Spyderco Knives

About Spyderco knives

Spyderco, Inc. began its journey in Golden, Colorado in 1976. Founded by husband and wife Sal and Gail Glesser, the company first entered the market with the Tri-Angle Sharpmaker sharpeners, quickly earning a reputation for its commitment to both form and function.

In 1981, Spyderco introduced its first knife, the C01 Worker. This model pioneered innovative features like the round hole for one-handed opening, a pocket clip for convenient carry, and a serrated edge for enhanced cutting performance, setting the standard for modern folding knives.

Spyderco knives are meticulously crafted to meet diverse operational requirements, such as everyday carry (EDC), tactical use, outdoor survival, and rescue operations. They feature materials like CPM-S45VN and CPM-MagnaCut steel for strength, edge retention, and corrosion resistance.

What are the different types of Spyderco knives?

Spyderco offers the following types of knives:

Folding knives

Spyderco folding knives are built for convenience and reliability, often used by outdoor enthusiasts and professionals alike. Timeless models, such as the iconic Spyderco Native (Lil Native, Native Chief, Native 5) and Spyderco's Value folders (e.g., Spyderco Persistence), are known for their robust design and high-quality materials, perfect for those looking for a versatile, dependable blade.

Check out our full collection of folding knives.

Pocket knives

Designed for easy daily carry, Spyderco pocket knives combine compact size with excellent cutting power. These knives feature innovative designs like the round thumb hole for one-handed opening, a signature feature of the Spyderco brand.

Fixed blade knives

Spyderco’s fixed blade knives offer dependable performance in outdoor or tactical scenarios. These knives are crafted to withstand tough conditions, making them ideal for hunting, survival, and other demanding applications.

Browse our complete selection of fixed blade knives from top brands.

Kitchen knives

Spyderco’s kitchen knives bring the brand’s commitment to quality and functionality into the culinary world. Made with high-performance steel, such as VG10 and VG2, these knives are designed to provide precision and ease in food preparation.

Sporting knives

Tailored for sporting and outdoor adventures, Spyderco’s sporting knives are durable and reliable, meeting the needs of avid hunters, fishers, and other outdoor enthusiasts.

Check out our collection of premium automatic knives.

Rescue and specialty knives

Crafted for tactically oriented end users, Spyderco’s rescue and specialty knives offer specialized features like blunt-tipped blades and serrated edges, making them essential tools for emergency and rescue professionals.

Why are Spyderco knives considered one of the best performing cutting tools?

One of the standout features of Spyderco knives is their exceptional quality. Every Spyderco knife is meticulously crafted with the highest quality materials, including premium blade steels and durable handle materials.

Whether you're looking for a folding knife or a fixed blade, Spyderco has a wide range of options to suit your needs.

What makes Spyderco a great pocket knife?

Spyderco has some of the most popular everyday carry knives on the market. Their utilitarian designs make them hard to resist—it wouldn't surprise us if they hardly ever leave your pocket.

These compact knives are ultra-convenient for daily use—they're small and can be carried in your pocket or on your keychain. Plus, they're built to last, with strong locking mechanisms and durable build quality that ensures they can handle even the toughest tasks.

A hallmark of Spyderco knives is their distinctive design and exceptional performance. The brand's commitment to using only the best materials and manufacturing techniques means that their knives are incredibly sharp and reliable, making them ideal for a wide range of tasks.

The blade

The blade is the heart of any knife, and Spyderco knives are no exception. They are known for their exceptional sharpness, durability, and precision. Each blade is crafted from high-grade materials, including premium steels—LC200N, CPM-S30V, CTS-PD#1, K390, VG-10, CPM-SPY27, CPM-S90V, CPM-MagnaCut, CPM-S45VN, CPM-S35VN, and more—to ensure maximum performance and longevity.

Spyderco also offers plain edge, serrated, and combo edge blades.

The handle

Another important consideration is the handle material. Spyderco offers a range of options, including G-10, carbon fiber, titanium, and FRN. Each material has its own advantages, so it's worth considering which works best for your needs.

• G-10: A fiberglass-based laminate known for its durability and lightweight properties. It provides excellent grip, even in wet conditions, making it a popular choice for tactical and everyday carry knives.

• Carbon fiber: Lightweight yet extremely strong material that offers a unique, textured appearance. It's often preferred for its strength-to-weight ratio, though it can be pricier.

• Titanium: Exceptionally strong, corrosion-resistant, and lightweight. It adds a premium feel to the knife and is highly durable—ideal for users who need a reliable handle that can withstand heavy use.

• Fiberglass reinforced nylon (FRN): A highly durable but very cost-effective thermoplastic material reinforced with glass fiber that’s virtually unbreakable under normal use. Found on many of Spyderco's most popular models like the Delica, Endura, and lightweight versions of various knives, FRN has become a cornerstone material for Spyderco, allowing them to offer high-performance knives at more accessible price points.

Are Spyderco knives worth it?

Whether you're a professional who relies on a knife for work or simply someone who values a well-crafted tool, a Spyderco knife is an investment worth making.

Spyderco's distinctive design is instantly recognizable and sets it apart from the competition. The signature hole in the blade enables easy one-handed opening, making these knives exceptionally user-friendly and practical.

What is the best Spyderco pocket knife?

The “best” Spyderco pocket knife depends on your needs and preferences. Popular options include the Spyderco Paramilitary 2 for its durability and versatility, and the Spyderco Sage 5, which offers excellent functionality in a compact design. Both models are well-loved for their reliability, ergonomic design, and quality blade performance.

Where are Spyderco knives made?

Spyderco knives are manufactured in various locations, including the United States, Japan, and Taiwan.

What is the most popular Spyderco model?

The Spyderco Paramilitary 2 is one of the brand’s most popular models, known for its durability, ergonomic design, and versatile blade. Other well-loved models include the Manix 2, Delica, Native, Tenacious series, Sage series, and Chaparral, each offering unique features suited to various preferences and uses.

What is the difference between Spyderco and other knife brands?

Spyderco stands out for its innovative designs, such as the unique “Spyder Hole” for easy one-handed opening, and its dedication to high-performance materials. Spyderco pocket and folding knives are crafted with functionality, ergonomics, and longevity in mind, setting them apart from other brands in the knife industry.

How do I choose a Spyderco pocket knife?

Choosing a Spyderco pocket knife depends on your intended use. If you need a compact, lightweight option for everyday tasks, the Delica 4 or Dragonfly might be ideal. For a more robust knife, the Paramilitary 2 or Manix 2 offer additional strength and reliability.

Are Spyderco knives good for everyday carry?

Yes, many Spyderco knives are excellent for everyday carry. Models like the Delica 4, Paramilitary 2, and Tenacious are popular EDC choices due to their reliable blade performance, ease of use, and convenient size for pocket carry.

Where can I find Spyderco knives on sale?

Find Spyderco knives on sale at Northwest Knives, a trusted retailer of high-quality, premium knives. We offer a wide selection of Spyderco knives, from folding knives, pocket knives, and even sporting knives.

In addition to Spyderco, we also carry other top knife brands, such as Benchmade, Microtech, Boker, Toor Knives, Chris Reeve, and Guardian Tactical.

For more information, reach out via this contact form, and we'll get back to you within 24-48 hours. For urgent inquiries, call 208-884-8626.