In the 1990s Spyderco was approached by a specialized branch of U.S. law enforcement about making a knife for their undercover agents. These plain-clothes LEOs found themselves in situations where they often could not carry a firearm but carrying a knife was not a problem. Most had no formal training in self-defense tactics or MBC but as a last resort could use a blade to protect or extricate themselves from a life-threatening situation. This was how the Civilian model came to be.
The Civilian has a patented reverse "S" blade that's intended to be used like an oversized claw. The tip is ground to an ultra-thin profile. Deeply curved and full at the belly, the VG-10 hollow-ground blade excels in slicing and is available fully SpyderEdged. Because of its distinctly specialized features it is not intended or designed for general utility or everyday use. Curved in all the right places for ergonomic use and retention of the knife, the handle is black G-10. Mounted for tip-down carry with a custom curved black clip, the knife rides deeply and unobtrusively in a pocket. One of the most specialized CLIPITS in the Spyderco line-up, the Civilian is available in limited quantities.
Pocket Clip
Includes a pocket clip for easy accessibility and a more secure carry.
G10 Handles
Formed in a sheet under high pressure by combining fiberglass and an epoxy resin binder. These handles are lightweight and shaped to ensure a solid grip.
VG10 Stainless Steel
A time-tested stainless steel made in Japan by Takefu and one of the most popular choices for performance kitchen knives.
Lockback
The lockback system has been used for many decades. It can usually be found on the knife spine and it provides a strong lockup that will wear well.
Made in Japan
The exotic steel Capital of the World, Japan produces and innovates some of the best products, from pocket to kitchen knives and everything in between.
Pros: Blade Material, Blade Sharpness, Lock Ease of Use, Lock Type
Cons: None
Protection tool
These were bought as gifts. I own, carry, and use the big brother to these. I know the design to be very easy to use, even for untrained user's. This knife is a tool designed for combat/defense. Some knives do a lot of things ok. This knife does ONE thing very very well. If you need that ONE thing, this is the knife.
"Doink" that's all it took. This sucker is so sharp I accidentally "tapped" my fingertip with the point of this. I use this as a self defense tool when I walk-mountain lions in my area. Excellent quality. Be very careful when deploying the blade-this knife is constructed for an individual with larger hands. The handle materials-Excellent. It is all Mil-spec. Tough. If I had served, (which I hadn't, thank you to all who had) I would definitely purchase this and add it to my web kit as an extra self defense tool. Highly recommended.
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Close-up of hand holding knife, opening or unsheathing knife, and then closing or sheathing knife.
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