Spyderco Retract: Is it an improvement, or a just an echo of a pale imitation of a classic design?

The 2026 release of a new Spyderco knife from legendary designer Ed Schempp was welcome news, and a surprise at a budget price with Chinese manufacturing and relatively unimpressive steel. The Retract shares some features with a rare 2008 design, the Ed Schempp Khukuri. Many years later, Spyderco has improved the knife with larger Torx hardware and better access to the liner lock, but the Retract has some issues. After using both knives, I provide a look at what's improved, what's declined, and what has merely changed.