As you can guess this is a second generation of the popular original Techno knife, which was available in Spyderco’s range for a couple of years. When discontinued last year a lot of Spyderco fans were disappointed and asked, “why?”
Well, this is why – welcome the Techno 2, an updated version of a classic EDC, also designed by Marcin Slysz (aka MarcinS).
By the way, you may want to read my review of first generation of Techno HERE, as I’ll be referring to some design aspects of this knife.
it reminds me of a modified santoku with a sharp tip,
a very utilitarian design
It’s easy to spot all the similarities between the Techno 2 and the original one – both are very close in handle shape, overall size, spyderhole positioning verses handle. But in my opinion the Techno 2 is quite a different knife in overall performance and cutting action.
The key change (and easiest to spot) is the blade design – in a small knife like the Techno a modified warncliff blade shape, with a juuust slightly curved edge, simply performs better for the majority of tasks than any other shape. This is mainly thanks to a straighter (but not straight) and effectively longer cutting edge, and a lower position verses the line of a handle. Personally I just like that blade shape a bit more – it reminds me of a modified santoku with a sharp tip, a very utilitarian design.
The blade stock is about 25% thinner than on older Techno (3.5mm vs 4.5mm), so despite a lower grind line the cutting performance and V-geometry is on par with the excellent cutting power of the Techno 1, or even better (especially in hard materials) due to reduced spine thickness.
And honestly, in this kind of EDC orientated folder you don’t want to sacrifice cutting power by going wild with a thick spine – 3.5mm (0.13″) is plenty for any job reserved for a 2.55 inch bladed knife.
The opening is easy, action is smooth – the blade runs on a bronze washers (just like the T1 and Marcin’s custom Techno pictured above) so it’s light to open but it’s not a friction-less action of ball bearing pivot… thankfully.
The framelock action is very positive. Actually the Titanium handle slabs are slightly thicker than on the first iteration, as such the Techno 2’s lock is even more solid than the already stout original one.
Overall the thickness of the knife is nearly identical to the older variant, but I prefer the more proportional look of Techno 2 (plus easier slicing and potentially stronger lock).
Nothing fancy with the clip – a standard wire clip, deep carry, with a low signature outside the pocket. It can be mounted for southpaw carry (but left hand opening is not as easy as right hand).
The new lanyard hole positioning is perfect – at the very end of the Ti slabs, so a lanyard is a natural extension of the handle. On a small folder this is a good thing.
As usual I tried the Techno 2 for all kinds of cutting tasks. It’s an EDC knife, so don’t expect it to be your perfect main blade for an outdoor adventure. But still, whittling and preparing feather-sticks is absolutely no problem for the Techno 2’s thin edge (scary sharp right out of the box).
The spine is nicely smoothed, with jimping on the thumb ramp, and comfortable as a finger support – but you can’t use it to strike sparks from a ferrocerium rod of course, so plan a different way to start your fire.
Not all bushcrafters remember the simple fact that a BIC lighter or matches work fine too for starting fire, LOL! Cutting through rope is smooth and easy, and the Carpenter’s CTS-XHP keeps a sharp edge for a very long time (the same steel as an original Techno). Regular cutting through cardboard, canvas etc. is just too easy with the Techno 2.
The tip is very sharp (it’s absolutely NOT a safety tip) so precise cutting through stuff like paper, leather etc. laying on a flat surface is so much easier with this modified warncliff style blade verses the drop point on the older variant. Especially when you place your index finger in the middle of blade’s spine – you get the best of both worlds: precision and cutting power. Technical flat board cutting – that’s where the T2 really shines compared to the T1.
I also tried my knife in sub-zero winter conditions, in the mountains earlier this year, and the steel performed perfectly – no chipping, no excessive wear. Of course I didn’t do anything stupid with it like batoning through frozen wood, but whittling some feather-sticks in -10°C was no problem whatsoever.
Also, thanks to the beefy handle and big opening hole, I was able to use it comfortably and even open it (with two hands) in really heavy winter gloves, my Arcteryx Anerita’s. However, a short lanyard is extremely helpful in such conditions and allows you to draw the Techno 2 comfortably and securely from your pocket.
With all that said the summary will be short – it’s a very welcome upgrade to the original Spyderco Techno. Well, maybe not an upgrade as such, but rather another variant of a very sought after discontinued Spyderco.
If you’ve been using the Techno I’m sure you’ll like the new one. And not just as an upgrade but as another EDC knife, which is similar in overall concept but still different enough to keep both in daily rotation.
…the Techno 2 ticks all the boxes for a tough EDC
And if you’re just looking for a really small but still really stout EDC… you can stop the search now as the Techno 2 ticks all the boxes for a tough EDC.
With a blade well below 3″ it is small enough to be carried in most places (please check your local laws, especially if you live in the EU) and won’t scare people around you. When opened two-handed it can be easily taken for a slipjoint due to compact size and non-threatening overall look.
A shiny blade and gray handle with neon-green accents (Ti stand-offs) is much more acceptable in public than even the smallest tactical-looking black serrated blade, with a flipper (let alone automatic).
Last but not least… it’s not a cheap knife at a MSRP of $330, especially for the size. But don’t worry, street price is usually considerably better for Spyderco’s, and the materials and craftsmanship are top notch on the Techno 2.
Marcin Slysz, the knifemaker who designed it, is one of the hottest names among the new generation of hi-tech knifemakers these days. It will surely become a Spyderco classic like another Marcin’s knife, the Slysz Bowie, which I’ve seen now for sale on secondary market even higher than original MSRP from Spyderco…
