Spyderco NAND Review: A Unique Slip Joint With a Few Rough Edges

Introduction

The Spyderco NAND is a folding knife that stands out before you even open it. Designed by Paul Alexander, it has an unusual shape, a nerdy name, and a non-locking mechanism that sets it apart from most modern folders. It is made at Spyderco’s Maniago factory in Italy, and it carries a retail price of $250.

This is not a knife that tries to be like everything else. It is a double detent slip joint, which means it stays open through friction and detent pressure rather than a mechanical lock. That design choice makes it relevant for anyone who wants a larger folder that does not lock, whether for legal reasons or personal preference.

Design and Build

The NAND is a strange-looking knife in the best way. The blade shape is distinctive, the handle has internal skeletonization to keep weight down, and the overall profile does not resemble anything else currently on the market. Paul Alexander has a reputation for unusual designs, and this one continues that pattern.

Inside, the knife uses a double detent system with ceramic detent balls on both sides of the blade. These balls drop into small holes when the blade is fully open or fully closed, providing resistance at both ends without ever locking. The knife runs on washers rather than bearings, which is consistent with its slip joint nature.

The hardware is a nice touch. The knife uses T8 screws throughout, and the same screw size is used in all the places, which makes disassembly straightforward. The internal milling is visible and appreciated, adding a bit of extra effort that is not always present at this price point.

The handle ergonomics are surprisingly good. Despite looking like it might feel awkward, the grip is comfortable, and it works well for both a standard hold and a choked-back grip. The ambidextrous design is another strong point, with the clip able to be swapped so left-handed and right-handed users get the same experience.

Steel and Performance

The blade is made from M398 steel, which is a step up from the more common M390. The additional alloying elements offer a minor improvement in performance, and it is good to see a manufacturer pushing toward the higher end of the super steel spectrum.

The blade length comes in at around 3.2 inches, which puts it just over the 3-inch line that is often legally relevant in some jurisdictions. It is also just over the 8-centimeter line, depending on local regulations. This is worth noting for anyone who carries knives under specific legal size limits.

The knife is thin and slices well, which is a benefit of the non-locking design. There is no lock mechanism taking up space in the handle, so the blade geometry can be optimized for cutting performance.

Deployment and Action

This is where the NAND gets complicated. The knife can be opened in a few ways, but none of them feel great. The Spyderco thumb hole is present, but the handle shape makes it a little hard to reach, especially for smaller hands. A thumb flick is possible but slow, and there is a risk of the finger hitting the tab on the blade as it opens.

The front flipper tab is also there, but it does not work like a traditional front flipper. The action is too tight for the blade to snap open with a single motion. Instead, it requires a slow, deliberate push, and the blade can pinch the finger partway through. In practice, this is a two-hand open knife.

The action itself is smooth, but it is not a great action. It is fine for a double detent slip joint, and it is not trying to be a fast-flicking knife. However, if you are expecting a satisfying front flipper experience, this will disappoint.

That said, the tab on the blade serves a purpose. It provides a place for the thumb to rest and resist closing force when pressure is applied to the back of the blade. This is a safety feature that makes the knife harder to close on your hand, which is a genuine benefit for a non-locking folder.

Ergonomics and Carry

The NAND feels bigger than it needs to be. The handle is a similar size to the Spyderco Delica, but the blade is a little longer. Against the Paramilitary 2, the blade is slightly shorter, but the overall size is still substantial.

For people with smaller hands, this can feel a bit awkward. The knife might have been more compelling if it were slightly more compact, making it easier to carry and manage. That said, if the goal was to create a larger non-locking folder, the size makes sense.

The pocket clip works well, and the knife carries comfortably. The sharp edges on the spine and inside the thumb hole are a concern, though. The back edge of the blade is unpleasantly sharp, and the inside of the thumb hole feels rough on one side. This is a finishing issue that should have been addressed at the factory.

Things to Consider Before Buying

The $250 price tag is a significant investment. For that money, you are getting a unique design, M398 steel, and a non-locking mechanism that is genuinely different. However, the finishing issues and the mediocre deployment make it feel like the price is slightly high.

The sharp edges on the spine and thumb hole are the most obvious problem. They can be addressed at home with a sharpening stone or ceramic files, but that is not something you should have to do on a new knife. It is a detail that the factory should have handled.

The action is another consideration. If you want a knife that flicks open with one hand, this is not it. The NAND is a two-hand open knife in practice, and that limits its appeal for everyday carry.

The non-locking design is also worth thinking about. A slip joint requires more care during use, especially for tasks that put pressure on the back of the blade. The thumb tab helps, but it is not a substitute for a mechanical lock.

Buying Advice

The Spyderco NAND is a cool curiosity rather than a practical everyday carry for most people. It has a genuinely unique design, good ergonomics, and a high-end steel, but it is let down by finishing issues and a deployment that does not match its appearance.

If you are looking for a non-locking folder with a distinctive look and you are willing to do a little work to smooth out the edges, this could be an interesting choice. It is also a viable option for anyone with legal restrictions on locking knives who still wants a larger blade.

For most buyers, though, this feels like a knife that was close to being great but missed the mark. The design deserves better execution, and it is hard to fully recommend it at the current price.

Conclusion

The Spyderco NAND is a fascinating knife with a lot of personality. Paul Alexander has created something that stands out in a crowded market, and the M398 steel is a welcome upgrade. The double detent slip joint is safe and works as intended.

But the rough edges, the awkward deployment, and the slightly high price keep it from being a must-have. It is a nice piece for collectors and for those with specific legal needs, but for most people, it will end up being more of a novelty than a daily carry.