Spyderco LeafJumper C262SBLK390 Folding Knife

Spyderco LeafJumper C262SBLK390 Folding Knife

Spyderco co-founder Sal Glesser has always had a strong interest in designing knives that meet specific performance criteria. His incredible ability to understand and relate to the needs of end users has led to some of Spyderco’s most recognized designs, including the Mariner, Police Model, Civilian, Military, Rescue, and Assist, to name just a few.

A more recent example of Sal’s purpose-driven approach to knife design is the RockJumper, which he created to satisfy the demanding requirements of outdoor enthusiasts and climbers. Introduced in 2020, the RockJumper not only earned a devoted following, but also inspired demand for a version with a more conventional blade shape. Sal’s latest design, the LeafJumper, answers that call.

Design evolution

Sal’s goal in designing the RockJumper was to create a lightweight folding knife that offers impressive cutting performance and quick, fully ambidextrous one-handed operation. To achieve that in a comfortable and easy-to-carry package, he refined the design to fit perfectly in the “sweet spot” between the Delica 4 and Endura 4 Lightweights while still delivering all the same time-tested features and advantages.

Many of the defining qualities of the Delica 4 and Endura 4 can be found in their handle construction. Their lightweight, ergonomic handles are built on a framework of stainless steel liners. The liners are skeletonized to reduce weight and give the knives impressive structural strength, support their robust back lock mechanisms, and provide solid anchor points for their four-position pocket clips. The liners are nested into scales injection molded from tough fiberglass-reinforced nylon (FRN) and feature Spyderco’s signature Bi-Directional Texture pattern for a secure, non-slip grip. Matching FRN backspacers add further strength and anchor the springs for the knives’ back lock mechanisms, which can be operated easily with either hand.

All of these features are faithfully incorporated into the RockJumper’s handle, which features a broad profile that flares at both ends and “cups” the user’s hand for greater grip security. The palm-filling design also lays flat across the palm to allow instinctive tactile orientation of the blade’s plane and edge. Because many outdoor enthusiasts and climbers like to use safety lanyards on their knives, an oversized lanyard hole is also included at the rear end of the handle.

At the business end, the RockJumper features a full-flat-ground VG-10 stainless steel blade with a classic Wharncliffe profile. The spine of the blade gracefully curves down to meet a perfectly straight edge at an exceptionally sharp point. The result is a blade that offers everything from scalpel-like precision to extreme cutting power in one package. It is available in various PlainEdge or fully serrated SpyderEdge configurations and proudly features a fully accessible Trademark Round Hole for positive one-handed opening with either hand.

Turning over a new leaf

Although the Wharncliffe blade shape is exceptionally practical and versatile, some knife users prefer more “belly” along the edge and a sturdier point that is closer to the knife’s centerline. To accommodate those preferences, Sal chose to pair the RockJumper’s handle with a broad leaf-shaped blade, and the LeafJumper was born.

As its name suggests, the defining feature of the LeafJumper is the shape of its blade, which resembles the symmetrical profile of a bamboo leaf. Although this shape has been a standard since the first knives made by humans 2.5 million years ago, Spyderco is perhaps best known for showcasing it in modern folding knife design. The Manix 2 and Manix 2 XL, UK Penknife, Chaparral family, Caly 3.5, and Lil' Temperance 3 Lightweight are all proof of that.

The LeafJumper blade is available in various PlainEdge or fully serrated SpyderEdge formats and is a work of art. Its fully accessible trademark Round Hole declares the knife’s Spyderco pedigree and allows fast, reliable one-handed opening with either hand. Like the RockJumper, the LeafJumper blade has minimal ricasso (the unground full-thickness area closest to the handle), offering maximum edge length. This works together with the refined ergonomics of the handle to place the hand farther forward and enable greater cutting power near the heel of the blade, closest to the handle. The full-flat grind and beautifully satin finish ensure low-friction cutting performance, while the subtly raised blade edge lifts the point and aligns it with the knife’s centerline. Raising the point also thickens and strengthens it, making it better suited to piercing and other point-oriented tasks.

Except for its molded-in name, the LeafJumper handle is exactly the same as the RockJumper’s and faithfully delivers all the same benefits. Built on a framework of skeletonized stainless steel liners, the broad, palm-filling handle features FRN scales, a molded FRN backspacer, and a robust back lock mechanism with a positive self-closing function. The FRN scales are injection molded with Spyderco’s high-traction Bi-Directional Texture pattern, providing a secure, non-slip grip even in the most demanding conditions. To ensure easy carry and keep the knife ready for immediate access, the handle includes a four-position hourglass pocket clip that can be configured for left or right-side, tip-up or tip-down carry. For users who prefer the added security of lanyards and fobs, the rear end of the handle offers a generously sized lanyard hole. Together, these features make the LeafJumper’s design completely symmetrical and allow every aspect of its carry, deployment, and operation to be fully ambidextrous.

Inspired by Sal Glesser’s original RockJumper design, the LeafJumper is a mid-sized back lock folding knife with a broad, ergonomic handle and a versatile leaf-shaped blade. This elite expression infuses the design with a blade made from Bohler K390 steel. An advanced tool steel created to endure demanding industrial cutting, blanking, and punching applications, K390 offers exceptional toughness and edge retention when used for knife blades. The FRN handle of the K390 LeafJumper is molded in the distinctive blue color reserved for Spyderco’s elite family of K390 knives.

The LeafJumper is an impressive cutting tool that takes all the proven qualities of the RockJumper and expresses them through the advantages of a leaf-shaped blade. If you’re looking for a mid-sized folding knife that offers both relentless performance and iconic Spyderco style, look no further.

Specifications

Closed length: 11.3 cm

Blade style: Leaf shape

Blade grind: Full-flat

Blade finish: Satin

Blade edge: Serrated

Handle color: Blue

Locking mechanism: Lockback

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

Model number: C262SBLK390

Model name: LeafJumper K390

Designer: Sal Glesser

Made in Japan