CJRB Spud Review: A Small Knife with Fantastic Ergonomics

The Spud is designed by Jake Diaz, also known as Happy As Larry. I've been impressed with his designs lately, and this one is another good example of why. It's a genuine small pocket knife, but the curves give it a lot more personality than a simple scaled-down folder.

This is the black aluminum J1971-BK with the stonewashed blade. Dimensions and weight match CJRB's specifications. The $39.99 price discussed here is the price at the time of my review; check the retailer links for current pricing.

CJRB calls the blade a drop point. To my eye, you could also make a case for a modified drop point or something approaching a spear point. Whatever label you prefer, the thin-looking flat grind and pointed tip suit the overall design well.

I also think a liner lock was a fantastic choice for this particular knife. The compact size doesn't need a complicated mechanism to make it enjoyable.

The Spud comes with the usual pouch and cleaning cloth, plus a neck lanyard and a clever little backspacer arrangement. The interesting part is the spring-loaded attachment at the back of the handle.

If you want the neck-carry option, it's there. If you don't, push the attachment in, lift it up and pull it out. That gets rid of the protruding lanyard hole, too.

I'm firmly in the second camp. I don't plan to wear this as a neck knife, and I like how it feels in hand with that piece removed. It's a thoughtful way to satisfy people who want a lanyard and people who would rather have a cleaner handle.

The attachment was secure on my sample, without rattling or feeling loose. That fit matters with a removable part like this, and CJRB did a really good job here.

The Kizer Microbe is a particularly good comparison. Both knives have unusual curves and pronounced finger choils. They almost look like distant cousins, although they're separate designs.

I like the Microbe, but the Spud edges it out for ergonomics in my hand. That choil flows into the handle really well and gives me a firm, planted grip. My fingers fit almost perfectly.

Very thick fingers might be a different story. Mine are fairly average, so that is worth keeping in mind rather than assuming this shape will fit everybody the same way.

Next to the Vosteed Raccoon Cub and Civivi Baby Banter, the Spud is right where it belongs: a proper fifth-pocket knife. Some people will love its unusual outline, while others may find it a little too weird. Personally, I think it's awesome.

More than anything, I want a small knife to give me confidence in my grip. The Spud does that. It doesn't feel as though the handle was an afterthought just to make the blade easier to carry.

I don't need an elaborate blade shape on a little pocket knife. A useful point, some usable edge and enough control for small jobs go a long way. The Spud has a nice tip, very little belly and effective jimping for placing a finger forward when you want finer control.

My one small complaint about the handle is familiar from other CJRB aluminum handles: it can feel a little slippery in colder, drier air. I don't love that. In more humid conditions it feels less noticeable to me, and the choil and curved handle help keep my grip planted. I would be more concerned if this were a straight, neutral handle with less to hold onto.

The detent and flipper work so stinking well together. The blade rockets out with a snap that makes it feel almost assisted. It's a really satisfying little knife to open.

The single-sided thumb stud isn't my favorite arrangement, but the stud itself works well. I have no complaint about using it. The flipper is simply so good that I expect to use it almost all the time. Pinch the handle, hit the flipper, and out comes the blade.

I liked the Spud as soon as I handled an early prototype, and the finished knife delivers the things that got my attention: excellent ergonomics, a blade that suits its size and action that makes me want to keep flipping it.

I still prefer a larger knife as my main carry. But when I want something small for a quick little task, this is a phenomenal option. The $39.99 price makes it even easier to like.

Among my favorite fifth-pocket knives, I'd roughly place it somewhere around fourth through seventh. That's an informal impression, not a carefully retested ranking. I probably prefer it to the Baby Banter because of its unique design, while the Raccoon Cub would probably stay ahead of it.

I'd also give it an edge over my premium, titanium-equipped Dragonfly for enjoyment, ergonomics and uniqueness. That isn't a claim that the Spud has more premium materials. It's about which knife I enjoy handling.

If you're looking for a little fifth-pocket banger, the Spud is just that. Comfortable in my hand, full of character, and so, so good to flip.