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This Iconic Pocket Knife Was Already Excellent. Now It’s Even Better

Major upgrades to both the blade steel and the handle take a fundamental flipper to a whole new level of form and function.

Close-up of a textured gray folding knife handle with a clip labeled "Real Steel" on a black surface.Real Steel Knives
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By Steve Mazzucchi

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A lot can happen in a decade. On one hand, that span of time is more than enough for a spectacular fall from grace (just ask Kanye West). 

On the other hand, such a period can also see a person or product evolve to its highest, most self-actualized level of potential.

Hand holding a folding knife with a textured gray handle and a stonewashed blade.
The Griffin Ultimatum is easily the highest-end treatment this longtime RSK staple has ever received.
Real Steel Knives

Happily, the latter is the case with one of Real Steel’s most renowned and enduring EDC knives.

After over 10 years on the market, the Griffin has reached the pinnacle via a major material makeover dubbed the Griffin Ultimatum.

Fine design, premium ingredients

Created by veteran designer Carson Huang, the Griffin has always had a great-looking silhouette.

No knife nameplate that has been around since the second Obama administration doesn’t.

Folding knife with textured black handle and partially serrated stainless steel blade standing on a black surface.
The knife’s open length of 8.15 inches extends effortlessly across its sharp, sleek silhouette.
Real Steel Knives

But while the Ultimatum’s immediate predecessor, the Griffin Pro, features 14C28N steel and handle scales made of either G10 or Micarta, the latest edition seriously steps things up.

The biggest upgrade is that the generous 3.54-inch drop-point blade is now rendered in Vanax Superclean, a corrosion-resistant, edge-retaining super steel on the level of Elmax and M390.

Stonewashed gray knife blade with a thumb hole and "CARSON" and "VANAX" markings on a black background.
The Vanax Superclean blade is available with either a stonewash or satin finish.
Real Steel Knives

Primary deployment comes via what the brand calls the Griffin Eye opening hole, a uniquely shaped slot near the base of the blade that is best triggered not with the thumb but with the middle finger. 

A secondary deployment option is the button lock, which not only releases the blade but enables one-handed retraction with a press and flick of the wrist. 

Gray textured folding knife with partially open blade held in a hand against a black background.
While the generic name is a thumb slot, a middle finger flick makes for swift, smooth deployment.
Real Steel Knives

A small safety toggle near the button can slide open or close for an additional measure of security when you want to make 110% sure the blade stays open or closed.

The Griffin Ultimatum’s handle has been plussed up, too. While the ergonomic shape is retained, the material is light but tough titanium, complete with a deep, grip-boosting texture.

Close-up of a textured gray folding knife handle with circular and oval metal buttons on a black background.
The titanium handle features a button lock, a safety toggle and a grippy grooved pattern.
Real Steel Knives

Further refinements include a CNC-machined 3D pocket clip (tip-up, non-reversible) and a streamlined display side that deftly hides the rear screw. 

As for the fact that it costs nearly five times more than the Pro? Well, talk about an Ultimatum…

Availability and pricing

The Real Steel Griffin Ultimatum is available now for $275.

About the Author:

Now managing editor, Steve has served in a variety of roles with GP since 2019. Having previously written and edited for such publications as Men’s Health, Men’s Journal, Esquire and ESPN, he enjoys covering a range of topics — but mostly those pertaining to cycling, snow sports, pocket knives and motos — and dreams of a utopian world in which everyone’s bike seat is at the proper height.

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