Introduced in 2024, the NAND is a futuristic folding knife that showcases Paul Alexander's impressive talents as a designer. In Paul's words, it reflects a "techno-primitive" style that is sleek, angular, and consists primarily of straight lines punctuated by Spyderco's signature Trademark Round Hole in the blade. These aesthetics, along with a folding knife's two natural states—open and closed—create a "binary" symbolism that is the inspiration for the knife's unique name.

If you haven't brushed up on your computer terminology recently, "NAND" is an electronics term formed by a contraction of the words "not" and "and." A specific type of computer "logic gate," it is, by nature, a binary thing. It's also a name that is distinctive, minimalist, and high-tech—just like the knife it represents.

The NAND's blade is crafted from Böhler-Uddeholm's M398—an evolved version of M390 particle metallurgy stainless steel. M398 boasts significant increases in its carbon and vanadium content compared to M390, making it capable of achieving extreme hardness and edge retention. The NAND's straight-edged, full-flat-ground blade takes full advantage of these properties to deliver exceptional cutting performance and utility.

According to Alexander, he designed the NAND's blade to have a distinctive aesthetic profile that both complemented and transcended the angular design of the knife. Although the blade has a fully accessible and functional Trademark Round Hole, he also bestowed it with an extended "tail" that extends from the pivot-pin end of the handle when the knife is closed. Besides contributing to the knife's dramatic style, the tail provides a secondary "purchase" for one-handed opening, much like the blade tab of a classic straight razor or friction folder.

The NAND's blade is housed in a sleek, open-backed handle constructed with two precision-machined solid titanium scales. The forward portion of both scales is slotted to create a pair of integral spring arms, each containing a seated steel ball bearing. When the blade is opened, the tension of the spring arms drives the ball bearings into index holes in the sides of the blade to hold it in place during use. A second set of holes in the blade indexes the ball bearings when the knife is closed, acting as a conventional detent mechanism to keep the blade safely closed when carried in the pocket. Originally used in Bob Terzuola's Spyderco SLIPIT design in 2009, this method of keeping the blade open is known as a Ball Joint Non-Locking Mechanism. The NAND’s expression of it, however, takes the concept to the next level.

In the NAND, the design of the spring arms puts the ball bearing detents in front of the pivot pin instead of behind it. In this location, the pressure of the hand gripping the handle reinforces the spring tension of the arms and the engagement of the ball bearings. The hand’s pressure also applies downward force to the blade’s tail, just like a friction folder. A generous choil (finger groove) at the base of the edge provides a third failsafe against unintentional closure. The synergy of these features provides an extremely safe and secure grip and makes the NAND an exceptionally functional non-locking folder.

Tipping the scales at a mere 1.8 ounces (49 grams), the NAND is incredibly lightweight for its size. Its ultra-slim profile makes it extremely pocket friendly and is complemented by a deep-pocket wire clip. The clip keeps the knife poised discreetly at the top of the pocket and is reversible for left or right-side tip-up carry. This feature, along with the knife’s completely symmetrical design, make all aspects of its carry, deployment, and use completely ambidextrous.

A truly unique approach to non-locking pocketknife design, the NAND is also a vivid reflection of the talents of one of Spyderco's most popular and prolific designers.

Specifications

• Blade Length: 3.19" (81 mm)
• Cutting Edge: 2.74" (69 mm)
• Closed Length: 4.66" (118 mm)
• Overall Length: 7.49" (190 mm)
• Blade Thickness: 0.094" (2.4 mm)
• Blade Material: Bohler M398 Stainless Steel
• Blade Style: Drop Point
• Blade Grind: Full Flat
• Blade Finish: Satin
• Blade Edge: Plain
• Handle Material: Titanium
• Handle Color: Gray
• Locking Mechanism: Ball Joint Non-Locking Slipjoint
• Pocket Clip: Wire (Tip-Up, Right/Left Carry)
• Model Number: C270TIP
• Model Name: NAND
• Weight: 1.80 oz. (50 g)
• Designer: Paul Alexander
• Made in Italy