Ed Schempp Reimagines the Classic Kukri Silhouette for Accessible Everyday Carry.

As Spyderco kicks off its 50th-anniversary celebrations, the brand has unleashed a wave of high-end releases featuring exotic steels and carbon fiber scales. However, among the titanium and super-steels, a more under-the-radar model is capturing the attention of enthusiasts who value historical design and practical ergonomics: the Spyderco Retract.

Designed by the renowned custom knifemaker and bladesmith Ed Schempp, the Retract is a study in leverage. Schempp is well-known for his ability to translate ancient blade shapes into modern folding platforms, and with this model, he has turned his focus toward the legendary Nepalese kukri.

Spyderco Retract Angle

The most striking feature of the Retract is its dramatically curved, recurve blade. By utilizing a negative angle—where the blade cants forward relative to the handle—the design naturally enhances cutting leverage. This is particularly noticeable during draw cuts, where the geometry of the 3.4-inch blade does much of the work for you.

To keep the knife high-performing yet accessible, Spyderco opted for 9Cr18MoV stainless steel. While it sits on the more budget-friendly side of the spectrum, it is a capable steel that is famously easy to maintain and sharpen in the field. The blade features a full-flat grind and the iconic Trademark Round Hole for easy, ambidextrous deployment.

Retract Ergonomics

Despite its unusual silhouette, the Retract is surprisingly pocket-friendly. The handle is built on a foundation of skeletonized stainless steel liners, providing a rigid and reliable LinerLock mechanism. The lock is machined nearly flush to the scales, a thoughtful touch that prevents unintentional closure during heavy use.

The handle scales are crafted from peel-ply-textured G-10, offering a secure, non-slip grip that holds up in wet conditions. Combined with the jimping on the blade’s spine, the knife allows for a high degree of control and stability when exerting downward pressure.

Cost

Perhaps the biggest story surrounding the Retract is its price. In a market where high-end folders are climbing toward the mid-hundreds, Spyderco has positioned the Retract as a formidable entry-level tool. With an MSRP of $95—and street prices often dipping even lower—it offers a chance to own a Schempp-designed integral-style worker without a massive financial commitment.

To round out the package, the Retract includes a deep-pocket reversible wire clip for tip-up carry and a lined lanyard hole, ensuring it remains as discreet as it is capable.

Retract Specs
Overall Length: 7.79″
Closed Length: 4.49″
Blade Thickness: .116″
Tip Carry Position: Tip-Up
Blade Length: 3.4″
Edge Length: 3″
Handle Material: G-10
Lock Type: LinerLock
Origin: China
Steel: 9Cr18MoV
Knife Weight: 4.2 oz
Clip Position: Ambi
Grind: Full-Flat
MSRP: $95

Spyderco Retract Kukri Blade Knife

$71.25

Blade HQ $71.25

Prices accurate at time of publishing. Affiliate disclosure.

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