Spyderco K2 Full Review, Comparison

Published on March 31, 2015
Duration: 23:37

This review of the Spyderco K2 (C185) highlights its striking aesthetics and premium CPM 10V steel, designed by Fared Malier. While praised for its collectible appeal and blade shape, the reviewer notes significant drawbacks for practical use, including a lack of traction on the smooth titanium handle, a less-than-ideal tip-down pocket clip, and a high price point. The knife is considered more of a display piece than a workhorse EDC or defensive tool.

Quick Summary

The Spyderco K2 (C185) is a large folding knife featuring a CPM 10V steel blade and a titanium handle. While praised for its collectible appeal and striking design, its smooth handle and tip-down clip are noted drawbacks for practical EDC or defensive use, making it more suited as a display piece.

Chapters

  1. 00:03Intro & Channel Update
  2. 01:16Knife Research Philosophy
  3. 01:54Spyderco K2 Introduction
  4. 02:20Knife Acquisition & Retention
  5. 05:49Philosophy of Use: Collectible
  6. 08:14Food Knife Capabilities
  7. 08:22EDC Blade Discussion
  8. 09:05Package Opening Scenario
  9. 09:35Weight Comparison
  10. 09:52Blade Size and Manipulation
  11. 10:59Can-Do Everything Blade
  12. 11:14Tactical/Defensive Blade Discussion
  13. 11:54Blade Steel: CPM 10V
  14. 12:51Blade Shape Analysis
  15. 13:12Edge Out of Box & Sharpening
  16. 13:38Deployment Speed
  17. 14:04Lockup & Frame Lock
  18. 14:39Lock Bar Stabilizer
  19. 15:15Centering & Detent
  20. 15:33Handle Traction Issues
  21. 16:07Handle Ergonomics & Spine
  22. 16:51Pillar Construction & Thinness
  23. 17:03Looks, Collectibility, Elegance
  24. 17:11Tactical Ergonomics Concerns
  25. 17:37Job of the Knife
  26. 17:41Clip Design Analysis
  27. 18:03Spyderco Inset Flyer
  28. 18:31Fast Deployment vs. Tip-Down
  29. 18:57Clip Preference: 4-Way
  30. 19:12Polished Clip vs. Bead Blast
  31. 19:21Durability & Frame Locks
  32. 19:42Value & Origin (Taiwan)
  33. 20:05Would I Buy It?
  34. 20:41Competitive Options
  35. 20:52Deep Finger Guard vs. Traction
  36. 20:57Triad Lock Comparison
  37. 21:23Other Large Knife Comparisons
  38. 21:34Upscale vs. Standard Knives
  39. 22:06Steel Comparison (8Cr13MoV vs CPM 10V)
  40. 22:18Collectible Primarily
  41. 22:20Daily Carry Verdict
  42. 22:33Modifications for Use
  43. 22:41Price Point Expectations
  44. 23:02Designer & Final Thoughts
  45. 23:23Conclusion

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the key features of the Spyderco K2 (C185)?

The Spyderco K2 (C185) features a CPM 10V steel blade, a titanium handle, and a frame lock mechanism. It boasts a large, flat-ground blade shape and is designed by Fared Malier, positioning it as a collectible item.

What are the main criticisms of the Spyderco K2 for practical use?

The primary criticisms of the Spyderco K2 for practical use include the smooth, traction-less titanium handle, a less-than-ideal tip-down polished pocket clip, and a high price point that doesn't fully justify its utility compared to other options.

What is the blade steel used in the Spyderco K2 and what are its properties?

The Spyderco K2 uses CPM 10V steel, a powder metallurgy alloy known for its exceptional wear resistance and high edge retention due to a significant vanadium content, allowing it to outcut many other steels.

Is the Spyderco K2 suitable for everyday carry (EDC) or self-defense?

The reviewer suggests the Spyderco K2 is not ideal for EDC or self-defense due to its large size, lack of handle traction, and less-than-optimal pocket clip. It is primarily recommended as a collectible item.

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