Spyderco Yojimbo 2 Folding Knife S30V Black DLC Plain Blade Black G10 C85GPBBK2
Item History & Price
Spyderco Yojimbo 2 Folding Knife 3.2" S30V Black DLC Plain Blade Black G10. Condition is "Used". Shipped with USPS First Class.
DETAILS(From Spyderco)Janich designed his first knife for Spyderco nearly 20 years ago, most personal-defense knives had traditional martial blade profiles, like spear points, Americanized tantos, and variations on the Bowie theme. Janich's design—the first-generation Ronin fixed blade—challenged that convention and literally pioneered the concept of th...e "tactical Wharncliffe." Today, Wharnie-style tactical knives are everywhere, but the roots of that trend can be traced directly back to Janich's early designs—and Spyderco's willingness to take a chance on them.The latest addition to this family is an all-black version of Janich's current Wharncliffe folder design, the Yojimbo 2. But to fully appreciate that knife, it helps to know a bit of the history behind its evolution.The original Ronin (literally "wave man" in Japanese, a term for a masterless Samurai) actually began as a collaboration with custom knifemaker Mike Snody. Janich had written an article on Snody's knives that became the tipping point for him to become a full-time maker. As a gesture of thanks, Snody invited Janich to design "the ultimate neck knife, " which he would make as a custom blade. Although Janich had designed other knives previously, including the Tempest folder for the Masters of Defense knife company, he was determined to approach the design process from a fresh, empirical perspective. He had already begun incorporating a demonstration called "Pork Man" into his knife self-defense courses to illustrate the cutting capability of small knives. Pork Man—a hefty pork roast tied around a wooden dowel and wrapped with multiple layers of plastic—not only demonstrated the cutting power of typical carry knives, but it also quantified the significant performance differences between different blade shapes.To determine which blade styles cut with the greatest effect, Janich invested a small fortune in pork roasts, crafted an army of Pork Men, and started cutting. To his surprise, of all the knives in his collection, the ones that cut best were a pair of Frank Centofante-designed "gentlemen's" folders from Spyderco with classic Wharncliffe-style blades (the C25 and C50).As Janich dug deeper, he realized the secret of the Wharncliffe blades was their perfectly straight edges cut with full power all the way to the point. Conversely, the cutting power of blades with upward curving edges and lots of "belly" diminishes near the point. The Wharncliffe’s needle-like point also penetrates almost effortlessly during thrusts. Despite their elegant demeanor, Wharncliffes are tactical cutting and thrusting machines.Armed with this knowledge, the Ronin design Janich presented to Snody was pure Wharncliffe. Initially, Snody was not thrilled with it and began to backpedal on his offer. When he finally made one and cut with it, however, he was blown away. Ultimately, he not only made a number of custom Ronins but shifted the course of his own knife designs to focus heavily on Wharncliffe blades.Around this same time (1999), Spyderco founder Sal Glesser invited Janich to take over as the instructor of the "Martial Blade Craft" program. Sal was fresh from attending James Keating’s "Riddle of Steel" training camp and wanted Spyderco to host a series of knife self-defense courses at our headquarters in Golden. As the program gained steam, Sal also thought it would be good for Janich to design a signature Spyderco knife that reflected his system of knife tactics. Janich showed Sal the Ronin, explained the logic behind it, and hammered the point home with the help of Pork Man. Sal liked what he saw and the Spyderco Ronin was born.At that time, Spyderco's fixed blade market was still limited, so Sal also asked Janich to design a folder as well. Janich had already been working on a rough prototype of a folding tactical Wharncliffe, so he quickly adapted the design to incorporate Spyderco’s Trademark Round Hole and delivered a set of drawings and his own handmade plastic concept model of the design. Although Sal liked the design, development of it happened slowly, so Janich decided to "tip the scales" a bit. He went back to Mike Snody and commissioned a special one-off of his design, which he had named the Yojimbo (Japanese for "bodyguard"). Snody gratefully made the knife, posted photos of it on the internet, and mentioned that Spyderco might be working on a production version of it.The Spyderco Yojimbo followed shortly thereafter, in 2003. Manufactured in Spyderco's Golden, CO factory, it featured a full-flat-ground CPM S30V Wharncliffe blade, nested stainless steel liners, blue or black textured G10 scales, and an early version of the Compression Lock mechanism. Its three-inch blade was purposely shorter than its tapered handle because Janich had originally designed it to be legal to carry on airplanes, even during heightened security alerts. After 9/11, that design feature was moot but still made the knife legal to carry almost everywhere.While many dismissed it as a "box cutter on steroids, " the Yojimbo gained more market traction than the Ronin. However, when Janich accepted a job managing another knife company in 2004, both he and Spyderco decided to remain friends, but discontinue the design.Janich continued his Wharncliffe campaign with several other designs until 2009 when he joined Spyderco as a full-time employee. Although his duties focus primarily on technical writing and product education, he soon joined Spyderco's R&D team, as well. He was also invited to create another signature design that reflected his philosophy on personal-defense knives. Taking full advantage of the lessons he had learned since the first Yojimbo, he designed the Yojimbo 2, which was released in late 2011.The Yojimbo 2's more refined design—backed by Janich's relentless promotion of the Wharncliffe as a tactical blade profile—have helped it earn a solid place in Spyderco’s product line. Since it was purpose-designed as a self-defense knife, the live-blade version was joined by a dedicated trainer model in 2017. In an interesting example of "reverse evolution"—and with the help of custom knifemaker Mickey Yurco—the Yojimbo 2 also inspired a near-identical fixed-blade counterpart, the Ronin 2.Based on its enduring popularity and repeated requests from Spyderco forumites, we are proud to announce the latest addition to the Spyderco/Janich Wharncliffe family: the all-black Yojimbo 2. Like the satin-bladed version, it features a hollow-ground CPM S30V blade, Compression Lock, peel-ply-textured G-10 scales, and a four-position hourglass pocket clip. However, all parts of the knife—including its nested stainless steel liners and Compression Lock—are cloaked in non-reflective black coatings. The blade features a Diamond-Like Carbon (DLC) coating, and all other parts also have durable black coatings appropriate to their base materials. In addition to satisfying Yojimbo 2 fans who have been clamoring for an all-black version, this knife is historically significant as it is the first Compression Lock model to feature black-coated liners.Although tactically themed Wharncliffes are commonplace these days, the evolution of this breed all started with the efforts of Michael Janich, Spyderco, and the spirit of collaboration and innovation that they have shared for more than 20 years.
SPECSBlade Length: 3.20"Closed Length: 4.49"Overall Length: 7.69"Cutting Edge: 3.00"Blade Thickness: 0.145"Blade Material: CPM-S30V Stainless SteelBlade Style: WharncliffeBlade Grind: HollowBlade Finish: Black DLCBlade Edge: PlainHandle Material: G10Handle Colors: BlackLocking Mechanism: Compression LockPocket Clip: Tip-Up/Down, Right/Left CarryModel Number: C85GPBBK2 Model Name: Yojimbo 2Weight: 4.1 oz.Designer: Michael JanichMade in the USA
ITEM CONDITIONThis Spyderco Yojimbo 2 was acquired from a collection and is in like-new condition. The knife almost looks brand new, has a razor sharp factory edge, and ships in original packaging.
DISCLAIMERThe buyer accepts responsibility for knowing the laws pertaining to the purchase, ownership and/or possession of this item(s) in their state. Item(s) in this listing may or may not be legal in some parts of the United States. The buyer must be at least 18 years of age to purchase the item(s) in this listing. Seller waives all liability for damage(s) resulting from direct or indirect misuse or negligent handling and/or possession of the item(s) in this listing.
NOTICEThe item(s) in this listing is photographed to provide you, the buyer, with as much information as possible regarding the condition of the item(s) at the time of sale. Please contact the seller with any questions regarding item condition prior to placing your order.
SHIPPINGYour items(s) will ship within 48 hours of receipt of payment. Due to expanded safety measures, please expect some shipping delays. Please verify your shipping address prior to placing your order. It is the responsibility of the buyer/purchaser of the item(s) to provide the correct shipping address at the time of sale.
RETURN POLICYItem(s) listed are examined for accuracy in regards to condition of the item(s), description of the item(s) (color, materials, specifications, etc.), and explanation of cost(s) involved (final price, shipping cost, etc.). All sales are final. Returns are not accepted after receipt of payment. Please contact the seller with any question or concerns prior to placing your order.
Thank you for looking!
DETAILS(From Spyderco)Janich designed his first knife for Spyderco nearly 20 years ago, most personal-defense knives had traditional martial blade profiles, like spear points, Americanized tantos, and variations on the Bowie theme. Janich's design—the first-generation Ronin fixed blade—challenged that convention and literally pioneered the concept of th...e "tactical Wharncliffe." Today, Wharnie-style tactical knives are everywhere, but the roots of that trend can be traced directly back to Janich's early designs—and Spyderco's willingness to take a chance on them.The latest addition to this family is an all-black version of Janich's current Wharncliffe folder design, the Yojimbo 2. But to fully appreciate that knife, it helps to know a bit of the history behind its evolution.The original Ronin (literally "wave man" in Japanese, a term for a masterless Samurai) actually began as a collaboration with custom knifemaker Mike Snody. Janich had written an article on Snody's knives that became the tipping point for him to become a full-time maker. As a gesture of thanks, Snody invited Janich to design "the ultimate neck knife, " which he would make as a custom blade. Although Janich had designed other knives previously, including the Tempest folder for the Masters of Defense knife company, he was determined to approach the design process from a fresh, empirical perspective. He had already begun incorporating a demonstration called "Pork Man" into his knife self-defense courses to illustrate the cutting capability of small knives. Pork Man—a hefty pork roast tied around a wooden dowel and wrapped with multiple layers of plastic—not only demonstrated the cutting power of typical carry knives, but it also quantified the significant performance differences between different blade shapes.To determine which blade styles cut with the greatest effect, Janich invested a small fortune in pork roasts, crafted an army of Pork Men, and started cutting. To his surprise, of all the knives in his collection, the ones that cut best were a pair of Frank Centofante-designed "gentlemen's" folders from Spyderco with classic Wharncliffe-style blades (the C25 and C50).As Janich dug deeper, he realized the secret of the Wharncliffe blades was their perfectly straight edges cut with full power all the way to the point. Conversely, the cutting power of blades with upward curving edges and lots of "belly" diminishes near the point. The Wharncliffe’s needle-like point also penetrates almost effortlessly during thrusts. Despite their elegant demeanor, Wharncliffes are tactical cutting and thrusting machines.Armed with this knowledge, the Ronin design Janich presented to Snody was pure Wharncliffe. Initially, Snody was not thrilled with it and began to backpedal on his offer. When he finally made one and cut with it, however, he was blown away. Ultimately, he not only made a number of custom Ronins but shifted the course of his own knife designs to focus heavily on Wharncliffe blades.Around this same time (1999), Spyderco founder Sal Glesser invited Janich to take over as the instructor of the "Martial Blade Craft" program. Sal was fresh from attending James Keating’s "Riddle of Steel" training camp and wanted Spyderco to host a series of knife self-defense courses at our headquarters in Golden. As the program gained steam, Sal also thought it would be good for Janich to design a signature Spyderco knife that reflected his system of knife tactics. Janich showed Sal the Ronin, explained the logic behind it, and hammered the point home with the help of Pork Man. Sal liked what he saw and the Spyderco Ronin was born.At that time, Spyderco's fixed blade market was still limited, so Sal also asked Janich to design a folder as well. Janich had already been working on a rough prototype of a folding tactical Wharncliffe, so he quickly adapted the design to incorporate Spyderco’s Trademark Round Hole and delivered a set of drawings and his own handmade plastic concept model of the design. Although Sal liked the design, development of it happened slowly, so Janich decided to "tip the scales" a bit. He went back to Mike Snody and commissioned a special one-off of his design, which he had named the Yojimbo (Japanese for "bodyguard"). Snody gratefully made the knife, posted photos of it on the internet, and mentioned that Spyderco might be working on a production version of it.The Spyderco Yojimbo followed shortly thereafter, in 2003. Manufactured in Spyderco's Golden, CO factory, it featured a full-flat-ground CPM S30V Wharncliffe blade, nested stainless steel liners, blue or black textured G10 scales, and an early version of the Compression Lock mechanism. Its three-inch blade was purposely shorter than its tapered handle because Janich had originally designed it to be legal to carry on airplanes, even during heightened security alerts. After 9/11, that design feature was moot but still made the knife legal to carry almost everywhere.While many dismissed it as a "box cutter on steroids, " the Yojimbo gained more market traction than the Ronin. However, when Janich accepted a job managing another knife company in 2004, both he and Spyderco decided to remain friends, but discontinue the design.Janich continued his Wharncliffe campaign with several other designs until 2009 when he joined Spyderco as a full-time employee. Although his duties focus primarily on technical writing and product education, he soon joined Spyderco's R&D team, as well. He was also invited to create another signature design that reflected his philosophy on personal-defense knives. Taking full advantage of the lessons he had learned since the first Yojimbo, he designed the Yojimbo 2, which was released in late 2011.The Yojimbo 2's more refined design—backed by Janich's relentless promotion of the Wharncliffe as a tactical blade profile—have helped it earn a solid place in Spyderco’s product line. Since it was purpose-designed as a self-defense knife, the live-blade version was joined by a dedicated trainer model in 2017. In an interesting example of "reverse evolution"—and with the help of custom knifemaker Mickey Yurco—the Yojimbo 2 also inspired a near-identical fixed-blade counterpart, the Ronin 2.Based on its enduring popularity and repeated requests from Spyderco forumites, we are proud to announce the latest addition to the Spyderco/Janich Wharncliffe family: the all-black Yojimbo 2. Like the satin-bladed version, it features a hollow-ground CPM S30V blade, Compression Lock, peel-ply-textured G-10 scales, and a four-position hourglass pocket clip. However, all parts of the knife—including its nested stainless steel liners and Compression Lock—are cloaked in non-reflective black coatings. The blade features a Diamond-Like Carbon (DLC) coating, and all other parts also have durable black coatings appropriate to their base materials. In addition to satisfying Yojimbo 2 fans who have been clamoring for an all-black version, this knife is historically significant as it is the first Compression Lock model to feature black-coated liners.Although tactically themed Wharncliffes are commonplace these days, the evolution of this breed all started with the efforts of Michael Janich, Spyderco, and the spirit of collaboration and innovation that they have shared for more than 20 years.
SPECSBlade Length: 3.20"Closed Length: 4.49"Overall Length: 7.69"Cutting Edge: 3.00"Blade Thickness: 0.145"Blade Material: CPM-S30V Stainless SteelBlade Style: WharncliffeBlade Grind: HollowBlade Finish: Black DLCBlade Edge: PlainHandle Material: G10Handle Colors: BlackLocking Mechanism: Compression LockPocket Clip: Tip-Up/Down, Right/Left CarryModel Number: C85GPBBK2 Model Name: Yojimbo 2Weight: 4.1 oz.Designer: Michael JanichMade in the USA
ITEM CONDITIONThis Spyderco Yojimbo 2 was acquired from a collection and is in like-new condition. The knife almost looks brand new, has a razor sharp factory edge, and ships in original packaging.
DISCLAIMERThe buyer accepts responsibility for knowing the laws pertaining to the purchase, ownership and/or possession of this item(s) in their state. Item(s) in this listing may or may not be legal in some parts of the United States. The buyer must be at least 18 years of age to purchase the item(s) in this listing. Seller waives all liability for damage(s) resulting from direct or indirect misuse or negligent handling and/or possession of the item(s) in this listing.
NOTICEThe item(s) in this listing is photographed to provide you, the buyer, with as much information as possible regarding the condition of the item(s) at the time of sale. Please contact the seller with any questions regarding item condition prior to placing your order.
SHIPPINGYour items(s) will ship within 48 hours of receipt of payment. Due to expanded safety measures, please expect some shipping delays. Please verify your shipping address prior to placing your order. It is the responsibility of the buyer/purchaser of the item(s) to provide the correct shipping address at the time of sale.
RETURN POLICYItem(s) listed are examined for accuracy in regards to condition of the item(s), description of the item(s) (color, materials, specifications, etc.), and explanation of cost(s) involved (final price, shipping cost, etc.). All sales are final. Returns are not accepted after receipt of payment. Please contact the seller with any question or concerns prior to placing your order.
Thank you for looking!
