Spyderco
C171TIBLP
Mike Draper Folder – Titanium

Mike Draper is a Wyoming native who grew up carrying and using knives. When his wife Audra developed an interest in making custom knives in the mid 1990s, he naturally followed suit and soon began crafting handmade blades part time. In 2000, a back injury ended his career as a heavy equipment mechanic, so he began making knives full time. Since then, he has earned a Journeyman Smith rating from the American Bladesmith Society and developed a distinctive style of knifemaking that includes everything from tough tactical folders to investment-quality art knives. This unique approach has not only earned him a loyal following among his customers, but also piqued Spyderco’s curiosity, ultimately leading to his first design collaboration.

Spyderco’s Mike Draper Folder reflects both extremes of Draper’s talents as a knifemaker, combining a practical, highly functional folding knife pattern with exceptional craftsmanship and a sophisticated colorized handle treatment. The business end of the knife is a modified drop-point blade made from VG-10 stainless steel. Its full-flat grind balances strength and low-friction edge geometry and ensures an acute but resilient point. An easily accessible Trademark Round Hole proudly proclaims it as a Spyderco product and allows swift one-handed opening with either hand.

By far the most distinctive feature of the Mike Draper Folder is its handle, which is assembled from precision-machined solid titanium components. The two scales are intricately CNC machined to produce a stunning spider web pattern and areas with a subtle surface texture. Portions of the pattern are then colorized to contrast boldly against the matte-finished titanium and further highlight the design.

The handle’s profile flares at both ends to create a highly functional integral guard and a butt hook. This shape effectively brackets the hand between the two ends and, together with the subtle texture of the scale designs, provides an amazingly solid, comfortable grip. The handle also houses a solid, full-length back spacer and a sturdy Walker Linerlock mechanism, both of which are finished flush with the scales to maintain the knife’s graceful lines and prevent unintentional release of the lock during use. Purpose designed for right-side, tip-up carry, the Mike Draper Folder features a custom pocket clip that flows seamlessly with the handle contours and the colorized spider web pattern. .

A dramatic departure from the Spyderco norm, the Mike Draper Folder is a both a work of art and a practical everyday cutting tool that truly reflects the style and versatility of its designer.

Discontinued by manufacturer, limited quantities available.