A carton includes a top panel, a first side panel and a slot handle. The slot handle includes a line of separation extending across the top panel at a location spaced from the longitudinal center of the top panel. The slot handle includes a lifting edge spaced from the line of separation and disposed on one side of the line of separation. The slot handle further includes a first stress relief mechanism provided in the first side panel. The first stress relief mechanism includes a frangible line having a linear stem section that is acutely angled relative to a notional line normal to the hinged connection between the top panel and the first side panel. The stem section is angled away from the lifting edge and terminating in an arcuate stop at a location spaced below the hinged connection on the one side of the line of separation.