The Spyderco Autonomy was developed in response to a request from the U.S. Coast Guard for a cutting tool that would meet the demanding mission requirements of their rescue swimmers. They needed a high-performance knife that could be easily deployed with only one hand while wearing heavy gloves, is impervious to salt water, could be easily maintained and, above all, would cut with extreme authority. The result was the orange-handled Autonomy automatic, which is approved for use by Coast Guard personnel.
Because many of the features of the Autonomy were so revolutionary, Spyderco also decided to create an all-black version of the knife with a safety and a pocket clip that is ideal for other end users. The heart of this knife is its voracious SpyderEdge™ sheepfoot-style blade, which is ground from H-1® steel—an extraordinary nitrogen-based alloy that is extremely corrosion resistant. To optimize its function in tactical environments where light discipline is a requirement, it receives a tough Diamond Like Carbon (DLC) coating to reduce its reflective signature.
The Autonomy’s finger-grooved handle is constructed with full stainless steel liners flanked by textured black G-10 scales. Its oversized firing button is powered by a spring that is integral to one of the liners and includes a sliding safety that prevents unintentional activation. Made exclusively from corrosion-resistant materials, the handle’s other metal hardware—including its reversible wire pocket clip—is also cloaked in a stealthy black coating.
The auto-opening blade of the Autonomy is powered by a corrosion-resistant coil spring nested within a removable module. Specifically designed for end-user maintenance, this patented feature allows the module and spring to be easily removed with the tool in Spyderco’s spring replacement kit (sold separately) without disassembling the entire knife.
Winner of the “Most Innovative American Design” award at the prestigious Blade Show and International Cutlery Fair, the Autonomy represents a groundbreaking achievement in automatic knife design.
RESTRICTED ITEMS
Automatic knives are federally
restricted items. Sale of these items is limited to qualified personnel
only, as defined in the statutory language of 18 U.S.C. Section
1716(g)(2)(1-4) and 15 U.S.C. Section 1244(2-4). You must also comply
with all applicable local and state laws, statutes, and regulations
related to the purchase and possession of automatic knives. Purchasing
and/or possessing an automatic knife may subject you to criminal
liability.
18 U.S.C. Section 1716(g)(2)(1-4)
All knives having a blade which opens automatically (1) by hand pressure applied to a button or other device in the handle of the knife, or (2) by operation of inertia, gravity, or both, are nonmailable and shall not be deposited in or carried by the mails or delivered by any officer or employee of the Postal Service. Such knives may be conveyed in the mails, under such regulations as the Postal Service shall prescribe--
(1) to civilian or Armed Forces supply or procurement officers and employees of the Federal Government ordering, procuring, or purchasing such knives in connection with the activities of the Federal Government;
(2) to supply or procurement officers of the National Guard, the Air National Guard, or militia of a State ordering, procuring, or purchasing such knives in connection with the activities of such organizations;
(3) to supply or procurement officers or employees of any State, or any political subdivision of a State or Territory, ordering, procuring, or purchasing such knives in connection with the activities of such government; and
(4) to manufacturers of such knives or bona fide dealers therein in connection with any shipment made pursuant to an order from any person designated in paragraphs (1), (2), and (3).
15 U.S.C. Section 1244(2-4)
Sections 1242 and 1243 of this title shall not apply to-
(1) any common carrier or contract carrier, with respect to any switchblade knife shipped, transported, or delivered for shipment in interstate commerce in the ordinary course of business;
(2) the manufacture, sale, transportation, distribution, possession, or introduction into interstate commerce, of switchblade knives pursuant to contract with the Armed Forces;
(3) the Armed Forces or any member or employee thereof acting in the performance of his duty;
(4) the possession, and transportation upon his person, of any switchblade knife with a blade three inches or less in length by any individual who has only one arm; or
(5) a knife that contains a spring, detent, or other mechanism designed to create a bias toward closure of the blade and that requires exertion applied to the blade by hand, wrist, or arm to overcome the bias toward closure to assist in opening the knife.
The Postal Service may require, as a condition of conveying any such knife in the mails, that any person proposing to mail such knife explain in writing to the satisfaction of the Postal Service that the mailing of such knife will not be in violation of this section.
