Fillet Knives, Button Locks, and More: Spyderco Reveal 19

Spyderco Reveal 19 is here, and as usual there is much to discuss. New models abound, including sequels, entries into new genres, and of course lots of experimentation in the steel department.
Mantra 4
The latest incarnation of the Mantra has arrived, packing in enough new features to come across almost as an entirely different knife. The 3.15-inch leaf point blade, on all variations, is made from 8Cr13MoV, and opened either with the Round Hole or a super low profile flipper tab. Two flavors of G-10, white or black, are being offered, as well as a model with the carbon fiber/G-10 laminate Spyderco has used on many other models over the years.
ButtonUp
This model is uncharted territory for Spyderco: their first ever non-auto button lock piece. Carbon fiber scales house the mechanism, and the 8Cr13MoV blade is 3.27 inches long. Lightweight knives seem to be a trend in this reveal; the ButtonUp weighs just 2.1 oz.
New Salt Models
Perhaps due to the huge popularity of MagnaCut steel, the Salt series has been getting regular infusions of inductees in recent years. We’ve got a trio in Reveal 19: the Shaman, the Military 2, and, perhaps most surprising of all, the MicroJimbo. All three have the ribbed G-10 handle scales that appear on most current gen Salt models.
Byrd Gooney
Spyderco’s secondary label, Byrd, is still going, and gets a new variation model in this product reveal. The Gooney is an unusual looking knife, with a 2.92-inch, fully-serrated (in this incarnation) edge and a profile that is equal parts hawkbill and rescue blade. It’s made from 9Cr18MoV steel and has gray G-10 scales over a back lock mechanism.
Shelter Cove
This is a production version of custom maker (and returning Spyderco collaborator) Phil Wilson’s Shelter Cove model, a beautiful and ergonomic fillet knife. The 8Cr17MoV steel blade measures 5.78 inches long, and while it has the expect fillet knife flexibility, the lines are obviously the work of a master craftsman.
New Sprints
Two rugged large folders are the stars of this reveal’s Sprint Run section. The Native Chief is rolling out in CPM 15V – a worthy steel for an imposing piece of hardware. The Bodacious, meanwhile, is graced with full carbon fiber handle scales and an S90V blade.
Two New Mules
What Spyderco Reveal would be complete without a couple of high-performance Mule fixed blades to ogle? This time the steels rolling out under the Mule Team program are Z-Wear BQ and Z-12Ultra BQ. The “BQ” stands for “blade-quality,” meaning Zapp Tooling Alloy has calibrated these tool steels for use on edged implements. The Ultra in particular looks like it is for the real metalheads, promising ultra high edge retention in a thoroughly modern PM formulation.
Knife in Featured Image: Spyderco Shelter Cove
The information provided by KnifeNews.com (the “Site”) is for general recreational purposes only. The views and opinions expressed on the Site are those of the author or those quoted and do not necessarily reflect the views of any entities they represent. All information on the Site is provided in good faith, however, we make no representation or warranty of any kind, express or implied, regarding the accuracy, adequacy, validity, reliability, availability, or completeness of the information on the Site. Under no circumstance shall we have any liability to you for any loss or damage as the result of the use of the Site or reliance on any information provided. Your use of the Site and your reliance on any information on the Site is solely at your own risk.
Read the full article here