Glossary

ABS: A black amorphous thermoplastic terpolymer with high impact strength.
Almite: A coating used on aluminum handles similar to anodizing. Resistant to scratching and marring, it can also be tinted to any color for visual appeal.
Alumina Ceramic: The compound used for Spyderco sharpening stones. It is a ceramic-bonding agent mixed with alumina particles (synthetic sapphires), shaped, then kiln fired at temperatures in excess of 3000 degrees F.
Ambidextrous: Using both hands with equal ease. Pertaining to knives, it is a knife that is not solely designed for a left-or right-handed person but can be used with equal ease by both hands.
Anodized Aluminum: Subjecting aluminum to electrolytic action which coats the aluminum with a protective and decorative film.
Back Lock: Locking system positioned on the spine of the handle that uses a rocker arm, which pivots in the center. A notch on one end of the arm connects with a notch on the blade's tang, locking the blade open.
Balisong/Butterfly: A knife design believed to have originated in the UK, brought to the Philippines by English sailors, and was adopted and popularized in the Philippines. Often used in Filipino martial arts. The knife has two separate handle sections that rotate round the blade's pivots to create a handle and then rotate back covering and protecting the blade when closed.
Ball Bearing Lock: A compressive lock wedging a stainless steel ball bearing between a fixed anvil and the blade tang. The ball is also utilized to detent the blade into the closed position.
Batch: Refers to a knife model that is made in small numbers. A Spyderco batch is 1500 pieces and if the model is received well another batch or more may be produced.
Bi-Directional Texturing: A texture molded into an FRN handle, which is a series of graduating, sized forward and backward steps that radiate outward from the center of the handle. This texture provides resistance to slipping and sliding when gripped in the hand.
Bolster: A piece of metal, generally nickel silver or stainless steel, that is located at one or both ends of a folding knife handle.
Boltaron: A recycled ABS/acrylic PVS extruded alloy sheet material used for making sheaths. It has excellent impact strength and abrasion, chemical, and fire resistance properties.
Bowie-Shape: A blade with an upswept, curving tip that is double-edged near the point. It is named for Colonel James Bowie who made this shape famous in the 19th century American west.
Caping: A term to describe the careful and detailed cutting and removing of the hide from a game animal for the purpose of taxidermy. More precisely it refers to removing the skin from the head, shoulders and neck.
Carbide: A hard, sharp carbon/iron material used where a very hard material is needed such as in machining or drilling steel. Spyderco uses carbide to make the glass breaking tip found on the C79 Assist model.
Carbon Fiber: Graphite fibers (the size of a human hair) are woven together and fused in epoxy resin. It's lightweight, three-dimensional in appearance and is a superior (and expensive) handle material.
Chamfered: Grinding a secondary flat surface on a corner, creating a beveled edge. Commonly done to the edges of a knife's handle or the inside radius of a hole making a smoother contact spot for hand/fingers.
Choil: A choil is a round cut out seperating the cutting edge from the ricasso. It is also used to describe a cut out, molded or formed area where the handle and blade meet which positions/guards the index finger while gripping the opened knife.
Chris Reeve Style Integral Liner Lock: Custom knifemaker Chris Reeve developed upon, then popularized the Walker Liner Lock in an integral form. An integral liner lock functions as a traditional liner lock with the exception that the liner is actually comprised of part of the handle scale.
Clip-Point Blade: A blade, ground on the top (spine) in an angled or sweeping line downward. The underside (where the sharpened edge is) is ground upward. The two angles meet at the tip and where the angles meet determines the depth of the blade's belly.
CLIPIT: Spyderco's trademarked term for their line of folding knives which feature a pocket clip. A CLIPIT fan is often called a CLIPITEER.
Cobra HoodÃ¢â€žÂ¢: A machined flange of steel positioned over the Spyderco round opening hole on the spine of the blade which directs/positions your thumb over the hole for quickly opening the knife blade. See Spyderco C71 Salsa.
Cocobolo: Hardwood from the Cocobolo tree, ranging in color from bright orange to deep red and dark purple. Its grain and fine texture are relatively easy to work, polishes to a high sheen and is popular as an inlay or embellishment on knife handles.
CombinationEdge: Blade that is partially serrated, partially plainedge.
Compression Lock: A Compression Lock uses a small piece of metal that is inserted, from the side, in between the blade tang and the stop pin (or anvil pin).
Cordura: CorduraÃ‚Â® is a certified fabric from INVISTA. It is used in a wide range of products from luggage and backpacks to boots, to military wear and performance apparel. It is long lasting, resistant to abrasions, tears and scuffs. Spyderco utilizes this product on our SpyderPacs.
Dagger: A grind down the center of a blade equally dividing it into halves. On the SpyderFly only the bottom edge is sharpened and the top of the dagger grind is left unsharpened creating a false edge.
Damascus: Two types of steel that are folded repeatedly during the forging process to produce very attractive and expensive steel. This new steel retains the properties of the two parent steels.
David Boye Dent: Custom knifemaker David Boye removed a small arc or dent of metal from the lock bar lever of his knives. This removed piece lessened the possibility of gripping the handle hard enough to depress the lock and accidentally unlock the blade while using the knife.
Detent: A minute divot or dimple machined into the blade tang. A ball bearing drops into the detent hole when the knife is in the closed position, holding the knife blade closed inside the handle.
Diamond Coating: The mechanical entrapment of diamond crystals into a metal substrate. This process operates by depositing metal, layer by layer, from a plating solution until enough metal is built up around the diamond crystals to hold them in place.
Double Flat-ground: A blade that is ground flat on both sides of the blade, tapering to an edge with no radius.
Drop Point: A blade design made popular in hunting knives originally by Bob Loveless and Bo Randall. Simply, the tip of the blade is lowered through a convex arc from the spine.
EDC: An acronym for Everyday Carry meaning a knife that is carried and used daily.
ELU: Acronym for "end-line user", the consumer who uses Spyderco knives and sharpeners.
Embellishment: Term used to describe personalized engraving or additional ornamentation added to a knife after it is manufactured.
EMT: Acronym for Emergency Medical Technician.
Ergonomics: The applied science of equipment design intended to maximize productivity by reducing operator fatigue, safety and discomfort. Knives which are designed to be comfortable and less fatiguing to use are labeled "ergonomic."
Fiberglass Reinforced Nylon (FRN): A nylon polymer mixed with glass fiber that is then injected into a mold for making lightweight knife handles.
Finger Choil: A purposeful and specific area/curve cut out between the blade and handle. It creates a grip position point closer to the cutting edge for better control while cutting.
Flat-Grind (Full): A knife's edge that tapers from the cutting edge all the way to the blade's spine that is ground completely flat without a radius.
Flat-Saber Grind: A knife's edge, ground completely flat without a radius that tapers from the cutting edge to a grind line down the center of the blade. Unlike a Full Flat Grind, which tapers from the cutting edge all the way to the blade's spine the Flat Saber only is flat ground just to the grind line.
Full Flat-ground: A flat grind leaves a flat surface, that flat surface if ground from edge to spine is considered a full-flat grind. If that flat surface goes from the edge to somewhere in the middle of the blade it would be considered a flat saber grind. Spyderco uses both types of flat-grinds. Full-flat is found on our C36 Military Model, flat-saber-grind can be found on our C11 Delica and C10 Enduras.
G-10: Handle material made of epoxy filled with woven glass fiber that is impervious to changes in temperature and can be tinted into many colors.
Gut Hook: A sharpened "hook" which lies on the spine of a hunting knife blade. This design allows the hunter to field dress the animal without puncturing the animal's intestine.
Hamaguri Grind: (Also called Appleseed Grind or Moran Grind): is a convex grind.
Handguard: Protrusion/expansion on the knife's handle proximal to the blade keeping the hand safely positioned on the handle inhibiting sliding forward.
Hawkbill Blade: Blade shaped in a sharply curved hook like the talon of a raptor. The inside edge of the blade is sharpened and works particularly well for commercial fishermen who reach out and pull toward them while cutting line, webbing and netting.
High Alumina Ceramic: The compound used for Spyderco sharpening stones. It's a ceramic-bonding agent mixed with alumina particles (synthetic sapphires), shaped then kiln fired at temperatures in excess of 3000 degrees F.
Hollow-ground: Edge that is ground with a radius leaving a concave shape above the cutting surface.
Indexing: "Locating" mark, also used for controlled rotation of the open knife, while gripped in the palm, from one hand-hold to another, e.g., rotating from a forward grip to a reverse grip.
Integral Pocket Clip: Pocket clip that is molded as part of (integral to) the handle rather than a separate component attached with screws. Found on Spyderco model C17 the Catcherman.
Jigged Bone: Derived from deceased animals, generally the chin bone of a cow. The bone is generally dyed and surface texture is obtained by cutting grooves into the bone.
Kick: The unsharpened portion along the underside of the knife blade where the edge begins. Keeps the blade "kicked out" so the edge does not hit the back spacer.
Kinetic Opener: A horn or protuberance on the top portion of a knife blade by which the blade may be opened when leveraged against something solid, i.e. an opponent's body. Similar to the opening devices found on straight razors.
Kraton: A rubbery thermoplastic polymer used as a flexible inlay on knife handles for enhanced grip.
Kydex: A thin thermoplastic commonly used for firearm holsters and knife sheaths. It is flexible, resistant to sweat, chemicals, oils and solvents. It is shaped by heat and retains its' set form.
Lanyard Hole: A hole placed in the end of a knife handle opposite the blade. Originally used by sailors who would place a cord through such a hole in their knife to keep from losing it overboard. MBC: An acronym for Martial Blade Craft.
Left/Right-Hand Carry: Knife clip that is manufactured to affix to either side the knife positioning the folder for use by left- and right-handed people.
LEO: Acronym for Law Enforcement Officer.
LinerLock: Locking system developed by custom knifemaker Michael Walker. The blade of a knife is locked open by a leaf-like spring that butts up against the tang of the blade.
Little Big Guy Knife: Term coined by Spyderco to describe a small bladed knife (generally under three inches) that is manufactured using features and materials that allow the knife to be used for strenuous or hard cutting normally done with larger, heavier tools.
Martial Blade Craft (MBC): MBC is the practice of combative arts for self-protection, physical conditioning and control and coordination of the body. MBC's ultimate goal is to train professionals to "stop the bad guy from hurting innocents."
Micarta: A composite of linen or paper fabric in an epoxy resin used as a handle material. It is incredibly lightweight, durable and visually appealing. It can be bead blasted or polished, changing its appearance.
Modified Leaf Pattern: Unlike a traditionally leaf-shaped blades, Spyderco offers several models in this basic blade shape but with variations such a distinctly pointed tips, spine cusps and swedge grinds.
Nesting: Hollowing out a section in G-10 or other handle material on the inside of the handle where the lock and or liner is then inset/inlayed and fitted into the hollow section. Nesting increases strength and creates a thinner overall profile to the knife.
Para Cord Sleeve: The outer nylon sleeve of Para Cord. Spyderco uses the sleeve to cover the ball chain attached to our neck sheaths thus reducing noise during carry as well as possible pinching from the chain.
Phantom Lock: A pressure release locking system used on the Spyderco MeerKat, model C64. The lock is released by positioning your thumb on the butt end of the handle over the Spyderco bug, and two fingers on the back side of the handle then scissoring the two sides in opposite directions.
Photon II: Quarter-sized flashlight that uses photon technology, an LED bulb emitting incredibly bright full spectrum light with a Lithium long-life battery.
Pinky Shelf: An angled protrusion at the distal-end of the knife handle where the pinky sits. This angled portion of the handle offers a leveraging spot for additional control and coordination over the knife while in the hand.
PlainEdge: A sharpened knife blade with no serrations or teeth. Sometimes called a smooth blade.
Pommel: The knob or expansion found on the of end a sword or knife.
Quillion: A handguard protruding from both sides of the handle (where the handle and blade meet), which stops the hand from slipping up onto the blade.
Reverse "S" Blade: Blade shape resembling a backward S with the tip curving downward. The deep belly (thickest part of the blade) curves in the same direction as the tip. See C12 Civilian.
Save and Serve: Blanket term used to describe knife users who are EMTs, LEOs, Military Personnel -- anyone who saves and serves.
Scale: A knife handle made of scales or slabs of material that are riveted, screwed or bonded together.
Sermollan: A rubberized plastic used on kitchen knife handles that offers a secure grip and resistance to bacteria.
Sheepfoot Blade: A blade with a round, blunt tip that has no point. The design inhibits accidental stabbing while working in emergency situations, around livestock and inflatable boats.
Slip Joint: Non Locking Blade -- a blade having a spring acting against it, which provides some resistance to its opening and closing as it pivots within the handle.
Spear Point: Blade shape that has an equal amount of curve on the spine and the cutting edge. The two curves meet, coming together at the point. Designed for general-purpose cutting.
Spine Cusp: A point or crest above The Spyderco Round Hole that creates a spot where the thumb is placed and offers leverage while holding the knife and cutting.
Sprint Run: A limited, one time only, production of a knife design/model. Production numbers are less than 1500 pieces.
Spyderco Trademark Round HoleÃ¢â€žÂ¢: Round hole located in the knife blade used for one-hand opening and closing of a knife blade.
SpyderEdge: Spyderco's two-step serration pattern of one large and two small serrations. This pattern increases the cutting edge by 24%.
Stainless Steel: Steel that contains a minimum of 12-1/2-13% chromium, making it resistant (not stain-proof) to corrosion. The chromium oxide "CrO" creates a barrier to oxygen and moisture, preventing rust formation.
Swedge (non-sharpened): Also called a false edge, it is a ground edge on the back of the blade's spine, that is chamfered, or non-sharpened. It removes weight from the blade and can change the blade's balance and penetration performance and appearance.
Tang: The portion of the blade where it connects to the handle.
Tek-Lok: Detachable polymer clip mounted onto some of Spyderco's sheaths which can be situated to carry the knife in five different carry positions: vertical, inverted, cross-draw, small of back or horizontal position.
Tip-Up/Tip-Down: Refers to which direction the folded knife if positioned by its pocket clip. When closed and clipped in a pocket, whichever direction (up or down) the blade's tip sits defines if it is termed tip-up or tip-down.
Titanium: A non-ferrous metal with high tensile strength is light-weight and resistant to corrosion. Often used for handle material or knife liners.
Trainer: A red-handled non-sharpened knife used for training and practice purposes.
Volcano Grip: Our trademarked name for the waffle texture found in our FRN handled lightweight knives. The continuous pattern of small squares offer better hand grip while cutting.
Wharncliffe: A blade design in which the point of the knife is dropped to a straight cutting edge.
Wood Epoxy Laminate: This is an impregnated wood laminate, which is extremely hard and machines similar to Corian, aluminum and Micarta.