Jens Ansø’s name is often synonymous with premium (read: expensive) collaborations, so it’s always nice to see his designs and influence trickle down into the more affordable arena. The Blade HQ Exclusive Fox Knives Zero is a perfect example, offering his original custom design at a much more attractive price, while still offering a solid set of features.

The big-bellied 2.75” N690 recurve-style blade comes with blue G-10 scales reminiscent of Blade HQ’s signature color, with a sculpted pattern similar to those found on his custom creations. Black hardware matches the black blade, which also matches the Zero’s ambidextrous lockback and reversible tip-up clip.

What we like: It’s an affordable production version of a Jens Ansø custom in an exclusive and attractive colorway. Showing more love to lefties is also great.

What to watch out for: Its low price means it would still be prudent to manage expectations. The colorway is a BladeHQ exclusive, so expect it to sell out quickly (and the stonewashed blade already has sold out as of this writing).

Final verdict: It’s a Jens Ansø design in exclusive colorways and EDC-friendly dimensions and materials, all for under 70 bucks, making it an easy recommendation for both collectors familiar with his work and newcomers looking to try out his unique designs.

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The post The Drop: Fox Knives Zero Blade HQ Exclusive Knife appeared first on Everyday Carry.

Today we see what happens when a solid, affordable EDC knife gets the chance to spread its wings and get the royal treatment for its design and materials. CJRB’s Pyrite knife has been making waves as an excellent EDC option due to its clean style and thoughtful features at a fantastic price point.

They’ve teamed up with Blade HQ for this unique and premium take, bumping up the 3.11″ AR-RPM9 steel blade to S35VN and the G-10 scales to a wild purple fat carbon design on the show side and a stealthy black on the clip side. And of course, it still comes with the unique button lock that gives it a touch more ease of use and added fidgetability.

What we like: The patterns you get on fat carbon are like nothing else, and the purple used here mixes well with the all-black design. Also, button locks are fun and rare to see, so they’re always a welcome change from the usual liner or framelocks.

What to watch out for: The original Pyrite offered a great knife at a great price, so it may be a bit harder to swallow the higher price point this exclusive is asking for.

Final verdict: Thinking out of the box and offering fresh takes on even the most “budget” knives is always a pleasure to see, even if they aren’t for everyone. Luckily the mainline affordable Pyrite is still around, even if this limited one isn’t up your alley!

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The post The Drop: CJRB Pyrite Blade HQ Exclusive Knife appeared first on Everyday Carry.

Now outfitted with S35VN, the 3.1″ flat-ground blade on this version of the knife enjoys excellent edge retention. The versatility of the slightly-upswept blade means you’re going to need that added level of performance as you begin to use this daily driver of a knife to accomplish more of your tasks.

The other unique thing about this edition of the blade is the addition of lightweight blue canvas micarta handle scales. The unique color scheme denotes this knife’s special status as a Blade HQ exclusive, and the use of the material helps keep the knife light in your pockets as it weighs just 1.97 ounces. But whether you show off that bright blue handle is up to you: the S35VN CEO retains its right-handed tip-down deep carry pocket clip for low-profile, discreet carry all day.

If you’ve been on the fence so far about getting yourself a CRKT CEO, you should spring for this premium S35VN version of the knife. It’s a fitting addition to an already great and ergonomic everyday carry knife and it should be near the top of your list for knife pickups this year. Check it out today on Blade HQ and buy one for yourself before it sells out.

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Compared to the original knife, the upgraded Squid D2 has a stronger, more robust steel that achieves a higher hardness than 8Cr13MoV, leading to a sharper edge and better edge retention overall. It’s also able to take more of a beating, making those hard-use tasks that come up every once in a while something you don’t have to sweat about at all, especially with the reliable frame lock at the handle. Besides the steel this updated Squid keeps the stout drop-point blade shape that made the original a solid contender. At just 2.156” in length, it’s small and pocketable while being more versatile for carry, especially in places with stricter blade length regulations. At the tip of the blade is a well-defined point for easy piercing, and the pronounced curve near the tip also lends to ease of use when it comes to delicate slicing tasks. With its large ambidextrous thumbstud, finding the blade and opening it quickly is easy. It’s set up for right-handed tip-up carry, but it also has a lanyard hole at the pommel if you prefer carrying this small knife in that way.

But the real star of the show for this exclusive is its brand new handles, accents, and aesthetic. It comes with a contoured green micarta scale for its show side, with a copper-finished backspacer giving it an eye-catching accent. Use of this natural jade G-10 drops a whole ounce from the original’s stainless steel handles, while providing an even better grip. This Squid‘s blade also gets a new smokewash finish to match its black-coated hardware. The best part of this collaboration, though, is its price–this exclusive and fresh new take on the Squid costs just a hair under 40 dollars. Pick one up at Blade HQ at the link below, and be sure to pick up this limited edition crowd favorite before it’s gone.

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Where the original Benchmade Bugout featured the use of highly-respected CPM-S30V stainless steel, the new Blade HQ exclusive model ups the game to CPM-20CV, more in line with what you find on higher-end knives. While both steels cut well, 20CV features better corrosion resistance, and it maintains its flat ground edge for longer over time especially if you tend to use your knife on lighter duty tasks like processing paper and packaging. You can opt for either a satin finish for the 3.24″ drop point blade, but the best-looking in our opinion is the black Cerakote-finished option both for its increased durability against scratching and corrosion and its contrast against the unique textured gray G10 handle. That contrast is further enhanced with the green-anodized thumbstud and backspacer hardware, giving this special Bugout a unique look you’ll find nowhere else.

The rest of what has made the Benchmade Bugout such a crowd-favorite pocketknife for everyday carry remains the same, however. It still features a reversible tip-up deep carry pocket clip, and the ambidextrous thumbstuds and reliable AXIS lock holds everything in place during use. At 2.17 oz, this knife offers a lot of cutting power without all the heft.

If you haven’t gotten yourself a Benchmade Bugout yet, this is the ultimate edition of the knife and worth as a top choice for everyday carry. And even if you do already have this knife (or its smaller Mini Bugout cousin), the upgrade in blade steel and unique look of this knife nonetheless deserves your attention. Check it out both colorways at the links below.

Check Out the Satin Finish Bugout

Check Out the Black Finish Bugout

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Leatherman FREE P4

The P4 comes with some of the best Leatherman has to offer, and the most out of the entire FREE line. 21 functions reside in its handles, standing toe to toe with some of their other flagship models. This includes the iconic needlenose/regular pliers, replaceable 154CM hard wire cutters, a complement of drivers and openers, and assorted useful tools like spring-action scissors, a file, and an awl. For cutting, you get a full array of slicers, from a box cutter to your choice of 3 420HC blades (plain, serrated, and a saw). All the tools deploy with the FREE’s signature magnetic system paired with what Leatherman calls “epic haptic” clicks which give a more tactile experience when using the P4.

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Image: Conan

Leatherman Skeletool CX

Thanks to a functional design and lightweight build, The Skeletool CX hits that sweet spot for anyone looking to EDC both a multi-tool and a competent folding knife. Despite its small size, it packs a punch. Thanks to its compact, skeletonized body it manages to weigh only 5 ounces for ease of carry. You can also access all the tools with one hand, making it perfect for the solo handyman. A key Skeletool feature is its heavy-duty 154CM blade with a wharncliffe shape for precision cuts. Its other tools include wire cutters, pliers, and and a carabiner/bottle opener which lets you attach it to a pack or pop open a beverage rounding out its complement of everyday essentials.

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Leatherman FREE T4

The FREE T4 brings 12 functions to bear in a 3.6“, 4.3 oz package. Many familiar tools from the FREE P-Series make an appearance, such as a 420HC knife, spring-action scissors, an assortment of drivers, openers, a heavy-duty file, and even a detachable pair of tweezers. You can deploy all the tools one-handed thanks to the FREE’s magnetic architecture and cam lock system, making them buttery smooth to open, locked in place while in use, and as easy to close up when you’re finished with your tasks. And when you’re ready to grab the T4 and go, its included and removable pocket clip gives it a secure spot in your EDC.

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Image: GondekEDC

Leatherman Style PS

It’s easy to forget about Leatherman’s smaller offerings with their larger tools in the spotlight, but the Style PS continues to punch above its weight as one of their premiere keychain tools. It’s designed to be TSA-compliant with its scissors instead of a blade, and comes with 6 functions to cover your bases, including a small set of pliers, a file/driver, tweezers and a handy carabiner/bottle opener for stowing on your keychain or belt loop.

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Image: Jesse Jaime

Leatherman MUT

The Leatherman MUT (Military Utility Tool) was originally designed for equipment and firearm maintenance on the range, during hunting, or out in the field. But with a sturdy build and 16 robust tools, it’s more than enough to handle EDC duty as well. At 11.2 ounces, it’s a heavy duty tool meant to survive hard use and extreme conditions. Specialized tools like the combination bolt override tool/seatbelt cutter/hammer, a replaceable bronze scraper for cleaning carbon buildup, and a firearm disassembly punch give the MUT the apt designation for military utility. Needlenose and regular pliers cover ther rest of your bases, complemented by Leatherman’s signature replaceable wire cutters. A saw and a partially serrated 420HC stainless steel knife take care of your cutting needs, while a combination carabiner and bottle opener round out the usual multi-tool inclusions.

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Image: Jace

The post Deal Alert: Leatherman Multi-tool Sale appeared first on Everyday Carry.

CRKT Vox Batum

With the Batum knife, you can get quality Jesper Voxnaes design in your dad’s hands at a fraction of the cost of buying one of his custom blades. This makes it a great choice on a budget, and it’s a good choice as well for someone who might just be starting out in the world of EDC. The Batum features a 3.125″ 8Cr13MoV stainless steel drop-point flipper blade with a strong tip that lets it pierce as well as it can slice. The Batum’s blade steel is easy to maintain and sharpen, too. And when things require a bit more force, the frame lock will help keep the blade deployed in place.

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Böker Plus Mini Tech Tool 4

This special edition of the Böker Plus Mini Tech Tool 4 features gorgeous copper scales on its handle, which will only look better as it patinas over time. Besides a handy 2“ drop-point blade made of Sandvik 12C27 steel, this versatile pocket knife comes equipped with a pair of spring-loaded scissors, a combination bottle opener, strap cutter, and flathead screwdriver. This traditional Swiss-style knife opens via a nail nick on the blade, and its slip joint design makes it a good choice for a non-threatening carry where locking knives are more restricted by rule or by law.

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Kershaw Natrix

The Natrix functionally resembles its more spendy premium counterpart, the Zero Tolerance 0777, but it’s made at a far more accessible price point. But now that it’s marked down even further for Blade HQ’s Father Day sale, it’s a no-brainer, featuring quality design and sharp-enough blade steel for most people’s uses. The sub-frame lock provides added security after the SpeedSafe spring-assisted opening takes control after a simple flick of the flipper tab.

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Kizer Uprising

The design of the Kizer Uprising features a sleek minimal titanium handle with a premium CPM-S35VN flipper blade with a clip-point style that makes it great for everyday cutting and slicing tasks. The handle doesn’t sacrifice function with its form, boasting an ergonomic shape that conforms to the hand while the blade is in use. The index flipper tab also acts as a guard against accidents during rough use, and the titanium frame lock ensures no blade play slop when the knife is open.

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CIVIVI Baklash

The Baklash is one of CIVIVI’s most popular everyday carry knives, and this model features a sleek and attractive blacked-out look that looks more like a gentleman’s knife than an overly tactical one. The handle scales are made out of lightweight carbon fiber, which helps this knife not be too heavy at 3.88 oz in total. The black stonewashed blade is made out of 9Cr18MoV stainless steel, and its unique shape straddles the middle between a spear point and clip point design, with a strong tip for piercing but enough of a belly on the blade to make for a great slicer.

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WE Knife Co. Gentry

This isn’t your dad’s (or your grandad’s) traditional slip joint pocketknife. The WE Knife Gentry is built better, with premium CPM-S35VN stainless steel formed into a slim and slender clip point blade that’s 3″ long and which makes short work of delicate slicing tasks. And with its solid titanium handle with carbon fiber scaling, the knife weighs just 1.9 oz in pocket.

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Cold Steel Pro Lite Sport Tri-Ad

Cold Steel is well known for making excellent hard-use everyday carry blades, and their Pro Lite Sport Tri-Ad knife delivers just that, and at an attractive price point (especially on sale) too. The key feature of this knife is Cold Steel’s Tri-Ad lockback technology: your dad might think it’s a regular lockback design, but it’s actually much stronger because of the use of a stop pin. But a good lock is no use without a good blade, and thankfully that’s present here with a versatile 3.5“ drop-point blade deployed with an ambidextrous eye-hole set into the German 4116 stainless steel. The bright blue GFN scales give it a sporty look that’s easy to identify in the dark, but it’s also extremely grippy and at 4.5″ long there’s enough length there to get a full handle on the blade during use.

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MKM Burnley Arvenis

The Arvenis is a premium production knife made with custom knifemaker Lucas Burnley’s design chops. It features a flat ground flipper blade that’s made out of premium Bohler M390 stainless steel for high wear and corrosion resistance. A secure liner lock holds everything in place during use. The handle design features 3D-milled G10 scaling with dual tone black and green coloring, which offers attractive looks with immensely practical grip surfacing. The blade and the pocket clip are both stonewashed, and it complements the overall look well.

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Gerber 06 Auto

If you’re looking to gift your dad a great EDC automatic switchblade knife, the Gerber 06 Auto remains one of the best in class to this day. It features a premium CPM-S30V stainless steel blade with a black finish that helps it resist wear and scratches during rough use. A single push-button made for right-handed use allows for a quick one-handed deployment, and you can lock the blade from firing via the switch on the side of the handle. While this particular blade features a 3.625″ tanto shape, BladeHQ has all variants of this knife on sale, and you can pick the drop-point version as well as the combination serrated blade if it will suit your dad better.

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Benchmade Hidden Canyon Hunter

The Hidden Canyon Hunter is a premium fixed-blade knife that’s ideal for use while trekking or hunting outdoors. It features a stout 2.67″ S30V stainless steel drop point blade with a deep belly that’s great for skinning and camp cutting tasks. The hardness of the premium steel composition allows it to keep a sharp edge for longer than most, and because it’s a fixed blade, full-tang knife, there’s no folding mechanism to fail when you’re relying on it for some hard use. While the handles do have the timeless and rugged look of wood scales, it’s actually made of something called Dymondwood, which lasts longer and is much more resistant to splitting when wet compared to solid wood veneers.

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