In the 1990s Spyderco was approached by a specialized branch of U.S. law enforcement about making a knife for their undercover agents. These plain-clothes LEOs found themselves in situations where they often could not carry a firearm but carrying a knife was not a problem. Most had no formal training in self-defense tactics or MBC but as a last resort could use a blade to protect or extricate themselves from a life-threatening situation. This was how the Civilian model came to be.
The Civilian has a patented reverse "S" blade that's intended to be used like an oversized claw. The tip is ground to an ultra-thin profile. Deeply curved and full at the belly, the VG-10 hollow-ground blade excels in slicing and is available fully SpyderEdged. Because of its distinctly specialized features it is not intended or designed for general utility or everyday use. Curved in all the right places for ergonomic use and retention of the knife, the handle is black G-10. Mounted for tip-down carry with a custom curved black clip, the knife rides deeply and unobtrusively in a pocket. One of the most specialized CLIPITS in the Spyderco line-up, the Civilian is available in limited quantities.
Specifications:
- Overall Length: 9.19 in.
- Blade Length: 4.125 in.
- Cutting Edge: 3.75 in.
- Blade Thickness: 0.125 in.
- Blade Material: VG-10 Stainless Steel
- Blade Style: Hawkbill
- Blade Grind: Hollow Ground
- Blade Finish: Satin
- Edge Type: Fully Serrated SpyderEdge
- Handle Length: 5.19 in.
- Handle Thickness: 0.41 in.
- Handle Material: G-10
- Handle Color: Black
- Frame/Liner: Stainless Steel
- Weight: 4.75 oz.
- Carry Method: Pocket Clip (Right Hand, Tip-Down)
- Knife Type: Manual Opening Folder
- Opening Mechanism: Thumb Hole (15/32 in. Hole Diameter)
- Locking Mechanism: Lock Back w/ Dent
- Brand: Spyderco
- Model: Civilian
- Model Number: C12GS
- Made in Seki City, Japan