Tag Archives: Larrin Thomas

Folders, Review

Spyderco Manix 2 MagnaMax – First Glimpse at The Interceptor.

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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.

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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.

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In 2014 in Spyderco Catalogue it is written:


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“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

(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 (W)Cobalt (Co)Niobium (Nb)Nitrogen (N)
MagnaMax~1.15%~10.5%~3.5%~2.0%~1.0%~7.5%~1.5%–
MagnaCut1.15%10.7%4.0%2.0%––2.0%0.20%
CPM S90V2.30%14.0%9.0%1.0%––––
K3902.47%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.
CriterionMagnaMax vs MagnaCut
Edge retentionNotably superior (K390/Vanadis 8 level)
Corrosion resistanceEquivalent, very good
ToughnessSlightly lower
SharpeningHarder (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.

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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, full stainless steel liners, 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. 😉

Advice, Folders, Review

The Serrations of the Everyday — Notes on a Serrated Magnacut UKPK enhance with titanium scales.

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There are objects we own, and others that, through use, quietly become extensions of our hand. The UKPK in Magnacut—here in its serrated form, dressed in Heinnie’s Titech titanium scales—belongs firmly to the latter. Not a piece to be admired at a distance, but one to be lived with. Everyday. Tested. Carried without ceremony.
This tool is low profile but with an hungry edge.

What strikes first is the paradox. A familiar, ergonomic silhouette—born from a will shaped by strict legal constraints—yet delivering a level of cutting performance that feels anything but limited. That serrated edge does not flatter at first glance. It unsettles some, even repels others. And that is precisely where its relevance begins.

Because real life does not deal in ideal materials or perfect technique. A slice of cooling pizza, a stubborn thread, double-wall cardboard, an electrical cable—each offers a different resistance. Where a plain edge demands precision, serrations adapt. They bite and initiate cuts. From a caresse to firm push cuts, using thin SpyderEdge serrations is an escalation in my cutting intentions. I need that material to be cut fast !!
It helps a lot when you cut a label in a store without to be noticed (once you bought it of course…)

In this configuration, Magnacut reveals a deeper character. I had noticed it on the wonderful Chief Salt . Its reputation is well established, but it is in repetition—across mundane, unremarkable tasks—that it truly asserts itself. Edge retention ceases to be a technical metric and becomes something tangible.
Days pass, materials accumulate, and yet the initial sensation—a ready, immediate hungry bite—remains intact with a quiet, almost disconcerting consistency. That makes a real difference for an EDC.

It is telling that even its own designer, Sal Glesser, found himself rediscovering the knife through this serrated Magnacut expression.

Notice my “preaching to the choir” post 😄

This is a genuine sense of surprise at the endurance of the edge, accompanied by a nod to Larrin Thomas, whose metallurgical work made this steel possible. This is more than technical acknowledgment; it is recognition of a rare alignment between design intent and material innovation.

The titanium scales subtly shift the relationship further. The knife gains density, heft and presence. I just love that. It’s no more a lightweight though but the tactile experience becomes cooler, more deliberate. There is something almost architectural about it—a structure defined as much by its material honesty as by its purpose, ready to meet the unpredictability of daily use by sea, air or land.

Over time, what emerges is a quiet redefinition of the serrated edge itself. Long confined to specialized roles—rescue, rope, marine environments—it finds here a broader legitimacy. Not as an alternative to the plain edge, but as a different philosophy of cutting. More instinctive. More pragmatic.

I have felt the same with the Chaparral serrated, offering those performance in a lady/gentleman format. The UKPK offers a longer blade but a legal solution.

The serrated Chaparral brings this same idea into a more restrained, almost tailored format—slim, discreet, almost polite in profile, yet unexpectedly serious once it starts working. It’s the kind of tool that disappears into a pocket and reappears only when needed, delivering performance without ever looking like it intends to.

The UKPK serrated Magnacut, on the other hand, pushes the concept further in a different direction. Same underlying logic, but with more reach, more cutting length, more immediate utility when the task scales up. It’s not trying to be more aggressive—it simply extends the capability envelope while staying within a legal framework that forces discipline into the design.

Put together, they sketch an interesting continuum rather than a category:
the thinner Chaparral as refined minimalism with bite, the thin UKPK as everyday legality stretched to its most useful expression.

Different formats, same underlying surprise: serrations stop being “special-purpose” and start behaving like a perfectly normal, highly efficient everyday cutting system !

To reach for a serrated blade to cut burger or break down a box should no longer feel unusual. If anything, it is where this knife feels most at home. Its modernity lies not in spectacle, but in normalization—in making high performance feel natural within the ordinary.

The serrated Magnacut UKPK does not argue its case. It does not need to. It simply works—and in doing so, it quietly resets expectations.

Low-profile in the pocket, yet unmistakably assertive at the edge, it pairs a hungry, enduring bite with a reassuringly solid construction. All of it contained within a form that remains legally acceptable in many places—an understated balance of restraint and capability.

Review

Spyderco Para 3 Lightweight 15V Sprint Run – C223PBN15V – First glimpse at the Lil’Brown Bear !

4 Comments

Jumping on the Para® 3 Lightweight Brown CPM® 15V® Sprint Run® wagon was an easy choice after a month of watching our American friends review this new CPM-15V batch.

Following the Manix 2 release two years ago, showcased in the Reveal 11, and a Paramilitary Brown version, here is the chance to test this remarkable steel on a lightweight platform: the Para 3 in brown FRN.


For record CPM 15V is “Boasting almost a 15 percent vanadium content, this remarkable material offers the highest wear resistance of any cold work tool steel available today. The full-flat-ground, satin-finished blade of this knife is further enhanced by a specialized heat-treating protocol developed by acclaimed custom knifemaker Shawn Houston. The result is a blade that offers extreme sharpness and unparalleled edge retention.”

Shawn Houston is known as Big Brown Bear on youtube and his skills in metallurgy and knifemaking as drawn the attention of the Glesser’s family.

In 2018, he has written on the Spyderco Forums that request:
“Sal, Can we get CPM 15v?
“I like this steel. It’s easier to work with then Maxamet and Rex121.
Takes a killer edge and seems to be more stable then s110v.“

Larrin Thomas even answered:
“You guys are crazy. But with Spyderco anything is possible.”

And in 2022 a first Spyderco knife designed by Shawn Houston in 15V with his own heat treat protocol was proposed. Eric’s Manix 2.

“The CPM 15V Sprint run was supposed to be a surprise treat.
Eric wanted to share the CPM 15V with the custom heat treatment I worked on for my folder design.
His idea was to use a standard model so people can get their hands on the steel. Which I thought was really, REALLY cool of him to do that.
Working with Crucible and Niagara Specialty Metal we were able to select a specific melt of the CPM 15V that would respond best to this specially developed custom heat treatment. 
So, Eric and Sal really went all the way on this, no other production knife company on the planet would do something like this. Eric and Sal are one of a kind. 
You guys need to understand this is very unique having actual knife/steel/sharpening/edge people running a knife company that can cater to enthusiasts. 
Originally, I was given options for different handle scales for the Manix but the most important priority was to get the CPM 15V Manix out as soon as possible so it didn’t make any sense to use exotic scale materials.
G10 is a great material to work with and brown g10 was selected because “Big Brown Bear” aka Triplebhandmade. (Me)
I am aware as many others that brown g10 is not unique to this model.
But the color of the handle scales and the handle scale material are irrelevant to edge performance and the most important priority was getting this out to you guys as soon as possible.
Looks like the price is great too, if we used carbon fiber etc cost would have been higher.
So, I hope you guys can respect that.
The folder collaboration design was being pushed back due to production capacity being completely full at Golden.
Please understand that I’ve been very persistent at wanting the knife made in Golden come **** or high water; I would wait until the stars burned out.
Spyderco has been very busy increasing the size of their golden factory to meet the insane demand of the current knife industry after the global pandemic.
Keep in mind, when a new product comes through the factory, they have to train the staff on how to make them, and what the best procedures are for creating that specific model in high volume with maximum efficiency. So, there is hidden effort when new designs come through at Spyderco.
Folks need to remember if we want this folder made in Golden (my favorite factory) we have to be patient. 
My dream is to have a Golden folder we can all experience together.

I’ve gotten a chance to meet the people from the Golden factory I must say I’m even more excited about the idea of it being made in Golden. I’ve talked to the people that do grinding and heat treatment and there’s just something special about being able to talk to the folks that make your collaboration knife design.
So, I keep pretty quiet about the folder because I don’t feel it’s necessary to see get people excited about something that doesn’t have a clearly set date of exactly when it can be expected and I don’t want to put any undue pressure on Spyderco because they’ve been working very very hard over the past couple years to get things that sometimes people take for granted and expect to magically appear on the shelves to buy.
While I haven’t been posting in this thread everyday, I really appreciate you guys making sure to let Spyderco know this is something you want.
So, thanks for always updating this thread and talking about it on social media.I really think you guys will like this knife and I can’t wait to get one in my pocket one day.

-Shawn“

Now this is new batch including Microjimbo, Yojumbo, Yojimbo2, Native, Military 2, Para3 G10 and Para3 Lightweight.

Like all its brothers and sisters it boast the BBB logo proving that the blade has followed Shawn Houston heat treatment.

In his excellent vidéo Shawn share his first impressions and also check the hardness of his Para3 and the result is 65.4 HRC ! Impressive !

Framed from his video: he performed five separate hardness tests just to be sure. It’s well known that Shawn Houston’s special heat treatment — refined over years and tested by renowned professionals — brings out the quintessence of CPM-15V, elevating its performance to exceptional levels.

“Well, most heat treatment protocols are for tooling, like the ones in datasheets — not really optimized for things like edge stability.”
— Shawn Houston, on his own heat treatment

In practical tests, Pete from the Cedric and Ada Gear and Outdoors was able to cut through a rope 2,000 times without compromising the edge.

The action on my new Para 3 is perfectly smooth. I notice a little lock sticking but this is not an issue in my book.


And smooth enough that nothing unscrews on it — the blade closes like glass, effortlessly and precisely.

My Para 3 arrived perfectly centered, but with some burrs on the scales.
(A burr is a raised edge or small piece of material that remains attached to a workpiece after a modification process.)

You can feel these tiny imperfections under your finger along the FRN edges.

I have “deburr” it with some diamonds rod. Nothing fancy but now the handle is fine. I don’t remember having that issue on my previous Para 3 review.

The edge is even.

I don’t see myself working on a convex edge on this one. Not for the moment.

The sharpness is high and that blade is a hair popping sharp razor right out of the box.

I have already cut my self with its very pointy point. My Para 3 is baptized !

Now it is truly mind.

It is said that CPM-15V loves leather for a crispy edge.
(S90V or M398 for example don’t care about stropping…)

I’m curious how its 68 grams will compete with my Maxamet Para 3 G10 (98 grams) — sturdy yet smooth as velvet.

According to Spyderco:

“The term ‘lightweight,’ or the use of injection-molded handle components on a Spyderco folder, isn’t just about how the knife tips the scale. It’s about taking full advantage of the remarkable properties of FRN and FRCP, as well as our decades of experience as an industry leader in their use.”

So yes, this is a “light” saber.

The edge appears ground thinner than on the notoriously brittle Maxamet blade. Both blades receive special attention: the spine is smooth under the thumb, and the edges are expertly bevelled.

The chance to have such a steel on a lightweight folder would make it a great hunting knife like the Michael Walker ZDP-189 was in his days.
The game’s fur is very abbrasive. CPM-15V could be even stronger than ZDP189 on the joints, more permissive.

Ericasedc has made a video about that:

She seems really happy with her Para 3 since she has received it. You can see all the videos she has made on her channel about the Para 3 15V.

Anyway, going in the woods equipped with a Tenacious CPM M4 and a Para 3 in 15V would be a great combo nowadays.


Now that I can carry the mighty CPM-15V steel in my pocket, I’m eager to test its performance over the long run. Stay tuned for updates on this page or in another chapter.

Having a featherweight folder equipped with such a formidable blade and steel is uncanny — it packs remarkable power in a pocket-sized package. I still remember fitting the Maxamet blade on my red FRN Para 3 just to experience that sensation of a powerful engine on a lightweight platform.

This Para 3 Sprint Run is already a triumph, offering the chance to experience a remarkable steel crafted by passionate knifeaholics.

As mentioned, I have no intention of convexing the edge for now — I’m trusting Shawn’s expertise. Unlike AEB-L, which can be thinned while remaining strong, CPM-15V is packed with carbides, so I’ll stick with the angle specified by Spyderco and Shawn, which is already thinner than Maxamet.

But now, the real fun begins: testing!
Spoiler: the combination of geometry and steel makes it an excellent whittler — the blade cuts deep, and the wood feels incredibly smooth under the cut.



Final word of this review are from Shawn Houston who was quoting and answering to Todd from Scienceofsharp.com about 15V (as Todd’s goal is to increase our understanding of the role of carbides in cutting performance and how different sharpening techniques “interact” with the carbide):
““tremendous pleasure in using an extremely sharp knife or tool (and satisfaction when you have sharpened it yourself). Even though it is often a fleeting experience”
That’s the “idée fixe” of it all.
The little smile and feeling of elation when the edge lasers through material with zero effort.
The stones, geometries, steels, heat treatments and the techniques.
Chasing those fleeting moments of joy with high performance and riding the line between madness and clarity in trying to understand at the most intricate levels how it all really works.
An insatiable quest.“

“The Edge is a Ghost. Always changing. Dying (dulling) being reborn (sharpened) split personality (angles and geometry changing).

Think of the edge as gas in a vehicle. It runs out of gas and you put in more gas. We provide the format, materials, design for use, variety to avoid boredom and create interest, but the edge is your creation. The result of your understanding, education, experience and practice.”

Sal

“CPM 15V is a very difficult steel to manufacturer, so it may not always be available in the future.
Crucible Industries LLC went to great lengths to produce the steel, it puts a great amount of wear and tear on the ceramic refractory designed to hold the super heated liquid steel during melting. This is necessary to dissolve the vanadium carbides to the very fine sizes that we see in the finished product.
It’s quite a marvel that’s not often appreciated.
15V is basically the commercial limit for how much carbon and vandium they can get in a steel for production sizes batches.
The benefits of this to the end user combined with excellent heat treatment is a enjoyable, lasting cutting experience that also touches up at the edge nicely with proper abrasives and sharpening experience.”

Shawn Houston on Spyderco Forums

Review

Spyderco Roadie XL C267BK – Size matters

3 Comments

Six years ago, I reviewed the Working Poney, also known as the Roadie. Mine had been reprofiled by Jan Dirk, and even at its tiny scale, it proved to be an outstanding performer. For six years, it quietly stayed in my pocket, accompanying me across the UK, Vietnam, and countless places where knives were frowned upon.

Then, in 2024, I noticed the announcement of an XL version — the C267BK — featuring upgraded steel and a clip. Right away, I saw the new pointed blade, replacing the classic sheepfoot-style blade, now ground from Böhler-Uddeholm N690Co. Even more exciting, the XL uses M398, an exotic steel reserved for flash batches — a serious step up in performance and collector appeal.

And so, here it is: Ladies and gentlemen, the Roadie XL!

Back to the Roadie XL: it is made in Maniago, Italy, like my Nano and many other excellent modern knives. The Maniago factory remains one of the world leaders in precision and manufacturing quality.

Specifications:

  • Overall Length: 6.51″ (165mm)
  • Blade Length: 2.74″ (70mm)
  • Steel: M398
  • Closed Length: 3.76″ (95mm)
  • Edge Length: 2.31″ (59mm)
  • Weight: 1.5oz (43g)
  • Blade Thickness: 0.108″ (2.8mm)

Its shape and size make it extremely pocket-friendly, easily fitting into the watch pocket of jeans thanks to its deep-carry wire clip. You could remove the clip, but why? It keeps the knife perfectly secured at the pocket’s edge. The clip is also reversible, though that is not essential for a two-handed opening folder.

With its thin profile and light weight, combined with the clip, the Roadie XL can even be carried in a shirt pocket like a pen. In short, it is a knife designed to remain on you almost unnoticed.

The action is smooth, with two detents before the blade fully opens. In practice, it feels smoother than my Urban, which deploys with a single motion.

With a slightly longer blade than the Urban, the Roadie XL remains legal to carry in countries such as Denmark, the UK, or Germany. Mine arrived razor sharp straight out of the box, so I am not in any hurry to convex the edge.

Mine came razor sharp straight out of the box, so I’m not in any particular hurry to convex its edge.

You can immediately recognize Sal Glesser’s signature design — a clear mark of his inventive approach. Sal is an inventor at heart, and it is always impressive to see how he manages to create clever, practical tools. Quoting him directly:

“When the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) briefly considered allowing the carry of knives on airplanes again, Spyderco designed the Roadie™ to fit their guidelines. We created an incredibly popular modern expression of the classic penknife. Since bigger can indeed be better, the Roadie now has a big brother: the Roadie XL. It faithfully offers all the defining features of its smaller counterpart — including a non-locking “notched-joint” mechanism, a textured index-finger choil, and contoured, injection-molded handle scales. Its full-flat-ground sheepfoot-style blade is crafted from M398 stainless steel and features our distinctive “Double Dent™” — a pair of symmetrical dimples in the blade that provide a solid purchase for fingernail-free, two-handed opening. In addition to its larger size, the Roadie XL also adds a deep-pocket wire clip for convenient top-of-the-pocket carry.”

Now, let’s talk about M398, one of Spyderco’s premium powder metallurgy steels, produced in limited flash batches in Maniago, Italy.

From what I understand, M398 is closer to CPM-90V than to M390. Quoting Darrin Thomas’s analysis:

“The original M390 has a reported carbide volume of 20.5%, and the new M398 has about 30%, so there has been an increase in carbide of almost 50%… [text unchanged] …”

When M398 was used in a previous flash batch for the SpyMyto, I was not particularly excited — it felt like overkill for a folder intended for hard use. The Myto is essentially the big brother of my Nano in CPM Magnacut, and a SpyNano in M398 is also on the bench. In comparison, Magnacut is far tougher than M398, making it better suited for wider, workhorse blades.

On the Roadie XL, however, it is a different story. Like with my Heinie Urban in S90V, these small blades are not intended for bushcraft — although skilled users can achieve remarkable results even with a 2-inch slipjoint, as shown in an inspiring video I recently watched.

Slipjoints are gentle companions for both ladies and gentlemen. For those with long nails, the Roadie XL features its distinctive “Double Dent™” — a pair of symmetrical dimples in the blade that provide a secure grip for fingernail-free, two-handed opening.

Its high wear resistance is useful, as these small blades often encounter cardboard, which can be surprisingly abrasive. I also recall Roger, my father-in-law, using his old Pradel slipjoint like a crowbar or screwdriver without hesitation. Older users often treated knives as true tools until they were worn down to almost nothing.

I am confident the Roadie XL, with its M398 blade, would make an excellent hare skinner — fur full of sand can destroy an edge very quickly. Tuscan hare hunters would likely appreciate its durability. The high wear-resistant alloy makes perfect sense here, and the blade is also relatively thick at 2.8 mm, reducing the risk of damage.

Ergonomically, the Roadie works beautifully for a slipjoint because you can use the choil for control — a feature rarely found in traditional designs. Even most Swiss Army Knives do not offer that level of security. As Spyderco notes:

“Unlike traditional penknives, the Roadie also features a subtle index-finger choil that increases control of the knife during use and acts as a safeguard against unintentional closure.”

There is no undue pressure on the pivot, often the most fragile part of folding knives. If you avoid twisting the tip in wood, the Roadie XL can handle direct cutting force on the blade. This makes it another “Lil Big Blade” — small, but highly capable.

It can serve as a steak knife, whittler, label remover, balloon popper, nail cleaner, or cardboard cutter. Cardboard is especially abrasive, but not for a steel like M398, rich in carbide content.

And in today’s world, one final advantage: it is extremely sheeple-friendly. It looks like a pocket knife, not a tactical weapon — discreet, elegant, and highly functional.

Roadie, K390 Pingo, S90V G10 Urban, and Roadie XL (all green links refer to full reviews).

Beauty is in the eye of the beholder, but to me, this blade — shaped like a scaled-down cutlass — is pure eye candy.

Interestingly, I can open it one-handed in two different ways:

  1. A quick wrist flick while holding the blade.
  2. By gripping the blade between thumb and index finger while pushing the handle away with the remaining fingers.

So even though it was not designed as a one-hand opener, the Roadie XL can still function surprisingly well as one.

Compared to a traditional sheepfoot slipjoint, the Roadie XL is incredibly light while offering a premium alloy blade. (Since August 2025, another M398 slipjoint has joined the lineup: the Metropolitan.)

At under 100 euros, the Roadie XL is an exceptional bargain for what it delivers.

This is one of Sal Glesser’s finest EDC designs — a perfect balance of elegance, utility, and performance. And for once, size really matters with a Roadie. No wonder it sold out so quickly on the Golden site!
Part II is here.

Review

The Amphibian Milestone in CPM Magnacut : the Paramillie 2 Salt has landed !

5 Comments

The Amphibian Milestone in CPM Magnacut iq PARA MILITARY® 2 SALT® BLACK G-10 CPM MAGNACUT® BLACK BLADE – C81GMCBK2, which is much too long to fit in a title.

This is not my first Paramillie 2. I usually wear the 52100 carbon fiber version, but I have used many versions in S90V, CPM Cruwear, and S30V. The 52100 is actually the exact opposite of this new version.
Announced at the 2023 Amsterdam Minimeet, a Paramillie impervious to the elements. Better: a nautical version ready to stand tall in front of the salty waves of the ocean’s breakers.
Then the wait began.

And here it is, in all its glory!
Delivered with Larrin Thomas’ dreamlike alloy: the CPM Magnacut!
A steel that hits a lot of sweet spots. Like a sort of totally rust-free CPM M4: strong, resilient, and able to withstand thin edges without chipping.
So why add a DLC on that alloy? Overkill can be fun, can’t it?

Here are 3 versions. The 52100, the CPM Cruwear, and CPM Magnacut from right to left. Three excellences in their own way, all designed by Sal and Eric Glesser.
CPM Magnacut is a story of love.
Quoting its metallurgist and designer:
“The carbide structure of MagnaCut is much finer than the common powder metallurgy stainless steels such as CPM-154, M390, Elmax, S35VN, etc. The only stainless PM steel I have imaged which is competitive in terms of carbide/nitride size is Vanax. MagnaCut is even somewhat finer than CPM-4V and Vanadis 4 Extra, the non-stainless steels that MagnaCut was modeled after. This is an excellent result and should lead to excellent properties.”

Quoting Spyderco:
“This tour-de-force expression of the Para Military 2 showcases a full-flat-ground blade crafted from CPM MagnaCut—a state-of-the-art particle metallurgy steel that offers an exceptional balance of edge retention, toughness, and superior corrosion resistance. Cloaked in a non-reflective Diamond-Like Carbon (DLC) coating, the PlainEdge blade is housed in a handle featuring peel-ply-textured black G-10 scales machined with the signature Caribbean Bi-Directional Texture pattern of Spyderco’s US-made Salt Series knives. To complement its blade steel and finish, the knife’s nested stainless steel liners, four-position pocket clip, and all other hardware are also made from ultra-corrosion-resistant materials and black coated.”

That new Salty Paramillie is destined to be an amphibian workhorse, a hippocampus!!
All hardware is black coated except the stop pin, which is silver and made of “fearlessly corrosion-resistant marine-grade materials“.
The handle (as efficient as it is in being non-slip) is destined to be a pocket shredder, as it is carved to be used with wet, oily hands. Your trousers will suffer!!
Unless, like myself, you are a compulsive user of sandpaper. Even then, it will be hard on pocket lips.

The Diamond-Like Coating is not only protecting a blade that doesn’t need any protection; it also gives a strong Mall Ninja vibe.
Usually, coatings bring some kind of lubrication to material separation. I’m not impressed so far, even on sausages.
The geometry is perfect on my PM Salty—thin as a razor though.

One thing I had to change was the clip. It was replaced by a Flytanium Universal Titanium Clip, which is short and deep-carry.
Also, I moved the clip for a tip-up carry, which suits the Paramillie better in my book.

Of course, de-shouldering the edge is the first step before convexing, which I do on new knives. Especially since I have read that Magnacut loves leather stropping.

And this is true! The edge turned quickly into a über-razor state.

It zipped through meat like a lightsaber into bantha meat.

So now the game is on. The Salty Magnacut Paramillie is ready to kick all other knives from my pockets and be used long term.
Let’s see what this cutlery apogee-era knife has to propose in the long run!