CRKT CEO vs. Samior GP035: Which Slim EDC Knife Is Worth Your Money?

If you're shopping for a slim EDC gentleman's knife, two names keep coming up: the CRKT CEO and the Samior GP035. Both are thin, lightweight, flipper-opening folders designed for discreet everyday carry. Both have earned loyal followings in the knife community. And both sit in a similar price range — at least on paper.

But spend five minutes with both knives and the differences become clear. This is a head-to-head breakdown of everything that matters: blade steel, handle materials, lock type, carry characteristics, and overall value. By the end, you'll know exactly which knife deserves a spot in your pocket.

The Basics: Specs Side by Side

Both knives are remarkably thin — nearly identical blade thickness — which is why they both qualify as true slim folders. The differences show up everywhere else.

Blade Steel: AUS-8 vs. M390 vs. D2

This is where the knives diverge most significantly.

The CRKT CEO uses AUS-8 stainless steel, a Japanese steel that's been a workhorse in the mid-range knife market for decades. It's easy to sharpen, reasonably corrosion resistant, and perfectly adequate for light everyday tasks. The downside is edge retention — AUS-8 dulls faster than modern super steels, meaning you'll be touching it up more frequently with daily use.

The Samior GP035 is available in M390 or D2 steel, both significant upgrades. M390, developed by Austrian steelmaker Böhler, is one of the most respected super steels in the knife world — exceptional edge retention, excellent corrosion resistance, and it takes a mirror polish beautifully. D2, while not fully stainless, is a high-carbon tool steel that holds an aggressive working edge longer than AUS-8 at a lower price point.

The Samior S158 uses D2 steel as well — the same meaningful upgrade over AUS-8 in a package that's almost identical in size to the CEO.

In practical terms: both Samior knives will stay sharp noticeably longer than the CRKT CEO under identical daily use. If you're opening packages, preparing food, or using your knife consistently throughout the day, that difference adds up fast.

Winner: Samior — both the GP035 and S158 offer meaningfully better steel than the CEO.

Handle Material: Polymer vs. Carbon Fiber vs. Titanium

The CRKT CEO's handle is textured polymer over a stainless steel liner. It's lightweight, comfortable, and well-finished for a production knife at its price point. There's nothing wrong with the CEO's handle — it just doesn't inspire.

The Samior S158 steps this up with a genuine carbon fiber handle — woven, lightweight, and visually striking. At 1.77 oz it's slightly heavier than the GP035 titanium but still significantly lighter than the CEO. Carbon fiber is harder and more durable than polymer and gives the S158 a premium look that punches well above its $28.99 price tag.

The GP035's TC4 titanium handle takes things even further. Titanium is harder, more corrosion resistant, and develops a natural patina over time that many EDC enthusiasts love. The 3D machine-milled contouring gives it an exceptional feel in hand, and it's what allows the GP035 to come in at just 1.45 oz — noticeably lighter than both the CEO and S158.

Winner: Samior — carbon fiber and titanium are both objectively more premium than polymer.

Lock Type: Liner Lock vs. Frame Lock

All three knives use reliable, proven locking mechanisms — but they're not identical.

The CRKT CEO and Samior S158 both use liner locks, where a spring steel liner flexes behind the blade to hold it open. It's a widely trusted design used on thousands of production knives, and both implementations are clean and reliable.

The GP035 titanium models use a frame lock, where the titanium handle itself serves as the locking mechanism. Because titanium is harder and more rigid than spring steel, frame locks are generally considered more robust. The GP035's frame lock engages almost the full width of the blade tang, giving it an impressively solid lockup.

If liner lock vs. frame lock is a deciding factor for you, the GP035 titanium is the clear choice. If it doesn't matter, the S158's liner lock is perfectly solid for everyday use.

Winner: GP035 titanium for the frame lock advantage; the S158 and CEO are equal on lock type.

The Budget Alternative: Samior S158 vs. CRKT CEO

This comparison deserves its own section because the S158 is the most direct CEO competitor in the Samior lineup.

Both knives are slim, carbon fiber-handled, liner lock flippers in the same size class. The CEO comes in at 7.54" overall with a 3.35" AUS-8 blade for $65. The S158 comes in at 7.64" overall with a 3.2" D2 blade for $28.99.

The S158 gives you better steel, a genuine carbon fiber handle (vs. polymer), and comparable dimensions for less than half the price of the CEO. If you're considering the CRKT CEO primarily because of budget and you want a slim carbon fiber flipper for everyday carry, the S158 is the smarter buy by a significant margin.

Shop the Samior S158 slim carbon fiber flipper →

Carry Characteristics

All three knives are designed for discreet, low-profile carry — but they approach it differently.

The CRKT CEO's clip attaches at the end of the handle so only the clip is visible above the pocket. For office environments where zero knife visibility matters, this is a genuine advantage.

The GP035 and S158 both use side-mounted clips, leaving more of the knife visible above the pocket line. However, both clips are high quality and the profiles are narrow enough to carry cleanly in a dress shirt or suit pocket. The slim profiles and upscale design of the clips makes them both look like a ball point pen in the pocket so carry is descrete and virtually unnoticeable.

Weight is where Samior wins clearly. The GP035 at 1.45 oz and S158 at 1.77 oz both beat the CEO's 2.7 oz — a difference you feel over a long day.

Winner: CEO for maximum pocket discretion; Samior for all-day comfortable lightweight carry.

Value: Which Knife Gives You More for Your Money?

The CRKT CEO Flipper retails for around $65. You get a reliable, well-designed slim folder with AUS-8 steel and a polymer handle.

The Samior S158 at $28.99 gives you D2 steel and carbon fiber for less than half that price. The Samior GP035 starts at $29.99 for entry-level variants and scales up to around $69.99 for premium M390 titanium models — meaning you can get a GP035 with better steel than the CEO for less money, or a significantly more premium knife for slightly more.

Either way, the value math strongly favors Samior.

Winner: Samior — it's not close.

Who Should Buy the CRKT CEO?

The CEO makes the most sense if maximum pocket discretion is your top priority and you prefer an established mainstream brand available at retail. AUS-8 is simple to sharpen with basic tools, and the polymer handle is easy to maintain. If you're new to gentleman's folders and want a reliable, no-fuss entry point from a well-known brand, the CEO delivers.

Who Should Buy a Samior?

Almost everyone else. Here's a quick guide:

Choose the S158 if you want the closest CEO alternative — similar size, liner lock, slim profile — but with better steel, a genuine carbon fiber handle, and a price tag under $30.

Choose the GP035 if you want the full premium experience — M390 or D2 steel, titanium or carbon fiber handles, frame lock, and ultra-light carry that no polymer-handled knife can match.

Browse the full slim EDC knife collection at samior.com/collections/gp035-series.

The Verdict

The CRKT CEO is a good knife. The Samior GP035 and S158 are better knives. If you're choosing between them, Samior gives you superior steel, superior handle materials, lighter carry, and a lower price — regardless of which model you choose. For everyday carry in the office, on the road, or anywhere you need a slim, capable gentleman's folder, Samior is the smarter buy.

Have questions about which Samior is right for you? Leave a comment below or reach out — we're happy to help you find the perfect slim EDC knife.