By: Abel Gonzalez

There’s something undeniably nostalgic about slip joint knives. They take us back to simpler times, when carrying a pocket knife was as natural as carrying your keys. Recently, I got my hands on the CRKT Forebear, designed by Darriel Caston, and it instantly felt like a bridge between the old and the new.

The Forebear isn’t about flashy deployment systems or high-tech locking mechanisms. Instead, it offers a timeless design with modern craftsmanship, giving knife enthusiasts an everyday carry option that pays homage to tradition while still being ready for today’s world.

First Impressions: Tradition Meets Contemporary

Unboxing the Forebear, I immediately appreciated its slim, lightweight build—at just 1.3 ounces, it almost disappears in the pocket. The black and red G-10 handle caught my eye right away, offering both durability and a splash of character. It feels tough but not heavy, with just the right amount of texture for grip.

Laying the knife in my palm, I was drawn to its understated elegance. There’s no flipper tab or assisted opening here—just two blades, accessible through classic nail nicks, waiting to be unfolded with purpose.

This Knife at a Glance
• Blade: Two Wharncliffe blades crafted from 12C27 steel.
• Opener: Traditional nail nick openers.
• Handle: Durable black and red G-10 with excellent grip.
• Lock: Non-locking slip joint mechanism for classic functionality.
• Overall Length: 6.75″
• Blade Length: 2.29″
• Blade Thickness: 0.09″
• Weight: 1.30 oz.

It’s clear from the start: this is a knife built to honor tradition, yet refined with modern materials and attention to detail.

Dual Blades: Practical Versatility

The most distinctive feature of the Forebear is its two Wharncliffe blades, opening from opposite ends of the handle. The larger blade is great for utility tasks like slicing through packaging, rope, or even food prep, while the smaller one is perfect for more delicate, precise work.

Both blades are made from 12C27 steel, known for its excellent balance of sharpness and edge retention. Out of the box, both blades came sharp and ready to handle everyday tasks. The satin finish gives them a clean, polished look while adding resistance to wear.

Opening and Mechanism: Slip Joint Simplicity

The Forebear uses a slip joint mechanism, the same design that has been trusted for centuries. There’s no lock to disengage; the blade opens and stays in place with a firm snap. Closing it requires two hands, a reassuring feature for anyone who values safety and tradition in their knives.

The nail nick opener is simple and effective. It takes a little more patience compared to modern flipper knives, but that’s the charm of it—each opening feels deliberate, connecting you to a long tradition of pocketknife users who relied on this exact mechanism.

Handle: Grip You Can Trust

The handle, at 3.43 inches, is constructed from G-10, a material favored for its durability and all-weather grip. The black-and-red color scheme adds visual interest while still keeping things professional and understated.

The slim profile makes it easy to slip into your pocket, while the textured G-10 ensures it won’t slip in your hand, even in wet or cold conditions. It feels comfortable for both quick tasks and longer use, offering that confidence you need when working with a slip joint knife.

In the Pocket: Lightweight Confidence

At just 1.3 ounces, the Forebear is one of the lightest EDC knives I’ve carried. It’s easy to forget it’s even there until you need it. The traditional build doesn’t include a pocket clip, which keeps the design true to its roots. Instead, it’s the kind of knife you drop into your pocket and trust to always be there when you reach for it.

Carrying it felt almost nostalgic—like having a grandparent’s pocketknife, but with the advantage of modern steel and materials.

Designer’s Touch: Darriel Caston

The Forebear was designed by Darriel Caston, who is known for balancing form and function. With this design, he’s delivered a knife that respects history while offering modern reliability. It’s not trying to compete with flashy tactical folders—it’s meant to be a dependable companion for anyone who values practicality, style, and tradition.

CRKT: Innovation for Everyone

Once again, CRKT delivers a knife that feels accessible while honoring craftsmanship. Based in Oregon, the brand is well-respected for offering budget-friendly knives that don’t compromise on performance.

From big-name collaborations with designers like Ken Onion and Jesper Voxnaes, to their Forged By War series created by Veterans, CRKT has carved out a unique space in the knife industry. The Forebear is another example of their ability to blend tradition and innovation into a knife you’ll actually want to carry.

Pros and Cons
Pros:
• Dual Wharncliffe blades add versatility.
• Slip joint mechanism is classic and safe.
• Lightweight (1.3 oz.) makes it pocket-friendly.
• G-10 handle provides excellent grip in all conditions.
• Affordable while maintaining high-quality materials.
• Beautiful black-and-red aesthetic with timeless appeal.

Cons:
• No pocket clip—pocket carry only.
• Slip joint requires two-handed operation, slower than modern flippers.
• Smaller blade lengths may limit heavy-duty tasks.

Final Thoughts: A Knife Steeped in Tradition

The CRKT Forebear isn’t trying to compete with the flashiest modern folders. Instead, it embraces its roots—a slip joint knife with dual blades, a simple mechanism, and timeless design. For those who appreciate heritage with a touch of modern reliability, it’s a breath of fresh air in the EDC market.

From the 12C27 steel blades to the comfortable G-10 handle, everything about the Forebear says practical and dependable. Whether you’re someone who grew up with slip joints or a new enthusiast curious about traditional designs, this knife will feel right at home in your pocket.

If you’re looking for a contemporary everyday carry knife that’s steeped in tradition, the Forebear is an excellent choice.

Where to Buy

You can check out the CRKT Forebear Slip Joint Folding EDC Pocket Knife and explore more designs on their official website: CRKT Official Website