Spyderco Military handle scales

Spyderco Military handle scales

In 1994, Spyderco—the innovative American knife brand founded in 1976 by Sal Glesser—released the Military (model C36) as a purpose-built tactical folder designed specifically for military personnel

Sal Glesser created the Military after feedback from active-duty soldiers and veterans who needed a large, lightweight folder with one-hand opening, strong lockup, and maximum cutting power. Drawing from the classic Buck 110 folding hunter but modernized for combat/utility, Sal incorporated the SpyderHole for ambidextrous deployment, a back lock with David Boye dent for safety, and a full-flat-ground blade for superior slicing

The Spyderco Military features a 4-inch VG-10 stainless steel blade (later upgraded to S30V, S35VN, S110V, Maxamet, Elmax), weighing ~4.5 oz with 9.25-inch overall length, textured FRN handles (bi-directional grip), and tip-down reversible clip—ideal for tactical EDC knives, military folders, and hard use

Priced ~$150–$300 MSRP (Japan/USA-made variants), it quickly became Spyderco’s flagship model and a modern classic—praised for balance, strength, and reliability. Variants (Lightweight, black blade, CruWear, Sprint Runs) followed, cementing the Military as a benchmark in tactical folding knives and Spyderco’s legacy of military-inspired innovation