Smock Exclusive - Satin Cruwear Blade, Satin Aluminum Scales PREORDER (May 12)

The Batch 1 estimated ship date is May 12th. Batch 2 will be coming 1-2 months later, as it is still in production in Taiwan.

If you want to further enhance your Smock, don't forget to add Skiff Bearings and a Lynch Clip!

 

Story

The Spyderco Smock is a collaboration with Kevin Smock, a custom knife maker and designer. This Spyderco model is based on Smock's SK23 custom, which was the first knife design to utilize the button release compression lock. Smock licensed the use of the compression lock mechanism from Spyderco, then iterated on its design to include a button on the show-side scale that actuates the lock. The button actuated compression lock is unique because it combines the exceptional strength and longevity of the compression lock with the easy, fidgety actuation of a button lock. Fun fact, typically the left side liner contains the lockbar (leaf spring), but the Smock features a mirrored lock configuration, since the lock is intended to be actuated by the thumb rather than index finger. 

For more about the Smock, check out Kevin Smock’s Designer Insight video posted by Spyderco on YouTube.

Materials

For the handle scales, this distributor exclusive variant features satin aluminum scales, an unusual choice among Spyderco knives, especially for the Taichung facility. I believe these exclusives may actually be the first use of aluminum in the Spyderco Taichung facility, which is widely acclaimed as one of the best production knife factories in the world due to their stellar engineering and craftsmanship.

The blade is crafted from CPM Cruwear (also stylized Cru-Wear or CruWear), which is a very tough AND wear resistant semi-stainless American tool steel made by Crucible Industries of Geddes, NY and rolled by Niagara Specialty Metals of Akron, NY. Cruwear earned a cult-like following among the knife user community for its very well balanced characteristics and ease of sharpening, especially with Spyderco’s acclaimed heat treatment. Dr. Larrin Thomas of Knife Steel Nerds (and Magnacut inventor) rates this steel as an 8/10 in toughness, 5/10 in edge retention, and 5.5/10 in corrosion resistance (“stainless" classification starts at 6/10). This combination of properties means it will stand up to harder use while staying sharp, and with just a little mindfulness, corrosion won’t be an issue. The blade is hollow ground.

This distinctive all-satin Smock variant also features uncoated hardware, the new pivot design, a polished silver clip, and beautiful satin blade. Overall, the premium materials and fine craftsmanship of this knife come together to make it a uniquely high performance and intensely collectible option from Spyderco that has a place in any collection or pocket. 

 

Technical Specifications:

• Overall Length: 7.92"
• Blade Length: 3.39"
• Handle Length: 4.53"
• Blade Thickness: 0.118"
• Weight: 3.7oz
• Liner Type: Full, Unnested
• Blade Material: CPM CruWear
• Handle Material: Brushed Aluminum
• Action: Manual
• Lock: Button Release Compression lock
• Country of Origin: Taichung, Taiwan
• Aftermarket Scales: Limited options, but available. Kevin Smock also makes special scale options.
• Skiff Bearing Compatibility: 3/16”-(12)-1/16” (available on our store)

 

Disassembly Notes

Check out our maintenance video here!

Also, if you are new to the Spyderco Smock design, please note that it has a second detent added to it to avoid classification as a gravity knife, which would be illegal in most places and a potential safety hazard. This second ball detent basically stops the blade from falling open when the button is pressed (accidentally or intentionally) which actuates the lock. However, many fans of the Smock, including myself, enjoy the option to open the blade with the button because it makes the knife more fun to fidget with. 

The second detent is quite easy to remove during disassembly. It is simply a tiny coil spring pressing a small ball bearing against the tang of the blade, but it is not captive, so chances are high that when you go to take the knife apart (such as to install the skiff bearings upgrade set), the ball (and sometimes coil spring) will fall out, land on the floor, and roll into an unreachable or undetectable spot. Therefore, we advise some caution when disassembling your Smock and using quality screw bits (T8 and T6) and a takedown mat. Overall, we rate the Smock as moderately easy to dis/reassemble; easier than a PM2 but more difficult than a Native. Also, Spyderco will continue to honor their warranty on the original components of their knives long as they are dis/reassembled properly and therefore mechanically functional.