Spyderco McBee
1.52-inch titanium integral-lock folder. Compact enough to disappear, built like a full-size knife. Designed by Jonathan McNees.
Editorial
The McBee is the smallest Spyderco that earns serious-knife construction.
Designed by Jonathan McNees, the C236TIP carries a 1.52-inch scalloped Wharncliffe blade in CPM S30V, a one-piece titanium handle with the Reeve Integral Lock cut directly into it, and a wire pocket clip sized to the knife. Total weight: 1.7 ounces. Closed length: 2.6 inches.
It is overbuilt for its dimensions. The same titanium integral architecture that the larger Paysan and Slysz Bowie use, scaled down to a knife that disappears in a coin pocket. The scalloped Wharncliffe blade fishes like a precision box-cutter — the curvature of the scallop forces every cut into the geometric sweet spot of the edge.
Why It Matters
Small knives usually concede build quality. The McBee doesn't. Titanium R.I.L. at this size is overkill in the best sense — the knife will outlive the user, the pocket clip will outlast three pockets, and the blade geometry rewards precise use. It is the knife collectors carry on days they don't want to carry a knife.
Best For
- Gentleman's-folder EDC at the smallest practical size
- Coin-pocket carry
- Precision cutting tasks where a 3-inch blade would be excess
- Spyderco completists studying the Prestige line at scale
Technical Snapshot
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Model Number | C236TIP |
| Blade Steel | CTS-XHP stainless steel |
| Blade Length | 1.52 in (39 mm) |
| Overall Length | 3.85 in (98 mm) |
| Closed Length | 2.33 in (59 mm) |
| Edge Length | 1.49 in (38 mm) |
| Weight | 1.7 oz (48 g) |
| Blade Thickness | 0.118 in (3 mm) |
| Blade Shape | Wharncliffe with scalloped spine |
| Blade Grind | Saber grind (Spyderco official); note one retailer lists hollow grind — Spyderco official spec is saber |
| Blade Finish | Stonewash |
| Handle Material | Titanium (two precision-machined solid scales with skeletonizing holes on obverse scale) |
| Lock Type | Reeve Integral Lock (R.I.L.) / frame lock |
| Clip | Polished stainless steel hourglass clip, right-side tip-up |
| Country of Manufacture | Taiwan |
| Designer | Jonathan McNees |
| MSRP | $250.00–$260.00 USD (Spyderco official page shows $250; DLT lists MSRP $260) |
| Opening Mechanism | Trademark Round Hole (ambidextrous one-hand opening) |
Collector / Field Notes
The C236TIP is the standard production McBee. The titanium R.I.L. at 1.52-inch blade length is rare across the production knife industry — most makers don't bother with integral construction below 2.5 inches. Made in Taiwan. MSRP $260; street prices typically run $195. Jonathan McNees has designed several knives for Spyderco; the McBee is the smallest of his collaborations.
FAQ
Who designed the Spyderco McBee?
Jonathan McNees. The McBee is one of several McNees collaborations with Spyderco.
What's a scalloped Wharncliffe blade?
A Wharncliffe blade with a curved scallop ground into the edge. The scallop forces every cut into the geometric sweet spot of the edge — useful for precise box-opening and detail work.
Is the McBee in current production?
Yes. The C236TIP is actively listed on Spyderco's catalogue and in stock at major retailers as of 2025–2026.
Why titanium R.I.L. on such a small knife?
The Reeve Integral Lock provides exceptional lock strength and durability. At this size it is engineered overkill, which is the point — the McBee outclasses the typical gentleman's folder on construction quality.
Where is the McBee made?
Taiwan. Spyderco's Prestige-tier production facility handles the McBee alongside other titanium-frame folders.
Sources
Frequently Asked
- Who designed the Spyderco McBee?
- Jonathan McNees. The McBee is one of several McNees collaborations with Spyderco.
- What's a scalloped Wharncliffe blade?
- A Wharncliffe blade with a curved scallop ground into the edge. The scallop forces every cut into the geometric sweet spot of the edge — useful for precise box-opening and detail work.
- Is the McBee in current production?
- Yes. The C236TIP is actively listed on Spyderco's catalogue and in stock at major retailers as of 2025–2026.
- Why titanium R.I.L. on such a small knife?
- The Reeve Integral Lock provides exceptional lock strength and durability. At this size it is engineered overkill, which is the point — the McBee outclasses the typical gentleman's folder on construction quality.
- Where is the McBee made?
- Taiwan. Spyderco's Prestige-tier production facility handles the McBee alongside other titanium-frame folders.