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Spyderco Knives
Few companies can claim to have redefined an entire industry. Spyderco is one of them. Founded by Sal and Gail Glesser in 1976 and headquartered in Golden, Colorado, Spyderco introduced innovations that literally shaped the modern folding knife—features so fundamental that it is difficult to imagine EDC without them.
In 1981, Spyderco released the C01 Worker, a knife that introduced three industry-changing elements: the Trademark Round Hole for one-handed opening, the pocket clip for convenient carry, and a serrated edge option. Before Spyderco, pocket knives lived at the bottom of your pocket, requiring two hands to open. The Round Hole changed that. Larger than a thumb stud and free of protruding hardware, it allows fast, ambidextrous deployment with a simple thumb roll or the now-famous "Spydie Flick." The pocket clip, meanwhile, repositioned the knife at the top of the pocket for immediate access—a feature now standard across the industry. These patents helped define the form of the modern folding knife and earned Sal Glesser induction into the Blade Magazine Cutlery Hall of Fame in 2000.
Engineering That Performs
Spyderco's reputation rests on substance, not aesthetics. Their designs prioritize ergonomics, cutting geometry, and materials over visual polish. The full-flat grinds common across the lineup slice efficiently through a wide range of materials, while textured G-10 and FRN handles provide secure grip in wet or demanding conditions. Finger choils and thumb ramps offer precision control for detailed tasks, and the generous Round Hole remains accessible even with gloved hands.
The Compression Lock, a Spyderco-patented mechanism, exemplifies this engineering-first approach. Found on models like the Paramilitary 2, Para 3, and Shaman, the Compression Lock wedges a leaf-like spring between the blade tang and stop pin, providing exceptional lock strength while allowing safe, one-handed closing without placing fingers in the blade path. It has become one of the most respected locking mechanisms in the industry.
Blade Steel Innovation
Spyderco's obsession with blade steel dates back four decades. When most manufacturers were content with readily available stainless options, Spyderco pushed for higher-carbon alloys that offered superior edge retention. They were among the first to bring powder metallurgy steels to production knives, introducing CPM-S30V and later steels like S90V, Maxamet, and ZDP-189 to mainstream knife users. Their Salt series pioneered the use of H-1 and LC200N for rust-proof performance in marine environments.
In 2020, Spyderco took steel innovation a step further by partnering with Crucible Industries to develop CPM-SPY27—a proprietary particle metallurgy stainless steel exclusive to Spyderco. The "27" references cobalt's atomic number, a key alloying element that increases strength and hardness while accentuating the positive properties of vanadium, niobium, and nitrogen in the formula. SPY27 delivers a balance of edge retention, corrosion resistance, and toughness optimized specifically for Spyderco's American-made production, and it has since appeared across models including the Paramilitary 2, Para 3, Native 5, Manix 2, and Shaman.
Iconic Models
The Spyderco catalog spans everything from compact keychain knives to full-size tactical folders, but certain models have achieved legendary status.
The Paramilitary 2 distills the performance of Spyderco's full-size Military into a more compact, everyday-friendly package. Featuring the Compression Lock, a full-flat-ground blade in CPM-S45VN or SPY27, nested steel liners, and a four-position pocket clip, the PM2 has become one of the most popular folding knives ever produced. The Para 3 takes the same proven formula and scales it down further for those who prefer a shorter blade length without sacrificing cutting performance.
The Shaman offers a larger, more robust option with sculpted G-10 handles and a spear-point blade profile suited to harder use. The Native series delivers American-made quality in a traditional lockback format with premium steel options. The Manix 2, with its ball-bearing lock, provides exceptional grip security and smooth deployment. The Delica and Endura remain staples—lightweight, affordable, and available in an ever-expanding range of steel and handle configurations.
Collaborations and Sprint Runs
Spyderco pioneered the concept of production collaborations with custom knife makers, working with designers like Bob Terzuola, Michael Walker, and Sal's son Eric Glesser to bring custom-level design to factory-made knives. This tradition continues today across dozens of collaboration models.
Sprint runs and dealer exclusives keep the catalog fresh for collectors and enthusiasts. These limited-production variants feature unique blade steels, handle materials, and color combinations that are produced once and never repeated. DLT Trading regularly carries sprint runs and exclusives, offering Spyderco fans access to configurations unavailable through standard production.
Why Spyderco
Spyderco remains family-owned and operated, with Sal, Gail, and Eric Glesser continuing to guide the company's direction. That independence allows them to prioritize quality and innovation over quarterly profits—to discontinue models when materials no longer meet their standards and to pursue designs with limited commercial appeal but significant contribution to knife evolution. Every Round Hole, every Compression Lock, every steel innovation points back to a founding principle: to build high-performance cutting tools that deliver unmatched function in the hands of those who use them.