The holidays are rapidly approaching, and that means it’s time to get gifts. So before they sneak up on you unawares, here are 5 slipjoints worthy of being gifted to your friends, family, and loved ones. I have done my best to include options across a range of prices and styles, and ones that are available to purchase. Giving knives as gifts always brings me joy because it allows me to share my enthusiasm for these pieces of practical art with others, and I hope this article helps you do the same!
Slipjoints are non-locking folding pocket knives. They most often use a backspring to hold the blade closed within the handle and in the open position, but there are other mechanisms that can be used (all the examples on this list use a backspring). Slipjoints are most often associated with traditional knives, but more and more modern knife companies are introducing slipjoint models. With the rapid increase in their popularity, a slipjoint knife can make a great gift for anyone who appreciates a good pocket knife.
Rough Ryder Barlow
Rough Ryder is a brand owned by Smoky Mountain Knife Works. They’re made in China, but consistently provide quality well above their price point. They also come with a warranty backed by, and fulfilled through, Smoky Mountain Knife Works (from whom I have always had good service and positive warranty experiences). A Rough Ryder makes a great using slipjoint, being that they come at such an affordable price point, but they can sometimes be really aesthetically pleasing as well. Although there are A LOT of options when it comes to Rough Ryder knives (you can find the whole brand catalogue at this link), I would suggest a tried and true classic Barlow in smooth natural bone. You can get them from SMKW at this link for $10 plus shipping. I suggest this model in particular because it is a classic pattern that many recognize, because it is shieldless (Rough Ryder doesn’t pin their shields, and I try to avoid glued shields), and because I’ve been impressed with their quality. However, Rough Ryder offers a multitude of different series, handle materials, etc. so if the barlow doesn’t fit your taste I’m sure you’ll be able to find something that does!
Victorinox Alox Cadet
The Victorinox Alox Cadet is a knife that packs a lot of utility into a small (and slim!) package. It features a full sized blade, nail file, bottle opener, can opener, wire stripper, large screwdriver, and small screwdriver all in just two layers. With only two backsprings and the thin yet tough Alox (aluminum) handles, the Cadet is slim enough to slip into a watch/coin pocket or purse and can even be carried on a keychain with the included splitring. Aside from all the utility provided by the tools, it’s just plain well made. Victorinox has an incredible level of consistency and quality control, so that you know when you buy one of their knives you’ll be getting a highly functional and well made knife. You can get Victorinox knives from lots of dealers, but GPKnives has the red version at this link and the silver version at this link both for about $35.
Case Trapper
The Case Trapper is a classic. It’s a knife that has been carried and used by countless people, from ranchers to wall street brokers. The Trapper pattern is a quintessentially American knife, and Case’s version is as well known and recognizable as a Trapper gets. The full sized version is big enough, especially with the two full sized blades, to be able to tackle all your every day cutting needs but still easy enough to carry on a daily basis. Like most Case knives, it is made in the USA. It comes in a staggering variety of handle materials, colors, and finishes. However, the most widespread and (usually) cheapest version is the yellow synthetic, and the one I’d recommend in general as a gift because it has character in simplicity. You can buy the Case Trapper at a lot of knife dealers, but you can find lots of different version at KnifeWorks at this link. You can find the stainless steel yellow synthetic version at this link, and the carbon steel yellow synthetic version at this link both for about $45.
GEC Farm & Field Bullnose
Great Eastern Cutlery is making the best factory produced slipjoints on the market right now and because of that they can be expensive and difficult to get. Sometimes GEC knives stay on dealers’ sites/shelves for a while, but many of them are bought up quickly upon release. However, GEC has an in house brand called Farm & Field under which they manufacture working knives. These knives have less exotic materials and slightly less refined finishing than GEC’s other in house brands. Still, they are made by hand at a quality level mostly unmatched in the slipjoint market. The flagship of the Farm & Field brand is the #71 Bullnose. It is GEC’s take on the classic sodbuster pattern; one of the most well known working knives. It might not be the slimmest or sleekest knife, but it is rock solid with great action and timeless styling. Like all GEC knives, the Bullnose is made in the USA. It has a handmade feel that’s difficult to describe, but a joy to behold. GEC makes these often, but hasn’t in about a year so get yours before they run out. They can still be found at a few dealers, but I recommend getting yours at Blue Creek Cutlery. They have both the #71 Bullnose, at this link, and its larger brother the #21 Bullbuster, at this link, in stock now for $55 and $65 respectively.
CollectorKnives LionSteel Dom / Roundhead / Shuffler
If the receiver of your gifted slipjoint has more of a modern style, prefers high tech materials, or deserves a little pricier fare, the CollectorKnives LionSteel collaboration modern slipjoint barlows might be a great option. CollectorKnives is a longtime dealer of slipjoints from lots of brands, but recently they introduced their line of modern slipjoint barlows manufactured by LionSteel. These knives have an elongated bolster and the classic shape of a barlow, but they have screw together construction and modern materials. The blades are M390 super steel, the liners and bolsters are titanium, and some of the handle materials include carbon fiber. They are also offered in several more traditional handle materials like ram’s horn, ebony wood, olive wood, and micarta. Some even boast damascus (actually Damasteel, stainless damascus) bolsters and blades. They come in several different options: the Roundhead with a spearpoint blade, the Dom with a sheepfoot blade, the Shuffler with a clip point blade, and the WarHorse with both a clip point and wharncliffe blade. You can find all versions at this link for between $120 and $335.
Knives can make an extremely thoughtful, as well as useful, gift. I know that anytime I give or receive a knife as a gift it feels meaningful. No matter which of these you choose, I think the receiver will be thrilled when they open their gift! Don’t forget to check out my other articles, enter your email to get updates when I post new articles, and follow me on Instagram and YouTube.
Looks good little fellow.
haha Thanks