SPYOPERA™
- Featured Product
- SKU: C255CMP
- MSRP: $250.00
- ORIGIN: Italy
Spyderco’s SpyOpera is a an extremely capable folding knife that boasts classic lines and old-school craftsmanship. It is also a vivid reflection of Spyderco’s longstanding relationship with one of Italy’s premier cutlery manufacturers.
The story of the SpyOpera began with a knife called the “Opera,” which was produced by the prestigious Italian company lionSTEEL®. Founded in 1969 by Gino Pauletta and his wife Cesarina, lionSTEEL is located in Italy’s cutlery manufacturing capitol, Maniago. Its name was inspired by a statue of a lion, which Gino’s grandfather carved from the native limestone of nearby Mount Jôuf.
In its early years, lionSTEEL specialized in crafting can openers, pen knives, and similar small tools for other Italian companies. Then, in 1978, while visiting Milan, Gino saw a classic American-made folding knife in a gift shop. Despite its hefty price tag, Gino purchased the knife and was determined to replicate it at a price that was affordable for the Italian market. He succeeded, and in the process charted a new course for lionSTEEL. As the company continued to evolve, Pauletta invested in new technology and kept pace with modern design trends and manufacturing methods. At the turn of the 21st century, he passed control of the company to his sons Daniele, Gianni, and Massimo. Under their management, and with the benefit of state-of-the-art design software and CNC machining capabilities, they proudly manufacture innovative, world-class cutlery backed by their family’s relentless commitment to quality.
Designed by acclaimed Italian custom knifemaker Massimo Salice Sanna—more popularly known as “MAX”—the original lionSTEEL Opera was introduced in 2006 and quickly became one of the company’s best-selling models. Its exceptional fusion of style and functionality appealed to a broad audience of knife users and soon inspired several variations of the basic design. The Opera also caught the eye of Spyderco’s founders and sparked interest in the possibility of a “Spyderized” version. Through close collaboration with lionSTEEL, the design was modified to incorporate our Trademark Round Hole™ and our distinctive deep-pocket wire clip. With the addition of these signature Spyderco features, the SpyOpera was born.
Manufactured for Spyderco by lionSTEEL in their Maniago, Italy, factory, the SpyOpera faithfully maintains the design flair and all the key qualities of the original Opera design. Its full-flat-ground, drop-point blade is crafted 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 blade’s fully accessible Trademark Round Hole allows easy, one-handed opening with either hand and proudly proclaims the knife’s Spyderco identity.
The SpyOpera’s blade is supported by a sturdy back lock mechanism that locks it securely open when in use while allowing easy one-handed closing with either hand. The knife’s smooth, ergonomic handle is constructed with full titanium liners, a stainless steel backspacer, and brown canvas Micarta® scales. Masterfully contoured to provide a comfortable grip, the scales highlight the classic old-school look of the layered Micarta and are attached with three stylish Torx® screws per side. The spines of the blade, lock bar, and backspacer are also meticulously radiused for style and added comfort. This detail is rarely seen on factory-made knives and truly elevates the workmanship of the SpyOpera to an elite level.
Although the original lionSTEEL Opera was clipless and intended for either in-pocket or belt-pouch carry, later versions with G-10 scales added a stamped stainless steel clip. As a proud member of Spyderco’s CLIPIT® family of knives, the SpyOpera showcases a deep-pocket wire clip that provides low-profile carry while keeping the knife poised for immediate access. In the first production run of the knife, the clip was configured for right-side, tip-up carry only; however, subsequent production incorporated a reversible clip that allows the option of tip-up carry on either the left or right side. It's backspacer also includes a generously sized lanyard hole for the easy attachment of lanyards and fobs.
The SpyOpera is a compact gentleman’s folder that offers full-service cutting performance with exceptional style. At a deeper level, it represents a remarkable collaboration between two of the cutlery industry’s most influential companies. We are extremely proud of it and our relationship with lionSTEEL.