Description
Spyderco COBOL M390 Folding Knife
The Spyderco COBOL is a distinctive non-locking folding knife designed by Paul Alexander. Building on Alexander’s futuristic yet minimalist design language, the COBOL combines a premium 3.63-inch Böhler M390 blade with a gray titanium handle in a lightweight, streamlined package.
The COBOL is part of Spyderco’s SLIPIT family of non-locking folders and incorporates Alexander’s interpretation of Spyderco’s Ball Joint Non-Locking Mechanism. At only 2.2 ounces, it delivers premium materials and a highly distinctive design without unnecessary bulk.
3.63-Inch Böhler M390 Blade
The Spyderco COBOL features a 3.63-inch blade crafted from Böhler M390, a premium particle metallurgy stainless steel known for its combination of edge retention and corrosion resistance.
The blade measures approximately 0.098 inches thick and provides a 3.24-inch cutting edge.
Distinctive Tanto-Inspired Blade
Paul Alexander gave the COBOL a dramatic upswept blade profile influenced by both traditional Japanese tanto geometry and the katana-style point associated with Americanized tanto designs.
The result gives the COBOL an unmistakable silhouette that separates it from more conventional Spyderco folding knives.
Saber-Ground PlainEdge Blade
The M390 blade uses a saber grind and PlainEdge cutting edge, creating a clean and functional blade configuration that complements the knife’s minimalist design.
Gray Titanium Handle
The Spyderco COBOL pairs its premium M390 blade with a sleek titanium handle.
The minimalist gray titanium construction contributes to both the knife’s futuristic appearance and its remarkably light 2.2-ounce weight.
Ball Joint Non-Locking Mechanism
Rather than using a conventional locking mechanism, the COBOL incorporates Paul Alexander’s interpretation of Spyderco’s Ball Joint Non-Locking Mechanism.
This places the COBOL within Spyderco’s SLIPIT family of non-locking folding knives while giving the design its own distinctive mechanical character.
One-Handed Opening
The Spyderco COBOL is designed for convenient one-handed blade opening, combining the accessibility expected from a modern Spyderco folder with the simplicity of a non-locking mechanism.
Lightweight 2.2-Ounce Construction
Despite its 3.63-inch M390 blade and titanium construction, the COBOL weighs only 2.2 ounces.
This exceptionally low weight makes the knife easy to carry while retaining a substantial blade length and premium metal handle construction.
Tip-Up Pocket Carry
The COBOL incorporates a wire pocket clip configured for right-side, tip-up carry.
The streamlined clip complements the minimalist titanium handle while providing convenient pocket carry.
Paul Alexander Design
The Spyderco COBOL was designed by Paul Alexander, whose Spyderco collaborations are known for blending modern engineering with unconventional, minimalist styling.
The COBOL evolves the design language introduced by Alexander’s NAND, combining sleek futuristic lines with traditional blade influences in what Spyderco describes as a techno-primitive aesthetic.
Spyderco COBOL Features
- 3.63-inch Böhler M390 stainless steel blade
- 3.24-inch cutting edge
- 0.098-inch blade thickness
- Upswept tanto-inspired blade profile
- Saber blade grind
- PlainEdge cutting edge
- Gray titanium handle
- Ball Joint Non-Locking Mechanism
- One-handed opening
- Wire pocket clip
- Right-side tip-up carry
- Lightweight 2.2-ounce construction
- Designed by Paul Alexander
- Made in Italy
Modern Design Meets Premium Materials
The Spyderco COBOL combines Paul Alexander’s unconventional design language with premium materials and Spyderco engineering.
Its 3.63-inch M390 blade, titanium handle, non-locking mechanism and remarkably light 2.2-ounce construction make the COBOL a distinctive option for enthusiasts looking for something outside the traditional folding knife formula.
Spyderco COBOL Specifications
- Manufacturer: Spyderco
- Model: COBOL
- SKU: C273TIP
- Designer: Paul Alexander
- Knife Type: Non-Locking Folding Knife
- Blade Steel: Böhler M390
- Blade Length: 3.63″
- Cutting Edge: 3.24″
- Blade Thickness: 0.098″
- Blade Grind: Saber
- Edge: PlainEdge
- Overall Length: 8.25″
- Closed Length: 4.77″
- Weight: 2.2 oz
- Handle Material: Titanium
- Handle Color: Gray
- Mechanism: Ball Joint Non-Locking / SLIPIT
- Clip: Wire
- Carry: Right-Side Tip-Up
- Country of Origin: Italy
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