Groove Money Clip Knife: A Surprisingly Discreet EDC Backup

Introduction

Knife-integrated money clips usually have a branding problem: the blade sticks out visibly, which can be a real liability in places with strict knife laws. In cities like New York City, where a knife must be completely concealed, a visible blade on a money clip is a non-starter. Groove, better known for wallets and belts, has released its first knife, and it takes a genuinely discreet approach. At around $29.95, the Groove Money Clip Knife looks like an ordinary compact money clip when closed, which is exactly what makes it interesting.

Why Discretion Matters in a Money Clip Knife

The whole appeal of this design is that closed, it simply does not read as a knife. It looks like a compact, minimal money clip. Groove offered it in silver and black, and the black version does the best job of staying under the radar. The unit reviewed here is also notably smaller than most money clip knives, which tend to be bulkier. Its footprint: a 2.2-inch body paired with a 1.74-inch blade for 3.9 inches overall when open, 0.8 inches tall and just 0.3 inches thick, not counting the clip.

At 1.5 oz (44 g) on the scale, it is genuinely lightweight for the category. That combination of small size, low weight, and a closed profile that reads as nothing more than a money clip is the core reason this design works where others don’t.

Impressive Opening Action

Groove is not known for knives, so expectations were modest going in. The reality was a pleasant surprise: a rear flipper tab launches the 1.74-inch 5Cr13 drop point blade out quickly and crisply, thanks to ball bearings in the pivot and a strong detent. The blade uses a clean flat grind, and the action alone makes this feel almost like a fidget toy.

A frame lock on the rear end of the handle secures the blade; press it to release. One design quirk: there is also a nail nick cut into the blade, which feels redundant given how good the flipper is. The detent is strong enough that the nail nick is practically unusable, and removing it would have made the blade and body look cleaner. A large Groove logo on the body is another cosmetic miss; it would have been better placed on the clip or the back.

Blade Steel and Sharpness

The blade is 5Cr13 stainless steel, a budget steel that keeps the price down. It is easy to sharpen but will not hold an edge for long. For a knife positioned as an emergency backup rather than a daily driver, that trade-off is easy to accept. The body is also stainless steel, though the exact alloy is not listed on Groove’s site.

Straight from the factory, the edge passed a paper-cutting test. It took a couple of attempts with proper grip pressure, but the blade sliced cleanly, so factory sharpness is solid for the price point.

Money Clip Capacity: Real-World Testing

The clip has good tension and a small ramp at the end to make loading easier. Groove rates it for one to two cards. In practice, three cards fit, though that is the honest limit; forcing a fourth is not recommended if you care about scratching your cards. Cash capacity is more generous: ten folded bills go in easily, and even a card under those ten bills works.

Pushing the maximum, 18 bills can be worked up into the clip, but it takes real force and stays tight. Around 17 bills is the practical maximum that remains comfortable and functional. For anyone carrying a card or two and a modest stack of emergency cash, that is plenty.

Everyday Carry Verdict

The real flexibility here is that you do not have to use it as a money clip at all. With its deep-carry-style clip and flat profile, it carries very discreetly as a small pocket knife in its own right. That dual-use versatility is arguably its best feature.

As a compact, low-profile, minimalist money clip knife, it succeeds. Other money clip knives hold more, but this one prioritizes discretion, and at this size and price it earns its place as a backup blade and light-carry option.

Buying Advice

Availability is currently the main obstacle: at the time of writing, both the silver and black versions were sold out, so it is worth checking back for restocks. Anyone carrying only a handful of cards plus emergency cash, or living somewhere knife visibility matters legally, is the ideal buyer. Just be aware of local knife laws regardless, and treat the 5Cr13 blade as what it is: a handy emergency backup, not a primary cutting tool.

Conclusion

For a first knife from a brand built on wallets and belts, the Groove Money Clip Knife is a strong debut. The flipping action genuinely impresses, the closed profile is discreet enough for strict environments, and $29.95 is fair for the build. The nail nick, the front logo, and modest edge retention are minor trade-offs in an otherwise well-executed concept.