Spyderco Jumpmaster

A Major in the U.S. Army’s 82nd Airborne Division contacted Spyderco sourcing a better knife for their Jumpmasters. More than a few of their crew already carry Spydercos and were familiar with their serrations and manufacturing quality standards.

When jumping out of a plane, airborne servicemen are attached to a static line, jumping one per second with a Jumpmaster insuring they get out and are clear of the plane and next jumper. If someone doesn’t clear because of equipment failure or just poor luck, the Jumpmaster is ready with a reliable cutting tool. Once clear of the aircraft jumpers still need a reliable and quick-cutting blade in case they need to cut themselves free.

The Army’s 82nd Airborne set out what they wanted in a knife and Spyderco complied by making the Spyderco Jumpmaster fixed blade. Their wish list included a rust-proof hollow-ground H-1 blade with a Sheepfoot (Rescue) profile. The blade comes fully serrated to quickly cut through ropes, lines, webbing or fabric. To keep the knife firmly in hand yet light and easily maneuverable, the handle is made of fiberglass reinforced nylon (FRN) that is Bi-Directionally Textured® for a secure grip. The tang of the blade is skeletonized reducing the weight even more.

The knife carries solidly in an injection molded polymer sheath that’s curved, designed to carry against the body or calf without flaring or hard spots. Nylon straps on the sheath offer multiple attachment options and a lanyard hole in both the blade and handle are for additional back-up attachment.

SPYDERCO JUMPMASTER SPECS

length overall 9 5/16" (237 mm)
blade length 4 1/2" (114 mm)
blade steel H-1
cutting edge 4 1/4" (108 mm)
weight 5.37 oz (152 g)
hole diameter 1/4" (6.5 mm)
blade thickness 1/8" (3 mm)
handle material FRN