Spyderco Legends Return: The Knives of Reveal 18 at Blade Show 2025

Spyderco’s latest knives from Reveal 18 brought a wave of excitement to Blade Show 2025. The buzz around the booth this year was so intense that we had to take a step outside just to get a proper look at all the new models. With legends returning, stunning new sprint runs, and fan-favorite designs getting fresh treatments, there’s plenty for every Spyderco enthusiast to get excited about.

We’re sharing firsthand details, design insight, and practical features of each new knife. Most new models are already up for pre-order, with only a few limited sprint runs needing extra patience. If you want the biggest and boldest look yet at what Spyderco is bringing to shelves this year, keep reading.

Here’s what you’ll find in this guide:

• Shaman Lightweight and innovation in hard-use knives
• The return of collaborations with Bob Terzuola and Bill Moran
• Sprint run spotlights, including historic and niche favorites
• Expanded slip joint and non-locking lineup
• SPY-27 steel models and specialty releases like the Police and Chaparral

Let’s dive into the full breakdown of what makes each of these knives—and the legends behind them—special for 2025.

Spyderco’s Unveiling at Blade Show 2025: A Quick Overview

This year at Blade Show 2025, the Spyderco booth was one of the busiest we’ve ever seen. The brand capitalized on that attention with the debut of several anticipated models in their Reveal 18 lineup. We found new spins on classic designs, the celebrated return of historic collaborations, and fresh innovations in materials and ergonomics that are sure to shape the year’s best everyday carry options.

Nearly everything in this collection (besides a few sprint runs) is available for pre-order now at Knife Center, so we can get ahead of the curve before these models fly off the shelves. The range includes lightweight workhorses, hard-use folders, premium fixed blades, and accessible non-lockers designed for a variety of carry needs.

For a deeper look at the history and innovations Spyderco released, check out Spyderco’s 2025 Knife Lineup.

Main highlights in Spyderco Reveal 18:

• The eagerly awaited Shaman Lightweight
• Bob Terzuola’s iconic Starmate sprint run
• The Bill Moran Damascus fixed blade
• Smaller but mighty models: Ed Schempp’s Balance and the Dyad Jr.
• New slip joints and non-lockers, including Metropolitan and COBOL
• Upgrades and new flavors of the Bodacious, Yojimbo, Police, and Chaparral lines

Let’s take a closer look at each of these new releases and see what makes them stand out.

The Shaman Lightweight: A Modern Hard-Use Classic Reimagined

Design and Build Features

The Shaman is one of Spyderco’s most favored hard-use knives. In the new Lightweight version, Spyderco has managed to shave off weight without giving up the trusted toughness that made the original so popular.

• Blade Stock & Grind: This model sports a thicker blade stock than most other Spydercos. The high bevel grind provides a broad cutting surface, but purposefully stops short of the spine, preserving thickness for extra durability at the tip—ideal for tasks where leverage and strength matter.
• Locking Mechanism: The compression lock design remains front and center. It’s a favorite for its ease of use, one-handed operation, and safety. Nested within the 3D molded handle, this lock is engineered to handle demanding work without accidental disengagement.
• Handle Construction: Instead of traditional 3D machined G10, the Shaman Lightweight features an injection-molded handle. This upgrade delivers a significant reduction in weight while keeping the feel balanced and the construction rigid, thanks in part to the full-length backspacer.
• Unique Ergonomics: From the thumb and finger gimping to the generous finger choil, this model fits well in any hand size. The four-way clip mount includes widely spaced screws for added clip strength and easy adaptation for left or right carry.

Lightweight Innovation and Grip Texture

Spyderco’s approach to lightweight knives, especially for a “hard use” folder like the Shaman, required careful engineering. We get a knife that feels as robust as its G10 counterpart but is easier to carry day after day.

• Grip Texture: The Shaman Lightweight introduces a brand-new grip texture unique to this model. Instead of aggressive bi-directional patterns—or the famous volcano grip—there’s a subtle, smooth surface with enough tactile edge to keep the knife secure but gentle enough to avoid tearing up pockets or hands.
• Cost Advantage: Choosing BD1N steel over the premium S30V used in standard Shamans brings the price down by about $100. This gives us the same ergonomic comfort, near-equal performance for most users, and all the daily utility we expect in a Shaman.

Standard Shaman vs. Shaman Lightweight:

The end result is a knife that’s easier to carry, strong for daily abuse, and safe thanks to the trusted compression lock. It might just be our favorite Shaman yet.

Legendary Collaborations: Icons Return in Reveal 18

Bob Terzuola’s Starmate Sprint Run

Bob Terzuola helped kick off outside collaborations for Spyderco back in the ‘90s, and his Starmate model is a legend in tactical folders. Now back as a limited sprint run, this is a fan’s dream reissue.

• Blade & Steel: The new Starmate boasts a hollow-ground blade made from premium 20CV steel. This steel offers outstanding edge retention and corrosion resistance—a solid pairing for tactical and daily reliability.
• Lock and Scales: The knife uses a nested liner lock within rock-solid peel ply G10 scales. We get a lighter carry, strong grip, and the kind of sturdy build Terzuola knives are known for.
• Design Touches: The thumb platform makes opening and using the knife comfortable, while the handle integrates with the blade for a seamless look and feel—almost like a fixed blade in the hand.
• Carry and Usability: With a four-way clip and generous lanyard hole, it fits any carry need. The profile lends itself to both tough work and everyday use.

Key Star Mate Sprint Run Features:

• Hollow-ground 20CV blade
• Nested liner lock
• Four-way clip and lanyard hole
• Limited sprint run status

These models will certainly sell out, so if you’re looking for a hard-use folder with deep Spyderco and Terzuola heritage, keep your ears open for news of a drop date.

Bill Moran Fixed Blade: Damascus Returns

Bill Moran is credited as the godfather of American Damascus and led the way for Spyderco’s early fixed blades. The return of his collaboration in this new Damascus steel edition puts a spotlight on that history.

• Damascus-Style Steel: The blade features Damasteel, which not only looks beautiful but also brings enhanced cutting performance and corrosion protection. True hand-forged Damascus gets expensive, so we’re happy to see this production version strikes a great balance of beauty and practicality.
• Handle and Tapered Design: Moran’s handle designs are famous for their balanced, tapered shapes. The new model gets a grey handle with a black insert, creating visual contrast that echoes the layering of the blade.
• Ergonomics: Every detail, including the gentle contour at the back of the handle and well-placed thumb rest, helps with precise skinning or slicing tasks. The knife feels agile and easy in any grip.
• Carry: A snug, traditional leather sheath protects the Damascus finish and offers flexible belt mount options, making this knife as practical on your hip as it is beautiful in your collection.

Sprint Runs: Unique and Historic Models

Ed Schempp’s Balance: Compact Power

Ed Schempp’s Balance is a small folder that lives up to its name. Closed, the knife is visually symmetrical, and the opening hole sits perfectly centered, making it one of the most elegant profiles in the lineup.

• Blade and Steel: The new run upgrades to SPY27 (Spyderco’s proprietary cobalt-based powdered steel), though the prototype show here had VG10. SPY27 offers excellent edge and corrosion properties, and it’s made here in the US.
• Construction: The open-frame architecture is lightweight and easy to clean. The lock bar cut is executed with extreme precision, thanks to EDM technology.
• Carry: The compact form makes it easy to slip in nearly any pocket or even in the top of a shirt.
• Performance: Despite its size, the Balance is perfect for powerful draw cuts and feels stable in hand.

Balance Quick Specs:

• Symmetrical closed design
• SPY27 steel
• Finger choil for good grip despite small size

The Spyderco Dyad Jr: Two-Blade Strength

This dual-blade folder might make you pause and ask: Is that two knives in one? Yes, and Spyderco engineered the Dyad Jr. to deliver true performance out of each blade.

• Locks and Blades: The Dyad Jr. sports two strong, independently locking blades—a plain edge clip point and a serrated sheepsfoot, each with its own back lock.
• Construction: The blades are backup up by full-length back springs, ensuring durability, and both blades feature different grinds appropriate to their uses.
• Ergonomics: This knife is small, but is wide enough to fit the hand well in any grip and allows for easy switching between blades.
• Grip: Features old school volcano grip patterning and matches the sprint theme with cobalt blue SPY27 steel.

Blade Comparison:

These historic returns pack a surprising punch for collectors and users alike.

Expanding the Slip Joint & Non-Locking Collection

Metro Slip Joint: Safe and Street-Legal

Designed to fit between classics like the Urban and the UKPK, the new Metropolitan offers slip joint practicality in a hand-filling size.

• Safety: The forward finger choil helps prevent accidental closure, a critical safety feature for non-lockers.
• Construction: Features a full back spring for strength and weight and a reversible deep pocket wire clip for discreet carry.
• Grip: The grip texturing is both comfortable and functional.
• Blade Steel: The first production run uses M398, a steel prized for its hardness and edge retention, though slightly more brittle—future versions may shift to M390 or N690.

Metro Slip Joint Safety & Comfort Features:

• Forward finger choil
• Sturdy backspring for rigidity in use
• Deep pocket reversible wire clip

The Metro’s blade length also fits many worldwide legal requirements, making it a smart option for global users.

COBOL by Paul Alexander: Innovative Slip Joint

The COBOL introduces a unique two-ball detent system rather than a classic spring or lock, a nod to Bob Terzuola’s “double dent” mechanism but with a fresh twist.

• Opening: Uses a front flipper mechanism with an extended tang, offering control reminiscent of friction folders.
• Materials: Full titanium scales, M390 steel modified tanto blade, deep carry reversible wire clip.
• Functionality: Safety is built in—placing the thumb on the spine while cutting reinforces the backspring, and the open design makes cleaning easy.

Paul Alexander’s Cobalt Key Features:

• M390 blade
• Dual ball detents
• Titanium handle
• Front flipper for fast, controlled opening

The Bug with Abalone Inlay: Smallest, Flashiest EDC

Spyderco’s Bug has long been beloved as a keychain knife, and this year’s model takes things up a notch with double-sided abalone inlays. Practical, tiny, and now even more stylish, this is the smallest and sliciest entry in the Spyderco family.

Notable attributes:

• Abalone inlay on both sides
• Lanyard hole included
• Full flat grind for clean slicing

Collectors and users wanting a bit of “jewel box” EDC will love this edition.

SPY27 Steel Updates: Bodacious & Yojimbo

Bodacious: Refined Workhorse

The Bodacious in SPY27 cobalt blue gets a slimmer blade and handle profile than the Shaman, providing extra edge while staying easy to carry. The four-finger choil adds comfort for harder cuts, and the lightweight build works well for all-day EDC.

Yojimbo: Self-Defense Legend

Michael Janich’s Yojimbo gets the SPY27 treatment, maintaining its hollow grind and needle-fine tip designed for instantaneous slicing and defense tasks. With reliable compression lock and numerous grip options, it remains one of the top choices for tactical folder enthusiasts.

Bodacious vs. Yojimbo:

The Police Model: A True Classic Gets an Update

The Police line is Spyderco’s longest-serving design, known originally as the “PIG” for Pride, Integrity, and Guts. The latest version comes in full black stainless steel, where even the smallest parts are coated before assembly for a smoother finish. The move to a full flat grind instead of the old saber grind means an even slicier blade and less wear on the scales.

This model joins other Police variants already in production, and more drops in the series are on the way, keeping this classic alive.

Throwback Fact: The original Police was first built for uniformed officers needing a reliable, easy-to-carry tool—and more than 30 years later, it still serves that role well.

For a look at award-winning models from the show, see the Blade Show 2025 Knife of the Year Winners.

Chaparral: Style Meets Function in a Gent Folder

The newest Chaparral marks a first-time collaboration with FatCarbon, using their striking Lava Flow material for the handle. Lightweight, balanced, and stylish, it’s built with CTS-XHP steel—a powder metallurgy stainless with improved D2-like toughness and edge retention.

Other highlights include a traditional mid-back lock for that signature “snap,” ultra-smooth action, and a blade geometry famous for being one of the sliciest in the standard-size Spyderco lineup. The Chaparral line is known for swapping handles between variants, so fans can expect future releases to expand on this concept.

Feature highlights:

• FatCarbon Lava Flow handle
• CTS-XHP steel
• Mid-back lock
• Ultra-thin, lightweight “gentleman’s folder” profile

For more unique editions, check our Spyderco KnifeCenter Exclusives.

Ordering, Availability, and Final Thoughts

Nearly every knife showcased here (except for the limited sprint runs) is available for pre-order now. These exclusive and popular releases don’t last long, so we recommend grabbing favorites before they’re gone. Sprint runs will have their own special announcements once available.

For the full rundown of new Spyderco releases, including other trusted brands and more knives from Blade Show, you can visit our roundup of New Spyderco Knives Announced and explore top knives from Blade Show 2025.

For even more event footage, behind-the-scenes looks, and interviews, check out the Blade Show 2025 coverage playlist at Blade Show 2025 Coverage.

Pre-order now to ensure you don’t miss out on these exciting new arrivals. Happy collecting and carrying from all of us at KnifeCenter!