Spyderco/LionSteel Max SpyOpera C255CMP Folding Knife

Spyderco/LionSteel Max SpyOpera C255CMP Folding Knife

The SpyOpera by Spyderco is an extremely capable folding knife that boasts classic lines and old-school craftsmanship. It is also a vivid reflection of Spyderco’s long-standing relationship with one of Italy’s leading manufacturers.

The story of the SpyOpera began with a knife called the “Opera,” made by the prestigious Italian company LionSteel. Founded in 1969 by Gino Pauletta and his wife Cesarina, LionSteel is based in Maniago, the capital of Italian cutlery manufacturing. Its name was inspired by a lion sculpture carved by Gino’s grandfather from the native limestone of nearby Mount Jôuf.

In its early years, LionSteel specialized in producing can openers, penknives, and similar small tools for other Italian companies. Then, in 1978, during a visit to Milan, Gino saw a classic American-made folding knife in a souvenir shop. Despite its high price, he bought it and set out to replicate it at a price accessible to the Italian market. He succeeded, and in doing so charted a new course for LionSteel. As the company continued to evolve, the Pauletta family invested in new technologies and kept pace with modern design trends and manufacturing methods. At the turn of the 21st century, Gino handed control of the company over to his sons Daniele, Gianni, and Massimo. Under their leadership, and with the help of state-of-the-art design software and CNC machining capabilities, the company proudly produces innovative knives.

The original LionSteel Opera, designed by renowned Italian custom knifemaker Massimo Salice Sanna—better known as “MAX”—was introduced in 2006 and quickly became one of the company’s best-selling models. Its exceptional blend of style and function appealed to a wide audience of knife users and soon inspired several variations of the basic design. The Opera also caught the attention of Spyderco’s founders and sparked interest in the possibility of a “Spyderized” version. Through close collaboration with LionSteel, the design was modified to include Spyderco’s trademark round hole and its signature deep-pocket wire clip. With the addition of these characteristic Spyderco features, the SpyOpera was born.

Manufactured for Spyderco by LionSteel in their factory in Maniago, Italy, the SpyOpera faithfully preserves the design flair and all the key traits of the original Opera. Its full-flat-ground drop-point blade is made from premium M390 particle metallurgy stainless steel. Produced by Böhler-Uddeholm, this high-performance alloy offers very high wear and corrosion resistance, yet remains extremely easy to sharpen and maintain. The fully accessible round hole allows easy one-handed opening with either hand and proudly declares the knife’s Spyderco identity.

The SpyOpera’s blade is supported by a robust lockback mechanism that locks it securely during use while still allowing easy one-handed closing with either hand. The knife’s smooth, ergonomic handle is made from titanium liners, a stainless steel backspacer, and brown canvas Micarta scales. Expertly contoured to provide a comfortable grip, the scales highlight the classic old-school look of layered Micarta and are attached with three stylish Torx screws on each side. The spine of the blade, lock bar, and backspacer are also carefully rounded for style and enhanced comfort. This level of detail is rarely seen on factory-made knives and truly elevates the SpyOpera’s craftsmanship to an elite level.

Although the original LionSteel Opera was clipless and intended for pocket or belt carry, later versions with G-10 scales added a stamped stainless steel clip. As a proud member of Spyderco’s CLIP-IT family of knives, the SpyOpera features a deep-pocket wire clip that allows for low-profile carry while keeping the knife ready for immediate access. In the knife’s first production run, the clip was configured only for right-side tip-down carry; however, later production incorporated a reversible clip that allows left- or right-side tip-down carry. Its backspacer also includes a generously sized lanyard hole for easy attachment of lanyards and fobs.

The SpyOpera is a compact gentleman’s folder that delivers comprehensive cutting performance with exceptional style. On a deeper level, it represents a remarkable collaboration between two of the most influential companies in the knife industry. Spyderco is immensely proud of it and of its relationship with LionSteel.

Specifications

Closed Length: 10.2 cm

Blade Style: Drop Point

Blade Grind: Full Flat

Blade Finish: Satin

Blade Edge: Plain

Handle Color: Brown

Liner Material: Titanium

Locking Mechanism: Lockback

Pocket Clip: Wire (tip-down, right-side carry)

Model Number: C255CMP

Model Name: SpyOpera

Designer: Max

Made in Italy