Spyderco has been around since 1976 and are credited with revolutionizing the folding knife industry when they first released the first knife with a round hole in the blade for one-handed opening, a clip on the handle to carry it on the outside of your pocket, and a choice of either a plain or serrated edge. Their design innovations have literally gone on to defend the form of the modern folding knife.
In 2018, they added another member to the family with the Kapara, a slim, sleek, and lightweight everyday carry designed by part time Australian knife maker Alistair Phillips. The Kapara is based on Phillips popular custom Redback folder and pays tribute to the spider with its namesake by including a red backspacer and a forward index finger choil on the blade.
The Kapara is built on a solid foundation of CPM S30V, a Crucible Industries steel specifically made for high end kitchen cutlery and pocket knives. It’s an impressive piece of material that provides exceptional cutting performance and toughness in a compact package.
It’s a little over three-and-a-half inches long with a 3.58” blade and weighs only 3.3 ounces closed. The slim profile and reversible deep-carry wire clip with left or right side tip-up carry make it a good fit for EDC rotations.
Ergonomics are a Spyderco strong suit and the Kapara is no exception. The shape of the contoured carbon fiber handles fills your palm and fits the hand perfectly, and there is a thumb ramp above the hole opener for increased leverage. The choil is more like a forward finger groove than the traditional blade choil and works well for both slicing and piercing. The Kapara’s primary bevel goes all the way to the spine for reduced friction and a sharp edge for food prep.
