Spyderco SpyNano Review: Tiny Knife Done Right
Published: 1 week ago
(Video description assisted by Gemini AI)
This video reviews the Spyderco SpyNano, a compact powerhouse born from Spyderco's ongoing collaboration with Italian knife maker Lionsteel. Based on the Lionsteel Nano design, the SpyNano exemplifies how to execute a "little big knife" effectively. The review argues that its handle and blade design maximize its small footprint, creating a knife that is surprisingly useful and satisfying, despite a potential drawback in its blade thickness for slicing tasks.
Spyderco SpyNano Specifications (Flash Batch / Sprint Run - Model C268MTI):
Collaboration: Spyderco & Lionsteel (Based on Lionsteel Nano)
Manufacturer: Lionsteel (Made in Italy)
Blade Steel: Böhler M398
Blade Length: 2.57 inches (65 mm)
Blade Thickness: 0.150 inches (3.8 mm)
Blade Shape: Drop Point
Blade Grind: Full Flat Grind (as per reviewed knife; Note: official Spyderco page lists hollow grind)
Handle Length (Closed): 3.66 inches (93 mm)
Handle Materials: Green Canvas Micarta show side / Titanium Frame Lock lock side
Overall Length: 6.20 inches (157 mm)
Weight: 3.1 oz (86 g)
Opener: Spydiehole / Removable Flipper Tab
Lock Type: Frame Lock (Reeve Integral Lock - R.I.L.)
Clip: Butt-mounted, Reversible, Deep Carry, Tip-Up
Features: Crowned spine, Floating G10 backspacer, Complex handle beveling
Price: ~$236 USD (Retail at release)
This analysis dives into the unique design features, ergonomic strengths, and performance characteristics of this stout little folder.
Key Aspects Reviewed:
Design & Aesthetics: Explores the SpyNano's unique visual appeal, characterized by complex bevel milling on the handles creating a "techy" or futuristic look. Highlights the high-quality green canvas micarta, the butt-mounted deep-carry clip, crowned blade spine, floating G10 backspacer, and the functional/removable flipper tab, all contributing to a cool and thoughtfully detailed knife.
Blade & Cutting Performance: Examines the utility of the 2.57" drop point blade shape, finding it versatile for its size with easy tip access. The primary critique focuses on the very thick 0.150" blade stock. While adding robustness (good for piercing, light prying, action weight), it hinders slicing performance, causing some wedging compared to thinner blades. The performance feel is compared to the similarly stout Spyderco Para 3. The choice of M398 steel (high edge retention) with such thick stock is questioned.
Handle & Ergonomics: The handle is highly praised as exceptionally comfortable and hand-filling for a small knife. The chunky profile, contours, swells, and high-traction micarta create a very secure grip suitable for hard use. Specific grip techniques (choked up on flipper, behind flipper) are discussed. Ergonomics are considered superior to the Spyderco Para 3, offering similar security without forcing a specific grip.
Action & Deployment: The action is described as "AWESOME," featuring smooth bearings (after a short break-in) and a stiff, satisfying detent. Both the Spydiehole (thumb or reverse flick) and the well-designed hook-style flipper tab offer excellent deployment. The crisp detent break, pleasant acoustics, and easy lockbar access make it highly fidget-friendly and enjoyable to operate.
Overall & Comparison: The SpyNano is assessed as a surprisingly great "little big knife." It balances ease of carry with a robust, hand-filling feel. While the thick blade compromises pure slicing ability, the excellent ergonomics, fantastic action, and unique design make it a compelling package. It's strongly recommended as an alternative or even an upgrade to the Spyderco Para 3 for those seeking a tough, small folder with better ergonomics and action.
This review concludes that the Spyderco SpyNano, despite its thick blade, is a successful collaboration and a standout small knife, offering a great blend of usability, fidget factor, and unique design.
Official Links:
Spyderco SpyNano (Official Flash Batch Page - May show Sold Out): https://www.spyderco.com/catalog/details/C268MTI/SPYNANO-trade-FLASH-BATCH-trade-/2597
Lionsteel Knives Official Website: https://www.lionsteel.it/en/ (Note: Availability on linked pages may vary. Links provided for informational purposes.)
Share your experiences or opinions on the Spyderco SpyNano in the comments section below.
This video reviews the Spyderco SpyNano, a compact powerhouse born from Spyderco's ongoing collaboration with Italian knife maker Lionsteel. Based on the Lionsteel Nano design, the SpyNano exemplifies how to execute a "little big knife" effectively. The review argues that its handle and blade design maximize its small footprint, creating a knife that is surprisingly useful and satisfying, despite a potential drawback in its blade thickness for slicing tasks.
Spyderco SpyNano Specifications (Flash Batch / Sprint Run - Model C268MTI):
Collaboration: Spyderco & Lionsteel (Based on Lionsteel Nano)
Manufacturer: Lionsteel (Made in Italy)
Blade Steel: Böhler M398
Blade Length: 2.57 inches (65 mm)
Blade Thickness: 0.150 inches (3.8 mm)
Blade Shape: Drop Point
Blade Grind: Full Flat Grind (as per reviewed knife; Note: official Spyderco page lists hollow grind)
Handle Length (Closed): 3.66 inches (93 mm)
Handle Materials: Green Canvas Micarta show side / Titanium Frame Lock lock side
Overall Length: 6.20 inches (157 mm)
Weight: 3.1 oz (86 g)
Opener: Spydiehole / Removable Flipper Tab
Lock Type: Frame Lock (Reeve Integral Lock - R.I.L.)
Clip: Butt-mounted, Reversible, Deep Carry, Tip-Up
Features: Crowned spine, Floating G10 backspacer, Complex handle beveling
Price: ~$236 USD (Retail at release)
This analysis dives into the unique design features, ergonomic strengths, and performance characteristics of this stout little folder.
Key Aspects Reviewed:
Design & Aesthetics: Explores the SpyNano's unique visual appeal, characterized by complex bevel milling on the handles creating a "techy" or futuristic look. Highlights the high-quality green canvas micarta, the butt-mounted deep-carry clip, crowned blade spine, floating G10 backspacer, and the functional/removable flipper tab, all contributing to a cool and thoughtfully detailed knife.
Blade & Cutting Performance: Examines the utility of the 2.57" drop point blade shape, finding it versatile for its size with easy tip access. The primary critique focuses on the very thick 0.150" blade stock. While adding robustness (good for piercing, light prying, action weight), it hinders slicing performance, causing some wedging compared to thinner blades. The performance feel is compared to the similarly stout Spyderco Para 3. The choice of M398 steel (high edge retention) with such thick stock is questioned.
Handle & Ergonomics: The handle is highly praised as exceptionally comfortable and hand-filling for a small knife. The chunky profile, contours, swells, and high-traction micarta create a very secure grip suitable for hard use. Specific grip techniques (choked up on flipper, behind flipper) are discussed. Ergonomics are considered superior to the Spyderco Para 3, offering similar security without forcing a specific grip.
Action & Deployment: The action is described as "AWESOME," featuring smooth bearings (after a short break-in) and a stiff, satisfying detent. Both the Spydiehole (thumb or reverse flick) and the well-designed hook-style flipper tab offer excellent deployment. The crisp detent break, pleasant acoustics, and easy lockbar access make it highly fidget-friendly and enjoyable to operate.
Overall & Comparison: The SpyNano is assessed as a surprisingly great "little big knife." It balances ease of carry with a robust, hand-filling feel. While the thick blade compromises pure slicing ability, the excellent ergonomics, fantastic action, and unique design make it a compelling package. It's strongly recommended as an alternative or even an upgrade to the Spyderco Para 3 for those seeking a tough, small folder with better ergonomics and action.
This review concludes that the Spyderco SpyNano, despite its thick blade, is a successful collaboration and a standout small knife, offering a great blend of usability, fidget factor, and unique design.
Official Links:
Spyderco SpyNano (Official Flash Batch Page - May show Sold Out): https://www.spyderco.com/catalog/details/C268MTI/SPYNANO-trade-FLASH-BATCH-trade-/2597
Lionsteel Knives Official Website: https://www.lionsteel.it/en/ (Note: Availability on linked pages may vary. Links provided for informational purposes.)
Share your experiences or opinions on the Spyderco SpyNano in the comments section below.