The Vallotton Sub-Hilt Knife -- one of Spyderco's biggest and baddest.

Butch Vallotton designed one beast of a knife for Spyderco. The Vallotton sub-hilt fighter has been around for years, but it's been hard to find in U.S. retailers until a major restock this week. Here I unbox one, share a few observations, and make some size comparisons.
Visit me on Instagram: @kni.ives

[@francobuzzetti9424]

this is by far the best spyderco I've ever seen! i don't usually like spydercos that much but this really got my attention!

[@kevinjackson3680]

I was going to say the same thing! I'm not a fan of the wide leaf shape blades Spyderco usually makes, so this one being thinner looks very cool 😁

[@AmmoC9M]

Was drooling up until it was revealed to be a liner lock.

[@Cletus_the_Elder]

Such a weird and beautiful and capable knife. Completely off my radar until I saw your review.

[@davedavid0]

It's heavy an thick. Nice looking though

[@ResilienceOnPurpose]

Same here!

[@robertsooy7635]

Hideous looking knife... ..to each his own.

[@dansaenz1825]

I bought this knife 3 years ago for $60, new. The guy liquidated the majority of his knives because he had far too many (doesnt make sense to me but oh well) . I carried it and used it everyday for 6 months. It is heavy but, you feel extra confident in its toughness and durability because it is. No blade play whatsoever and rock solid. The only spyderco to have a thumbstud and spydey hole. The con for me was the deployment. It's isn't as smooth as almost any model today. Even after extended use, cleaning, lubrication. Not bad but spoiled by today's easy opening knives . I've since buffed out the wear on the blade and stored it in my knife case.

[@williamleidy6713]

I finally jumped on this blade a few months ago. I like Spyderco weirdness.

[@lou704]

Wow. That is a uniquely nice knife. Very classy.

[@kd8309]

I LOVE Spyderco. My EDC is a police 4 lightweight and I love it - razor sharp out of the box. Their sharpening system is also great and simple to use.

[@verdugohomestead3175]

Love it. It has the styling of 1940’s 50’s stiletto. Like something a ruffian street gang would carry ala Old School Marlon Brando movies . So slick

[@blacknapalm2131]

*Spyderco are for life* I have an orginal Delica that I have daily used for over 2 decades and it still works flawlessly

[@alanlutz8373]

This is the first I've heard of this one. Damn, I'm impressed!! Thanks for the video.

[@kaoskronostyche9939]

Nice knife. Love Spyderco. However, at $569.99 Canadian on sale for $397.99 Canadian with a stainless steel blade I not only cannot afford it but I still have trouble understanding how a bit of stainless steel and plastic can be so expensive. I guess a person pays a lot for the name. Thanks for the review. Cheers!

[@vivelachocha7440]

yea id pay 180 for that tops. it's not even auto. anything more than that gotta be special. at that point your not comparing it to other knives you can buy instead. your choosing that over some nice shotguns and decent pistols. f that I agree

[@K3Flyguy]

But, but its made in Taiwan.

[@ironwallaby8189]

Looks like I’m going to keep carrying my Victorinox. Several hundred dollars is just not something I can rationalize for myself, no matter how much I want it

[@strangelyfamiliar1729]

Thanks. Was lookin for a quick link to the site to see the price and perhaps consider purchasing one but that price is way more than I'm willing to blow on a pocket knife.

[@margaretadler6162]

This is the first Spyderco I've seen that impressed me!

[@Almightyrastus]

Beautiful knives. Had mine for a few years now and it is still one that feels like a bit of a treat when I carry it. If you take it apart you will see that the individual parts are numbered so that knives in a batch don't get mixed up and not fit together properly as the parts are hand fitted during assembly.

[@markgoodwin4500]

I've owned one for years it's an excellent cutter

[@michaelcreekmore9534]

I love mine. So far, this one, and the Tuff are the only Spyderco's I couldn't bring myself to part with. As it stand currently, I won't bother with anything by them that isn't made in the Taichung factory. The quality difference is palpable.

[@edleifer6719]

Beautiful Spyderco, I like the fact that the handle is not really thin and you feel the meat of it in your palm.

[@richardlujan4981]

Is it American made

[@alundavies8402]

@@richardlujan4981 I am English and I really like this knife but we can’t have automatic knives

[@johndohe990]

Its a pretty cool knife, and even cooler with the Vallotton auto conversion🥰 Love mine and wont ever let it go.❤️

[@user-cs3hi8zp7p]

I think the Vallotton is such a great looking, super ergo stunner! Congrats💪😎👍

[@ericmack001]

I thought the Gayle Bradley 2 was a good looking knife. This knife has it beat. This knife is hot! It is a really unique and cool design. It seems retro to me. Very nice

[@sghi727r]

The construction, fit and finish of this knife is superb as stated. It's a permanent part of my collection. If you're into knives and like the style, order it!

[@QuantumMechanic_88]

Where and how much?

[@xSILENTNEMESISx]

As of just now they are out of stock again until further noticed...iv beeen wanting this damn blade for a while..great vid and teaser ...awesome comparison..cheers

[@PinkyPowers]

I've never been a big fan of the SpiderCo design philosophy, but a few years ago I saw the Vallotton, and fell in love, and it became my entry into the brand. Such a sweet knife. I felt the same about Benchmade, until I saw the Loco-808. I guess I'm more of a Microtech guy. I love all their knives. :D

[@stephanstephan1237]

Love mine. I have the auto conversion with a hidden sliding scale to activate the auto. It's a beast.

[@tplummer217]

One of my favorites in my collection.

[@jimmajr9224]

sweet love that edge out of the box.

[@MrKitty-zv3dl]

I really like the look of this knife. S30V for me will work fine as I don't use a carry knife to cut anything, it's for a defensive purpose use only. I carry a Swiss Army for simple cutting tasks. My Cold Steel Large Espada S35VN polished G10 with aluminum bolsters cost about the same price of the Valloton. You want to talk about big, heavy and sexy the Espada is it.

[@onewheelup]

good looking knife,i still have my original spyderco i bought in 1996 the shradded edge one and i just never have seen any that i liked over the yrs,this one looks nice,i like the scale material,i guess thats what brought me here lol take care

[@blkbyrd]

Just came across this video after putting my converted Sub-Hilt in my pocket for the first time in quite a while. The knife was converted by Butch himself into a D/A auto. Great absolutely beautiful knife. RIP Butch.

[@GunCollector007]

Absolutely beautiful knife

[@aronber880]

I have the double action version in large and it's amazing

[@whalehands4779]

This knife is insane. I have one. Very unique and rock solid

[@scottsansone9343]

Wow super cool luv the fighter for sure

[@rcmakingtracks18]

Wow, that's one cool looking knife. Just done a search and put one on back order, but I think it's going to be a wait... thanks for sharing. Liked and subscribed. John

[@dougkemp8001]

Sent mine to Cory and he converted it to double action. It's nice.

[@GerstBladeworks]

Nice! A hollow grind from Spyderco eh? Hmm 🤔 I love it, I like the weird Spydercos. S30V is one of the GOATS. My daily carry is a knife that uses S35VN. People too obsessed with m390 to appreciate it 🤣🤣 (except all of us CRK fans)

[@mikemph7779]

Gorgeous knife !

[@dionvillanueva8822]

Beautiful knife!! What more to say?..keep up the great reviews 👍

[@_JimS]

Very handsome knife. Congratulations!

[@e.t.preppin7084]

This is a nice knife. I went from a PM 2 to scold steel knife that I’m still carrying ( hard to believe) I’m gonna have to buy one of these. Wish it was S35

[@jeramiahshastid6041]

First time at your channel, your review was great and informative. I just subscribed and look forward to more.SEMPER FI

[@pocketknifecollector]

Much appreciated

[@tonyedge2457]

I like it..looks pretty sturdy for a pocket folder

[@JRCMechanical]

We have very similar taste in folders 👌, I’ve always liked the aesthetics of this knife however I’ve lost faithful in liner locks after having one fold in on my index finger cutting it to the bone😬

[@pocketknifecollector]

Ouch!

[@hokutomaster89]

Same here, although i didnt suffer the closing i have accidentally cut to the finger bone. I just realized i never wanted that to happen, and wont ever buy liner or frame locks again. Love my spyderco endura 4 has been my edc for at least 5 years and will be for alot longer

[@larrybulthouse455]

Aw dont feel alone that happens to the best of us. If youve never been hurt its because youve never done anything🤨

[@bobdoby1810]

Simply Beautiful “SPYDEE” !!! B!! 😉😋🍀❤️‍🔥☘️💯

[@mwm302]

Very cool little tool/sharpener, wish I had heard about it

[@dobie-at-home]

I opted for the discontinued Lil’ Sub Hilt and couldn’t be happier. Same knife, but smaller with a few differences in the design. A bit more pocket friendly, but still beefy for EDC. Both are hard to get.

[@piperp9535]

I also have the Lil' Sub Hilt, but I have the auto version. I almost never carry it, but I have. Fortunately in Arizona there are no illegalities to worry with.

[@milododds1]

Wow! That's a really cool knife. Thank you for doing this review. I have the knife that Spyderco sued Benchmade over many years ago over their use of the circular hole (Benchmade ATS-34). The thickness of the Vallotton sort of has a Böker feel to it.

[@brianm2578]

I've still got two of the Mini AFCK's with the thumb whole, partially and fully serrated. Still love them

[@markhogan4114]

I love it! Please keep up the 4inch blades Spyderco !

[@daviddowns7552]

the ceramic piece ,i call ivory,,really will keep an edge on a blade. thats a nice knive it looks really well made. heavy is good imo.✓

[@tonystipbits4944]

We carnt have lock up in uk,we have risk our fingers just cutting up carbord boxes.

[@tomcooke1853]

So many to choose from head is spinning all nice

[@George999Welch]

Super cool.

[@zippo1077]

Awesome knife, I was saving up for either the kapara or spyopera but now another is added to that list

[@TheyllNeverGetMe]

Spy opera is the only one of those I have handled. It is only if my favorite edc blades. Ultralight for summer carry in shorts. It is also very classy. I often carry as a backup in the office in case HR is around and I don’t want to deploy one of my less subtle knives.

[@TheGorillafoot]

Wanted one of those for a long time. Never could convince myself to spend the money on one when my para 3 does the job.

[@BladesRKing]

This seems much more classy than the typical Spyderco FRN knives. Kinda like SOG Tomcat compared to their other models.

[@Watchandcutgearchannel]

I still have one of there dual action versions from like 5 years or more ago… that’s a fun version to have as well… Butch modded them himself… pretty awesome 😎

[@AC-bl1rl]

Yes sir, lots of fun! And totally stealth, too.

[@benbenavides9792]

What numbers are engraved inside yours?

[@YerBrwnDogAteMyRabit]

I assumed this was dual action, kinda disappointed that it isn't. Kept waiting for the 2nd means of opening and it never happened...

[@mobilegamersunite]

She looks good! 😍

[@JT-zb2yn]

I saw this knife years ago and wanted to buy it.

[@iandevera5906]

My first spyderco! I really wanna try the d/a conversion

[@fengutheface]

Love it, just needs the liner lock mod where you can replace it in case it warps witch it will.

[@Stupha_Kinpendous]

Holy shit. 3:56 On the blade is inscribed "TAIWAN TAICHUNG." I live in Taichung, Taiwan. Nice place. Had no idea they made those knives here.

[@benbenavides9792]

I have a dual action auto one of these that was converted by the man Butch himself may he Rest In Peace

[@commercialbreak8290]

A thumb stud on a Spyderco 😮!!!

[@HellaNorCal916]

That's a great looking knife. Personally I've been burned out with Spyderco designs. Nice to see them change it up. Absolutely nothing wrong with s30v in my opinion,it's a great steel for its price point.

[@DanielJacksonisbiggerinside]

Did you know this knife design is more than a decade old? (2011? One of the earlier Taichung releases. Almost as old as the PM2.)

[@thebadness6217]

i wish they made a cheaper version of this with frn handles in forest green. I really like this blade shape.

[@davedavid0]

You're the reason we can't have nice things.

[@johneveland1350]

Nice looking design

[@TheyllNeverGetMe]

Nice one man. I have been eyeing that blade for years. I would love to get one of the D/A converted ones by Butch Vallotton. RIP

[@meat52689]

I like it looks great

[@davidk413]

Very solid. beautiful knife. I would carry it. I got my first pocket knife from my Dad at 6. It was a tiny little one. But, he said always carry a good knife. And I do. De'De Kershaw

[@jayceecombs6887]

This is my EDC (2) Each Front Pocket Going On 10+ Years! It Is These Are Best Spyderco Knives I Own! Cannot Say Enough About Them! The First Was A Gift Received, I Immediately Purchased The Second As A Spare.Took A Couple Years To Go Doubled Up EDC. MINE LOOK LARGER Than Yours! I Would Put My Life In Them In My Hands, &Do! They Are Tight, Sharp/(Only Touched Them Up), A Beast! Fit Great In The Pocket(not hidden all the way). In Hand, You Feel It's Weight & Deepth! I Believe... It Will NEVER FAIL ME! Thanx, J

[@Rick-xt2cz]

I wished I had purchased one to use as an EDC and a second one for collection/investment but my paycheck early on was good enuff for 1........way to go on your initiative purchasing 2 of this awesome blade !

[@DhirajKumar-so6mi]

Such a nice peace.

[@dickjivas5996]

just got mine last week, feels like one of the few folders I wouldn't mind getting in a fight with.

[@brandonpausta2206]

I want this one and the automony both very nice

[@jaxson1948]

Nice!

[@BensBlades]

New sub! Love this knife!!! Always been on my radar, now more than ever! Thank you for the great video!!!🔪🖤🗡

[@pocketknifecollector]

Thanks for watching!

[@BrentDelong1253]

That looks like a beast.

[@pocketknifecollector]

Pretty much, yeah.

[@David-ek4fh]

I designed the most popular knife in the 21 century. After ejecting from Snowbird #1, 21 June 2001, the investigation team asked me if I had any ideas for a new rescue tool. I started, after the third bullet point they stopped me, pulled out their tape recorders (3), and asked if I could start over. The blade shouldn’t be more than 4’’ long, the blade should be black for Tach reasons, it should have a tanto tip for punching through an airframe, the first third should be serrated for cutting, it needs to be ‘’one handed opening’’, it should have a pachmyer insert in the handle for grip, the blade needs to be double locking for safety, a three screw metal clip for the arctic w/ 3 screws, it should have a 440 or better steel, it should have a lanyard hole no bigger than 3mm, you can incorporate a stitch ripper into the handle that can cut type 10 nylon, a glass piton on the end, the handle should be form fitting (insertion into the anus if capture is imminent during E&E. Three months after it went to tender it seemed like every company on the planet was making a version of my knife. Even Swiss Army put rubber inserts in the handle of their bigger knives. Most of your knives today are spawn from my design. You’re welcome. Acorn (Germany) won the contract and a sub of s&w bought them for the patents. The prototype was anus approved “but” I never explained why unlike the other fourteen features. Six of those never existed before mine.

[@gamebriz4163]

Fit and finish 💪👍

[@brianbelchuk9612]

Love it

[@vladimirkovacevic1656]

i love this knife

[@willowwood6798]

dope knife

[@1969Irishdave]

Such a pity the blade is a tad longer than is legal in a lot of states @ 3.7 “ while we are bound by 3.5”. Why oh why ????? Would love to carry one but will have to pass!

[@Steve-yz1eb]

Jack knife police ??

[@kevinkott9853]

Love this knife I have one regualr and one automatic.

[@ginaauten1110]

I wish I hadn’t watched this. Great video good job. Still wish I didn’t know about that knife.

[@davidwhiren817]

Spyderco's R&D is top drawer !!!

[@jimdelarosa9776]

Very nice knife.

[@sethalbert1239]

Good stuff. Funny story...I was ffw through the video and every time it stopped you said "umm" 😂

[@Monsoonpain]

Never seen this one...nice ...

[@James-sh7rr]

These are excellent MRE opening knives.

[@Rick-xt2cz]

Wicked Beautiful knife; lucky to have found it years ago to have in the collection and able to EDC during colder months. It is heavy with most of the weight on the handle side so personally the balance is off. Definitely not the blade to carry if your outfit consists of stretchy jeans with weak pockets.......your're gonna need thick chinos or heavier weight denim. Blade deploys smooth and fast out of the box but the scales have some rough edges. Congrats on your acquisition !

[@pocketknifecollector]

Thanks!

[@degraham9198]

Sweet.

[@andrewbecker3700]

Knives are tools that are always better when they're kept as simple as possible. If I was in a combat situation, the new knife is the superior weapon in every way.

[@adamblackman6660]

I would say that the knife you know well, is the best. Provided it’s sharp

[@kelroylovel7110]

I lost my excuse decro years ago Seeing the knife box is killing me with nostalgia 😭

[@Kris_Stiletto]

Awesome, Bro! :-) That looks like a strong Liner-Lock... :-) Peace, Stiletto :-)

[@petermurdoch3001]

I had a Sheffield folder given to me 35 years ago, it's my EDC, goes in my pocket before my wallet

[@steverodgers8035]

This is the kind of handle I wish all Spyderco had , I don't really believe a knife will be heavier than a gun so I hate the argument that it's weight reduction

[@mikehowell8983]

I would like it better if it was a compression lock instead of liner lock

[@pocketknifecollector]

Strongest liner lock I’ve seen, fwiw.

[@1Rabble-Rouser]

Love the Italian-style heavy-stock folders, 4 mill thick and that Michael Walker liner-lock is a bonus too!!

[@marcegrecco53]

Nice

[@danielstone2851]

I just bought one of these a few weeks ago at a gun & knife show, got it for $40.00 still in the box.

[@mordi2537]

To good to be true I'd really check it out.

[@ludikonj8927]

I like it 👍