Spyderco byte November 2024 - Designer Spotlight Marcin Slysz
Like many knife enthusiasts, Marcin Slysz’ interest began with a simple pocketknife. After he learned to appreciate its usefulness as an everyday-carry tool, some of his friends introduced him to the world of custom knives. He was captivated by their craftsmanship and painstaking attention to detail but found that most of the custom knives he liked were well out of his price range. Undaunted, he decided to try making his own.
Slysz’ first knife was a large, heavy fixed blade that he crafted by hand using only a file and lots of determination. Realizing that proper tools would make the process much easier, he gradually invested in a grinder, a milling machine, and a lathe. As his skills rapidly developed, he also began making folding knives and soon became a full-time knifemaker.
Since making his first knife in 2006, Marcin has not only distinguished himself as one of Poland’s finest custom knifemakers but has also earned a devoted following worldwide. He specializes in high-tech folders featuring titanium handle scales, Reeve Integral Locks (R.I.L.), and premium stainless steel blades. However, he is equally comfortable making slip-joint folders, fixed blades of all sizes and styles, and a variety of specialized tactical tools and gadgets. Slysz is also an accomplished engraver, exercising his talents on his own creations as well as jewelry and other objects.
Marcin’s favorite materials are titanium and Timascus®—a stunningly beautiful layered, patterned titanium reminiscent of Damascus steel. Both offer the superior combination of strength, light weight, and uncompromising quality he demands from his folders. For the handles of his fixed-blade knives, he prefers the classic look and texture of sand-blasted canvas Micarta®. His choices of blade steel include RWL-34 stainless (Damasteel’s powder metallurgy expression of CPM® 154), 154CM, CPM S30V®, and custom stainless Damascus from Chad Nichols.
Slysz’ impeccable craftsmanship made his custom knives extremely popular with both collectors and discriminating end users around the world. It also made him a natural choice for collaboration projects with Spyderco. We began in 2012 with the original Techno design. Its exceptional synthesis of compact size, full-service functionality, and custom-quality construction quickly made it—and him—a favorite of the Spyderco community. That interest soon led to additional collaborative designs, including the Slysz Bowie™, the SpydieChef™, the SwayBack™, the second-generation Techno 2, and now, the Techno 3.
Marcin Slysz is a quiet, humble man whose impressive talents as a craftsman and designer speak volumes. Spyderco is extremely proud and grateful to have the opportunity to work with him and to share his creations with our customers.