Spyderco 2023 Prototypes Page Update

I finally got around to updating my Prototypes page, with the new 2023 production samples that were shown at the 2023 Amsterdam Meet. The Prototypes page features all the Spyderco prototypes I was allowed to photograph and share since 2006.

2023 – Spyderco Production Samples

Military 2, Native Chief Lightweight, Stretch 2 XL Nishijin

Para Military 2 Salt, SpyOpera Sprint Run, Lil’ Native Wharncliffe

MicroJimbo, Lil’ Native Lightweight, Manbug Leaf

Counter Critter, SharpKeeper

Manbug Leaf – Spyderco Design Production Sample 2023

The Manbug will be offered in a leaf shape blade, after customer demand for this blade style option of the Manbug. It basically is a micro-version of the double distal triangle blade shape that Spyderco is known for. 

Specifications

Closed: 2.51 inch / 64 mm
Overall: 4.46 inch / 113 mm
Blade: 1.95 inch / 49 mm
Edge: 1.72 inch / 44 mm
Thickness: 0.098 inch / 2.5 mm
Steel: VG-10
Weight:  0.78 oz / 22 g
Grind: Full-flat
Lock: Back Lock
Handle: FRN
Origin: Japan

I have no information on pricing or release dates.

Spyderco 2017 Production Sample – Manbug Sheepfoot

I’m a sucker for Ladybugs, Jesters and the Manbug. So this salt version of the Manbug with a sheepfoot blade is a no-brainer. The tag at the meet said Manbug Sheepfoot, so I’m going with that, even though the catalog lists it as both the Manbug Salt and Manbug Rescue Salt. Whatever the name, this little folder is a must-have for me!

Specifications
Overall Length:  11,2 cm / 4.40  inches
Blade Length: 4,8 cm / 1.90 inches
Blade Thickness: 2,5 mm / 0.09 inches
Weight: 23 grams / 0.8 ounces

SHOT Show 2017 – New Knives from Spyderco

Last week, I visited the SHOT Show in Las Vegas and I got a closer look at some of Spyderco’s new knives for 2017. With Spyderco permission, I used my trusty pocket camera to take some close-up footage of the following knives, in order of appearance:

• FB39GP Sustain
• C187CFP2 Rubicon 2
• FB35SBK ARK Serrated
• C215GP EuroEdge
• C170BBKP Karahawk All Black
• C205GFBLP Lil’ Lum Chinese Folder Blue Nishijin (Sprint Run)
• C217GS Caribbean Leaf & C217GP2 Caribbean Sheepsfoot
• C90PBK2 Stretch 2 FRN
• C69GP3 Lil’ Temperance 3
• MYLS Manbug Rescue Salt
• C11FPWCBK Delica 4 Lightweight Wharnecliffe
• C224GP Lil’ Sub-Hilt

2017 will be another great year for my Spyderco collection and carry rotation! I’m really looking forward to many of the new releases. Judging from brief handling, the new designs that stood out for me were the Lil’ Temperance 3 (great handling and feel, reminiscent of the original), the EuroEdge (impressive grinds and gorgeous handle), Lil’ Lum with blue nishijin scales (the classy colorful handle really makes this a ‘true’ gent’s folder, much better than black G-10) and the Lil’ Sub-Hilt (don’t care much for its bigger brother, but I really like the blade grind, heft and compact size of this one). I’m sure I’ll wind up with a serrated ARK, Wharnecliffe Delica 4, Manbug Rescue Salt and FRN Stretch 2 as well though.  You know how that goes, right?

And in case anyone wonders, I don’t have any information on release dates or pricing. Thanks for watching!

Spyderco keychain knives: Jester & Manbug

Spyderco is making some fine premium keychain knives these days, like this sprint runt grey G10 Jester and regular production G10 Manbug. They are almost too nice to put on you keychain. Lucky for me, I don’t put them on my keychain I put them on a Victorinox Classic and carry them in my watch pocket. I highly recommend this knife/tool combo. This ‘watch pocket tool combo’ has worked very well for me over the past ten years.

When 9/11 caused security checkpoints and a fear of anything edged to spread like wildfire, I had to find an alternative to the Spyderco Ladybug on my keychain. I figured I would simply combine my other bladed keychain tool with my Spyderco Ladybug and carry it in the watch pocket of my pants. That way I can easily take off any blades I carry and never forget it’s on my keychain. After going through many micro-multitools, I settled on the Victorinox Classic. I settled on the Victorinox Classic and similar models, because they contain all the tools I could possibly need in an average day (and even many non-average days). It is a very compact and carry-friendly tool. I don’t need pliers or a can opener in my pocket, but on many occasions I have needed tweezers, a toothpick, nail file and scissors. I also like the fact that these tiny Swiss tools complement the grip of the Ladybug/Manbug like it was made for my hands. They are also very affordable and they come in many colors and variations.

The blade length on the Jester and Manbug is identical, but both micro-folders ‘feel’ completely different. The thicker Manbug easily feels like it is more of a ‘real knife’ than the lightweight Jester. They both cut equally well so far. Not that this means much coming from me. I consider the Ladybug/Jester/Manbug as back-up folders to my primary utility folder, or when I need to use a knife in front of some hostile non-knife people (NKP). These small cutters are only used to cut the occasional thread or opening a package etc… So these little knives don’t see much actual use in my collection, I do carry one every day and feel naked without them though. And if I had to, I wouldn’t mind having to use a Manbug & Victorinox combo as my only pocketknife.

Spyderco 2011 Prototype – Manbug

The Manbug looks like an oversized ladybug. I’m a big fan of the Ladybug, it’s probably the design I carry the most, since it’s always part of my EDC. The Manbug seems to big for keychain carry, to me at least. However, I think it fits nicely in a neck sheath or pocket carry. The ergos are nice, but –as with the ladybug- I would still attach something to the lanyard hole to improve overall grip and handling. I have Ti capsule that fits one CR123 battery that could fit very nicely to the Manbug. Personally I’d go for the polished G10 handle. The Manbug should be a very functional pocket knife you could use among even the most critical non-knife people. This one’s definitely on my wish list.