The chief designer of Spyderco was once asked what knife he would send with his own child if they were deployed. This question led to three important considerations for the knife: it needed to have exceptional cutting performance and edge durability, it had to be lightweight and practical to use, and it had to be as indestructible and reliable as possible for field-use. To achieve a more subtle appearance, the blade has been coated with a black matte finish using BodyCote. The choice of steel for the blade was CPM-S30V, which contains nearly 2% carbon and is known for its long-lasting edge retention and resistance to rust. The 'Millie' knife features a modified clip-point blade that is coated in a non-reflective black finish and has a 14 mm Spyderco Round Hole for quick deployment, even when wearing gloves. Texturing above the hole ensures that the thumb stays in contact with the blade's spine during cutting, providing confident control over the sharp edge. The handle scales are made of G-10 material, with the lock's liner directly embedded into the scale to enhance lock strength without adding bulk. Spacers between the scales create a gap that exposes the inner workings of the handle, allowing for easy inspection and cleaning. The handle slightly flares at both the front and back ends, creating a finger choil and preventing the knife from slipping forward or backward during sawing or aggressive cuts. The knife also includes a contoured black metal clip for right-hand tip-down carry.