Spyderco Kelly McCann Canis Folding Knife C248CFP

Spyderco Kelly McCann Canis Folding Knife C248CFP

J. Kelly McCann is one of the world’s leading experts in counterterrorism, close combat, and all aspects of personal and corporate security. With more than four decades of operational and training experience in 65 countries, he has developed several hard-won opinions on weapons and personal defense tactics. These insights form the foundation of his Canis design for Spyderco.

Canis, named after the genus within the Caninae subfamily that includes wolves, dogs, coyotes, and jackals, is a practical folding knife designed for a wide range of applications. Although it was designed to excel as a personal protection tool, it is equally at home as a utility folder for everyday carry. In fact, in many ways its unique blade design represents a huge leap forward in functionality and strength.

Like a traditional Wharncliffe, the Canis’ unconventional blade has a perfectly straight cutting edge that allows full-pressure cutting all the way to the tip. Unlike conventional Wharncliffes, however, the Canis blade’s primary bevels are significantly narrower. This unique grind lowers the upper part of the bevel—where it meets the full thickness of the blade—so it sits closer to the cutting edge. The result is a thick, reinforced tip that is substantially stronger than the tips of most Wharncliffe blades.

Shorter bevels usually mean a thicker, less efficient edge geometry. The Canis overcomes this challenge with deep hollow-ground bevels that minimize the blade’s thickness “behind the edge.” It also adds a swedge at the center of the blade (an unsharpened bevel), which reduces blade weight and lowers friction as it passes through the material being cut—similar to the diamond-shaped cross-section of Japanese samurai swords. The synergy of these design elements combines high-performance blade geometry, the versatility and cutting power of the Wharncliffe profile, and the strength advantages of a reinforced tip.

The Canis blade is made from CPM S30V stainless steel and also features the fully accessible Trademark Round Hole, which provides excellent leverage for fast one-handed opening with either hand. A section of jimping (textured grooves) above the hole also bridges the blade-handle junction to ensure secure, non-slip thumb purchase for users who prefer a saber grip.

To ensure maximum control and a secure grip during use, the Canis’ ergonomic handle is flared at both ends and offers a palm-filling swell in the center. This highly refined shape “captures” the user’s hand, locks it in place, and provides a highly functional integral guard. Peel-ply-textured carbon fiber/G-10 laminate scales provide additional traction for a non-slip grip and give the knife a stunning appearance. Skeletonized stainless steel liners provide excellent structural strength and form the backbone of the robust Compression Lock mechanism. The liners are nested into the scales to keep the Canis slim and pocket friendly, and they work together with the knife’s open-backed construction to reduce its overall weight while simplifying cleaning and maintenance.

To keep the Canis ready for immediate access and support all possible carry options and deployment preferences, it is equipped with a versatile four-position pocket clip. It also includes a generously sized lined lanyard hole for easy attachment of fobs and safety lanyards.

The Canis is a truly exceptional folding knife that reflects Kelly McCann’s unique operational experience and his insights as one of the world’s most respected close-combat trainers. Spyderco is extremely proud to have collaborated with McCann on this design and is excited to add it to its product line.

Specifications

Closed length: 12 cm

Blade style: Wharncliffe

Blade grind: Hollow

Blade finish: Satin

Blade edge: Plain

Handle color: Black

Locking mechanism: Compression Lock

Pocket clip: Stainless steel (Tip-Up/Down, Right/Left carry)

Model number: C248CFP

Model name: Canis

Designer: Kelly McCann