Iain Sinclair

Iain Sinclair represents one of the most unconventional approaches to knife design in the modern era. Founded in 1964 in the United Kingdom, the brand gained international recognition for pioneering the Cardsharp series—the world's first credit card-sized folding knife that revolutionized ultra-compact carry tools.

The company's origins trace back to medical applications, where Sinclair originally designed disposable surgical knives for healthcare use. This surgical heritage influenced the brand's commitment to precision engineering and surgical-grade stainless steel blades. The innovative leap came when these principles were applied to create a knife thin enough to slip into a wallet yet functional enough for everyday cutting tasks.

The Cardsharp series showcases sophisticated engineering, utilizing polypropylene living hinge mechanisms and Zytel safety locks to transform a flat card into a functional cutting tool with a 65mm surgical-grade blade. The design eliminates traditional pocket bulk, offering an EDC solution that literally fits alongside credit cards.

Community reception has been notably mixed. The Cardsharp2 earned recognition as an "ingenious conversation piece," celebrated for its innovation and novelty factor. However, practical users have criticized the deployment mechanism as awkward compared to traditional folders. The wallet-carry design has also created unexpected complications, with TSA incidents reported by travelers who forgot the card-knife remained in their wallets during security screening.

Later iterations expanded the concept, with Cardsharp4 introducing aluminum construction to enhance durability while maintaining the signature credit card form factor. The brand carved out a unique niche in the knife industry—not for outdoorsmen or tactical users, but for those seeking the ultimate minimalist backup blade.

Iain Sinclair's legacy lies in challenging conventional knife design, proving that innovation sometimes means rethinking fundamental assumptions about what a knife should look like and how it should carry.