Knife Name	DPx HEST/F 4.0 Milspec MagnaCut
Blade Length	3.15″
Blade Steel	MagnaCut (60-63 HRC)
Lock	Frame Lock
Handle Materials	G-10, titanium
MSRP	$285

When I first discovered DPx many, many years ago when I started to get into better EDC gear, I will admit, I didn’t feel cool enough to own one. From the laughing skull logo, to the amazing fit and finish, and even the awesome consideration to make lefty models, DPx knives have always felt out of my league (in a good way), and a brand I’ve kept in the back of my mind in the years since. While I haven’t had the chance to handle or own one in a long time, the HEST’s fourth version released this year is quite possibly its ultimate iteration.

Its biggest and most important change is the HEST 4.0’s use of this year’s superlative steel, CPM MagnaCut, as well as being one of the rare DPx flipper folders. In many ways the steel is perfect for the type of knife the HEST aims to be, one with zero compromises and built for a lifetime of hard use, thanks to its top-tier properties across the board. The drop point blade itself is a big chunk of steel at 3.15″ long and 0.19″ thick, and carries the signature DPx features like the blade notch and wire stripper jimping. The handle is a sandwich of American heavy grip G-10 and grade 5 titanium, and houses its framelock, the bearings that give the HEST a truly satisfying snap, and rounded out with the HEST standard hex bit driver and replaceable tungsted carbide glass breaker. The handle also allows for a full-handed grip, with the front flipper tab and rear shape locking in your fingers, and the G-10 doing its job to really lock in your grip. The clip is also reversible, with a large curve touching and adding additional frame lock strength should you keep it in right-hand orientation.

I think the HEST 4.0 is “the one” for me, and not just when it comes to DPx knives. I felt it from the moment I unboxed it and flipped it open for the first time, and cemented itself the moment I cut something with a fully locked-in grip. It’s everything I want from a tactical/hard-use knife, and the only conceivable drawback I can come up with is it doesn’t come as a lefty, but even then, it’s a small price to pay for a blade of this caliber. The DPx HEST/F 4.0 Milspec MagnaCut is available know from DPx’s site, and be sure to also check out its sibling in Micarta for those who prefer it.

Knife Name	WE Knife Co. Attor
Blade Length	3.55″
Blade Steel	20CV, Damasteel
Lock	Frame Lock
Handle Materials	Titanium, Timascus
MSRP	$415+

We’ve been incredibly impressed by the releases from WE Knife Co. lately, and the new WE Knife Attor is another gorgeous reason why. The brainchild of Croatian custom knifemaker Dalibor Bergam and WE Knife Company, the Attor boasts a 3.55″ modified Persian blade made from Heimskringla Damasteel, and a handle made from a single piece of 6AL4V titanium (the latest in a long line of fantastic WE integral folders, including the recent Ezinta), complete with an eye-catching Timascus inlay. A titanium frame lock ensures extra security, while caged ceramic bearings allow for smooth blade deployment via either the thumb hole or thumb stud, the latter of which creates a subtle but impressive design detail when it rests right beside a cutout in the handle when deployed. Weighing in at just 4.75 oz, it’s easy to carry around with its tip-up, right-side pocket clip (also made from 6AL4V titanium). Other models in the Attor line come with CPM 20CV steel and variations of bead-blasted, stonewashed, and polished titanium handles.

Bag Name	GORUCK x Huckberry GR1 Slick
Capacity	21L / 26L
Laptop Capacity	21L: 15″ 26L: 16″
Materials	1000D, 210D
Dimensions	21L: 11.5″ x 18″ x 5.5″ 26L: 12″ x 20″ x 6.75″
Weight	21L: 2.8 lbs 26L: 3.1 lbs
MSRP	$335 / $345

With a legacy tracing back to special forces roots and a build quality proven through the years both as an EDC bag and rucking companion, the GR1 is one of the most iconic bags in the carry community. Huckberry’s Slick variant has been a popular choice thanks to its minimalist design removing all the tactical trappings of the original—specifically all tracings of MOLLE webbing and the main patch field—while still maintaining its signature bombproof construction and minimal (but effective) set of features.

In the years since the original Slicks released, GORUCK has made big upgrades to their standard GR1s, starting with the use of 210D CORDURA for the back panel and the underside of the shoulder straps, a feature that came from their Rucker line to reduce abrasion on skin and clothing. Soon after, a much-requested quick access pocket on the top of recent GORUCK collaborations made their way into all three main backpack lines, helping the once-tactical silhouette transition into more urban and travel-friendly missions. Today, this combination of the 210D backing and QAP finds its way onto the latest batch of Huckberry Slicks, making them, in my opinion, one of the best EDC bags you can get. Versatile full clamshell-opening main compartment, a rock-solid laptop compartment, the best of both worlds 1000D construction and 210D comfort, and now a perfect top pocket for essential access on the go—it doesn’t get much better than this.

The GORUCK x Huckberry GR1 Slick is now available on Huckberry in Black and Coyote Tan in both 21L and 26L sizes, with a Ranger Green colorway releasing later this September.

Knife Name	Tactile Knife Co. Mariner 2
Blade Length	2.98″
Blade Steel	MagnaCut
Lock	Liner Lock
Handle Materials	Titanium
MSRP	$429

Tactile Knife Co. has been on a roll lately with a number of impressive knife releases, and their latest standout is the Mariner 2—a modern iteration of a beloved heritage piece. Redesigned in collaboration with legendary knifemaker and father of tactical folders, Bob Terzuola, who crafted the OG Mariner in the 1980s, the Mariner 2 brings a fresh, modern edge to a time-tested classic. Proudly machined in the USA, the Mariner 2 features a top-of-the-line 2.98″ MagnaCut satin-finished sheepsfoot blade for superior cutting power, corrosion resistance, and sub-3″ knife law compliance. It also sports the signature stonewashed Grade 5 titanium handle, complemented by a 3D machined pocket clip with Terzuola’s dragon head logo, a reliable liner lock, and an ambidextrous dovetailed thumb disc (available in five different options), all while maintaining a minimal footprint at just 3.58 oz. As a big fan of classic designs, I appreciate how this upgraded model retains the essence of its original while offering us enhanced functionality in a more compact form. The first batch of the Mariner 2 sold out quickly, so if you’re looking to own a piece of this refined classic knife, make sure to secure yours before this second batch also sells out.

Knife Name	Tactile Knife Co. Chupacabra
Blade Length	3.30″
Blade Steel	MagnaCut
Lock	Superlock
Handle Materials	7075 Aluminum
MSRP	$249+

The Superlock mechanism by Malaysian knifemaker Snecx Tan is relatively new to the folding knife scene, but it’s quickly become one of our favorites, making the the Tactile Knife Co. Chupacabra check all our boxes when it comes to features we’d like to see on a folding knife. It uses a coil spring and a lock bar on the knife’s spine that allows for easy and ambidextrous one-handed operation. The Chupacabra’s design allows you to disassemble the knife with a simple T8 torx driver, making it easy to maintain. Its 3.30” sheepsfoot blade is crafted from MagnaCut, a premium steel highly sought after by many knife enthusiasts for providing exceptional cutting performance and durability while minimizing tradeoffs found on other steels on the market. The anodized 7075 aluminum handles ensure a lightweight yet robust build, providing a comfortable grip for any cutting task. Swap out the stainless steel clip with the optional Lynch Northwest Titanium Clip upgrade and you’ve got a complete knife package that we wouldn’t mind having in a one-knife collection.

Watch Name	MINUS-8 Diver 1T Solar
Movement	Seiko Epson AS-01
Case Diameter	42 mm
Case Materials	Titanium
Lug Width	20 mm
MSRP	$348

The last time we talked about MINUS-8, we were impressed with the value offered by their Diver 2.0 Titanium Watch, boasting specs and features that exceed those offered by similarly priced watches. The Diver 1T Solar is an addition to MINUS-8’s dive watch collection, and just like its slightly larger sibling, it provides excellent specs and an easy-to-read dial at an extremely reasonable price point. The Diver 1T features a highly wearable 42mm corrosion-resistant titanium case and bracelet in black or grey with a unidirectional bezel and a screw-down crown that can handle depths up to 200 m. The hands and indices are coated with Super-LumiNova C1 + Orange, protected by a sapphire crystal with two layers of anti-reflective coating, enhancing visibility through any situation. At the heart of the Diver 1T is a reliable Seiko Epson AS-01 quartz movement powered by solar charging. It can go 4 months on just 5 hours of sunlight, which means the watch can keep ticking indefinitely. If you’ve been on the lookout for an overbuilt dive watch that wouldn’t look out of place under the shirt cuff during a dinner party, then this is one to check out.

Knife Name	COAST Founder’s Series Origin Tanto
Blade Length	3.5″
Blade Steel	9Cr18Mov
Lock	Frame Lock
Handle Materials	Stainless Steel
MSRP	$49.99

We’ve been a fan of the COAST Founder’s Series Origin knives for some time because of their slim, sleek, and everyday carry-friendly design. The new Tanto version of the knife continues to provide great value in the form of a fast, flipper-deployed 3.5″ 9Cr18MoV blade secured into place with a strong frame lock in the stainless steel handle. While not strictly a deep-carry pocket clip, this modern gent’s profile blade won’t raise too many eyebrows in polite company. But when you need to get work done with it, the COAST Founder’s Series Origin Tanto is built tough to help you take on any task. We love to see evergreen brands expand their expertise into other EDC areas, and for the price, it’s hard to go wrong with this sleek gent’s slicer.

Flashlight Name	Fenix E12 V3.0
Emitter	Luminus SST20 LED
Max Output	200 lumens
Battery	AA
Materials	Aluminum
Length	3.21″
MSRP	$40

Fenix’s reputation for making quality, reliable flashlights is on full display with the E12 V3.0, the third iteration of their popular E12 model. This version has been upgraded to deliver 200 lumens reaching up to 256 feet, while maintaining a compact, pocket-sized form. At 3.21” long, it’s perfectly sized for everyday carry, with a versatile two-position body clip and magnetic tail stand that allow you to carry it as you want, stick it onto your hat, and attach it to steel surfaces for convenient, hands-free use. It’s built from IP68-rated A6061-T6 aluminum with a premium HAIII hard-anodized anti-abrasive finish that guarantees durability and excellent performance even in the toughest conditions. With so many high-tech EDC flashlights on the market today, the Fenix E12 V3.0 offers an uncomplicated design that outshines the complexity of more advanced models, offering a reliable, super small, and super bright go-anywhere flashlight that’s incredibly easy to power with a standard AA battery (note that 14500 Li-ion is not compatible).

Disclaimer: Ridge is the parent company of EverydayCarry.com.

Knife Name	Ridge Everyday Folder
Blade Length	2.8″
Blade Steel	Sandvik 14C28N, DLC
Lock	Crossbar Lock
Handle Materials	Titanium, Carbon Fiber 3k, Aluminum
MSRP	$150 / $175

Ridge has been on a roll lately. After revolutionizing the minimalist wallet market with the Ridge Wallet, they’ve since carried their expertise over to an expansive collection of EDC gear ranging from pens and keycases to rings, watches, and travel bags. Each release showcases an emphasis on durability, reliability, and perhaps most notably, the use of high-quality materials. It makes perfect sense then that Ridge’s next product is one where these qualities are arguably valued the most: folding knives.

This isn’t Ridge’s first rodeo when it comes to pocket knives. That honor belongs to the original Ridge Summit knife, a simple, everyday folder that kept things minimalist and straightforward. The new Ridge Everyday Folder is a culmination of everything Ridge has learned from creating the Summit while taking things to the next level and designed to withstand a lifetime of use with a carefully thought-out selection of materials and a reliable crossbar lock mechanism.

Pocket-Friendly Ergonomic Design

With a blade length of 2.8”, an overall length of 6.5”, and a closed length of 3.75” the Everyday Folder is compact enough to carry around without compromising its versatility for a wide range of tasks. It fits comfortably in your hand without causing discomfort even after extended use, and the different handle options available in Aluminum (Basecamp Orange and Royal Black), Carbon Fiber 3k, or Stonewashed Grade 2 Titanium scales are all lightweight yet robust.

High-Quality Blade Material

At the heart of the Ridge Everyday Folder is a high-performance Sandvik 14C28N stainless steel blade. Known for its excellent toughness, ease of sharpening, and corrosion resistance, Sandvik 14C28N steel is a preferred choice for a lot of knife enthusiasts because of its ability to go toe-to-toe with more premium steel in the market. The blade features a drop point shape and a flat grind edge with a top swedge for improved piercing ability. The flat grind edge offers a balance between sharpness and strength, making it suitable for both fine and heavy cutting. Its black Diamond-Like-Carbon (DLC) finish adds another layer of protection and gives the blade a visually appealing, sleek look.

Intuitive, easy-to-use Locking Mechanism

One of the standout features of the Everyday Folder is its crossbar locking mechanism, which offers several advantages over other locking mechanisms in the market. Since the crossbar goes through both sides of the handle, either hand can easily access the lock, making the knife fully ambidextrous. The crossbar lock is also great for one-handed operation since you can flick the blade open or closed by simply holding the lock bar back using your thumb and index finger. This means you can reach into your pocket, flick the blade open, use the knife, close it back, and place it back in your pocket with one hand without letting go of whatever it is you’re working on with the other. Lastly, the crossbar lock mechanism is inherently safer to use. Unlike a liner lock or frame lock, your fingers stay out of the path of the blade when you’re closing the knife. This locking mechanism, combined with ceramic bearings on the blade’s pivot and a thumb hole on the blade itself, makes opening and closing the knife not just quick and easy, but extremely satisfying as well.

Discreet Carry Options

The Ridge Everyday Folder’s deep carry pocket clip allows you to carry the knife discreetly and securely in your pocket, making it convenient to access whenever you need it. It’s great to see that the clip also sports a black DLC finish that matches the blade and the other components to create a cohesive look. The Everyday Folder also comes with a durable and lightweight nylon webbing sheath that protects the knife and makes it easy to store and transport.

A Worthy Addition to Any Collection

It’s clear that a lot of thought went into the Ridge Everyday Folder Knife, with each component selected to achieve a singular goal: to create a functional, multipurpose everyday knife that doesn’t just look great, but is also a joy to use for everyone. Its durable build, versatile functionality, premium materials, and Ridge’s lifetime warranty ensure that this knife is in it for the long haul. Whether you’re just getting introduced to the world of folding knives, or already an avid collector, the Ridge Everyday Folder Knife would make a great addition to your kit.

Knife Name	Arcane Design Co. AUTOMATON
Blade Length	3.5″
Blade Steel	S90V (61-62 HRC)
Lock	Liner Lock
Handle Materials	Titanium
MSRP	$329+

Arcane Design continues to be one of the most interesting knife brands on the market to me, with founder Israel Bacchus’s sci-fi and horror-infused designs right up my alley for unique but fully functional designs. Their latest release is the AUTOMATON, a beefy drop point home to a big blade and draped in premium details. The 3.5″ S90V blade comes hollow ground on both the main edge and the top swedge creating a nice contrasting finish, deploying on dual textured thumbstuds. The AUTOMATON uses a liner lock built into the slim, titanium handle accented by a custom pivot collar (I just love the lines and grooves on this, playing into the rest of the details like the handle chamfering) and a deep carry pocket clip. Like many Arcane Design models, you have plenty of options for the finish, material, and color variant for your knife.

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Knife Name	Arcane Design Co. CRYPT Ancient Purple
Blade Length	3.5″
Blade Steel	M390 (60-61 HRC)
Lock	Liner Lock
Handle Materials	Titanium
MSRP	$345

Hot on the heels of the AUTOMATON is the CRYPT Ancient Purple variant releasing on September 5th, giving the Persian flipper an antiqued purple titanium handle to house its satin or PVD-finished 3.5″ M390 blade. Unlike the AUTOMATON, the CRYPT isn’t a preorder and will be ready to ship this Thursday, so keep an eye out on Arcane Design’s socials and newsletter for the news on both drops.

It’s been a minute since we checked in with our friend Matt and his wonderful workshop of wearables, carryables, and skill toys over at aroundsquare, so it’s right on time to browse what he’s cooked up for his August 2024 drop. This month’s collection features fresh takes on some of his classic fidgetables, including the Podushka Chetki, a rounder, chunkier, and more comfortable version of the traditional Eastern European chetki, in a green sandalwood showing off the wood’s unique grain patterns. There’s also the Deadeye Donut Hollows, an evolution of the hollowed-out Deadeye coin in titanium, introducing more thickness to allow a larger surface area for better handling and manipulation. Last but certainly not least is a reintroduction of the thinner Knucklebone Sliminis in a stunning exotic Zircuti. On the wearables front, my personal favorite MKUltras arrive on thinner 1.2mm cord, with thinner beads in the form of Picos and Micro Barrels, offering a lower profile and oval options from the usual rounder selection.

There are a few more releases and restocks as a part of this drop that Matt goes over in the preview linked below, and as of this writing the majority of the pieces are still available and with an early discount.

Knife Name	Vosteed Thunderbird PEI
Blade Length	3.25″
Blade Steel	Elmax
Lock	Trek Lock
Handle Materials	Micarta
MSRP	$139

While Vosteed is on a tear putting out fresh and innovative knives, including outstanding collaborations with makers like TuffKnives, as well as their recent hit with the Ankylo’s V-anchor pivot lock, my favorite knife from the brand still has to be the Thunderbird. On paper, it shouldn’t be; it’s a larger blade than I generally prefer at 3.25″, tanto isn’t always my first choice for a shape, and the Trek Lock also isn’t technically fully ambidextrous (though operates fine as a lefty).

But then all it takes is to flip the Thunderbird open a few times to truly understand what it’s about. The knife is incredibly fun to use and deploy across all six of its possible deployment methods between its thumb cutout, fuller, and flipper tabs. The larger blade lends itself to an extremely satisfying heft as it swings out on caged ceramic ball bearings. The Thunderbird’s original G-10 handles are grippy and lightweight, its titanium handles sound amazing with a satisfying ring when deploying the blade, and now its latest iteration with PEI handles hops on trend with the popular material. You get the lightest version of the knife yet at 2.88 ounces, while also a peek into its mechanism and skeletonized liners. Is this the best version of the Thunderbird yet? That remains to be seen, but in the meantime, one I’m excited to get my hands on and add to the rest of the flock.