We stopped being excited by new pocket knives a long time ago. Sure, some will have better materials, a smoother pivot point, a novel lock mechanism, or a more convenient opening action, but, mostly, it’s all pretty similar. That’s why seeing something genuinely different like the Craighill Sidewinder Knife is pretty special.
Equipped with a unique opening mechanism, one half of the knife’s handle literally moves along as you pull back the flipper and the blade deploys. It’s quite a sight and makes the knife feel more like a dynamic sculpture instead of a mere utilitarian tool in your everyday carry.
The Craighill Sidewinder Knife has a unique handle that’s, literally, made up of two modules, one on the upper and one on the lower section. Each of the sections take on the same shape and size, which forms a wavy curve on one edge and a flat curve on the other, along with rounded ends. The flat edges are, of course, meant to serve as the grip (one on top and one on the bottom), while the wavy edges are meant to serve as the cross section for the upper and lower handles. Because the two sides are the same shape, they can’t actually sit flush together, instead requiring them to sit in an asymmetrical position at all times, such that the end of one handle is always past the other. That alone gives it a very unique aesthetic that’s just so uncommon in folding knives.
What makes it even cooler, though, is the fact that there’s actually a mechanical system on the handle itself, such that the lower half of the hilt moves forward when you pull back the flipper and deploy the blade. It’s such a cool action to watch, with the blade and the top part of the handle both moving in unison, mostly because we’ve never quite seen anything like it.
The Craighill Sidewinder Knife has a 2.5-inch blade that’s made from 12C27N stainless steel, a well-liked material that’s easy to sharpen, while being very resilient in the face of strain and abrasions. The two-part handle, on the other hand, is cut in stainless steel, with the lower section getting a stonewashed finish and the upper section getting a black PVD coat. Because it also uses steel for the hilt, this is heavier than similarly-sized folders, tipping the scales at 5.6 ounces. The outfit claims the heft gives it an authoritative feel, so it should give you confidence when tackling tough and mundane cutting jobs alike. For reference, that’s similar to the weight of a modern smartphone (the iPhone 15 is 6.02 ounces), so you can definitely still keep it in your pocket without being a bother.
The knife was designed by Chen Chen and Kai Williams, by the way, with the product page describing it as “an enigmatic kinetic sculpture moonlighting as a knife.” That’s definitely a good way to say how unique it is. According to the outfit, the design was inspired by the oscillating tracks left in the sand when a snake slithers by, which, we’ll be honest, sounds pretty cool.
The Craighill Sidewinder Knife is available now, priced at $178.
