Spyderco Schempp Tuff Holder

Custom knife maker Edd Schempp has been collaborating with Spyderco for a few years now and has created some impressive knives in his Primitive range that includes inspirations from Persian daggers, the Kris with its wavy blade and the Malayan Barong. However, his latest concept is very hi-tec by comparison with none of the classic styling of the aforementioned blades.

The Tuff is what I would describe as a ‘monster folder’ being big, tough and strong with little compromise on anything. It’s not the most aesthetic looking design, but its brutal looks do have an appeal. The blade is made from crucible CPM 3V steel and a surprising 4mm thick for 85% of its length. At the rear is the classic Spyderco hump, which is jimped for added thumb purchase along with the trademark thumb hole and twin fullers (slots) running along the blade almost to the tip.

Tri-Build

The 3.7” blade shows a basic drop point, plain edge layout with what Spyderco calls a sabre grind. At the rear is a finger choil that is also jimped, which offers two different hold options. As can be imagined you have a big and solid piece of steel up front, like I said nothing fancy but reassuringly rigid!

The handle follows that curious build that Spyderco seems to favour when they use exotic metals. The frame consists of a stainless steel inner liner backed by a textured G10 scale on the left. On the right is a single Titanium scale that also incorporates the lock. Both right and left scales are shallow drilled (dimpled) for added grip. The shape is like a wasp’s abdomen with a short, half-guard separating the choil from the main grip up front.

The build is simple with a basic fall through (open topped) frame with a spacer at the rear. Engagement is described as an R.I.L. mechanism (Reeves Integral Lock) though essentially it’s a liner that places a sprung strut with a hardened steel insert behind the rear of the blade that moves on an over sized pivot assembly.

Cock Your Hand

There’s a clothing clip that from the box offers a tip-up carry when folded, making for an easy draw and deployment. This however can be repositioned front or back and side to side as required. Though not exactly light at a shade under 7oz the TUFF measures 5.15” closed and 8.85” open. In the hand the blade drops below the centreline of the knife and you naturally cock your hand up and get a low pistol grip hold, which takes a bit of getting used to, but it none the less comfortable.

The opening movement is a bit stiff and I found you needed a fair bit of push with your thumb on the 13mm hole. Though requiring two hands I found holding the handle and pulling it open with the fuller to be easier. This has none of the smooth flickand click of my Spyderco Military model, but when it engages it does so like a bank vault door!