Spyderco Designer Spotlight - Michael Janich

[@Yojimbo5100]

Thank you all for your kind words!!! I truly appreciate it!!!!! Stay safe, Mike

[@SirYuri]

Just picked up a Spyderco Yojimbo 2 - Great to learn more about the knife, amazing design, thank you for all the hard work!

[@jfunk26420]

Thank you Mr. Janich for all of the information regarding your personal journey. As Spyderco customers we greatly appreciate your dedication to your craft and overall excellence of the products you design! Best Regards

[@wehrewulf]

I don't think there is a single person in history that has matched Mr. Janich in the quest for understanding edged weapon dynamics. His expertise, and his ability to communicate consisely, and effectively place him in the top tier.

[@TheHybridHunter307]

Can't wait to add the new all black version to my Yojimbo 2 collection. It's by far my must trusted EDC folder. Thanks for all that you do Mike.

[@timothybecker8605]

Sir, thank you very much for taking the time to explain this knife! I will be purchasing both in the very near future.

[@stephenswindle3839]

I just listened to your video start to finish you’ve had an amazing career from your military years which I cannot thank you enough for so thank you for your sacrifice given to the country we both know and love. And I’m sure that many have and will thank you in the future for your dedication to teaching others about tactical use with a knife and how to protect oneself if ever faced with a situation that they have the skills necessary in order to protect themselves in order to save there life or God forbid someone else in a similar situation. I have bought many different types of knives over the years, with all of the different styles of knives and blade shapes in mind my next knife purchase is going to be to pre-order your new Spyderco Yijimbo 2 w/black DLC CPM s30v blade steel from Knife Center, I’m a big fan of the blacked out tactical looking style of your new design so thanks again for your hard work with Spyderco’s vision for knife lovers out there and putting out products that are practical and purpose driven😁👍😉🙏🙏

[@iyn1911]

Would like to see more warnclif blade style knives.

[@David_Downs]

I prefer a Wharncliffe ;)

[@projectblitz7290]

I mean physically a wharncliffe blade makes sense for small knives. With a blade so short you don't have a lot of leverage so you have to optimize the delivery of power with the leverage you do have. With a sub 5 inch blade you're relying on draw cuts and pressure cuts (by that I mean you're not swinging the blade but pressing on a target and dragging). From a physics standpoint a wharncliffe offers you a continuous surface for constant pressure when you drag and the lever arm is more in line or more forwards with your source of leverage/power; your arm/wrist. When you get to longer blades you're doing more slashing in which cases you don't need to leverage forward in a draw/pressure cut but instead your leverage comes from length and swing radius. Even if you did do a draw/pressure cut with a larger blade, you already have a longer blade so by default you already have more length and end area to draw across. If you had a wharncliffe on a larger knife you'd probably run into drag that would make it so you'd want a blade that curves away from the target because that creates a smaller point of contact through a cut while allowing the blade to maintain contact throughout a cut. There's a reason why the 7 inch karbar mark 2 is designed the way it is and is as famous as it is.

[@PoetFisherman]

The Yojimbo 2 is my favorite Spyderco I've ever handled. It's actually a great EDC knife too, just as ready for cardboard, rope and zip ties. Would love to see a Yojimbo 2 Salt with LC200N; maybe scales milled like the Caribbean's.

[@PoetFisherman]

@Advice from pickle I would think so too. While I'm excited for CPM-S45VN and CPM-SPY27, I'd be excited to see more LC200N on previous models. I'd buy an LC200N Dragonfly 2 in a heartbeat.

[@Katana_Kid]

Just purchased my second Yojimbo 2. Michael's "Pork Man" experiments and MBC fighting techniques have totally transformed my concept of the "ideal" self-defense knife. Thank you, sir!

[@boogboog8097]

Edgeucated...tiny smile..

[@vitocarbonara7770]

Michael, thank you for taking tne time i terest and creativity designing a knife that truely emcompasses a full circle of study in the art of design. The product represents tbe fighting or martial component. Pleople need to embracee as opposed to settling on what the routine standards have been.

[@bruceleroy8063]

No better balance between piercing and slashing capability than the Wharncliffe

[@carlharrison9503]

this looks awesome I think the Yojimbo 2 is on my list.. Glad for another SpydercoKnifes in my very small collection.I will order one very soon. Keep one warm for me.

[@ScottieG59]

Wharncliffe fan here. One suggestion I have in your videos is to be aware that some of us have hearing difficulties. . The background music, for example, made it very difficult for me to hear what was actually being said without some effort.

[@Yojimbo5100]

Dear Scott: One thing you might find helpful is to click on the "CC" button at the bottom right of the video. It activates the closed caption function and allows you to read along with the audio. Stay safe, Mike

[@ScottieG59]

@@Yojimbo5100 Thanks. I guess I should use that more. I just put it out there because background music seems to just be there for no real reason related to the content.

[@SailfishSoundSystem]

Very informative. I really like these old designs.

[@kit888]

How does the wharncliffe compare against hawkbill or karambit?

[@brucemcintyre2383]

My Kahr Arms Delica is a personal favorite.

[@mikelly949]

SOLD!

[@nightsquats]

I still own 2 units of the Be Wharned! Love em, great evolution!

[@SHADOW-ke6xz]

Hey Mike, you worked really hard to come to this place with your yo jimbo design. Good for you brother.

[@scdub]

I love the look of the Ronin and Yojibmos but can’t get over the insubstantial guards. That prototype Ronin seemed to have close to a full “stop” for the index finger rather than a ramp leading up to the blade like the production version. I’ve never understood why so many “martial blades” have small or non-existent guards...

[@paypatrolfactor5336]

Good history of that design ,he knows a lot about knives 🔪 I have one of his designs and the Yojimbo is on my want list as a martial artist knife.

[@jake_up8099]

Awesome! This channel needs more content!!!

[@1337flite]

Gotta admit until a few videos ago I didn'y get the Yojimbo or the current popularity of the Wharncliff. And now I'm about to order one. Thanks for the education Michael.

[@Beans_blades_VMOGroup]

Sweet to see the man the myth the legend the maker of the one and only... JIMBERONI!!! such a sweet knife the blacked out is just so sexy. Just recently got the Ronin 2 absolutely love it better blade steel IMO and made in Taiwan comes much sharper. Personally my opinion. Love it.

[@ExtraCrispy357]

Wow! Such a cool video showing the thought process and design evolution of the Yojimbo, Yojumbo, and Ronin 2! Major RESPECT for Mr. Michael Janich! Something that really stood out to me is how Mr. Janich believed in his concept and design despite the fact that it wasn't received or understood well at first. He didn't give up, but kept innovating and refining his design as well as working with other knife makers until it was a HIT! Awesome success story and example of not giving up!

[@jacobdaus3835]

Holy cow, that blue, original yojimbo is ugly as sin! Yikes! I like the carbon fiber one tho. The yojimbo 2 is definitely my favorite design of Janich's

[@javeuiuc]

Great video, Mike! Congrats on the exposure!

[@bonydanza7046]

As far as designers and practitioners go, the man's a real polymath. Startin to think he ain't actually bald and that he just keeps that enormous brain on display.

[@sebastianfrank4295]

Been following Mr Janich for ages, literally love his approach to knife combatives. I have nothing but respect for this man. Greetings from Germany (where I am sadly not allowed to carry mostly any spyderco knife except the ukpk)

[@OhioConcealed]

Thank you so much for sharing this. I've always been intrigued by the Yojimbo design and now I finally know who created it and why.

[@chitterlingsrtasty]

Awesome vid. Day by day I’m appreciating spyderco and their knife creators even more,.

[@mugglybuttling51]

Box cutter on steroids? ... Yes. Box cutters can be devastating when used on flesh, and the yojumbo is one of the best self defense folders, in a practical size, you can put in your pocket.

[@quedestino52]

As Spyderco customers I greatly appreciate your dedication and experience that you give your craft/products you design! I own both Ronin 2 and blacked out Yojimbo 2 and they are my go to defense knives. I hope that one day to see a updated Ronin 1 neck knife brought back. Thank you Mr. Janich and Spyderco!

[@Drewcooks24]

I love my yojimbo 2. Thanks for uiur design and expertise

[@speculatorking]

Michael Janich carries the Yojimbo 2, so I too will carry the Yojimbo 2

[@WTFisupDennys]

Why cant you just unbuckle the seat belt? Never understood that. So expensive to replace. 😂

[@nicohurter2973]

Thank you Mr Janich, what is your opinion on serated blades for self-defence?

[@lokiiii1449]

Yojimbo knives are like his kids. It’s great to hear these stories from Mr. Janich, also to see him being proud of his “children”.

[@TheTimLara]

The blacked out Yo2 looks awesome, but I'm still waiting on the 110v Blurple flavor!

[@CraigOlson]

just ordered a yojimbo. cant wait to get it. thanks for your research and dedication.

[@OldBadger1]

I would love to get a name of One adult male that used a knife for Self Defence outside of the home and wasn't indicted.? Anyone ?

[@jasonemploymentparkdale820]

I have the fixed blade ronin 2. Plastic clip on sheath needs upgrade

[@requiscatinpace7392]

Mr Janich is such an intelligent man, AND he can fight like F*#K!!!

[@johnnyventurino8947]

Can you send me a website for that Wharncliff neck knife so I can buy one please.

[@bilbsk.2510]

Great video, awesome info on the Yojimbo, and always awesome knives

[@charlesholland6851]

Just got my first Yo! Love it!

[@hagninety4116]

Why cut the seat belt when you can just push the release button? Seems like a waste of time to pull out a knife.

[@David_DY]

Loving my All Black Yogi THANKS!

[@maika0staretza]

BOOOM sales go up a bit

[@PawelR-sj8uw]

am i the only one who thinks Mr Janich resembles a lemur?

[@londiniumarmoury7037]

You run up on Michael Janich to take his wallet, the last thing you ever hear is 2 Yojimbo's flip open.

[@David_DY]

Yojimbo and a Delica ;)

[@larrylucas5731]

Thanks for the video and history!

[@2267victor]

How about a serrated version?

[@Loleyke]

You are amazing, I literally fell in love when I first saw the yojimbo 2, peak design and felt so good in the hand, won't use it for self defense but it's the perfect edc

[@Predikeren]

Wow😮 So fascinating and educational. Ended up buying the knife based upon this video and its fantastic design and looks. What a beautiful blade👍🏻 I'm a Spyderco fan from Norway and just love your story Mr. Janich. Your knife design is a Gem♦️ Spyderco rules!🕷

[@jorgefernandez6407]

Just pulled the trigger on the Spiderco Yojumbo. My first Spiderco knife! Liked the design and purpose of the Yojimbo but, I "loved" the size of the Yojumbo... For me, the Yojumbo has ALL of the tactical advantage of the Yojimbo but "more"! Can't wait to get my hands on it... Looking very much forward to getting the Ronin 2 also as SOON as they go back in stock (PLEASE)! Thank you Mr. Janich!!!

[@jamesharris1493]

Hi Michael! Hope all is well. Michael where can I find an original Yojimbo 1. I personally three Yojimbo 2 models. The first Yojimbo 2 I bought was the black handle with the stainless steel. Then I bought two more Yojimbo 2 models in all black. However for collection and curiosity I would like to own the first Yojimbo model. Out of all the Yojimbo styled models which is your favorite?

[@randomescu]

great job! i intend to buy an YoJimbo as soon as it will be in stock on Lamnia. buying from USA its a pain. buying a knife from USA and picking it up prom post office with a Custom guy checking it would be...not tolerable.

[@Dji5hy]

Been daily carrying the Yojimbo 2 for the past three years and it has never failed me. I have put this knife through hell, even using it to open a door one time. I’ve had it serviced twice and it’s still running like a charm. It gets daily use. A very practical and beautiful blade 🙏🏼 Awesome work from Mr. Janich 🙌🏼

[@awdobsession717]

The man, the myth, the legend

[@lanceluthor6660]

Back in the day I had a SPOT with a blue handle ,very much like the yojimbo. I like weird knives but the first two Spyder Wharncliffe were so ugly. It's amazing how much better and more spydercoee the Ronin 2 looks. I love that it is both a very practical tool as well as a useful MBC knife. The ball lock is ideal for the Yojimbo.

[@thomastammaro693]

This guy is awesome.

[@cjanquart]

Really impressive stuff...ain't gonna lie Pork-Man got a chuckle out of me. Man that Yojimbo just looks brutal! "From an esthetics standpoint, this thing is beautiful." Agreed!

[@garrettkittel304]

This was extremely informative, you can hear the dedication and passion for your craft in your voice. Having owned both the fixed ronin design and the folding yojimbo 2. As well a myriad of other blades from spyderco and many other reputable designers of blades. This design is truly one of the most well thought out and revolutionary designs ever. I’ve carried the paramilitary 2-3 and dozens of others blades. Each and every time this blade is used for any given task, it absolutely blows me away the advantages it has in such a small package. It Rides in the pocket almost no differently than most other spyderco, even the pm3. Probably the most slept on knife design on the market currently

[@hagninety4116]

Has he always been bald?

[@johnnyventurino8947]

I love you Mike and I absolutely love and own both the Yojimbo and jumbo Spyderco that you designed and made. I wish you were close to me so I could pay for your lessons on knife fighting.

[@agcb8969]

Great work you did with the Yojimbo design, thanks for your patience for sharing your knowledge. Awesome instructor. I have just bought a Paramilitary 2, the next one will be the Yojimbo 2 for sure.

[@johnnyventurino8947]

The wharnciff blades are awesome and the best and the Yojimbo and Yojumbo in my opinion are 2 of the best knives in the world.

[@ericsierra-franco7802]

I have a lot of respect for Michael Janich. His system is well thought out as are his knife designs.

[@solidus1995]

The yojimbo 2 is meant to be a fighting knife but damn does it fly through edc tasks. I have big hands I guess because the size doesnt bother me at all but I dont think the knife is that big.

[@tomasandel3795]

Dear Mike, can you show us how to sharpen this blade? Not to destroy flat edge and tip. Thanks.

[@timrodriguez1]

🤠👍

[@MF_UNDERTOW]

I love Janich’s designs so much. I’m sure they’re great for sd but for me they make great edc knives.

[@SOUTHAFRICANKNIFEGUY]

a very self and well educated man fascinating, educational and entertaining to watch in his element!

[@dabeav123]

No yojumbo ?

[@dustinewing7974]

Is the pork-test material available anywhere? I would love to look at it. Thanks!

[@havoc1zero]

4:10 “...what I call a Filipino grip.” Hate to tell ya but you didn’t come up with that term.

[@joshuad.3466]

What a story, and a wonderful tool and piece of art, thank you Mr. Janich !!!

[@brisonpalmer6730]

Love all your designs Mr Janich .

[@alexanderbertallo1995]

Very nice... Congratulations... What a career...

[@powerplay4real174]

Cool evolution of the Yojimbo & now the new the YoJumbo.

[@raygun4468]

So you essentially designed a self-defense blade that is only comfortable in the front grip. For those of us who train with both front and ice ... this is only applicable for 50% of the combos I train to utilise. That is not a great selling point ...

[@Katana_Kid]

The Yojimbo 2 is designed to emphasize slicing over stabbing. However, it is perfectly comfortable when held in an edge-forward icepick grip.

[@SirJabsAlot]

I just ordered a Yojumbo, can’t wait for it to arrive!

[@2267victor]

How about some sprint runs of the Ronin?

[@tachammer3925]

So awesome. See you at Blade Camp or sooner bro.

[@edwindy9143]

a full flat grind yojimbo 2 would be perfect

[@albertptran]

More vids like this please

[@mantissebastian1122]

Man I really want a Yojimbo 1 now

[@stevenbusch9336]

Thank you.

[@kittrainbow7]

Legend 😀👏👍

[@sojinstunts]

True talk 👌

[@cameronbajt4]

Awesome!

[@gasparortega8838]

Thank you Sir

[@stevenator0281]

Excerrent!

[@CameronMacKail]

I have used the Yojimbo 2 for a lot of tasks and it has great edge retention as I slice through cardboard ( S90V) making part of my job that sometimes is a pain turn into a pleasure of efficiency. The grip is great for my large hands and the blade is the most versatile blade I have in my collection of highly useable knives. Most of which are Spyderco. The Yojimbo was my first tactical knife. I have three of them now; different steels and different handle materials but with the same great utility and strength.

[@barkingspider2007]

I have a Spyderco Cannis coming in the mail shortly. The blade geometry looks outstanding for cutting Amazon boxes. I'm going to add a small sharpening choil, it would be great if Spyderco made the knife easier to maintain and sharpen. Thanks for the video!

[@Hadouken365]

In a knife fight-- you just lost your thumb! 🔪

[@pacibaco]

This is nothing more than a copy of a construction grade utility knife . however it’s not as easy to keep extremely sharp as is a utility knife with blade changing ability immediately for pennies . I’d give the nod to your copy in length only . The traditional Tanto style blade is proven over centuries as a superior shape over any pointed knife

[@Katana_Kid]

I've long been a big fan of the Tanto design for its stabbing prowess. In contrast, Michael's MBC techniques emphasize slashing over thrusting, in order to more quickly disable one's opponent. Slicing is where Wharncliffe-style blades excel.