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The Stovepipe is one of the most distinctive and visually striking folding knives that Spyderco has ever created. This exceptional piece is a collaboration with renowned custom knifemaker David Rydbom, seamlessly translating the spirit and meticulous craftsmanship of his handmade knives into a unique production folder.
David Rydbom is a talented artist and professional knifemaker dedicated to creating heirloom-quality works of art. A former custom home builder, he is also an enthusiastic big-game hunter, fisherman, and world traveler who has been collecting and using knives since childhood. He crafted his first knife, a skinner, in 2007, out of necessity when he couldn't find one that suited his needs in the field. This initial creation sparked a passion that led him to become a full-time knifemaker just a year later.
Unlike many knifemakers who learn their craft through apprenticeships, Rydbom is entirely self-taught and strives to preserve the integrity of his artistic style. He even canceled his subscriptions to knife magazines to avoid being influenced by other makers' designs. Instead, he draws inspiration from his study of art history, particularly the American Arts & Crafts movement, and is committed to creating pieces that are built to last. In Rydbom's own words, "I consider myself a generational craftsman. Whatever I create—be it a home, a knife, a piece of furniture, or a hand-thrown piece of pottery—it must be functional, beautiful, and constructed with enduring quality in mind. I want these items to become family heirlooms, passed down long after I'm gone."
With this philosophy in mind, Rydbom specializes in "tactical dress" folding knives that feature a unique design aesthetic, blending the graceful curves and organic shapes of nature with the precise lines of human engineering. He employs the stock-removal method of knifemaking and handcrafts each of his distinctive creations in his workshop in Ashland, Oregon, under the business name Kingdom Armory.
"Bill the Butcher"
One of Rydbom's most sought-after custom designs is known as "The Butcher." First conceived in 2009, it was inspired by the film Gangs of New York and its portrayal of the infamous historical figure William Poole, also known as "Bill the Butcher." The blade, reminiscent of a classic straight razor or butcher's cleaver, also echoes the razor-pattern folding knives produced after the Civil War. The shallow scallop at the tip of these blades was designed to hook onto the lip of a pocket or other convenient surface, allowing many one-armed veterans of the era to open their knives with just one hand.
Arguably one of the earliest examples of the now-popular "cleaver-style" blade, "The Butcher" garnered significant attention from seasoned knife collectors, including members of the Spyderco Internet Forum. In 2010, a forum member posted a photo of "The Butcher," capturing the interest of Spyderco co-founder Sal Glesser. Sal reached out to Rydbom, initiating a dialogue that eventually led to serious discussions in 2017, when Rydbom provided a sample of the design. Sal and his son Eric Glesser were thoroughly impressed by its uniqueness and Rydbom's impeccable craftsmanship, quickly proposing a formal collaboration. Rydbom, whose investment-quality knives often end up in safes rather than pockets, welcomed the opportunity to work with Spyderco to create a more user-friendly version of his design.
The Stovepipe
The Spyderco Stovepipe derives its name from the "stovepipe" top hat that William Poole frequently wore. While historically fitting, the name is significantly less aggressive than the knife's original title, representing the only major compromise Spyderco made in adapting Rydbom's exquisite custom design for factory production.
At the heart of the Stovepipe is its robust cleaver-style blade, crafted from CPM-20CV—an advanced powder metallurgy stainless steel known for its high volume of vanadium carbides and the highest chromium content of any vanadium-rich stainless steel currently available. This cutting-edge blend of alloys provides CPM-20CV with an exceptional combination of high wear resistance, superior corrosion resistance, and good impact toughness. The straight-edged blade is precision machined from 4mm (0.157-inch) stock. While the thick stock ensures excellent heft and strength, it is balanced by a deep hollow grind that guarantees outstanding edge geometry and low-friction cutting performance. The wide blade allows for easy access to its Trademark Round Hole for ambidextrous, one-handed opening while maintaining a straight spine. Machined details above the blade hole add a touch of elegance and provide a textured thumb purchase for enhanced control. Deep scallops on the blade's spine and tip further enhance its aesthetic appeal and ensure exceptional point utility for a cleaver-style blade.
The Stovepipe's handle is constructed from two slabs of solid titanium, joined by a titanium backspacer. Both scales are meticulously machined to create a beautifully crowned surface on the exterior and a stylish yet ergonomic profile. The reverse-side scale forms the foundation of the knife's robust Reeve Integral Lock (R.I.L.) mechanism, which securely locks the blade open during use. It also features a machined titanium clip for convenient right-side, tip-up carry. The clip, scales, backspacer, and blade all showcase a straightforward, industrial-style stonewashed finish, contrasting with the knife's oversized pivot pin, which is machined with artistic details, brightly satin-finished, and serves a dual purpose as an overtravel stop for the lock bar.
The Stovepipe is a truly remarkable folding knife that faithfully embodies the spirit and meticulous craftsmanship of David Rydbom's custom creation. Spyderco takes immense pride in this knife and is excited to add it to their product line.
**Specifications**
- Blade Length: 2.78"
- Handle Length: 4.00"
- Overall Length: 6.75"
- Blade Thickness: 0.157"
- Blade Material: CPM-20CV Stainless Steel
- Blade Style: Cleaver
- Blade Grind: Hollow
- Blade Finish: Dark Stonewash
- Handle Material: Dark Stonewash Titanium
- Locking Mechanism: Reverse Integral Lock
- Pocket Clip: Tip-Up, Right Carry
- Weight: 4.9 oz.
- Made in Taiwan
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