Bestech Junzi S35VN Slipjoint Knife

The Bestech Junzi looks more like a tactical knife than a slipjoint, but that’s what makes it such a clever piece of handiwork. In Confucianism, a “junzi” is a gentleman, an apt name for this compact and handsome folder. Because it’s a slipjoint, the Junzi doesn’t actually lock. Pull the blade out manually and it will rest in the open position thanks to the detent. The blade, a 2.75-inch drop-point, is constructed from premium S35VN stainless steel for excellent strength and durability. When closed, it sits inside a titanium handle in your choice of finish. When opened, there’s a forward choil that makes an excellent space for an index finger during more detailed cuts.

Developed by Crucible Industries (one of the leading manufacturers of specialty steels for the cutlery industry) and Chris Reeve (pioneer of the integral frame lock, featured on the Gent), S35VN is perhaps the most balanced blade steel ever created in terms of all-around performance. It’s made through a process known as Crucible Powdered Metallurgy, which results in near perfect consistency in the distribution of carbides. Compared to conventional melting practices, the CPM process produces a steel characterized by superior dimensional stability, grindability, and toughness.