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British knifemaker Mike Read is a school-trained Marine Engineer and a part-time maker who specializes in practical, highly functional, non-locking folding knives. Drawing its name from Read’s forum name on British Bladeforums, the “Pie in the Sky” or “PITS” Folder is Spyderco’s expression of one of his most popular designs.

The broad, clip-point blade of the PITS Folder is flat ground from Böhler-Uddeholm N690Co steel—a martensitic chromium steel alloyed with cobalt, molybdenum, and vanadium. Its Trademark Round Hole™ clearly identifies the knife’s Spyderco pedigree and allows convenient one-handed opening with either hand. An integral guard at the base of the edge also helps prevent unintentional closure during use.

The PITS Folder’s solid titanium handle scales are skeletonized to reduce weight and increase the handle’s grip texture. They also form the foundation of the knife’s unique slipjoint mechanism. Long machined slots at the top of each handle scale create integral spring arms that are connected by a hardened pin. When the blade is open, this pin applies pressure on a curved ramp on the tang of the blade to stabilize it in the open position. This clever mechanism, together with the blade’s prominent lower guard, helps prevent accidental closure of the knife during use. The handle also includes a reversible deep-pocket wire clip that provides convenient left or right-side tip-up carry and makes both carry and one-handed operation completely ambidextrous.

One of the most robust and capable non-locking folders ever produced, the PITS Folder is a socially friendly, legally permissible knife that offers serious cutting performance.