check price on amazon.com (Brown)

check price on amazon.com (black)

buy on coastportland.com ($49.99)

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.

The post COAST Continues to Expand Their Founder’s Series Knives With the New Origin Tanto appeared first on Everyday Carry.

check price on Amazon

buy on civivi.com ($117.60)

Knife Name	CIVIVI Biophase
Blade Length	3.48″
Blade Steel	Multiple, Damascus featured
Lock	Button Lock
Handle Materials	Aluminum and carbon fiber overlay on G-10
MSRP	$117.60

Today CIVIVI released the Biophase, a knife that boasts a futuristic sci-fi look while maintaining the company’s dependable everyday carry specs. Despite CIVIVI’s diverse range of designs over the years, the Biophase is unlike any other knife they’ve made, and reminds us a lot of their big brother WE Knife Co.’s iconic collaborations with the late designer Elijah Isham. With its skeletonized aluminum handle and button lock action, the Biophase offers a full-size folding knife experience without too much heft. The clip-point Nitro-V steel blade is no slouch either, with a Rockwell hardness between 58-60 and a strong belly and well-defined tip for maximum slicing and piercing performance. If you like an added touch of class, we prefer the Damascus steel and carbon fiber version of this knife, which looks the best overall. The lightening cuts in the blade match well with the organic look of the rest of the knife, and it’s a good option for those looking for something a bit different from the minimalist aesthetic that pocket knives tend to have these days.

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Buy on exceeddesigns.com ($180+)

Knife Name	Exceed Designs AVAIR
Blade Length	3.25″
Blade Steel	Böhler M390
Lock	Frame lock
Handle Materials	Titanium
MSRP	$180+

Exceed Designs first sliced their way into the knife market with a truly innovative and very EDC-targeted take on the utility knife, and the TiRant RAZOR V3 continues to be one of our favorite flippers. It set the bar pretty high for the brand, so when they unveiled their first folding knife, the AVAIR, we knew it was going to be special—and wow, did they exceed expectations, pun very much intended. The AVAIR is a true evolution of Exceed’s design language, blending form and function that calls back to the original geometric lines of the RAZOR while subtly tweaking and angling its edges into a more minimalist modern deisgn. Optional SKIFF bearings and fully skeletonized 6AL-4V titanium scales encase a custom compound ground Böhler M390 blade, making this knife a high-end, timeless tool you’ll want to carry every day. You’ve got choices too: go for the striking micro-slash milling on the scales or opt for the sleek, jet-black PVD/DLC coating. Every detail, from the masterfully designed knife itself, to the little details like the blade’s compound grind, custom minimal screws, and even the packaging sets the AVAIR apart in a class of its own. And for everything this knife offers, the price really is the cherry on top. Exceed Designs restocked the AVAIR just 3 days ago, so if you’re thinking about grabbing one, it’s the perfect time to complete your ensemble along with the TiRant RAZOR utility blade and HYZER titanium hatchet.

The post Exceed Designs AVAIR appeared first on Everyday Carry.

buy on dsptch.com ($225)

Bag Name	DSPTCH Gym/Work Pack
Capacity	26L
Laptop Capacity	16″
Materials	1680D Ballistic Nylon with DWR coating
Dimensions	18.5″ x 11.5″ x 8.5″
Weight	2 lbs 12 oz
MSRP	$225

Carrying a separate gym bag for your workout clothes and shoes can feel a little cumbersome, but the risk of having your everyday carry bag tainted with the smell of sweat is high. That’s why we like the all-in-one solution provided by DSPTCH with their new ballistic nylon Gym/Work Pack. An external roll-top storage area can accommodate your gym shoes and dirty clothes while keeping everything separate from the main compartment that can hold up to a 16” laptop. We also like the ability to carry two large water bottle pockets in the side mesh holders, so you can stay hydrated and carry enough water for your needs until you get home. There’s an ample 26L of total space should you need to crossover into a weekender or pack an additional set of clothes, while adjustment points everywhere from load lifters to a Fidlock sternum strap ensure that the extra weight stays comfortable for EDC.

The post DSPTCH Gym/Work Pack appeared first on Everyday Carry.

InCase AllRoute Daypack

Purchase

Key Features

3-D foam back panel and padded shoulder straps for comfort

Side water bottle pockets

Sleek, low-profile design

Specifications

Capacity

19L

Materials

Water-resistant ripstop nylon

Laptop Size

15“

Reviews

3 reviews

Price

$

InCase is renowned for making quality bags made to keep laptops safe during the rough and tumble of an everyday commute. Their AllRoute Daypack features a dedicated laptop compartment that can fit up to a 15″ device. That special tech compartment and the main compartment feature water-resistant zippers, and the ripstop nylon shell is also designed to keep water out. There’s lots of internal organization space to keep smaller items and stationery secure while moving around.

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Peak Design Everyday Backpack Zip 15L

Purchase

Key Features

270-degree wrap-around zipper

Configurable with FlexFold padded dividers

Carry handles on top and sides

Specifications

Capacity

15L

Materials

100% recycled 400D weatherproofed nylon canvas shell

Laptop Size

13″

Reviews

5 reviews

Price

$$$$

Peak Design revamped their Everyday line of EDC bags for the new year, and their new Zip Backpack packs quite a punch. It has a versatile wrap-around zipper that allows for easy loading and unloading of your gear. Its design also allows for quick side access when you’re on the move. The internal structure of the bag is easily configurable to your needs thanks to Peak’s signature FlexFold dividers. It’s padded enough to keep valuable electronics like cameras and small drones safe. And its dedicated laptop sleeve is perfect for 13″ ultra-portable laptops or tablets as well. Grab handles on the top and sides of the bag make reaching for it in awkward places like under seat or overhead storage bins in buses and trains an easy task to accomplish, and its minimalist look makes it well suited for any situation.

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Bellroy System Work Bag

Purchase

Key Features

Luggage passthrough sleeve

Roll-top closure

Dual front zip pockets for quick access to small gear

Specifications

Capacity

16L

Materials

Water-resistant weaved nylon fabric

Laptop Size

15“

Reviews

7 reviews

Price

$$$$

Bellroy’s known for their fine leather works, but they also make quality nylon gear as well. Take their System Work Bag for example, a clean looking messenger bag with room for a 15″ laptop and featuring a roll-top closure that keeps the rain out too. When you’re not going to and from the office, you can use the System Work Bag as a personal carry-on bag, and it has a pull through sleeve that lets you slot it into the handle of a roller bag for ease of use.

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Chrome Industries Citizen Messenger

Purchase

Key Features

Quick-release buckle and secure shoulder strap

Reflective for night visibility

Compression straps to secure and minimize cargo footprint

Specifications

Capacity

26L

Materials

Weatherproof tarp liner with durable nylon shell

Laptop Size

17“

Reviews

26 reviews

Price

$$$

The Chrome Industries Citizen Messenger bag is made for a fast-paced lifestyle, and its unique carrying modes make it well suited in that regard. Aside from the standard over-the-shoulder carrying mode, the Messenger Satchel can be used as a sling, and for added security you can buckle the bag in a three-point style that secures it while you move about or bike around the city. The high-visibility reflective material on the strap also help for making sure drivers can see you in the dark, and you can fit up to at 17″ laptop in its spacious and padded main compartment along with your work essentials.

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Filson Weatherproof Original Briefcase

Purchase

Key Features

Made in the USA

Solid brass hardware

Padded shoulder strap

Specifications

Capacity

13L

Materials

Weatherproof bridle leather by Wickett & Craig

Laptop Size

15“

Reviews

0 reviews

Price

$$$$

With most leather briefcases, you have to worry about getting them wet when it rains, especially when they’re heirloom quality in terms of quality. But to Filson, that type of quality also comes with immensely practical durability: their Weatherproof Original Briefcase does as listed. Their vegetable-tanned boot-grade leather bag was made by Wickett & Craig to offer you a permanent waterproof protection that gets even better with age, making this a quality bag that you won’t have to worry about actually using on a day-to-day basis.

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Fossil Buckner Convertible

Purchase

Key Features

Slim profile

Stowable straps to convert to a shoulder bag

Easy access exterior pockets

Specifications

Capacity

~9L

Materials

Polyester and PU trim

Laptop Size

15“

Reviews

7 reviews

Price

$$$

This slim and stylish polyester cloth bag fits up to a 15″ laptop, and its main draw is its ability to transform from shoulder bag to daypack backpack with little fuss. The two external zippered compartments allow for quick access to important documents and small electronics like your cell phone or a small camera on the fly.

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Unbox Therapy x PacSafe Anti-theft Briefcase

Purchase

Key Features

Low-profile black on black minimal design

Wide access main compartment zippered opening

RFID blocking

Specifications

Capacity

19L

Materials

Puncture- and slash-resistant shell

Laptop Size

15″

Reviews

43 reviews

Price

$$$

Getting your gear stolen is one of the worst things that can happen to your everyday carry, and even worse if it happens to the gear you need for work every day. This special edition of PacSafe’s unique anti-theft convertible pack makes for a low profile work bag that’ll let you carry your essentials without advertising their contents for all to see. And if someone is unlucky enough to try for your bag, the hallmark anti-theft features of this bag, like the cut resistant straps, help make sure it’s hard to make you part with your stuff unwillingly.

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Manhattan Portage Deluxe Computer Bag

Purchase

Key Features

Luggage passthrough sleeve

Limited lifetime warranty

Hook-and-loop closure

Specifications

Capacity

21.2L

Materials

1000D Cordura Nylon

Laptop Size

17″

Reviews

6 reviews

Price

$$

Weighing just a pound fully unloaded, Manhattan Portage’s Deluxe Computer Bag gives you enough space to fit a full size 17″ desktop replacement laptop into its protective sleeve. But from the outside, it doesn’t look like a laptop bag, letting you move incognito when you don’t want to draw attention to the gear you placed inside. The rear pocket allows for quick access to documents as well, but if you unzip the bottom you can use it as a luggage pass through sleeve for travel.

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Topo Designs Commuter

Purchase

Key Features

Convertible from shoulder bag to backpack

Made in the USA

YKK zippers

Specifications

Capacity

~13L

Materials

1000D Cordura and Horween leather

Laptop Size

15″

Reviews

0 reviews

Price

$$$

Topo Designs’s take on the convertible briefcase firmly straddles the line between fashionable luxury and durable travel-ready construction. The exterior of the Bag features super-sturdy 1000D Cordura nylon with gorgeous Horween leather trimming. The bags internals are lined with 420D nylon pack cloth, which is far less abrasive than the exterior shell, so packing more delicate gear is safe to do with this bag, especially if you’re using it on vacation when you’ve ditched the office digs for a while.

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Mission Workshop The Khyte

Purchase

Key Features

Made in the USA

Fidlock V-buckle closures

Arkiv rail extensibility

Specifications

Capacity

24L

Materials

2-layer weatherproof HT 500

Laptop Size

15“

Reviews

0 reviews

Price

$$$$

The Khyte is designed to be the ultimate shoulder bag for work or play, with a generous 24L of space for gear protected by a 2-layer weatherproof HT500 technical fabric shell. Fidlock V-buckles make for a secure closure that’s actually more convenient to open than the standard buckle you find on other bags. And The Khyte is also compatible with Mission Workshop’s unique Arkiv accessory packs, letting you further expand and configure the bag to your liking.

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How’s your transition back to work been so far this year? Did a fresh take on your work EDC help you out? What bags did we miss? Sound off in the comments below!

The post The Best Back to Work Bags for 2022 appeared first on Everyday Carry.

THE Best Fixed Blade Survival Knives in 2024

The Best Overall/Best All-Around Knife : Morakniv Eldris [Buy]
The Best Tactical Fixed Blade Knife: Toor Knives Viper [Buy]
The Best Bushcraft Knife: ESEE-4 [Buy]
The Best Survival Knife for Water: Spyderco Subway [Buy]
The Lightest Fixed Blade Knife: Buck Knives 635 Paklite 2.0 Cape Pro [Buy]

The Best Overall/Best All-Around Knife	The Best Tactical Fixed Blade Knife	The Best Bushcraft Knife	The Best Survival Knife for Water	The Lightest Fixed Blade Knife
Morakniv Eldris	Toor Knives Viper	ESEE-4	Spyderco Subway	Buck Knives 635 Paklite 2.0 Cape Pro
CHECK PRICE	CHECK PRICE	CHECK PRICE	CHECK PRICE	CHECK PRICE
Pros	Pros	Pros	Pros	Pros
• Very inexpensive • Scandi grind for ease of maintenance • Included polymer sheath • Comes with a firestarter	• Retainer ring ensures total grip control • Ultem is a hot new option, but also comes in G-10 • Included Kydex Sheath • Made in the USA	• Tried and true model and design • 3D contoured G-10/Micarta handle • Plenty of variations • Included polymer sheath • Made in the USA	•True rustproof steel • Saber grind blade • Extra-large finger choil • Included Boltatron sheath • Lightweight	• Premium S35VN steel not usually seen on fixed blades • Only 1.59 oz • Partially skeletonized tang • Removable Micarta scales • Included Polyproplene sheath
Cons	Cons	Cons	Cons	Cons
• On the smaller side which might not suit heavier tasks	• Tactical design may not be best for stricter locales	• N/A	• Sub-3″ blade may not suit heavier tasks	• Sub-3″ blade and lighter heft may not suit heavier tasks
Bottom Line	Bottom Line	Bottom Line	Bottom Line	Bottom Line
Whether you are looking for a handy camping knife or something for everyday carry, the Morakniv Eldris Fixed-Blade Pocket-Size Knife is large enough to be useful but small enough to stay compact.	The Toor Knives Viper is a small but mighty tactical fixed blade that’s built to go the distance. From its D2 steel blade to its Ultem handle and black Kydex sheath, it’s designed to last, and the attention to detail is seriously impressive.	Smack in the middle of the ESEE lineup, the ESEE-4 strikes a sweet spot for many. It’s not as compact as the ESEE-3 and not as hefty as the ESEE-5, making it a versatile choice.	Unlike older knives marketed as truly rust-proof, LC200N has higher maximum hardness and edge retention, making for a sharper blade that will last longer than vintage Spyderco Salt blades.	Weighing in at only 1.59 ounces, the Buck Knives 635 Paklite 2.0 Cape Pro is even lighter than some compact folding knives. The primary focus of this compact hunting knife is ultralight hiking and survival. It lets you carry a full-size knife without full-size bulk.
SPECIFICATIONS	SPECIFICATIONS	SPECIFICATIONS	SPECIFICATIONS	SPECIFICATIONS
Blade Length:	Blade Length:	Blade Length:	Blade Length:	Blade Length:
2.20″	2.78″	4.50″	2.80″	2.87″
Blade Steel:	Blade Steel:	Blade Steel:	Blade Steel:	Blade Steel:
Recycled Swedish stainless steel	D2	1095 Carbon Steel	LC200N	S35VN
Handle Materials:	Handle Materials:	Handle Materials:	Handle Materials:	Handle Materials:
TPE-rubber	Ultem	G-10	FRN	Micarta

The Best Overall/Best All-Around Knife: Morakniv Eldris

The Morakniv Eldris wins my pick for the best overall fixed-blade knife because its size makes it the easiest to carry, and it features solid construction with a rich pedigree that makes it a competent tool you’ll want to use even when your life isn’t on the line. Where most fixed-blade knives are big and bulky, the Morakniv’s 2.3″ blade makes it pocketable, so long as you keep it in its included sheath. But don’t mistake its compact size for lack of ability. Morakniv has a rich history of making some of the best outdoors and bushcrafting blades in Sweden, and the Eldris features Swiss stainless steel with the hallmark Scandi grind that makes for excellent sharpness across the entire edge. The blade’s spine is ground to be compatible with a fire starter, and the ergonomic polymer sheath is easily held with either hand, thanks to its symmetrical shape.

The best thing about Morakniv, though, is the depth of their catalog. If you need a bit of a bigger blade for heavier tasks, there are models like the Garberg with its 4.3″ carbon steel blade that would make for a more robust pick. Our outdoorsy friends over at Field Mag have the Garberg as their choice for the best overall survival knife for bushcraft activities, and we couldn’t agree more.

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The Best Tactical Fixed Blade Knife: Toor Knives Viper

You’ll have to train to use the retention finger ring at the back of the knife to fully use the Toor Knives Viper. But that’s something you should consider when carrying a blade for tactical purposes. That hole is designed to let you grip the blade with a finger through the tang itself. This makes it harder for the blade to fall out of your hands in a defensive situation. It also allows for fine manipulation and control over the D2 tool steel blade. The Toor Knives Viper also has a secure Kydex sheath mountable on a belt or webbed gear with the right adapters.

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The Best Bushcraft Knife: ESEE-4

Randall’s Adventure created the ESEE-4 and its brethren for their renowned escape and evasion courses for the US Military. Their bulletproof design makes them perfect for outdoors and bushcraft survival activities. You can baton the ESEE-4 through wood blocks and logs to make them more manageable for fire starting. I recommend this blade’s 1095 Carbon Steel version because it stands up well to that kind of abuse compared to the S35VN version. While it is more susceptible to rusting, proper care of the blade will reward you with solid performance.

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The Best Survival Knife for Water: Spyderco Subway

The Spyderco Subway‘s standout feature is the use of LC200N stainless steel. This unique stainless steel will truly not rust, no matter what you try to do. But unlike older knives marketed as truly rust-proof, LC200N has higher maximum hardness and edge retention, making for a sharper blade that will last longer than vintage Spyderco Salt blades. The Subway Bowie was also designed by the famous French custom knifemaker Fred Perrin. His designs have an eye towards defensive martial arts use, and the deep index finger cutout in the fiberglass-reinforced nylon handle makes it easy to plunge the Spyderco Subway into any rough material.

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The Lightest Fixed Blade Knife: Buck Knives 635 Paklite 2.0 Cape Pro

Weighing in at only 1.59 ounces, the Buck Knives 635 Paklite 2.0 Cape Pro is even lighter than some compact folding knives. The primary focus of this compact hunting knife is ultralight hiking and survival. It lets you carry a full-size knife without full-size bulk. Buck keeps the weight low with a skeletonized tang, but keeps the knife premium by using CPM S35VN steel. I also like that Buck included a canvas Micarta inlay into the blade, giving you enough grip without adding too much weight. Other knives in this ultralight category forgo this, making them lighter on the spec sheet. But for practical use, you’ll have to wrap the skeleton handle with rope or leather, making it heavier and defeating the whole purpose of having an ultralight survival fixed blade knife on hand.

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The post The 13 Best Fixed Blade Survival Knives in 2024 – Outdoor and More! appeared first on Everyday Carry.

Best Mechanical Pencil — 2024 Edition

The Best Overall Mechanical Pencil : uni Kuru Toga Roulette [Buy]
The Best Mechanical Pencil Upgrade: Tactile Turn Pencil [Buy]
The Best Technical Mechanical Pencil: rOtring 800 [Buy]
The Best Mechanical For EDC: Staedtler Mars 780 [Buy]
The Best Value Mechanical Pencil: Pentel GraphGear 1000 [Buy]

The Best Overall Mechanical Pencil	The Best Mechanical Pencil Upgrade	The Best Technical Mechanical Pencil	The Best Mechanical For EDC	The Best Value Mechanical Pencil
uni Kuru Toga Roulette	Tactile Turn Pencil	rOtring 800	Staedtler Mars 780	Pentel GraphGear 1000
CHECK PRICE	CHECK PRICE	CHECK PRICE	CHECK PRICE	CHECK PRICE
Pros	Pros	Pros	Pros	Pros
• Stylish metal construction • Comfortable grip • Rotates lead for uniform wear on tip	•Many material options •Many length options •Two lead sizes	•Drafting tip •Two lead sizes •Barrel prevents rolling	•Lead holder design •Integrated lead sharpener •Hardness-degree indication on clip	•Aluminum construction •Spring-loaded clip •Massive lead compatibility •Very affordable
Cons	Cons	Cons	Cons	Cons
• Only available in 0.5mm	• Price	• rOtring’s pocket clips tend to ride very high	• Only available in 0.2mm	• End cap eraser isn’t the easiest to use
Bottom Line	Bottom Line	Bottom Line	Bottom Line	Bottom Line
The Kuru Toga is excellent for EDC because this particular Roulette model features a sturdy metal construction that feels great in your hand.	The attention to detail, beautiful design, and immense customizability of the Tactile Turn Pencil make it one of the best first-step upgrades when starting in the world of EDC mechanical pencils.	Whether you’re using this pencil in combination with a compass and ruler while graphing something out or creating a design on a sketchpad, you’ll enjoy the fine control you get from the rOtring 800.	The lead holder design makes it closer to a traditional pencil in concept, built sturdier and significant for all-around everyday carry. It’s affordable, too, but don’t mistake being cheap for poor quality.	For under 20 dollars at the time of this writing, you get a full-body aluminum construction with a precision retracting mechanism compatible with leads down to 0.3mm up to 0.9mm if you prefer a bolder writing experience.
SPECIFICATIONS	SPECIFICATIONS	SPECIFICATIONS	SPECIFICATIONS	SPECIFICATIONS
Length:	Length:	Length:	Length:	Length:
5.7″″	5.38″	6.1″	8.9″	0.63″″
Refill Sizes:	Refill Sizes:	Refill Sizes:	Refill Sizes:	Refill Sizes:
0.5mm	0.5mm, 0.7mm	0.5mm, 0.7mm	0.2mm	0.3mm to 0.9mm
Materials:	Materials:	Materials:	Materials:	Materials:
Metal	Titanium	Plastic	HB	Metal

The Best Overall Mechanical Pencil: uni Kuru Toga Roulette

One of the best things about the entire uni Kuru Toga line of mechanical pencils is that they automatically deploy lead for you as you write. Having to actuate a side click or top click mechanism is distracting sometimes, and the Kuru Toga eliminates that. And because the lead deployment is reliable, this is my pick for the best overall mechanical pencil. The Kuru Toga is also excellent for EDC because, unlike the standard Kuru Toga made of plastic, this particular Roulette model features a sturdy metal construction that feels great in your hand.

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The Best Mechanical Pencil Upgrade: Tactile Turn Pencil

I am a big fan of Tactile Turn’s attention to detail. You’re probably familiar with their bolt action and side click pens, but the Tactile Turn Pencil combines the two designs. The Tactile Turn Pencil uses a linear bolt on the side that retracts the lead, available in 0.5mm and 0.7mm thicknesses. The quality Schmidt DSM2006 mechanism inside has a smooth action that won’t jam when trying to write, and a friction-fit eraser at the back completes the package.

Tactile Turn makes this quality EDC mechanical pencil in the United States in Texas, and you can get it in titanium, copper, bronze, and zirconium. You can upgrade the clip and the bolt with titanium treated with a Damascus finish. You can even have them engrave the pen to personalize it further. The attention to detail, beautiful design, and immense customizability of the Tactile Turn Pencil make it one of the best first-step upgrades when starting in the world of EDC mechanical pencils.

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The Best Technical Mechanical Pencil: rOtring 800

I like the rOtring 800 for technical work because it’s easy to see the tip of your pencil lead unobstructed by the pencil’s body. The internal brass mechanism is built to support that extended lead. It can do that because the rOtring 800 has a twist and click retraction, unlike other mechanical pencil designs’ click or push mechanisms. Whether you’re using this pencil in combination with a compass and ruler while graphing something out or creating a design on a sketchpad, you’ll enjoy the fine control you get from the rOtring 800.

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The Best Mechanical For EDC: Staedtler Mars 780

A Staedtler Mars was one of my first quality everyday carry mechanical pencils. It’s a lead holder, which means, unlike a standard design with a bunch of thin-diameter graphite shafts, the Staedtler Mars comes with a 2mm lead with an integrated lead sharpener that functions with the pushdown mechanism. It comes with HB hardness lead, and you can rotate the metal clip to the correct indicator point for the particular lead you place into it to remind you of what you have loaded. The lead holder design makes it closer to a traditional pencil in concept, built sturdier and significant for all-around everyday carry. It’s affordable, too, but don’t mistake being cheap for poor quality.

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The Best Value Mechanical Pencil: Pentel GraphGear 1000

The Pentel GraphGear 1000 marks where you get the best value for money when starting out in mechanical pencil EDC. Its feature set is replicated in pencils that can be had for much more money, but it remains affordable and accessible to most people. For under 20 dollars at the time of this writing, you get a full-body aluminum construction with a precision retracting mechanism compatible with leads down to 0.3mm up to 0.9mm if you prefer a bolder writing experience. I particularly like the spring-loaded clip, which helps the Pentel GraphGear 1000 grab onto materials of varying thicknesses without breaking or bending.

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Our Other Recommendations

The post The 12 Best Mechanical Pencils in 2024 — Reviewed for Everyday Carry appeared first on Everyday Carry.

The Best Overall Pocket Notebook: Midori Traveler’s Notebook

The venerable Midori Traveler’s Notebook is our pick for the best overall pocket notebook. When picking out the right kind of notebook for everyday carry, it’s easy to focus solely on the paper inside. The Japanese Midori paper included with the Traveler’s Notebook is some of the best you can write with, primarily if you use water-based inks or fountain pens. But the Traveler’s Notebook is more than that because it also features a durable cowhide leather cover that accepts modular compact notebook paper refills of the same size. So, unlike spiral-bound school notebooks or smaller everyday carry notebooks that are stitched or glued shut, you can swap out the notebook refill once you run out of pages.

You can even use third-party notebook refills if the Midori paper isn’t to your liking or you have trouble sourcing it here in the United States. Along the way, the leather notebook cover will patina with age and the marks of daily use, making the Midori Traveler’s Notebook a buy-it-for-life pocket notebook so long as you don’t leave it behind on some travel adventure in the future.

Buy now ($64.60)

The Best Pocket Notebook on a Budget: Field Notes Expedition

The Field Notes Expedition is a happy medium in the pocket notebook space, as it provides three practical 48-page dot-graph notebooks at a reasonable price. The Field Notes Expedition is also a quality notebook, not a cut-rate dollar store deal. Field Notes prints and manufactures each notebook here in the United States, and they source from local Midwest artisans to get their waterproof 84 GSM Yupo synthetic body paper. The paper is also tearproof, making this a notebook you don’t have to worry about getting wet in the rain or out in the great outdoors. You can opt to carry one of the three notebooks at a time or dedicate a notebook for different kinds of notes or different parts of your everyday carry loadout.

Buy now ($14.95)

The Most Premium Pocket Notebook: Hobonichi Techo Weeks

The Hobonichi Techno is one of the community’s favorite planner notebooks, but the Weeks version stands apart both for its different, slimmer profile and its focus on providing a weekly view of your upcoming appointments and engagements. The Weeks is noticeably slimmer and taller than the standard A5 and A6 Hobonichi Techno planner, and it’s the same size as a Japanese checkbook. While you’re probably not carrying one of those around, it does mean that it can fit in more pockets than not.

Most of the page spreads in the Weeks are dedicated to showing you each week with the days on one side and a dedicated note-taking space on the other. There’s a monthly view and additional reference material; the blank grid dot area allows for general notes. This is my pocket notebook calendar because it works better than the myriad of cloud app calendars on my phone that I ignore because of notification fatigue. If you want to write more notes than the Weeks provides, there’s also a Mega version of this notebook, which has more fountain-pen-friendly paper for your convenience.

Buy Now ($36.90)

The Best Pocket Notebook for the Outdoors: Rite in the Rain Top Spiral

Rite in the Rain’s durable top spiral notebooks are trusted by first responders, outdoor enthusiasts, and military users to provide a weatherproof writing surface to plan operations and make critical observations without the risk of the paper disintegrating after getting wet. The top spiral is also made to a higher standard, so it won’t bend or twist out of position like the old-style reporter’s notebooks you might be used to. The Polydura notebook cover material is tough but flexible, so it won’t be uncomfortable in your pockets, especially if you carry a pocket notebook at the rear. The all-weather paper is entirely wood-based, so it’s completely recyclable and much friendlier to the environment when you’re done using it. While the waterproof paper makes it a challenge if you prefer water-based ink pens and fountain pens, it handles ballpoint and pencil lead just fine.

Buy now ($8.89)

The Best Pocket Notebook for Fountain Pens: Apica Premium C.D.

Apica notebooks are especially friendly for anyone who carries a fountain pen in their everyday carry. The company has been making these notebooks since the start of the last century when everyone used fountain pens. And while they’re more prevalent in Japan than elsewhere, plenty of everyday carry stationery aficionados love using fountain pens. And even if you don’t carry that kind of pen, the special silky smooth paper is a joy to handle and use even with ballpoints, gel pens, or pencils.

The acid-free Japanese paper each notebook comes with can handle the wettest fountain pen inks without smearing, feathering, or bleeding through the page, as you might experience on pocket notebooks that do not have fountain pen users in mind. One thing to note: the Apica notebooks are functionally the equivalent of the school composition notebook in the United States, except with much higher quality paper.

Buy now ($12.34)

The post Find Your Best Pocket Notebook for Everyday Carry in 2024 appeared first on Everyday Carry.

The Best Lightweight Pocket Knives of 2024

The Best Overall Lightweight Pocket Knife: Benchmade Mini Bugout Carbon Fiber [Buy]
The Best Lightweight Pocket Knife on a Budget: Ontario Knife Company Wraith [Buy]
The Most Premium Lightweight Pocket Knife: Kershaw Launch 4 Ultem [Buy]
The Best Keychain Lightweight Pocket Knife: Victorinox Classic SD Alox LE 2024 [Buy]
The Best Lightweight Pocket Knife for the Outdoors: CIVIVI Mini Elementum Fixed Blade [Buy]

The Best Overall Lightweight Pocket Knife	The Best Lightweight Pocket Knife on a Budget	The Most Premium Lightweight Pocket Knife	The Best Keychain Lightweight Pocket Knife	The Best Lightweight Pocket Knife for the Outdoors
Benchmade Mini Bugout Carbon Fiber	Ontario Knife Company Wraith	Kershaw Launch 4 Ultem	Victorinox Classic SD Alox LE 2024	CIVIVI Mini Elementum Fixed Blade
CHECK PRICE	CHECK PRICE	CHECK PRICE	CHECK PRICE	CHECK PRICE
Pros	Pros	Pros	Pros	Pros
• Iconic EDC knife • Super premium materials in this model • Many variations both in regular and Mini • Fully ambidextrous thanks to AXIS lock	• Unique transparent nylon scales • Fully ambidextrous thanks to dual thumb studs and lockback • Very affordable	• Contemporary material favorites in MagnaCut and Ultem • California-friendly 1.9″ blade	• Legendary multi-tool • Many, many variations both regular and limited • Great keychain backup EDC	• Super popular Elementum profile • Full tang • Included Kydex sheath
Cons	Cons	Cons	Cons	Cons
•Expensive	• Supplies may be limited for the foreseeable future, so grab one if you like it	• Automatic deployment not legal in many locales (check local laws)	• Thinner Alox profile means no light, toothpick, or tweezer inserts • Limited edition colorway, but regular silver is always available	•Fixed blade not always ideal for EDC
Bottom Line	Bottom Line	Bottom Line	Bottom Line	Bottom Line
Any savings without compromise is an important plus, and thats why this knife is at the top of our list as the best overall lightweight pocket knife for everyday carry.	With all of the changes and uncertainty at Ontario Knife Company, its better to grab a Wraith for yourself sooner rather than later if you are interested in having one for your everyday carry.	Ultem features superior durability and heat resistance, but for the most part, its the alluring yellow translucent glow that gets many everyday carry enthusiasts into it when used as a handle scale. It contrasts nicely with the black MagnaCut spearpoint blade at a California-friendly 1.9 length.	At 0.6 oz, the Victorinox Classic SD Alex LE 2024 is a nifty way to add a backup knife to your keychain, ensuring you always have a cutting tool on hand when needed.	You do lose the pocketable convenience of the folding mechanism of the original Mini Elementium, but CIVIVI has included a secure Kydex sheath and lanyard for the knife that allows you to wear the knife discreetly and safely around your neck.
SPECIFICATIONS	SPECIFICATIONS	SPECIFICATIONS	SPECIFICATIONS	SPECIFICATIONS
Blade Length	Blade Length	Blade Length	Blade Length	Blade Length
2.82″	2.6″	1.9″	1.5″	2.24″
Blade Steel	Blade Steel	Blade Steel	Blade Steel	Blade Steel
CPM S90V	4116 stainless steel	CPM MagnaCut	Martensitic stainless steel	Nitro-V
Handle Materials	Handle Materials	Handle Materials	Handle Materials	Handle Materials
Carbon fiber	Nylon	Ultem	Alox (Aluminum)	Micarta

The Best Overall Lightweight Pocket Knife: Benchmade Mini Bugout Carbon Fiber

Since its introduction a few years back, the Benchmade Mini Bugout has been near or at the top of the community’s favorite picks for the best overall lightweight pocket knife for everyday carry. Benchmade’s formula for the Mini Bugout is simple, but it’s hard to execute as perfectly as they have. With a 6.5” overall length and a 2.82” drop-point knife blade, you have a compact knife capable of carrying out all your everyday tasks. Benchmade goes a step further by using premium blade steel with CPM S90V stainless, making this a knife that you can get sharp and keep sharp for quite a long time.

Benchmade pioneered the ambidextrous AXIS lock concept, and it makes for an ergonomic knife that you can open and close with either of your two hands. And because it weighs just 1.48 oz in this carbon fiber variant, it doesn’t weigh down your pockets much. Not only does the carbon fiber add a nice touch of class, but it also brings this version of the knife down in weight to its lightest yet by 0.02 oz. Carbon fiber handles also provide better rigidity in hand compared to the standard Grivory handles, which many users tend to complain about. That may not seem significant to a newcomer to lightweight knives, but any savings without compromise is an important plus, and that’s why this knife is at the top of our list as the best overall lightweight pocket knife for everyday carry.

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The Best Lightweight Pocket Knife on a Budget: Ontario Knife Company Wraith

You might think that with all the craftsmanship required to make a knife lightweight yet good enough for everyday carry, you will have to pay more to get what you want. But knives like the Ontario Knife Company’s “Wraith” attack that thought with full force. The Wraith accomplishes a 1.50 oz weight by minimizing the amount of metal in the handle as much as possible. It relies on a reliable lockback mechanism sandwiched between semi-transparent glass-filled nylon scales to keep the compact 2.6” 4116 stainless steel blade secure and locked into place during use. It’s an idea taken from old-style lockback folding knives, but unlike those knives, it doesn’t use heavy wood, bone, or brass for the rest of the design.

It’s also made in Taiwan, keeping costs down while still being durable enough for most everyday carry users. In my experience with the knife, it lacks a smooth and snappy deployment due to the nature of its lockback mechanism. In spite of that, it still slices exceptionally well for its price. With all of the changes and uncertainty at Ontario Knife Company, it’s better to grab a Wraith for yourself sooner rather than later if you are interested in having one for your everyday carry.

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The Most Premium Lightweight Pocket Knife: Kershaw Launch 4 Ultem

The Kershaw Launch 4 is one of the most compact and lightweight automatic knives you can carry today at 1.62 oz. It’s also a knife made in the USA, featuring two community-favorite materials originating here: Ultem polymer handle scales and CPM MagnaCut stainless steel in the blade itself. Ultem features superior durability and heat resistance, but for the most part, it’s the alluring yellow translucent glow that gets many everyday carry enthusiasts into it when used as a handle scale. It contrasts nicely with the black MagnaCut spearpoint blade at a California-friendly 1.9” length.

Remember that despite the shorter length of the Kershaw Launch 4, carrying automatic knives and sometimes assisted opening knives can generally be more restricted depending on where you are. It’s essential to do your research about your local rules and regulations before making your own decision about whether carrying an automatic knife is suitable for your daily use.

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The Best Keychain Lightweight Pocket Knife: Victorinox Classic SD Alox LE 2024

At 0.6 oz, the Victorinox Classic SD Alex LE 2024 is a nifty way to add a backup knife to your keychain, ensuring you always have a cutting tool on hand when needed. This year’s special edition of the knife features a new anodized aluminum Terra Brown colorway that makes it a bit more low profile than the standard shiny silver or red tones of the standard Alox designs. Note here that “Alox” refers to the anodic oxidation process Victorinox uses to construct their aluminum scales and not “aluminum oxide” which has been mistakenly used elsewhere.

And because the Classic SD is a Swiss Army Knife, you can take advantage of the spring-loaded scissors for tasks better suited than the thin knife. Plus, a SAK tends to be more discreet, and its placement on your keychain makes it easier to carry around where you might get strange looks if you bring a full-size blade regardless of the weight.

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The Best Lightweight Pocket Knife for the Outdoors: CIVIVI Mini Elementum Fixed Blade

You might think that a fixed-blade knife is heavier than a folding knife for lightweight everyday carry, but sometimes that’s not the case. While a fixed-blade knife tends to have a full-tang construction, eliminating the need for a folding mechanism can improve overall when ounces and grams matter. The CIVIVI Mini Elementum is an excellent example of this in practice: the original folding version of the knife is already highly lightweight at 1.29 oz, but its fixed blade version brings things down to a featherweight 0.79 oz that you’ll barely notice until you need it for your daily tasks.

You do lose the pocketable convenience of the folding mechanism of the original Mini Elementium, but CIVIVI has included a secure Kydex sheath and lanyard for the knife that allows you to wear the knife discreetly and safely around your neck. Better still, the 2.24” drop-point blade is always ready for use, improved in the fixed blade edition with ergonomic Micarta inlays and Nitro-V stainless steel hardened a bit more than the original Elementum’s 14C28N stainless blade.

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Our Other Recommendations

FAQs

The post The Best Lightweight Pocket Knife: A 2024 Buyer's Guide appeared first on Everyday Carry.

With a travel sling bag, you can carry a bag at your front or back, depending on the situation. Back carry adds excellent stability, while carrying at the front lets you access your gear quickly, which is great if you carry a camera or other essential gear daily. While you can carry a backpack like a sling by only shouldering one of the straps, you’ll quickly find that to be highly uncomfortable and unbalanced compared to a sling. Some sling bags have even better padding than a traditional backpack, so they can be loaded to your heart’s content with no problem. And unlike a briefcase or duffel bag, the longer strap is more comfortable for longer trips.

Like other everyday carry travel bags, there’s a wide variety of sling bag designs. They span the entire range from small personal bags that augment your other travel bags of choice to large and thoughtfully designed sling bags that can be your one-bag solution when you’re headed out the door.

Our Top Picks

The Best Overall Travel Sling: Mission Workshop Rummy AP [Buy]

The Best Budget Travel Sling: tomtoc Navigator-T24 [Buy]

The Best Water-Repellant Travel Sling: 1733 VX21 Side Pack [Buy]

The Best Large Travel Sling: GREENROOM136 JunkMonkey [Buy]

The Best Lightweight Travel Sling: Alpaka Flight Sling [Buy]

The Best Overall Travel Sling :hsc_emoji_trophy:	The Best Budget Travel Sling	The Best Water-Repellant Travel Sling	The Best Large Travel Sling	The Best Lightweight Travel Sling
Mission Workshop Rummy AP	tomtoc Navigator-T24	1733 VX21 Side Pack	GREENROOM136 JunkMonkey	Alpaka Flight Sling
Check Price	Check Price	Check Price	Check Price	Check Price
Pros	Pros	Pros	Pros	Pros
Weatherproof rolltop or flap-down configurations Custom hardware Large tech storage Stabilizer strap Made in the USA	Two sizes Ambidextrous strap configuration Large tech storage Waterproof zippers Secret back pocket	Waterproof zippers Modular attachment points Removable or tuckable strap Roomy interior organization	Customizable build Heavy-duty strap and removable stabilizer Inner shell with weatherproof ripstop lining Protected and lined laptop compartment	Packable Fits and iPad mini or Nintendo Switch, or both Detachable nylon strap Silent YKK AquaGuard zippers
Cons	Cons	Cons	Cons	Cons
May be too large for smaller excursions Expensive	N/A	Roomy interior, but no padded sections for tech	Double snap fasteners may not offer the quickest way into the bag	N/A
Bottom Line	Bottom Line	Bottom Line	Bottom Line	Bottom Line
The weather resistance is further enhanced because the Rummy is available in HT500 technical fabric and ultra-durable 10 oz American Waxed Canvas. The material design gives you the confidence to load the Rummy with your tech and travel essentials on your back wherever you go.	With the Navigator-T24, you get a lot of bang for your buck, and because you can pick up this pack right now for just over at the time of this writing, it earns my pick for the best budget travel sling.	As for the design of the Side Pack, 1733 has reimagined the fanny pack with a cross-shoulder design that’s also highly modular. The best part is that shops with extensive experience and attention to detail stitch each bag in the United States.	Because you can pack this bag full to the brim and do it comfortably with its winged back harness and stabilizer strap, the GREENROOM136 JunkMonkey is my pick for the best large travel sling.	The 210/200D ripstop construction of the bag, combined with the YKK AquaGuard zippers, helps it keep the elements out when worn externally when you’re out and about at your final destination. The bag’s immense practicality and traveling versatility make it my pick for the best lightweight travel sling.
Show Specs	Show Specs	Show Specs	Show Specs	Show Specs
SPECIFICATIONS	SPECIFICATIONS	SPECIFICATIONS	SPECIFICATIONS	SPECIFICATIONS
Capacity	Capacity	Capacity	Capacity	Capacity
15L	7L	7L	15L	6L
Dimensions	Dimensions	Dimensions	Dimensions	Dimensions
18″ x 11″ x 5.5″	12.31″ x 9.65″ x 1.18″	12.6″ x 6.9″ x 5.5″	15.74″ x 11.81″ x 6.29″	9.84” x 6.69” x 1.97”
Weight	Weight	Weight	Weight	Weight
3.25 lbs	1.21 lbs	0.69 lbs	2.5 lbs	0.52 lbs
Materials	Materials	Materials	Materials	Materials
HT500, MultiCam Black Cordura, or 10 oz. Waxed Canvas	100% Post-Consumer recycled PET fabric	VX21 X-Pac	1000D CORDURA and 420D PU-coated ripstop nylon	200D ripstop nylon and 210D x-grid ripstop

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Our Top Picks for Travel Sling Bags in 2024

The Best Overall Travel Sling: Mission Workshop Rummy AP

With a generous 27L capacity, room for up to a 17” laptop, and a thoughtful, travel-friendly design, the Mission Workshop Rummy is my pick for the best overall travel sling. The Rummy features Mission Workshop’s patented Arkiv closure system, which uses a unique slotted pairing of metal hardware and cloth to ensure the bag doesn’t open in the wind and rain while remaining easy to open and close when needed. The weather resistance is further enhanced because the Rummy is available in HT500 technical fabric and ultra-durable 10 oz American Waxed Canvas. The material design gives you the confidence to load the Rummy with your tech and travel essentials on your back wherever you go.

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The Best Budget Travel Sling: tomtoc Navigator-T24

The tomtoc Navigator-T24 provides a slim, sleek, streamlined design with much padding for your work laptop or tablet. Its 7L capacity gives a lot of internal organization space to help keep small daily essentials like pens and pencils from tumbling around in your closed pack as you go about your day. Its crossbody design supports left and right-handed carry, requiring only swapping the sling from one D-ring buckle on the side of the pack to the other. And the premium YKK zippers and Duraflex buckles used also provide a long-lasting usage lifespan. With the Navigator-T24, you get a lot of bang for your buck, and because you can pick up this pack right now for just over $50 at the time of this writing, it earns my pick for the best budget travel sling.

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The Best Water-Repellant Travel Sling: 1733 VX21 Side Pack

Regarding water repellency, few things beat sailcloth, and the 1733 VX21 Side Pack sling features this in spades. VX21 X-Pac is an American-made laminated synthetic fabric with a diamond ripstop layer and integrated waterproofing that makes bags featuring this material shed rain. The material is also immensely lightweight, especially compared to higher denier fabrics that still require a DWR layer on top of it to get close to the same amount of weatherproof performance. As for the design of the Side Pack, 1733 has reimagined the fanny pack with a cross-shoulder design that’s also highly modular. The best part is that shops with extensive experience and attention to detail stitch each bag in the United States. The Side Pack features MOLLE/PALS compatible webbing and an elastic rope lid to augment the pack. There’s enough room inside to fit a mirrorless camera and other small essentials, all secured with rugged YKK Aquaguard zippers.

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The Best Large Travel Sling: GREENROOM136 JunkMonkey

The JunkMonkey is a Malaysian design from GREENROOM136, and it features a bombproof 1000D CORDURA nylon fabric for the bag’s exterior and 420D polyurethane-coated ripstop nylon fabric for the interior. These protect 19L of space inside for your tech, travel, and everyday essential needs. One of the most unique things about this bag is the internal ripstop lining that increases its weather resistance and allows you to slightly overpack the bag while keeping it close to your back. That ripstop lining is high-visibility yellow, making it easier to identify the gear you need inside the bag, which can support up to a 15” Apple MacBook Pro or similar laptop. Because you can pack this bag full to the brim and do it comfortably with its winged back harness and stabilizer strap, the GREENROOM136 JunkMonkey is my pick for the best large travel sling.

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The Best Lightweight Travel Sling: Alpaka Flight Sling

The Alpaka Flight Sling is a slim travel bag that’s useful for carrying your passport, boarding pass, and other small travel essentials close to your person at all times. You can use it to augment your travel space on a plane that limits the number of bags you can have in the cabin since you can tuck it under clothing once you clear security. The 210/200D ripstop construction of the bag, combined with the YKK Aquaguard zippers, helps it keep the elements out when worn externally when you’re out and about at your final destination. The bag’s immense practicality and traveling versatility make it my pick for the best lightweight travel sling.

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Our other recommendations

Manhattan Portage Atlas Sling Pro: Our co-founder Bernard spent over a year designing this sling with Manhattan Portage. The bullet profile fits up to an 11″ tablet (one of the few slings able to accommodate the size) and all your gear while remaining narrow and nimble while commuting through crowds. It sits centered on the back and has fantastic modularity and organizational space.

Aer Day Sling 3 Max X-Pac: Using X-Pac fabric allows Aer to provide substantial padding and protection for tablets up to 11” without bringing the weight of the overall bag up too much. The high-visibility interior also makes it easy to rapidly access your notes and other small gear essentials at the office or on the go.

Bellroy Venture Sling Camera Edition: This bag is suitable for short photo trips with room for a small mirrorless or compact camera and lots of tech organizer space. It can also be used as a travel bag, with all your camera gear ready to go once you’re where you need to be.

Peak Design Everyday Sling 10L: The seatbelt fabric design of the strap, quick adjustability, and hinged attachment make this one of the most comfortable slings you can carry, even if you don’t tote around cameras regularly. Peak Design’s lifetime warranty is also hard to beat, making this bag a buy-it-for-life deal you won’t regret.

Trakke Largo Sling: The Trakke Largo Sling takes quick access to the extreme, with two large zippered compartments and organizational space that make retrieving your everyday carry gear easy. The COBRA buckle strap is also quicker than a standard buckle, and its reversibility adds to the Trakke Largo’s ambidextrous appeal.

WNDRD Rogue 9L Sling: With its 1680D and 840D ballistic nylon with 5PM coating, the WNDRD Rogue 9L is one of the most heavy-duty and water-resistant sling bags you can carry. The internal dividers and tripod holder make the Rogue great for dedicated photography carry, but you’ll also appreciate the added padding if you carry tech essentials.

Mystery Ranch Hip Monkey Sling Bag: The Hip Monkey fits more of a traditional fanny pack style, but the wide strap makes it comfortable to wear as a sling. The bag fits a professional-sized mirrorless camera and lens with room to spare. If you find yourself in Japan, there’s an exclusive version of this pack using X-Pac fabric, and that is my current daily driver for 1.5-bag travel.

EVERGOODS Mountain Hip Pack: While the EVERGOODS Mountain Hip Pack is best carried ergonomically behind you at your lumbar region, the body-hugging design of the pack lets it work well slung over your shoulder, too. Its name denotes its intended use, and the breathable back panel on the Mountain Hip Pack deals with sweat and outdoor exertions better than standard spacer mesh on other bags.

North St. Bags Pioneer 12 Hip Pack: The Pioneer 12 is a versatile hip-pack sling that can also be used as a handlebar bag if you have a bicycle. It’s also made in the United States in Portland, Oregon, and North St. Bags guarantees it for life.

Wizard Works Hobgob Hip Pack: Wizard Works designed the Hobgob to minimize sharp edges and plastic hardware from rubbing against you while you wear it, making it comfortable for long-term use. Unlike many sling bags, you can add their Quick Draw Bottle Pocket to stay hydrated throughout the day.

DSPTCH Slingpack RND Dyneema: The technical construction of the DSPTCH Slingpack RND Dyneema makes it lightweight for its 15L capacity at 1lb 14oz. A hidden security pocket also serves as an excellent place to carry items you cannot lose, like your passport, when you’re out of the country.

Osprey Metron: The Osprey Metron was designed as a bike messenger sling bag, and it has lots of storage for laptops, tablets, parcels, and essential documents. The flap cover is also secured with buckles and hook and loop, making it highly unlikely that anything flies out of your sling when you’re screaming down a hill on a bike.

Features to Keep in Mind When Shopping for Travel Sling Bags

The plethora of choices for travel sling bags can make it intimidating if you’re looking for your first bag, but a few considerations should always come into mind when making your choice. These boil down to a few things: the material your bag is made of, the size and capacity of the bag itself, how comfortable it is to carry daily, and any special features any particular design might have compared to the rest.

Material

The material in your travel sling bag is essential because it impacts the durability of your bag and more. Picking a sling bag made out of flimsy material means it will break easily. If weight is an issue, you can choose a bag made out of ripstop nylon, sailcloth, or Dyneema Composite Fabric to maintain a good level of durability while being less hefty than traditional materials like waxed canvas or leather. If you’re looking for absolute bombproof construction, high-denier ballistic nylon is your best choice.

Size

The size of your travel sling bag is essential because it marks the limit of the gear you can pack. However, travel limitations also dictate the size of the bag you pick. Depending on the airline or railroad restrictions of your choice, you may have to limit based on a personal bag or carry-on size compatibility.

Comfort

Comfort is sometimes underrated when picking a travel sling bag, but it’s critical because a poorly designed sling bag will be more uncomfortable to carry compared to a backpack that might be designed sub-optimally. The single strap design can bite into your neck or shoulder if it’s not done well, and that’s why picking a bag with a good strap and enough padding to make it comfortable is essential. Some sling bags further augment the equation by adding stabilizer straps and ambidextrous options that make switching between left-handed and right-handed carry easy based on the load and travel.

Features

The features emphasized in each travel sling bag should correspond to your travel needs. You may value padded dividers and laptop sleeves if you carry a laptop, tablet, or expensive camera gear. People with lots of stationery in their everyday carry will value dedicated organizational space. If you live or travel to places that rain or snow a lot, waterproof materials and quality zippers like those from YKK come into play. You choose the most important features to you, and sometimes that may mean picking more than one travel sling bag for different situations at different times.

Best Travel Sling Bag FAQs

Are sling bags good for travel?

Sling bags are great for travel because they are easier to carry than a backpack or tote bag. Sloping a bag across your shoulder on either side makes it easy to get through crowded bus terminals and get to where you need to go without hassle.

Is a sling bag considered a carry-on?

A sling bag can be considered a carry-on bag if it meets your airline’s size requirements. However, most sling bags on the market are substantially smaller than the carry-on size limit because sling bags that are too big can become very uncomfortable to carry long term.

What is the difference between a sling bag and a crossbody bag?

There is a bit of interchangeability between a sling bag and a crossbody bag. However, some are dedicated crossbody bags that only make sense to carry across your body. A sling bag is versatile enough to be carried in several ways that are not just across your body.

Is a sling bag the same as a fanny pack?

Some sling bags can be used as a fanny pack. Some fanny packs can be deliberately carried as a sling bag through modification or sheer determination. It depends on the bag and the user whether a fanny pack can make for a good sling bag.

How we picked

Decades of experience and deep connections in the everyday carry industry give us a unique viewpoint on the market to inform our product recommendations. We have the depth of information for thousands of products that have come before and an extensive eye on the market to see what’s new and trending for each piece of gear. The result is a buying guide that we feel is informative and useful for EDCers of every trade, industry, and budget.

What is Everyday Carry?

Everyday Carry is both the concept of what people carry in their pockets and the process of picking out gear that thoughtfully considers what one wants or needs in their daily life. It encompasses everything from style to preparedness to utility, meaning an entire industry full of valuable tools and essentials to choose from.

Why you should trust us

Our team has decades of combined experience in all aspects of everyday men’s essentials, from wallets to pens to bags and everything in between, and we know where to find great gear ideas that you may not come across at your local stores or when shopping online. Our expertise in the industry and familiarity with design, materials, and usability help you make more informed choices when it comes to picking up your next piece of gear.

The post The 17 Best Travel Sling Bags for Your Next Adventure – Ranked! appeared first on Everyday Carry.

Victorinox created the original SAK to meet an Army officer’s knife requirement in the Swiss military. Their practicality means they’ve become a preferred multi-tool for decades now. They’ve also become instantly recognizable even to someone unfamiliar with everyday carry. They carry a SAK because MacGyver had one on TV, and then there’s the fabled green SAK pulled out of a safe deposit bank vault by Jason Bourne.

With all the options available, we’ll focus on what makes for a good, compact SAK for everyday carry: a competent knife, one or more screwdrivers, a can or bottle opener, and other essentials like a pair of scissors, tweezers, or even a toothpick. Armed with that knowledge, you can research further on your own and decide what your first (or next) Swiss Army Knife should be.

This post was last updated on 12/26/2023.

Our Favorites

The Best Overall Swiss Army Knife: Pioneer X Alox [Buy]

The Best Budget Swiss Army Knife: Classic SD Transparent [Buy]

The Best Swiss Army Knife for the Outdoors: Ranger Boatsman MW Grip [Buy]

The Best Travel Swiss Army Knife: Jetsetter [Buy]

The Best Keychain Swiss Army Knife: Midnite Manager [Buy]

The Best Overall Swiss Army Knife :hsc_emoji_trophy:	The Best Budget Swiss Army Knife	The Best Swiss Army Knife for the Outdoors	The Best Travel Swiss Army Knife	The Best Keychain Swiss Army Knife
Pioneer X Alox	Classic SD Transparent	Ranger Boatsman MW Grip	Jetsetter	Midnite Manager
Check Price	Check Price	Check Price	Check Price	Check Price
Pros	Pros	Pros	Pros	Pros
Slim profile Full-sized blade Spring-loaded scissors Limited edition colorways	One of the most affordable SAKs Light and minimal perfect for keychains Base models are readily available, with limited-editiojn models worth collecting	Much more diverse set of tools designed for the outdoors Hi-vis yellow scales Pliers Bit holder built into handle	Bladeless tool gives it the best chance for onboard use Tweezers and toothpick in the scales Spring-loaded scissors that’s one of the most useful SAK functions	A complete EDC of knife, light, and pen on your keychain Variants like the Signature Lite and Manager offer alternatives like tweezers and a toothpick Excellent EDC backup
Cons	Cons	Cons	Cons	Cons
A bit bulkier than the Cadet due to additional tools and layers Like most SAKs, no clip	Smaller profile means smaller tools, so don’t expect much performance for heavier tasks	Much larger tool than the rest of this list Most of its functions won’t be as useful for regular everyday tasks	No guarantee whether or not an airline will let it through Combo tool only has one size of Philips	Pen is a little difficult to handle, but you can deploy the combo tool as a support against your hand while writing
Bottom Line	Bottom Line	Bottom Line	Bottom Line	Bottom Line
The stand-out feature of this SAK is the inclusion of spring-loaded scissors in along with a full-sized blade and other useful everyday features. This lets you use the proper tool when cutting string or other small items without using the knife when it would be too awkward.	The Classic SD is the perfect keychain SAK companion tool for everyday carry. It packs a small non-locking knife, a nail file that doubles as a compact flathead screwdriver, spring-loaded scissors, a toothpick, and tweezers.	With its full-size ergonomic handle and grip inlays, the Ranger Boatsman MW Grip is the best SAK to bring if you foresee wet conditions.	The Jetsetter is made for those times by foregoing a knife but still including drivers, bottle openers, and a pair of spring-loaded scissors.	The Midnite Manager lets you integrate a compact LED flashlight into your everyday carry without the bulk of a full-size torch in your pockets. It’s also an excellent backup light and tool to have on hand, especially if you attach it to your keys (assuming you don’t forget your keys at home, too).
Show Specs	Show Specs	Show Specs	Show Specs	Show Specs
SPECIFICATIONS	SPECIFICATIONS	SPECIFICATIONS	SPECIFICATIONS	SPECIFICATIONS
Size	Size	Size	Size	Size
93mm	58mm	130mm	58mm	58mm
Number of tools	Number of tools	Number of tools	Number of tools	Number of tools
9	7	22	7	10
Scale Material	Scale Material	Scale Material	Scale Material	Scale Material
Alox	ABS/cellidor	Polyamide	ABS/cellidor	ABS/cellidor

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The Best Swiss Army Pocket Knives

The Best Overall Swiss Army Knife: Pioneer X Alox

Alox Swiss Army Knives are some of the most beautiful and practical tools in their collection, with an upgrade to aluminum scales subjected to anodic oxidation, even though it’s a common mistake to refer to it as aluminum oxide. What’s not a mistake is choosing the Pioneer X Alox for your everyday carry. The stand-out feature of this SAK is the inclusion of spring-loaded scissors along with a full-sized blade and other useful everyday features. This lets you use the proper tool when cutting string or other small items without using the knife when it would be too awkward.

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The Best Budget Swiss Army Knife: Classic SD Transparent

The Classic SD is the perfect keychain SAK companion tool for everyday carry. It packs a small non-locking knife, a nail file that doubles as a compact flathead screwdriver, spring-loaded scissors, a toothpick, and tweezers. Unlike the standard Cellidor version of the Classic SD Swiss Army Knife, this one features a transparent body available in different colors for the same price, making it more unique.

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The Best Swiss Army Knife for the Outdoors: Ranger Boatsman MW Grip

With its full-size ergonomic handle and grip inlays, the Ranger Boatsman MW Grip is the best SAK to bring if you foresee wet conditions. It was made with sailors and captains of small boats in mind, with a shackle opener and marlin spike built in to help you set sail to far-off destinations.

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The Best Travel Swiss Army Knife: Jetsetter

Sometimes, you can’t carry a knife, like when you’re about to board a plane. Other times, you may have a more giant everyday carry knife and don’t want to double up. The Jetsetter is made for those times by foregoing a knife but still including drivers, bottle openers, and a pair of spring-loaded scissors. Be aware, though, from personal experience, I have found that some countries like Japan do not allow even scissors on planes, but this should be good everywhere else.

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The Best Keychain Swiss Army Knife: Midnite Manager

The Midnite Manager lets you integrate a compact LED flashlight into your everyday carry without the bulk of a full-size torch in your pockets. It’s also an excellent backup light and tool to have on hand, especially if you attach it to your keys (assuming you don’t forget your keys at home, too). Along with the light, the Midnite Manager also has a convenient Phillips crosshead screwdriver with a magnetic tip that helps you turn and manipulate small fasteners without giving you a headache.

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Our other recommendations

Victorinox Cadet Alox: The Cadet Alox keeps it simple while providing a 3.3” knife that’s big enough for most everyday carry tasks. And with both a can and bottle opener, it can also find some use in short tours to the great outdoors.

Victorinox Nail Clip 580: Many SAKs include a nail file, but the Nail Clip 580 is the top dog for personal grooming. It includes a full-size nail clipper, a nail file, a knife, and spring-loaded scissors. It’s the perfect travel companion so long as you put it in checked luggage before you travel.

Victorinox Tinker Small: We mentioned MacGyver using a Swiss Army Knife, and if you want to carry the one he used the most in that television show, the Tinker Small is the one for you. While we can’t promise it will get you out of a bind in some villain’s evil lair in time to save the world, it packs 12 useful functions in a compact 3.3” shape, including a reamer, a punch, and a Philips screwdriver alongside a sharp knife.

Victorinox Swiss Card Classic: The Swiss Card is an entirely different tool, providing small and compact tools in a roughly credit-card-shaped design. Think of it as a travel toolbox of essentials that can free up space in your travel bag. It does come with a fixed-blade knife, so keep that in mind with any airline or travel requirements before you head out the door. You can also remove the knife entirely, making this tool TSA-friendly.

Victorinox Swiss Champ: If you’re looking for a toolbox replacement that you could bring in your bag (or your pockets if you want), the Swiss Champ is it. It has a rich feature set of 31 tools, including pliers, eliminating the one downside of carrying a SAK over a plier-style multi-tool.

Victorinox Wine Master: The Victorinox Wine Master elevates the wine and bottle opener experience on some other SAKs by providing a beautiful wood handle and a larger knife for cheese and food pairings. The corkscrew also comes with extra leverage, making it more suitable to use with bottles, where it is important to ensure you don’t break the cork.

Victorinox Classic SD Brilliant Damast: The Brilliant Damast edition of the Victorinox Classic SD elevates the SAK experience with Damasteel scales layered 333 times to make a unique design on the knife. It also comes with a cross and shield charm, making the tool uniquely your everyday carry SAK.

Victorinox Cyber Tool L: The Cyber Tool L is unique because it features a toolset that makes it great for fixing and maintaining small tech items. It has a precision screwdriver, a bit set, and a ballpoint pen to make notes.

Victorinox Pruning Knife M: A rarer single-blade knife from Victorinox that’s part of their horticulture line. It’s a unique alternative to a traditional folding pocket knife and a rare appearance of a hawkbill blade from the brand.

How to Choose a Swiss Army Pocket Knife

Because of all the tools available for Swiss Army Knives, there are a lot of models to choose from. Aside from the knife, which features in all but the most travel-friendly models of the SAK, there’s also usually a bottle opener and screwdrivers. The best bet is to start with the size and form factor you like and then look for a specific model with the features that you’ll find most beneficial for your everyday carry. If you cut through cordage regularly, you might want something with a serrated edge. If you open wine bottles, the standard bottle or can opener won’t do, and you should find a model with a corkscrew.

Size and Weight

It’s best to start with the size and weight you find most appropriate for your everyday carry. It can be tempting to carry a giant Swiss Army knife with dozens of tools, but you must understand that doing so will weigh you down. If you end up leaving your SAK at home, it’s not doing you any good. That’s why it’s good to start with something you’re more likely to carry in the first place.

Tools

With that being said, be on the lookout for the following tools the next time you’re looking for a SAK:

1. Knife: The bladed edge is still the bread and butter of the SAK experience, so get the length you need for your everyday carry. While most Swiss Army Knives have non-locking blades, some lock as an exception for people who demand more reliability from their SAK for rough use.
2. Screwdrivers: SAKs tend to have flathead and Phillips cross-type screwdriver heads. More specialized SAKs have precision heads, hex heads, and support for other fasteners.
3. Bottle opener: Great for opening soda and beer bottles away from home.
4. Can opener: This can be confused for a bottle opener by anyone unfamiliar, but the pointed section lets your piece through the sealed lip ring of a can to get at the preserved foods inside.
5. Tweezers: Great for picking up small items and for first aid use when dealing with splinters in your skin.
6. Toothpick: Unlike the wooden ones you’ll find at restaurants, the SAK sometimes comes with a plastic toothpick that slots into the handle scale, which is reusable and washable after use.
7. Corkscrew: A dedicated tool for opening wine bottles. One model in particular has a lever for particularly tricky or delicate bottles.
8. Wire stripper: Used to remove the insulation from wire for electrical and technical jobs.
9. Reamer: A dedicated tool for punching through rigid material like cloth.
10. Saw blade: A fully-serrated blade for cutting through wood.
11. Nail file: For personal grooming.
12. Marlinspike/Shackle Opener: A tool for manipulating tie-downs for sailing.
13. Scissors: Spring-loaded scissors offer more precise cutting than the blades on a SAK in certain situations.

Handle

The basic Swiss Army Knife features a plastic polymer that Victorinox calls Cellidor. It’s tough and dependable, and people have relied on it for decades. Victorinox also offers Alox handle scales, which are aluminum scales with anodic oxidation. It’s a common misconception to call it aluminum oxide, which it is not.

Both Victorinox and Wenger also make the handles with a more ergonomic shape, especially for their tools geared towards outdoor use.

Limited edition wood, Damascus steel, and sterling silver scales also exist. These are put on special SAKs that have an extra touch of class.

Durability

The Swiss Army Knife’s durability derives from its traditional knife shape. Durability is essential because you want to be able to rely on your tool in all situations, especially in an emergency. A basic SAK has fewer moving parts than a butterfly or plier-style multi-tool. The ergonomics of the knife are also more traditional, so a SAK is an excellent option for anyone who frequently uses their knife on their multi-tool.

Safety Features

All of the tools on a Swiss Army Knife require a nail nick opening, and there’s a bias towards closure that helps ensure the tools don’t flip out and poke you in your pocket. Some models of the Swiss Army Knife feature a locking blade, but usually, it features a non-locking slip joint mechanism.

Maintenance and Care

Like every knife, the Swiss Army Knife requires some maintenance and care. The most important one is to keep your Swiss Army Knife sharp. You can use a whetstone, but a pull-through knife sharpener might be your best choice unless it is a large blade. Oiling the Swiss Army Knife will keep the tools smooth. Frequent oiling will also help prevent rust development on your SAK. But if your SAK gets wet, fully dry it out by opening up all the tools and drying it on a towel. Otherwise, water can be left in small spaces behind a tool and cause rust to build up over time.

Legal Considerations

You must do your own research about what’s legal to carry in your jurisdiction or area. With that being said, a Swiss Army Knife is almost universally thought of as non-threatening, and it tends not to draw unwanted attention like a fully-serrated automatic tactical knife in all-black. Most SAKs feature a manual nail-nick opening that does not lock, and their length usually makes them the most everyday carry-friendly knives you can bring daily.

Versatility and Uses

A Swiss Army Knife is the king of versatility, with most SAK models helping you through the day with more than just the essential knife function. With a Swiss Army Knife, you can do your grooming for the day with a nail file and nail cutter. You can use the knife to open letters at the office when you’re away from home. If you need to cut out a design on paper, the spring-loaded scissors come into play. A quick eyeglass adjustment lets the screwdriver come to life. When you forget a full-size flashlight on your way to your car, the keychain LED function on some SAKs is a good backup. And once you’re at home and ready to relax, you can use the bottle opener to crack open a cold one at the end of the day.

Environmental Considerations

The most sustainable part about a Swiss Army Knife is that it can be a “buy it for life” tool. Once you find your everyday carry SAK, you don’t have to waste time, money, and resources trying to find your perfect tool because you already have it. In terms of sustainability, Victorinox has increased the amount of recycled materials used in their production, making it more environmentally friendly to carry an SAK today.

Best Swiss Army Pocket Knife FAQs

Why are Swiss Army knives red?

The red on a Swiss Army Knife comes from its origin as a practical tool for Switzerland’s military forces. Red and white are prominently featured on the flag; thus, the signature look of the namesake Swiss Army Knife.

Are Swiss Army knives worth the money?

There’s a Swiss Army Knife for every budget, and each one is worth the money. It’s hard to beat the practicality of a Swiss Army Knife compared to other multi-tools.

What’s the difference between the Swiss Army and Victorinox?

Victorinox is an original designer and manufacturer of the Swiss Army Knife. While their knives are still used by the Swiss Army, the Swiss military and government do not design or produce the knives.

Can I pack a Swiss Army Knife in my checked luggage?

You should check your local laws and airline regulations. Generally speaking, so long as the knife has no prohibited battery, it should be safe to put in your checked luggage. Any SAK with a blade will pose a problem for carry-on use.

How we picked

Decades of experience and deep connections in the everyday carry industry give us a unique viewpoint on the market to inform our product recommendations. We have the depth of information for thousands of products that have come before and an extensive eye on the market to see what’s new and trending for each piece of gear. The result is a buying guide that we feel is informative and useful for EDCers of every trade, industry, and budget.

What is Everyday Carry?

Everyday Carry is both the concept of what people carry in their pockets and the process of picking out gear that thoughtfully considers what one wants or needs in their daily life. It encompasses everything from style to preparedness to utility, meaning an entire industry full of valuable tools and essentials to choose from.

Why you should trust us

Our team has decades of combined experience in all aspects of everyday men’s essentials, from wallets to pens to bags and everything in between, and we know where to find great gear ideas that you may not come across at your local stores or when shopping online. Our expertise in the industry and familiarity with design, materials, and usability help you make more informed choices when it comes to picking up your next piece of gear.

The post The Best Swiss Army Knife in 2024: Reviews and Top Picks appeared first on Everyday Carry.

This problem has vexed us all since the first humans started using a sharp rock flake as a knife in the past. That first knife user may have opted to find a new shard of rock, but as we developed bronze, iron, and steel implements, people discovered that rubbing it against abrasive material like stone at certain angles leads to sharper results. During the industrial age, the Sharp Blog notes that artisans in France developed a method where people could lie down on their stomachs to grind knives more efficiently. But you won’t have to do any of that because there are more comfortable and convenient ways to keep your knife sharp no matter where you are. And while you don’t have to go to extremes like I do in ensuring every knife in your house, down to the steak knives, are razor sharp, you should know that having a knife ready to go is safer and easier to use.

Having a good and reliable knife sharpener is essential to your everyday carry. Just as having a quality knife is important, having a knife sharpener that works is essential, too. The best knife sharpeners maintain and hone the edge on an already sharp blade, making your overall experience using the knife as fresh as when you took it out of the box for the first time. You can fix a damaged blade chipped or dented over time with the right tools. Finally, and more advanced in scope, you can modify existing blades to have an edge characteristic you prefer.

This post was last updated on 12/18/2023.

Our Top Picks

The Best Overall Pocket Knife Sharpener: Work Sharp Precision Adjust Elite [Buy]

The Best Pocket Knife Sharpener on a Budget: Lansky Deluxe 5-Stone System [Buy]

The Most Premium Pocket Knife Sharpener: Wicked Edge Pro-Pack II [Buy]

The Best Powered Pocket Knife Sharpener: Ken Onion Edition Knife & Tool Sharpener [Buy]

The Most Portable Pocket Knife Sharpener: Diamond Machining Technology Diafold [Buy]

The Best Overall Pocket Knife Sharpener :hsc_emoji_trophy:	The Best Pocket Knife Sharpener on a Budget	The Most Premium Pocket Knife Sharpener	The Best Powered Pocket Knife Sharpener	The Most Portable Pocket Knife Sharpener
Work Sharp Precision Adjust Elite	Lansky Deluxe 5-Stone System	Wicked Edge Pro-Pack II	Ken Onion Edition Knife & Tool Sharpener	Diamond Machining Technology Diafold
Check Price	Check Price	Check Price	Check Price	Check Price
Pros	Pros	Pros	Pros	Pros
Complete guided system takes the guesswork out of Accommodates 15-30 degree angles Seven grits with a ceramic rod Beginner-friendly Elite system comes with a carrying case	Budget-friendly clamp-style system Five grit stones Portable size Can be used handheld	Included Advanced Alignment Guide Wixey Digital Angle Gauge Diamond stones make sharpening the toughest steels pretty easy Upgrade kits can be purchased if you’re really crazy about knife sharpening Can you up to a mirror edge Made in the USA	Fully adjustable sharpening guides makes it easy to use on any knife and also other edged tools Accommodates 15-30 degree angles Variable speed and flexible belt system gives more control and versatility for sharpening Still portable despite being a powered system	Can fit in a wallet or pocket Four diamond combinations Dots keep the diamond surface clean Can sharpen dry or with water Made in the USA
Cons	Cons	Cons	Cons	Cons
Clamp system isn’t the most portable, but the case helps with transport	Though usable in hand, you’ll need some sort of table to clamp on to use effectively	Very pricey, but complete professional system for nearly every knife category	Powered system needs an outlet Has guides but needs a bit more technique and practice to not quickly ruin your knife Can remove a lot of material if you’re not careful	Basic sharpening system best used for quick touch-ups May look like a fidgetable butterfly knife trainer, but isn’t actually one
Bottom Line	Bottom Line	Bottom Line	Bottom Line	Bottom Line
It’s easy and convenient, and it beats using a dull knife or having to wait for a professional to come along and do it for you, and that’s why it’s the best overall.	While it’s not as easy to use as the Work Sharp Precision Adjust Elite in getting you the right angle, it’s OK for most uses until you can save up for something more professional.	The Wicked Edge Precision Knife Sharpener Pro-Pack II is the ultimate choice for sharpening premium knives with custom blade angles. It’s beginner-friendly, ensuring precise results straight out of the box.	The powered nature of the Ken Onion Edition Knife & Tool Sharpener from Work Sharp makes quick work out of sharpening even the most premium blades and pretty much every other tool in your workbench.	You can keep these in your toolbox or everyday carry kit to ensure your blade is ready to go when needed. And because it uses diamond material, it will last longer and not require constant maintenance to stay level like a traditional whetstone.
Show Specs	Show Specs	Show Specs	Show Specs	Show Specs

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Best Pocket Knife Sharpeners for 2023

The Best Overall Pocket Knife Sharpener: Work Sharp Precision Adjust Elite

The Work Sharp Precision Adjust Elite takes the guesswork out of sharpening your knife. Where other sharpening systems require building up experience and confidence to get good results, I like that the Precision Adjust Elite automatically handles finding the correct angle for you. All you have to do is clamp your knife into the holder, select the sharpening rod you need, lock it into place, and sweep it on your blade’s edge. Then repeat that on the other side, and you’re good to go. It’s easy and convenient, and it beats using a dull knife or having to wait for a professional to come along and do it for you, and that’s why it’s the best overall.

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The Best Pocket Knife Sharpener on a Budget: Lansky Deluxe 5-Stone System

One of the secrets to getting the sharpest knife is to pass your blade through progressively more fine grit material. This lets you create the edge and hone it into a razor-sharp blade. But collecting full-size whetstones in every grit is expensive, so if you’re on a budget, you can size things down to the Lansky Deluxe 5-Stone System. It does away with the large whetstones in favor of a clamp design, but you get five different sharpening stones as part of the package. While it’s not as easy to use as the Work Sharp Precision Adjust Elite in getting you the right angle, it’s OK for most users until you can save up for something more professional.

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The Most Premium Pocket Knife Sharpener: Wicked Edge Pro-Pack II

The Wicked Edge Precision Knife Sharpener Pro-Pak II is the most premium pocket knife sharpener with its marble base and super-accurate digital angle readout. With the readout, you can be sure you’re precisely at 18 degrees or anywhere else you want to be. After all, if you’re buying premium knives with custom blade geometries set at angles that a pull-through knife sharpener will ruin, only the best will do. This simple technological addition makes the Pro-Pack II that much easier to use. While you can get similar results with whetstones, even a beginner can sharpen a premium knife with this sharpener as soon as it’s out of the box.

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The Best Powered Pocket Knife Sharpener: Ken Onion Edition Knife & Tool Sharpener

The powered nature of the Ken Onion Edition Knife & Tool Sharpener from Work Sharp makes quick work out of sharpening even the most premium blades and pretty much every other tool in your workbench. With traditional sharpening methods, the more premium and challenging your steel is, the longer it will take to sharpen with a stone. Some really hard steels at Rockwell units over 60 HRC can take quite a while, especially as you get to the finest grits. This powered device uses alternating belts powered by motors to do the job quicker. Just be sure you’re using the right guide for the angle, and watch the blade as you do it because if you remove too much material from your blade, you can never put it back on.

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The Most Portable Pocket Knife Sharpener: Diamond Machining Technology Diafold

The use of industrial diamond in this pocketable whetstone eliminates the need for an elaborate setup involving buckets of water and holders for traditional stone or ceramic sharpening tools. You can keep these in your toolbox or EDC kit to ensure your blade is ready to go when needed. And because it uses diamond material, it will last longer and not require constant maintenance to stay level like a traditional whetstone. The butterfly knife-style opening mechanism of the tool is charming, but it doesn’t have the pivots needed to be an effective fidget tool on the side.

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Our other recommendations

Spyderco Tri-Angle Sharpmaker: Spyderco’s Tri-Angle Sharpmaker is compact enough to fit in a toolbox, and it sets up the angle to place the abrasive rods without too much fuss. All you need to do is pass the blade through the rods, and because of its open nature, you can sharpen large knives and tools with just a few sweeps through the system. The Sharpmaker has been an old favorite for knife collectors for years, and for good reason; few systems are as quick and easy to use while still being effective.

King Whetstone: Traditional ceramic whetstones can be pricey for beginners, so I recommend combination stones from King Japan. This model features 250 and 1000-grit surfaces on opposite sides of the stone. The coarse 250 grit is for fixing chips and seriously damaged blades before finishing with the more fine 1000 grit section. As you progress in skill, you can add other whetstones to the collection to build a solid and versatile collection of sharpening stones.

Lansky Blademedic: It’s all in the name: this is the tool you keep on hand in your emergency pack or camping gear when you need a sharp knife fast. The carbide and ceramic V-shaped pull-through slots are pre-set at 45 degrees, corresponding to the standard edge of Western-style knives and tools. The diamond rod can be used as a honing steel, and the exposed ceramic section can be swiped across serrations to get them working. Just know that this is the wrong tool for long-term maintenance for most high-end knives, so use it sparingly for emergencies.

Smith’s TRI6 Arkansas Stone: Smith’s TRI6 Arkansas stone provides three different grits of that well-regarded sharpening material. These use oil instead of water for lubrication as you use it to maintain the edge of your knife. As you hone the blade further, it’s easy to swap to different grits by turning the triangular holder to what you need.

Different types of Knife Sharpeners

Electric Knife Sharpeners

These are the easiest to use of all the knife sharpeners. But they’re also perhaps a bit too easy because their fast speeds can destroy a knife if the sharpener is not set up correctly. There are also better options for knives with serrations. Knives with deep recurve, changing edge angles, and dramatic geometries will also not fare well with an electric knife sharpening system. For everything else, they often come with blade guides for multiple sharpening options.

Handheld / Pull-Through Sharpeners

Pull-through knife sharpeners are pocketable and good to have in an emergency, but their pre-set angles usually differ from what premium knife makers set their blades to. Some knives, like Japanese chef’s knives that only have an edge on one side of the blade, will be seriously damaged using a pull-through mechanism, as Chef’s Armoury points out when they wrote about pull-through knife sharpeners not being the best choice in the kitchen. But a pull-through sharpener will do the trick when having a sharp knife of any style is better than nothing. Just know that you might be messing up your knife more in the long run, necessitating a professional fix.

Knife Sharpening Systems / Guided Systems

These systems lock your blade on a clamp horizontally, vertically, or at an angle of your choice. You then pass a rod across the stationary blade at a set angle. This gives you precise control compared to a traditional whetstone. As users of BladeForums mention, sometimes it’s hard to get a consistent angle when you’re in control of it as you pass the blade across a traditional stone. The downside is that these systems are bulky and require some setup and assembly, making them more suitable for home use. They’re also not the best choice if you have extremely small or very large knives, as they are set up for the standard pocket knife or chef’s knife length.

Sharpening Stones / Whetstones

A flat sharpening stone, known as a whetstone, is the most traditional method to sharpen blades. And while it takes a lot of practice to get the job done, you get the best results out of these systems in many ways. When you have total control over the knife as you pass across the stone, you get visual, tactile, and auditory feedback you don’t get with other systems. When an amateur seriously messes up their expensive super-premium blade through an automated or preset system, it will take a set of traditional whetstones and a sharp eye to get it back into shape. None of the other systems that do things for you will solve chipped or broken knives, but with traditional whetstones, you can recreate edges or even take budget knives that were never sharp, to begin with, from the factory and turn them into usable cutlery with just the application of elbow grease.

Sharpening Steel

One misnomer about honing steel is that it sharpens a blade. It doesn’t. Instead, it makes minor nicks on a blade and bends them back into shape on an already sharp knife. This minimizes the need to go to a sharpening system until needed.

Maintenance Tips for Pocket Knife Sharpeners

Maintaining a good edge on your blade is crucial because it makes it easier and safer for you to use. A dull knife will slip instead of slice and, in the worst case, slip right onto your fingers. While this is primarily a problem if you’re using your knife in food prep, you’ll start wondering why your premium MagnaCut knife isn’t cutting through material quickly if you never sharpen it. Maintaining the edge of your blade as close to its original sharpness as possible will also eliminate the need for serious repair, which takes lots of time, special equipment, and expertise.

Choosing the Right Sharpening Slots and Surface

The rule of thumb is to stick to the slot or angle corresponding to your knife’s factory edge and angle. This may take some research or specialized equipment to determine accurately, but many production knives usually stick to standardized angles and ranges, such as between 20-30 degrees.

Coarse Stone vs. Fine Stone

You should also go from coarse to fine-grained material. Otherwise, you’ll spend much time on a fine stone when the knife needs serious repair. If a knife is well-maintained and sharp, you can start with the finest stones for touching up. Some knife sharpening systems will tell you in words that the material is coarse or fine. Lower numbers are coarser, and higher numbers are smoother and finer if the system only provides you numbers that correspond to grit. You can also touch them to help determine which is which.

Best Pocket Knife Sharpener FAQs

What is the best thing to use to sharpen a pocket knife?

An abrasive stone is the best way to sharpen a pocket knife. Whether you pick a traditional whetstone, a pull-through sharpener, or a precision system, they all use abrasive stones to get the job done. A precision or electric system will be the easiest of all options for a beginner.

What do professionals use to sharpen knives?

Professionals use traditional whetstones or electric belt systems of various abrasive coarseness or fineness based on their needs. Traditional whetstones offer immense control and customizability but take substantial effort and time. Electric systems suit fast-paced production environments and knifemakers working on the clock.

Do knife sharpeners ruin knives?

Knife sharpeners don’t ruin knives. People who don’t know which knife sharpener to use in the correct situation ruin knives. And the worst thing would be to end up with an expensive, premium knife that’s never been resharpened or maintained after opening hundreds of packages, performing worse than a serrated butter knife.

Is a sharpening stone better than a knife sharpener?

Knife sharpeners all use a sharpening stone of some kind, even ones that use industrial diamond material. But a traditional sharpening stone, Arkansas stone, or puck offers the best results for anyone who has learned to leverage them to their full advantage. Until you’ve had some practice, stick to an automated or precision system that holds your hand and stops you from ruining your blade.

How we picked

Decades of experience and deep connections in the everyday carry industry give us a unique viewpoint on the market to inform our product recommendations. We have the depth of information for thousands of products that have come before and an extensive eye on the market to see what’s new and trending for each piece of gear. The result is a buying guide that we feel is informative and useful for EDCers of every trade, industry, and budget.

What is Everyday Carry?

Everyday Carry is both the concept of what people carry in their pockets and the process of picking out gear that thoughtfully considers what one wants or needs in their daily life. It encompasses everything from style to preparedness to utility, meaning an entire industry full of valuable tools and essentials to choose from.

Why you should trust us

Our team has decades of combined experience in all aspects of everyday men’s essentials, from wallets to pens to bags and everything in between, and we know where to find great gear ideas that you may not come across at your local stores or when shopping online. Our expertise in the industry and familiarity with design, materials, and usability help you make more informed choices when it comes to picking up your next piece of gear.

The post Best Pocket Knife Sharpeners in 2024, Ranked! appeared first on Everyday Carry.

Best Multi-tools — 2023 Edition

The Best Overall Multi-tool: Leatherman Wave+ [Buy] / [Full Review

The Best Multi-tool Upgrade: Leatherman FREE P4 [Buy] / [Full Review]

The Best Keychain Multi-tool: Leatherman Style PS [Buy] / [Full Review]

The Best Budget Multi-tool: Gerber Dime [Buy] / [Full Review]

The Best Lightweight Multi-tool: SOG Flash MT [Buy]

Leatherman Wave+	Leatherman FREE P4	Leatherman Style PS	Gerber Dime	SOG Flash MT
$$$$	$$$	$	$	$$
No. of Functions: 18	No. of Functions: 21	No. of Functions: 9	No. of Functions: 15	No. of Functions: 7
Weight: 8.5 oz	Weight: 8.6 oz	Weight: 1.58 oz	Weight: 2.2 oz	Weight: 4.7 oz
Key Features: Eyeglass screwdriver	Key Features: Made in the USA	Key Features: Tweezers built into the handle	Key Features: Spring-loaded scissors	Key Features: Compound leverage pivots
Buy Now	Buy Now	Buy Now	Buy Now	Buy Now

Leatherman Wave+ Multi-tool

Purchase

Key Features

One-hand operable

Eyeglass screwdriver

Outboard blades

Specifications

No. of Functions

18

Weight

8.5 oz

Materials

420HC, stainless steel

EDC Rating

5745 ratings

Price

$$$$

For many, the Leatherman Wave+ is the be-all-end-all of the multi-tool world. With 18 tools, including needle nose pliers, replaceable wire cutters, and a bit driver, the Wave+ is a strong contender for the best tool on this list. Another key feature is the outboard 420HC stainless steel blades, saw, and metal file that doesn’t need the tool unfolded to open. All the tools lock in place for security. One underrated feature of the Wave+ is the precision screwdriver, which comes in handy for any glasses wearer in a pinch. And once you get the hang of the can opener, it’s one of the most intuitive can openers you can EDC.

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Leatherman Raptor Rescue Multi-tool

Purchase

Key Features

Pocket clip

Lanyard hole

Carbide glass breaker tip

Specifications

No. of Functions

6

Weight

5.8 oz

Materials

420HC, glass-filled nylon, stainless steel

EDC Rating

1375 ratings

Price

$$

The Leatherman Raptor Rescue is a pair of emergency shears leveled up to their max potential. On its face, the Raptor Rescue is a multi-tool geared for first responders dealing with emergencies. The 420HC stainless steel shears can cut through clothing and rough material. The strap and ring cutter is tailor-made for dealing with casualties as an EMT or medical professional. The oxygen tank wrench is another emergency lifesaving function, and the carbide glass breaker rounds it all out. A pocket clip makes it easy to EDC this tool in your pockets, and it folds up into a compact 5” when not in use.

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Leatherman Charge+ TTi Multi-tool

Purchase

Key Features

Gut-hook/strap cutter built into the serrated knife

One-hand operable

Dual-tone design

Specifications

No. of Functions

19

Weight

8.89 oz

Materials

420HC, S30V, titanium

EDC Rating

637 ratings

Price

$$$

In many ways, you can consider the Charge+ TTi from Leatherman a leveled-up version of their venerable Wave+ multi-tool. It has the same general form factor and feature set, making it one of the best multi-tools on the market. Where it differs significantly is in the materials. Where the Wave+ features a stainless steel frame, the Charge+ TTi, true to its name, features lightweight titanium construction. The replaceable steel cutters have been upgraded to 154CM, making them hardier against continual use. The blade steel on the knife has also been upgraded, with a premium S30V composition that makes it good enough to be your daily driver knife.

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Leatherman FREE P4 Multi-tool

Purchase

Key Features

Magnetic locking

Made in the USA

One-hand operable

Specifications

No. of Functions

21

Weight

8.6 oz

Materials

420HC, stainless steel

EDC Rating

793 ratings

Price

$$$

Leatherman put everything they knew into making multipurpose tools and put it into the FREE P4. This modern rendition of the plier-style multi-tool features a one-handed opening aided by the magnets built into the tool’s frame. And every one of the FREE P4’s tools except the pliers is outboard. You don’t have to open the multi-tool up to use them. And when you open and close the tool and engage the functions, you get a satisfying magnetic click when you lock and unlock the mechanisms. Compared to the popular Wave+, the FREE P4 has an integrated pocket clip and a more robust set of spring-loaded pliers for your convenience.

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Victorinox Swiss Tool Spirit X Multi-tool

Purchase

Key Features

Made in Switzerland

Ruler built into handles

Blade lockable

Specifications

No. of Functions

24

Weight

7.37 oz

Materials

Stainless steel

EDC Rating

11 ratings

Price

$$$

When you think of Victorinox, you probably think of their iconic Swiss Army Knives. However, Victorinox also makes a made-in-Switzerland line of competent plier-style multi-tools. The Swiss Tool Spirit X is one of their most popular models in the everyday carry community. The Spirit X is a compact yet fully-featured multi-tool with outboard tools and nail nick openings. At 7.4 ounces, this is a lightweight multi-tool for its 4.1” size. And there are an impressive 24 functions built into the tool itself. The rich feature set includes tools such as a punch and reamer, a chisel and scraper, and a pulling hook.

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Leatherman Skeletool CX Multi-tool

Purchase

Key Features

Full-sized blade

Locking blade

One-hand operable

Specifications

No. of Functions

7

Weight

5 oz

Materials

154CM, DLC coating

EDC Rating

366 ratings

Price

$$

The skeletonized body of the minimalist Leatherman Skeletool CX belies its name. That lightweight build makes it a popular multi-tool. Another draw comes from the full-size knife with a 154CM stainless steel composition that beats most multi-tool blades. And despite its small size, the Skeletool packs a punch. It weighs only 5 ounces for carrying ease. Its other tools include wire cutters, pliers, and a carabiner that also acts as a bottle opener. You can also use the carabiner clip to attach it to a pack for carrying convenience. All the functions except the pliers are accessible without opening it up.

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Leatherman Signal Multi-tool

Purchase

Key Features

Outdoor focused toolset

One-hand operable

Pocket clip and carabiner

Specifications

No. of Functions

19

Weight

7.5 oz

Materials

420HC, DLC/Cerakote coating, stainless steel

EDC Rating

1000 ratings

Price

$$$

The Leatherman Signal is a purpose-built outdoors camping everyday carry tool. It features hardy survival options such as a ferrocerium fire starter and an emergency whistle. It also features the standard Leatherman needle nose pliers with replaceable cutters. The carabiner clip also has a hammer section for driving stakes and nails home. The combo 420HC stainless steel knife is in tip-top shape, and its can and bottle opener help ensure you’re ready for the long haul. And with Leatherman’s 25-year warranty, you can rest assured that you’re getting a quality tool you can rely on when you’re out in the field.

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Victorinox Pioneer X Alox Multi-tool

Purchase

Key Features

Spring-loaded scissors

Lightweight

Made in Switzerland

Specifications

No. of Functions

9

Weight

3.3 oz

Materials

Alox scales, Sandvik steel

EDC Rating

817 ratings

Price

$$

With all the plier-style tools on this list, it’s easy to forget the venerable Swiss Army Knife. Victorinox’s line of SAKs is the preferred tool for anyone who does not care to have a full-sized pair of pliers in their EDC. The result is a competent knife with a set of useful additions. And the Victorinox Pioneer X Alox is one of the best renditions of this formula. Its aluminum scales give the Swiss Army Knife a more premium treatment and add a bit of robustness to the overall design.

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Gerber Center-Drive Multi-tool

Purchase

Key Features

Bit driver-focused ergonomics

One-thumb opening system

Made in the USA

Specifications

No. of Functions

12

Weight

9.5 oz

Materials

420HC, stainless steel

EDC Rating

62 ratings

Price

$$$

Not to be outdone by the dominance of Leatherman and Victorinox on the list, Gerber has innovated on the idea of the plier-style multi-tool with the fast-open Center-Drive. It features a center-axis screwdriver that yields maximum torque and rotation. It’s compatible with bits of your choosing, extending the usefulness of the screwdriver in the design. The long outboard full-sized blade made of 420HC stainless steel can take the place of most everyday carry knives. The pliers are spring-loaded for easy one-handed thumb opening. And the made-in-America quality of Gerber shines through the stainless steel composition of the blade itself.

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Gerber Shard Keychain Multi-tool

Purchase

Key Features

Keychain-sized

Limited lifetime warranty

Airline safe

Specifications

No. of Functions

7

Weight

1 oz

Materials

Titanium nitride-coated steel

EDC Rating

63 ratings

Price

$

Where other multi-tools focus on having a lot of functions in one package, the Gerber Shard keeps things simple. It’s a minimal tool that is small enough to go on your keychain. Its compact size and lack of a sharp blade also mean it’s carry-on compliant for travel. And with its portable go-everywhere design, you get seven essential functions. It has a distinctive combination pry bar and flathead driver. It can also be used to open bottles and cut through tape and packaging when you don’t have a knife.

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Leatherman Style PS Multi-tool

Purchase

Key Features

TSA-compliant

Tweezers built into the handle

Integrated carabiner

Specifications

No. of Functions

9

Weight

1.58 oz

Materials

Glass-filled nylon, stainless steel

EDC Rating

188 ratings

Price

$

Leatherman tools are great for EDC for the most part until you try to take them on a plane. The large size of the tools and the knife will get your prized everyday carry centerpiece confiscated at security. But that’s not the case if you bring the Leatherman Style PS. It’s a compact plier-style multi-tool with eight essential functions that omit the blade and keeps the spring-loaded pliers small enough to remain TSA-compliant.

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EverRatchet Clip Multi-tool

Purchase

Key Features

Unique ratcheting system

Built-in clip

Bit holder

Specifications

No. of Functions

12

Weight

0.56 oz

Materials

Titanium

EDC Rating

101 ratings

Price

$

The EverRatchet Clip multi-tool lets you carry a unique ratcheting screwdriver with a hex bit on your keychain or hanging off a belt loop. Its compact 2.38” long body houses the rest of the functions, including a bottle and box opener, a prying and scoring tool, a scraper, a flathead screwdriver, and seven hex wrenches.The sides of the tool also feature metric and imperial rulers as well as angle markings to help you in standard measurements and DIY projects.

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Gerber Prybrid Utility Multi-tool

Purchase

Key Features

Push button lock

Retractable standard blade

Made in the USA

Specifications

No. of Functions

8

Weight

2.9 oz

Materials

G10 handle scales

EDC Rating

22 ratings

Price

$

If you spend a lot of time cutting boxes and packaging daily, the Gerber Prybrid Utility is hard to beat. Its main draw is the inclusion of a retractable and replaceable utility blade. And with its push-button lock, the blade fixes into place during use. It takes standard contractor edges and is the preferred tool because rough material like cardboard will quickly dull a regular knife. The backside of the Prybrid Utility houses the dedicated pry tool that gives the tool the other part of its name. Both give you essential functions that save you and your EDC knife from damage from being used where it shouldn’t.

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Gerber Armbar Drive Multi-tool

Purchase

Key Features

Dedicated bit driver

Textured aluminum handle

Made in the USA

Specifications

No. of Functions

8

Weight

3.1 oz

Materials

Stainless steel, aluminum

EDC Rating

20 ratings

Price

$

The Gerber Armbar Drive has a compact form factor reminiscent of a standard EDC folding knife. It has a large usable fine edge blade like a folder, but it also includes an extendable bit driver. Alongside those EDC essentials are an awl and a pair of scissors that also fold out for easy deployment. And the reinforced tail end of the Armbar Drive functions as an impromptu hammer. Open it up, and you get a combination pry bar and bottle opener. That’s a lot of function for a portable tool that weighs just 3.1 ounces and measures only 3.625” fully closed.

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Leatherman Bond Multi-tool

Purchase

Key Features

Inspired by original PST

Non-locking mechanism

Contoured handles

Specifications

No. of Functions

14

Weight

6.21 oz

Materials

420HC, stainless steel

EDC Rating

113 ratings

Price

$$

The Leatherman Bond is based on the original PST multi-tool from the 1980s that started the concept of EDCing a folding pair of pliers that can do so much more. Its slim design has been updated for modern everyday carry, and it features 14 essential functions. The tool layout of the Philips head and flathead screwdrivers, in particular, have been moved around on the tool. You also get wire cutters and a wire stripper, which were not present on the original multi-tool. And all this easy-to-use practicality is packed into a small 4” long and 5.8-ounce package priced as an affordable entry into the multi-tool EDC world.

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Gerber Dime Multi-tool

Purchase

Key Features

Spring-loaded scissors

Butterfly opening

Made in the USA

Specifications

No. of Functions

15

Model

2.2 oz

Materials

Stainless steel

EDC Rating

125 ratings

Price

$

The Gerber Dime is one of the most affordable tools on this list, and as such, it features in the pockets of many EDCers in the community. But don’t mistake its price to denote lesser functionality. The Gerber Dime will do you much better than a 99-cent store tool. It has sturdy stainless steel construction and a butterfly-style open that gives you a familiar 12-tool format of fold-out pliers, drivers, and a plain-edged blade. One handle has an external bottle opener and a removable pair of tweezers. And the key ring lets you flip this tool onto your keychain for EDC carry convenience.

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Gerber Dual-Force Multi-tool

Purchase

Key Features

Larger jaw

Butterfly opening

Outboard components

Specifications

No. of Functions

12

Weight

12 oz

Materials

Stainless steel

EDC Rating

6 ratings

Price

$$$

The Gerber Dual-Force is a unique take on the folding multi-tool that includes for the first time an adjustable slip-joint plier design that lets the user take on bigger tasks and fasteners. The large teeth on the jaws give twice the jaw strength and grip force than a standard needlenose multi-tool. And in the handles of the blade, there’s an outboard Center-Axis bit holding screwdriver that’s easy to use. The full-size 3.25” blade also locks into place and is ready to take on most EDC tasks that would otherwise require a standalone blade.

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BigIDesign TPT Slide Multi-tool

Purchase

Key Features

One-handed operation

Multiple integrated tools

Pocket clip and lanyard

Specifications

No. of Functions

14

Weight

1 oz

Materials

Titanium

EDC Rating

178 ratings

Price

$$

The sleek minimalist titanium design of the BigiDesign TPT Slide keeps things light, and the compact size means it doesn’t take up too much valuable space in your pockets. Its primary tool is the slide-out utility blade that you can operate with a single hand. While the tool takes a standard contractor blade, it comes with one you can reverse to function as a camp fork in a pinch. At the back of the tool, a dedicated flathead screwdriver can operate as a scraper and a pry tool, and a hex wrench is also built-in.

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SOG Flash MT Multi-tool

Purchase

Key Features

D2 blade

Compound leverage pivots

4mm bit driver

Specifications

No. of Functions

7

Weight

4.7 oz

Materials

Stainless steel

EDC Rating

3 ratings

Price

$$

SOG’s Flash MT is a unique butterfly-style multi-tool that is lightweight and compact and takes the best of their technologies and puts it into one immaculately designed tool. The needle nose pliers come with SOG’s compound leverage tech in the pivots, amplifying your grip strength and making it easier to hang onto fasteners or cut through wire. Another stand-out feature is the spring-assisted opening D2 tool steel blade on the outboard handle. It locks into place with SOG’s XR lock. And there’s a 4mm bit magnetic bit holder driver that works well with the included flathead and Philips heads.

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How to Pick the Best Multi-tool for Your EDC

As its name implies, the multi-tool includes multiple tools in one package. You can take on several tasks using the right implement with a multi-tool. For a lot of people, their EDC knife takes on that role. But a multi-tool should not be treated as the same thing as an everyday carry knife. Even though many multi-tools come with a knife, they are a different part of your EDC.

When most people picture a multi-tool in their mind, an image of a Leatherman appears. That’s because they pioneered the design of the plier-style multi-tool. But while Leatherman’s venerable place in the multi-tool world is unquestioned, other tools exist too. This guide will present a few alternatives for your consideration and discuss why they’re worth picking up for your everyday carry.

What Qualities Should a Good Tool Have?

It’s easy to focus too much on how many functions a multi-tool has. That’s understandable; the more tools you have, the more tasks you can accomplish. But you’ll quickly find that the multi-tools that attempt to cram many features into one thing are too bulky and unwieldy for everyday carry. It’s essential to consider the number and type of functions a multi-tool has, but there are other things you should consider when adding a multi-tool to your everyday carry.

• Weight: A multi-tool that’s too heavy for your pockets will end up being one that you don’t EDC. Keeping things under five ounces is a good rule of thumb. That’s the maximum weight a standard EDC pocket knife will run you.
  
  
• Materials: High-quality stainless steel is the most common material used in constructing multi-tools. Usually, they come with bare metal handles, but some have plastic or nylon scales. More high-end tools might swap things out for titanium to lighten your load.
  
  
• Portability: Aside from the weight and size of the item, its portability is essential. It would help if you thought about whether the tool is easy to carry. Does it come with a clip? Does it have a holster or another way to attach to your gear? And it would be best if you considered whether the multi-tool is helpful for your everyday carry based on what it can do.

Necessary and Extra Features

Getting lost in the sauce while searching for features on your next multi-tool is common. Think about the tools you need daily, and treat any extras that come with it as a bonus. Sometimes, having a simple and lightweight tool makes it easy to use and easy to EDC. But if you need more tools than the average person, focus on that need.

• Knife: If you can EDC a knife, a multi-tool must have a good one. After all, it takes up the same space as a dedicated blade.
• Pliers: The presence of pliers marks the critical difference between the two types of EDC multi-tools. If you need them, ensure the tool you select includes a pair.
• Bottle opener: These are almost always included on every multi-tool, and for a good reason. A bottle opener is one of the most valuable features of an EDC multi-tool.
• Screwdrivers: From flathead to Phillips to accepting hex bits, the screwdriver is an essential part of a multi-tool setup.
• Scissors: While you might think a knife can open most things, sometimes it’s easier and safer to use a pair of scissors instead. And when they’re spring-loaded, they can be a joy to use for an extended time.
• Clip: A clip is less of a function and more of a convenience. Having one on your tool lets you attach it to your pants pocket or your gear. Without one, it is prone to flop around as you move.
• Clamshell opener: These let you easily open clamshell plastic packages and boxes, all without having to draw the blade on your tool.
• File: Nothing beats having a file on hand when you need to shape or reduce material evenly.
• Saw: Saws get you through rough wood and material quickly. The serrated jaws on the blade dig into the material far better than a standard knife edge.
• Serrated blade: Less aggressive than a saw blade, serrated-edged blades retain the ability of a knife to slice and chop.
• Can opener: Whether camping in the woods or in an emergency survival situation, being able to open canned foods can mean the difference between life and death.
• Glass breaker: A glass breaker might seem like a quaint addition to a multi-tool until you need to get out of a sinking car through the windows.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which multi-tool brand is best?

Leatherman and Victorinox are the community’s favorite everyday carry multi-tool brands. They face strong competition from SOG and Gerber.

What multi-tool do Navy SEALs use?

SOG multi-tools and knives have a deep history of use by Naval Special Forces such as the SEALs.

Which is better Victorinox or Leatherman?

It’s a personal choice. The biggest differentiating factor is whether you prefer plier-style tools or something more like the Swiss Army Knife.

How we picked

Decades of experience and deep connections in the everyday carry industry give us a unique viewpoint on the market to inform our product recommendations. We have the depth of information for thousands of products that have come before and an extensive eye on the market to see what’s new and trending for each piece of gear. The result is a buying guide that we feel is informative and useful for EDCers of every trade, industry, and budget.

What is Everyday Carry?

Everyday Carry is both the concept of what people carry in their pockets and the process of picking out gear that thoughtfully considers what one wants or needs in their daily lives. It encompasses everything from style to preparedness to utility, meaning an entire industry full of valuable tools and essentials to choose from.

Why you should trust us

Our team has decades of combined experience in all aspects of everyday men’s essentials, from wallets to pens to bags and everything in between, and we know where to find great gear ideas that you may not come across at your local stores or when shopping online. Our expertise with the industry and familiarity in design, materials, and usability help you make more informed choices when it comes to picking up your next piece of gear.

The post The 19 Best Multi-tools in 2023 appeared first on Everyday Carry.

How do we differentiate between a high-end knife and its lesser peers? One of America’s Founding Fathers, Ben Franklin, lamented knives made from poor-quality steel in his famous Poor Richard’s Almanac. His adage: “there never was a good knife made of bad steel,” rings true today just as it did centuries ago. While it can feel a bit nerdy to focus on the specific qualities of knives, such as blade steel when looking for the best high-end knife, spending that time is essential. Thankfully, with the help of expert metallurgists like Dr. Larrin Thomas at Knife Steel Nerds, the community has honed in on blade steels with excellent maximum sharpness and edge retention, such as CPM MagnaCut and Böhler M390.

But blade steel is just one part of the equation. Notice, as well, that everyday carry experts will tell you that even if a knife is expensive, it is not a suitable high-end knife for everyday carry. High-end blades set themselves apart with intelligent ergonomic designs that make them handy tools. Many also come with a beautiful design and attractive construction materials, which are welcome bonuses. While tastes in materials and design change over the years, a well-made high-end knife features design considerations in a complete package you won’t get with more budget-oriented blades.

This post was last updated on 12/14/2023.

Our Top Picks

The Best Overall High-End Knife: WE Knife Co. Soothsayer [Buy]

The Best Gentleman’s High-End Knife: Chris Reeve Mnandi [Buy]

The Best Tactical High-End Knife: Heretic Knives Wraith V3 [Buy]

The Best Mechanism on a High-End Knife: Fox Knives Radius CF FX-550 DCFR “Space Coral” [Buy]

The Best Minimalist High-End Knife: The James Brand Barnes [Buy]

The Best Overall High-End Knife :hsc_emoji_trophy:	The Best Gentleman’s High-End Knife	The Best Tactical High-End Knife	The Best Mechanism on a High-End Knife	The Best Minimalist High-End Knife
WE Knife Co. Soothsayer	Chris Reeve Mnandi	Heretic Knives Wraith	Fox Knives Radius CF FX-550 DCFR “Space Coral”	The James Brand Barnes
Check Price	Check Price	Check Price	Check Price	Check Price
Pros	Pros	Pros	Pros	Pros
Unique Hakkapella Damascus blade steel Timascus handle and clip Nail nick and rear flipper deployment Comes in other more affordable variants	Lightweight at 1.55 oz New generation S45VN steel 2.75” blade and manual opening better for some locales Made in the USA	MagnaCut blade with DLC Manual rear flipper Anodized blue accents on hardware Titanium clip with ceramic ball bearing Made in the USA	Award-winning lock mechanism—pivot stud is also the lock release Designed for safety Damascus blade Milled titanium pocket clip Made in Italy	Signature James Brand minimalist design Dual green-anodized thumb studs Integral frame lock Milled titanium pocket clip and checkering on handle Comes with an “Analog Artifact” challenge coin
Cons	Cons	Cons	Cons	Cons
Reversible clip, but frame lock is righty only	Frame lock and single position clip make this a righty-only knife	Frame lock and single position clip make this a righty-only knife	Lock mechanism and single-position, tip-up clip makes this a righty-only knife	Frame lock and single position clip make this a righty-only knife
Bottom Line	Bottom Line	Bottom Line	Bottom Line	Bottom Line
When picking a high-end knife, you want a knife that looks great with high-end performance right out of the box, and you get that with the WE Knife. Co Soothsayer.	You won’t feel burdened to carry daily, and you’ll want to bring it along with you on your adventures because it does not weigh you down like other, more bulky knives.	Tactical knives also shine with the Heretic Knives Wraith V3, topping the high-end point of its category. It features a sturdy frame lock and a deep carry pocket clip that helps this large tactical knife disappear in your pockets despite the full-size handle.	When you’re looking for high-end knives, you want something that will set you apart from everyone else, and a knife like the Radius with a brand new and innovative opening mechanism gets you there quickly.	When you want a high-end knife that won’t turn shocked eyes at the office or in polite company, minimalist knives like the Barnes fit the bill nicely.
Show Specs	Show Specs	Show Specs	Show Specs	Show Specs
SPECIFICATIONS	SPECIFICATIONS	SPECIFICATIONS	SPECIFICATIONS	SPECIFICATIONS
Blade Length	Blade Length	Blade Length	Blade Length	Blade Length
3.48″	2.75″	3.625″	3.00″	3.375″
Blade Steel	Blade Steel	Blade Steel	Blade Steel	Blade Steel
Hakkapella Damascus	S45VN	MagnaCut	Damascus	M390
Materials	Materials	Materials	Materials	Materials
Timascus	Carbon fiber, titanium	Carbon fiber, titanium	Carbon fiber	Titanium

^{Scroll to see the full table}

The Best High-End Knives

The Best Overall High-End Knife: WE Knife Co. Soothsayer

Look at the WE Knife Co. Soothsayer in your hand, and you’ll see why it’s the best overall high-end knife. It starts with the Hakkapella Damascus steel, made in Sweden with powder metallurgy, which makes this superior to Damasteel blades that don’t disclose their composition. While no one knows the exact chemical composition of the historical Damascus steel blade, modern bladesmiths fashion knives are likely to perform better than you’ll read in history books. It doesn’t stop there: the blue titanium inlay in the Soothsayer’s handle also features a beautifully layered construction, and it meshes well with the bolster on this flipper opening knife. When picking a high-end knife, you want a knife that looks great with high-end performance right out of the box, and you get that with the WE Knife. Co Soothsayer.

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The Best Gentleman’s High-End Knife: Chris Reeve Mnandi

As a community, we have a lot to owe to Chris Reeve’s ingenuity and desire to make the best high-end knives in the business. Through him, we had a reason to develop steels such as CPM S35VN, which has, over time, become the standard blade steel for quality everyday carry knives. His Mnandi today continues to innovate and provide beautiful modern gent’s aesthetic touches while featuring high-end steel like CPM MagnaCut and S45VN, an improvement over the original formula. In particular, we favor the carbon fiber version of the Mnandi because, combined with the titanium handle, you get an ultralight knife that tips the scales at only 1.55 oz in your pocket. That means this is a knife you won’t feel burdened to carry daily, and you’ll want to bring it along with you on your adventures because it does not weigh you down like other, more bulky knives.

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The Best Tactical High-End Knife: Heretic Knives Wraith V3

Tactical knives also shine with the Heretic Knives Wraith V3, topping the high-end point of its category. In its third iteration, the Wraith V3 features a manual flipper opening with fewer legal restrictions for carry than the original automatic version of this knife. Heretic Knives prides itself in fashioning beautiful yet highly functional everyday carry knives; every component is manufactured and assembled in the USA. That extends to the 3.625” CPM MagnaCut blade down to the knife’s carbon fiber and titanium handle. It features a sturdy frame lock and a deep carry pocket clip that helps this large tactical knife disappear in your pockets despite the full-size handle, which gives you an excellent purchase on the blade even during hard use.

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The Best Mechanism on a High-End Knife: Fox Knives Radius CF FX-550 DCFR “Space Coral”

High-end knives feature innovative design elements that pave the way for every knife that comes after it. Denis Simonutti designed the Radius “Space Coral” for Fox Knives, and it features a new locking mechanism that helped it win awards at the 2019 Blade Show. The mechanism is aptly called the “Fingers Safe Opening System,” representing Denis Simonutti’s desire to provide users with a knife they can operate with the easy-to-use knob. With everything in thumb’s reach, this knife opens and locks with a simple button press at the pivot. All you have to do is slide it in position. You repeat the action in reverse to close the knife, and every step keeps your fingers away from the blade and is safe from accidentally cutting yourself. When you’re looking for high-end knives, you want something that will set you apart from everyone else, and a knife like the Radius with a brand new and innovative opening mechanism gets you there quickly.

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The Best Minimalist High-End Knife: The James Brand Barnes

Minimalist knives have a clean look, and their understated elegance gives them a touch of class. And when the minimalist look is mated with quality materials and severe attention to detail, you get a work of art like the Barnes. The James Brand’s design philosophy throughout their entire line of quality everyday carry knives exemplifies the minimalist aesthetic, and The Barnes folding knife tops this category. This beautiful knife features a premium Böhler M390 stainless steel blade with a manual thumb stud opening. The thumb studs are light green and contrast brightly against the grey titanium look of the knife’s handle. This makes it easy to identify visually, and their substantial size makes them easy to operate with a single hand in one quick motion. When you want a high-end knife that won’t turn shocked eyes at the office or in polite company, minimalist knives like the Barnes fit the bill nicely.

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Our other recommendations

Spyderco Drunken: Dimitry Sinkevich is a renowned custom knifemaker, and his designs are uniquely ergonomic, with a distinctly elegant blade profile that makes his knives a joy to use in hand. With the Spyderco Drunken, you get his design language all over the knife and collaborative notes of a signature ambidextrous Spyderco signature Round Hole opening. This knife also has a precision-crafted titanium and carbon fiber scaled handle with a secure liner lock contained within. With a knife like the Spyderco Drunken, you can get features you might find in a completely bespoke knife without the delay and hassle of having someone make you one, simplifying your experience and getting you to a high-end knife faster.

Böker Leopard-Damast III: The Böker Leopard-Damast III features unique steel sourced from the gun barrel of a German military Leopard tank. No other knife features that, and only Böker can skillfully hammer that steel into over a hundred layers of folded metal, hardened to over 61 HRC for extreme maximum sharpness and edge retention in its drop-point blade. After all, Böker has been masterfully crafting everyday carry folding and fixed blade knives for over 150 years. Even better, if you look at the handle inlay, you also have a Damascus steel inlay that matches the gorgeous 3.82” flipper-opening blade. When Damascus blade steel is at the top of your list when you’re looking for a high-end everyday carry knife, unique designs from established makers like Böker are your best bet.

Benchmade Narrows: With the Benchmade Narrows, you get one of the slimmest blades you can everyday carry. Benchmade has mastered the craft of laser-cutting handles from 6AL-4V titanium. It’s precision-machined and finished further to ensure a comfortable feel in hand. It’s mated with a premium Böhler M390 stainless steel, secured with Benchmade’s signature ambidextrous AXIS lock, and hand-sharpened by Benchmade to a razor-sharp edge you can rely on when needed. The slim design of the Benchmade Narrows and the ambidextrous operation make it a great choice when ease of use with your off-hand is essential.

Rockstead SHIN-ZDP: If you aren’t familiar with ZDP-189, it is a seriously high-end blade steel that is usually only featured on custom kitchen knives because of its exceptionally high 67 HRC rating. With its convex blade grind and seriously sharp ZDP-189 steel, it might be more fun to use this knife than your standard kitchen blade. And unlike your kitchen knife, the Rockstead SHIN ZDP folds into place with a manual thumb stud opening. It also features a beautiful aluminum handle with a fluted back and a dimpled stingray insert on one side for maximum grip potential. With a high-end knife like the Rockstead SHIN-ZDP, you get to chase performance almost to a fault with one of the sharpest possible knives you can everyday carry today.

Olamic WhipperSnapper: The Olamic WhipperSnapper combines extremely good looks with extreme functionality all in one package. It features a 2.875″ sheepsfoot blade featuring Damascus steel. A stand-out feature of its design is the choil at the base of the blade, which allows for a choke grip for fine cutting. It also makes it much easier than most everyday carry knives to maintain its sharpness on a whetstone. If you’re a sharpening aficionado, this is your high-end knife. With its marbled carbon fiber inlay and hammered titanium bolster, it looks the part of a high-end folding knife.

Why investing in high-end knives is worth it

While you will have to spend more money to get a high-end knife, there are many reasons why you should consider it if you can. Many people spend a lot of time (and money) buying budget-oriented knives that lack designs and materials. Choosing the right high-end knife can take you to the top of the game in one fell swoop.

Whether you want to buy more knives as part of a collection remains up to you, but you’ll get what you need from the start. Unlike knives you might find at a gas station or dollar store, high-end knives are comfortable to use and have the kind of steel that lets you do what you want because they get sharp and stay sharp for longer.

Quality of the material

The best high-end knives feature materials that are a cut above standard knives. They all have their quirks, but the overall gist is that they feature sharper blade steels than standard production knives and remain sharper for longer. But it doesn’t stop there; they also tend to use high-end metals and inlays that give them a character beyond the simple utility of their design. And because they are made of quality materials with serious attention to detail, part of the deal is that you get better quality control, and you should expect nothing less.

Value for money

Aside from high-end knives with a price tag that can dwarf most blades, they are an investment of your money into a quality tool with a beauty of its own, elevating your everyday carry look and experience. They’re knives that look as good as they can cut, sometimes even more so.

Maintenance

Buying a high-end knife with super-premium materials does not absolve you of the need to maintain your gear. These knives still require sharpening and maintenance to work at a top-notch level. One significant consideration is that the more Rockwell units the blade steel (the harder the steel is, physically), the more specialized equipment might be required to resharpen your knife. A quality everyday carry blade maker will usually take the knife to sharpen back to new on the equipment used to make the knife in the first place, so take advantage of that opportunity when it presents itself.

Practicality and comfort

As mentioned, high-end knives deliver more than just an extremely sharp cutting tool; they deliver an overall experience, and part of that is how easy it is to use the knife. The best high-end knife makers spare no effort to make it easy to deploy and lock the blade into place, either with spring-assisted openings, ball-bearing pivots, or even automatic spring-loaded methods. Where production knives might favor right-handed users, high-end knives feature ambidextrous operations. High-end knives also tend to feature highly ergonomic handles and materials that provide substantial purchase over the knife during the cut while also looking the part of a high-end folding pocket knife.

Materials Used in High-End Pocket Knives

Carbon Fiber

Carbon fiber is a lightweight synthetic composite material that was originally designed to be a cost-effective solution for structural and aerodynamic elements on race cars and fighter planes, according to a scientific overview from Engineering Civil. Cost-effective might read “cheap” to you, but there’s nothing cheap about pursuing high-end performance on something like a Formula 1 automobile. Lightweight does not mean low strength, as carbon fiber offers excellent strength to weight compared to other fiber-based materials.

In the context of a high-end folding knife, you tend to see carbon fiber used for two reasons, which are not mutually exclusive. First, it’s used when knifemakers try to make an ultralight high-end knife or want a tremendous full-size knife without the massive weight for everyday carry. Second, the patterns available in manufacturing a carbon fiber material give it a distinct look that evokes the high-end automobiles and aircraft that also feature that material.

Stainless Steel Blades

There are many kinds of stainless steels used in high-end pocket knives, as AZO Materials states, but in the modern day, the everyday carry manufacturing community has focused on powder metallurgy, which refers to the sophisticated mixture of metals and gases in precise and tested quantities to make super-premium blade steels like CPM MagnaCut and Böhler M390.

The complicated and time-consuming process required to make these steels means they come from places like the United States, Germany, and Sweden, and they command a higher price tag because of their performance relative to other stainless steels. In short, you get a quality everyday carry folding knife that cuts material at orders of magnitude better than the timer pocket knives your grandfather and father relied on back in the day, and it’s only getting better as the years go by.

Other Materials Used in High-End Pocket Knives

Titanium handles tend to feature in high-end knives because of their corrosion resistance and higher strength to weight than standard steel. They also lend a distinct look to high-end knives appropriate for minimalist and modern gents folding knives. That mixture of strength and looks caused custom knifemakers to use it for frame locks.
Another regular inclusion on high-end knives is wood inlays. This is especially true for knives made by designers seeking a more traditional look. And just like a guitar, violin, or statement piece of furniture in your house, the more exotic the wood, the more beautiful it looks when fashioned into a practical handle or inlay on a high-end knife.

Blade Shapes, Lengths, and Steels

Aside from the shape of the knife’s handle and the way the blade locks into place, the shape of the blade itself dictates a lot about what the knife will be good at and how you use and maintain it over the years. In general, you’re looking at a few key things in each blade style:

1. Straight areas on a knife blade emphasize chopping power. Think of a cleaver knife or a vegetable knife in your kitchen. They allow quick and uniform cutting across a surface.
2. Curved areas on a knife blade are sometimes called a belly. Curved areas enhance the slicing experience by letting you slide a blade across something to cut it instead of relying on sheer downward pressure to get the job done. Curved areas also allow knives to be shorter overall because they extend the usable cutting length of the blade, keeping things nice and compact for your pockets.
3. The pointed area of a blade allows you to focus the weight of the blade onto a small area to pierce through durable material.
4. Serrations on a blade are made for sawing through rougher material. This heavy-duty treatment makes it easier to get through rugged rope but also complicates maintenance because it’s harder for people to service a dull, serrated edge by themselves. This is why most high-end knives that feature serrated edges mix it up with a serrated portion closer to the handle and a plain edge for everything else.

Common Blade Shapes for High-End Pocket Knives

The drop point style is the most common blade shape in an everyday carry folding knife. This is a happy medium for blade geometries, making for a great all-around cutter, slicer, and chopper. Sheepsfoot or cleaver-style blades focus on having a flatter edge for chopping, but some modified designs also include a slight upswept curve and even slightly pointed tips to make them more versatile. Tanto blades take their inspiration from traditional Japanese martial swords and knives. These have a well-defined tip angled down dramatically towards a straight or slightly curved belly at the length of the blade. Like spear-point blades, which have the symmetrical appearance of a spear, these are great for piercing through materials like leather and cardboard regularly.

Blade Lengths for High-End Pocket Knives

High-end pocket knives have the same considerations as all the best knives suitable for everyday carry regarding length. This means most knives settle between 2” at the lower range and 4” at the upper length. Knives outside these ranges tend to be too small or too large for most people’s pockets. But as always with everyday carry, personal preference rules the day. Pick a knife with the length and the features you think you need to get you through the tasks you have to accomplish with it regularly, and you’re set.

Common Blade Steels for High-End Pocket Knives

High-end knives pursue the best of the best, but sometimes, they focus on different things to accomplish that overall goal. Most high-end knives feature the best that powder metallurgy has to offer, and today, knives made of CPM MagnaCut, CPM S90V, and Böhler M390 rule the day. Some knives pursue maximum sharpness to the tee, and some of the best steels with that goal in mind come from Japan, like the ZDP-189 made by Hitachi. ZDP-189 has an extreme amount of carbon, but not as much as the carbon steel blades from Japan, featuring white and blue paper steel. Those steels are usually hammered into layers reminiscent of Damascus blades, but their downside is that you have to dry the knife when it gets wet and oil it more often than a stainless steel blade.

Speaking of Damascus blade steels, you’ll find lots of flavors of Damascus-style blades, but make sure to look for knives and knifemakers who disclose the content of the Damascus steel so you can gauge its overall performance. You’ll also want to make sure you’re buying a Damasteel blade that’s been folded into layers as opposed to having a laser-etched design placed on it by less-scrupulous manufacturers trying to get people looking for a high-end knife for the first time to part with their hard-earned money.

Locking Mechanisms for High-End Pocket Knives

While some high-end knives have non-locking mechanisms, slipjoint detents, or fixed blade designs that don’t fold at all, most high-end pocket knives for everyday carry feature a folding and locking mechanism for your safety and convenience.

Frame Locks

Frame locks represent the gold standard of high-end everyday carry pocket knife locking mechanisms. These use one-half of a stainless steel or titanium knife handle frame on a spring bar behind the blade’s pivot, preventing it from closing back on you. Of note, the whole idea of a frame lock knife was pioneered by Chris Reeve in one of his first big community-favorite high-end knives, the Sebenza.

Liner Locks

Liner locks get flak regarding budget production knives because users have had bad experiences with unreliable gas station specials with thin locking mechanisms. Just as you can find quality liner locks in budget categories, you are guaranteed to find liner-locking folding knives in the high-end space with the same sort of security you can expect from a well-made frame lock knife. The primary benefit of picking a liner lock high-end knife is that you can have a beautiful handle scale on both sides without needing a stainless steel or titanium frame on one side, breaking up the overall look.

Button Locks

Button locks move a spring-loaded bar built into the handle behind the pivot point of a knife, making for a secure lock. One benefit of a button lock mechanism, if tuned correctly with ball bearings in the pivot, is the ability to flick the blade open and close with a single hand by operating the button mechanism and using centrifugal force to open the blade.

Crossbar Locks

The crossbar lock, known as the AXIS lock by the inventors of the mechanism at Benchmade Knives, uses a movable bar built into the knife’s frame that can be actuated with either hand for genuinely ambidextrous operation. Recently, more knifemakers have adopted the crossbar lock, and you can also find them in high-end knives. Crossbar lock knives tend to be lighter than frame lock and liner lock systems because they can cut down on the metal required for a secure locking mechanism.

Lockback

You’ll find lockback mechanisms in high-end traditional gents knives. These are elevated forms of the everyday carry knives your father or grandfather favored back in the day. The lockback mechanism ensures a solid lock at the back of the knife’s spine with a spring-loaded lever action mechanism that gets behind the blade once it’s in place. Lockback mechanisms are usually made out of stainless steel, and the relatively thin requirement of metal allows for thicker and more beautiful wood and bone inlays to be employed in the knife’s handle for an added beauty unique to knives that rely on this lock.

Longevity and Care: Maintaining Your High-End Pocket Knife

Cleaning and Storage

Like all everyday carry knives, ensuring your knife stays clean, dry, and stored properly is essential. It might even be more critical because of a high-end knife’s precious nature and high value. That doesn’t mean you must treat a high-end knife with kid gloves. They’re tools; you can use them to accomplish everyday tasks even better than a regular everyday carry knife because of their higher performance standard.

Sharpening Tips and Tricks

Because of the high hardness of the powdered metallurgy steels that high-end knives tend to use, keeping a high-end knife sharp and up to task may require more work than a more inexpensive everyday carry knife. You’ll want to invest in quality sharpening tools such as an adjustable angle system or a quality set of whetstones in various grits to get you a finely-honed blade at the cost of some elbow grease. If you’re not up to that task, take your knife to a professional sharpener or send it to your manufacturer for service and lifetime warranty repair. The last thing you want is to use a pull-through knife sharpener except in dire emergencies because their pre-set angles will ruin your high-end knife’s specific blade edge geometry, requiring service to get it back up to par like it was out of the box.

Cultural Impact and Community

In our community, a high-end pocket knife often represents the figurative end of an everyday carry knife enthusiast’s journey in knife collection. Every everyday carrier has a “grail” knife (some have more than one), a high-end knife that you say meets all your needs and would buy if money were no object. Realistically, even when you buy your grail, we all know the journey never ends. The beauty of a high-end knife doesn’t end with its aesthetics, value, or materials. The best high-end knives for everyday carry elevate your standards, and some even move the knife community to new heights with further innovations in blade steels, mechanisms, materials, and design. Years onward, there will be room to buy other high-end knives that do an even better job than the ones that came before it, driving the everyday carry community further.

FAQs

What is the number one knife brand?

There is no number one knife brand for high-end knives because choosing one is personal. The largest brands may not make a high-end knife that strikes your fancy. The high-end knife world is also dominated by small-batch artisanal custom knifemakers striking out on their own and making the best knives in the world as part of their passion for the craft.

Which company makes the best knives?

The best high-end knives are made by companies that create innovative and beautiful designs with premium materials and a clever ergonomic design that sets them apart. In this guide, we’ve isolated a few, but we encourage you to learn more about high-end knives in general to find the one you’ll be truly happy with.

What is the Holy Grail of pocket knives?

The “Holy Grail” of pocket knives is the knife an everyday carry enthusiast desires the most. A grail knife combines the features, materials, and aesthetic looks you would purchase if only you could afford one. It’s also possible for your grail knife to be something that does not exist. That requires you to wait for a high-end maker to develop a design that meets your exacting standards, or you may have to get your high-end knife custom-made to your specifications.

What is the best high-end knife to buy?

The best high-end knife to buy is one you’ll feel comfortable using unless you’re buying purely for display purposes. The best high-end knife for everyday carry gives you the confidence that you can get the work you need doing, but with an added touch of class you won’t get with a sub-100 dollar knife that anyone else can buy. Our top recommendation, the WE Knife Co. Soothsayer, would be a good one to consider.

How we picked

Decades of experience and deep connections in the everyday carry industry give us a unique viewpoint on the market to inform our product recommendations. We have the depth of information for thousands of products that have come before and an extensive eye on the market to see what’s new and trending for each piece of gear. The result is a buying guide that we feel is informative and useful for EDCers of every trade, industry, and budget.

What is Everyday Carry?

Everyday Carry is both the concept of what people carry in their pockets and the process of picking out gear that thoughtfully considers what one wants or needs in their daily life. It encompasses everything from style to preparedness to utility, meaning an entire industry full of valuable tools and essentials to choose from.

Why you should trust us

Our team has decades of combined experience in all aspects of everyday men’s essentials, from wallets to pens to bags and everything in between, and we know where to find great gear ideas that you may not come across at your local stores or when shopping online. Our expertise in the industry and familiarity with design, materials, and usability help you make more informed choices when it comes to picking up your next piece of gear.

The post The 10 Best High-End Knives In 2024 – Pocket Knives and More appeared first on Everyday Carry.

If you’re the kind of person who needs Nitro Cold Brew and lots of it, we’ve got just the thing for your everyday carry. While the Tactile Turn Nitro Seasonal Release won’t automatically make and dispense coffee for you, it does celebrate our shared love for coffee, the drink that makes the world go round. 

It starts with their Side Click Titanium body, with a rich dark brown Cerakote finish and cream-colored hardware that evokes a dark brew and the light splash of milk you get in a good latte. And as masterfully crafted as latte artwork, a lightning bolt mug design is precision engraved on the pocket clip. The Nitro Seasonal Release is also available in Tactile’s Slim Click profile if you prefer a slimmer pen. Both versions come in Standard, Short, and Mini lengths to meet your needs. Remember that the Parker-style refills work on Standard and Short, but the Mini uses the exclusive but smooth-writing Pilot G2 mini refills.

Like all Tactile Seasonal Releases, you have a limited time to order the pen, but you’re good to go as long as you order before December 31st. Pull two big shots and send it in by tonight because the Tactile Nitro Side Click Seasonal Pen is your perfect companion for your next trip to the coffeehouse.

What we like: Aside from the playful coffee lover’s aspect of this pen, the golden brown Cerakote body of the Nitro is excellently crafted with undertones that make it more than just a paint job. 

What to watch out for: Tactile has also released an optional ceramic Diner Mug and a coffee bag of premium beans from Voltage Coffee Project in Decatur, Texas. It’s currently sold out, but there will be a second batch coming soon that you can look out for.

Final verdict: You don’t have to like coffee to like this pen, but it doesn’t hurt. Tactile Seasonal Releases continue to deliver, and this pen is an excellent opportunity during the holiday gift season to spruce up someone’s everyday carry, especially if it’s for yourself.

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(Editor’s note 11/13/23: The Hybrid Work Duo is now available and shipping directly from Orbitkey’s main site. The links in this post have been changed to point to the official product category page.)

For digital nomads, it’s essential to keep EDC simple. When items can play more roles than one, including them in our everyday carry is more valuable and practical. That’s why the dual nature of the upcoming Orbitkey Hybrid Work Duo works so well for people who rely on tech on the go. It’s a high-quality laptop sleeve that doubles as a classy and durable desk mat for hybrid remote working conditions, whether at a coworking space, a spot at a local bar or coffee shop, or a desk at home.

The Orbitkey Hybrid Work Duo consists of what they call the Hybrid Laptop Sleeve and the Orbitkey Compendium. It’s a two-part recipe for mobile working success. The Hybrid Laptop Sleeve is as it sounds: a leatherbound laptop sleeve with a unique twist. Once you take your up to 16-inch laptop out of the sleeve, it unfolds to provide you a clean and stable desk mat experience to organize your desk and let you use a mouse too. Alongside the Hybrid Laptop Sleeve is the Orbitkey Compendium, which, like the Hybrid Laptop Sleeve, is made out of vegan leather but also contains an A4 or A5 compatible pocket for a notebook and assorted payment and identification cards.

Each item would work well independently, but both are now available by securing a pledge on Orbitkey’s open Kickstarter. Orbitkey has a long track history of delivering quality everyday carry products to market, and these two items promise to provide the same quality experience that the community has come to expect from Orbitkey.

What we like: Together as the Orbitkey Hybrid Work Duo, the Laptop Sleeve and Compendium come together as a highly practical yet extremely aesthetic work-from-home (or work from anywhere) set of EDC gear.

What to watch out for: Standard crowdfunding disclaimer here, so just be aware of how pledging on Kickstarter works. Because Orbitkey is releasing the Hybrid Work Duo as part of a Kickstarter campaign, you may have to wait longer than traditional gear releases to get these items in your hand. Thankfully Orbitkey has a rich history of designing successful EDC products and delivering on their promises.

Final verdict: If you’re looking to protect and organize your tech every day carry as your work-from-home or work remotely, the Orbitkey Hybrid Work Duo is your faithful companion as you go from place to place.

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Pocket knives are one of the most popular everyday carry items. You’ll find them in the pockets of people who don’t even know what everyday carry is. But one of the best parts of everyday carry is the opportunity to carry something a bit different, something that marks your gear as uniquely “you.” One way to make such a statement is with an innovative, distinctly designed knife like the Böker Plus S-Rail.

When you look at the Böker Plus S-Rail, you’ll see it’s like no other knife on the market. This compact knife is a Darriel Caston design and features a sliding rail lock opening. You open the knife with the thumb stud and push the blade forward along its namesake rail built into the very slim G-10 handle.

The closest thing to it is an out-the-front automatic, but this is a much more everyday carry-friendly pocket knife because it is a manually activated opening with no springs that can get you in trouble in some areas. The blade is a utility-oriented, thick, chunky D2 steel. Despite its beefy profile, the S-Rail weighs only 0.88 oz, making it one of the lightest pocket knives you can carry today.

What we like: With its unique opening and locking mechanism, which eliminates the need for a heavy frame and handle scale, the Böker Plus S-Rail is exceptionally lightweight and everyday carry-friendly.

What to watch out for: Because of the exposed nature of the blade in the closed position, the S-Rail omits having a well-defined point. If you use a knife to pierce through material more than you chop or slice, you may encounter difficulty using the knife.

Final verdict: The Böker Plus S-Rail, designed by Darriel Caston, is one of the most exciting and innovative everyday carry pocket knives available right now, and the best part is that it’s relatively affordable to boot.

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If your everyday carry includes cameras, lenses, and other delicate electronics, you know how important it is to protect those items as you take them from place to place daily. And that’s why padded protective inserts like the Peak Design Camera Cube V2 are so helpful. They allow you to use the bag of your choice while keeping your core essential tech safe and sound and separated from the rest of your gear.

Recently, Peak Design has updated its Camera Cube line, and we particularly like the bag’s new ‘extra small’ version. The X-Small Peak Design Camera Cube V2 fits a small mirrorless or compact camera kit. It features a wholly recycled and weatherproof 160D nylon canvas shell and weatherproof Ultra Zips to keep the elements out when you have them outside. And weighing just 150 grams when empty, it doesn’t add too much heft to your regular everyday carry ensemble, like other camera inserts, dedicated photography, and tech bags tend to do.

And because the insert is water-resistant by itself, you could opt to attach a Peak Design strap to its anchor points and carry it as a standalone bag. Either way, the unique versatility and practicality of the Peak Design X-Small Camera Cube V2 are compelling, even if you don’t carry a camera or drone regularly. Small tech essentials need protection, and you can easily accomplish that by adding a Peak Design Extra Small Camera Cube to your everyday carry.

What we like: These “extra small” proportions of the Peak Design Camera Cube V2 make it the most everyday carry-friendly option to fit into any bag or pack.

What to watch out for: The Peak Design Camera Cubes are only available in black, which might not match your aesthetic or the bag or pack you will use with the padded insert.

Final verdict: With the Peak Design X-Small Camera Cube V2, it’s easy to keep your most valuable tech and photography essentials safe from everyday bumps and scrapes. With Peak Design standing behind all of its products with a solid lifetime warranty, you can rely on this padded insert bag through thick and thin in the years to come.

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Pouches are perfect for keeping your gear organized, but once you start having more than one, it can sometimes be challenging to remember what you’ve put inside. Also, if you buy the same pouch, everything starts looking the same, and you have to search through a few organizer pouches before finding the gear you are looking for. In that case, consider an everyday carry pouch with a transparent window, like the new Think Tank Photo Cable Management 5 Clear Pouch.

The Cable Management 5 features a transparent 0.4mm PFT sheet on the sides of the zippered organizer and durable 210D x 320D double diamond ripstop nylon everywhere else to hold the pouch together. ThinkTank is a renowned maker of bags and accessories for photographers with many charging cables, batteries, and other small gear that must be organized and kept separate from delicate cameras, lenses, and tech equipment. But with the amount of tech everyone uses every day, that may also describe your own everyday carry needs. While you might not have cameras and lenses in your everyday carry, the practicality of the ThinkTank Photo Cable Management Clear Pouch’s design still offers substantial benefits for everyday carry.

With its wide, durable YKK RC zippered openings and clear front and back panels, you can quickly identify the contents of your organizer pouches without wasting time digging through them. Each clear pouch also comes with 3 of Think Tank’s high-visibility Red Whip cable managers to prevent tangling over time in your bag and pack. For added protection, each Cable Management 5 Clear Pouch has a durable water-repellant (DWR) coating to keep out the elements.

What we like: We particularly like the Think Tank Photo Cable Management 5 for everyday carry use. Its small size and lightweight 2 oz heft add little bulk compared to other organizer pouches on the market.

What to watch out for: The Cable Management 5 uses YKK RC zippers, which boast excellent durability and abrasion resistance. However, they are less water resistant than YKK AquaGuard zippers and have a different look to them.

Final verdict: The clear side panels of the Think Tank Photo Cable Management 5 and the rest of this line are well-suited for practical everyday carry use. Seeing the gear you have packed inside can save you from fumbling around as you look for a small item in your bag or pack.

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I think it is easy to say that CPM MagnaCut has become the most sought-after everyday carry steel for enthusiasts who demand the best out of their pocket knives. While plenty of knives have featured MagnaCut in their design, the industry has focused on putting out tactical knives and minimalist folders. The time is ripe for someone to cater to those who prefer a more traditional look, and CRKT delivers precisely that with the new Redemption knife. It’s a bonus that Ken Onion, one of my favorite custom knifemakers, designed the Redemption, adding another knife to his long string of successes over the years.

A knife like the Redemption shows you can have beautiful, classic styling without compromising performance. It looks like an old-timer knife but has modern performance materials and made-in-America attention to detail at its heart. The highlight is the Redemption’s 4.06” CPM MagnaCut blade with far superior hardness and edge retention than older knives. The handle inlay on the Redemption features G-10 handle scales for enhanced grip, and the stainless steel bolster also contains the Crossbar Lock for security and one-handed operation.

What we like: The solid mix of modern premium materials with classic styling makes the Redemption an excellent option for everyday carry. It even comes with a deep carry pocket clip, eliminating the need for a belt holster like you usually find on a traditional gent’s pocket knife. Also interesting—though understandably polarizing—is that the Redemption’s blade doesn’t come with the usual deployment methods like thumb studs or a cutout; it gets deployed by way of disengaging the Crossbar Lock and flicking it out.

What to watch out for: At 4.90 oz, this is a heavy pocket knife, but you get a lot of performance for that weight, and the materials used provide lots of confidence when you use it. It’s also pretty limited while also being popular, so watch out for any announcements or restocks.

Final verdict: The CRKT Redemption comes from the mind of one of the best knife makers in the business. It also comes with one of the best steels you can pick for your everyday carry today. Choosing the Redemption is easy if you prefer the classic look without compromise.

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