As the name implies, the Yojimbo 2 is an evolution of the original Yojimbo model from Spyderco. I have been carrying the original blue model for over 10 years now and it’s one of my favorite knives. It’s lightweight, opens fast and is super sharp.
When open it looks like a tool, a box cutter, and that’s a good thing. Not looking like a fighting knife has its advantages, especially when police stop you in the subway to search your bag
The Yojimbo 2 was also designed by Michael Janich from Spyderco. The name is a Japanese word that means “bouncer” or “bodyguard.” The knife has a Wharncliffe blade, that is a blade that looks like it’s upside down, the bottom sharp edge is flat all the way to the point, and the non-sharp spine tapers down. The advantage of this knife is the fact that it keeps cutting as it moves forward without losing any force
The name of the knife originates from an English lord from the 19th century and was copied from old Saxon, Viking and Frankish Seax knives from the 5th to 11th centuries
Improvements to the Yojimbo 2:
The Yojimbo 2 has a host of improvements over the original model. #1) The handle has a larger top belly providing a more secure grip. #2) Similar to the previous model the handle has a tapered end for striking. #3) The knife has a compression liner lock on top which is much stronger than a regular liner lock. #4) A great addition is the 4-position tip-up or tip-down clip not found on the original. #5) The grip facilitates either a sabre or Filipino grip 6. The blade is slightly longer than the original model
Conclusion:
This is a great pocket folder for daily carry as a defensive tool or as a utility knife. It’s satin black and has black G-10 scales. Regarding the grip, I prefer to use standard and reverse wraparound grips and this knife faciltates this well. I found the knife a bit too sticky at first for inertial openings, however with a few adjustments it improved. The Yojimbo 2 is a great improvement over the original design and IMO is a worthy addition to any knife collection
Essentials
Spyderco: Folder
Blade Length: 3.125”
Blade Material: CPM-S30V
Blade Style: Wharncliffe
Liners: Stainless Steel
Weight: 4.00 oz.
Price: around $120.
A recent collaboration of this knife between Michael Janich and Fred Perrin is available under Max Knives (see pic.)
