On top of making some great EDC knives, Spyderco is known for making specialty knives for specific tasks -- whether it's the Whale Rescue Blade made only for rescuing whales or the serrated Jumpmaster made for the U.S. Army's 82nd Airborne Division jumpmasters.
But, as a complete self-defense tool, the Spyderco Civilian is probably the most specialized folding knife in the company's lineup.
Spyderco was first approached by a specialized branch of U.S. law enforcement to make a last-ditch knife for plain-clothes officers in the field. It wasn't supposed to be a martial arts tool, but something anyone could use if necessary.
So the team at Spyderco accepted the challenge and delivered with the Civilian.
The ferocity of the knife begins with the curvy reverse "S" blade covered from ricasso to tip with serrations. The patented SpyderEdge pattern increases the cutting surface by up to 24 percent. When used in a dire situation, the grabby blade won't fail you.
Made of VG-10 stainless steel, the blade boasts the easy-to-use Round Hole for quick, one-handed engagement. A backlock prevents accidental closure.
Although this is a knife you hopefully never have to use, the Civilian's handle is comfortable to hold and provides enough grip from the G-10 material to keep it securely in your hand.
A two-position, right carry pocket clip allows for discreet carry.
Specifications | |
Blade Color | Silver/gray |
Blade Edge | Serrated |
Blade Material | Stainless steel (vg-10) |
Country of Origin | Japan |
Handle Color | Black |
Handle Material | G-10 |
Knife Type | Folding |
Lock Type | Back lock |
Pocket Clip Include | True |
Point | Hawkbill |
Quick! List the most respected and innovative knife companies you can think of. If you know anything about knives, Spyderco is somewhere near the top. Spyderco Inc. makes some of the most unique and downright bizarre knife designs you'll see on the market, but from the number of passionate fans discussing, debating, and learning everything they can about Spyderco knives, it's clear that the company has done something right.
From the Glesser Family and the Spyderco Crew:
Since starting Spyderco we've been told our knives are different, peculiar, even out there. All true. Thinking beyond established knife industry barriers allowed us to introduce new and radical innovations to the knife culture including: One-hand opening, serrations on a folder and a clip to attach a knife to a pocket.
We didn't go into business to rake in a mountain of dough we're here for more selfish reasons- indulging our passion for creating knives. Spyderco is definitely out of the norm in the knife industry in our dedication to researching and developing fresh, improved and better performing materials all with function and reliability being key.
Someone once said to Sal Glesser, Spyderco's owner, 'You must design in the dark because your knives look so strange.' True again. Our recognizable appearance is a result of designing ergonomic functional tools rather than applying lipstick and nylons to a pocketknife. We may look curious, homely, whatever, but we'll never be called unusable or undependable.
Making knives that consistently deliver reliable high-performance requires an ongoing commitment to testing. In our million-dollar testing facility we examine edge retention with a CATRA machine, look for rust development with Q-FOG, check the force needed to open and close a knife. We also repeatedly test for stress, wear, optimal heat-treating and actively search for higher quality, performance enhancing steels and materials.
As a customer you probably don't think about this, or much care, but it allows us to put forth a promise. When you purchase a Spyderco you are buying a high-quality reliable cutting tool designed and manufactured for peak performance and ergonomic comfort. Those Who Know Carry Spyderco.