a love for titanium and M398.

So what does the Alien/PITS2 truly bring in the long run?

In my case, I was genuinely surprised by how this “hard-to-open-one-handed” knife has grown on me.
That stiffness actually makes it reassuring to carry — you know the blade won’t pop open by accident. Especially when you carry it in the back right pocket.

First: it slides in and out of the pocket effortlessly.
That deep-carry clip is a real asset. It reminds me of the C181GTIP Lil’ Lionspy — also made in Maniago — but this one is even better than a wire clip: smooth, secure, and gentle on pockets.

Even though it’s light, the PITS2 feels dense and substantial in the hand. If you love titanium, you immediately recognise that warm, almost organic sensation it gives in the palm. Chris Reeve was the first to offer that pure‑titanium tactile experience, and the PITS2 carries that same aura.

Then your thumb finds the hole. It’s stiffer than most Spydercos I know, but that final click when fully opened is immensely satisfying. Forget about using your ring finger — it’s your thumb or nothing.

The hole is sharp enough to allow a “Spyder‑Drop,” though it occurs in two deliberate steps rather than one smooth motion.

Another major advantage: the PITS2 cannot pinch your fingers during opening or closing — a problem that the PITS1 sometimes had.

And, as I mentioned in the quick first‑look, that relatively tall blade comes with very thin geometry. This is the first Spyderco edge in a very long time—aside from my Chaparrals—that didn’t need to be convexed. I usually “de‑shoulder” everything to my taste and to my standard test: the plastic bottle butt.

This is where the PITS2 truly shines: pure cutting performance.
So far, it has never disappointed me. At first, I thought its more “gentle” blade tip wouldn’t be pointy enough for my tastes—especially since I’m used to the UKPK, Yojimbo 2 or the Microjimbo—but the PITS2’s tip is razor‑keen. It finds its way into soft or dense materials with nothing more than a light, controlled pass.

Actually, butter knives do not need to be sharp. 😉
The PITS2’s thin edge can slip effortlessly through delicate materials—like slicing a layered birthday cake without crushing it. And it can zip through cherry tomatoes, which is always a great test of geometry and edge aggressiveness. Tomato skin resists, tomato flesh is fragile; a good blade needs to pierce the first without mangling the second.

Well, well, well… go figure: tomatoes can be tricky — and a perfect opportunity to put your favorite edge to the test.
But honestly, what more could you ask for from a good EDC, superb slicing ability. A sharp knife is a safe knife.

M398 in that matter continues to surprise me. It reacts to leather like… K390 ! Amazing steel !
I’ve already used M398 on the Roadie XL and the Metropolitan, and it proved far more forgiving than I expected. I initially thought it would be brittle — especially after snapping about half a millimeter off the tip of my Roadie XL — but in everyday use it has shown itself to be an excellent alloy that also responds beautifully to stropping.

After some real use, I still haven’t managed to chip or even noticeably dull the PITS2’s thin edge. What’s remarkable is that it’s still as razor-sharp as it was right out of the box.

I also love how easy it is to check, clean, and oil the PITS2.
I can appreciate how skeletonized hidden liners have added lightness and strength to folding knives, but they also tend to become little nests for rust. For that reason, I really appreciate it when liners are DLC‑coated — and even better when they’re made of titanium.

Regarding the PITS2’s titanium handle, the absence of hotspots and the beautifully beveled edges make it a real pleasure to hold.

The cutout for the mechanism isn’t beveled, so you can feel its slightly sharper edge. I’ve also noticed that the two handle slabs are symmetrical, while the cutouts around the pivot are not identical.

Low profile usually comes with a deep‑carry clip or no clip at all… but the PITS2 clip is really shiny, so it still catches the eye. I know, because I’ve checked my reflection in a mirror and eventually had to unclip it and drop it deep into my pocket before passing through security recently.
Low profile wise: a tip if you are ever checked, do not open your knife with one hand, use both.

In those days of increasing knife crime and genuily believe that your EDC’s shape needs to be sheeple‑friendly.
If I pull out my fully serrated Native Chief Salt, anyone around will instantly assume that this long, pointy, toothy, shiny blade is straight out of Jack the Ripper’s toolkit.

The PITS2, with its rounded profile and non‑threatening blade shape, is a perfect example of a legal and friendly high tech EDC that won’t raise any eyebrows if used in public.
It’s actually even less threatening than a UKPK.

ll in all, the PITS2 delivers on its promises.
Incredible thin edge. Enjoyable mechanism. Low profile. Easy to clean.

It’s a friendly, high‑tech luxury tool that can be brought to the table to slice a sausage, yet also serves as a reliable outdoor companion capable of carving a walking stick. I’m loving the Alien in these times of shifting paradigms.

So let the weary land be rested and the killing season over
Let the shadows stretch forever in the light of burnished silver
For I fear the age of consequence and I wish that it was over
Bring me the snowfall, bring me the cold wind, bring me the wiener…

(My Nano has been heavily resharpened into a convex edge, while my PITS2 comes with its thin, perfectly even factory edge.)

Folders, Review

MIKE READ PITS™ 2 – C269TIP – The Legal Alien

13/11/2025 nemosandman 1 Comment

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.

This is a first look, first glimpse review — my very first impressions!

Mike Read’s custom Alien (£400,00 Elmax Blade) was presented to the world in November 2023, and it is now produced by Spyderco through Maniago, Italy under the name PITS 2 in 2025 for around €300,00.
So this is an English design, produced by a Colorado-based company, and manufactured in Italy — you can’t get more international than that.

To respect the King’s Law in the UK, you need to carry a non-locking knife with a blade under 3 inches, and also have a good reason to carry it on your person. The PITS 2 respects those rules and looks far less threatening than the original PITS 1.

This isn’t my first Mike Read design — I reviewed his PITS 1 back in 2018 and loved it. That knife was his very intention of creating a solid workhorse with no lock. Two years ago, a sprint run in M390 appeared.
Now comes the PITS 2, in M398, and to me, this is a much better design. Here’s why.

“Pie In The Sky” (not pig!) was Mike Read’s nom de guerre on the British forums. His specialty as a knifemaker is crafting non-locking knives: state-of-the-art tools with titanium handles and obsessive attention to detail.
The PITS 1 was a looker — but the PITS 2? It’s eye candy.

Here’s a video from The Crafter Carry about the Alien:

Compared to the more angular tip of the custom Alien, I find the PITS 2 blade shape more graceful, with a nicer drop to the point.

The custom Alien used a titanium clip, whereas the production PITS 2 wears a steel one — but I actually prefer Spyderco’s version here.

What really makes it stand out is the handle mechanism:

“A truly unique non-locking mechanism that consists of two integral spring arms machined into the handle scales. The forward end of these arms, which supports the blade pivot, flexes as the blade is opened to provide pressure for its notched-joint mechanism to bear against the stop pin.”

That’s clever: just two integral spring arms machined into the handle that hold tension on the blade pivot. The absence of a traditional backspring makes for an open-handle design — easier to rinse under the tap and keep clean. Exactly what you want in a workhorse.
(Let’s be clear: If you anticipate heavy-duty work (construction, field outdoors, survival uses) where a strong locking mechanism is required, then this may not be the optimal choice — you’d trade some robustness for style and finesse.)

The blade is made of Böhler-Uddeholm M398 particle metallurgy stainless steel — a steel in the same class as CPM S90V. It holds an edge forever, though it’s not the toughest, and you’ll need diamonds to sharpen it.
I once broke the tip of my Roadie XL after a fall on tiles, but when used as intended, M398 is delightful. I’ve worked my Roadie XL and Metropolitan hard, and M398 has never failed me. This steel would be perfect also for hunters which need long edge holding when skinning.

Mechanically, this is the first Spyderco I’ve handled that’s harder to open than to close. The blade retention in the closed position is quite strong, while closing is much softer than most slipjoints. With wet hands, I even find it tricky to open — I have to “Spyder-drop” it by holding it by the hole!

At least, if a Police officer asks to see it, you must open it with two hands — another good point, as it’s clearly a gentleman’s knife, not a weapon. Also, while the PITS 1 looked somewhat like a skinner, the PITS 2’s drop point blade is much less aggressive-looking.

Inside the “cockpit,” there’s now a choil and a gentle hump, allowing a secure grip near the blade — something the PITS 1 lacked with a more aggressive quillon or guard for the index finger. So even with its softer closing action, it’s not a real issue. Still, when whittling hardwood, beware: that tall blade can snap shut faster than a UKPK or an Urban, both of which have stronger backsprings. Always use the choil!

The tall, thin blade arrives razor sharp out of the box. Geometry is spot-on for push cuts, and like the Slipjoint, Manly Wasp, Chaparral, or UKPK, performance is excellent. Let’s call that: “Perf In The Sky.”
This will be a great travelling companion and even a hunter best friend.

Totally UK legal and of the highest quality imaginable, the PITS 2 is not a cheap knife — in fact, it’s pricier than the Chaparral Slipjoint — but it has that “Sebenza-like”feel of a high-quality titanium folder. A gem of a knife, and one of the rare non threatening slipjoints truly designed to be a hard worker.

As rare as pies in the sky!

Folders, Review

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

30/10/2025 nemosandman 5 Comments

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Folders, Review

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

24/10/2025 nemosandman Leave a comment

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

NemoKnivesReview

Tag Archives: Knives

Spyderco Manix 2 MagnaMax – First Glimpse at The Interceptor.

First Impressions

Back to the Origins

The Full Liner Mystery

A Blade That Speaks of Confidence

Lock-Up and Action

Small Details That Matter

Meet MagnaMax

MagnaMax in Context

Ergonomics That Stand the Test of Time

Ready for Work

First Verdict

A Blade Swap for Wet Work

V8

Spyderco Military 2 Salt – C36GBKYLMCP2 Part 2 – Wet Works & Piece of Mind

Spyderco Meerkat CPM-SPY27 Sprint Run – The Return of the Phantom’s Menace.

PARA MILITARY® 2 LIGHTWEIGHT BROWN CPM 15V® SPRINT RUN® — Let there be light again ! Part 1

Pekka Tuominen – The Master of the Boreal Blade

Patrick Bonetta’s Kitchen Warrior “Birdy” – The Essential Edge of Haute Cuisine.

MIKE READ PITS™ 2 – C269TIP – Part 2 – Low Profile De Luxe SlipIt.

MIKE READ PITS™ 2 – C269TIP – The Legal Alien

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

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

From The Edge To The Point Since 1995