Spyderco Yojimbo 2 handle scales
Spyderco Yojimbo 2 handle scales
The Spyderco Yojimbo 2 (model C85GP2, often called Yojimbo 2) is a refined tactical folder designed by personal-defense expert Michael Janich, pioneering the "tactical Wharncliffe" blade profile
The lineage began with Janich's collaboration on the fixed-blade Ronin (~early 2000s), followed by the original Yojimbo (C85, introduced 2004, discontinued ~2007)—a full-flat-ground CPM S30V Wharncliffe with early Compression Lock, G-10 scales, and USA-made construction. It was ahead of its time but sparked demand for improvements
Janich refined the design based on years of training feedback: better ergonomics, thumb-forward grip, enhanced point strength, smoother action, and stronger lockup. The Yojimbo 2 debuted at SHOT Show 2011 (prototype shown by Sal Glesser pre-show), entering regular production in late 2011
Key upgrades: 3.11" CPM S30V (later S45VN) hollow-ground blade, contoured black G-10 scales, nested liners, four-position clip, and optimized Compression Lock for safer closing. At ~4 oz and ~$170 MSRP, it excels in self-defense while serving as versatile EDC
Its success popularized Wharncliffes tactically, spawning variants (YoJumbo, trainers, sprint runs like CPM SPY27, 20CV) and cementing its place as a Spyderco icon for defensive and everyday carry