Story and Photos by Christopher Doner
Several years ago, I had the opportunity—and honor—to sit across the bar from Kelly McCann, at the Celtic Cudgel in Fredericksburg, Virginia. I was in town to attend a combatives training course, taught by McCann. Since I arrived a bit early, Kelly welcomed me into his privately owned establishment for a few drinks.
With Kelly tending bar, our conversation soon turned to knives—as he laid out a couple of early prototypes for his Canis folding knife design. The original prototype was crafted by custom knife maker Jeremy Krammes. The second one was produced by Ernest Emerson, of Emerson Knives. Both were amazing representations of this complex design, and both were executed flawlessly by their respective makers.
I recall being thrilled with the opportunity to finally see—and handle—these knives in person. Prior to this, I had only seen photos of the Canis prototypes online.
A few years went by before Kelly announced that he had found a custom knife maker able to take on production of the Canis. Xavier Knox of Echo Delta Charlie Knives produced an impressive fixed blade version of the Canis, which I reviewed for Knives Illustrated in 2017. I recall writing that I was surprised with the change from folder to fixed blade, but I could understand the logic that went into this decision.
Fast forward to February 2020, where Kelly announced—via email—that the Canis would soon be going into production at Spyderco Knives.
“Canis is a genus of animal that includes wolves, jackals, foxes and animals known for their toothy dispositions.” says Kelly McCann.
Each new rendition of the Canis knife brings with it some subtle differences, but the overall design and intent behind the blade remains true to Kelly’s vision. The Spyderco Canis is no different in this regard. It captures the unique design elements and retains the functional details as intended.
Made from 0.118-inch-thick CPM S30V steel, the Spyderco Canis features a 3.43-inch hollow ground Wharncliffe blade, with an overall length of 8.12 inches and a satin finish. The grind on the Spyderco Canis remains the same as the earlier versions with the primary, high flat grind, and secondary beveled cutting edge, from the tip to the ricasso.
The distinctive mid-blade swedge, found on the spine of the Canis, is also still intact. This helps to reduce weight, while also improving strength and cutting power. The complex grinds found on the Canis culminates in a pronounced, reinforced “ballistic tip” that distinguishes this design from others on the market.
Kelly has stated that he drew inspiration from Bud Nealy’s Pesh Kabz design.
“The idea of that is to increase the spread of the wound channel – making it immediately apparent when slashed that the injury is significant and more likely to motivate someone to stop.” McCann says.
The handle of the Canis is made from peel-ply-textured carbon fiber/G-10 laminate scales, with nested stainless-steel liners—according to Spyderco. The G-10 provides enough texture, without being too aggressive, and works well with the overall fit and finish of the knife.
Like its earlier cousins, the Canis features a deep choil and finger groove, engineered to reduce the likelihood of the hand sliding forward during vigorous use. The belly of the handle swells to conform with the hand and there is a subtle pinky hook toward the back end that aids in keeping the knife firmly in hand during use.
Kelly also incorporated a slight recess, on either side of the handle scales, where the index finger comes to rest when gripping the Canis. This aids in opening the folder and improves overall comfort. The beveled edges of the handle scales are an added bonus, as they reduce hot spots and further improve overall comfort.
The Canis’ spine features a thumb ramp with some aggressive jimping, intended to prevent slipping during hard use. This feature was not present in the early prototypes.
Also new to this version of the Canis folder is the addition of the popular compression lock, one of the strongest locks in use today.
Since this is a folding knife, the Canis now features a four-position pocket clip, capable of both right and left side, tip up or tip down carry.
The primary purpose of this design is self-defense, so I was eager to see how well the Canis performed against porkman—the go-to test medium originally created by my good friend and teacher, Michael Janich.
Porkman, as many of you may recall, is a pork tenderloin that has been butterflied, affixed to a dowl rod, secured in place with cord and wrapped with cellophane. As a final measure, the entire thing is covered with a denim pantleg. Porkman allows us to simulate human anatomy—such as an arm or leg—in both approximate size and composition.
I always like to see how well a knife performs with minimal effort, so rather than aggressively stabbing with the Canis, I chose to simply hold the knife and push it into porkman. It penetrated the test medium effortlessly. My next test cut was a slash, that left a surprisingly large wound in porkman, with almost no effort on my part.
Having seen how effective the Spyderco Canis was with minimal effort, I decided to try a more dynamic and powerful technique we call a “comma cut,” in Martial Blade Concepts. The term comma cut comes from the resulting wound resembling a comma, in punctuation. This technique targets the quadricep and is meant to shut down an attacker’s mobility.
I thrust the Spyderco Canis straight into porkman and turned the blade from its vertical orientation to horizontal, before completing the cut from right to left. The result was a massive wound channel that penetrated all the way to the dowl and almost completely severed the meat. The entire time the knife stayed firmly in my hand, allowing me to control the blade throughout the cut.
When I was using it to cut porkman, in a more dynamic manner, I had to be sure that I was doing so safely. I made sure to grip the knife in my preferred modified Filipino grip before trying the comma cut, and the Canis felt good throughout the entire cut.
It was then that I decided to try one last cut on porkman, that I don’t often incorporate into my regular training. I decided to try a snap cut, as I know Kelly often refers to this in his own teachings. I set up porkman and delivered the snap cut, extending my arm and allowing my hand to whip into the target, creating the snapping effect. The result was impressive and again, sobering. The Canis barely registered any resistance, minus the impact on the dowl when it connected.
The vertical wound channel was again impressive. The reinforced tip on the Canis performed well, with no noticeable issues, and the snap cut delivered all of its energy right through to the tip of the Canis, as Kelly described.
Prior to porkman, I conducted a number of common everyday test cuts, on a few different materials, in order to see how well the Canis performed. I began by cutting some pieces of paracord. No surprise, the Canis cut through several strands of paracord at once with minimal effort.
My next cut test was a one-inch thick phone book. The phone book test has become a popular way to quickly gauge a knife’s cutting power. Simply position the blade on the corner of the phone book and press, driving the blade downward through the entire thickness of the book. If a knife is truly sharp it should cut with relative ease. The Canis performed well again, cutting all the way through the phone book without stopping.
Throughout the entire test cutting process I paid close attention to the ergonomics of the Canis. Since most of the simple cut tests were quick and easy, requiring minimal effort, there was no noticeable issue with the feel of the knife in my hand.
Together, Kelly McCann and Spyderco continue to deliver some amazing knife designs, backed by years of hard-won experience.
The Spyderco Canis is an excellent choice for anyone in the market for a reliable, well thought out defensive tool. The only thing missing is a dedicated trainer, which I think would be a logical next step for Spyderco’s impressive line-up of training knives.
Until then, be sure and check out the Spyderco Canis for yourself. K&G
Join the Conversation, comment on this story below. >>
Blade Material: CPM S30VBlade Length: 3.43 inchesOverall Length: 8.12 inchesClosed Length: 4.73 inchesBlade Thickness: .118 inchWeight: 4.1 ouncesHandle Material: Carbon Fiber/G-10 LaminateLock Type: Compression LockMSRP: $275.00
Spyderco(303) 279-8383www.Spyderco.com
Spyderco KnivesBlade HQKnife CenterSmoky Mountain Knife Works
Giveaway
Want to win a brand new Spyderco Canis, along with a Knife & Gear Society patch and sticker, WorkSharp Micro Sharpener & Knife tool and WorkSharp Pocket Knife Sharpener? This is your chance. And it’s easy too.
All you have to do is go to our Instagram page (@knifeandgearsociety) and follow us, go to Spyderco’s Instagram page (@spyderco_inc) and follow them and then comment on the story below, letting us know what you like about this knife – based on the story above. Please make sure to include your Instagram User Name, so we can contact you on Instagram if you win. If you do not include your Instagram User Name we will not be able to enter you.
That is it. It really is that simple. Once we have verified that you have done all three, we will add your name to the drawing, which will take place on Friday, October 2nd. The winner will be notified via PM on Instagram and will have 24 hours to respond.
Shipping and handling will be covered by Knife & Gear Society and will be taken care of as soon as a winner is established – Continental United States only. There will be no substitution prizes. Knife & Gear Society is not responsible for lost or stolen prizes.
Doner is an experienced security professional with nearly twenty-five years of service in commercial, industrial and corporate settings. He served twelve years as an armed officer of a nuclear site protection team trained in various small arms techniques, tactics and procedures before returning to the corporate sector. Today, Doner is a Senior Specialist, Corporate Security & Safety for First National Bank of Omaha. In addition to his regular duties, he serves as a defensive-tactics instructor for the bank. He is also an accomplished martial artist and martial arts/combatives instructor, of many disciplines. He is a freelance writer and photographer with work published in Knives Illustrated, Black Belt, Ninja Magazine and Fighting Stars. Please visit our Team page (link in the top menu) for full bio.
I would love to add this to my collection , and try it out. Probably put it in my go bag, @gus_acosta3
Im a big spyderco fan since way back. Im not as knowledgeable with the creators and designers, but after this article I will. Honestly I love. Everything about the design and build of this knife. This would be my new edc and use it heavily at home and on the farm. Thanks for the great article. Ty @tyreynolds0123
I particularly like the Wharncliffe blade on the Canis becauzw they manage to do the most damage due to getting full power throughout the cut. Kelly has been a pioneer in the realm of combatives and has been a huge inspiration in my training as well as how I approach violence. I would love to have my Canis as an EDC! @verticalfist
Wharncliffe style blades have become my go to edc blade style. This one appears to have been well executed. Great job Kelly McCann and Spyderco! @cjfranklin9
Should cut well and the tip should make it good for thrusts and stabs.
RonaldKoch212 on Instagram
I like the blade performance in cutting and stabbing, it looks like a deep penetrator. I also like the compression lock, always wanted one. It would also be my first time using s30v and always wanted to try it out everyone says it’s one of the best. I also like the wharncliffe shaped blade with that mid swedge that makes a thicker sturdier point. I own 2 Spyderco Knives the kiwi 3 and the Manix 2 and the canis looks like they had a baby but bigger. I would love to make that my new daily carry. @mydailycarry
I really like the trend in wharncliffe style blades for self defense. I also like that the tip seems to have some more beef to it for “gouging” action. Great Design! instagram: eskrima_nola
I love the ergos of the handle! It looks like it would be be comfortable regardless of the orientation. It would be the prize of my wharncliffe collection. @omichron5
Wharncliffe style blades have become my go to edc blade style. Eill fit in perfectly with the two yojimbos. @kulwanoski
Honestly, I like all things Wharncliffe and adding Kelly McCann’s knowledge to it is just icing on the cake
@totalforcecombat
I would love to have this as an edc. Love the grinds! @sky_fir3
I like the ergonomics of the handle, and the blade design. A low-key self defence carry blade.
@culpritish
This is a knife where design and functionality marry up perfectly. I can’t wait to handle it and see if it is a good fit.
Absolutely enchanted by the wharncliffe blade shape with the complex grinds, knowing the ins and outs of the design process on the blade really ups my interest in carrying and using it. Shape and design are both overall fantastic, would love the chance to get it in pocket. Instagram @a_unique_os
Looks great! I think it would make a nice edc blade! Ig: itsmrknifeguy
I already like wharncliffe blades, and after reading the review I definitely want to check this one out!
Instagram: @watthaveidonehere
The Canis looks mean, I see it as a much more stylish version of the Yojumbo. I especially love the thick tip with the swedge relief behind—very unique. IG: @bens_knives
I think it would be a good pumpkin carver. @GrassyTop
This Cannis knife is outer worldly. I want one in my pocket
Great review Christopher! I could really envision your cuts That belly in the handle coupled with the Wharncliffe blade just says power cuts! Definitely going to have to add this to the collection Amy talk of a folding trainer?
A really affordable version of the original that was designed by Kelly McCann. I like the g 10 scales and the fit of the knife in your hand. I would really like this for EDC as I gave the one I purchased to a fellow LEO. @rob.michels.1963
My first time here and love this website. Great review of the Cannis! What’s not to love: Wharncliffe blade, Compression Lock, Spyderco Quality, McCann design, it’s all there! Thanks for the giveaway, whoever wins it will be ecstatic and the rest of us will just have to go buy one! @964Teniferman251
Thank you very much for the kind words Daryl. Good luck!
I would like to say I’m new to spydercos and I’m just building my collection as a collage student cash is tight so this would be a massive upgrade if I was to win the giveaway. My only good sypyderco is a pm2 and if I won this I would EDC it on and off with my pm2. Id use it for getting out splinters as I’m taking machining and metal splinters aren’t fun and for other usual EDC tasks. Insta @ben_fiander
Im a big spyderco fan since way back. Im not as knowledgeable with the creators and designers, but after this article I will. Honestly I love. Everything about the design and build of this knife. This would be my new edc and use it heavily at home and on the farm. Thanks for the great article. Ty
A favorite edge form in my personal EDC from the legend of combatives. Dreams come true. IG @karambitmaker
I have a Spyderco Military as a part of my edc rotation…I like its size and weight or lack thereof compared to some of my other options. The Canis looks like it would and could be an interesting addition to the lineup.
@allabouttheedge on Instagram
JLPatterson4387 on Instagram.
Having had the opportunity to handle this knife in person for a brief moment, I could have sworn this knife was custom made to fit my hand vs a production folder.
After reading Christopher Donners review of its capabilites. It makes me want one even more now.
This is an awesome looking knife. The best part of this knife is the blade design. The mid blade swedge is what i like best on this knife. This would make a great EDC.
Its sexy looking
m_gilbert55
This knife looks awesome. The blade design is my favorite part of this knife. The mid blade swedge is what I like most on this knife. This would make a great EDC. IG @izikizkranky
This has to be one of spyderco’s sexiest knives. I love how ergonomic it is and how controlled the cuts were during this test. This would be a welcomed addition to my Knife collection and my EDC rotation
Instagram: @gagliardi69
This is the most sexy self defense weapon I’ve ever seen!!! I was in love with the spyderco smock but the performance she proved through the trials on the porkman have shown she needs to be in my EDC as my new favorite! The grind and the reinforced tip are unlike any other! It manufactured beautifully with a cpms30v and carbon fiber g10 scales. I love that Canis is a genus of animal including wolves, jackals, foxes, and animals with toothy dispositions. Truly the alpha and ultimate badass!! ig: miztrezz_of_the_dark
I love the unique looks of spyderco knives, and that this one has the awesome compression lock. Thanks for entering me. Chance_Happenstance
Is like this in my collection because it’s different. I have a lot of similar style knives and would like to branch out a little more. Plus I love what Spyderco does!
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