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Spyderco Yojimbo 2 Knife Review
- Pros: Wicked sharp Wharncliffe blade is an absolute slicer. CPM-20CV steel is a big upgrade over base S30V in edge retention and corrosion resistance. Smooth, ultra-fast deployment via perfectly positioned Spydie hole. Rock solid lockup thanks to the compression lock mechanism. Purpose-built tactical ergonomics lock the knife into your hand. Grippy G-10 texture is dialed in just right - aggressive without being abrasive. Excellent value for money, especially considering the premium blade steel upgrade. Legendary Spyderco pedigree and build quality.
- Cons: Pocket clip creates a noticeable hotspot that can impact comfort during prolonged use. Tan G-10 scales are somewhat polarizing and won't be to everyone's taste. Extremely aggressive Wharncliffe blade can be off-putting to some and lacks the versatility of more traditional shapes. At over 4 oz and nearly 8" overall, it's on the larger side for daily carry. As a sprint run exclusive, availability may be limited compared to the regular production model.
Greetings, knife enthusiasts, and welcome back for my Spyderco Yojimbo 2 review! Today, we're taking a look at the Spyderco Yojimbo 2—but not just any Yojimbo 2.
This is the DLT Trading exclusive featuring CPM-20CV blade steel and tan G-10 handle scales. The Yojimbo 2 has been one of my favorite Spyderco designs for a long time, so I couldn't be more stoked to check out this awesome variant.
Let's dive in!
Key Takeaways
- The Spyderco Yojimbo 2 DLT exclusive features an upgraded CPM-20CV blade steel and unique tan G-10 handle scales.
- Its extreme Wharncliffe blade shape, designed by Michael Janich, is incredibly slicey and purpose-built for tactical use.
- Deployment is lightning-fast and ultra-smooth thanks to the perfectly placed Spydie hole and Compression Lock.
- The ergonomics are distinct and lock the knife into your hand, though the clip can create a hotspot for larger hands.
- This DLT version is only a couple of dollars more than the base model, making the steel upgrade a no-brainer.
- The reviewer absolutely loves this exclusive edition, calling it a nearly perfect realization of an already legendary design.
Specifications
| Specification | Value |
| Overall Length | 7.69" |
| Blade Length | 3.2" |
| Blade Width | 1.48" |
| Blade Thickness | 0.145" |
| Blade Steel | CPM-20CV |
| Blade Grind | Hollow |
| Handle Length | 4.5" |
| Handle Thickness | 0.45" |
| Handle Width | 1.25" |
| Handle Material | Tan G-10 |
| Carry | Tip-up, left/right |
| Weight | 4.1 oz |
| Designer | Michael Janich |
Blade Shape & Steel
Guys, this Wharncliffe blade is just wicked. Spyderco calls it an "Americanized tanto," but the end result is a massively effective Wharncliffe with a very acute, shallow angle. It almost reminds me of a straight razor. The hollow grind is nice and lean, making this an extremely slicey blade.
The CPM-20CV on this exclusive is a big upgrade from the standard S30V in terms of edge retention and corrosion resistance while still being very user-friendly. At 19 thousandths behind the edge, this thing is scary sharp out of the box. Wow.
The Spydie hole is perfectly placed for deployment, the unsharpened swedge improves penetration, and the thumb ramp provides a nice rest without any unnecessary jimping. Awesome stuff all around.
Comparisons
The extreme blade shape is pretty unique, but for this Spyderco Yojimbo 2 review, I wanted to compare it to a few other notable knives to give you a sense of overall size and style:
Kizer Sheepdog
The Sheepdog is actually pretty similar dimension-wise, especially in terms of handle width. But the blade shapes are obviously very different, with the Yojimbo taking the Wharncliffe to the extreme.
GiantMouse ACE Biblio
I mainly included the Biblio as a size reference—you can see the Yojimbo is a good bit larger overall. It's a totally different style of knife, too.
Spyderco Smock
Here's another funky Spyderco blade shape, this time a trailing point on the Smock. I'd say it's similar to the Yojimbo in terms of slicing efficiency, but again, the handle ergos are worlds apart.
Spyderco Manix 2
Lastly, the Manix 2 is similar in overall length to the Yojimbo but with a much more traditional drop-point blade and handle. This really highlights how unique the Yojimbo is, even among Spydies.
Ergonomics
In terms of ergos, the Yojimbo is definitely unique and purpose-built. This thing is designed for tactical, combative application, as per designer Michael Janich's specialty. The angles and curves of the handle lock your hand in for a rock-solid grip, with a nice big choil for your index finger.
The main issue I have comfort-wise is the clip. You'll notice it more on this knife compared to most others. It can definitely create a bit of a hotspot, at least for my larger hands. I think swapping it out for a nice milled titanium clip would do wonders.
To be honest, I'm also not totally in love with the tan G-10 anymore. It looks fine, but I've come to prefer black or a nice carbon fiber. I'll probably swap scales at some point, but for now, it is what it is.
All that said, the G-10 texture is absolutely perfect. Spyderco really nailed it with this aggressive, grippy pattern that still feels great in the hand. Top notch.
Deployment & Lockup
Deploying the Yojimbo 2 is an absolute dream, thanks to the perfectly positioned Spydie hole. The key is to avoid putting your finger inside the hole itself—rather, you want to catch just underneath with the pad of your thumb or middle finger, then flick it out. It kicks like a mule every time.
The action on this guy is super addictive. Riding on phosphor bronze washers, you get that smooth, hydraulic feel and a very positive "thwack" on deployment. Zero blade play, of course, thanks to the always reliable compression lock.
If you're daring, you can even release the lock and kick the blade out at the same time, ending in a reverse grip. Probably not the safest thing, but it does demonstrate the knife's combative pedigree.
Personal Thoughts
Guys, I always loved the Yojimbo 2, but this exclusive version really takes it to the next level for me. The CPM-20CV blade steel is a huge upgrade in terms of performance, and I think the tan G-10 looks great, even if it's not my personal favorite scale color.
This was honestly tough to review because I love it so much. I really tried to keep my usual objective reviewer hat on, but I admit my fondness definitely comes through. And I think that's okay because this knife deserves the praise.
I will say the clip is my one main nitpick, and I think swapping it out would make the knife basically perfect for me. The only other change I might make is some aftermarket carbon fiber or dark matter G-10 scales, just to freshen things up. Maybe throw on some purple hardware while I'm at it, really make it my own. But now I'm just dreaming out loud.
Point is, if you're looking for one of the most uniquely capable tactical folders out there, I think the Spyderco Yojimbo 2 is extremely hard to beat—especially in this awesome DLT exclusive configuration. I absolutely love it.
Video Review
Conclusion
I'll end this Spyderco Yojimbo 2 review with a hearty endorsement.
The DLT Trading exclusive with CPM-20CV steel and tan G-10 scales takes an already legendary tactical design and makes it even better. While the clip isn't perfect and the color scheme is polarizing, there's no denying the raw capability and cool factor on offer. The Yojimbo 2 will always have a special spot in my collection.
Let me know YOUR take on the Yojimbo. Worth the hype, or overrated? I always love hearing your thoughts.
Thanks as always for reading, and stay sharp my friends!
