The Spyderco Autonomy was developed in response to a request from the U.S. Coast Guard for a cutting tool that would meet the demanding mission requirements of their rescue swimmers. They needed a high-performance knife that could be easily deployed with only one hand while wearing heavy gloves, is impervious to salt water, could be easily maintained and, above all, would cut with extreme authority. The result was the orange-handled Autonomy automatic, which is approved for use by Coast Guard personnel.

Specifically designed to be carried in a dedicated pocket in the rescue swimmer’s vest, the original Autonomy had no need for a firing-button safety or pocket clip. However, because many of the features of the design were so revolutionary, Spyderco soon received requests for a version that was suitable for pocket carry and still featured the high-visibility orange handles of the original. The result is an orange-handled Autonomy with a safety and a pocket clip.

The heart of this remarkable knife is its voracious SpyderEdge™ blade, which is ground from H-1^® steel—an extraordinary nitrogen-based alloy that is extremely corrosion resistant. Its sheepfoot profile and blunt tip make it ideal for rescue applications, while still providing a high degree of point utility. The auto-opening blade is powered by a corrosion-resistant coil spring nested within a removable module. Specifically designed for end-user maintenance, this patented feature allows the module and spring to be easily removed with the tool in Spyderco’s spring replacement kit (sold separately) without disassembling the entire knife.

The Autonomy’s ergonomic, finger-grooved handle is constructed with full stainless steel liners flanked by textured orange G-10 scales. Its oversized firing button is powered by a spring that is integral to one of the liners and includes a sliding safety that prevents unintentional activation. The handle’s other metal hardware—including its reversible wire pocket clip—is also made exclusively from corrosion-resistant materials.

Winner of the “Most Innovative American Design” award at the prestigious Blade Show and International Cutlery Fair, the Autonomy represents a groundbreaking achievement in automatic knife design.

RESTRICTED ITEMS

Automatic knives are federally restricted items. Sale of these items is limited to qualified personnel only, as defined in the statutory language of 18 U.S.C.  Section 1716(g)(2)(1-4) and 15 U.S.C. Section 1244(2-4). You must also comply with all applicable local and state laws, statutes, and regulations related to the purchase and possession of automatic knives. Purchasing and/or possessing an automatic knife may subject you to criminal liability.

Qualified buyers are required to complete and physically sign an Acknowledgement & Representations Form (available through your Spyderco sales representative or downloadable from our web site at www.spyderco.com/opfocus). There will be absolutely NO SALES of restricted knives without this completed form and all other required documentation.

RESTRICTED ITEM WARRANTY & REPAIR GUIDELINES: Should any RESTRICTED ITEM need to be returned to Spyderco for warranty and/or repair reasons, the item MUST be accompanied by a RESTRICTED ITEM RETURN FORM. The form must be completed and signed attesting to the fact that the person in possession of the knife is legally permitted to possess said item before any warranty work can be performed. If you are unable to provide the proper signed documentation, the knife will NOT be returned. There are NO EXCEPTIONS to this policy.