Spyderco Sage 5 Blue G-10 Folding Knife

The Spyderco Sage 5 Blue G-10 (C123GPCBL) has a 3-inch CPM SPY27 drop point blade and a cobalt blue G-10 handle. The Sage series honors important lock designs, and each model uses a different one; the Sage 5 uses Spyderco's own Compression Lock. Like most Spyderco Compression Lock models, it comes out of the Golden, Colorado factory. Overall length is about 7 inches open.

In this lock, a spring bar cut into the handle liner reaches up into the spine and jams against a stop pin once the blade swings open. You close the knife by pinching the small tab that shows in the spine notch, which keeps the hand behind the edge the whole time. Spyderco developed the Compression Lock in house, so it is fitting that it represents the company's own contribution to the Sage series. Earlier Sage models featured locks such as the liner lock, the Reeve Integral Lock, and the Bolt Action Lock.

SPY27 is a powder steel made by Crucible for Spyderco, tuned for toughness, edge holding, and corrosion resistance. The leaf-shaped blade has a full flat grind for slicing and a strong tip. Cobalt blue G-10 gives a firm grip, and the clip keeps it secure. It is a compact, elegant knife for everyday carry. Other Spyderco folders are in our folding knives.

• 3-inch CPM SPY27 blade
• Cobalt blue G-10 handle
• Compression Lock
• Made in Golden, Colorado