This Workhorse Spyderco EDC Knife Combines Absurd Affordability and Tactical Utility

Not too long ago, Spyderco unveiled a massive catalog of knives and tools to kick off the brand’s 50th anniversary. They included heavy-hitters, like a special take on the Para 3 with FatCarbon scales and a lightweight take on the legendary PM2.

But those were just the tip of the iceberg. There were plenty of other noteworthy additions, including a somewhat under-the-radar drop that combines historical tactical elements with a pretty remarkably affordable price point, the Spyderco Retract.

Spyderco

EDC curveball

The Retract has a pretty unique overall silhouette, even for Spyderco — which is saying a lot. However, it draws its silhouette from a historically significant tactical blade, the Nepalese kukri.

These knives, with their inward-curving blades, excel at chopping, making them outstanding for agricultural (their original purpose), as well as bushcraft and even combat use. However, this shrunk-down version — measuring 7.79 inches total with a 3.4-inch blade — is still highly adept at EDC tasks.

Spyderco

That’s all the more true when you consider the ergonomic shape of the handle and the jimping on the blade’s spine, which allows for pressure to be exerted on the blade while maintaining stability.

What’s even better about it is that, when folded, the knife is as compact as other pocket-friendly EDC cutting tools. Even with its uniquely-curved blade, it folds down to an extremely manageable size that does nothing to betray its highly unusual shape.

Spyderco

Big blade, little investment

Its historical connection and utility are only a part of the story. The other major highlight is the investment necessary to pop this knife in your pocket.

The Retract is priced at $95 — yes, really (and it’s even cheaper on preorder … for now). And yet, it’s not something rife with compromises. In other words, it’s budget-friendly but still highly capable (it’d have to be to be deserving of the Spyderco name).

Spyderco

The blade is built from 9Cr18MoV steel, which is admittedly on the more budget side of the spectrum, but is still plenty capable and easy to maintain. It also has the brand’s signature Round Hole for easy, ambidextrous manual deployment.

The handle is G-10, which is a highly respectable, stable, durable material. It also has a liner lock, which is almost as classic as locking mechanisms come. And it has a reversible wire pocket clip for easier carry management.

Put plainly: the knife lives up to its brand and offers plenty of utility, even for its remarkably low price.

Spyderco

Pricing and availability

The Spyderco Retract is available for preorder at Blade HQ for a shockingly low $72 — down from its $95 MSRP (which is, admittedly, still quite affordable).

It will also soon be available on the brand’s official site for the standard price.

Spyderco

Spyderco Retract

• $72 at Blade HQ
  $95 (24% off)

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