Best Slipjoint Knives of 2025

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Slipjoint knives are a popular type of folding knife that feature a spring mechanism which keeps the blade in place when opened or closed. They are a versatile option for everyday carry due to their compact size and lightweight design. These knives typically have a single blade and are available in a range of materials, including stainless steel and titanium. Slipjoint knives are often used for tasks such as opening boxes, cutting food, and performing small repairs. They are a reliable and practical option for anyone in need of a compact and easy-to-use pocket knife.
At a Glance: Our Top Picks
Top 10 Slipjoint Knives
Kershaw Culpepper Folding Pocket Knife
The Kershaw Culpepper Folding Pocket Knife is a classic American-style knife with modern features. Its 7CR17MoV stainless steel blade is reinforced with vanadium for a long-lasting edge. The black G10 fiberglass laminate handle provides a comfortable grip while the nail nick enables quick and easy manual opening. The slipjoint lock ensures a low profile and vintage feel. With brass rivets and a lanyard hole, the Culpepper is versatile and easy to carry, measuring 7.4 inches when opened, 4.125 inches when folded, and weighing just 3 ounces.
REALSTEEL Real Barlow RB-5 Knife
The REALSTEEL Barlow RB-5 is designed for versatility and convenience. You can choose between a clip point or drop point blade, allowing you to tailor your cutting tasks to your needs. The innovative changeable G10 handle scales let you customize the knife's appearance easily, so it can match your style. Its premium Bohler N690 blade, measuring 2.76 inches, offers outstanding sharpness and durability, making it perfect for everyday use. Built with robust materials, this knife promises to withstand daily wear and tear, ensuring it remains a reliable tool for your adventures.
Kershaw Platform Sheepsfoot Pocket Knife
The Kershaw Platform Sheepsfoot Pocket Knife is an excellent everyday carry option for hunting, fishing, and camping. Its 2.75-inch blade is made with 8Cr13MoV steel, offering excellent edge-holding capability and hardness. The bead-blasted handle has a matte black finish with a ripple design and an integrated nail clipper and file. The knife opens quickly and easily with a traditional nail nick system and uses a slipjoint to secure the blade into place. The bead-blasted finish creates a non-reflective, matte finish on the blade and handle, making it a safe and easy-to-use pocket knife.
CRKT Venandi EDC Folding Knife
The CRKT Venandi Pocket Knife is designed for everyday convenience. Its high carbon stainless steel blade makes sharpening a breeze, ensuring you always have a reliable edge. With a traditional nail nick, you can easily open the knife with one hand, adding to its user-friendly design. The slip joint mechanism allows for safe opening and closing, requiring both hands for added safety. Plus, the G10 handle offers a secure grip in various conditions, making it perfect for both indoor and outdoor tasks. Lightweight and compact, this knife is easy to carry wherever you go.
Begg Knives Sheepfoot Mini Slip Joint
The Begg Knives Sheepfoot Mini offers a compact and practical design, featuring a 2.38-inch satin finish blade made from durable 14C28N Sandvik stainless steel. This high-quality blade is perfect for hunting, providing both reliability and sharpness when you need it most. The stainless steel handle ensures a sturdy grip, making it comfortable to use. Weighing just 1.0 pounds, this foldable knife is easy to carry, fitting conveniently in your pocket. With its brass inlay shield, it also adds a touch of elegance to your outdoor gear.
Kershaw Federalist Folding Pocket Knife
The Kershaw Federalist Folding Pocket Knife is a traditional slipjoint knife that is made in the USA. The green micarta handle is extremely durable and features a canvas texture, while the CPM 154 stainless steel blade provides excellent edge retention, corrosion resistance, wear resistance, and toughness. Additionally, the double detent system ensures safe carrying, controlled open/close with a nail nick, and a pivot that forms a shield. When opened, the knife measures 7.5 inches and weighs 2.1 ounces.
Kershaw Parley Folding Pocket Knife with Cleaver Blade
The Kershaw Parley is a manual folding pocket knife featuring a non-locking slipjoint design with a cleaver style blade, making it perfect for everyday carry. The 7Cr17MoV stainless steel blade is satin polished for a traditional look and offers good edge retention, toughness, and wear resistance. The polished canvas micarta handle, steel bolsters with brass liners, and lanyard hole with brass trim ring provide a comfortable and secure grip. Measuring 7.2 inches when opened, 4.1 inches when closed, and weighing only 2.8 ounces, the Kershaw Parley is a lightweight and durable knife that is easy to carry around.
JAMES° Ellis Slim Pocket Knife
The JAMES° Ellis Slim Knife is an ultra-thin pocket tool that fits easily in your pocket, making it an ideal everyday carry. With its minimal design, you can enjoy a streamlined experience without unnecessary features. It includes a versatile scraper that allows you to turn screws, remove stickers, or pry out nails with ease, adding significant utility to your daily tasks. The knife features a durable 2.6-inch Swedish stainless-steel blade, ensuring you have a reliable cutting tool at your fingertips. Its deep-carry wire clip keeps it securely attached, so you’ll always have it on hand when you need it.
KANSEPT Bevy Pocket Folding Knife
The KANSEPT Folding Knife is designed for everyday use and offers a range of features that enhance your cutting experience. With a 2.45-inch 154CM blade, you can expect exceptional sharpness and durability, making it ideal for various tasks like camping or DIY projects. The ergonomic Blue G10 handle ensures a comfortable grip, allowing you to work efficiently without straining your hand. Thanks to its smooth deployment mechanism, you can easily open the knife with one hand, making it convenient when you need it most. Its lightweight design, supported by skeletonized liners, means you can carry it effortlessly wherever you go.
Boker Plus Atlas SW Slipjoint Knife
The Boker Plus Slipjoint Knife is a reliable tool crafted for durability and versatility. With a lifetime guarantee, you can trust this knife to be a long-lasting companion in your outdoor adventures. Its sharp blade and sturdy construction make it perfect for various activities, whether you're camping, hiking, or fishing. This classic slipjoint design is user-friendly, making it an excellent choice for anyone, regardless of experience. Plus, it makes a thoughtful gift for loved ones on special occasions like birthdays or holidays, ensuring they have a quality knife at hand.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Are slipjoint knives good?
Slipjoint knives are generally considered good knives. While not as simplistic as fixed blades, they are easier to open and close compared to knives that have a locking mechanism. Slipjoint knives can be opened with a pinch grip, making them safer to operate.
2. Are slip joint knives legal?
Slip joint knives are generally legal in many places, including California. They fall into the category of folding knives that can be easily stored and transported as the blade can be folded into the handle when not in use. However, it's important to check the specific knife laws in your area to ensure compliance.
3. What are the different types of slip joint knives?
There are various types of slip joint knives available. Some common traditional slip joint knife patterns include Barlow, Butterbean, Canoe, Congress, Copperhead, Equestrian, Hobo, Hunting, Muskrat, Pen knife, Peanut, Pruner, Sodbuster, Stockman, Texas toothpick, Trapper, and Whittler. Each pattern has its own unique design and functionality.
4. What are the advantages of slip joints?
Slip joint knives have several advantages. They can handle higher pressure and temperature ratings compared to stainless steel bellows. Slip joints also have lower thrust forces and eliminate the risk of cataclysmic failure. These factors make slip joints a reliable and durable option for various applications.
During our slipjoint knives research, we found 24 slipjoint knives products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 4,145 customer reviews through our big data system to write the slipjoint knives list. We found that most customers choose slipjoint knives with an average price of $31.93.
The slipjoint knives are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of slipjoint knives, including Kershaw, REALSTEEL, CRKT, Begg Knives, KANSEPT. The seller of top 1 product has received honest feedback from 58 consumers with an average rating of 4.7.

Harry Stack owns a small hardware store, his career landed him a depth of knowledge in categories such as tools, equipment, machinery and hardware. In his spare time, he usually repairs furniture, safes and appliances, and he knows how to make simple repairs to plumbing or electrical fixtures. His hobbies also include woodworking and fishing.