Slysteel Skeletek Dagger Lets Users Pick Their Grip

Slysteel is preparing to roll out the Skeletek Dagger, the latest addition to their line of fixed blades. Living up to its name, the knife’s laddered skeletonization gives users more options for paracord wrapping, so they can end up with the handle shape and thickness they want. It’s the first knife out of the Slysteel shop in 2017 but company founder Oliver Hannan says it won’t be the last.

Wrapping a skeletonized handle in paracord is nothing new, but according to Slysteel the 7.5 oz., 3 7/8”-bladed Skeletek takes the idea to the next level. “It allows the user to wrap it to create a grip contoured to their hand,” Hannan explains. Whether users need it for bushcraft, normal cutting chores, or survival functions, the Skeletek’s handle can be adapted to accommodate the task at hand.

Skeletek Dagger

But, Hannan makes it clear that it isn’t meant to be a one-knife solution. “Its primary purpose is self-defense, but if you need it to it can fill multiple niches.” Slysteel also includes a set of G-10 grip scales as an additional option.

The Skeletek incorporates a small pry/scraper tool into its pommel, a secondary feature that Hannan says users might not even notice right away. “We emphasize multiple functions in every design. And these additional functions aren’t always readily apparent.”

Skeletek with G-10 Handles

Slysteel was founded in 2014 with the goal of producing innovative cutlery. Slysteel’s knives are produced in Idaho by TOPS, but Hannan is quick to point out they are very different products. “People have said that our knives are TOPS knockoffs. But SlySteel knives are all original designs and TOPS is simply our manufacturer.”


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Slysteel has big plans for 2017, including a dive knife and the SlyKit, a card-shaped multitool. Hannan wants to expand the Skeletek design into an entire line, and a Skeletek Bushcraft is already in the works. Slysteel products are made in small batches of several hundred blades, but Hannan will consider domestic collaborations with bigger companies. “I’d be open to a collaboration provided it was US-made. I’m not going to compromise my values just to make a product.”

The Skeletek is scheduled for release by the end of February and will come in at an MSRP of $195.


Knife featured in image: Slysteel Skeletek Dagger