Spyderco FARID MEHR K2-PIN

I have heard the name Farid Mehr from Pat Farey (Editor) of Gun Mart who’s a bigger knife freak than I am, but had yet to see an example of his work. Being a custom builder that would seem highly unlikely as bespoke products of that nature command high prices. However, collaboration with Spyderco allows him to design a knife then let them produce it so we can benefit. Joyce Laituri Marketing and PR who knows my predeliction for ‘monster folders’ sent me their Farid-designed K-2 PIN.

ONE TOUGH CUSTOMER

Minimalist were my first thoughts as the K-2 is plain, practical and pleasing. It’s big all right at 9.99” tip to base with a 4.54” CPM 10V blade, this high-vanadium tool steel is made using Crucible® steel’s Powder Metallurgy process. Its 9.75% vanadium content gives it extreme wear resistance that translates into excellent edge retention; always a result! However, it’s no chubby as it weighs in at 6.2oz thanks to its all-Titanium handles that makes it a light and handy handful. Visually too it’s pleasingly understated as the handle is a flat grey and the blade is vertically ground for a corresponding, non-reflective look.

The blade is a Bowie-style with an upswept tip, with its full-flat grind it tapers over its entire width to a simple plain edge and is ‘wicked sharp’! It’s slimmer than I expected at just 0.138” though it’s strong and rigid. As ever there’s Spyderco’s trademark opening hole, which I thought a tad small at 0.504” though it’s functional. The rear of the spine is rounded off and slightly up angled, it’s smooth and I would have preferred some subtle jimping for added thumb support.

SERPENTINE CUT

I had my doubts initially about the smooth, slab-sided handle but these proved unfounded as there’s a lot to get hold of and it fills the hand nicely. It’s an open-topped design so dirt and debris will fall straight through and if not is easily washed out. Practical and simplistic is the integral liner lock cut into the right hand scale. Spyderco describe it as a Reeve Integral Lock (R.I.L.) and it shows a serpentine longitudinal cut on the locking bar, which is a Farid signature. The R.I.L. is seriously strong and you can feel the tension as you deploy it, which is easily done one- handed. However, to disengage I’d recommend a two-handed approach as and unlike my old Military it’s no easy push and fold!

With a lanyard hole at the back the K-2 also features a stainless clothing clip as all good folders should! However, it’s a fixed position and only gives a tip-down carry in your pocket. For a working blade, which this certainly is, tip-up is better as you grab the handle and your hand is already positioned to roll the blade open rather than having to pull it out, reverse the handle, make the grip then open. Call me picky but on what it a superior design such as this I would have expected the fine print to be sorted!

NAME: Spyderco K-2 PIN C185TI
PRICE: £294
CONTACT: Edgar Brothers Ltd, 01625 613177, www.spyderco.com

FOR: Elegantly simple and practical design
AGAINST: No jimping on rear spine Clothing clip gives tip-down carry only
VERDICT: A tough monster folder – love it