Spyderco Mantra 2 Flipper Knife, Titanium Handle, M4 Plain Blade

This knife is discontinued, shop all Spyderco Knives here.

Mantras are meant to be repeated. In the case of the Mantra 2, it features the exact same handle design as the Mantra, but is designed for use only as a flipper and with a narrow, utilitarian drop-point style blade that is almost reminiscent of a filet knife.

The Mantra is an impressive fusion of state-of-the-art materials, advanced design features, and classic Spyderco styling. Its high-performance CPM M4 tool steel blade is full flat-ground for superior edge geometry and includes both an index finger flipper and a Trademark Round Hole to provide a full spectrum of one-hand opening options. It is paired with a handle comprised to two precision machined titanium handle scales with a no-nonsense stonewashed finish. The riverside-side scale houses a stout Reeve Integral Lock mechanism with a hardened stainless steel interface that also serves as an overtravel stop. A reversible deep-pocket carry wire clip allows discreet, ambidextrous, tip-up carry, while ensuring the Mantra is always poised for immediate use.

SPECIFICATIONS:

• Length Overall: 7.31"
• Blade Length: 3.20"
• Cutting Edge: 3.20"
• Blade Thickness: 0.118"
• Blade Steel: CPM M4 Stainless
• Handle Material: Titanium
• Weight: 2.8 Oz.

Spyderco added the Mantra and the Mantra 2 to its 2016 product introductions on a fast-moving schedule. Fans of the company’s knives first saw these two new models in December 2015, when the Spyderco 2016 catalog arrived. Within a month, the knives themselves reached the market, arriving to a largely positive early reception. Designed by Eric Glesser, who received his first knife when he was 4 years old and has spent a lifetime in the blade business, these two sibling flipper knives may remind you of some of Eric’s father Sal Glesser’s designs.

Regardless of who designs a Spyderco knife, its configuration starts with the edge and moves outward to the rest of its details, keeping it light but strong. You can see the breadth of Sal Glesser’s expertise in every product the company makes. His experience ranges from making knife sharpeners, aerospace parts, and circuit boards to crafting cabinets, keeping bees, and studying chemistry, psychology, and philosophy. The richness of his experience informs every Spyderco product, as does his focus on quantifiable high performance and end-user driven design. By comparison, Eric Glesser has traveled a much more focused path into the knife making industry, as befits the son of a legendary designer and company founder. Father and son still work together every day, optimizing their company’s products with materials that hold their shape even in obstinate environments. The Spyderco Mantra and Spyderco Mantra 2 reflect the company’s devotion to continual, ongoing improvement of materials, designs, and products.

Blade Profiles and Finishes

The principal differences between the Spyderco Mantra and the Spyderco Mantra 2 lie in the shapes of their respective blades. The Mantra incorporates a classic leaf-shaped blade, the iconic profile closely associated with the Spyderco brand and its innovative features. This variation on the conventional spear-point shape lacks the complete symmetry of the traditional form, and typically incorporates no swedge, or false edge, on its spine. Because of its mild to moderate asymmetry, the leaf shape’s point presents a more acute form than the spear-point can. The reasonably generous curve of the Spyderco Mantra blade’s belly increases its cutting surface. The relatively tall height of the leaf shape makes it easy to incorporate Spyderco’s Trademark Round Hole as a blade deployment option. The Mantra also includes a flipper tab next to the handle at the base of the blade. A thumb ramp with jimping grooves helps orient the hand on the spine of the knife and facilitates the traction necessary for jobs that require the combination of precise movements and heavy pressure.

The Spyderco Mantra 2 uses a drop-point shape reminiscent of the narrow, slender profile of a filet knife, with far less blade belly than the Mantra’s blade offers. The Mantra 2 includes the same flipper tab that deploys the Mantra’s blade. This deployment option gains in importance because the Trademark Round Hole on the Spyderco Mantra 2 lacks the size to open the blade, making this a flipper-only knife.

The Spyderco Mantra and the Spyderco Mantra 2 feature nearly identical blade lengths, with only four one-hundredths of an inch difference between them. The Mantra 2 includes the slightly longer of the two blades, with identical thicknesses for both knives.

Both knives also offer the same edge geometry, with full-flat grinds on unserrated PlainEdge™ smooth blades with no secondary bevels. Neither model incorporates a choil on its cutting edge to ease the transition between blade and handle. The combination of thin blade stock and full-flat grind makes either the Spyderco Mantra or the Spyderco Mantra 2 a great slicing tool. Spyderco machines both blades with a double distal taper, narrowing vertically from spine to cutting edge and horizontally from handle to tip, and gives both a satin finish.

Blade Steel

Custom knife maker and Spyderco collaborator Gayle Bradley reportedly introduced Spyderco to Crucible Industries’ CPM M4, or raised the company’s interest in this high-performance tool steel through his cutting competitions. Spyderco selected CPM M4 for the blades of the Mantra and the Mantra 2. This alloy accepts a highly sharp edge, offering outstanding wear resistance as well as marked edge retention. CPM M4 demonstrates toughness and dimensional stability, but at only 4% chromium, it lacks the stainless steel designation that points to outstanding corrosion resistance. In exchange for accepting and holding a wickedly sharp edge, and for resisting the forces that can damage a less tough blade, the CPM M4 in the Spyderco Mantra and the Spyderco Mantra 2 needs regular maintenance to avoid corrosion and pitting, especially if it encounters liquids, humidity, or moist substances.

CPM M4’s high-performance attributes stem from two separate yet related aspects of its production: Its identity as a product of powder metallurgy, and its alloy chemistry as a tool steel. CPM stands for “Crucible Powder Metallurgy,” the trademarked term that Crucible Industries applies to its specialized steel production process. Crucible Industries became the first steel producer to craft a means of banishing the shortcomings of traditional steel making, developing an innovative method that brings out the fullest advantages of complex alloy chemistries.

In the time-tested sequence of steps involved in conventional steel making, the ingredients of an alloy chemistry mix and melt together in an electric arc furnace. Once all the heat-related steps required for initial phases of production have completed, the molten metal moves into a ladle so it can pour into a series of ingot molds. As it cools, it transforms into the solid chunks of steel that become the raw materials for other production processes. At the same time, however, the elements that had mixed together so smoothly and completely in molten form begin to separate in a process known as segregation. This produces potentially severe irregularities in the form and performance of steel, depending on the portion of the ingot that becomes the input for further production. Although ingots can receive further heat treatment that evens out some of the segregation, no process can counteract all of its negative effects on inter- and intra-batch regularity and performance.

To solve the problems inherent in the segregation of alloy chemistries, Crucible Industries had to re-engineer just about every step involved in the process of steel production. The starting point remains virtually unchanged, with the elements required for a specific steel mixing together as they melt in an arc furnace. Instead of pouring steel into ingot molds, however, the process changes once the elements form a homogeneous molten mixture. The steel flows through a small nozzle, where the mist of melted metal meets a blast of high-pressure inert gas. As the two interact, the molten alloy quickly turns into a pile of powder, with each particle forming a tiny individual ingot. The minuscule size of these particles, and the speed with which they form, combine to defeat the forces that cause microstructural segregation. Each particle retains the homogeneous elemental chemistry that formed as the ingredients of the alloy melted together.

Transforming miniature ingots into the billets or strips that knife makers buy takes further processing. The powdered steel loads into a pressurized canister that heats up almost to the melting point of the alloy. The combination of heat and pressure, known as sintering, makes the elemental chemistry of the steel combine into a form that now displays a vastly different molecular structure. For example, carbon becomes incorporated into iron molecules. This transformation of the fundamental nature of the metal turns it first into a chemical structure called austenitic steel. After the steel quenches rapidly to lower its temperature, the austenite turns into martensitic steel as the carbon permanently saturates the iron. The brittleness of martensitic steel neutralizes through further low-temperature heat treatment, which increases toughness at the same time that it slightly decreases hardness and strength.

Powder metallurgy creates steels with levels of edge retention and wear resistance that traditional steel making can’t approach. The additional equipment and processing steps required to reach these outstanding results contributes to increasing the expense of the material, but its performance benefits can outweigh its cost differential.

High-speed, high-performance tool steels like CPM M4 originated for use in making industrial cutting implements. CPM M4 contains 1.40% carbon, 4.00% chromium, 0.30% manganese, 5.25% molybdenum, 0.55% silicon, 0.06% sulfur, 5.50% tungsten, and 4.00% vanadium. Its high carbon content contributes hardness and wear resistance even as it reduces toughness and can cause brittleness. Its chromium level falls far short of the 12% to 13% minimum required for a designation of stainless steel. Manganese raises hardness, wear resistance, and tensile strength. Molybdenum boosts edge retention and increases high-temperature strength. Silicon increases hardness, and helps prevent pitting through the deoxygenation of steel during production. Sulfur increases machinability at the expense of toughness. Tungsten enhances wear resistance. Vanadium promotes toughness during heat treatment, helping produce fine-grained steel.

Because of its lack of chromium and accompanying lack of corrosion resistance, CPM M4 requires special care and attention to avoid the development of rust. If you typically work in a high-salt environment, cut large quantities of acidic fruits, or otherwise expose your knives to corrosive surfaces and environments, you’ll need to take special care to keep the blade of a Spyderco Mantra or Spyderco Mantra 2 clean and free of contaminants. Spyderco ships these knives with a desiccant packet in the box to mitigate against corrosion damage from humidity in warehousing or in transit.

Handle Materials

The handle scales on both the Spyderco Mantra and the Spyderco Mantra 2 are fashioned from 6AL-4V Grade 5 titanium alloy, which includes 6.00% aluminum and 4.00% vanadium in its elemental chemistry, along with up to 0.10% carbon, 0.05% nitrogen, 0.40% iron, 0.020% oxygen, and 0.015% hydrogen. This exotic alloy helps keep these Spyderco knives light in the hand, with an excellent ratio between strength and weight. Although titanium weighs 60% more than aluminum, it doubles aluminum’s strength. Titanium also offers resistance to corrosive sources found in nature and industry.

Of all the alloyed titanium produced, 6AL-4V accounts for more than half, and with good reason. It offers greater strength than pure titanium, with the same thermal properties and rigidity. It owes its combination of strength and ductility to its formulation as an alpha plus beta alloy. Its aluminum content provides its alpha stabilization, which contributes strength. Its vanadium adds beta stabilization, which produces ductility to support production at low thicknesses. 6AL-4V also can be machined easily. Used in medical applications, it presents excellent biocompatibility with bone and tissue.

Handle Designs

Spyderco machines the handle scales for the Mantra and the Mantra 2 from solid 6AL-4V titanium alloy and finishes them with a matte stonewash that gives them a durable non-reflective surface. Spyderco places heavy emphasis on the ergonomics of its knives. The precision-made handles on these two new Spyderco additions incorporate cleanly rounded edges that eliminate hot spots of discomfort when you hold the knives for long periods, or use them for tasks that require a solid grip and heavy pressure.

Many users comment on the resemblance between the handle size and shape of the popular Spyderco Delica and those of the Spyderco Mantra and Spyderco Mantra 2. The Mantra and Mantra 2 incorporate finger grooves to accommodate the digits and help secure the user’s grip, but neither of the two knives includes an obvious forefinger groove.

These two knives feature flow-through designs and open-back construction that make them easy to maintain and clean. Three Torx screws, including the blade pivot, secure the parts and pieces of the Spyderco Mantra and Spyderco Mantra 2 together, with one of those screws responsible for attaching the reversible wire pocket clip. Each Torx screw fits through a stainless steel barrel spacer that serves as a standoff. Located near the pocket clip mounting point, the off-center lanyard hole includes a stainless steel tube for stability and to help prevent fibrous material from entering the knife mechanisms.

Handle size can be a consideration for individuals with small or large hands. Both the Spyderco Mantra and Spyderco Mantra 2 constitute compactly sized knives, which may not fill the hand and therefore may not represent the best choice for people with long fingers and large palms. Some users consider these knives to be smaller than a typical everyday carry designs.

Blade Deployment

The Spyderco Mantra and Spyderco Mantra 2 classify as flipper style knives, with fully manual operation required to deploy and close their blades. Their similarities to the popular Delica may increase their market appeal. Eric Glesser, designer of both knives, has noted that some people call them flipper versions of the Delica. Although both incorporate the Spyderco Trademark Round Hole, only the Spyderco Mantra includes this feature at a size that can open the blade. On the Mantra 2, the Trademark Round Hole appears at a reduced diameter that can’t provide support for one-handed opening action. The edges of the Trademark Round Holes are milled crisply enough to approach the point of presenting a sharp edge to the hand.

Both the Spyderco Mantra and Spyderco Mantra 2 include an integral flipper at the base of the blade for deployment with an index finger. With either knife in a closed position, the small flipper tab protrudes from the handle spine to provide one-handed leverage for opening the knife. The shape of the flipper differs subtly from the equivalent feature found on other Spyderco knives and knife families. Depending on hand and finger size, some users find that the tab presents less traction than other Spyderco flippers offer, partially because of its smooth shape and lack of jimping.

The blades of the Spyderco Mantra and Spyderco Mantra 2 move smoothly on ball bearing washers in their pivots. The bearings help assure that each blade can operate smoothly with one hand.

Blade Locking Mechanism

The Spyderco Mantra and Spyderco Mantra 2 rely on the Reeve Integral Lock, or R.I.L., which takes its name from its inventor, custom knife maker Chris Reeve. Born in Durban, South Africa, and now a naturalized U.S. citizen, Chris Reeve began as a tool and die maker, which helped him gain mastery of materials, manufacturing processes, and grinding techniques. His youthful career as a Grand Prix motorcycle racer without a corporate sponsor to fund his equipment advanced his ability to solve problems and fabricate components. Reeve entered the knife making business after he noted the lack of a viable all-purpose knife in the equipment issued to him during his military service in South Africa, and decided to create a suitable replacement for that standard-issue gear’s deficiencies.

The Reeve Integral Lock, which saw its initial use on the Sebenza, introduced in 1987, holds open the blade of a folding knife, using a lock bar slotted into the right-side handle scale. This design places the R.I.L. in the frame lock category of locking mechanisms. It represents a variation on the Walker Linerlock, developed by Michael Walker, which wedges a leaf-shaped piece of handle liner against a ramp on the blade tang. Although some Reeve Integral Lock blades incorporate the knife designer’s signature on the lock bar, the Spyderco Mantra and Spyderco Mantra 2 present Eric Glesser’s maker’s mark on their blades instead.

On the Spyderco Mantra and Spyderco Mantra 2, the Reeve Integral Lock incorporates a hardened stainless steel interface that covers most but not all of the area of the lock bar. The insert protects the titanium from moving too far when the user operates the lock mechanism. This overtravel stop means that the steel of the blade makes contact with the steel of the interface, which helps prolong the working lifespan of the titanium handle and the overall knife, and enhances the functional reliability of the locking mechanism. To make the lock even easier to operate, the interface carries a series of jimping grooves along its spine. The interface can be replaced if needed, which further extends service life.

Although the Reeve Integral Lock mechanism’s position on the right handle scale of the Spyderco Mantra and Spyderco Mantra 2 may limit these knives’ appeal to left-handed users, it’s possible to learn to operate both knives with either hand, given a little practice.

Pocket Clip

Both the Spyderco Mantra and the Spyderco Mantra 2 feature the company’s distinctive deep-carry wire pocket clip, fashioned from formed and heat treated metal. Although the clip only supports a tip-up carry configuration, it does offer reversible orientation for ambidextrous use. Simply remove the Torx screw that fastens the clip to the left handle scale and reposition it on the right side. The depth at which the clip places the knife in a pocket creates a highly discreet carry position, but some users find that the clip style can make the knife difficult to remove from a pocket.

Knife Dimensions and Weight

The Spyderco Mantra measures 7.3 inches long open and 4.14 inches with its blade closed. The leaf-shaped blade itself measures 0.118 inches thick and 3.16 inches long, of which 3.14 inches constitutes cutting surface. Its 6AL-4V titanium handle measures 0.39 inches thick. The knife weighs 3.0 ounces.

The Spyderco Mantra 2 features nearly identical dimensions to its sibling model, although it incorporates a narrower blade than the Mantra includes. The knife measures 7.31 inches long open and 4.11 inches with its blade closed. The modified drop-point blade measures 0.118 inches thick and 3.20 inches long, of which all 3.20 inches constitutes cutting surface. Its 6AL-4V titanium handle measures 0.39 inches thick. The knife weighs 2.8 ounces.

Other Observations

Spyderco donates a portion of the sales of several of its knives to support worthy causes and the not-for-profit organizations that address them. Model C41PPN5, the Native 5 in Lightweight Pink, and Model C154PPN, the Squeak in Lightweight Pink, benefit Guardians of the Ribbon, which supports women in the fight against cancer. The Sage Series of folding knives contributes to the Alzheimer’s Association’s Colorado Chapter, a fitting donation on the part of a Colorado-based company. Sales of the Spyderco Mantra and Spyderco Mantra 2 help support The National Parkinson Foundation, which provides care for and research into Parkinson’s Disease.

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