Evolution of the Spyderco Yojimbo 2

[Scroop]

Outstanding video of Michael Janich discussing origins of Yojimbo.


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1ddOdONCCqU

[Liquid Cobra]

That was very informative. The Yo2 is one of my favourite designs so the more I can hear about the design the happier I am.

Mike if you're reading this I have two questions for you.

1. That original yo2 you carry, do you ever use it for cutting or is it a designated self defence knife?

2. Now that the Golden expansion is up and running, how's a trainer Yo2 looking?

Thanks!

[10just]

I love the yojimbo 2.. I missed out on the CF model, would love to see this knife in other different steels/colors/materials.

[Boar-gen]

Thank you very much Scroop for positing this video!!! Very interesting information!!!

Yojimbo 2 is my all-time favorite knife and I have 8 of them in both S30V and S90V steels. Yes it's designed for self-defense, but it's also fantastic as an EDC utility knife!!!

What we now need is a Yojimbo 2 (folding) Trainer!



Regards,

Boar-gen

[Evil D]

Dang Mike thanks for taking the time to make this video, lots of great info. I knew most of it just from chatting on the forum but that's the first I had seen of the Snoddy custom, that thing is gorgeous. As much as I love thin knives, I would love to see rounded scales on a Yojimbo 2. I really like the peel ply version but if I were to get custom scales that's something I may look into.

This also made me realize it has been a long time since I carried mine. I'll have to correct that.

[Cujobob]

Fantastic video! I've always loved the Yo2 and the reasoning behind the design was very well explained. I would also love a copy of the prototype! Will be putting a Yo1 on my grail list now too... Dang.

I wonder what the ideal steel would be for this knife. Given the design, something like Cruwear or 3V would be really cool to see on a future offering. The normal g-10 version is great, but the CF version really kicks it up a notch and I prefer that just a bit more.

The video also illustrates in great detail the difference between the compression lock and the liner lock, and while I still believe the compression lock is a modified liner lock (but an improvement IMO), it's cool to see how they differ with the models he showed off.

Most customers will never use the knife in a fight, but as a general EDC... It doesn't disappoint. The great ergos and easy to operate lock make it a terrific all purpose knife.

[Evil D]

I wonder what the ideal steel would be for this knife.

I guess it depends on what you're using it for. For self defense I'd say any steel that will hold even an average edge would be enough since the idea is you're only using it to defend so edge retention is much less of an issue, unless you're caught in a ninja battle and you're slicing so many bad guys you're actually dulling the edge. I guess toughness may be an issue in self defense, obviously you want a strong blade that isn't going to break, and the potential of hitting the edge on hard objects like zippers/buttons/bones could damage the edge enough to dull it.

For basic EDC it really just comes down to what you use the knife for, what kind of utility uses etc, no different than any other knife. I do love the S90V version the most though and it has been a great EDC. My favorite thing about this knife is that it can be carried and used for basic EDC but if the need ever arose that you had to use your knife in self defense, you'll be well equipped for the task. I do think Cruwear or maybe 3V would make a great steel for this knife for those who use it as a utility knife.

[ChrisinHove]

Great vid.

Great knife.

[dplafoll]

unless you're caught in a ninja battle and you're slicing so many bad guys you're actually dulling the edge.

Actually, what you'd need is a trident.

[akaAK]

Great video. I am happy with the S30V but mine is a utility carry only. The only change I made was to replace the stainless clip with a black painted clip otherwise a perfect knife for what I use it for.

An aside, I am probably the only person happy to see that the delica mike carries is CE. Score one for combo edges and their utility.

[Michael Janich]

Thanks, everyone, for your kind words on the video and your enthusiasm for the Yo 2. I really appreciate it!

In response to the questions you all raised:

My right-hand Yo 2 is almost exclusively reserved for personal defense. The only exceptions are light-duty cutting like opening mail and packages and point-oriented detail cutting, like typical X-Acto knife tasks.

I have no intel that would indicate that a Yo 2 trainer is forthcoming. I designed one at the same time I designed the original, but, to my knowledge, there is no intent to produce it.

My CE Delica is my hard-use knife, rope and emergency seat belt cutter, and designated beer bottle opener. When I'm really bored, it's also a thrower...

Thanks again for the Yo 2 love!!!

Stay safe,

Mike

[MacLaren]

Lol......I'd hate to have Mike Janich throwin a knife at me lol.....ill bet the farm he could split a fly in two on the wall like DeNiro did in "The Fan".....
Seriously though, Id love to take a class from Mr.Janich some day.

[Able Dog]

That is a really cool video. Interesting to see what has changed, as well as what remained constant, about the design all the way from prototype to current model. Thank you for the video Mr Janich.

That Snody custom is beautiful. Perhaps there is an idea for a future Yojimbo 2 Sprint run, D2 blade and polished CF scales.

[bearfacedkiller]

I need to work on my reverse grip pinky flick. That was fast. Very nice video.

Good explanation of the difference between the two locks. If you understand the force vectors then the comp lock is actually way more like the bolt action/cbbl/axis locks. The only thing it has in common with a liner lock is the liner.

[MacLaren]

I need to work on my reverse grip pinky flick. That was fast. Very nice video.

Good explanation of the difference between the two locks. If you understand the force vectors then the comp lock is actually way more like the bolt action/cbbl/axis locks. The only thing it has in common with a liner lock is the liner.

Yes. The Spyderco Compression lock is very smooth and fast like an Axis lock imo.

[PaleMoon]

I love to see when so much thought has been put into every aspect of a knife, especially when the goal is function/performance.

Thank you for the video, made me appreciate the design even more. Mine's been in transit for ~2 months now, and slated to arrive next week, so yeah, pretty excited about this one :o

[Evil D]

:cool:

I need to work on my reverse grip pinky flick. That was fast. Very nice video.

Good explanation of the difference between the two locks. If you understand the force vectors then the comp lock is actually way more like the bolt action/cbbl/axis locks. The only thing it has in common with a liner lock is the liner.

Try using your ring finger. It's almost easier than standard grip middle finger flicking.

[JT]

Good stuff.
I've been on the edge with the Yo2 for a long time, I had the Yo1 and traded it way back. Maybe it's time to take a chance with the Yo2.. while waiting for the Delica Wharnie :D

[Donut]

As much as I love thin knives, I would love to see rounded scales on a Yojimbo 2. I really like the peel ply version but if I were to get custom scales that's something I may look into.

This also made me realize it has been a long time since I carried mine. I'll have to correct that.

Boomer makes scales for a Yo 2, but I don't know how good he is at making radiused scales. It might be worth an ask.

I agree on not carrying it. I'll make sure to carry it tomorrow!

[SpyderNut]

Great video! Really appreciate the background info on the Yo2. I vividly recall when the Yo2 was first published in Blade Magazine. I lusted after that knife for months, lol. My wife was able to buy one of the very first runs (I believe it was in 2011, IIRC). I was pretty tickled. Thanks, Mr. Janich, for the awesome design. I'd love to see a Sprint of your first Yojimbo. Maybe in 4V? :D