Until recently, only a few personal knife types were popular.There was the pocketknife that could be used for whittling and the multi-blade camper’s knife of the Boy Scout type.
But, in 1981, Spyderco launched their first EDC knife that was liked by millions. With their first EDC model, a whole lineup of incredible Spyderco knives was born.
With so many shapes, sizes, and styles of Spyderco knives available, choosing the best Spyderco knife that’s right for your needs can be challenging.
This guide will help you meet that challenge by guiding you through a logical process that will enable you to make the right choice the first time.
The Best Spyderco Knives Are:
Product | Details | ||
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1. Spyderco Matriarch 2 C12SBBK2W Knife | Top Pick |
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2. Spyderco Atlantic Salt C89SBK Knife |
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3. Spyderco Manbug SCMBKP-BRK Knife |
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4. Spyderco Police Model C07PS Knife |
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5. Spyderco Tenacious Value C122GBBKP Knife |
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6. Spyderco Yojimbo C85GP2 Tactical Knife |
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7. Spyderco Bug C133P Knife |
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8. Spyderco ParaMilitary 2 C81GPBK2 Knife |
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9. Spyderco Delica 4 C11FPBL Knife |
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1. Spyderco Matriarch 2 C12SBBK2W Knife — Best Product Overall
The Spyderco Matriarch 2 features the patented Emerson opener that provides remarkably faster deployment. So, this is your ultimate best personal defense edge tool.
Specs
- Emerson opening feature
- Reverse “S” blade (VG-10 stainless steel)
- Two-step serration patterns
- Black titanium carbonitride coating
- Injection-molded reinforced nylon handle
This tool features skeletonized stainless steel liners with cutouts, which are great because they give a balance of strength and weight.
The knife has an injection molded reinforced nylon handle with bi-directional texturing that provides you with a strong and comfortable grip for consistent use.
The reverse “S” blade is made of VG-10 stainless steel, which provides you with the corrosion resistance capability of stainless and hardness of carbon steel.
I really appreciate the Emerson wave feature, considering how easy it opens the blade when you draw the knife from your pocket. You can also use the thumb hole to open the blade.
But the thing is, the tip of the knife looks fragile and may possibly break if exposed to heavy use.
Pros
- Emerson opener opens the blade automatically
- Thumbhole allows for quick manual opening
- Textured FRN handle provides a strong grip
- Full serrations provide maximum cutting power
- Blade has good edge retention and corrosion resistance
Cons
- Tip of the blade is fragile and can easily break
- Pocket clip may break
Conclusion
This is a very cool tactical style knife for everyday carry. Its fast deployment feature makes it suitable for personal defense.
Overall Rating – 4.8
2. Spyderco Atlantic Salt C89SBK Knife — Best Rust Resistance
Have you been looking for a knife that has a remarkable ability to resist rust and corrosion? Spyderco Atlantic Salt is that knife.
Specs
- H-1 steel blade
- Fiberglass reinforced nylon handle
- Back lock mechanism
- Hollow grind
- Two-step serration patterns
This amazing knife is crafted from hand-forged nitrogen-based H1 steel, which is harder, tougher, and truly rust and corrosion-resistant.
The knife comes with a hollow grind blade, which has a very thin cutting edge for carving or slicing, while maintaining a fairly thick spine for strength.
The blade features a thumb hole, which allows you to use your thumb to push and open the blade in an instant.
The grip lines, sculpturing, and texturing of the fiberglass reinforced nylon handle make this knife a pleasure to hold and use.
Another good feature is the back lock design, which has a spring in the back that drops into a notch when you open the blade.
But this model may not be the best choice for personal defense because it lacks the Spyderco flagship Emerson wave feature.
Pros
- Truly rust and corrosion-proof blade
- Hollow grind blade provides superior carving and slicing
- Easy to open with a push of the thumb hole
- Strong and comfortable grip
- Back lock keeps the blade securely opened
Cons
- Doesn’t come with the Emerson wave opener
- Hollow grind edge is more prone to damage
Conclusion
The Spyderco Atlantic Salt is a great choice for first responders, divers, and mariners among other people because its rustproofing capability is impressive.
Overall Rating – 4.8
3. Spyderco Manbug SCMBKP-BRK Knife — Most Practical Folder
The founder of the brand designed the Spyderco Manbug to provide you with the most practical folder for your everyday carry.
Specs
- Overall length of 4.47 inches
- Blade length of 1.97 inches
- VG-10 steel blade
- Full flat grind edge
- Fiberglass reinforced nylon handle
The blade is flat ground and it’s made from VG-10, which is great because you get a good cutting performance, edge retention, and corrosion resistance.
The FRN handle is big enough, has great texture, and it’s ergonomically shaped for a consistent three finger grip when cutting or sticking.
I am particularly impressed by the full flat grind of the blade because it is not only easy to sharpen, but it also slices deeply with negligible friction.
Another good feature is the plain edge, which you can maintain its sharpness with just a few minutes of work and no special equipment is required.
But the thing is, the edges of the deployment hole are way too sharp for my liking out of the box. You will need a diamond rod to smoothen the edges.
Pros
- Good grip with superior traction
- Full flat grind blade slices deeply and smoothly
- Plain edge blade is easy to sharpen
- Lanyard hole allows you to attach a lanyard
- Back lock is strong and secure
Cons
- Edges of the deployment hole may be too sharp for some people
- Could be better with a thumb stud
Conclusion
This is a gentleman’s knife that’s designed to provide practical cutting performance for most of your everyday chores. You might just have to smoothen out the edges of the deployment hole.
Overall Rating – 4.8
4. Spyderco Police Model C07PS Knife — Best Premium Stainless Handle
Originally designed for the law enforcement officers, the Spyderco Police Model has a slim profile, it’s easy to carry, and extremely easy to deploy.
Specs
- Overall length of 9.44 inches
- Blade length of 4.15 inches
- VG-10 steel blade
- Stainless steel handle
- Four-position carry clip
This great police model features a premium stainless steel handle, which isn’t just rust-resistant, but also lightweight and easy to control.
It is fitted with a VG-10 stainless steel blade with a swedge grind at the tip, providing you with a very sleek design that’s very good for sticking.
I really appreciate the partially serrated edge, which is great for cutting fibrous materials like rope in a survival situation or seat belts in an accident.
Another good feature is the Spyderco mid lock mechanism with a unique detent, which makes it very easy to locate the lock and close it safely.
There are a few criticisms I have on this model, though. First, the fit and finish aren’t entirely incredible. Second, this model is made in Japan.
Pros
- Premium stainless handle is rust proof
- Has a comfortable grip with no sharp edges
- Swedge grind tip is incredible for sticking
- Serrated edge is good for cutting fibrous materials
- Mid lock mechanism closes easily and safely
Cons
- Fit and finish may not be impressive for some users
- Made in Japan and not USA
Conclusion
The Spyderco Police Model is the everyday carry knife you need for all your daily cutting jobs. You just have to make sure that the fit and finish are up to your standards.
Overall Rating – 4.8
5. Spyderco Tenacious Value C122GBBKP Knife — Most Secure Grip
As the name suggests, this knife is tenacious, cohesive, and persistent. Its quality, performance, and durability are truly impressive.
Specs
- 77-inch overall length
- 39-inch blade
- 8Cr13Mov stainless steel blade
- G-10 laminate handle
- 4-position pocket clip
The knife blade is built with 8Cr13MoV stainless steel, which is not incredibly premium, but it resists corrosion, super easy to sharpen, and easy to maintain.
The blade has a full flat grind running from the spine to the edge that gives it a very fine edge ideal for most cutting applications.
The good design qualities of this model become apparent at the G-10 laminate handle, which is ergonomically designed for fatigue-free and consistent cutting performance.
I really appreciate the combination of the 4-way pocket clip and Walker liner lock, considering how easy it is to set the knife in different draw and carry positions.
The design is great, but the quality of the pocket clip is not incredible because it requires repeated tightening or a thread locker.
Pros
- Has a good edge holding blade
- Fatigue-free handle design
- Skeletonized steel liners increase rigidity
- Flat grind provides a very sharp edge
- Multiple draw and carry positions
Cons
- Pocket clip design isn’t very incredible
- Possible to receive a fake product
Conclusion
This knife is a joy to use and it would be a perfect tool to keep with you throughout the day. Not to mention that it is a really versatile option.
Overall Rating – 4.7
6. Spyderco Yojimbo C85GP2 Tactical Knife — Best Tactical Knife
If you are looking for an ergonomic, easy to deploy, razor-sharp tactical knife, look no further than the Spyderco Yojimbo.
Specs
- 55-inch overall length
- CPM S30V steel
- Hollow grind blade
- G-10 handle design
- 4-position clip
The knife blade takes advantage of Spyderco proprietary composite blade technology that uses CPM S30V steel for uniform strength and wear.
The handle is ergonomically refined with G-10 scales and natural contours, which is great because this ensures positive control and maximum surface contact.
I really appreciate the hollow ground blade with its straight cutting edge, considering how effectively it transfers power to the tip for optimal performance.
This edge tool also features nested stainless steel liners, which is great because they form the spine of the knife and they provide structural strength.
What seems off for me about this knife is the slightly hidden position of the thumb hole, which makes quick deployments in high-stress situations a challenge.
Pros
- Blade has uniform strength and wear
- Natural contours provide a strong grip
- Hollow ground blade generates maximum cutting power
- Stainless steel liners improve structural strength
- Highly versatile 4-position pocket clip
Cons
- Thumbhole is poorly positioned
- Could be better with thumb studs
Conclusion
The hollow ground blade of the Spyderco Yojimbo is super strong, sharp, and easy to maneuver, especially in personal defense situations.
Overall Rating – 4.7
7. Spyderco Bug C133P Knife — Smallest Design
Are you looking for the smallest knife that is super easy to conceal? Look no further than the Spyderco Bug C133P.
Specs
- 2-2/7-inch overall length
- 1-1/8-inch cutting edge
- 3Cr13MoV blade steel
- Stainless steel handle
- Full flat grind
The blade of this little knife is made from 3Cr13MoV steel, which is great because this material has good hardness, edge retention, and damage resistance.
The handle is made of stainless steel that contains a small amount of chromium, making it extremely strong, corrosion-resistant, and durable.
I really appreciate the full flat grind blade that runs from the bottom edge to the spine, considering how easy it is to sharpen the edge.
You can effortlessly open the blade by pushing it outwards with the round thumb hole. This allows for swift one-handed operation.
But the thing is, the flat grind has a lot of material removed, which means the blade sacrifices edge durability for sharpness.
Pros
- Super small and super easy to conceal
- Fast, safe, one-handed deployment
- Holds the edge pretty well and it’s easy to sharpen
- Stainless steel handle is highly corrosion resistant
- Lanyard hole can be used as a key chain accessory
Cons
- Edge durability isn’t incredible
- May be extremely small for some users
Conclusion
This little knife is impressively sharp and extremely easy to deploy. But I wish it had superior edge durability.
Overall Rating – 4.7
8. Spyderco ParaMilitary 2 C81GPBK2 Knife — Most Ergonomic Handle
The Spyderco ParaMilitary 2 is a high-quality everyday carry knife that comes with a very ergonomic handle and a blade that is good at holding the edge.
Specs
- Overall length of 8.24 inches
- 42-inch CPM S30V steel blade
- Textured G-10 handle
- Compression lock
- 4-position pocket clip
The Para Military 2 comes equipped with a blade that is crafted from CPM S30V steel, which is a premium material with impressive corrosion resistance and edge holding capabilities.
The knife has a thin profile handle with textured G-10 scales that have quad-hold configuration with extra knurling for a strong and comfortable grip.
I really appreciate the compression lock with its leaf-like spring mechanism, considering how easy it is to use and the extreme lock strength it provides.
Another good feature of this amazing edge tool is the 4-position clip, which means you have four different orientations for carrying the knife.
But the quality of the product isn’t 100% because there is a possibility of receiving a model with stripped out pocket clip screws.
Pros
- Blade has remarkable rustproof capability
- Its edge holding capacity is amazing
- Compression lock provides extreme locking strength
- Four-way clip offers multiple carry orientations.
- Textured grip is strong and non-slip
Cons
- May come with threaded clip screws
- Possible to receive a fake or wrong product
Conclusion
Its superior blade quality and ergonomic handle design make it the perfect EDC knife for outdoor use. But be on the lookout for a fake model.
Overall Rating – 4.7
9. Spyderco Delica 4 C11FPBL Knife — Great Ergonomic Design Too
Like all the other Spyderco knives I have owned and used, the Spyderco Delica 4 is an outstanding option that comes with some amazing features for the money.
Specs
- Overall length of 7-7.10 inches
- Blade length of 2.75-2.9 inches
- VG-10 stainless steel blade
- Back lock mechanism
- High strength FRN handle
The Spyderco Delica 4 has a VG-10 stainless steel blade, which means the blade has outstanding rust resistance and edge holding capabilities.
I really like the high strength FRN handle, given the fact that the fiberglass reinforced nylon scales improve strength and grip.
The flat grind blade has an evenly grounded edge from the back to the front and from the heel to the point, making it sturdy and easy to sharpen.
Another amazing feature that tells you how great this knife is the back lock mechanism, which is one of the strongest knife locks on the market.
My main concern is the craftsmanship of the thumb hole, which is a bit sharp along its perimeter. The sharp perimeter can easily cut you.
Pros
- Blade has good rust resistance
- Maintains sharpness even after repeated use
- FRN handle has a strong and comfortable grip
- Flat grind blade is extremely easy to sharpen
- Pocket clip can be installed on either side of the handle
Cons
- Perimeter of the thumb hole is a bit sharp
- It’s easy to receive a defective model
Conclusion
This knife is built to handle all your everyday cutting chores. Not to mention that its ergonomic handle allows for consistent hand placement.
Overall Rating – 4.7
Buying Guide: What To Consider When Buying A Spyderco Knife
If you’re really looking for a Spyderco model that you’re going to hang onto a long time, then you need to do a little bit of homework to find the best Spyderco knife for your needs.
There are a few key considerations that separate one Spyderco knife from the other. Such as the blade design, right and left-handedness, and pocket carry among others.
Right Or Left Handed Design
This is a point of argument among knife users. Those who can use both of their hands effectively see no difference, but those who rely on one hand more than the other see the difference.
Right or left-handedness has everything to do with the locking mechanism. Some Spyderco lock mechanisms, such as the liner lock are usually built with a right-hand bias, making them easier for right-handed users to operate.
There aren’t many left-handed liners locks produced. So, many left-handed people have learned to adapt to right-handed knives. An easier solution is to choose a locking mechanism that can be operated equally well with either hand.
These lock mechanisms are completely ambidextrous, making them ideal for users who prefer the advantage of being able to operate the knife equally well with either hand.
One-Handed Operation
One very desirable feature that the best Spyderco knife must have is the capability to open the blade using only one hand. Typically, this is provided through a handle that offers traction for the thumb to manually rotate the blade to the open position.
The deployment mechanism may involve a thumb stud, disc, or hole. One of the defining characteristics of the modern Spyderco knives is the thumb hole deployment mechanism. But the thing is, not all thumb holes are designed expertly.
In fact, during my research and tests, I found out that some thumb holes have sharp edges along the perimeter. For the thumb hole deployment to work, your thumb has to be in contact with the hole, but this will not be possible if the hole has sharp edges.
What About The Carry Position?
To ensure your knife is accessible when you need it, you should also consider the carry position. Most Spyderco knives can be true pocket knives and easy to carry in the pocket. But for superior accessibility and better use of your pocket, I recommend a pocket clip.
First introduced and popularized by Spyderco, a pocket clip allows you to carry your knife to the top of your pocket where it is instantly accessible when needed. Your preference of right or left-handed carry will also influence your choice of pocket clip carry.
Tip up means the point of the closed knife faces upward when you carry it in your pocket. On a well-designed knife, this allows you to draw and open the knife without having to adjust your grip on the handle.
Tip down means the point of the closed blade faces downward when carried. This style of carry needs a slight grip adjustment after you have drawn the knife, but it’s more comfortable for some users.
If you want the best of both worlds, you can choose a Spyderco knife with a four-position clip that supports tip up and tip down carry on both the left and right sides. Also, the four-way clip provides you with four different orientations for carrying your knife.
Blade Design
The performance of a Spyderco knife is mainly determined by the blade design, especially the grind of the blade. There are quite a few blade grinds that come with folding knives, such as:
- Full flat grind
- Hollow grind
- Taper grind
- Swedge grind
- Centerline grind
- False edge grind
- Scandinavian grind
- High flat grind
- Convex grind
- Chisel grind
- Asymmetrical grind
- Compound bevel grind
The most popular ones used by Spyderco are hollow grind and full flat grind.
A full flat grind has a single bevel running from the spine of the knife to the edge. This makes the knife very sharp and gives it a very fine edge that’s ideal for slicing.
But the edge of a full flat grind is also very fragile, not unless you choose a knife blade that is reinforced with a micro bevel layer.
This type of edge may not be ideal for heavy use, such as cutting hard materials. It can also be challenging to maintain the bevel when sharpening because of the concavity of the blade.
Blade Material
Another important part of the blade is the material. The most popular blade materials used by Spyderco are:
- H-1 Steel: This is an austenitic stainless steel, which has remarkable rust and corrosion resistance capabilities. But the wear resistance of this material is a bit low because of its lack of carbides.
- VG-10 steel is a good quality knife blade material. It is revered in the knife industry, especially by Spyderco because of its excellent edge holding capabilities. It also doesn’t wear easily due to its high carbon content.
- 8Cr13MoV Steel: This is a martensitic stainless steel that is high in chromium and low in carbon. This material is super easy to sharpen and easy to maintain. But it is not entirely impervious to rust and corrosion.
- CPM S30V Steel: This is a martensitic stainless steel, which is considered a premium material. This material has a good composition of carbon, vanadium, chromium, and molybdenum. So, it has great edge retention, corrosion resistance, and durability.
- 3Cr13MoV Steel: This is a martensitic stainless steel with great cutting performance. Its edge holding capabilities are great.
Edge Style
Another aspect of blade selection when choosing a Spyderco knife is the choice of edge style. It can be a plain edge, serrated edge, or a combination of the two.
A plain edge cuts cleanly and works wonders for all your cutting tasks as long as you keep it sharp and properly maintained.
The serrated edge was first introduced to folding knives by Spyderco in 1981. It cuts very aggressively, making it ideal for cutting fibrous materials like webbing, rope, and seat belts.
A combination of a plain edge and a serrated edge provides a balance of these two qualities, providing a section of serrations near the heel of the blade and a plain edge near the tip.
Final Thoughts
We have a winner for this roundup, and it is the Spyderco Matriarch 2 C12SBBK2W Knife. A knife designed for practical performance.
When compared to other edge tools in the Spyderco lineup, this model stands out with its incredible deployment, full serration edge, back lock, hollow grind, and easy carry clip.
The VG-10 blade has excellent edge retention compared to most blade materials on the market. The full serration edge makes this knife a great choice for rescue and survival situations.
What is truly incredible about this Spyderco knife is the thumbhole design, back lock mechanism, and pocket clip, which are all suited for both left and right-handed users.