Spyderco UpTern – Knife of the Week

The first Spyderco was a revolutionary folder. It had a thumb hole for one-handed opening, a lockback mechanism for strength, and a durable stainless steel handle.

More than 40 years after that first Spyderco folder, Spyderco took many of the design cues from the original while adding quality-of-life improvements.

That resulted in a new yet instant classic called the Spyderco UpTern.

The UpTern actually has a unique backstory. It was inspired by a nonlocking model made specifically for Spyderco’s budget brand Byrd Knives in 2012 called the Tern. However, they upgraded almost everything and put in many of the classic Spyderco design elements.

Its 2.82-inch blade has the iconic Round Hole with subtle jimping along the thumb ramp and a feature people beg for in the Delica/Endura models — a finger choil that allows the user to choke up on the blade for additional control.

The stout stainless steel handle feels nice and solid in the hand. A four-position clip allows the user to carry the knife in their preferred method.

Because of its Round Hole, lockback mechanism, and reversible clip, it’s a fully ambidextrous knife.

With a price under $50, you’d be hard-pressed to find a better-designed Spyderco with a classic look and feel than the UpTern.

As a bonus, its design is highly conducive to engravings as a gift. As a result, it’s been one of our most engraved knives this year.