Spyderco’s Ethnic Series was developed to pay homage to the distinctive knives associated with many of the world’s cultures. In addition to recognizing the pivotal roles that these knives have played as both tools and symbols, this unique series also challenged us to adapt traditional knife patterns to modern utilitarian needs and express them with state-of-the-art materials and production methods.

Inspired by Spyderco’s groundbreaking work in this area of knife design, Hungarian architect Gabór Szakonyi believed that Hungary’s centuries-old traditional pocketknife design would be a worthy addition to the Ethnic Series. Known as the “fejesgörbe” (“header curved”), Hungary’s classic cultural knife is a utilitarian slipjoint folder with a gracefully curved handle and a gently flared front bolster. Reflecting the spirit of Hungary’s proud history of traditional folk art, its sleek lines combine form and function into an extremely useful tool that also boasts tremendous character and pride of ownership.

Combining his lifelong passion as a knife enthusiast and collector with his skills as an architectural designer, Szakonyi drafted the original design for the Hungarian on paper before having it translated into steel by a custom knifemaker. He then presented his idea and the handmade prototype of the design to Spyderco’s founder Sal Glesser at a trade show in Germany. Impressed by the design, its unique ethnic heritage, and Szakonyi’s enthusiasm, Glesser decided to pursue the project and the Spyderco Hungarian Folder was born.

The heart of the Hungarian Folder is its premium CTS® XHP blade. Its long, straight spine tapers gently to meet a sweeping, curved cutting edge that offers plenty of “belly” for slicing chores while ensuring an acute, yet durable point. The blade’s full-flat grind offers superior edge geometry and friction-free cutting performance, while its trademark Spyderco Round Hole™ provides swift, positive one-handed opening with either hand.

The Hungarian Folder’s handle is a study in style. Built on a foundation of full stainless steel liners, it features contoured, polished G-10 scales and sculpted stainless steel bolsters. The bolsters faithfully capture the signature “header curved” shape of the traditional ethnic design, while expressing it with unmatched precision and attention to detail.

While classic Hungarian folders feature spring-backed slipjoint mechanisms, the Spyderco Hungarian Folder offers the added security of a Walker LinerLock® to lock the blade firmly in the open position. This greatly enhances both the safety and utilitarian function of the knife without compromising its authentic appearance. A pocket clip configured for right-side, tip-up carry further updates the classic design and allows it to be more conveniently carried than a true pocketknife.

The Spyderco Hungarian Folder is a fitting tribute to a unique cultural icon and represents a powerful fusion of traditional artistry and state-of-the-art manufacturing.

Cleaning and Lubrication

Folding knives are incredibly useful tools; but like all tools, they work best when they are well maintained. Fortunately, keeping your knife in top working order is easy and can be done with a minimum of tools and equipment.

The first priority of folder maintenance is to keep it free of dust, dirt, pocket lint, and any other debris that could adversely affect the ability of the blade to open and lock properly. Carrying your knife with a pocket clip helps keeps it away from pocket trash and makes it less prone to attracting lint and dirt; however, you still need to check it and clean it regularly. For quick cleanings, the canned air available at computer supply stores can be used to blow dirt out of the handle slot and lock mechanism. For back lock knives, pay particular attention to the lock notch on the back of the blade tang. Lint has a tendency to accumulate here and can keep the lock from engaging properly. On LinerLock and Compression Lock knives, open the blade fully and blow out the area under the liner to remove any accumulated lint or dirt.

To clean your knife more thoroughly, get a bottle of rubbing alcohol and some cotton swabs. Flatten the ends of the cotton swabs with pliers or a tap from a hammer so they will fit into the handle slot more easily, then dip them in the alcohol and swab out the inside of the handle. If your knife is very dirty or the opening action of the blade is gritty, you may need to clean it by running it under hot tap water while scrubbing with a soft-bristled toothbrush and some dish detergent. To flush grit out of the pivot, turn the handle slot up so the running water flows through the pivot mechanism as you gently open and close the blade. Once you’ve flushed it thoroughly, use canned air to blow the water out of the handle and dry the knife completely.

In addition to cleaning your knife, you should also lubricate the blade pivot with a high-quality gun oil, silicone lubricant, or Teflon-based lubricant. Do not use WD-40, as it is not a true lubricant. Whatever lube you choose, use it sparingly. Oil attracts dust and dirt and excessive lubrication can actually cause your knife to become dirty. To avoid using too much lube and ensure you get it exactly where you want it, place a drop of lube on a wooden toothpick and use the toothpick as an applicator. With your knife’s blade closed and the pivot-pin end of the handle pointing up, place one drop on each side of the blade tang and allow it to flow into the pivot joint. Open and close the blade a few times to work the lube into the pivot and the contact surfaces on the side of the blade.

LinerLock knives sometimes fail to open smoothly because the ball bearing for the detent mechanism galls or scrapes against the side of the tang. If you open the blade partway and look into the handle near the blade, you can see the protruding ball bearing in the liner. A drop of oil right on the ball usually solves the problem and smoothes out the action. With some simple supplies and a few minutes of your time, you can keep your folding knife in top condition and ensure that it’s always ready when you need it.

C160P Carpenter Foundry

At this time, the C160P Foundry is a special project between Spyderco, Inc. and Carpenter Technology, Inc. to bring a unique offering available exclusively to Carpenter Technology, Inc. employees and retirees. The good news is Spyderco will be offering a Foundry CLIPIT to the general market after we have fulfilled our exclusive commitment. The general production Spyderco Foundry CLIPIT will be publicly unveiled in the Spyderco product line as a line-item CLIPIT folder and will carry an MSRP of $349.95.

At the Foundry’s core is its wide, clip-point blade, machined from Carpenter CTS® XHP. CTS® XHP is an exceptionally tough powder metallurgy steel that is air hardened with added carbon and chromium for exceptional corrosion resistance and edge retention. The blade is machined with a fine cutting edge and full flat-ground for even higher strength and superior edge geometry. The Spyderco Trademark Round Hole™ makes the knife easily accessible for one-hand opening.

The handle scales are engraved with the Carpenter Steel logo and are Carpenter Custom 465® stainless steel with a Project 70®+ Type 316L stainless back spacer. Its wire pocket clip is Custom 465 stainless affixes to the handle for right-hand, tip-up pocket carry. A sturdy Chris Reeve Lock (R.I.L.) mechanism locks the blade in the open position and ready for use.

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