Spyderco Canis | Optimized For Personal Protection

In 2019 I started hearing some online rumblings about a collaboration between Kelly McCann of Kembativz Brand and Spyderco on a folder. For those who are not familiar with Kelly McCann, he is a former Marine Corp Special Mission Officer, government contractor, security trainer/provider, and combative trainer with over thirty years of experience.

I’ve had the opportunity to train with Kelly on numerous occasions and he is a straight forward down to earth guy who doesn’t try to impress you with flash. So when I heard he had designed a folder I wanted to get my hands on one as I knew that it would be all business.

Flash forward to 2020 the knife hit the market and I was looking to get one. As fortune had it one of my Kembativz training Brothers was able to facilitate an order for our group and I was able to get one about a month ago.

Here are a few specs on the Spyderco Canis:

• Overall Length: 8.12″
• Blade Length: 3.43″
• Weight: 4.1oz
• Steel: CPM S30V
• Handle: Carbon Fiber/G-10 Laminate
• Lock Type: Compression
• Grind: Hollow

Out of the box, the first thing I noticed was the positive feel of the grips the G10 gives it a secure feel in the hand and is also filling. The fit and finish are what I’ve come to expect from Spyderco, total quality. The grips allow for ambidextrous four-position carry. It’s compatible for right and left-handers in tip-up or tip-down positions. The Canis is designed in my mind as an offensive/defensive blade.

I’m not usually a big fan of folders as an O/DB as the fail point is in getting the blade into the fight. That consists of getting it out of the pocket, getting a secure grip, and opening it. The Canis clip in my opinion is what I consider deep carry as it sits low in the pocket. The G10 grips assist in getting it out as quickly as possible as the roughness allows the thumb to get a positive purchase on the grip to facilitate the removal from the pocket. Once out of the pocket and securely in the hand the next fail point is usually getting the blade out. The design, weight, and quality of the Canis allow the blade to fully come out and lock with a flick of your thumb. The only other folding knife that I have found to be as consistent is the Spyderco Yojimbo.

The locking mechanism is a compression lock on the top of the grip. It is recessed so that there is little to no chance of the blade inadvertently being released during use but easily closes when released.

The blade itself is a Wharncliffe-style with a unique bevel and a reinforced tip. The reinforced tip allows for deep penetration through various mediums. The straight edge style of the blade allows for deep cuts. I’ve been carrying and manipulating the Canis for about a month now and am definitely a fan. I’ve had the opportunity to train edged weapons not only with Kelly McCann but also Michael Janich of Martial Blade Concepts, Dynamis Alliance, Kelly Worden, Insights Training Center, and feel that this is a folder that meets my needs and is a good choice as an Offensive/Defensive folding blade. MSRP is $340.00 and they are currently available.