Spyderco’s Under-the-Radar Tactical Folder Gets a Premium Ultralight Reissue

In the early 1980s, law enforcement sought out Spyderco, requesting that the brand build a folding knife that was slim, easy to carry, one-hand operable and high-performance. Sal Glesser’s outfit obliged, producing the brand’s Police model — one of its longest-running folders still in production.

However, the brand decided not to keep the knife a law enforcement-only offering, opening it up to the public, much to the joy of knife fanatics and collectors everywhere.

The latest in its lineup, the Spyderco Police 4 Lightweight CPM SPY27, is special for its unique combination of materials and features.

Spyderco

Baby blue

The banner feature of this knife — the part that grants it the “Lightweight” in its name — is its handle. On the standard Police model, the knife features stainless steel scales.

In this version, those scales have been replaced with FRN (fiberglass-reinforced nylon) ones — the same material used for all of Spyderco’s Lightweight models. That brings the weight down significantly from 5.4 ounces to 4.2 — a 1.2-ounce decrease (which, in EDC terms, is quite a bit.) That’s also helped by its skeletonized steel liners.

There’s another benefit to this material, as well. It has a texture to it that adds much more grip than the slicker standard-issue version offers. Yet, it’s still incredibly strong.

The Police 4 also maintains its four-position reversible pocket clip, an essential component for custom carry, as well as its sturdy back lock, another standard feature of this knife model. But that’s not the only change.

Spyderco

Not-so-itsy-bitsy spider

This lightweight take on the Police model is actually larger than the original, too. The standard version measures 9.5 inches, which is admittedly on the massive side of the spectrum. However, this Lightweight version is even bigger at 9.97 inches, total. By the way, 4.38 of those inches comprise the blade.

That length offers easier operation in a gloved hand — another factor that’s important for tactical use — but it’s also offset by the weight savings. Interestingly, the blade also sees a change.

On the standard model, the brand has utilized VG-10 steel — a respectable material by any measure. However, this version sees it swapped for Spyderco’s proprietary SPM SPY27, which is actually an upgraded version of VG-10 that’s tougher and more corrosion-resistant.

For reference, this isn’t the only lightweight version of this knife — although it is the only one with this particular steel. There are others with VG-10, K390 and more.

Spyderco

Now available

The Spyderco Police 4 Lightweight CPM SPY27 is now available on the brand’s site for $210. It’s also on Blade HQ for far less — $158 — however, it is currently sold out, so you’ll have to sign up for restock alerts.

Spyderco

Spyderco Police 4 Lightweight CPM SPY27

• $210 at Spyderco
• $158 at Blade HQ
  $210 (25% off)

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