​Award-winning Finnish knifemaker Pekka Tuominen is an expert outdoorsman, one of the world’s most knowledgeable experts on the traditional Finnish puukko knife, and one of only seven puukkoseppamestari, or “master bladesmiths” certified by the Finnish Ministry of Education. These impressive qualifications were instrumental the creation of his latest Spyderco collaboration, the Lil’ Nilakka.
A smaller, more gentlemanly expression of his acclaimed Nilakka folding knife, the Lil’ Nilakka features a breathtakingly sharp blade precision machined from premium RWL 34 stainless steel. Produced by the Swedish firm Damasteel®, this “rapidly solidified powder” material boasts the same qualities as other particle metallurgy steels and has long been a favorite of elite custom knifemakers. In the Lil’ Nilakka, this advanced alloy is shaped to replicate the dramatic “zero-ground” geometry of the classic puukko with a full-flat grind that terminates in an almost imperceptible microbevel.
The Lil’ Nilakka’s blade nests deeply in a handle constructed with full stainless steel liners, a stainless backspacer, and smooth matte ivory G-10 scales. The liners form the foundation of the knife’s sturdy LinerLock mechanism, which locks the blade securely open during use. A deep recess in the front scale allows right-handed access to the blade’s Round Hole when the knife is closed and easy operation of the lock release when open. To ensure immediate access, the handle also features a deep-pocket wire pocket clip configured for convenient right-side, tip-up carry.
In addition to all its other impressive qualities, the Lil’ Nilakka is also historically significant as it represents Spyderco’s very first “flash batch” product—a distinctive, one-time-only expression of a brand new design. Flash batches are individually serialized with a laser-engraved number on every blade, making them even more unique and collectible.
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