SENCUT Skelfin Review: A $40 Gentleman’s Knife That Feels Twice the Price

Quick Take: The Skelfin might be one of the best values in the entire budget knife market. For around $40 you get a slim, lightweight gentleman’s folder with a real button lock, ceramic bearings, and action that rivals knives three times the price. Edge retention is not stellar, but it sharpens up easily and is flat-out fun to carry.

First Impressions

I picked up the Skelfin specifically for a gentleman’s folder roundup and honestly did not expect much. After all, this is a $40 knife using 9Cr18MoV steel. But within a few days of carry it became clear that SENCUT pulled off something impressive here.

The fit and finish are far better than the price suggests, and the fact that they put a reliable button lock on a knife this affordable still surprises me. I also reviewed the Sencut Sachse here.

Mine is the white G10 version with the black-coated blade, and in hand it feels slim, modern, and almost dressy. It disappears in the pocket, weighs just 2.44 ounces, and never feels like it is dragging you down when you are in shorts or light summer clothes.

Blade and Steel

The blade is a 3.3 inch clip point with a hollow grind, made from 9Cr18MoV. It is not a premium steel, but SENCUT knows how to heat treat it. Out of the box it was razor sharp and cut cleanly through boxes, tape, and plastic. After a few weeks of real use the edge did roll a little sooner than some of my other 9Cr18MoV knives, but that is nitpicking. The trade-off is that it sharpens back to a wicked edge with minimal effort.

This is the type of steel where you do not need to baby it. You just touch it up on a stone or strop every so often and it is ready to go again. For a knife that costs less than dinner and drinks, that is exactly what I expect.

Action and Lockup

This is where the Skelfin really shines. The button lock is smooth, reliable, and far better than I thought I would get for the price. Pair that with caged ceramic bearings and you get a knife that deploys crisply with the thumb studs and drops shut with a satisfying snap.

It is fidget-friendly in the best way. I have caught myself clicking it open and closed at my desk more times than I would like to admit. Yet the lockup remains solid, with no blade play in any direction. For a $40 folder, that is no small feat.

Ergonomics and Carry

The Skelfin is light, slim, and comfortable. At just 0.46 inches thick, it carries more like a pen than a knife. The reversible pocket clip sits deep enough to stay discreet without creating hotspots, and the button lock design means it is easy to use one-handed whether you are right- or left-handed.

The white G10 scales on mine are lightly textured and provide just enough grip without feeling rough. It is not a knife you will want to take camping or baton wood with, and that is fine. It is a gentleman’s folder through and through, made for the pocket of your jeans, office slacks, or even a shirt pocket.

Real-World Use

I have carried the Skelfin for several weeks now and used it for everything from opening Amazon boxes to breaking down packaging, slicing zip ties, and general around-town errands. It is not a hard-use knife, but it excels at the kind of daily cutting tasks most people actually need.

The slim blade makes precise cuts easy, and the tip is sharp enough for detail work. If you need something to handle chores at work, travel, or just general EDC without weighing you down, this knife fits the bill.

Final Thoughts

The SENCUT Skelfin is proof that you do not need to spend big money to get a well-made gentleman’s style folder. For $40 you are getting a lightweight, discreet knife with a button lock, smooth ceramic bearings, and solid build quality. Edge retention is not stellar, but it sharpens fast and cuts beautifully while it is sharp.

For me, it is a keeper. It will not replace my higher-end gentleman’s knives, but it earns a spot in the rotation because of how ridiculously easy it is to carry and how much fun it is to use. If you want an affordable gentleman’s folder that actually delivers, the Skelfin deserves a serious look.

Where To Buy The SENCUT Skelfin:
Blade HQ – A top choice for knife buyers with excellent prices, fast shipping, and hassle-free returns, making it easy to pick up the Skelfin. Shop Here

Amazon – Always convenient with quick delivery, simple returns, and loads of customer feedback to help you decide before you buy. Shop Here

Note: I purchased this knife with my own money. For the most part, I don’t accept free knives or gear for review, and if I ever do, I’ll clearly state it. Some of the links in this review may be affiliate links, which means I could earn a small commission if you decide to buy through them. It doesn’t cost you anything extra, and it helps keep reviews like this coming.