Designed by Sal Glesser, the new Spyderco RockJumper looks like a lot of other Spydercos at first glance. It’s a fully ambidextrous, lightweight, mid-sized EDC with slip resistant black FRN handles. However, there are significant differences with this knife that aren’t apparent until you look a bit further.
The wide, full-flat ground 3.08” VG-10 Wharncliffe provides a predictably powerful slice. However, it seems this Wharncliffe has a wider profile with a wider, more exaggerated taper. This not only maximizes the slicing edge, but the width of the blade and the steep taper enables a “pinch and flip” grip. This means that even if you can’t quite get your hand to the Spydie hole, you can still open your knife. We think the advantage of this is immediately evident as Spyderco tells us its essential function is, “….to fit the needs of outdoor enthusiasts and climbers.”
Every knife enthusiast has their own idea of what makes the “perfect knife”. Usually one person loves an aspect of the knife and another complains about that very same thing. Take, for instance, the pocket clip. For years the debate raged about which was better, a tip-up or a tip-down pocket clip. Spyderco’s solution to the tip-up/down debate was to make a 4-position pocket clip. Likewise, we know Glesser’s designs “…are based more on an intangible than the eye or function, but more in the ‘spirit’ of what [he’s] trying to achieve.”
The idea of the RockJumper might have been to address the arguments and complaints about the mid-lock and forward finger choils. In his “Shameful Sales Pitch” for the RockJumper, Mr. Glesser wrote, “My solution was the ‘Handle-forward’ design. This concept brings the edge to the handle and still permits the other advantages of the Mid-lock-back.” What are the advantages of a mid-lockback? A strong, ambidextrous lock easily closed with one-hand, and a kick that keeps the blade from smacking into the backspring or the spring holder. 
What are the complaints? The “wasted space” from the kick to the handle, followed by the pro/con finger choil debate. This design addresses both issues beautifully.
The RockJumper has Bi-Directional Texture Pattern FRN handles mounted on skeletonized stainless-steel liners. Its handle-forward design not only provides a comfortable and slip resistant grip that allows the least “wasted space” possible, but also adds a touch a safety with a bit of a finger guard. The shape of the handle lets you choke up on the knife without a forward finger choil. Thus, it maximizes the cutting edge while retaining the torque for a powerful slice. It has a closed length of 4.43” and weighs a mere 3 ounces, making it not only a pocket friendly design, but a very lightweight addition to your outdoor gear.
Spyderco RockJumper Details
- VG-10, Satin Finished
- 3.08” Wharncliffe
- 0.118” Blade Thickness
- Full-Flat Grind
- Trademark Round Hole
- Phosphorus Bronze Washers
- Lockback
- FRN Handles, Bi-Direction Texture Pattern
- Skeletonized Stainless Steel Liners
- 4-Position Pocket Clip
- Lanyard Hole
- 3 Ounces
- 4.43” Closed
- 7.49” Overall
- Made in Seki, Japan
The Spyderco RockJumper is a well-designed, function-forward knife. It has an excellent steel and a ton of slicing utility. You can pick one up for about $86. If you’re interested in this knife, click any link in the article or simply click the button below.
All images courtesy of Smoky Mountain Knife Works – smkw.com.
