Your average Spyderco pocket knife certainly isn’t cheap. High demand and brand prestige have seen to that. But what is behind the value of Spyderco knives, and are they worth the price?

That is a question that’s highly subjective. They might be to you, or they might not, but they’re also not run of the mill pocket knives and are highly unique.

Here are some of the features that drive performance and value in Spyderco knives.

Beyond Handle Scales

Many Spyderco pocket knives are made with G10 and FRN scales; nothing unique there. It’s in what Spyderco does with the scale texture that’s so interesting.

Some of their knives sport scales made with “bi-directional” texturing that, according to them, affords a solid grip, even in adverse conditions - such as when the user’s hands are wet or greasy.

The Unique Blade Profile

While there is variety in Spyderco pocket knife blade profiles, most of them are leaf shaped. This creates a very wide blade near the base with a fairly aggressive taper near the point.

It also reinforces the point, making these blades useful for sliding and prying (don’t tell anyone you saw that in writing), yielding a point that is less likely to snap off.

Aggressive Thumb Ramps

Most quality pocket knives are jimped on the spine, and some have thumb ramps, but Spydero elevates this to an art form.

Few knives have thumb ramps that are so aggressive or so ergonomic. The sharply indented thumb ramps at the base of Spyderco spines allow for great control and precision rivalled by few other models currently on the market.

Naturally Ambidextrous Thumb Holes (Spydie Holes)

The thumb holes of a Spyderco pocket knife, which fans call “Spydie holes” are the brand’s unmistakable calling card.

It’s not just looks, either. These ergonomic thumb holes enable easy deployment with either hand, favoring neither right nor left-handed users, and on top of that, since they remove blade stock, they lower weight.

Full Flat Grinds

Most Spyderco knives are made with full flat grinds, which offers three specific benefits. One, it makes it easier to sharpen the knives. Two, it makes it easier to establish a very sharp edge. Lastly, a flat grind is uniquely suited for slicing and unlikely to bind or stick in material.

Knife Steels

This is not unique to Spyderco, but it is still an aspect of their knife designs that drives value. Many Spyderco knives are made with high-performing, even super steels, such as CPM-15, S30V, MagnaCut, and others in the same class, which offer excellent edge retention, toughness, and corrosion resistance.

Here for a New Spyderco Pocket Knife?

Looking for a new Spyderco pocket knife to add to your collection, or to your pocket? Visit White Mountain Knives first. They carry a wide range of popular Spyderco models such as the Para 3, Dragonfly, Sage 5 and Manix 2, among many others. Visit their website for more information and get in touch with them if you’re looking for something specific you don’t see listed.

For more information about Cold Steel Tanto Knife and Kershaw Hunting Knife Please visit: White Mountain Knives, LLC.