Spyderco Insistent C246GPS Folding Knife

Spyderco Insistent C246GPS Folding Knife

Since its introduction, the Spyderco Efficient has earned loyal fans among knife enthusiasts who appreciate a versatile folder that is both pocket-friendly and affordable. It also inspired demand for a smaller, more discreet “gentleman’s” version. The answer to that call is the Insistent, which scales the Efficient down by about 14 percent and adds a reversible deep-pocket wire clip configured for tip-up carry. All of its other features stay true to its bigger brother, including a full-flat-ground 8Cr13MoV stainless steel blade, a choice of PlainEdge or CombinationEdge configurations, skeletonized stainless steel liners, a stainless steel backspacer, a robust LinerLock mechanism, and textured G10 scales.

Introduced in 2016, the Spyderco Efficient was designed from the ground up to be part of Spyderco’s popular Value Folder family—a series of full-featured folding knives priced to suit virtually any budget. Like the other members of this family, the Efficient proudly included all the critical features and benefits that define Spyderco knives, but in a more affordable format. It was also sized for easy carry, to comply with most blade-length laws, and to fit the ergonomic “sweet spot” preferred by most Spyderco users.

Although the Efficient quickly gained a devoted following among performance-oriented Spyderco enthusiasts, as we all know, there is no such thing as a one-size-fits-all knife. In addition to obvious physical differences in hand size, knife choice is also shaped by subjective personal preferences, legal considerations, weight, and carry comfort. Not surprisingly, as good as it was (and still is), the Efficient was not ideal for every user. Some wanted the same design in a slightly smaller package; others wanted a distinctly larger size better suited to big hands and heavier cutting tasks. To answer those requests, Spyderco chose to go in both directions and created the Insistent and Emphasis, both of which share the same proven design style and performance characteristics as the Efficient.

The Insistent is essentially a more compact “gentleman’s” version of the Efficient. Overall, it is approximately 14 percent smaller, and its full-flat-ground drop-point blade is only 2.5 inches long, making it compliant even with very strict blade-length laws, such as those in Chicago and Boston. Made from 8Cr13MoV stainless steel, its broad profile ensures excellent edge geometry, and the index-finger choil at the base of the edge provides a comfortable grip in a forward hold. Choking up on the knife in this way improves control during precise cutting tasks and easily accommodates a four-finger grip—even with large hands.

At the other end of the spectrum is the Emphasis, which “emphasizes” the proven qualities of the Efficient by expressing them in a knife that is roughly 15 percent larger overall. Its extremely capable blade is also full-flat-ground from 8Cr13MoV stainless steel, includes an index-finger choil, and measures a substantial 3.58 inches (91 mm).

Despite the shorter and longer blades of the Insistent and Emphasis, the “cockpit” of both designs—the key dimensional relationship of the blade pivot, lock, and trademark Round Hole—is exactly the same as on the Efficient. Much like the concept of full-size, compact, and subcompact pistols, this consistency means the basic handling and one-handed operation of all three models are virtually identical. Like the Efficient, the Insistent and Emphasis feature broad drop-point blade profiles, well-centered utility points, and “hump-less” spines that make them slimmer and more comfortable in the pocket when closed. They are also available in PlainEdge and CombinationEdge formats.

The handle construction of the Efficient is also reflected in its larger and smaller brothers, featuring full, skeletonized stainless steel liners, solid stainless steel backspacers, and non-slip, textured G-10 scales. This solid framework ensures excellent structural strength and balance, while also providing the foundation for the knives’ robust LinerLock mechanisms. Generous cutouts in the front scale allow easy right-handed access to the blade’s Round Hole, as well as convenient one-handed lock release.

Other than their sizes, the only other major difference between the Insistent and Emphasis and their inspiration, the Efficient, is their pocket clip style. Unlike the Efficient’s stainless steel clip, both new models are equipped with low-profile deep-pocket wire clips that can be easily reversed for left- or right-side carry.

Choosing a knife is a very personal process. While size matters, the right size matters even more. With the options offered by the Insistent, Emphasis, and the original Efficient, you really can’t go wrong.

Specifications

Cutting edge: 5.5 cm

Closed length: 9.5 cm

Blade style: Leaf-shaped

Blade grind: Full flat

Blade finish: Satin

Blade Edge: Combo

Handle color: Black

Locking mechanism: Liner Lock

Pocket clip: Tip-up, left/right carry

Model number: C246GP

Model name: Insistent