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Folders, Review

Spyderco Dyad Jr. Lightweight CPM SPY27 Sprint Run – Part 2 – By Hook Or By Crook.

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Disclaimer: I purchased this knife myself from Coutellerie Tourangelle for €113. As always, their service was excellent, and the knife was shipped quickly. No sponsorship, no discount, and no editorial input—just my own experience as a satisfied customer.

The moment you open the black and red box, one thing becomes immediately obvious:
The Dyad is a very strange critter.
Think about it for a second: a Spyderco with two Spyderholes… and no pocket clip. Two Papa Sal’s signatures also (on each blade and always visible ! )
That alone is enough to make even seasoned Spyderco enthusiasts raise an eyebrow.

Robin has already written an excellent review of this Sprint Run, so rather than rehashing the same points, I’ll focus on my own impressions and observations. You can read his article >>>>here<<<<

At first glance, this Japanese-made Dyad Jr. Sprint Run looks almost toy-like. It is remarkably small, to the point where many people would dismiss it without a second thought.
That would be a mistake.
This little knife hides far more capability than its modest dimensions suggest.
In fact, it offers a better edge-to-handle ratio than almost any conventional folder.
Why?
Because you’re carrying twice the cutting edge in a package that’s barely larger than a typical single-bladed knife.
You can call it “Double Trouble.”
Or perhaps “Stereo Spyderco.”
You get the idea. 🙂
Because the concept is deceptively simple. Instead of relying on a single blade, the Dyad Jr. combines two highly specialized tools. The fully serrated blade delivers cutting power far beyond what you would expect from a knife this size, effortlessly tearing through fibrous materials, rope, cardboard or tough plastics. Meanwhile, the plain edge features an exceptionally thin grind that makes it feel almost like a miniature scalpel, offering impressive precision for delicate work.

Both blades are ground surprisingly thin, a characteristic that immediately stands out when you start using the knife. The plain edge, in particular, slices with an ease that few compact folders can match.

Then comes the best surprise of all: Spy27 !

Spyderco’s proprietary steel gives this little knife a thoroughly modern heart. It offers an excellent balance of edge retention, toughness, corrosion resistance and ease of sharpening—exactly the kind of steel you want in a compact everyday carry knife that is likely to tackle a wide variety of tasks.

The Dyad Jr. has often been described as an oddball.
I disagree.
I think it is one of Sal Glesser’s most honest designs.
I still remember watching Sal use his own Dyad in a German restaurant back in 1999. He would casually switch from the plain edge to the serrated edge depending on what was on his plate. At the time, it seemed almost eccentric. Looking back, it perfectly captured the philosophy behind the Dyad: always having the right edge for the job.

Knife enthusiasts love to argue. Plain edge or serrated? Large knife or small knife? Deep carry clip or no clip? Every new model seems to force us into choosing a side.

The Dyad Jr. refuses to play that game.

Instead of asking one blade to do everything reasonably well, Spyderco simply gave us two specialists living under the same roof.

One blade is a competent surgeon, ready to remove a splinter.

The other is a tiny lumberjack, a security blade ready to saw into seatbelts.
The plain edge glides through paper, food, blister packs or delicate materials like cherry tomatoes with astonishing precision. The grind is so thin that it almost disappears behind the edge. It doesn’t feel like a compact pocket knife—it feels like a folding scalpel.

The serrated blade has completely different manners. It doesn’t slice; it attacks ! Rope, cardboard, nylon webbing, plastic strapping… materials that gradually wear down a straight edge are dispatched with almost insulting ease. You don’t ask permission. You just cut.


The serrations are nicely rounded, much like those on the Spyderco Chaparral Serrated. They cut aggressively without the annoying tendency to snag, making them surprisingly smooth in use.

The beauty of the Dyad concept isn’t simply having two blades.
It’s that your brain quickly learns to assign jobs to each one.

Without even thinking about it, the serrated edge becomes your “construction worker.” Cardboard boxes. Amazon packages. Cable ties. Dirty jobs.

The plain edge remains your gentleman.
Opening a letter. Peeling an apple. Carving delicately a piece of wood. Trimming a loose thread from a jacket.

Each blade “protects” the other.
Ironically, this means the Dyad Jr. often stays sharper longer than a conventional single-bladed knife. The workload is shared, and so is the wear.

Calling the Dyad Jr. a multi-tool completely misses the point.
There are no screwdrivers.
No bottle opener.
No scissors.
No tiny saw pretending to cut wood.

In my book, the serrated blade is the one I use directly on the plate, while the plain edge stays on the cutting board, where its razor-thin edge can really shine without risking unnecessary damage.

Just two exceptionally good blades. A robust screw-together construction that can be disassembled for maintenance.
It is obvious: Spyderco wasn’t trying to build a Swiss Army Knife.
They were building another serious cutting tool that simply happened to have two blades.
They built a knife that asks a different question:
“What if cutting was the only function worth optimizing?”

Looking at it that way, the Dyad Jr. suddenly makes perfect sense.

Ah, but that missing pocket clip still catches the eye. Here it sits next to two of its Spy27 siblings, looking almost naked without the familiar Spyderco clip.

It also means carrying the Dyad Jr. in the same orientation every time. Before long, your hand automatically knows which Spyderhole to reach for.

It’s a habit I learned years ago from Michael Janich’s Street Steel: consistency creates muscle memory, and muscle memory is always faster than conscious thought.
(But unlike Casper, my lightning-fast Meerkat, the Dyad Jr. isn’t a quick-draw knife. It opens at a more civilized pace, much like a traditional gentleman’s folder. It encourages intention rather than haste.)

The bi-directional textured FRN scales provide excellent grip. Ergonomically, the Dyad Jr. isn’t quite as comfortable as a conventional single-bladed folder—the folded blade on the opposite side can sometimes be felt under your fingers. It never becomes painful, but you are always aware that there is another blade nested inside the handle.

That said, if you grip the knife by its FRN scales rather than squeezing directly over the blade wells, nothing shifts or flexes. The handle feels reassuringly solid, and the aggressive texture keeps the knife securely planted in your hand, even when it gets wet or slippery.

Today, every Spyderco seems incomplete without a clip, uh ?
If I carry the Dyad Jr. for a week in my fifth pocket, I wont notice the clip absence. But I have decided to use my right denim back pocket instead.
And the Janich’s trick.
Ah going clip-less can be good also !
It disappears into the bottom of my pocket like the classic pocket knives many of us grew up with. Nothing catches on a car seat. Nothing snags your jacket lining. Nothing pokes your hand when reaching for your keys.
The FRN scales are sturdy, it won’t get marks or bruises. No pocket shredding…

More importantly, deleting the clip also preserves that perfect symmetry of the handle. Two blades. Two lock bars. Two Spyderholes. Everything feels balanced, visually and mechanically.

Sometimes restraint is the most elegant design choice.

There is something wonderfully ironic about this Sprint Run : the Dyad Jr. is a design born decades ago, yet it solves a modern problem better than many contemporary folders.
Today, we obsess over blade steels, coatings, lock mechanisms and deep carry pocket clips.

The Dyad Jr. quietly reminds us that geometry still matters more than marketing.
A thin blade will always cut better than a thick one.
Serrations will still outperform a plain edge in various fibrous materials.
And with the Dyad Jr., you can switch from one to the other instantly, comparing both edges on exactly the same material, in exactly the same conditions. Few knives offer such an immediate and revealing side-by-side experience !
And carrying two purpose-built blades often makes more sense than asking one blade to compromise.

Both blades are secured by independent back locks, making the Dyad Jr. exceptionally safe to use. Unfortunately, this also makes this delightful little dual-blade folder an outlaw in some countries.

Take the United Kingdom, for example. A traditional Swiss Army Knife, with its non-locking slipjoint blades, can generally be carried legally in many everyday situations (or the UKPK pictured here). The Dyad Jr., despite being just as compact—and arguably just as practical—doesn’t enjoy the same status simply because both of its blades lock open.

To me, this is perhaps the concept’s greatest drawback, although it has nothing to do with the knife itself. It is simply a reflection of its unmistakable American heritage. Like the legendary Buck 110 before it, the Dyad Jr. was designed around the idea that a working knife should lock securely when in use. Sal Glesser chose function and safety over legal convenience, and the result is a knife that may be perfectly at home in the United States while being far less welcome in jurisdictions with stricter knife laws.

Now, add Spy27 to the equation—a steel that combines excellent edge retention, toughness, corrosion resistance and remarkably easy maintenance—and this little Dyad suddenly feels less like a nostalgic reissue and more like a timeless concept that finally received the steel it always deserved !
(Spy27 as you know it in my various reviews simply feels right on an EDC knife. It strikes a remarkable balance between edge retention, toughness, corrosion resistance and ease of sharpening—qualities that matter far more in everyday use than chasing the latest super steel.)

Out of the box, the factory edge shaves arm hair with ease. After a few passes on the strop, I’m confident it will be popping free-standing hairs like only a truly razor-sharp edge can.

Looking back, I can’t help thinking that the Dyad Jr. would have become my father-in-law’s favorite knife. Knowing how hard he used his old Pradel folders every single day, this little tool would have been love at first cut.

The Dyad Jr. doesn’t try to impress you.
It doesn’t chase trends or exotic mechanisms. It simply becomes another quiet companion, always ready to deliver outstanding cutting performance whenever you ask.
Cut after cut, it will quietly remind you that Sal Glesser had already found the answer long before the rest of us had finished arguing about the question.

Maybe that’s what the Dyad Jr. has always been about:
“Think once. Cut twice.” 😉

(I eventually found the perfect name for my Dyad Jr.: Janus. In Roman mythology, Janus is the god of gates, transitions, and duality, famously depicted with two faces looking in opposite directions. That symbolism fits the Dyad Jr. beautifully. Its twin blades represent two distinct cutting philosophies housed within a single knife, each ready for a different task. Like its namesake, the Dyad Jr. is always looking both ways—versatile, balanced, and prepared for whatever comes next.)

Folders, Review

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

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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 –Part II – Casper the Friendly Ghost ?

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You know how much I enjoy giving names to my knives.
Well, this Meerkat Sprint Run ( >>>>PART 1<<<<) is going to be called Casper.

Partly because of its very friendly personality, and partly because of its famous Phantom Lock. It seemed only fitting.

Like the friendly ghost, the Meerkat is small, harmless-looking and easy to like. It quietly disappears into a pocket, only to reappear when needed. And then, of course, there is that Phantom Lock. A lock that remains hidden, mysterious and just a little magical, even after all these years.

So yes, this Meerkat has officially become Casper the friendly folder, especially toward sheeples.

Now, as many of you know, I tend to baptize my knives the traditional Nemo way: with a little bit of my own blood.

And the Meerkat did not disappoint.

Ah ! When closing the blade with a wrist flick after disengaging the Phantom Lock, make sure your middle finger is well clear of the blade’s path.
If it isn’t, it will quickly discover that the Meerkat’s edge is less friendly than its name suggests.

The closing blade comes down like a tiny guillotine, and yes, it cuts very well.

Ask me how I know. 😉

Nothing serious, just a small nick, but it serves as a useful reminder: the Meerkat may be compact and charming, yet it is still a very sharp Spyderco.



But once you start playing with the Meerkat, several things quickly become apparent.

First, it is surprisingly fidget-friendly.

Once you get the hang of it, disengaging the Phantom Lock and flicking the blade shut with a simple wrist movement becomes second nature. It is one of those knives that invites interaction. Before you know it, you find yourself opening and closing it repeatedly just for the pleasure of the mechanism. Just keep that middle finger away !

The second thing I noticed is how enjoyable the knife is to deploy using the good old Spyder Drop.
Draw !!

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I know this opening method is no longer fashionable. Nowadays, many users prefer to flick open a tip-up folder with their index finger. But the classic Spyderco opening technique—grabbing the knife by the Round Hole and snapping the blade open with a wrist flick—works wonderfully well with the Meerkat.
The reasons are simple: tip down carry and…
The handle carries a surprising amount of weight thanks to its steel liners, full backspacer and robust construction. That extra mass gives the knife excellent momentum during deployment, making the opening feel smooth, positive and satisfying.

Another pleasant surprise is the ergonomics.
Despite its compact size, the handle comfortably accommodates all four fingers. The index finger naturally settles into the choil, while even the pinky gets its own dedicated space. The result is a grip that feels far more secure and powerful than the knife’s dimensions would suggest.

Then there is the blade.

One detail genuinely surprised me.
Looking at the blade stock thickness, the Meerkat is actually thinner than the famously thin UKPK.

Meerkat: 0.096” (2.4 mm)

UKPK: 0.098” (2.5 mm)

We’re only talking about a tenth of a millimeter, but I still found it amusing.
The UKPK has long been my benchmark for a thin, high-performance cutting blade. Yet here comes this odd little Meerkat, quietly slipping underneath it.
Perhaps that helps explain why the knife feels so eager when slicing wood, food, cardboard or just about anything else.
The Meerkat may look chunky because of its stout handle and full stainless steel liners, but the blade itself is surprisingly lean.

Like many great Spydercos, it hides its elite cutting performance in plain sight.

Its generous belly and thin geometry make it an outstanding cutter. The edge remains in contact with a cutting board through much of the cutting stroke, allowing clean and efficient slicing.

I’ll admit that, despite its tiny size, I ended up doing a surprising amount of kitchen work with it. Tomatoes, vegetables, even breaking down and portioning a chicken—the little Meerkat handled everything without complaint.

Agile in hand and eager to cut, it never feels overwhelmed.

This little knife is a genuine worker.

The textured FRN scales provide excellent traction, preventing any tendency to slip during use. Equally important, I found absolutely no blade play, either vertically or laterally. That’s reassuring on a knife whose pivot is not particularly accessible for adjustment.

In actual use, the Meerkat reveals itself as an exceptionally capable travel companion.

Low profile, discreet and easy to carry, yet remarkably efficient when called upon. Much of that comes from its relatively thick handle, which provides excellent control, while the thin, tall blade slices with a combination of precision and authority that continues to surprise me.

Small sheeple friendly folder, yes but very, very, very serious cutter.
An impeccable companion that disappears into a pocket.
Ghostlike.
Always there when called upon.
And far more capable than its size would ever suggest.

Folders, Review

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

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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® Part II – A major improvement spotted by Robin !

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One of the things I enjoy most about the Spyderco community is that there is always somebody curious enough to take a knife apart and look beyond the catalog specifications.

This time, that somebody was my friend Robin Hette.

In a recent video, Robin completely disassembled his new Para Military 2 Lightweight and discovered a couple of interesting details showing how Spyderco has refined the design his compression lock.

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The changes become apparent as soon as the knife is taken apart: the Compression Lock spring got now a longitudinal groove running down its center.
Its purpose appears straightforward: improving the spring’s lateral stability and reducing side-to-side movement during operation.

It’s a major modification possible only on a mold FRN scale.

Yet these are exactly the sort of details that reveal how seriously Spyderco treats continuous improvement.

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The scales tell a similar story.

Comparing Robin’s disassembled PM2 Lightweight with the his Para3 LW reveals noticeably less internal milling.
Spyderco has left more FRN in place on the PM2.

At first glance this may seem counterintuitive on a knife designed around weight reduction.
But rigidity matters too.

The additional material should provide greater structural stiffness while adding very little weight to the overall package.
The result is a handle that remains exceptionally light while feeling even more robust.

That philosophy of Constant Quality Improvement has defined Spyderco for decades.
Observe.
Test.
Improve.
Repeat.

Thanks to Robin’s curiosity—and willingness to completely tear down his knife—we get a rare glimpse of that process in action.

The latest PM2 Lightweight under its scales, however, it tells a familiar Spyderco story:

“Good enough has never been good enough.” 😉
So, kudos to Eric Glesser and the Spyderco team for continuing to push the envelope.

But enough about engineering. What’s the PM2 Lightweight actually like to live with?

Well, let’s just say it’s a lot more pleasant than trying to get an AI image generator to accurately reproduce a knife model from reference photos. 🙂

But…Now imagine…
It’s dark in the basement.
You’ve had a long day. You’re tired. Nothing seems to go quite as planned. You need a sharp tool. Anything !
For a moment, you think you don’t have one.
Then you remember. Your knife should be sitting in your right front pocket. Exactly where it has been all day. So light that you forgot it was there. So comfortable that it never demanded your attention until the precise moment you needed it.

A few ounces of FRN. A blade in CPM 15V. Or K390. Or MagnaCut.
It doesn’t really matter. It could be that new PM2 Lightweight Sprintrun. It could be the built-like-tank Lil’ Temperance Lightweight in K390. It could be the sleak Sage 5 Salt Lightweight in MagnaCut.

Different knives. Same philosophy. But that PM2 Lightweight pushes really the concept one step further.
No stainless steel liners. Just enough material to hold together one of the most capable folders Spyderco has ever designed.
A reliable cutting tool so light that I forget it’s there—until the moment I need it.

And that’s the whole point: the best pocket knife isn’t the one you admire all day long. It’s the one you completely forget about—right up until it does exactly what it’s supposed to do.
That’s what Lightweight means.: “When you need it, it’s already there.”

I recently used the PM2 Lightweight in a French pub to slice some rather excellent chili dry sausage on a wooden board. The pub had kindly provided a knife, of course. I didn’t use it. Instead, I reached into my pocket and pulled out the PM2 LW. Same size as the dull kitchen knife provided.
Nobody noticed that PM2 LW. Not a single glance. Not a single raised eyebrow. The sausage, however, attracted plenty of attention.

By the end of the evening, everyone had enjoyed a few slices and a few beers.
The PM2 simply returned to my pocket, unnoticed.

And somehow, that feels like the ultimate compliment for an everyday carry knife.

Mine has also been used in all condition, and for kitchen duty, my own PM2 Lightweight in CPM15V is starting to develop that beloved slight patina after processing several kilos of fresh tomatoes.
That’s perfectly normal for CPM 15V. A little discoloration is simply part of the deal.

A pocket knife that never shows signs of use is usually a pocket knife that isn’t being used enough, don’t you think ?

So far, the PM2 Lightweight has proven itself to be a reliable and faithful companion.
The color of the FRN scales on this particular version won’t appeal to everyone. Personally, I rather like it.
Combined with the stonewashed blade, it creates a surprisingly discreet package.
A kind of visual camouflage. The knife doesn’t draw attention to itself.

And that’s another quality I look for in an everyday carry knife: civilian stealth.
Not stealth in the tactical sense. Stealth in the social sense.
The ability to be perceived as a tool rather than a weapon.

A good EDC knife should solve problems, open packages, slice food, cut cardboard and occasionally rescue a stubborn piece of string.
It doesn’t need to announce its presence.

That PM2 Lightweight excels at exactly that. Despite its relatively generous blade length, it remains remarkably unthreatening in appearance. The muted gray-green handle and stonewashed finish help it blend into everyday life, where it belongs.

After all, the best EDC knife is rarely the one that attracts the most attention. It’s the one that quietly gets the job done without attracting any at all like a silent companion.

Part 1 is here:
https://nemoknivesreview.com/2026/05/09/para-military-2-lightweight-brown-cpm-15v-sprint-run-let-there-be-light-again/

Folders, Review

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

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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.

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.

Advice, Folders, Review

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

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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.

CountryEstimated 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

Six months with the Golden Child – Spyderco -C94GCBL- UK PENKNIFE™ COBALT BLUE G-10 CPM® SPY27® – The Part 2

8 Comments

I have had the chance to buy that UKPK in G10 for 100 euros in January 2025.
Since, it has been my “go to the city” favorite folder.

Sometimes replaced by the Roadie XL for a lower profile or Dredd my Urban in S90V made in Maniago and exclusive to Heinie in the UK.


The UKPK is remarkably versatile, proving itself even in woodworking. Its strong, reliable mechanism keeps it ready for anything — all while remaining fully within legal limits. Stripping vines, carving rods, scraping, cutting — it handles everything with ease. The spring “lock” never falters, and the finger choil adds an extra layer of passive safety, even if it’s rarely needed.

Its thin yet strong CPM SPY27 blade is a true joy to use on wood. In this domain, the UKPK stands out as one of Spyderco’s best hidden gems across all categories made in Golden. And if I ever had to defend myself against an animal, I believe it would perform every bit as well as the legendary Calypso (all the story here).

The tip has seen plenty of use, and all I can say is that Spyderco’s in-house SPY27 steel is extremely forgiving. You can push it hard with no damage to the edge. I’ve compared it with many of my favorite wood-cutting knives — including some specialized for woodworking — and it performs impressively in the same league.

One way I now measure the value of a pocket knife is by the pleasure I get from using it. The UKPK easily ranks among the top on my list. Strong, thin, and precise, it excels as a true “matter separator,” handling everything from everyday tasks to more demanding jobs like scraping paint.

There’s also a distinct joy in keeping the edge razor-sharp, and SPY27 has become my new favorite for that. Achieving a razor edge is a breeze. Being in the AEL-B class, it’s even easier to work on than Magnacut and is extremely leather-stropping friendly. After just a quick session on leather, SPY27 regained that legendary crisp edge — and it’s such a pleasure to use!

Hairs are flying and the convexed home made edge is shining like a mirror.
This is really part of the joy to use leather strops on a steel.

So it is a joy just to strop it again and again just to maintain this razor edge.

Then for forced push cuts, the geometry of the UKPK is just a killer.
It goes deep like a thin Opinel blade can go.

To keep the knife sharp, I’ve mostly relied on leather stropping, with occasional touch-ups on white ceramic, even after cutting cardboard, plastic, acidic food, and hard wood. The UKPK in SPY27 is a winner, offering a significant boost in edge retention and versatility. Maintaining its vorpal edge is even easier and more enjoyable than with the excellent Magnacut or LC200N versions.

It’s no wonder this steel has earned such a special place in my heart.

And I was not able to get any chipping or edge bending in six months.
It gives an hint about the high quality of the inhouse heat treatment on that inhouse steel.

Used in the plate, the SPY27’s core refused to be damaged:
no pitting, no rust, no stain. No damage on the plate ceramic too.
It a gourmet companion and a wonderful carnivorous friend.

In the kitchen, geometry-wise, the UKPK can compete with the best — for example, the Patrick Bonetta Kitchen Warrior. The G10 version is also a visual delight. I never felt “under-knifed” with my Urban, but the UKPK could easily be my one and only Spyderco. A three-inch, legal, high-performance sharp blade is a must-have for EDC, and such knives are surprisingly rare.

This is 100% Sal Glesser design. This Golden-made gem is the all-terrain pocket knife my grandfather would have dreamed of!
Hence its name The Golden Child. 😉

For an alternative you can now get The Metropolitan. Its little brother.

Advice, Folders, Review

Spyderco Chaparral C152SGY – As a main travelling knife.

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For a two-week road trip in Italy, the serrated Chaparral was my only knife. Sal Glesser’s Chaparral has been studied many times on this blog, but lately, the serrated version has become a central part of my rotation.

Why is this knife such a great traveling companion?

Friendly FRN handle: The grey FRN offers excellent grip, even with wet hands, making it comfortable and reliable in a variety of conditions.

Blade length: At less than 3 inches (71 mm), it’s easily accepted as a pocket knife. The serrations effectively add about 25 % more cutting edge, boosting performance without increasing size.

Flat and thin: Its slim profile allows it to comfortably fit in a watch pocket.

Sturdy mechanism: The hidden pin ensures zero vertical play, providing a rock-solid feel.

So this little big knife was my main cutting gear for two weeks.

I was able to open it in restaurant without to be noticed and replace the dull silverware provided.
The serrated Chap is a folding steak knife by essence.

Its thin blade is making the cuts accurate even on delicate cream croissant shared with a coffee.

One of the challenge for such a thin blade is the famous hard cheese found in Emilia-Romagna: the Parmigiano Reggiano.


Normally, Parmigiano is not “cut” — a traditional leaf-shaped short knife is stuck into it and breaks off large chunks like a wedge. That approach wasn’t a problem for the thin CTS-XHP blade of the Chaparral. It dug in deeply and, with a slight torsion, fragmented the cheese effortlessly.

Hard sausages in Tuscany can be made from deer or doe or even boar.
Again, bring a thing serrated edge to the board and it will be a success.

Pizza can be a challenge. You want to cut through all the layers without dulling the edge on the plate. Serrated edges do not dull easily in the plate. And even some knives encountered provide serrations at the end of the edge like this one:

Here the Chap near a friend’s Captain which has been used to deal with mozzarella.

It feels good to be not the only Spyderco in the village.

After two weeks with the Chaparral, I never felt “under-knifed.” It performed reliably in all conditions — rain, seashore, and forest — and remained socially unobtrusive. Its cutting power, thanks to the thin, hard CTS-XHP blade, proved that a pocket-sized chainsaw can be an essential part of any traveling kit.

After two weeks of use, the Chaparral showed no rust issues, no bent serrations, and no gritty mechanism. I simply rinsed it under the tap and let it dry in my pocket.

Even now, I don’t feel any need to resharpen the blade — the serrations are extremely difficult to dull. For a travel folder, I can confidently say: the Chaparral comes highly recommended!

If you want to see some spectacular moments from my two-week Italian road trip, I’ve released four video postcards on YouTube, all filmed and edited on the same iPhone 14 Pro that provided the photos for this article. If you enjoy them, feel free to give a thumbs up and subscribe to my Youtube channel.

https://www.youtube.com/@nemosandman