In an unusual twist, the latch is reversible. You can take it off of one handle and put it on the other. Notice how the handle on the other side is threaded to receive the latch. Removing the latch requires a T6 Torx Driver. (Torx is a registered trademark (TM) of the Camcar Division of Textron.) T6 is virtually a jewelers-size screw head. As a result, T6 drivers can be difficult to find. Removing the latch is a little tricky with the spring in there and all, but you can do it if you're careful.

If you want to, you can leave the latch off altogether. But I don't know why you would. Classically, there are three reasons for latchless balisongs. First, to skirt laws about locking knives. But, the Spyderfly doesn't lock open, only closed. Second, to keep the latch out of the way during manipulation. But the Sypderfly's spring latch accomplishes that nicely. And, third, to eliminate unlatching as a step in opening the knife. But, the Spyderfly's spring-loaded latch reduces unlatching to a squeeze.

The picture above shows a lot of interesting Spyderfly features, but the first one I want to mention is the "witness lines."

Witness lines are characteristic of cast metal parts. Witness lines are where the two halves of the mold in which the part was cast separate. Of course, witness lines can be ground off to give a more finished appearance, but that's extra labor. The witness lines have been finished off of most of the Spyderfly's handles. You can just see traces here and there. The line on the latch is the worst. This is purely a cosmetic concern, and not, I don't think, a very big one for a knife in this price range.

Another interesting feature you can see in both of these pictures is the pocket clip.

I've gotta tell ya: I'm not a big fan of pocket clips. I find they do more damage than good... literally. Most pocket clips are made of sheet metal and they have rough edges. If you squeeze to get between two parked cars with a knife clipped to your pocket, you could leave a nasty scratch. If you simply brush against a table or other furniture with a knife clipped to your pocket, you could cause expensive damage. And the clips just destroy the pockets on your pants.

The Spyderfly's pocket clip is made of wire... round wire. There's not an abrupt or rough edge on it. It's very nice, and it works well too.

But, then there's the perpetual argument about which side of which handle to put it on. Well, not wanting to get involved in any arguments, Spyderco sends it on the latch handle. But, using a T8 Torx drive and a pin punch, you can move it to any side of either handle.

The blue material on the screw is thread-locking adhesive. In order to move the clip, you'd have to drive the Chicago Screw out of the handle and then pound it into the other handle. I was unable to get it out with manual pressure. With a pin-punch and a hammer, I'm sure it would come out just fine.

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