Spyderco UpTern C261P Folding Knife

Description

Spyderco UpTern C261P – Elegant retro lock-back from the Value series

The Spyderco UpTern is a modern homage to Sal Glesser’s classic – based on the legendary non-lock Byrd-Tern, but complemented by the rugged Back-Lock. This version of the C261P features a 72mm flat satin blade in 8Cr13MoV stainless steel, with a full-flat cut and traditional SpyderHole for convenient one-handed opening.

All-metal, stainless steel handle with a pronounced slight bend for better ergonomics and a four-position clasp – tip-up/tip-down carry in the right/left hand is easy and discreet. The detailed milling of the thumb ramp and choil, along with the serrated surface of the thumb rest, improves control when cutting .

📐 Technical parameters

• Blade length: 72 mm (2.82″)
• Cutting length: 57 mm (2.25″)
• Overall length: 167 mm (6.57″)
• Closed blade length: 97 mm (3.80″)
• Blade thickness: 2.5 mm (0.098″)
• Blade material: 8Cr13MoV – affordable and easy to sharpen stainless steel
• Cut-out: Full-Flat
• Blade surface: satin
• Blade: Plain Edge
• Handle: All stainless steel, slightly contoured for comfort
• Lock: Lock-Back – strong and reliable
• Opening: SpyderHole – one hand, ambidextrous
• Buckle: Four-position – sophisticated fit
• Weight: approx. 100 g (3.6 oz)
• Manufacture: China (PRC)
• Designed by Sal Glesser

🟢 Benefits

• Retro-feel & ruggedness: full-steel construction with classic lock-back evokes the early days of Spyderco
• Superb ergonomics: the fine moulded handle, thumb ramp and choil ensure comfortable handling even for small cutting jobs
• Ambidextrous wear: Thanks to the buckle and thumb hole, the UpTern can be used with both hands
• Great performance at a low price: 8Cr13MoV steel with satin finish and full-flat cut – perfect price/performance ratio
• Strong lock: back-lock ensures safety in use

🔴 Disadvantages

• Higher weight than FRN/G-10 models: the all-steel construction is durable, but bids about 30-40 g extra
• 8Cr13MoV – lower retention: steel holds the edge less long than S30V or BD1N, but can be sharpened easily
• Slightly sharp jimping/sponge: Newly can snag on pockets – recommendation to wear without a clip more often or adjust it

🛠️ Maintenance and care

• Wipe after use, occasionally use isopropyl for pivots and lock – helps smoothness
• I saw a recommendation to slightly sharpen the rough jimping at the clip – will improve comfort when inserting into pockets
• 8Cr13MoV is easy to grind – ideal for common grinders such as Sharpmaker or ceramic stones

💬 O pinions of the community

“The UpTern is a hefty little stainless steel knife with very solid lockup and wonderful ergonomics.”
“I dig the thinness and the stainless has a retro look… bomb proof.”

❤️ Emotional Appeal

The UpTern is a time machine – when you put it in your hand, you feel the legacy of functional and simple knives that defined Spyderco. Understated but with soul – rugged, durable and practical, ready for everyday situations without the need to be fancy.

✅ Conclusion

For those looking for a solid, simple and functional lock-back with the traditional Spyderco soul, the UpTern C261P is a great choice. Its classic design, maintenance-free construction and heavier feel in the pocket make it a reliable tool, usable from the office to light outdoor.