Carpenter Steel Company is enjoying a hospitable welcome from knifemakers and manufacturers. Well known for their performance automotive, aerospace, energy, medical, defense, and consumer products industries steels, they recently began offering high-performance blade steels. CTS-XHP is air hardened, high carbon and high chromium with corrosion resistance similar to 440C-type steels and with hardness qualities found in tool steel. Its edge retention, ability to be machined to a fine edge, and consistent heat-treatability make it perfect for everything from knives to surgical and hand tools, even ice skate blades. Paired with the Manix2 handle featuring Spyderco’s patented Ball Bearing Lock® innovation made using a hardened free-floating ball bearing contained in a custom polymer cage, it’s an exceptional combination. The round ball bearing allows the lock to self adjust across a large surface, smoothly and consistently locking-up with solid confidence. The Ball Bearing Lock’s strength withstands hard work with a secure, versatile and comfortable grip. Ergonomics are peerless in this design. Handle is foliage green G-10 resulting in a durable, slip free handle material that’s lightweight and textured. The blade is full flat-ground (unlike prototype pictured) with aggressive thumb serrations (jimping) above a super sized 14mm Spyderco Round Hole. The Jimping doesn’t stop there. With full steel liners the scales have jimping that extends beyond the G-10 handle scales scalloping areas of the handle’s perimeter. The skeletonized liners pull double purpose adding rigidity and lightweight strength to the handle. A three-screw clip is left/right-hand carry, positioned for comfort and deep pocket carry. Oversized piped lanyard hole. Oversized piped lanyard hole.
Tech Specs:
length overall 8 in. (203 mm) blade length 3 3/8 in. (86 mm) blade steel CTS-XHP
length closed 4 5/8 in. (117 mm) cutting edge 2 7/8 in. (73 mm) weight 4.25 oz. (120 g)
hole diameter 9/16 in. (14 mm) blade thickness 1/8 in. (3 mm) handle material G-10
