If you’ve been on social media at all in 2019, you’ve not only seen the proud pictures posted by owners of the Spyderco Smock, Drunken, and Ikuchi, you’ve probably also seen the drooling, covetous commentary by those who want the Smock, Drunken, and Ikuchi. Why covetous? Because the demand for these knives severely outpaces the supply. This means Spyderco is seriously winning the supply and demand game.

KNR 2019 FavoritesAlthough we sincerely love the lines and subtle touches of the Drunken (and we always love a Sinkevich), and though the Smock is a superb knife with a unique push-button compression lock, the Spyderco Ikuchi won our hearts the first time we held it. It’s sleek with a beautiful profile, a fast action, and it’s such an easy carry it practically disappears in your pocket.

Designed by Paul Alexander, the Spyderco Ikuchi features a textured tang that doubles as the opening mechanism, similar to a front flipper but not exactly like a front flipper. It’s more like a front roller. Whatever we want to call it, once you find the sweet spot, this knife is ridiculously fast and efficient. The handles are carbon fiber and G-10 laminate and have a gorgeous look. Between the compression lock and the ambidextrous tip-up pocket clip, the Ikuchi is fully ambidextrous.

KNR 2019 FavoritesSpyderco Ikuchi Details

  • CPM-S30V, Satin Finish
  • 3.25” Clip Point
  • Compression Lock
  • G-10/Carbon Fiber Laminate Scales
  • Skeletonized Full Stainless-Steel Liners
  • Round Hidden Flipper
  • Phosphorous Bronze Washer Pivot
  • Ambidextrous Tip-Up Pocket Clip
  • 4.375” Closed
  • 7.625” Overall

If you can manage to get your hands on a Spyderco Ikuchi, or any of these amazing knives from Spyderco, you absolutely should. They’re great knives and definitely deserve their place on our 2019 Favorites list. If you’re interested in these knives, click any link in the article or simply click the button below.

All images courtesy of Smoky Mountain Knife Works – smkw.com.