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Created page with "The Spyderco byte September 2018 e-newsletter was sent out on 31 August 2018, and it contained the following articles. ==Brouwer== '''C232GTIP''' '''MSRP:''' $269.95 '''Origin:''' Taiwan Spyderco’s new Brouwer Folder is a performance-oriented everyday-carry cutting tool designed by Dutch custom knifemaker Jerry Brouwer. Its refined design reflects both his extensive real-world experience as a knife user and his uncompromising commitment to quality craftsmanship...."
 
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The Spyderco byte September 2018 e-newsletter was sent out on 31 August 2018, and it contained the following articles.
The Spyderco byte September 2018 e-newsletter was sent out on 28 September, and it contained the following articles.


==Brouwer==
==Genzow HatchetHawk==


'''C232GTIP'''
'''H02'''


'''MSRP:''' $269.95
'''MSRP:''' $269.95


'''Origin:''' Taiwan
'''Origin:''' USA


Spyderco’s new Brouwer Folder is a performance-oriented everyday-carry cutting tool designed by Dutch custom knifemaker Jerry Brouwer. Its refined design reflects both his extensive real-world experience as a knife user and his uncompromising commitment to quality craftsmanship.
The Genzow HatchetHawk is an exciting new addition to the Spyderco product line that not only expands the scope of the cutting tools we offer, but also allowed us to once again push the envelope of engineering, materials, and manufacturing methods.
Martin Genzow is a German outdoor enthusiast with decades of experience using all types of axes and tomahawks in the field. He is also an avid historian with exceptional insight into the subtle design differences that define various types of axes, as well as how those nuances affect their performance in different applications.  
Based on his unique foundation of both historical knowledge and real-world experience, a number of years ago Genzow began developing his own concept for a versatile, high-performance utility tomahawk. His goal was to integrate the best features of a traditional ''Francesca'' (or ''Francisca'', an axe used by the Franks during the Early Middle Ages), a classic bearded axe, and a tomahawk to create a hybrid design that was both more versatile and more efficient to use.


Brouwer’s lifelong passion for knives began as a child. He was a frequent visitor to his local knife shop, where he spent countless hours carefully examining the fit, finish, and function of every knife he handled. Years later, he pursued a career as a corrections officer and served as a member of an elite riot team that quelled uprisings in prisons throughout the Netherlands. He is also an accomplished practitioner of the Russian martial art of Systema and an avid outdoorsman. These experiences gave him ample opportunity to use knives in many different contexts and helped him develop a deep understanding of what works and what doesn’t when it comes to knife design.
After countless revisions and refinements, Genzow was confident enough to present his concept—and the extensive logic behind it—to Spyderco founder Sal Glesser and his son Eric. They were impressed with the painstaking detail of Genzow’s design and the clear, concise reasoning behind all its key qualities. Although the concept was well outside Spyderco’s established scope of folding and fixed-blade knives, they were also intrigued by the challenge it represented. After careful consideration, Sal and Eric decided to pursue the project and collaborate with Genzow on what was originally intended as Spyderco’s first foray into the manufacture of axes. As fate would have it, other Spyderco axe designs (specifically, the Laci Szabo SzaboHawk™ and Warrior Hawk™) were ultimately released sooner, but the seed for Genzow HatchetHawk had been firmly planted and we remained committed to seeing the project through. We are confident that the result was well worth the wait.


In 2008, after reading a book on knifemaking written by a fellow Dutchman, Brouwer tried his hand at making his first knife. Encouraged by the result, but anxious to improve his skills, he soon turned knifemaking into a serious hobby. Fascinated by the elegant simplicity of traditional Japanese patterns, many of Brouwer’s knives are expressions of ''kiridashi'' and ''kaiken''-style blades, some with classic stingray cord-wrapped handles. He has also made many modern interpretations of the Finnish ''puukko'' and enjoys crafting both friction and frame-lock folding knives.
In addition to its remarkable hybrid design, the Genzow HatchetHawk is unique in that it incorporates the very best of both old-school craftsmanship and state-of-the-art materials and engineering. Its head is drop forged from tough 5160 tool steel and meticulously heat treated to ensure optimal performance of all its different working surfaces. It is then expertly hand finished to exacting specifications, while still maintaining the slightly rustic character of a forging.
The head has a classic bearded profile that is complemented by a raised toe (top point) and a slightly canted edge angle. This highly refined design provides a longer working edge and allows it to excel at both chopping and detailed cutting chores. The underside of the beard is also beveled to create a working surface for scraping. When viewed from the top, the sinuous contours of the head’s thickness reveal its sophisticated design. They not only ensure extreme strength and a powerful wedging force when used for chopping, but also precisely distribute its weight for exceptional power, balance, and control.
For maximum versatility, the opposite side of the head’s cutting edge has a hammer poll that allows the HatchetHawk to be used for driving tent stakes, nails, and spikes, as well as other tasks that require focused impact instead of a sharp edge.


One of Brouwer’s most popular folding knife designs is his “Flanker” model, which he developed around 2013. Shortly after designing it, he attended a Spyderco “Meet” in Amsterdam with a friend of his. While chatting with Spyderco’s Eric Glesser, Brouwer’s friend asked to see the knife, which he quickly handed to Eric and encouraged him to “give it a look.” Eric was impressed with the refined functionality of the knife and Brouwer’s down-to-earth approach to knifemaking. In fact, he was impressed enough to ask Brouwer if he could borrow the knife to display it with other concept models and prototypes at trade shows. Brouwer agreed and the rest, as they say, is history. The Spyderco Brouwer was born.
The HatchetHawk’s highly refined handle is made from polypropylene plastic injection molded over a rigid aluminum core. Impervious to most chemicals and solvents, the molded handle features an oval cross section that allows easy tactile alignment of the edge and hammer poll and a flared butt with a lanyard hole for enhanced grip security. Its scientifically contoured shape ensures maximum energy transfer and, along with the carefully tuned balance of the head, provides outstanding accuracy and control during use while keeping weight to a minimum. The HatchetHawk’s head is permanently attached to the handle using proprietary technology.


According to Brouwer, he designed his namesake knife from the ground up as a serious, everyday-carry cutting tool. Specifically, he wanted it to achieve the perfect balance of a knife that is small enough to carry conveniently, yet substantial enough for challenging cutting chores.
To protect both the HatchetHawk and its owner when not in use, it comes complete with a heavy leather sheath handcrafted by one of Spain’s premier sheathmakers. The minimalist sheath covers the cutting edge and holds the head securely by means of snap-fastened leather strap. A loop on the back of the sheath allows convenient belt carry, while grommets in the sheath body will accept a cord or strap for over-the-shoulder carry like a classic baldric.


The heart of the Brouwer Folder is its PlainEdge™ blade, which is crafted from CPM® S30V® particle metallurgy stainless steel and full-flat ground for superior edge geometry and low-friction cutting performance. Its drop-point profile offers outstanding utility, while the combined synergy of an index-finger choil and textured thumb ramp allow precise control when used with a “choked-up” grip. Spyderco’s Trademark Round Hole™ is positioned closer to the blade’s centerline to allow a straight spine, while still ensuring easy one-handed opening.
The Genzow HatchetHawk is a truly remarkable cutting tool that combines the best qualities of time-tested historical axe patterns with modern manufacturing methods and materials to create a highly evolved hybrid that transcends them all. It is also a landmark accomplishment in Spyderco’s product development and proof positive that our spirit of innovation knows no bounds.


The Brouwer’s slim, ergonomic handle features a matte-finished solid titanium scale and Reeve Integral Lock (R.I.L.) on one side and a textured green G-10 scale and nested, skeletonized stainless steel liner on the other. To provide a solid lock-up and long service life, the R.I.L. includes a stainless steel interface that also serves as an overtravel stop to preserve proper spring tension of the lock bar. A reversible stainless steel hourglass clip mounted to the butt end of the handle keeps the knife ready for instant access and offers a choice of left or right-side tip-up carry. It is complemented by a lined lanyard hole that allows the easy attachment of fobs and safety lanyards.


An extremely functional everyday-carry cutting tool, the Brouwer proudly satisfies all the design goals of its creator. We are equally proud to offer it in the Spyderco product line.
'''Overall:''' 15.82 in / 402 mm
P.S. We were very saddened to learn that Jerry Brouwer has been diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease and that his future activities as a custom knifemaker will be hampered by the effects of that illness. We sincerely hope that our expression of his innovative design will allow his skills to be appreciated by a wider audience. Please join us in sending thoughts and prayers to him and his family.


'''Blade:''' 6.14 in / 156 mm


'''Overall:''' 6.77 in / 172 mm
'''Edge:''' 2.76 in / 70 mm


'''Blade:''' 2.77 in / 70 mm
'''Weight:''' 25.1 oz / 712 g


'''Edge:''' 2.32 in / 59 mm
'''Grind:''' Flat


'''Weight:''' 2.8 oz / 79 g
'''Origin:''' USA


'''Grind:''' Full-Flat


'''Origin:''' Taiwan
==Drop Forging==


The tremendous popularity of the television show ''Forged in Fire'' has introduced a whole new audience to the world of high-performance knives. It has also allowed millions of viewers to better understand the skills involved in hand forging and to appreciate the impressive cutting power and resilience of well-forged blades.


==The Compound Bevel==
When most people think of forging a blade, they envision the traditional blacksmith model—a lone craftsman laboriously hammering a glowing piece of steel on a classic London anvil. More educated knife enthusiasts might add a trip hammer to that vision, but the basic process remains the same: heat a piece of steel until it is red hot and malleable and use tools, muscle, and lots of skill to pound it into the desired shape. For hand-crafted knives made one at a time, this traditional method works well; however, to adapt the forging process to large-scale production a more efficient and consistent method is required. That method is drop forging.


If you’re serious about knives, you’re probably also serious about sharpening (or at least you should be). The only way to truly appreciate the full potential of a knife is to ensure that is has the best edge possible. “Best,” however, is a relative term.
Drop forging uses a drop hammer—a heavy hammer or series of hammers that are typically raised by hydraulics and allowed to “drop” on the hot steel being forged. Both the hammer and the anvil portions of a drop hammer have specific shapes or are fitted with specially shaped dies that rapidly form the steel to the desired shape as it is forged. In open die drop forging, the dies allow the metal to expand freely to the sides when struck. The steel ingot is processed through a series of successive dies until its final form is achieved. Like hand forging, this method enhances the steel’s mechanical properties, ductility, fatigue resistance, and impact resistance because it refines and directs the grain flow to follow the shape of the piece. The result is a finished part that is stronger and more resilient than one that is cast or machined from solid stock.
   
   
There are many factors that determine the type of edge a particular knife is capable of taking and how long it will be able to retain that edge in use. These include the alloy composition of the blade steel, the steel’s manufacturing method, the blade’s heat treatment, its grind and thickness, and the shape and geometry of the actual cutting edge. Of these factors, the only one most people can really control is the latter one, so let’s examine not only how to get the most out of your edge geometry, but how to do it quickly and easily with Spyderco’s Tri-Angle Sharpmaker.
The second form of drop forging is closed die or impression forging. This method is similar to the open die process in that it uses dies on both the hammer and anvil; however, these dies are equipped with side enclosures. As the hot steel is struck, the enclosures restrict its expansion and create the part’s finished form more quickly and consistently. The extreme efficiency and part-to-part repeatability of closed die forging makes it the most common method used in large-scale manufacturing.
 
Few cultures understand the nuances of knife sharpening better than the Japanese. Their preparation of raw foods like sushi and sashimi is literally defined by the ability to precisely cut delicate pieces of fish without tearing the fibers of the flesh. This extreme attention to detail has led to the development of a myriad of specialized kitchen knife patterns, each optimized for a particular task. It has also inspired an equally meticulous approach to knife sharpening that is unequaled in other cultures. Even the basic elements of that approach can teach us a lot about what it truly takes to make a knife sharp.
No matter which forging method is used, the result is generally a near-finished part that still shows some of the “character” of the forging process. The degree to which the part is subsequently ground, sanded, and polished to finish it varies depending upon the nature of the product and the manufacturer’s goals. In many cases, drop forged parts are purposely left slightly rustic to highlight the fact that their “spirit” was indeed bestowed by the forging process.
 
Most cutting edges begin with the blade’s primary bevels—the surfaces that taper from the full thickness of the blade down to the edge. These bevels may be flat, concave, or convex based on the specific “grind” of the blade (i.e. saber, full-flat, hollow, etc.). In Japanese, they are known as ''kire-ha'', or the “blade road.” For ease of reference, let’s assume that we’re sharpening a saber-ground blade—one with a flat bevel on each side that extends only partway up to the spine. The flat bevels of this blade are its ''kire-ha''. If they tapered uniformly to meet at the cutting edge, they would define an acute “V” shape and create what is known as a “zero-ground” edge. Although this edge may be extremely sharp and strong, maintaining it in that form is difficult because each time you sharpen it you must remove steel from the entire surface of each bevel. This style of sharpening is known in Japanese as ''beta-togi''.
Drop forging takes the age-old art of hammering hot steel to shape and transforms it into a modern manufacturing process. The resulting parts not only offer performance that transcends ordinary cast or machined pieces, but also reflect the rich history of the blademaker’s art.
 
 
==''Showing'' Off==


The disadvantage of this method of sharpening is that it requires steel to be uniformly removed from the entire surface of the kire-ha¬—a slow and laborious process. To make sharpening this style of knife quicker and easier, a “micro-bevel” or itoba is often added. This is done by lightly sharpening at a more obtuse angle so only the very edge of the blade is affected. The process of adding an ''itoba'' is called ''itohiki''.
September was yet another busy month of trade shows for the Spyderco Crew. It began with the 10th annual Usual Suspects Network (USN) Gathering in Las Vegas, from August 30-September 1. Organized by the founders of the USN forum, this popular event is more of a “family reunion” than a trade show and prides itself on creating a friendly, intimate atmosphere where knife and gear enthusiasts can visit, talk, trade, and learn. As always, the Spyderco booth was an extremely popular destination and we thoroughly enjoyed sharing our products with those who stopped to visit.
On most knives, the primary bevels taper to leave a thin area of steel near the edge, but do not actually meet. Instead, a second set of bevels is ground at a more obtuse angle to create the “V” of the actual cutting edge. Known as ''koba'' or ''danba'' in Japanese, the included angle of these “edge bevels” must be appropriate to the type of steel, its hardness, and the knife’s intended use. While an acute angle—like 30-degrees—will cut extremely well, its narrow structure may be weak and prone to chipping or rolling.
To avoid weakness at the apex of the “V,” the Japanese typically add an itoba micro-bevel to this style of blade as well. By sharpening the distal portion of the cutting edge at a slightly more obtuse angle than the koba, they create a stronger structure without removing a significant amount of steel. The result is a terminal cutting edge that is both strong and exceedingly sharp, backed by a more acutely angled bevel that reduces friction and transitions smoothly into the blade’s primary bevels. Known as a “compound bevel,” this style of sharpening approximates the extreme cutting performance of a ''hamaguriba'' (convex or “appleseed”) edge that many sharpening enthusiasts consider to be the ultimate synthesis of cutting performance and strength.  


Creating a compound bevel with traditional Japanese waterstones requires a tremendous amount of skill and control that only comes with years of practice. Fortunately, Spyderco’s Tri-Angle Sharpmaker provides a powerful, easy-to-use shortcut to achieving this perfect cutting edge. The Sharpmaker’s base includes two sets of holes for its triangular ceramic rods. One set (marked “Edge”) holds the rods at a 40-degree included angle, and the second set (marked “Back Bevel”) holds them at a 30-degree included angle. While most people consider these angles to be an “either-or” choice, if your goal is to create a compound bevel, the answer is actually “both.”
Far away from the glitz and glamour of Las Vegas, other members of our Crew were sharing our OpFocus® side with military audiences at the Maneuver Warfighter show at Ft. Benning, Georgia and the Modern Day Marine show at Quantico Marine Base, Virginia. In addition to demonstrating our latest products to active duty service members, we also spread the word of our OpFocus Professional Purchase Program to the many veterans and retirees in attendance at these shows. Remember, our gratitude doesn’t stop when you leave active duty. OpFocus is truly the gift that keeps on giving.


Thanks again to all those who visited us at these shows for your continued interest in Spyderco products!
If you’re serious about knives, you’re probably also serious about sharpening (or at least you should be). The only way to truly appreciate the full potential of a knife is to ensure that is has the best edge possible. “Best,” however, is a relative term.
There are many factors that determine the type of edge a particular knife is capable of taking and how long it will be able to retain that edge in use. These include the alloy composition of the blade steel, the steel’s manufacturing method, the blade’s heat treatment, its grind and thickness, and the shape and geometry of the actual cutting edge. Of these factors, the only one most people can really control is the latter one, so let’s examine not only how to get the most out of your edge geometry, but how to do it quickly and easily with Spyderco’s Tri-Angle Sharpmaker.
Few cultures understand the nuances of knife sharpening better than the Japanese. Their preparation of raw foods like sushi and sashimi is literally defined by the ability to precisely cut delicate pieces of fish without tearing the fibers of the flesh. This extreme attention to detail has led to the development of a myriad of specialized kitchen knife patterns, each optimized for a particular task. It has also inspired an equally meticulous approach to knife sharpening that is unequaled in other cultures. Even the basic elements of that approach can teach us a lot about what it truly takes to make a knife sharp.
Most cutting edges begin with the blade’s primary bevels—the surfaces that taper from the full thickness of the blade down to the edge. These bevels may be flat, concave, or convex based on the specific “grind” of the blade (i.e. saber, full-flat, hollow, etc.). In Japanese, they are known as kire-ha, or the “blade road.” For ease of reference, let’s assume that we’re sharpening a saber-ground blade—one with a flat bevel on each side that extends only partway up to the spine. The flat bevels of this blade are its kire-ha. If they tapered uniformly to meet at the cutting edge, they would define an acute “V” shape and create what is known as a “zero-ground” edge. Although this edge may be extremely sharp and strong, maintaining it in that form is difficult because each time you sharpen it you must remove steel from the entire surface of each bevel. This style of sharpening is known in Japanese as beta-togi.
The disadvantage of this method of sharpening is that it requires steel to be uniformly removed from the entire surface of the kire-ha¬—a slow and laborious process. To make sharpening this style of knife quicker and easier, a “micro-bevel” or itoba is often added. This is done by lightly sharpening at a more obtuse angle so only the very edge of the blade is affected. The process of adding an itoba is called itohiki.
On most knives, the primary bevels taper to leave a thin area of steel near the edge, but do not actually meet. Instead, a second set of bevels is ground at a more obtuse angle to create the “V” of the actual cutting edge. Known as koba or danba in Japanese, the included angle of these “edge bevels” must be appropriate to the type of steel, its hardness, and the knife’s intended use. While an acute angle—like 30-degrees—will cut extremely well, its narrow structure may be weak and prone to chipping or rolling.
To avoid weakness at the apex of the “V,” the Japanese typically add an itoba micro-bevel to this style of blade as well. By sharpening the distal portion of the cutting edge at a slightly more obtuse angle than the koba, they create a stronger structure without removing a significant amount of steel. The result is a terminal cutting edge that is both strong and exceedingly sharp, backed by a more acutely angled bevel that reduces friction and transitions smoothly into the blade’s primary bevels. Known as a “compound bevel,” this style of sharpening approximates the extreme cutting performance of a hamaguriba (convex or “appleseed”) edge that many sharpening enthusiasts consider to be the ultimate synthesis of cutting performance and strength. 
Creating a compound bevel with traditional Japanese waterstones requires a tremendous amount of skill and control that only comes with years of practice. Fortunately, Spyderco’s Tri-Angle Sharpmaker provides a powerful, easy-to-use shortcut to achieving this perfect cutting edge. The Sharpmaker’s base includes two sets of holes for its triangular ceramic rods. One set (marked “Edge”) holds the rods at a 40-degree included angle, and the second set (marked “Back Bevel”) holds them at a 30-degree included angle. While most people consider these angles to be an “either-or” choice, if your goal is to create a compound bevel, the answer is actually “both.” 
Let’s say you have a kitchen knife with a relatively thin blade. When you sharpen it with the Sharpmaker’s rods at a 30-degree included angle, you get a very keen edge that cuts beautifully, but dulls somewhat quickly. To improve its edge-holding ability without sacrificing cutting performance, sharpen the edge again with the rods set at the 40-degree included angle. Use a light touch and just a few strokes to create a slightly more obtuse micro-bevel that is more resilient and will stay sharper longer.
Similarly, you may have a stout everyday-carry knife that works very well with a 40-degree edge angle. After repeated sharpenings, however, enough steel has been removed from the edge to move it up into a thicker area of the primary blade bevels. That thickness creates drag that hampers the blade’s cutting performance. No problem. Take the already sharp 40-degree edge and sharpen it again with the rods in the 30-degree “back bevel” position. Although the abrasive rods will not actually touch the apex of the “V,” they will remove steel at the top or “shoulders” of the “V.” This thins the cross-sectional profile of the edge, creates a compound bevel, and reduces drag when the blade passes through the materials it cuts.
The compound-bevel method of sharpening is a centuries-old method of wringing maximum cutting performance out of cutting tools. And with Spyderco’s Sharpmaker and the knowledge you’ve gained from this article, that extreme sharpness has never been easier to achieve.




==Outdoor Retailer==
==Plan Ahead - The Spyderco Annual Seconds Sale==


At the end of July (after the release of our last byte newsletter), Spyderco was proud to exhibit at the Outdoor Retailer Summer Market at its new home in Denver’s Colorado Convention Center. The largest U.S. trade show for the outdoor sports industry, the four-day event attracted more than 30,000 attendees and 1,400 exhibiting brands. It was also the largest trade show ever held at the Convention Center.
Spyderco’s Annual Seconds Sale is an extraordinary event that has become a “bucket list” item for many knife fans. Held each November the weekend before Thanksgiving, it is the ultimate “destination” experience for hardcore knife fans and Spyderco enthusiasts. If you have always wanted to attend but never quite made it happen, make this year your year! If you have checked that box, check it again and come back!


Thanks to all those who visited us at the show for your continued interest in Spyderco products!
You know you want to, so start planning now!!!

Latest revision as of 14:43, 28 October 2026

The Spyderco byte September 2018 e-newsletter was sent out on 28 September, and it contained the following articles.

Genzow HatchetHawk

H02

MSRP: $269.95

Origin: USA

The Genzow HatchetHawk is an exciting new addition to the Spyderco product line that not only expands the scope of the cutting tools we offer, but also allowed us to once again push the envelope of engineering, materials, and manufacturing methods.

Martin Genzow is a German outdoor enthusiast with decades of experience using all types of axes and tomahawks in the field. He is also an avid historian with exceptional insight into the subtle design differences that define various types of axes, as well as how those nuances affect their performance in different applications.

Based on his unique foundation of both historical knowledge and real-world experience, a number of years ago Genzow began developing his own concept for a versatile, high-performance utility tomahawk. His goal was to integrate the best features of a traditional Francesca (or Francisca, an axe used by the Franks during the Early Middle Ages), a classic bearded axe, and a tomahawk to create a hybrid design that was both more versatile and more efficient to use.

After countless revisions and refinements, Genzow was confident enough to present his concept—and the extensive logic behind it—to Spyderco founder Sal Glesser and his son Eric. They were impressed with the painstaking detail of Genzow’s design and the clear, concise reasoning behind all its key qualities. Although the concept was well outside Spyderco’s established scope of folding and fixed-blade knives, they were also intrigued by the challenge it represented. After careful consideration, Sal and Eric decided to pursue the project and collaborate with Genzow on what was originally intended as Spyderco’s first foray into the manufacture of axes. As fate would have it, other Spyderco axe designs (specifically, the Laci Szabo SzaboHawk™ and Warrior Hawk™) were ultimately released sooner, but the seed for Genzow HatchetHawk had been firmly planted and we remained committed to seeing the project through. We are confident that the result was well worth the wait.

In addition to its remarkable hybrid design, the Genzow HatchetHawk is unique in that it incorporates the very best of both old-school craftsmanship and state-of-the-art materials and engineering. Its head is drop forged from tough 5160 tool steel and meticulously heat treated to ensure optimal performance of all its different working surfaces. It is then expertly hand finished to exacting specifications, while still maintaining the slightly rustic character of a forging.

The head has a classic bearded profile that is complemented by a raised toe (top point) and a slightly canted edge angle. This highly refined design provides a longer working edge and allows it to excel at both chopping and detailed cutting chores. The underside of the beard is also beveled to create a working surface for scraping. When viewed from the top, the sinuous contours of the head’s thickness reveal its sophisticated design. They not only ensure extreme strength and a powerful wedging force when used for chopping, but also precisely distribute its weight for exceptional power, balance, and control.

For maximum versatility, the opposite side of the head’s cutting edge has a hammer poll that allows the HatchetHawk to be used for driving tent stakes, nails, and spikes, as well as other tasks that require focused impact instead of a sharp edge.

The HatchetHawk’s highly refined handle is made from polypropylene plastic injection molded over a rigid aluminum core. Impervious to most chemicals and solvents, the molded handle features an oval cross section that allows easy tactile alignment of the edge and hammer poll and a flared butt with a lanyard hole for enhanced grip security. Its scientifically contoured shape ensures maximum energy transfer and, along with the carefully tuned balance of the head, provides outstanding accuracy and control during use while keeping weight to a minimum. The HatchetHawk’s head is permanently attached to the handle using proprietary technology.

To protect both the HatchetHawk and its owner when not in use, it comes complete with a heavy leather sheath handcrafted by one of Spain’s premier sheathmakers. The minimalist sheath covers the cutting edge and holds the head securely by means of snap-fastened leather strap. A loop on the back of the sheath allows convenient belt carry, while grommets in the sheath body will accept a cord or strap for over-the-shoulder carry like a classic baldric.

The Genzow HatchetHawk is a truly remarkable cutting tool that combines the best qualities of time-tested historical axe patterns with modern manufacturing methods and materials to create a highly evolved hybrid that transcends them all. It is also a landmark accomplishment in Spyderco’s product development and proof positive that our spirit of innovation knows no bounds.


Overall: 15.82 in / 402 mm

Blade: 6.14 in / 156 mm

Edge: 2.76 in / 70 mm

Weight: 25.1 oz / 712 g

Grind: Flat

Origin: USA


Drop Forging

The tremendous popularity of the television show Forged in Fire has introduced a whole new audience to the world of high-performance knives. It has also allowed millions of viewers to better understand the skills involved in hand forging and to appreciate the impressive cutting power and resilience of well-forged blades.

When most people think of forging a blade, they envision the traditional blacksmith model—a lone craftsman laboriously hammering a glowing piece of steel on a classic London anvil. More educated knife enthusiasts might add a trip hammer to that vision, but the basic process remains the same: heat a piece of steel until it is red hot and malleable and use tools, muscle, and lots of skill to pound it into the desired shape. For hand-crafted knives made one at a time, this traditional method works well; however, to adapt the forging process to large-scale production a more efficient and consistent method is required. That method is drop forging.

Drop forging uses a drop hammer—a heavy hammer or series of hammers that are typically raised by hydraulics and allowed to “drop” on the hot steel being forged. Both the hammer and the anvil portions of a drop hammer have specific shapes or are fitted with specially shaped dies that rapidly form the steel to the desired shape as it is forged. In open die drop forging, the dies allow the metal to expand freely to the sides when struck. The steel ingot is processed through a series of successive dies until its final form is achieved. Like hand forging, this method enhances the steel’s mechanical properties, ductility, fatigue resistance, and impact resistance because it refines and directs the grain flow to follow the shape of the piece. The result is a finished part that is stronger and more resilient than one that is cast or machined from solid stock.

The second form of drop forging is closed die or impression forging. This method is similar to the open die process in that it uses dies on both the hammer and anvil; however, these dies are equipped with side enclosures. As the hot steel is struck, the enclosures restrict its expansion and create the part’s finished form more quickly and consistently. The extreme efficiency and part-to-part repeatability of closed die forging makes it the most common method used in large-scale manufacturing.

No matter which forging method is used, the result is generally a near-finished part that still shows some of the “character” of the forging process. The degree to which the part is subsequently ground, sanded, and polished to finish it varies depending upon the nature of the product and the manufacturer’s goals. In many cases, drop forged parts are purposely left slightly rustic to highlight the fact that their “spirit” was indeed bestowed by the forging process.

Drop forging takes the age-old art of hammering hot steel to shape and transforms it into a modern manufacturing process. The resulting parts not only offer performance that transcends ordinary cast or machined pieces, but also reflect the rich history of the blademaker’s art.


Showing Off

September was yet another busy month of trade shows for the Spyderco Crew. It began with the 10th annual Usual Suspects Network (USN) Gathering in Las Vegas, from August 30-September 1. Organized by the founders of the USN forum, this popular event is more of a “family reunion” than a trade show and prides itself on creating a friendly, intimate atmosphere where knife and gear enthusiasts can visit, talk, trade, and learn. As always, the Spyderco booth was an extremely popular destination and we thoroughly enjoyed sharing our products with those who stopped to visit.

Far away from the glitz and glamour of Las Vegas, other members of our Crew were sharing our OpFocus® side with military audiences at the Maneuver Warfighter show at Ft. Benning, Georgia and the Modern Day Marine show at Quantico Marine Base, Virginia. In addition to demonstrating our latest products to active duty service members, we also spread the word of our OpFocus Professional Purchase Program to the many veterans and retirees in attendance at these shows. Remember, our gratitude doesn’t stop when you leave active duty. OpFocus is truly the gift that keeps on giving.

Thanks again to all those who visited us at these shows for your continued interest in Spyderco products!


Plan Ahead - The Spyderco Annual Seconds Sale

Spyderco’s Annual Seconds Sale is an extraordinary event that has become a “bucket list” item for many knife fans. Held each November the weekend before Thanksgiving, it is the ultimate “destination” experience for hardcore knife fans and Spyderco enthusiasts. If you have always wanted to attend but never quite made it happen, make this year your year! If you have checked that box, check it again and come back!

You know you want to, so start planning now!!!

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