The expression “It’s a poor knife that cuts only one way”
has found its way, with some minor modification, into detective fiction,
adventure romances, and science fiction, just to name a few. I’ve even pointed out to students that a
tactical flashlight points in both directions.
But the Spyderco Civilian is a knife that cuts only one way. It comes with a special note.
Here’s the text. As
an ‘abridger’, my apologies for any misrepresenting the sentiment behind
Spyderco’s statement.
“Spyderco has
traditionally maintained what we call the “White Hat” position. …that the future of mankind in the world must
lie in cooperation and greater socialization.
…We recognize that a knife ... can be used (solely) to defend oneself…(but) we
have never produced such an item. Spyderco
… caters to the law enforcement personnel on a worldwide scale. They would be the good guys, or ‘White Hats’. It has been requested that we … provide an
effective last-ditch defense in assisting the “White Hats.”
The Civilian model is
the first of several folding knives designed and produced as a law enforcement
back-up defense weapon. The Civilian
model was not designed to kill. … It is designed to ‘hit and run’ in a self
defense situation.”
 |
| I unwrapped the package and found, to my surprise, this collector-grade pouch. |
While it’s true the Civilian isn’t designed to stab, it is
designed to make an ocean cut. With the
reverse-S shape and the tremendously powerful Spyderco serrations, anyone you
cut will be cut deep and wide. It’s also
well established that many effective targets on the human body are just under
the skin.
The Civilian and its ilk (the Matriarch – versions 2 and
Lil’) aren’t the only Spyderco folders that focus on the grittier side of
self-defense. The P’kal has very strong
roots in self-defense as does the Yojimbo 2.
But only the Civilian was designed solely for self-defense. It also comes with a tag that amplifies its
purpose: “Notice – This knife was not
designed to be used as a utility knife.
Its unique design will not support everyday use…”
Why does Spyderco feel it’s necessary to include this
statement?
I don’t know. It
could be legal preemptive boilerplate; maybe it’s an attempt to assuage
personal feelings that such things are still necessary in this world. Maybe it is guilt from knowing that no matter
what you attempt or intend, someone will misuse it.
Let’s get to the Civilian’s specifications:
- Size closed 132 mm*
- Blade Length 104 mm
- Clip Right side only, tip up or down
- Blade Hollow ground VG-10
- Handle Steel reinforced G-10
- Edge Do you have to ask? Spyder-Edge!
- Thickness 10.4 mm
- Cost I’m not sure how to answer that. When push-comes-to-graveyard, what’s your life worth? If you never need it, what’s it worth to have your grandkids inherit the knife and wonder what kind of freaky stuff were you into? The more conventional answer is it retails for $280.
 |
| The only Spyderco folder made specifically to cut human flesh. The Civilian. |
Do you need one?
This isn't a typical, "If I don't have one, I must need one" answer.
I just sold one to someone who, because of his job, will be
going into dangerous surroundings.
Because of his job, he can’t take a firearm, nor will there be guards
surrounding him. He feels this knife
might stand between the grave and his returning home.
I, on the other hand, took his Civilian out of the soft-sided
pouch it comes in and opened it. The
Spyder-Edge glittered like jewels set in silver. The reverse-S blade has grace and flows
outward from your hand. The insulating
G-10 is warm to the touch and the handle naturally finds a sweet spot in your
grip. My thumb, trained from decades of using
Spydercos, found the hole without any thought on my part.
I made a few air cuts.
The Civilian almost seems to anticipate your movements before you
do.
It’s a work of art, lovely and f@^king scary as hell.
