DeckShiv Review: The Magnetic Fidget Slider That’s Also a Utility Knife

We’ve all been there—mindlessly clicking a pen during a meeting, tapping fingers on the desk, or fidgeting with whatever’s within reach. But what if that restless energy could actually be useful? Enter the DeckShiv, a clever creation from Hong Kong-based EDC brand ActMax that combines the satisfying slide of a deck-style fidget toy with a practical utility knife. Currently crushing it on Kickstarter with over $177,000 raised (that’s 8,800% of its original goal), this palm-sized gadget has clearly struck a nerve with the EDC community. In this review, we’ll break down what makes the DeckShiv special, who it’s perfect for, and whether it deserves a spot in your everyday carry rotation.

What is the DeckShiv?

The DeckShiv is a magnetic fidget slider with an integrated auto-retracting utility blade. The name says it all: “Deck” for the smooth, deck-style sliding action your fingers crave, and “Shiv” for the precise SK5 steel blade hidden inside. Created by ActMax—a brand that’s already successfully delivered previous EDC products through Kickstarter—the DeckShiv represents a thoughtful fusion of form and function that the fidget-happy, utility-minded crowd has been waiting for.

At just 2.64 x 1.14 x 0.4 inches (67 x 29 x 12mm) and weighing between 1.35 and 3.2 ounces depending on material, this thing is genuinely pocket-friendly. It’s small enough to clip onto your belt, toss in a pocket, or hang from a lanyard without adding any bulk to your carry. The campaign has already attracted over 345 backers and runs until January 28, 2026, with delivery expected in June 2026.

Key Features of the DeckShiv

Magnetic Sliding Mechanism

The heart of the DeckShiv is its magnetic guidance system that creates smooth, deliberate resistance throughout the slider’s travel. Unlike cheap fidget toys that feel loose or inconsistent, the DeckShiv delivers a satisfying click at full retraction and maintains consistent action thanks to an internal carbon fiber sheet creating a seamless sliding track. The best part? You can slide back and forth endlessly without ever exposing the blade—perfect for those long conference calls where you need something to keep your hands busy without accidentally slicing your fingers.

Auto-Retracting Utility Blade

When you actually need to cut something, the DeckShiv deploys a replaceable SK5 steel blade housed in a precision brass carrier. The magnetic retention keeps the blade secure without rattling, and here’s the clever bit: you can partially extend the blade for controlled depth cuts, making it safer and extending blade life. Release the slider and the blade automatically retracts via magnetic force—no fumbling with locks or buttons. It’s designed for everyday cutting tasks: opening packages, slicing paper, cutting fabric or leather, and general light-duty work.

Premium Material Options

ActMax offers three material variants to suit different preferences and budgets. The PEI (Polyetherimide) option is the lightest at just 1.35 ounces, with a translucent finish that reveals the inner workings—great for those who appreciate mechanical aesthetics. The Aluminum version weighs 2.2 ounces and offers solid durability at a mid-range price. Finally, the Titanium model tips the scales at 3.2 ounces and provides superior corrosion resistance with a premium feel. Both metal options are available in matte black finish with CNC-machined anti-slip textures.

Thoughtful Design Details

ActMax didn’t just stop at the core functionality. The DeckShiv includes a removable pocket clip for versatile carry options, a keyhole for attaching to keychains or lanyards, and—here’s a nice touch—a slot for a luminous vial (tritium or glow tube) to help you find it in the dark. These details show a brand that understands what EDC enthusiasts actually want.

Who Should Back the DeckShiv?

The DeckShiv sits at an interesting intersection of the EDC and fidget toy communities. It’s perfect for desk workers and remote professionals who need something to keep their hands occupied during video calls or while thinking through problems. EDC enthusiasts who appreciate clever design and premium materials will find a lot to love here, especially given the multiple material options and attention to detail.

Fidget toy collectors looking to upgrade from basic spinners and sliders to something more functional will appreciate that this tool actually earns its pocket space. And light-duty users who regularly open packages, break down boxes, or do minor cutting tasks will find the utility blade genuinely useful rather than gimmicky.

However, if you need a heavy-duty work knife for jobsite tasks or sustained cutting pressure, this isn’t the tool for you. The magnetic retention (rather than a positive lock) means it’s designed for light, precise work—not demolition duty.

DeckShiv Pricing and Reward Tiers

ActMax has structured the Kickstarter campaign with accessible pricing across all material options. The Aluminum version starts at $39 (retail $55), making it one of the most affordable premium fidget-utility hybrids on the market. The PEI translucent version is $45 (retail $65), offering that see-through aesthetic at a reasonable premium. For those wanting top-tier materials, the Titanium version comes in at $69 (retail $99)—still very competitive for a titanium EDC tool.

All tiers include free worldwide shipping and a pre-installed blade, with estimated delivery in June 2026. Given ActMax’s track record of successfully delivering previous Kickstarter projects, the risk factor here is lower than backing a first-time creator. The campaign has already raised over $177,000 from its modest $2,000 goal, so there’s no doubt this project is moving forward.

Pros and Cons

What We Like

• Unique fidget-utility hybrid design that actually serves both purposes well
• Premium material options (PEI, Aluminum, Titanium) at competitive prices
• Auto-retracting blade with partial extension for safety and precision
• Compact dimensions make it truly pocket-friendly
• Thoughtful extras: luminous vial slot, removable clip, keyhole
• Experienced creator with successful Kickstarter track record

Potential Concerns

• Magnetic retention means it’s not suitable for heavy-duty cutting tasks
• June 2026 delivery requires patience from backers
• May be overkill if you treat utility knives as disposable tools
• Niche appeal—you need to appreciate both fidget toys and EDC gear

Our Verdict on the DeckShiv

The DeckShiv is one of those products that makes you wonder why nobody thought of it sooner. By combining a genuinely satisfying fidget slider with a practical utility blade, ActMax has created something that earns its pocket space twice over. The magnetic mechanism is clever, the material options provide genuine choice, and the attention to design details shows a creator who understands the EDC community.

If you’ve ever wished your fidget toy could actually do something useful—or wanted your utility knife to be more fun to carry—the DeckShiv delivers on both fronts. At $39-$69 depending on material, it’s priced competitively enough to take a chance on something genuinely different.