Respect
Honouring the classic American Bowie, the Respect elevates its design with modern materials and techniques. Its blade is expertly forged from CPM 154 stainless steel, a powder metallurgy variant of 154 CM steel introduced to knifemaking by Robert W. Loveless. CPM 154 boasts a homogenous microstructure and evenly distributed carbides, making it easier to grind and polish than traditional 154 CM while remaining exceptionally tough — ideal for a Bowie knife. The blade is an impressive 7.6 mm thick at the spine and ricasso, yet just over 38mm wide, allowing the full-flat grind to taper elegantly to the edge. A double-bevel swedge along the spine provides strength and precision, while a generous choil at the ricasso reinforces grip security.
This example is absolutely pristine and complete with factory sheath and enormous pancake folding pouch. There is a small indentation on the leather securing strap. Don't pass up your chance to own Sals Magnus Opus in bowie design.
"We hope that you'll take a moment to read about the background of this special knife below." - Mr. Narwhal 
Made in the U.S.A., a Truly American Bowie
The Respect’s handle combines safety and ergonomics. Precision-machined stainless steel guards are press-fitted to the tang, complemented by contoured G10 scales with machined cavities to enclose the hidden tang. Four stainless steel Torx screws secure the mirror-image scales, creating a near-seamless feel. A spacious lanyard hole accommodates personalisation options. For storage, the Respect comes with a handcrafted leather sheath, complete with a belt loop and brass stud, which doubles as a snap closure and prevents the knife from sliding when worn inside the waistband.
More than three decades in the making, the Spyderco Respect is a worthy tribute to the iconic American Bowie knife, showcasing Sal Glesser’s evolution as a master knifemaker. For collectors and enthusiasts seeking quality and heritage, this knife is a prime choice for those searching for a secondhand Spyderco UK.
The Backstory
The Spyderco Respect is an exceptional fixed-blade knife, steeped in a legacy that stretches back almost 35 years to the first American Bladesmith Society (ABS) “hammer-in” in 1985. Spyderco’s founder, Sal Glesser, attended that landmark event, learning the art of forging under the guidance of legendary master smiths Bill Moran, Don Hastings, and Bill Bagwell. Already a Bowie aficionado, Sal gained a deeper understanding of the subtleties of Bowie and large-knife design that would later shape his vision.
Motivated by this experience, Sal embarked on designing his ideal Bowie knife. He began with a series of hand-drawn sketches to define its shape and dimensions, progressing to full-scale wooden models. Each iteration was carefully refined, balancing form, function, and handling until the design felt flawless.
Although the final wooden prototype was completed decades ago, Sal’s schedule initially delayed its production. It was only when Spyderco expanded its US manufacturing facility in 2015 that the project finally came to fruition, allowing the design to be realised as a precision-crafted production knife.
The Respect’s development was meticulous. Sal insisted on a robust spine to emulate the strength of a hand-forged blade, combined with a broad profile for superior edge geometry and balance. Each prototype was rigorously tested, with subtle adjustments made until the knife met his exacting standards. The result is the aptly named Respect.
