For as long as I can remember I have always carried a small Swiss Army knife on my keyring, to help me out in those emergency situations when you just need a knife or a small pair of scissors to sort out an issue with something or other. As you can imagine this early introduction to the usefulness of a pocket knife then progressed to purchasing larger Swiss Army knives. Now Swiss Army knifes have now become an essential part of my DIY toolkit and helped me fit everything from cat flaps to running repairs around the house, together with the help of a few other essentials.
So when I first saw the sleek black lines, and innovative folding mechanism of the Cardsharp Knife by Iain Sinclair back in December 2010, I was intrigued to see how such a slim small knife would fair in everyday use.
The Cardsharp Knife has been designed to provide a neat credit card sized addition to your wallet, purse, survival tin or first aid kit. On first inspection the Cardsharp knife appears to be a flimsy hinged piece of plastic, but within a few simple movements, it transforms into a fairly formidable knife. Providing a functional pocketknife with a 6 cm blade and fairly sturdy plastic handle.
The design, construction and form of the Cardsharp Knife is fantastically simple yet extremely functional, and Iain Sinclair’s design skills have done a fantastic job of combining the different materials together to create a superb folding knife, within the minimal amount of space and a great tool for carrying out lighter cutting jobs.
Looking directly on top of the Cardsharp Knife there are two main diagonal folds which create the handle and hold the blade securely into place using a line of small pins which locate in holes on the opposite side of the knife. When folded out in to a knife there is movement on the blade so any heavy cutting might be a problem, but for light cutting the knife its surprisingly ridged when used in-line with the blade.
The Cardsharp Knife’s blade is finished in a matte black and has Iain Sinclair signature etched onto the base of the blade, and also embossed into the plastic handle. Which then aligns with is when site address when folded together.
Since its launch back in early 2011 the design of the Cardsharp Knife has been tweaked and modified by Iain Sinclair, and the latest knives now incorporates a small safety catch on the blade to stop it springing out unintended. However a quick twist of the new safety catch between thumb and forefinger provides easy access to the blade, which can then be folded into place, and securely fastened with the handle locking mechanism.
As you would expect with any concealed knife, which is tucked in your wallet. Authorities at airports and in some countries on the streets might be a little concerned that you are carrying such a formidable looking knife, even if your intentions, are for the best. So remember to remove it from your bags and wallets before traveling.
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