Spyderco Roadie folding knife, red C189PRD

Roadie was created with an idea that it would have been allowed aboard an airplane according to the Transportation Security Administration proposed guidelines in 2013. The guidelines plan did not go through, but a highly functional non-locking pocket knife was still born.

In essence, the Roadie is a highly evolved penknife that is more practical and user-friendly than its historical predecessors. It’s most distinguishing characteristic—the “Double Dent™”—is a pair of symmetrical dimples in the blade that provides a solid purchase for a fingernail-free two-handed opening. Far superior to a traditional nail nick, they also do not collect dirt or debris.

The business end of the Roadie is a sheepfoot-style blade ground from Böhler-Uddeholm N690 steel, a high-performance stainless steel alloyed with cobalt, molybdenum, and vanadium. Its wide blade profile and full-flat grind create incredible edge geometry for a keen, scalpel-sharp edge. The broad blade also provides real estate for the distinctive “Double Dent” feature that allows the blade to be easily opened with a pinch grip of the thumb and index finger.

At the base of the blade near its juncture with the handle, there is a subtle forefinger choil (finger groove). Placing your index finger on the choil provides excellent control of the edge and creates a natural “stop” to help prevent the knife from closing unintentionally. Both the choil and the opposing thumb ramp on the spine of the blade feature jimping (textured grooves) to promote a positive, non-slip grip.

Unlike a traditional slipjoint, the Roadie’s blade is held open by an improved notched-joint mechanism. Its spring also forms the handle’s full-length back strap, giving it structural strength and providing a foundation for the durable fiberglass-reinforced-nylon (FRN) scales. The injection-molded scales are contoured for comfort and feature a recessed Spyderco “bug” logo on both sides. They are also available in a wide variety of colors to suit every taste.

The Roadie represents a quantum leap in the evolution of modern pocketknife design and sets a new standard of excellence for the breed.