Published October 7, 2026

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One of its latest drops embodies precisely how the brand has pulled off this feat. The Spyderco Navigator 3 SlipIt harkens back decades into the brand’s history, yet this modern reinterpretation is as relevant today as ever.

The Navigator traces its roots to the ’80s as a direct descendant of the brand’s pioneering Co-Pilot folding knife. However, the original Navigator was launched in 1997, folding a decade of knifemaking into its story.

The first Navigator, like this one, was designed to be compact and travel-friendly, built to meet broad size and mechanism restrictions. It used the brand’s revolutionary ClipIt knife system, which, for the first time, combined a pocket clip with a manual, one-handed opening in a locking knife.

Keen observers will note, however, that this latest iteration is the third generation. That’s because it saw a limited-production resurrection back in 2005 with the launch of the Navigator II. Those same observers might note that, while appearing similar, “ClipIt” and this knife’s “SlipIt” moniker differ.

That’s because the Navigator 3 features a classic slipjoint mechanism and eschews a lock altogether. While the original ClipIt knife suited its time, laws and restrictions have since changed. By getting rid of the lock entirely, it makes this new version even more broadly legal to own, carry and use.

The original Spyderco Navigator featured a G2 (also known as GIN-1, and then considered one of the best options available) steel blade mated to an Almite-coated aluminum handle. Other versions of the original featured black G-10 handle scales and VG-10 steel blades.

The limited-edition redux from the mid-2000s had a stainless steel handle mated to a VG-10 steel blade. Both the original and the Navigator II were offered with plain and serrated edges.

By getting rid of the lock entirely, it makes this new version even more broadly legal to own, carry and use.

This long-awaited redux returns to the original handle, crafted from flat gray G-10. But the blade is a significant upgrade to M390 super steel, which outperforms VG-10 in nearly every way aside from affordability and ease of sharpening.

The Navigator 3 measures 5.46 inches overall (with a 2.32-inch blade). And it has a reversible wire pocket clip, signature Round Hole manual deployment and, as mentioned, a SlipIt non-locking slipjoint mechanism.

The Spyderco Navigator 3 SlipIt retails for $180, but you can preorder it from BladeHQ now for $135 (or reserve one for $5, with the balance due on the shipping date).

About the Author: Sean Tirman is an associate editor at Gear Patrol who specializes in EDC, cannabis and outdoor gear.

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