The SpydieChef is Spyderco’s latest collaboration with Polish custom knifemaker Marcin Slysz. Renowned for his elegantly simple designs and flawless craftsmanship, Slysz began making fixed-blade knives in 2006 and quickly developed the skills to graduate to the high-tech folding knives that are now his specialty. His highly recognizable style—as seen in his previous collaborations, the Techno™ and Slysz Bowie™—typically features titanium handles, Reeve Integral Lock (R.I.L.) mechanisms, and premium stainless steel blades, but he also enjoys making slip-joint folders, a broad range of fixed blades, and a variety of unique tactical tools.
 
     Although its name suggests that it’s a pure kitchen tool, the Spydiechef is actually a highly evolved folding knife intended for all-purpose use. It takes the user-friendly ergonomics and deft balance of a world-class chef’s knife and translates them into an extremely versatile cutting tool that is compact and convenient enough for everyday carry.
 
     The Spydiechef’s most prominent feature its gracefully curved, full-flat-ground blade, which is precision machined from LC200N steel. The “other” steel (besides H-1^®) in Spyderco’s elite Salt Series™ of knives, LC200N is a state-of-the-art high nitrogen alloyed tool steel that is specifically formulated to offer superior corrosion resistance and extreme toughness, even at high levels of hardness. For more information on this extraordinary blade material, please see the Edge-U-Cation^® section of this issue of the byte.
 
     In classic Slysz style, Spydiechef features an open-backed handle built with two precision-machined solid titanium scales. The reverse-side scale forms the foundation of a high-strength Reeve Integral Lock (R.I.L.) mechanism that locks the blade securely open when in use, yet allows easy one-handed lock release. The handle’s refined ergonomics and integral lower guard ensure a secure, comfortable grip and naturally orient the blade’s cutting edge for maximum control during use. For additional security when working around water, the handle also includes a generously sized lanyard hole that allows the easy attachment of safety lines and lanyards. A reversible deep-pocket wire clip provides convenient, ambidextrous, tip-up carry and ensures that the knife is always poised for immediate access. Like the blade and titanium scales, the pocket clip, screws, and all other component parts of the Spydiechef are machined from highly corrosion-resistant alloys. This ensures that it is practically impervious to the elements and qualifies it as a worthy member of Spyderco’s Salt Series.
 
     The Spydiechef is an amazing fusion of advanced design, custom-quality craftsmanship, and state-of-the-art corrosion-resistant materials. If you’re looking for serious cutting performance in a tool that is immune to even the harshest environments, you’ll find it in the Spydiechef.