Spyderco Grasshopper Folding Knife Review

First Impressions of Spyderco Grasshopper Folding Knife

The Spyderco Grasshopper Folding Knife is one of Spyderco’s entry into the world of micro-sized, highly portable, and surprisingly capable blades. This isn’t just another novelty knife; it’s designed to be a functional tool that can handle everyday cutting tasks with ease, all while being incredibly easy to carry. I was drawn to the Grasshopper because I needed a very lightweight, discreet knife that wouldn’t weigh me down during long hikes and wouldn’t draw unwanted attention in urban environments.

Upon unboxing, I was immediately struck by its diminutive size and the choice of handle materials. The G-10 scales felt solid and offered a surprisingly good grip for such a small knife. Compared to similar knives like the Spyderco Bug or Honeybee, the Grasshopper’s G-10 handle offered a more secure and comfortable feel in my hand. I chose the Grasshopper over the other two because I preferred the slightly larger size and the improved grip texture provided by the G-10.

My first impression was positive; I was genuinely surprised by how solid and well-made such a small knife felt. It exceeded my expectations for its size, and I was excited to put it to the test.

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Real-World Testing: Putting Spyderco Grasshopper Folding Knife to the Test

First Use Experience

I first tested the Spyderco Grasshopper Folding Knife on a weekend camping trip in the Appalachian Mountains. I used it for various tasks, including opening food packages, cutting cordage for shelter building, and preparing kindling for a fire. The knife performed admirably, easily handling these light-duty tasks despite its small size.

The Grasshopper handled well in both dry and slightly damp conditions. The G-10 scales provided a secure grip even when my hands were a bit sweaty from hiking. I didn’t need any time to get used to it; its intuitive design and the Spyderco Trademark Round Hole made it easy to open and close, even with gloves on. My only initial concern was whether the small blade could handle more demanding cutting tasks.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several months of regular use, the Spyderco Grasshopper Folding Knife has held up remarkably well. The blade has retained its sharpness, and the G-10 scales show no signs of wear and tear. The slipjoint mechanism remains smooth and reliable.

Maintaining the Grasshopper is incredibly simple. I periodically clean the blade and pivot point with a dry cloth and apply a small drop of lubricant to keep the action smooth. Compared to some of my larger, more robust knives, the Grasshopper requires very little maintenance. It has consistently outperformed my expectations for a knife of this size, becoming my go-to everyday carry (EDC) blade when I need something discreet and lightweight.

Breaking Down the Features of Spyderco Grasshopper Folding Knife

Specifications

• Blade Length: 2.28 inches. This compact blade length makes the Grasshopper ideal for detail work and everyday tasks.
• Closed Length: 2.83 inches. The Grasshopper’s incredibly small closed length allows for easy and discreet carry in a pocket or on a keychain.
• Blade Material: 12C27 Stainless Steel. The use of 12C27 stainless steel offers a good balance of edge retention, corrosion resistance, and ease of sharpening.
• Overall Length: 5.12 inches. Despite its small size, the overall length allows for a comfortable grip and controlled cutting.
• Handle Material: G10. G10 provides a durable, lightweight, and grippy handle, even in wet conditions.
• Blade Finish: Satin. The satin finish offers a clean look and helps to resist corrosion.
• Blade Thickness: 0.08 inches. The thin blade stock allows for excellent slicing performance.
• Lock Type: SlipJoint. The slipjoint mechanism provides safe and secure operation without the need for a locking mechanism.
• Weight: 0.74 oz. The incredibly lightweight design makes the Grasshopper virtually unnoticeable in your pocket.
• Opening Method: Round Hole. Spyderco’s signature Round Hole allows for easy one-handed opening, even with gloves.

These specifications matter because they combine to create a highly functional and portable knife. The 12C27 steel ensures decent edge retention for daily tasks. The G10 handles offer a solid grip despite the knife’s small size. The light weight and slim profile make it easy to carry without adding bulk or discomfort.

Performance & Functionality

The Spyderco Grasshopper Folding Knife excels at light-duty cutting tasks. From opening boxes and letters to slicing fruits and vegetables, it handles most everyday chores with ease. It is surprisingly capable for its size, although it’s not designed for heavy-duty work.

Its strengths lie in its portability and ease of use. The blade arrived razor-sharp, and the Round Hole made one-handed opening effortless. A potential weakness is its small size, which might not be suitable for users with larger hands or those who require a more substantial grip. It has definitely met my expectations for a discreet and lightweight EDC knife.

Design & Ergonomics

The Grasshopper features a minimalist design that emphasizes functionality. The build quality is excellent, with tight tolerances and a smooth action. The G10 handles provide a comfortable and secure grip, and the lightweight design makes it easy to carry.

The knife is very user-friendly. The Round Hole makes opening the blade simple and intuitive. The slipjoint mechanism is easy to operate and provides a secure hold on the blade while in use.

Durability & Maintenance

The Grasshopper is built to last, with durable materials and a solid construction. The 12C27 steel blade resists corrosion, and the G10 handles are virtually indestructible. With proper care, this knife should provide years of reliable service.

Maintenance is straightforward. Simply clean the blade and pivot point regularly and apply a small amount of lubricant as needed. The simple design makes it easy to disassemble and clean thoroughly if necessary.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Spyderco Grasshopper Folding Knife does not come with any accessories, as its minimalist design focuses on core functionality. Customization options are limited due to its small size and simple construction.

However, some users may choose to add a lanyard or keychain for easier carry. The knife is compatible with any standard keychain or lanyard attachment.

Pros and Cons of Spyderco Grasshopper Folding Knife