Notorious EDC Kingpin Review: A Premium Modern Traditional Slip Joint

Introduction

Some knives earn their reputation through hype. The Notorious EDC Kingpin earned it by being genuinely hard to get. It took months of waiting before one finally landed here, in the titanium and black Micarta configuration, and after spending real time with it, this has become a favorite modern traditional slip joint. It combines premium materials, a beautifully executed blade, and a classy minimalist look that would not feel out of place next to a collection of gentleman’s knives.

Unboxing and First Impressions

The Kingpin arrives in a very presentable box, and the included extras are better than expected. Inside you get a microfiber cleaning cloth and a leather slip, and the quality of that leather slip is a genuine surprise. It feels premium in the hand and adds a lot to the overall experience of carrying this knife.

It is worth noting that the black blade version paired with black Micarta scales sells out extremely fast. The satin blade with black Micarta, however, is far from a consolation prize. It is a gorgeous combination, and the harpoon blade shape gives it a distinctive silhouette.

Blade and Cutting Performance

The heart of the Kingpin is a 2.91 inch harpoon-style blade made of Böhler M390 steel. Rocking the blade back and forth under light reveals a clean hollow grind, and the result is an extremely slicey knife. The blade stock is only 0.11 inches thick, about three millimeters, and the edge arrives dangerously sharp. If you have been searching for a slip joint that serves as a great daily slicer in a modern traditional body, this is a strong candidate.

The cutting edge measures about 2.71 inches, and there is no choil or finger choil at all. The harpoon shape does double duty: the design detail near the blade also acts as a nail nick, giving plenty of surface area for a thumbnail when opening, or enough room above the handle to pinch and pull the blade open. Along the spine there is no jimping, but the harpoon shape creates a natural thumb ramp that offers surprisingly good control.

Handle Design and Ergonomics

The handle is where the Kingpin develops its personality. The tail of the handle is based on a gun stock shape, and the inspiration is easy to see. A small finger well provides nice control with a full hand wrapped around it, and despite the knife being fairly small, it accommodates a full four-finger grip.

Overall length is just six and a half inches, with a closed length of 3.7 inches. For perspective, it sits almost exactly the same size and thickness as a Benchmade Mini Osborne 945, with the Kingpin only marginally thicker due to the contouring of the Micarta scales. Construction is solid: titanium bolsters and titanium liners, with the Micarta scales held on by two screws.

Spring and Deployment

A slip joint is only as good as its spring, and this one is fantastic. There is a fairly strong half stop partway through the travel, and fully open you get a satisfying, confident snap. Closing it produces the same satisfying snap on the way back. Because there is no lock and no pocket clip, the Kingpin is naturally ambidextrous, making it friendly for both right-handed and left-handed users.

Everyday Carry and Value

The titanium and Micarta version weighs just 2.2 ounces, and in the leather slip it pockets very nicely. It is a discreet, pocketable carry that suits the minimalist, classy character of the knife.

Pricing runs from about $280 to $295 depending on the version, and this configuration landed around $290. That is undeniably pricey for a knife this size, but you are paying for premium materials and premium craftsmanship. Notorious EDC knives are manufactured by Reate, and anyone familiar with Reate knows how high the build quality can be. Reate may draw mixed feelings in parts of the knife community, but among collectors the quality speaks for itself. Between the modern traditional styling and the leather sleeve, this sits comfortably in gentleman’s knife territory as much as in the EDC category.

Buying Advice

If you want a premium slip joint with a slicey M390 blade, refined ergonomics, and a classy modern traditional look, the Kingpin delivers on all counts. Just be prepared to pay a premium price and possibly wait, since popular configurations sell out quickly. Fans of the Benchmade Mini Osborne 945 size class will feel right at home with the proportions.

Conclusion

The Notorious EDC Kingpin is a superb modern traditional slip joint: a thin, razor-sharp M390 harpoon blade, titanium and Micarta construction at 2.2 ounces, excellent spring action, and thoughtful details like the integrated nail nick and included leather slip. It is expensive for its size, but the craftsmanship and design justify it for collectors and discerning everyday carriers.