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 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. A two position clip supports discreet tip-up or tip down carry on the right side.  One of the most specialized CLIPITS® in the Spyderco line-up.

I had Spyderco put a new clip on the knife. I live near Spyderco.
Very comfortable in my medium to large hands. No hotspots. Chamfered G10. Current clip is tip down, as originally purchased, but can be changed to tip up.

• Blade Length: 4-1/8" (105 mm)
• Cutting Edge: 3-3/4" (95 mm)
• Blade Thickness: 1/8" (3 mm)
• Overall Length: 9-3/16" (233 mm)
• Closed Length: 5-3/16" (132 mm)
• Hole Diameter: 15/32" (12 mm)
• Blade Steel: VG-10
• Weight: 4.75 oz. (134 g)
• Handle Material: G-10
• Made in Seki-City, Japan

Item # 68044