Spyderco PITS 2 – Böhler M398 – Titanium – Mike Read Design

The Spyderco PITS 2 (Pie in the Sky) is a technical masterpiece that pushes the boundaries of the traditional slipjoint knife. Designed by British knife maker Mike Read, this knife was specifically developed to comply with strict European regulations without compromising the robustness and material quality of a modern high-end folding knife. The PITS 2 combines a revolutionary integral spring system with one of the most advanced steels on the market: Böhler M398.

The PITS 2 is constructed from materials selected for their extreme wear resistance and structural integrity:

- Blade steel: Made from Böhler M398 MICROCLEAN. This powder-metallurgical steel is a superior version of M390, with an extremely high chromium and vanadium content. This results in an exceptional hardness of 62 HRC and world-class edge retention.
- Mechanism: The knife utilizes a unique Power-Lock-style slipjoint system. The spring arms are milled directly from the titanium scales. When in use, the user’s hand presses against these arms, increasing resistance to accidental folding the harder one squeezes.
Handle: Crafted from 6AL-4V titanium. This material offers a superior strength-to-weight ratio and is completely corrosion-resistant. The skeletonized design reduces the weight to just 88 grams.
- Blade shape: A modified sheepsfoot with a full-flat grind. This geometry is optimized for superior cutting performance and maximum control over the tip.

This model stands out for its innovative technology and broad legal status:

- Legal in Europe: Since this knife is technically a slipjoint without a lock, the PITS 2 may be carried in many countries where knives with a fixed lock (such as a frame lock) are prohibited (particularly in the United Kingdom and Germany).
- Innovative safety: The patented spring system offers a higher level of safety than traditional slip joints. The mechanical tension of the integrated titanium arms holds the blade firmly in the open position during use.
- Italian craftsmanship: Manufactured in Maniago, Italy. The refined finish and tight tolerances reflect the European tradition of precision engineering.
- Iconic operation: features the signature Spyderco Round Hole™, allowing the knife to be opened smoothly and with control using one hand—a rare feature for a slide-joint knife.

Due to the extreme hardness of the M398 steel and the titanium construction, specific maintenance is required:

- Blade maintenance: Due to the exceptional wear resistance of M398, we recommend regularly maintaining the blade with a fine ceramic stone or a whetstone. When the blade is truly dull, diamond sharpening stones are required to work with the 62 HRC hardness.
- Mechanism: Ensure that the grooves of the milled spring arms remain free of dirt and lint. This guarantees the flexibility of the titanium.