EDC Excellence: A Spyderco Ikuchi Review

[zuludelta]

When Paul Alexander’s Ikuchi was first revealed online five years ago, I was very much intrigued by the design and its novelty (an ultra-slim flipper from Spyderco with a vestigial Spydie-hole? Who’d have thunk it?) but was not really keen on acquiring one. It’s a stand-out design to be sure, but I couldn’t honestly find a use case (or the disposable income) for it at the time.

In the years since, however, I’ve had the opportunity to own and use a number of flipper-actuated folders of varying quality and price-points, from various designers and manufacturers. I eventually got to wondering how the Ikuchi stacks up to the very best of those specimens. I was able to find an Ikuchi selling for a good price online and after making sure that there was room in my monthly budget for a little discretionary spending (life is increasingly expensive these days), I went ahead and pulled the trigger on the purchase.

I don’t normally make a distinction between work folders and EDC (everyday carry) folders, as many other knife enthusiasts do. The models I use and carry for work are the same models that I use and carry at home and outside of work. It is just so much simpler that way. I work in a high-throughput warehouse, and use a knife primarily to break down cardboard and cut pallet straps as well as synthetic rope and netting, and I prefer folders that have certain features that are optimal for my work context. These features include a relatively broad Wharncliffe, low drop-point, or spear-point blade between 2.75” and 3.75” in length, a reasonably comfortable handle, a “non-deep carry” pocket clip that facilitates rapid drawing of the knife from the pocket, a robust locking mechanism that can be used even while wearing work gloves, and an opening mechanism that can allow for multiple deployment methods (slow roll, thumb flick, “Spydie-flick”, reverse inertial opening, two-handed opening, etc.) depending on the situation.

The Ikuchi compared to my work knife rotation

In so many ways, the Ikuchi isn’t really what I typically look for in a folder. It has a narrow trailing point blade, a slim handle, a deep-carry pocket clip, a subtle cutout for the Compression Lock tab that trades ease of gloved hand access for aesthetics, and its blade can only really be deployed using the flipper. And yet despite all that, in the time that I’ve been carrying and using the Ikuchi, I’ve grown to appreciate it very much: it isn’t a knife I’d seriously consider for work use, but it could very well be my first dedicated home and outside-of-work folding knife, an EDC knife in the strict sense of the term.

The most striking thing about the Ikuchi is just what a beautiful object it is—it looks especially elegant when closed, as the entire blade fully disappears into the handle. The graceful curve of its handle, that arc being mirrored by the blade’s spine, the dramatic upward sweep of the blade’s cutting edge to its needle-like tip, the exposed tang looking like a steel sun peeking over a carbon fiber mountainside—it all comes together in a very aesthetically coherent whole. Even the blade’s vestigial opening hole makes a certain design sense with the incorporation of handle cutouts that keep it visible even when the knife is closed, maintaining a visual throughline that connects it to other Spyderco folding knife designs.

In hand, the Ikuchi feels much like how it looks, all subtle contours and understated textures. The corners of the blade spine have been knocked down slightly, just enough so that it isn’t uncomfortable to put pressure on it with the thumb during harder or more precise cutting, but not so much that it disrupts the knife’s visual lines and tactile uniformity. It is important to mention that very early production Ikuchis (those manufactured before November 2019) had a manufacturing flaw that made it possible for one to touch the tip of the blade in the closed knife. Fortunately, my Ikuchi is a current-production model that has had this safety issue addressed through Spyderco’s CQI process.

In terms of its deployment mechanism and action, the Ikuchi can perhaps be best described as a minimalist flipper: The blade is “flipped” to the open position using either the index finger (with a light switch-style motion) or the thumb (with a motion akin to the one used when igniting a standard Zippo or BiC Classic-style lighter). What makes it a minimalist flipper is that this actuation is performed without the use of a flipper tab that protrudes perpendicularly from the blade tang, as is typical of most flipper designs. Instead, the Ikuchi uses the exposed, rounded tang itself as a means to flip the blade. This is enabled by the application of very effective jimping on the tang, allowing the user to find purchase and flip the blade to the open position. This feature allows the Ikuchi to keep a very streamlined profile in both the closed and open position that is quite uncommon in the flipper milieu. Indeed, I actually mistook the Ikuchi for a front flipper when I first saw it. Front flippers use an in-line extension of the blade tang as a means to flip the blade open, in contrast to the perpendicular flipper tab of most conventional flippers. This results in a sleeker outline, but at the cost of a less reliable opening motion that relies on the use of the side of the index finger or an awkward, exaggerated movement of the thumb. The Ikuchi combines the best qualities of both conventional flipper and front flipper designs: It utilizes the more intuitive and replicable opening motions of a conventional flipper, but has the tab-less profile of a front flipper.

As far as materials go, its CPM S30V blade provides more than enough edge retention, stainlessness, and toughness for most tasks a folding knife will be called upon to perform in a non-work setting, and the carbon fiber/G10 composite handle scales give the Ikuchi a style upgrade over the more work-oriented models in Spyderco’s product line.

In use, I find the Ikuchi to be perfectly suitable for convenience cutting tasks. The handle is a lot narrower than I prefer, but its curvature and length keep it quite stable and secure in hand even during harder push cutting. The slender, upswept blade isn’t my first choice for the types of cutting I do at work, but it performs well for everyday folding knife activities like opening packages and it makes the Ikuchi an excellent choice for peeling and slicing fruit.

With regards to the flipping action, I find it more natural to operate the Ikuchi using my thumb due to the closed knife feeling rather similar to a BiC Classic-style lighter in hand. The blade’s detent is quite strong and it snaps into the open position with authority most of the time, although I can still manage to fail a flip if I short-stroke it with my index finger. The knife also closes smoothly with no need for any pivot adjustment on my part. From what I understand, the consistency and smoothness of the Ikuchi’s action is quite an achievement for a flipper running on bronze-phosphor washers.

The Ikuchi compared to some of the flippers in my collection

All in all, I would place it among the better flippers in my modest collection when weighing the combination of reliablility of action, ease/comfort of actuation, and detent security: Not on the level of the North Arm Knives Skaha 2 designed by John and Michael Gudmundson (few knives are), but just as good as or superior to any of the Hogue, Kizer, and Civivi/Sencut flippers I own.

The Ikuchi compared to some of the front flippers in my collection

As I mentioned earlier, the Ikuchi’s trailing point blade shape, restricted access to the Compression Lock tab, and deep-carry pocket clip keep it from being a primary option for a work knife for me. These are not criticisms of the design. Rather, I mention these details to provide context for my review, particularly for those who use folding knives in work situations similar to mine. Taken on its own merits while keeping in mind its design remit, the Ikuchi is an excellent EDC folder. Beyond that, it is also a refined example of the knife as a demonstrator of manufacturing precision and engineering prowess, and a canvas for artistic expression.

EDITED 07/18/25 for formatting

[brj]

Nice write-up, detailed and informative review like all the others I've seen coming from you.

The Ikuchi is one of only two Spyderco models (the other one being the Watu) I've felt the need to buy a second perfectly identical specimen (well, not identical anymore since I've changed the scales on one of them, but only to add a bit more bling, the factory scales are a good fit for this design).

[...] its blade can only really be deployed using the flipper.

I am actually able to depress the lock with the very tip of my index finger (I trim my nails short), flick the knife open and release the lock in due time to engage. Took a bit of practice but I can consistently and reliably open it every time in considerably less time than it took me to write all of this.

the exposed tang looking like a steel sun peeking over a carbon fiber mountainside

Knife poetry at its best

It is important to mention that very early production Ikuchis (those manufactured before November 2019) had a manufacturing flaw that made it possible for one to touch the tip of the blade in the closed knife.

Not all of them, I have a very early one where the tip sits so nice and snug (and low enough) inside the scales that it actually took me a while to understand that other peoples' were actually presenting a real issue.



I understand it's not a design that speaks to everybody, but I'm extremely happy Spyderco took a chance with this model and equally sad the tip issues that plagued its release most likely stopped dead the plans around the other models Paul designed at the time on the same principle.

[ladybug93]

i agree this is an under-appreciated design. i just carried mine a couple days ago. i don't carry it often, but it's not because i don't like it. it's about the length of a delica closed, but half the width and with more blade length. it also has the deepest carry wire clip i've seen from spyderco. it's very slim and low-profile, sleek and beautifully executed. just happens to be fun to fidget with also, if that's your thing.

[zuludelta]

Nice write-up, detailed and informative review like all the others I've seen coming from you.

Thanks!

The Ikuchi is one of only two Spyderco models (the other one being the Watu) I've felt the need to buy a second perfectly identical specimen (well, not identical anymore since I've changed the scales on one of them, but only to add a bit more bling, the factory scales are a good fit for this design).

That Ikuchi looks great with the custom scales. And yes, the Watu is another great design out of Taichung. One of the sliciest Spydercos I've used, and I think it was the only regular production Spyderco to come in 20CV at the time was being produced. Shame about it being discontinued.

I tried I'm extremely happy Spyderco took a chance with this model and equally sad the tip issues that plagued its release most likely stopped dead the plans around the other models Paul designed at the time on the same principle.

Alexander had some pretty idiosyncratic designs that made it into production. The Parata was especially wild. I'd love to see him come back with some new designs.

i agree this is an under-appreciated design. i just carried mine a couple days ago. i don't carry it often, but it's not because i don't like it. it's about the length of a delica closed, but half the width and with more blade length.

It's a very efficient design, all told. And that's a great pic of the Ikuchi.

[R100]

I hate to be the negative view but of all the many Spyderco folders I own this is my least favourite and the one I was most disappointed with.

Mine is a CQI version and I have no trouble with the protruding tip but it has a series of issues:

The stock is nice and thin but the blade height is so low that the primary grind angle is very obtuse. It is also thick behind the edge and this combination makes it a poor slicer in my opinion - nowhere near as good as the sometimes maligned PM3.

It was Ok initially but soon developed side to side blade play that I cannot tune out of it. I think the very small area available to provide lockup in a narrow 2.5 mm blade just pushed the compression lock design too far.

I also hate the flipper. It works fine in perfect conditions but is a real pain if your hands are cold or wet. The whole design is very fiddly for larger hands too with the narrow handle and small lock cutout.

Downer Dan

[zuludelta]

I hate to be the negative view but of all the many Spyderco folders I own this is my least favourite and the one I was most disappointed with.

It's a polarizing design to be sure... it can't be denied that there are ergonomic & cutting performance concessions to the form factor that preclude wide appeal, as is usually the case with ultra-slim folders. Ultimately, the Ikuchi strikes me as very much "love it or hate it" design. I guess I just happen to fall in the former camp.

[Fastidiotus]

Thanks for taking the time to make this write up and share your views zuludelta, it was a good read!

[Bolster]

Enjoyed the review, thanks!

Have been tempted because of the slim design, and the phenomenal edge:closed ratio. However, never purchased because trailing point blades don't work very well for my typical usages. Although, looks like it would make a great food knife.

[ladybug93]

I hate to be the negative view but of all the many Spyderco folders I own this is my least favourite and the one I was most disappointed with.

It's a polarizing design to be sure... it can't be denied that there are ergonomic & cutting performance concessions to the form factor that preclude wide appeal, as is usually the case with ultra-slim folders. Ultimately, the Ikuchi strikes me as very much "love it or hate it" design. I guess I just happen to fall in the former camp.

when i first got it, i wanted a more refined knife similar to the crkt ceo. it's definitely a much better knife design. for one, this lock will never fail on me. i think more people should've given this one a fair shot. it's very nice.

[RadioactiveSpyder]

It is an excellent model and very refined and classy — one of my favorites that I’ve customized, in this case with Karbadize scales.

[ChrisinHove]

All the observations here are valid, in my experience. For me, the positives outweigh the negatives by some margin.

It’s just so sleek !

[JD Spydo]

i agree this is an under-appreciated design. i just carried mine a couple days ago. i don't carry it often, but it's not because i don't like it. it's about the length of a delica closed, but half the width and with more blade length. it also has the deepest carry wire clip i've seen from spyderco. it's very slim and low-profile, sleek and beautifully executed. just happens to be fun to fidget with also, if that's your thing.

The more I look at the "Ikuchi" the more I believe I must own one. I'm currently so spoiled on my full SE, C-60 Cruwear Ayoob model that I have been carrying for some time now. But I could seriously fall in love with that "Ikuchi" model. It reminds me a lot of the older J.D. Smith model as well as the older Phil Boguszewski Spike model. It has aspects of both of those great classics IMO.

Oh how I would really love one of these in full SE!!

[zuludelta]

Thanks for taking the time to make this write up and share your views zuludelta, it was a good read!

Thanks!

Enjoyed the review, thanks!

Glad you enjoyed reading it!

i think more people should've given this one a fair shot. it's very nice.

One of the reasons I took so long to get an Ikuchi is that I'm not really in the "gentleman's folder" market demographic. Prior to getting the Ikuchi, my "classiest" Spyderco was probably... I dunno, maybe a Chaparral FRN or a Dragonfly 2 with Zomé green scales. Now that I have one, though, I'm glad I gave it a chance.

It's possible that one of the reasons the Ikuchi has seemingly flown under the radar is most people don't readily associate Spyderco with gentlemen's folders (even though they make a fair number of them), as I think Spyderco's wider reputation in the knife community is "that company that makes great working knives that kind of look weird" LOL.

It is an excellent model and very refined and classy — one of my favorites that I’ve customized, in this case with Karbadize scales.

That looks great!

It’s just so sleek !

That it is.

It reminds me a lot of the older J.D. Smith model as well as the older Phil Boguszewski Spike model. It has aspects of both of those great classics IMO.

Good call on the JD Smith comparison but for me, what the Ikuchi really reminded me of once I got it in hand was the Des Horn model from a few years back. Different blade shape, of course, but the handle really reminded me of it.

[Karl_H]

IMO, I think the Ikuchi design has a lot of promise, but I think it needs a bit of further refinement. I hope there will eventually be a 2.0 version.

The biggest issues for me are:
1. The flipper tab is hard to use consistently without slipping.
2. The lock bar is too difficult to access.
3. The scales are too boxy. I would like to see some contouring or flat scales with deep chamfers.
4. The grind is too thick.

I would like to see the profile changed to make the blade have straight spine, instead of a trailing point.

[Airlsee]

I don't know how I just came across this thread. Great write-up Zulu! The Ikuchi is one of the most underrated designs ever put out by Spyderco and Paul Alexander is a genius full-stop. If you don't have one, you need one and if you don't get it, you need to study harder.

All I would ask is for a TI slabbed Magacut version...lets salt this......

[zuludelta]

IMO, I think the Ikuchi design has a lot of promise, but I think it needs a bit of further refinement. I hope there will eventually be a 2.0 version.

An Ikuchi 2 would be awesome, or even just another Paul Alexander design that takes cues from the Ikuchi. Paul produced some pretty wild-looking (but still functional) folders that really stood out.

I don't know how I just came across this thread. Great write-up Zulu! The Ikuchi is one of the most underrated designs ever put out by Spyderco and Paul Alexander is a genius full-stop.

Thanks! And yeah, I'm still surprised by how much I carry the Ikuchi for personal/EDC carry, since it is so different from the folders I usually prefer. It stays out of the way until I need it, and offers a lot of cutting edge for how easy it is to carry. In some pants with fewer/narrower pockets where I basically have no choice but to carry my phone and/or wallet in the same pocket as my knife, I actually find it easier to carry & draw the Ikuchi than a Dragonfly 2 or Chaparral FRN because of its much narrower lengthwise profile and smoother handle scale material.

[zhyla]

This design struck me as form over function. I’ve had knives with similar blade shapes/angle (Boker Kwaiken for example) and they make for entertaining fidget toys and look classy, but I find them subpar for actual use.