Retract Folding Knife, PlainEdge

Looks like I get to write the first Amazon review for this newer Spyderco offering. Just got the Retract today, so I certainly can’t speak to its longevity, but here are my initial thoughts. I happen to like the Kukri and Shilin style blade shapes. Their negative angle aids in prolonged cutting, making the slicing action more natural and easier on the user’s wrist. The Retract was designed by Ed Schempp, creator of Spyderco’s Schempp Bowie. I own and love that knife, but because it’s discontinued the price has skyrocketed, so of course I’m hesitant to ding it up. It’s also too fancy to be used as an EDC, and too large and aggressive looking to be used as a gentleman’s carry. The Retract, on the other hand, is built like it means business. It’s value priced so yes, that means it’s made in China. But like most other Spydercos made in China, it is well constructed. Fit and finish on mine is perfect, lock up is great, the liner lock is beefy and sturdy, and the blade arrived hair splitting sharp. That blade is not a premium steel, but most of us don’t need an expensive steel for 99% of our knife needs. The G-10 handles, while nothing special, are adequately grippy without feeling like pocket shredders. The two things I would change about this knife are the liner lock access and, to a lesser degree, its overall size and weight. The Schempp Bowie has the same issues. That knife weighs almost five ounces, which is definitely on the heavy side for me. The Retract weighs in at about 4.2 ounces. That doesn’t make it prohibitively heavy, just a bit weightier than I’d prefer. But this is a working knife, so that extra heft is also confidence inspiring. I personally think the knife would be just as useful, and even easier to carry, if it were about a half inch shorter and half an ounce lighter. The bigger issue is access to the liner lock. Most of Spyderco’s other liner lock knives give you ample space in the handle cutout for your thumb to easily engage the liner. Not so in this case. The Retract’s liner lock is nearly flush with the handle, making it difficult to use the pad of your thumb to unlock the blade. I find myself digging my thumbnail into that space in order to unlock and close the knife. Not a deal breaker, but worthy of a one star deduction in my opinion. Overall, this is a solid, relatively inexpensive, and very unique EDC pocket knife. If you like its looks and style, go for it.

I love and collect Spyderco, but only the ones made in Japan. I wasn't aware this was one of their China-made knives. Being a fan of Kukris as well, and since I own several Chinese knife brands, I decided I'd give it a chance. I couldn't bond with it, though. I didn't like the balance or the ergonomics, especially the placement of the liner lock. I sent mine back.