2023 Spyderco Pocket Knife Reveal: Volume 12

Knife enthusiasts are buzzing about one thing– the Spyderco Volume 12 reveal. Yes, it's finally here! The renowned knife company Spyderco has finally unveiled a new set of knives. It is the first new product announcement of 2023.

The knives in this reveal accurately represent Spyderco's specific and unique brand identity. The product launch also shows the brand's open-minded approach to development, promising something for everyone.

So what can you expect from this product launch? High-performance steel, beautiful finishes, the iconic designs you have come to know, and more. Intrigued? Then you should enjoy what lies below.

This entry is dedicated to exploring the ins and outs of the Volume 12 Spyderco reveal. It offers features, best uses, strengths, weaknesses, and more. By the end of the article, you should know exactly which knife from the launch will be your new trusted tool.

Spyderco Military 2 C36GP2

Spyderco co-founder Sal Glesser crafted the Military 2 C36GP2. Glesser designed the knife as the perfect knife for forward-deployed military personnel. It comes more than 25 years after its predecessor, The Military, was first released. The Military 2 builds on its predecessor's hard-earned reputation, promising significant improvements.

Quick Specs

• Blade Length: Approximately 4.0" or 102 mm
• Blade Material: Satin CPM-S30V Stainless Steel
• Blade Style: Flat Ground, Plain Edge
• Blade Thickness: Approximately 0.145" or 3.7 mm
• Lock Style: Compression Lock
• Closed Overall Length: Approximately 5.51" or 140 mm
• Open Overall Length: Approximately 9.51" or 242 mm
• Handle Material: Black G-10
• Pocket Clip: Four positions: Right-Hand Tip Up | Right-Hand Tip Down | Left-Hand Tip Up | Left-Hand Tip Down
• Weight: Approximately 4.30 Ounces or 122 Grams
• Special Features: Lanyard Hole

If you are familiar with the Military, you should notice the choice of Spyderco's signature Compression Lock® mechanism instead of a Linerlock. The selection makes the knife safer for one-handed operation, plus gives greater strength. 

The knife has larger stainless steel liners on the foundation of the lock, resulting in better structural strength. The black G10 handle should jump out for you if you are keen on sleek designs. The fiberglass laminate gives the handle high levels of strength in any condition. Users should find the handle advantageous in keeping a grip when fishing or hunting.

We also love the CPM® S30V® blade, a premium-grade knife steel. You may be concerned about the price since it is notoriously pricey, often increasing the cost of the knife overall. But the steel is a rare combination of excellent toughness, unmatched wear resistance, and outstanding corrosion resistance.

With open-back construction to reduce its overall weight, the Military 2 C36GP2 is a sleek, lightweight tool for casual carriers. It is an ideal successor to the Military that will win the hearts of experts and new carriers.

Spyderco LIL’ TEMPERANCE™ 3 LIGHTWEIGHT K390 C69PBL3K390

Do not let the name fool you, for The Lil' Temperance Lightweight K390 C69PBL3K390 is a powerhouse cutting tool with an evolutionary history to back it.

The original Lil' Temperance was a utilitarian self-defense knife with a leaf-shaped blade made from CPM 440V and then CPM S30V. Then came the Lil' Temperance, with an upswept trailing-point blade with a concave "clip" on the spine.

Spyderco launched the Lil' Temperance 3 Lightweight in 2017, years after the brand discontinued the first two models. It has modern peel-ply G-10 scales on the handle, resulting in a non-slip texture, plus a simpler design.

Quick Specs

• Blade Length:92" (74 mm)
• Closed Length:37" (111 mm)
• Overall Length: 7.17" (182 mm)
• Cutting Edge:82" (72 mm)
• Blade Thickness:157" (4.0 mm)
• Blade Material: Bohler K390 Tool Steel
• Blade Style: Leaf-Shaped
• Blade Grind: Full Flat
• Blade Finish: Satin
• Blade Edge: Plain
• Handle Material: FRN
• Handle Color: Blue
• Locking Mechanism: Compression Lock
• Pocket Clip: Tip-Down, Tip-Down, Left/Right Carry

The Lil' Temperance 3 Lightweight has the same leaf-shaped blade as its origins but is made from Böhler-Uddeholm, K390 MICROCLEAN® steel. It is a tough blade that keeps its sharpness for a long time. The powder metallurgy process also gives it a fine homogeneous microstructure for optimal machinability. In addition, it has excellent strength, durability, and wear resistance.

The handle material also changed to injection-molded fiberglass-reinforced-nylon (FRN). FRN allows a bi-directional texture pattern. The choice resulted in better grip security, especially in challenging and high-stress situations. 

It is also worth noting that the knife has a generously sized lanyard hole, plus 4 positions clip making it ideal for different types of carriers. So as mentioned before, don't let the name fool you– it is a heavy-duty utility knife with a lightweight feel for self-defense.

Stok Bowie and Stok Drop Point FB50GPOD

The Stok Bowie comes from Sjoerd Stok, a classically trained artist passionate about knives. The Stok Bowie is one of the two knives designed by the Dutch native. It is characterized by his fondness for simplicity and fixed blades.

The urban knife has an 8Cr13MoV stainless steel blade with a full-tang handle boasting sophisticated ergonomic features. Coupled with the peel-ply textured G-10 handle scales, this knife will give you targeted grip and balance.

It is also worth mentioning the versatile G-Clip™ that supports inside the waistband and fully adjustable belt carry. 

Stok Bowie Specs

• Overall: 6.45 in (164 mm)
• Blade:95 in (75 mm)
• Edge:54 in (65 mm)
• Thickness:100 in (2.5 mm)
• Steel: 8Cr13MoV
• Weight:1 oz (58 g)
• Sheath Wt:5 oz (43 g)
• Total Wt:6 oz (101 g)
• Grind: Saber
• Handle: G-10
• Sheath: Boltaron
• Clip: G-Clip

The Stok Drop Point is Sjoerd Stok’s second knife. It is like the Bowie but with a full flat grind. The ergonomic handle design with G-10 scales stands out, as does the blade grind. It is actually the critical difference between Stok's two knives. The Drop Point is more suited for hunting, and EDC uses. It is the type of knife that can take you from slicing fish to opening boxes.

Stok Drop Point Specs

• Overall:45 in (164 mm)
• Blade: 95 in (75 mm)
• Edge:57 in (65 mm)
• Thickness:100 in (2.5 mm)
• Steel: 8Cr13MoV
• Weight: 9 oz (53 g)
• Sheath Wt:5 oz (43 g)
• Total Wt: 4 oz (96 g)
• Grind: Full-flat
• Handle: G-10
• Sheath: Boltaron
• Clip: G-Clip

ENUFF 2 K390 FB31PBL2K390

If you are unfamiliar with the first-generation ENUFF, you should know that it was a short but reliable knife. With an FRN handle, the fixed-blade knife had a lightweight appeal that won the hearts of minimalists.

And because Spyderco is constantly evolving designs to serve clients better, the ENUFF 2 is longer and leaner. It is a modern lightweight blade that promises precision in demanding industrial applications.

If we were to narrow down the strength of the ENUFF 2 to one element, it would have to be the blade. It is Böhler-Uddeholm, K390 MICROCLEAN, a state-of-the-art particle metallurgy tool steel. The steel promises excellent sharpness, edge retention, and toughness.

With a plain edge and full flat grind, the knife promises outstanding cutting capabilities with little effort. In addition, the knife has partial serration, making cutting through textured items like rope easier.

It is also worth noting the skeletonized full tang that supports tough fiberglass-reinforced nylon (FRN) scales. They are injection molded in the distinctive blue color of Spyderco's K390 family of knives. Not only does it guarantee a firm grip in unfavorable conditions, but also greatly improves the knife's visuals.

Like some of the other knives in the volume 12 reveal, the ENUFF 2 comes with an injection-molded polymer sheath with a G-Clip mount that supports belt and inside-the-waistband carry.

Quick Specs

• Blade Length:95 in (100 mm)
• Overall Length: 7.98 in (203 mm)
• Cutting Edge: .72 in (94 mm)
• Blade Thickness:118 in (3.0 mm)
• Overall Weight: 0 oz (170 g)
• Blade Material: K390 Steel
• Blade Grind: Full Flat
• Blade Edge: Plain with partial serration
• Handle Material: FRN
• Handle Color: Blue
• Pocket Clip: G-Clip

Shaman Brown G-10 CPM 15V Sprint Run C229GPBN 15V

Of course, there has to be a limited-edition knife in this reveal. The limited edition Sprint Run expression of the Shaman is a beautiful knife crafted for precision in high-stress situations. From the blade to the handle, this lightweight knife should be a favorite pretty soon.

The Shaman Sprint Run has a state-of-the-art CPM 15V particle metallurgy tool steel blade from Crucible® Industries. The steel has almost 15% vanadium resulting in remarkable wear resistance– the highest of any cold-work tool steel.

The full flat ground blade with a stonewashed finish also undergoes a specialized heat-treating protocol developed by acclaimed custom knifemaker Shawn Houston. The treatment maximizes the knife's potential. In addition, the blade has a small serrated section at the base where it meets the handle. A small addition, but it makes all the difference for survival.

Like all other CPM 15V Sprint Runs, the knife has distinctive brown G-10 scales. The scales are ideal for improving grip significantly, while the choice of brown adds character. It is also worth noting that the reverse side is laser engraved with Shawn Huston's 'Big Brown Bear' logo.

Like the Shaman knives, this Sprint Run has skeletonized stainless steel lines, a four-position pocket clip, and the high-strength Compression Lock® mechanism.

Quick Specs

• Closed: 67 in (119 mm)
• Overall:25 in (210 mm)
• Blade:58 in (91 mm)
• Edge: 3.10 in (79 mm)
• Thickness: 145 in (3.7 mm)
• Steel: CPM 15V
• Weight:1 oz (145 g)
• Grind: Full-flat
• Lock: Compression
• Handle: G-10
• Carry: Ambi
• Clip: 4-position

Para Military 2 Brown G-10 CPM 15V Sprint Run C81GPBN15V2

The unique expression of the Para Military 2 is the newest member of Spyderco's elite Sprint Run series. The simple but useful knife is quite similar to the Shaman expression. The knife promises high functionality with a lightweight feel and simple design that will appeal to the minimalist.

The first thing you will notice about the knife is a CPM 15V steel crafted by Crucible Industries. CPM 15V is a state-of-the-art particle metallurgy tool steel. It is known for its high vanadium content that significantly improves the wear resistance of the blade. Therefore, users can expect a premium sharp blade that retains an edge for a long time.

Together with the full-flat grind and stonewash finish, the knife proves a valuable tool for hunters and ED carriers. The blade will carry its weight when slicing and cutting, then serve you well when you need to open boxes.

In addition, the blade undergoes a specialized heat-treating protocol developed by renowned custom knifemaker Shawn Houston to maximize its properties.

And like all other Sprint Runs, it has peel-ply textured G-10 scales in a distinctive brown color. The texture enhances grip, and the color enhances visuals. Also, the reverse side of the blade bears the laser-engraved "Big Brown Bear" logo.

• Closed Length: 82 in (122 mm)
• Blade Length:45 in (88 mm)
• Overall Length: 8.26 in (210 mm)
• Cutting Edge:06 in (78 mm)
• Blade Thickness:145 in (3.7 mm)
• Overall Weight: 8 oz (170 g)
• Blade Material: CPM 15V steel
• Blade Grind: Full Flat
• Blade Edge: Plain with serration
• Handle Material: G-10
• Lock: Compression
• Handle Color: Brown
• Pocket Clip: 4-position

Counter Critter Medium K21: Plainedge and Spyderedge

With the Counter Critter™, Spyderco reminds its consumers that they also care about functionality in the home. The plain and spyderedge Counter Critter™ Medium K21 knives are the newest additions to the Counter Puppy® family.

The handles are a unique aspect of the knives' design. The injection molded grips are shaped like a puppy's stylized body and legs. Why? So they can stand upright on a counter or tabletop, solving a problem you may not have noticed.

By standing on the tabletop, the blade remains clean, so you don't have to rinse it every time you put it down. In addition, it is an eye-catching feature that makes table presentations distinct.

The Medium Critter Counters have full-flat ground 7Cr17 stainless steel blades. 7Cr17 steel has excellent corrosion resistance and hardness, making it ideal for kitchen applications, as intended. It is worth noting, however, that you will need to keep a sharpening tool handy as the steel could be better with edge retention.

As mentioned, users have the choice between a plain and serrated edge. The choice often depends on the application, but the straight edge is best for making clean cuts and slices. The serrated edge is best for cutting through foods with a hard exterior, such as grapefruit. The edge also excels at slicing in a motion that demands dragging the edge across the food.

Finally, it is worth noting that the plastic handles come in blue or purple, attractive color options that give the knife that homey vibe.

• Overall: 39 in (213 mm)
• Blade:95 in (100 mm)
• Edge: 75 in (95 mm)
• Thickness: 080 in (2.0 mm)
• Steel: 7Cr17
• Weight: 6 oz (45 g)
• Grind: Full-flat
• Handle: Plastic

Mule Team: AEB-L MT37P and CPM 15V MT39P

The Mule Teams are the last items in the 2023 Spyderco reveal volume 12. Spyderco's Mule Team™ Series is an ongoing project that tests different blade materials using the exact fixed-blade design platform.

Think of it as an immersive experiment sequence for steel-obsessed knife enthusiasts. And as an interesting choice, Spyderco sells knives without handles or sheaths.

The AEB-L MT37P dons Uddeholm AEB-L. It is blankable stainless steel initially developed in the 1960s– used in razor blades. The steel is a unique cocktail of sharpness, corrosion, resistance, hardness, and toughness. However, its edge retention is wanting.

AEB-L MT37P Specs

• Overall: 63 in (194 mm)
• Blade:50 in (89 mm)
• Edge:40 in (86 mm)
• Thickness: 118 in (3.0 mm)
• Steel: AEB-L
• Weight:7 oz (77 g)
• Grind: Full-flat

On the other hand, the CPM 15V MT39P showcases the CPM 15V from Crucible. The steel is notorious for almost 15% vanadium, giving the blade the highest wear resistance of any cold-work tool steel.

The knife is a capable combination of edge retention and sharpness, maximized by the unique heat-treating protocol developed by Shawn Huston. It is the ideal tool for outdoor applications in unfavorable conditions, such as fishing.

CPM 15V MT39P Specs

• Overall:63 in (194 mm)
• Blade: 50 in (89 mm)
• Edge:40 in (86 mm)
• Thickness:118 in (3.0 mm)
• Steel: CPM 15V
• Weight:8 oz (79 g)
• Grind: Full-flat

Spyderco 2023 Openers: Functionality, Aesthetics, And Unique

Spyderco's Volume 12 Reveal shows how functional and beautiful progress is. And all it takes is finding inspiration in everyday tasks, stepping back into previous triumphs, and building on what works.

Spyderco has had an impressive start to the year, serving the needs of veteran knife carriers, newbies, and household users. The use of CPM 15V steel from Crucible Industries is a recurring theme for this volume, highlighting Spyderco’s value for knives still in cutting capability years later. It seems the brand is looking to build on its reputation for crafting knives that last. 

Besides the form and reliability depicted by the Sprint Run series, Military, or Lil' Temperance, we hope to see more of the experimentative Mule Team™ Series. Additionally, we look forward to simple but impactful designs such as the Counter Critters.