The Spyderco Rockjumper Pocketknife: The Full Quick Nick Shabazz Review

Today, we're going to talk about a new knife from Spyderco which provides another option in their FRN lineup, the Rockjumper.

[@luisytacc]

The "full quick" is a title that gets me thinking.

[@cadengriffith1226]

Well it IS a full review....but it's quicker than normal....

[@chrisarcarola9130]

I've been an electrician for over 30 years and have had this in my pocket for about a year now. I will say I've finally found the ideal "work" knife for my trade. The shape is perfect for skinning wire and stripping romex. Highly recommend to any electricians out there and doesn't break the bank. I will add that if they did upgrade the steel it would bring the price of the knife up obviously. Vg10 is just fine.

[@colincarpenter3549]

Ooh, fancy fade-in at the beginning.

[@kalonaastepad6401]

Rockjumper.. makes me think of that guy that had to sever part of his arm with a Swiss army knife. I bet he would have preferred this knife!

[@matusknives]

This knife has a great handle and blade geometry for some actual work - I really think they should follow the suit and bring this one in k390 like they did with many of their Japanese models.

[@57HEMIviken]

The leaf jumper is coming you got your wish

[@artemkanarchist]

I wish they would do it in k390 and lc200n - would be just the perfect two knives for life for me

[@DieYuppieScum91]

I love the hidden ricasso. Maybe if we ever get the Delica V, it'll use that idea.

[@pitiedvod]

I second that idea. It would make the Delica etc. clearly more legal in more areas and give a little more handle to hold on too. The rest of the knife is a hit hit and miss though.

[@jacknemo8021]

Interesting.

[@TheMooseinaTree]

Nick, I was sincerely hoping last week you would do this video. Thank you sir.

[@alcattyman797]

Hi Nick, The reason the edge stops short of the plunge line is because it comes up against the fillet. It would be impractical and 'bad practice' to continue right up to the plunge line. The substantial fillet is a wise addition regarding this knifes intended outdoor function, going some way to alleviating a stress riser at this location. The fillet is used judicially by Spyderco according to intended use - the P'KAL for example has a very substantial one which gives confidence according to it's intended use. The rock jumper is a very fine, well thought out knife. VG10 is also a fine steel. Today we're spoilt for choice regarding blade steels, how on earth did our Grandfathers manage with plain old Carbon steel, well, they sharpened it!. Hop this helps Nick, a AL.

[@rashadnagi7531]

I have a weird affection for the Byrd line because it served as my intro to Spyderco proper. The Tenacious just never spoke to me, I handled a Raven 2 in a store and was on board. I think they do some decent work and even offer a couple designes in BD-1. If they threw in VG-10 I'd actually be thrilled.

[@dm3639]

I think you missed the biggest advantage of the hidden ricasso. It gets you grip closer to the edge without having to resort to a choil (most golden spydies) or choking up of the ricasso (most other seki spydies). More control without having to grip on metal. The better sharpened blade to blade ratio is an added benefit. Regarding sharpening choils: Why is losing edge length to a notch in front of the plunge okay and admirable, but losing blade length to an unsharpened area in front of the plunge unacceptable and poor finishing? I find a sharpening choil is just something that material can get caught in while cutting. That little area is impossible to sharpen regardless, so why add a notch that is just going to cause potential issues?

[@tunturikuningas5393]

Well said!

[@riyes1138]

Sal himself said in the forums that the knife was designed to draw and cut a rope one handed in a climbing situation, which a choil and exposed ricasso would have hindered :D

[@nathannettik685]

I'm so looking forward to the DOCST5K

[@Rime0ne]

I really want a folding version of the Artisan Sea Snake but since Michael Emler said that's a no go this looks like the next closest thing. I wish it had a forward finger choil, thinner blade stock, and a more acute. Oh and yeah I'm with ya on the steel choice VG 10 is so 2000 and late.

[@justinwood3054]

I carry one every day for work and love it. It’s just the right size and works great for cutting boxes.

[@jonr1510]

I've been carrying the salt 2 wharncliffe lc200 for a month or so. If they did this in lc200 I'd buy it immediately, blade shape is a lot more useful than I thought it would be. Don't care if it's ugly if works well

[@mattconklin4026]

Hey Nick, question do you know how designed this model?

[@havoc1zero]

We’ve come a long way in the steel world. I remember not long ago, like literally less than 5 years ago, when vg10 was the gold standard in kitchen cutlery due to its resistance to wear. Now, vg10 isn’t hard enough. Lol. Down, down the rabbit hole we go. How far does it go? Nobody knows. Great video once again, Nick. Btw, waiting on delivery later today of a WE kitefin LE and a WE screech with flamed titanium handles.

[@ringbadingbingrading1181]

I just got into the knife world about a year ago, but I can't help a feeling someday we're all going to look back and laugh at our steel mania.

[@kozmo7]

I got into knives in 2018 and I remember so many damn knives being in VG10. Then slowly mostly everything is S30V, just seemed to kinda happen before I knew it.

[@_BLANK_BLANK]

VG10 is still pretty standard for Japanese cutlery, that and shirogami 2, aogami 2, and aogami super. They probably heat treat it better than spiderco, or most other pocket knife producers though.

[@havoc1zero]

@@_BLANK_BLANK that’s what I was referring to. Of course, nothing beats blue #2 (aogami 2)

[@mikebonez2one6]

Do all rock jumpers have rivets? I cant find much info on this.

[@insanogeddon]

A touch shorter (sub-3inch) in lc200 and you have the perfect portable outdoors work knife - accessible finessable blade length without endangering hands in grot and no jimping on blade to scratch up digits closest to the grot.

[@ericginder1905]

Great review. Just bought a Rock Jumper and I love it. Also love the Pupusa reference! I’m guessing you ate at Cuscatlan? The cheese and jalapeño is my favorite. Cheers from San Diego!

[@NickShabazz]

Nope, I'm an El Salvador Pupuseria Y Restaurante guy

[@rickkelley2348]

Where do we preorder stabatrons?

[@kjgas6945]

Thank you Nick

[@tkindschi]

I think you may have hit on the issue with the "Spyderco line" that I've been wondering about. What exactly IS the "line". Ideally, one could start at the bottom, (in size, or price, or quality), and work your way up justifying each step along the way, and why they exist. Spyderco seems to be a shotgun approach to knives. "Here, we'll make one of these, which is a lot like this that we already make". Guess you could argue you can find YOUR perfect knife somewhere in the "line", but it's hard to figure out where to start looking!

[@feralgrandad4429]

Well, I went an brought one. Been using for a while, its a really nice useful knife.

[@angelakaalex8643]

Didn't know I needed a knife called the"DEATH ON CONTACT STABATRON 9000" until now

[@erhon5]

Same and I want to see a knife that each company comes up with to see what the best DOCS 9000 could be

[@2dthoughts]

I’m now interested in seeing the STABATRON 5000

[@FriENTlyFire]

VG-10 getting the same disclaimer as 8CR13 sure is a trip.

[@OnlyGamingClips]

I'm a big Spyderco fan and I just seen one of these on Amazon for only 59.99$ I figured that was a good price, so I snagged one. I usually carry a Stretch 2, and this looked similar.

[@dylang8706]

Hi Shabazz, If you get a chance a review on the new Benchmade 4170 Auto Fact or the older 496 Vector would be awesome. Or their new fancy version of the Tengu flipper. Please and Thank you

[@_BLANK_BLANK]

Vg10 can be quite good if its actually got a good heat treatment. Especially if you put a steep angle on it. Pete actually got really good results on a pocket knife with vg10 when he put an angle closer to what is used on japanese kitchen knives.

[@JustIn-op6oy]

You've piqued my curiosity - what would you say would be an ideal angle for vg-10?

[@_BLANK_BLANK]

@@JustIn-op6oy with a good heat treat it can probably handle about 12 degrees per side easily.

[@JustIn-op6oy]

@@_BLANK_BLANK oh wow, that's a bit more than I was expecting. I figured 15-17 degrees would be the sweet spot. Which makers would you say do vg-10 the best?

[@_BLANK_BLANK]

@@JustIn-op6oy that I'm not sure. Im mostly used to getting it done well in japanese kitchen knives. I would guess spyderco would be a good bet though. 15 will probably work well though.

[@WBelland]

Curious why they left out the “Boye” indent on the lock back, as a person with neuropathy in my hands I welcome the missing feature. Right now the pm2 is my go to knife because it is easier to close for my “disabled” hands

[@WBelland]

By “welcome” I mean happy not to see it.

[@scottbailon31]

They did it on purpose, can’t remember the exact reason why.....it was stated in one of their newsletters...

[@LatiosBlade]

To be honest, rockjumper looks fair to me, after accounting for Canadian dollar conversion and difficulties with customs up here, I'd be hard pressed to recommend since it's not really meant for city slickers like me. Comment on the VG-10, it's fine, not amazing but I certainly wish that Spyderco could pull up to Takefu (the company that makes VG-10 and SG2) to have more chances to use SG2 in their lineup. Because I vaguely remember that Takefu doesn't simply hand out SG2 on a whim, even the sprint run of the Delica/Endura SG2 was already wack given artificial constraints with SG2. Heck I would love to see V-Toku in more of their Seki made line, something different, better in some sort of way.

[@floridamanknives]

I’ve been hoping you would review this, great video as always 👍 I would love to see some sprints and exclusives in this!

[@knaftasticedc956]

Oh yes k390 or maxamet..🔪👌

[@floridamanknives]

@@knaftasticedc956 👀 yes please!!! 🤞

[@Ondal1]

Would you maybe someday make a video about different handle materials and textures?

[@swamiralf5115]

I 2nd that! One thing I didn't know until I got G10-handled *kitchen* knives (North Arm) is that G10 is solidly grippy even when *soaking wet*. I was very impressed. Not a rough-textured G10 either.

[@MJFallout]

Well, Nick has laid it out already about the steel and the price: Spyderco's Seki City factory delivers very solid, very reliable, agreeable work... but does so mostly with VG-10, and at an okay-but-not-amazing price point. Personally, I'm happy with Spyderco's VG-10, but can see why people might be fed up with it as well.

[@jasonlove3517]

Seki is particularly bad with that heel grind. Golden gets much closer to the plunge grind and Taichung sharpens all the way to the plunge grind in my experience. It’s annoying with the Seki knives but easy to fix.

[@cayman9873]

I am waiting on the stab a tron 6000.. in liquid metal...very fancy

[@herbcraven7146]

Who else was like, "wait, Spyderco make a Z-Hunter?" at 1:20?

[@CultureStress]

When did VG-10 stop being the bottom of the "totally fine, good to go" steels and start being the top of the "budget" steels for you?

[@TheGamerGuy1981]

Given how many more steels have come out and how many better steels are available for similar or better pricing...VG10 really has become a budget steel. Much in the same way 440C used to be high end but compared to modern steels it underperforms.

[@Pinki2019]

@@TheGamerGuy1981 Many people prefer easy to sharpen steel. You can also get it with serrations, which fits its original inspiration (for climbers to cut rope). If you like the design but hate the steel, just hold off till they release a super steel version like K390 or something.

[@LatiosBlade]

I'd still say it's good to go, above the Cr series, above Aus series. I'm not such a steel snob nor am I chopping at logs and ropes all day. Not amazing, still fine.

[@CKshouta]

Knives powder metallurgy steel becoming cheaper and relegating previous ingot steels into budget territory. VG-10 is perfectly good steel tbh, You'd need to go to S35VN to actually beat it out in both toughness and wear resistance, which would require a huge price jump.

[@80808O]

wait there's going to be a stabatron 5000? I just got the 4000!

[@TheGamerGuy1981]

Eh...$85?? I'd find that rediculous for VG10. At that point I'd point someone to the chaparral.

[@i8kiwis21]

The moment they make this in something better than VG-10 i will be the first in line... until then I'll get my chapparal i been waiting on and save up for the stretch 2 k390

[@BrentonCarr]

I'll grab one if they do it in something other than thier vg10. Probably get stabatron 5000 engraved on the blade too!

[@motaman8074]

The Stabitron 5000 is a great knife. Would love to see a review.

[@etherealicer]

Stabitron would be a good knife name... I think the award for terrible knife name goes to Benchmade with their Claymore (after the internationally banned land-mine, not the Scottish sword).

[@jacknemo8021]

@@etherealicer the Claymore mine is not banned. Still in the inventory, still issued, still used. I know, I've used them.

[@etherealicer]

@@jacknemo8021 Claymore mines are part of the Ottawa treaty (aka "Convention on the Prohibition of the Use, Stockpiling, Production and Transfer of Anti-Personnel Mines and on their Destruction"), which has been signed by almost every state. But yeah, the US has not signed it (and they are in "good" company with China and Russia.). Independent of that, naming a knife after a device that maims people sends the wrong message.

[@jacknemo8021]

@@etherealicer war is an abomination and I am quite experienced after 20 + years in the infantry. You use whatever it takes to win as ending it is the only real "humane" thing. Crying about the name of one killing tool (a knife) being named after another (a mine) based on an historical one (a sword) is what we here in the internet call "weak sauce".

[@etherealicer]

@@jacknemo8021 I agree, war is messy that is why they should be avoided. The problem with mines is, that they stay there after the war. And that you have no control over who they kill, might be a child, might be a doctor trying to help someone wounded, might even be one of your guys because you forgot about the mine (or if they have to retreat through their own mine-filed). The enemy can also easily use your mines against you (majority of the mines used to kill US troops in Vietnam). A sword/gun etc takes a far more conscious action to kill someone. However, in this context the main point is, what do we want people to see in a knife. Do we want them to see a useful tool or a murderous instrument of death. We don't mind people walking around with a shovel but we certainly would mind people waling around with land-mines.

[@myvids3115]

Do you know any popular steel above of VG10 out of Japan? I guess that is why Spyderco Seki sticks to his Oldie but Goldie. In detail it is a better Delica (but Endela took the cake in this size categoryinbetween Delica and Endura).

[@lawrenceragnarok1186]

Srs 13, ginsan 3, r2(sg2)

[@myvids3115]

@@lawrenceragnarok1186 sure, but popular? Never seen major brand folding knives with those listed steels… but that can be me and my limited spectrum on the market.

[@lawrenceragnarok1186]

@@myvids3115 they're very popular in kitchen knives

[@myvids3115]

@@lawrenceragnarok1186 I am with you. My statement was focused on Nick‘s main topic … EDC knives. Kitchen knives to me are a whole other knife universe.

[@lawrenceragnarok1186]

@@myvids3115 yeah that's why I think it's pertinent to what you're saying, these could easily be used in pocket knives too, Spyderco used to use ginsan 2 back in the day

[@defnotcam9166]

Nice

[@ffar666]

Spyderco really jumped the rock with this one

[@chocorose6544]

VG-10 would actually be an upgrade for the Byrd line 😂

[@walvaren]

Salvi knife lover right here.

[@Dynotop1a]

I believe there are plans for this size and a larger one in both the Wharncliffe and a leaf shape, called the LeafJumper! I highly suggest trying serrations, especially in Wharncliffe knives, so much functionality that most of the community just hasn’t tapped into for some reason! Edit: this particular knife is “optimized” for climbers with things like the large lanyard hole, wharncliffe, backlock, and reduced ricasso to prevent snags. I climb a lot of trees and I’d carry it, but probably in the aforementioned serrated edge.

[@starkparker16]

I'm thinking about going full serrated. I use the serrated blade on my Wave all the time and it never lets me down

[@MrLlama999]

The community doesn’t like serrated because many enjoy sharpening straight edges. Serrated edges stay sharp and blast through most cuts, but are less fun to sharpen

[@richardhenry1969]

I've been carrying serrated blades for years now. After you figure how to sharpen them they are unbelievable. Even on subpar steel serrated will make the edge cut, and it will last longer then you think. Only thing about that knife I don't like how the clip has a hole,that doesn't line up to anything.

[@dude28405]

I’m waiting for the Stab a tron

[@jolness1]

Looking to grab my first Spyderco, I am thinking Para3 or PM2. Got lots of knives (around40) but lots of other manufacturers but never purchased a Spyderco. Looking at the para3/pm2 in s110v, would love m390/20cv/cts-204p since it is one of my fav all around steels but s110v is excellent if a little harder to sharpen. Thanks in advance KZbin comment section!

[@dylanemeraldgrey]

I'm kind of in the same boat - even though I have an old Seki city Delica that's been sharpened to within an inch of its life, literally. I pretty much zeroed in on the Bento box version of the para 3 in k390. But because I'm still having a problem justifying the cost (even though it just went on sale) I've been looking at the Endela and Endura in k390. I think they're kind of ugly, but because of the hunk of super steel you get, they're a great value, relatively speaking. They're also longer than the para 3 and I find myself using my +3" blades a lot more than the shorter ones. That's just me though. Still haven't pulled the trigger, but thought I'd commiserate and give you yet another steel to and to your mix. People really seem to love it. - cheers

[@BioTurk]

Para3 Lw

[@jolness1]

@@dylanemeraldgrey I have looked at bento box knives, been mulling them over too. I am not personally familiar with k390, will have to dig into it. Boehler makes good stuff imo

[@jolness1]

@@BioTurk I think I will go check one out, there is a place here that stocks them, I don't love the look but I think they might be a better tool which is really what matters. I have pretty knives, I can use a $150-$200 spyderco hard and not feel bad. I will check out the LW in person. I really want m390/20cv/204p as it seems to be a good all arounder for my use but not real common for them outside of sprints and exclusives that aren't in stock. I will check out the LW, I appreciate the feedback.

[@BioTurk]

@@jolness1 I got the para 3 lw in spy27 and I like it. It has some advantages no other spyderco has. - smooth and very fidgety action - disappears in pocket cause of deep cary clip -perfect size and lightweight

[@billrivers7558]

I got my rockjumper from a gaw and once I got it in hand I used it for opening a few packages and that's all use it for but I do love it it would be better in s30v or even bd1n

[@mattwalters6834]

Don’t like the Wharncliffe?

[@cayman9873]

Sv35 would make it better or m3

[@BrianMiller1973]

Upgrade the steel on this to S30V and Spyderco would charge $125.

[@CalebMcFadden]

Stab-a-tron needs to be a knife name

[@vvg19may]

Almost made it through to the end safely, until.......Jump......Rock.... :)

[@destro6971]

Mmmm... pupusas....

[@clintonlewis1261]

👍

[@stevenledwith]

I have the original Delica wharncliff. Great design but the VG10 steel is terrible, doesn't hold an edge well and is very difficult to get a nice keen edge.

[@chanabhaji2726]

Mushrooming maybe

[@Xedgehog1]

"Stab-A-Tron" ??

[@julianuga]

Basically a sheep's foot delica

[@BlazeBerger]

Not quite quick, not quite full...the endela of reviews

[@ryanc2696]

Might as well just throw out the disclaimer and start taking pay in exchange for good reviews. In all seriousness, I dont remember the last time it wasnt a provided-by-manufacturer review

[@NickShabazz]

The Rask was sent by a buddy, and I've just finished filming a large batch of own-purchased knives.

[@antny5705]

He said he was going to start focusing more on good gear and be staying away from the junk

[@gregcrist9648]

Please don't ever say "turd in the punchbowl" again.

[@brewman6218]

Spyderco should get Shabazz to design a super elite tactical knife called the D.O.C.S 5000.

[@ivanjurman6972]

" On the bad side, price on this guy is fine"

[@ivanjurman6972]

Though crowd

[@scottbailon31]

Mmmhmmm Papusas....

[@A.J.Collins]

10:05 I see you are not wearing your Batman mask. lol

[@williamrhyne2639]

How can you talk about this knife for 12 minutes

[@farangtravels3956]

All getting a bit boring now

[@mattconklin4026]

A cop measuring your knife? What kinda of shit is that?

[@jacknemo8021]

Disliked this one... alot.

[@hohanrodanrodan9624]

Definitely a failed design right?

[@hammerhi]

Really? Why? I think this is lowkey the best new in-house Spyderco design in years

[@hohanrodanrodan9624]

@@hammerhi yeah I like it.

[@garrettlosabia3818]

I like this knife but I already have the delica wharncliffe

[@hammerhi]

@@garrettlosabia3818 in person, they're pretty different. Rockjumper is much beefier. Chunkier handle, thicker blade stock. More blade shapes and steels incoming-I think the Rockjumper has wings.