Spyderco Smock TiCN Cruwear Blade, Black Aluminum Scales (Pre-Order)

As of 4/1, we have sold through our pre order allocation for batch 2. We are hoping to get a few more available during release but do not have any guarantees for further availability beyond our pre orders. Thanks so much for your support! 

As of 3/31, we have received an update from the distributor that Spyderco is experiencing an delay on these of unspecified length. We still think they should probably be available in April but it is not clear at this time. We sincerely apologize for the extra wait and will continue to check their progress and update y’all accordingly. 

Batch 1 has shipped on 3/13.

We have two options available as pre order bonuses:

1. Free Skiff Bearings - code: SMOCKNROLL
2. Free Lynch Clip (your choice!) - code: FREELNWCLIP

Make sure the item you want to discount is in cart, then the discount should apply on top.

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 black anodized aluminum scales, an unusual choice among Spyderco knives, especially for the Taichung facility. I believe this 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 made from CruWear steel and coated black using Physical Vapor Deposition (PVD) with pure Titanium Carbonitride (TiCN), which can reach hardnesses of 70 HRC. We love the Taichung TiCN coatings because they’re highly durable and beautiful. The PVD method, unscientifically explained, vaporizes the coating ingredient materials in a vacuum chamber and condenses onto the target part, forming a permanent chemical bond to the part. The result is very thin, yet very durable coatings, perfect for high performance knives. Also, the glossy (smooth) finish that Taichung does on their TiCN is a favorite of ours. It has a distinctly premium look and feel and you can even subtly see the grind lines through the coating - it’s practically a black satin finish that I haven’t seen from any factory other than Taichung. For comparison, the USA Spyderco facility does PVD coating with Diamond-Like Carbon (DLC) as their coating material over a blasted finish, giving their knives their distinctive low-reflectivity aesthetic while still keeping friction to a minimum. This coating is also pure TiCN, unlike the much less durable coatings on Seki-made blade Spyderco models which are a black oxide coating impregnated with some TiCN particles. 

CPM Cruwear (also stylized Cru-Wear or CruWear) 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. With the TiCN coating, the corrosion resistance is enhanced even further. 

This distinctive all-black Smock variant also features black coated hardware, the new pivot design, and a glossy black clip to complement the beautiful TiCN blade. (The Stormtrooper Smock exclusive variant featured a less premium matte black clip). 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: Black Anodized 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

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.