J. Kelly McCann is one of the world's leading experts in counterterrorism, anti-terrorism, close combat, and all aspects of personal and corporate security. With more than four decades of operational and training experience in 65 countries, he's developed some hard-earned opinions on personal-defense weapons and tactics. Those insights are the foundation of his Canis design from Spyderco.
Named after a genus of the Caninae subfamily, which contains wolves, dogs, coyotes and jackals, the Canis is a no-nonsense folding knife intended for a broad range of applications. While it was unapologetically designed to excel as a personal-protection tool, it is equally at home as a utilitarian, everyday carry folder. In fact, in many ways, its unique blade design represents a quantum leap forward in functionality and strength.
Like a traditional Wharncliffe, the Canis' unorthodox blade has a perfectly straight cutting edge that allows it to cut with full pressure all the way to the point. However, unlike conventional Wharncliffes, the primary bevels of the Canis' blade are significantly narrower. This unique grind lowers the top of the bevel—where it meets the full thickness of the blade—so it is closer to the cutting edge. The result is a thick, reinforced point that is substantially stronger than the tips of most Wharncliffe blades.
Typically, shorter bevels mean a thicker, less efficient edge geometry. The Canis overcomes this challenge with deep, hollow-ground bevels that minimize its "behind-the-edge" blade thickness. It also adds a mid-blade swedge (unsharpened bevel) that trims the blade's weight and reduces its friction as is passes through the material being cut—much like the diamond-shaped cross-section of Japanese Samurai swords. The synergy of these design elements combines high-performance blade geometry, the versatility and cutting power of a Wharncliffe profile, and the strength advantages of a reinforced point.
Crafted from CPM S30V stainless steel, the Canis' blade also features a fully accessible Trademark Round Hole that provides outstanding leverage for swift, one-handed opening with either hand. A section of jimping (textured grooves) above the hole also bridges the juncture of the blade and handle to provide a non-slip thumb purchase for users who favor a saber grip.
To ensure maximum control and a rock-solid grip during use, the Canis' ergonomic handle flares at both ends, while offering a hand-filling palm swell in the middle. This highly refined shape "brackets" the user's hand, locking it in place and providing a highly functional integral guard. Peel-ply-textured carbon fiber/G-10 laminate scales provide additional traction for a non-slip grip and add to the knife's stunning looks. Skeletonized stainless steel liners provide superior structural strength and form the backbone of the knife's sturdy Compression Lock mechanism. The liners are nested within the scales to keep the Canis thin and pocket friendly and work in concert with the knife's open-backed construction to reduce its overall weight while simplifying cleaning and maintenance.
To keep the Canis poised for immediate access and support all possible carry options and deployment preferences, it features a versatile four-position pocket clip. It also includes a generously sized lined lanyard hole for the easy attachment of fobs and security lanyards.
The Canis is a truly exceptional folding knife that reflects Kelly McCann's unparalleled operational experience and his insights as one of the world's most respected close-combat trainers. Spyderco is extremely proud to have collaborated with McCann on this design and they are excited to add it to their product line.
Spyderco Knives, S30V Blade Steel, Carbon Handle Material, Folding Knives, Folding Knives Compression, Kelly McCann
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