The Best Cheap Knives – 2024 edition

The Best Overall Budget Knife : CJRB Pyrite [Buy]
Most Affordable Budget Knife: CIVIVI Mini Praxis [Buy]
Best Outdoor Budget Knife: Gerber Paralite [Buy]
Best Tactical Budget Knife: Sencut Excalis [Buy]
Best Budget Knife Upgrade: Kizer Drop Bear PEI [Buy]

The Best Overall Budget Knife	Most Affordable Budget Knife	Best Outdoor Budget Knife	Best Tactical Budget Knife	Best Budget Knife Upgrade
CJRB Pyrite	CIVIVI Mini Praxis	Gerber Paralite	Sencut Excalis	Kizer Drop Bear PEI
CHECK PRICE	CHECK PRICE	CHECK PRICE	CHECK PRICE	CHECK PRICE
Pros	Pros	Pros	Pros	Pros
• Substantial 3.34″ wharncliffe blade • Lightweight FRN handles • Button lock • Reversible pocket clip • Tons of variations across budgets and materials	• Stout 2.98″ D2 tool steel blade • Smooth but grippy G-10 handle • Flipper opening on ceramic ball bearing pivot construction	• 3.1″ stainless blade • Dual thumb stud deployment • Skeletonized stainless steel handle	• Stout 2.97″ 9Cr18MoV reverse tanto blade for piercing performance • Flipper with dual thumbstud deployment on ceramic ball bearing pivot construction • Skeletonized handle with reversible clip and lanyard hole	• 3″ Nitro-V drop point blade • Premium and eye-catching PEI handle • Dual thumbstud deployment • Skeletonized liners • Ambidextrous crossbar lock and reversible clip
Cons	Cons	Cons	Cons	Cons
• Limited to two colorways	• Right-handed use only • Flipper tab the only opening option	• Single-position tip-down clip • Basic material construction	• Righty-only liner lock	• On the edge of the budget category as far as price goes
Bottom Line	Bottom Line	Bottom Line	Bottom Line	Bottom Line
The CJRB Pyrite was our top pick last year, and its exceptional value continues to impress.	The CIVIVI Mini Praxis folding knife stands out as the most affordable budget knife in its class, retailing at only $35 and often available at an even lower price.	When it comes to a knife you can rely on outdoors that won’t have your wallet screaming for mercy, the Gerber Paralite stands out as the undisputed champion.	The Sencut Excalis combines functionality, precision, and innovative design, making it an outstanding choice for anyone seeking a high-quality tactical knife without breaking the bank.	The Kizer Drop Bear PEI folding knife builds on the popularity of its predecessor, with this second iteration featuring striking yellow PEI transparent handle scales.
SPECIFICATIONS	SPECIFICATIONS	SPECIFICATIONS	SPECIFICATIONS	SPECIFICATIONS
Blade Length	Blade Length	Blade Length	Blade Length	Blade Length
3.34″	2.98″	3.1″	2.98″	3″
Blade Steel	Blade Steel	Blade Steel	Blade Steel	Blade Steel
AR-RPM9	D2	Stainless steel	9Cr18MoV	Nitro-V
Handle Materials	Handle Materials	Handle Materials	Handle Materials	Handle Materials
FRN	G-10	Stainless steel	G-10, Micarta, wood	PEI

Best Overall Budget Knife: CJRB Pyrite

The CJRB Pyrite was our top pick last year, and its exceptional value continues to impress. Artisan Cutlery’s proprietary AR-RPM9 powder steel used in the CJRB Pyrite features a high chromium formula that offers excellent corrosion resistance and durability with a consistent hardness of HRC 59-61. Jimping along the blade’s spine provides more grip for tough tasks, while its button lock allows easy retraction.

As a result of CJRB iterating and constantly improving the Pyrite platform, there are multiple models to choose from depending on your budget. The CJRB Pyrite Light is the most budget-friendly of the list, and contrary to its “Light” branding, also the largest, with a 3.34” Wharncliffe blade and thumb stud opener. Its textured FRN handle provides added grip while remaining extremely lightweight. In the middle of the pack is the CJRB Pyrite-Alt, differentiated by its 3.11” Wharncliffe blade with an opening hole and full steel handle. Lastly, enthusiasts looking to stretch their budget a bit will appreciate the enthusiast Pyrite-Alt’s Titanium version, with its PVD-coated Titanium scales and special colored hardware.

Check out the cjrb pyrite Light

Check out the cjrb pyrite-alt

Check out the pyrite-alt titanium

Most Affordable Budget Knife: CIVIVI Mini Praxis

The CIVIVI Mini Praxis folding knife stands out as the most affordable budget knife in its class, retailing at only $35 and often available at an even lower price. With a 2.98” blade made from black stonewashed D2 steel, the Mini Praxis offers a blend of edge retention, corrosion resistance, and ease of sharpening. Its handy pocket clip ensures it is always within reach, making it the go-to tool whether you’re opening boxes, letters, or tackling outdoor tasks.

What makes the CIVIVI Mini Praxis a fan favorite is its ergonomic and robust G10 handle, which boasts extreme durability and resistance to moisture and temperature changes. Despite its sturdy build, the handle remains light and maneuverable, providing a substantial and comfortable grip. The knife’s ceramic ball-bearing pivot construction guarantees quick and snappy one-handed flipper deployment, complemented by a smooth closing action.

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Best Outdoor Budget Knife: Gerber Paralite

When it comes to a knife you can rely on outdoors that won’t have your wallet screaming for mercy, the Gerber Paralite stands out as the undisputed champion. Designed with durability and ease of use in mind, its all-steel construction and 3.1″ drop point blade made from stainless steel ensures robust performance, while its skeletonized frame keeps it lightweight and easy to handle. The dual thumb studs offer ambidextrous accessibility, while its frame lock mechanism makes one-handed closing effortless.

The Gerber Paralite’s skeletal stainless steel frame not only contributes to its feather-light feel but also ensures it can withstand rigorous use. Weighing just 3.4 oz, its compact design allows it to fit seamlessly into your pocket, ready to be deployed whenever needed.

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Best Tactical Budget Knife: Sencut Excalis

With its blackout colorways, robust construction, and large-bellied blade, the Sencut Excalis stands out as an excellent tactical knife choice for both enthusiasts and professionals. Crafted with a skeletonized G10 handle, this knife ensures a secure grip while remaining exceptionally lightweight. Its 2.97” razor-sharp reverse tanto blade made from 9Cr18MoV steel is perfect for precise slicing and intricate cutting tasks. The blade’s hardness, rated between HRC58-60, contributes to the knife’s durability and edge retention, making it a reliable companion for any challenging scenario.

Besides its impressive features, the Sencut Excalis is great to fidget with thanks to its dual deployment options—a thumb stud or a subtle flipper. Premium ceramic bearings ensure smooth action, while the secure liner lock mechanism provides safe usage. Weighing in at just 3.93oz, this knife also includes a sturdy pocket clip, supporting both left and right-side carry, alongside a lanyard hole for easy attachment. The Sencut Excalis combines functionality, precision, and innovative design, making it an outstanding choice for anyone seeking a high-quality tactical knife without breaking the bank.

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Best Budget Knife Upgrade: Kizer Drop Bear PEI

The Kizer Drop Bear PEI folding knife builds on the popularity of its predecessor, with this second iteration featuring striking yellow PEI (Polyetherimide) transparent handle patches that allow visibility of the knife’s internals. The handle itself is textured to provide a comfortable grip and increased friction. With a 3″ drop point blade made from Nitro-V steel and a satin finish, this knife promises durability and performance. The blade’s thumb stud opener and ball bearing pivot make for smooth, one-handed operation, adding to its user-friendly design.

Equipped with a clutch lock design, the Kizer Drop Bear Ultem’s secure locking and ease of use make it particularly beginner-friendly. The adjustable springs allow users to fine-tune the tension to their preference, offering a personalized experience. Weighing just 3.70 oz, the Kizer Drop Bear Ultem is lightweight and easily portable, featuring a tip-up pocket clip for ambidextrous carry.

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Our Other Recommendations

Spyderco Efficient

Spyderco is no stranger to budget-friendly folding knives, and the Spyderco Efficient stands out as a true gem. As a part of Spyderco’s renowned family of affordably priced full-service folding knives, the Efficient offers all the high-performance features that seasoned knife users have come to expect. The Efficient’s compact, ergonomic design centers around its full-flat-ground drop-point blade, precision machined from 8Cr13MoV stainless steel. This broad profile and PlainEdge cutting edge deliver exceptional edge geometry, making low-friction cutting a breeze.

What truly sets the Spyderco Efficient apart is its robust handle construction, built on a framework of full, skeletonized stainless steel liners and a stout stainless steel back spacer. This design ensures serious structural strength, while the black G-10 laminate handle provides a secure and comfortable grip, even during prolonged use. The Efficient is also user-friendly, featuring an oversized Spyderco Round Hole and textured spine jimping for easy, slip-proof operation. Plus, it includes a reversible hourglass clip for versatile carry options and a lined lanyard hole for added convenience. Whether you’re a novice knife buyer or an experienced enthusiast, the Spyderco Efficient offers unmatched value and performance in a budget-friendly package.

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Kershaw Iridium

The Kershaw Iridium features a stylish gray-anodized aluminum handle scale with a sleek, modern design. Measuring 7.9” in total length when opened and a compact 4.5” when closed, it weighs just 3.3 oz, making it both lightweight and easy to carry. The Kershaw Iridium features a D2 high-carbon tool steel blade, known for its exceptional wear resistance, toughness, and edge retention. With a spear point blade style and a two-tone finish of stonewashed flats and satin grinds, this knife is as visually appealing as it is functional.

One of the standout features of the Kershaw Iridium is its DuraLock system, which secures the blade open using a solid steel crossbar. This ambidextrous lock allows for safe and effortless one-handed closing, enhancing its practicality for daily use. Equipped with KVT ball-bearing system and thumb studs, the knife opens smoothly and quickly, ensuring you’re always ready for any task. The deep-carry pocket clip is reversible, accommodating both left and right-handed users, and the bronze-anodized backspacer and lanyard hole add to its versatility. Since its release, the Kershaw Iridium has earned a rapidly growing fanbase, and it’s easy to see why – this knife offers outstanding value, combining top-tier materials and innovative design features at a reasonable price.

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CRKT MinimalX

Designed by Darriel Caston of D Rocket Design, the CRKT MinimalX was originally commissioned to commemorate a rocket launch for SpaceX. Crafted with Sandvik 12C27 blade steel, the MinimalX offers exceptional edge retention, ensuring it stays sharp through countless uses. Measuring just 2.19” in blade length and 5.30” overall, while weighing a mere 2.60 ounces, it’s an ideal companion for any adventure.

The CRKT MinimalX isn’t just about performance; it’s about integrating advanced engineering into a sleek design. The IKBS ball-bearing pivot system ensures smooth and effortless blade deployment, while its stainless steel handle guarantees ultimate durability and resilience under hard use. Its frame lock, featuring a robust lock bar, provides brute strength to secure the blade during intense tasks. For those who prefer a discreet carry, the low-profile pocket clip keeps the knife securely in place without drawing attention.

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Vosteed Talarurus

Named after the unique and armored dinosaur, the Vosteed Talarurus offers a combination of fun, uniqueness, and high functionality that is hard to match. The Tala features a 14C28N modified sheepsfoot blade with a lightly curved belly and pointy tip, designed for precision piercing and cutting tasks. The blade’s spine and the top side of the handle align perfectly, providing enhanced user comfort. Features like the Thumb Disk and Swedge ramp create an ideal thumb rest and slide, making this mid-sized knife an excellent choice for daily chores.

The Vosteed Talarurus doesn’t just excel in blade performance; its handle design is equally impressive. Available in four variations – including blue, black, and green micarta, and the much-loved white G10 – its handle offers a sleek, modern, and ergonomic design tailored for prolonged usage. The handle’s width, finger access, and finger choil are crafted for comfort, while ambidextrous pocket clip slots ensure versatile carry options. The knife is also equipped with a ceramic ball-bearing system and crossbar lock, making opening effortless and ambidextrous. Light yet durable skeletonized liners add to its robustness, while the convenient thumb disk allows for smooth, one-handed deployment.

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QSP Vault

The QSP Vault is a standout among budget-friendly knives, offering features that rival more expensive models. Its drop point blade, crafted from high-quality Sandvik 14C28N steel with a satin finish, ensures superior sharpness and durability, making it perfect for everyday tasks. The thumb stud opener, paired with a ball bearing pivot, allows for seamless one-handed operation, enhancing its practicality. Additionally, the tan micarta handle with aluminum bolsters not only provides a secure and comfortable grip but also adds a touch of elegance as well.

The QSP Vault’s Glyde Lock mechanism guarantees excellent blade lockup and instills confidence with every use. Designed for versatility, it features a tip-up pocket clip that caters to ambidextrous carry, making it convenient for all users.

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Opinel DIY No.9 Stainless Steel: Opinel has been in the business of making everyday carry-worthy knives for well over a century, and the Opinel No.09 is a reliable tool to have in a pinch. As one of the larger knives in the lineup, the No.09 is great for bushcraft and longer cuts, with a 3.6” Sandvik 12C2 steel blade that’s known for its anti-corrosive properties and minimal upkeep. The blade has two notches that serve as a cable stripper, and its fiberglass-reinforced polyamide handle has two built-in bits: a flat head and Phillips head that you can store in its magnetized bit holder.

Gerber Quadrant: If you’re looking to upgrade your old box cutter, then consider the Gerber Quadrant. It features a 2.7″ 7Cr17MoV stainless steel blade with a sheepsfoot shape and flat grind, making it ideal for slicing and chopping. Available in bamboo wood and G10 treatments, the Gerber Quadrant also boasts a safe frame lock system, a flipper mechanism for easy opening, and a deep carry pocket clip for discretion, balancing utility and style.

QSP Penguin: The QSP Penguin features a 3.125″ sheepsfoot blade with a straight edge made from D2 tool steel, which is ideal for utility tasks. There’s a huge variety of handle materials and colors to choose from, such as copper, brass, G10, and micarta, and the manual thumb stud design has less chance of opening up on you when you least expect it while it’s in your pockets.

CIVIVI Elementum Utility: The CIVIVI Elementum family has been a community-favorite for a while now, and the CIVIVI Elementum Utility is another great addition to the series. It incorporates a replaceable razor blade system so you don’t have to worry about damaging the blade when tackling heavy-duty tasks, or sharpening it for that matter – simply replace the blade with a new one when the time comes. It’s also got a tough and lightweight aluminum handle, and a flipper and thumb stud opener for easy deployment.

CJRB Crag: The Crag is a cleaver style knife designed to tackle hard tasks with ease. It features a 3.43” long blade that’s over an inch wide, which allows it to power through bigger cuts while still being acute enough for delicate work. CJRB’s proprietary AR-RPM9 boasts high corrosion resistance, edge retention, and ease of sharpening, making it relatively easy to maintain. The 4.72” carbon fiber handle provides a substantial grip while still being light and maneuverable.

SOG Terminus XR: The SOG Terminus XR stands out as an excellent budget-friendly knife with a 2.75″ stonewashed D2 tool steel blade known for its durability and cutting precision. The reliable XR lock ensures the blade stays securely in place, adding a layer of safety and confidence during use. The handle is available in several colors to suit your style, crafted from G-10 for a robust grip. For added convenience, the deep carry pocket clip is reversible, allowing both left- and right-handed users to enjoy tip-up everyday carry.

Vosteed Raccoon Cub: With an overall length of just 5.57”, the Vosteed Raccoon Cub is a compact and lightweight EDC liner lock knife that offers incredible portability, without sacrificing functionality. It features a 2.34” 14C28N drop point blade that offers a large belly for efficient slicing and a pointy tip ideal for piercing and fine detail work. The textured surface of its G10 handle ensures that the knife won’t slip out of your hand, even in wet conditions.

Kansept Mini Korvid Donut: If you need something even more compact, the Kansept Mini Korvid is just 3.75” when open, making it the perfect coin purse tool. Despite its small size (and fun donut-designed pink G10 handle), the Mini Korvid is up to serious cutting tasks with its 2.34” cleaver blade made from 154CM steel. Its flipper and thumb stud openers are great for fidgeting too.

CRKT M16-03S: The CRKT M16-03S improves on Kit Carson’s original M16 design with notable upgrades. It features a 3.46″ spear point blade made from AUS8 steel, deployed via the signature Carson Flipper mechanism or a textured thumb stud. The handles are made with skeletonized aluminum scales, reducing weight and giving the knife a sleek, grey finish perfect for urban environments.

Knafs Lander 1: The Knafs Lander features a robust design and a 2.75” Sandvik 14C28N stainless steel blade. What sets it apart is the support for swapping out handle scales, with Knafs offering various handles and open-source CAD files for home customization. Notably, this mod-friendly approach doesn’t void the warranty, making it a unique and versatile option for enthusiasts.

Spyderco Manbug LW Micromelt: The Sprint Run Spyderco Manbug Micro-Melt showcases Carpenter Technology’s Micro-Melt PD#1, a high-performance air-hardening, cold-work die steel known for its superior wear resistance and toughness. The knife’s full-flat-ground 1.90″ blade is coated with non-reflective titanium carbonitride (TiCN), while its handle boasts fiberglass-reinforced-nylon (FRN) in deep burgundy. Complementing the black-and-burgundy theme, the lock bar and hardware are also coated in durable black. With an overall length of just 4.39”, the Spyderco Manbug makes for a compact EDC companion.

The post The Best Budget Pocket Knives Under $80 in 2024 (Not Cheap!) 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.

The GORUCK M23 Field Pack Offers Classic Carry With a Modern Twist

It’s too easy to think that only new bags with cutting-edge designs suit modern everyday carry. A rich heritage of great bags has been crafted in the past, and they still have a place today. This is especially true when modern crafters like the people at GORUCK add new quality-of-life improvements to some classics. Take their M23 Waxed Canvas Field Pack, for example, GORUCK’s take on the venerable M1945 field pack issued to US military forces during World War II. Built to exacting standards in the United States, just like the original combat knapsack it’s based on, the M23 features a bombproof design and a unique heritage look thanks to its 10.10oz Army Duck Canvas construction, treated with wax to be waterproof. It has just the right amount of modern equipment to make it well-suited for your next everyday carry bag.

Unlike the original bag you might find in a museum or surplus shop, the M23 has a few intelligent improvements up its sleeve. For example, its exterior comes with three pockets, side access to the interior, and a back panel upgraded to a non-abrasive 210D CORDURA nylon. The interior features an extra-reinforced 14 to 16” laptop compartment that’s missing in the original simply because US GIs didn’t have that kind of tech on them. The back panel also features a removable, rigid plastic frame sheet to hold its shape and stay upright when unloaded. Extra padding on the saddle also makes this a more comfortable bag to wear, while magnetic FIDLOCK buckles put a convenient modern spin on the top lid opening. The GORUCK M23 is available in medium 21L and has a sizeable 26L capacity to suit your needs, and you can pick between having it in black, dark oak brown, and olive drab based on your aesthetics.

Buy Now ($295)

Field Notes “Flora” Edition Memo Books Inspire Blooming Ideas

The “Flora” edition of the Field Notes Memo Book is in a three-pack featuring three beautiful designs from Chicago artist Emmy Star Brown. Each notebook features high-quality 100#C McCoy paper cover stock with colorful renditions of Brown’s artwork evoking colorful flowers in a garden. The three particular Spring Field Notes Memo Books come in one each of ruled, dot graphed, and unmarked plain, making this a versatile set for everyday carry. You can carry all three in your pocket or bag because of their slim size and lightweight, or you can pick the one that suits your notetaking requirements for the day’s activities.

If you order this special pack from Field Notes in the United States or Canada, you will also receive a custom packet of wildflower seeds to try your hand at gardening and brightening your lawn. And if the cover art particularly suits your fancy, Field Notes has also made 500 sets of full-sized prints of the “Flora” art that are numbered and signed by the artist and placed in frames to decorate the walls of your house.

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CRKT’s Forebear Cuts Through Time With Classic Slip Joint Mechanism

The Forebear is a testament to timeless design, featuring a classic slip joint mechanism reminiscent of a centuries-old tradition. Designed for everyday carry, it boasts a dual-blade setup, with both larger and smaller Wharncliffe blades opening from opposite ends of the handle. The 12C27 steel blade ensures excellent edge retention, while the nail nick facilitates easy opening. The G-10 handle provides exceptional grip in any weather condition, ensuring a secure hold even in wet or slippery environments. With its lightweight design and traditional slip joint mechanism, the Forebear is a reliable and enduring companion for everyday carry needs.

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Reel in Adventure With Snow Peak’s Fly Fishing Starter Set

The Snow Peak Fly Fishing Starter Set is a comprehensive package designed to provide beginners with all the essential tools needed to kickstart their fly fishing journey. Developed in collaboration with Tiemco, renowned for their fishing gear expertise, this set ensures functionality and quality in every piece of equipment. With original fly rods and reels designed specifically for novice anglers, newcomers can swiftly grasp casting techniques with confidence. The inclusion of essential accessories like fly lines, backing lines, leaders, tippets, and flies further enhances the convenience, eliminating the need for separate purchases and ensuring a seamless fishing experience from the get-go.

Additionally, the set’s thoughtfully designed case, inspired by Snow Peak’s iconic tent colors, provides secure storage and adds a touch of style to the ensemble. With rod options like the 804-4 and 865-4, suited for diverse fishing conditions, beginners can explore various fishing environments, making this starter set a great asset for those embarking on their fly fishing journey.

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COAST Founder’s Series Select Unveils a Slim and Stylish Titanium Knife

If you lack adequate pocket space to carry a full-size pocket knife, slim and sleek folders like the COAST Founder’s Series Select Titanium knife carry the day. The COAST Titanium features an effective 2.85” 9Cr18MoV stainless steel blade in a thin tanto shape that maximizes its cutting and piercing ability despite its size. The black titanium nitride finish also contrasts nicely with the stonewashed titanium handle. Black stainless steel hardware and liner lock complete the modern gent’s look, along with an interchangeable pin that lets you add a bit of red flair to the pommel of the knife that’s slightly visible when you carry it closed on its ambidextrous pocket clip.

Along with the smaller size, the COAST 1919 Founder’s Series Select Titanium folding knife is well-suited for carry in places where a larger tactical or hunting-style knife might draw unwanted attention. The intelligent looks and less-threatening appearance make it a good choice for office pen knives and package opening duties. With a quick press of the index flipper opening tab, you’ll be ready to get right to work with the COAST Founders Select Titanium folder in your hands. And with COAST’s lifetime warranty, you can depend on the knife in the years to come.

Buy Now ($89.99)

The post Spruce Up Your Everyday Carry In Time For Spring With New EDC Releases This Week 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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The post The Best Lightweight Pocket Knife: A 2024 Buyer's Guide appeared first on Everyday Carry.

Ant Designs Unveils the GH Carabiner With 17 Essential Tools in One Sleek Package

With a history of successful Kickstarter campaigns dating back to 2021, Ant Design brings forth its latest innovation: the GH Carabiner. This multifunctional tool boasts an impressive array of 17 essential tools, including a ruler, nail file, tritium tube slot, slider lock, automatic lock system, independent keyhole, spring-loaded gate, pry bar, flat-head screwdriver, bottle opener, tungsten glass breaker, magnetic storage, replaceable blade utility knife, 4 mm screwdriver with interchangeable bits, flathead screwdriver, and a fire starter. Whether camping in the wilderness or tackling DIY projects at home, the GH Carabiner is designed to meet your needs with versatility and durability. There’s still time to pledge early via Kickstarter for as low as $109 at the time of this publication.

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CRKT Aims for the Stars With the MinimalX Knife

There are few things in EDC that you can actually say are destined for the stars, and one of CRKT’s newest knives, the MinimalistX, is one of them. It’s designed by Darriel Caston of D Rocket Design off of an original custom model called the MaximX, and was built to commemorate a rocket launch for SpaceX.

Its Japanese katana-inspired blade comes in stainless 12C27 steel that deploys via a minimal jimped rear flipper tab on CRKT’s signature IKBS ball bearing pivot and folds into a stainless steel handle that houses a framelock. If you’re looking for an unconventional tanto or cleaver blade in a sleek package that reminds you of the stars, the MinimalX is worth a spot in your space suit—just be careful taking it out on your next spacewalk.

Buy Now ($59.70)

DSPTCH’s RND Laptop Sling Is as Light as Air and Tough as Nails

Demonstrating their mastery and style over technical materials, the RND Edition of the Laptop Sling is DSPTCH’s take on a soft and lightweight laptop carrier. It’s minimal in both design and stature, letting its materials and hardware speak for themselves. The Laptop Sling comes in 5.0 oz Dyneema Composite Fabric, one of the most advanced and desired materials in bagmaking today, accented by nylon grid stop fabric for its semi-opaque front compartment and a FIDLOCK Snap flap enclosure.

The Sling comes in two sizes for your laptop needs, 14” and 16”, with a selection of colors for its 1” quick-release FIDLOCK sling strap to best match the rest of your carry.

Buy Now ($154)

Pry, Cut, and Open With Gerber Gear’s Prybrid Utility Clip

The Prybrid Utility by Gerber Gear is the ultimate go-to tool for many EDCers, and in a recent upgrade, it now offers more to love in a new colorway and clip. Combining the functionality of eight essential tools in one compact design, it’s perfect for handling tasks at home, during outdoor adventures, or on the job site. With features like a pry bar, nail puller, wire stripper, flathead drivers, bottle opener, cord cut notch, and a replaceable utility blade, the Prybrid Utility has everything you need to tackle everyday challenges. Its portable size and keychain compatibility ensure that you’ll always have it on hand when you need it most, making it an indispensable addition to your everyday carry.

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Luminox’s Atacama Field 1960 Series Goes Beyond the Battlefield

The Luminox Atacama Field 1960 Series watches draw inspiration from the classic field watch design and the demanding conditions of wartime trenches. Crafted with Luminox’s signature CARBONOX case, these timepieces are built to withstand extreme environments, ensuring maximum durability and resilience. The textured dial design enhances readability and reflects the Atacama desert’s rugged landscape, adding a touch of style to their utilitarian appeal.

Available in three distinct colorways, each watch features a robust black rubber strap with a textile overlay, combining durability with comfort. With Luminox Light Technology, these timepieces emit a constant glow for up to 25 years, and wearers can trust these watches to remain visible in any lighting condition.  Whether exploring the wilderness or navigating urban landscapes, the Luminox Atacama Field 1960 Series watches are the ultimate companion for those who prioritize reliability and performance in their timepiece.

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The post Space-Age and Stealthy Essentials Are the Hottest New EDC Drops This Week appeared first on Everyday Carry.

The Brown Buffalo X Huckberry Collab to Release a Stealthy Style Trio

In their first collaboration in 2022, Huckberry and The Brown Buffalo teamed up to produce a limited Huckberry edition of The Brown Buffalo’s flagship backpack, the iconic Concealpack (a favorite of ours), that sold out in hours. Now, they’re back with a trio of exclusive limited-edition releases: an upgraded Concealpack, a Porterpen Case, and a Dopp Kit, all in an exclusive MultiCam Black colorway, making a uniquely styled, well-rounded collection of highly functional and durable organizational solutions for the everyday carry enthusiast.

Leading the pack, the upgraded Concealpack Everyday Backpack 21L is meticulously crafted from high-performing DWR-coated X50 X-Pac with a 500D CORDURA face fabric. Its lining is DWR-coated VX21 X-Pac, and boasts reinforced critical points featuring Berry-compliant bar tacks to better safeguard your essentials during transit and in cases of drops. It maintains an ample 21L storage compartment, a secure, padded laptop compartment, and plenty of pockets for organization, easily accessible through the full clamshell opening design. The Porterpen Case and the Dopp Kit are also crafted from the same material as the Concealpack. The Porterpen Case boasts a 1L capacity, offering a compact yet robust solution for safeguarding writing materials and other small essentials, and the Dopp Kit comes with a 3L capacity, perfect for keeping your toiletries and other related materials protected and organized, perfectly rounding out the collection.

Each of these pieces represents the uncompromising quality and thoughtful design of these brands, offering functionality and durability without compromising on style, and when used together, they make a cohesive ensemble that ensures efficient organization.

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Wuben’s Anniversary Sale Marks Eight Years of Brilliance

Flashlight fabricator Wuben is celebrating eight years of innovation and excellence with an anniversary sale, offering exciting deals and gifts to commemorate this milestone. Wuben has consistently delivered reliable and highly functional lighting solutions, with a diverse range of products catering to users, from tactical flashlights to bike and compact pen lights.

For their 8th anniversary sale, Wuben is slashing prices on select products up to a whopping 66%, and the spotlight is on some of their most popular models like the G2 mini EDC flashlight, rechargeable B2 Bike LED Light, E7 Headlamp, fan favorite (as is one of ours) X3, X1, X0, and many more. Wuben’s 8th Anniversary Sale kicked off on March 15th and will last until March 31st, giving enthusiasts ample time to snag some of their top-of-the-line and limited-edition products at their best prices yet. So, if you’ve had your sights on some of their products, now’s the time to get them.

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The Ridge Check-in Is the Suitcase That Checks All Your Boxes

Ridge continues to impress with their latest travel release, the Check-In, following the success of the Ridge Carry-On. Building on the foundation of its predecessor, the Ridge Check-In features a minimalist design coupled with robust functionality. With a 30% thicker shell compared to standard check-ins and crafted from German Makrolon polycarbonate, this suitcase is a testament to durability without sacrificing style. Equipped with features like a TSA-approved combination lock, YKK Racquet Coil Zippers, and an exterior-mounted trolley, the Check-In ensures security and ease of use for travelers. The interior features a compression panel, zipped pockets, and an AirTag/GPS tracker pocket, making organization effortless. With its sleek (and customizable) Carbon Fiber 3k logo plate and oversized 360° spinner wheels, the Ridge Check-In is the epitome of sophistication and reliability for modern globetrotters.

Buy Now ($445)

Snow Peak’s Cast Iron Sandwich Skillet Was Made to Take the Heat

The Snow Peak Cast Iron Sandwich Skillet is a versatile cooking tool designed for outdoor enthusiasts. It can be used as a sandwich press or as two separate skillets, offering versatility for various cooking needs. It weighs just 11 pounds and is portable enough for camping trips or picnics. This skillet is crafted from durable ductile cast iron with a heat-resistant silicon coating and is durable enough to withstand the rigors of outdoor cooking. The high ridges on one side are perfect for achieving those coveted grill marks, while the smooth surface on the other ensures effortless non-stick cooking. With its modular functionality, this skillet seamlessly integrates into various cooking setups, whether you’re using it with a fireplace, grill burner, or teppanyaki burner. It’s a must-have addition to any outdoor kitchen arsenal, offering versatility and durability for all your culinary adventures.

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The James Brand Gives the Kline Knife a Marbled Carbon Makeover

The James Brand recently unveiled the latest iteration of their best-selling knife, The Kline. It’s now available in a new Marbled Carbon + Stainless colorway made in the USA, and it’s the first to use carbon fiber scales in the line. The James Brand leverages carbon fiber’s strength and light weight in a classy and unique marble pattern (specifically Protech Composites Black Ops Molten Carbon Fiber), giving The Kline an entirely new look and feel. Complementing the sleek new scales is a razor-sharp MagnaCut 3.4” stainless steel blade, providing the ultimate balance of corrosion resistance, toughness and edge retention. The knife also features the brand’s signature TJB slide lock mechanism for ambidextrous use and a deep carry, reversible pocket clip for added convenience. We loved the original version of this knife, so we’re excited about this new addition to the line. Read our original feature of The Kline here.

Buy Now ($449)

The post Upgrade Your Everyday With This Week’s New EDC Releases appeared first on Everyday Carry.

Aer’s Tech Trio: A Sling, a Pack, and a Packable Powerhouse

Aer updated its Tech line this month with the third edition of its X-Pac sling briefcase. The new Tech Sling 3 features a lightweight, waterproof VX-42 sailcloth made in the United States by Dimension-Polyant. You can keep a professional look wherever you go, and the removable padded sling strap makes this a very versatile laptop bag for your everyday carry. The sailcloth construction means that the Aer Tech Sling 3 weighs just 1.2 lbs in total, and that’s while giving you a full nine liters of space and enough padding to keep your 14” laptop or tablet safe. There’s tons of other organizational space inside the bag, which is also colored bright orange to help you quickly identify the gear you’ve packed inside.

If you need slightly more space than the Tech Sling 3 can provide, Aer also released the newly updated Day Pack 3 and Tech Pack 3 in X-Pac sailcloth. They’re also great options if you prefer the comfort and stability of an everyday carry backpack. Both backpacks also help you maximize cabin space as they are within TSA compliance and compatible with carry-on size limits on most airlines worldwide.

The Day Pack 3 is 17.25″ tall and weighs 2.7 lbs, providing 14L of space inside. The dual-compartment design lets you separate your gear and tech essentials, keeping things tidy inside with the dedicated organizational space. There’s room for up to a 16″ desktop replacement laptop inside the padded laptop sleeve, and the hidden AirTag tracker pouch gives you peace of mind as you travel. For quick access items, the top waterproof YKK zippered compartment has enough space to hold sunglasses, cell phone, and passport inside. While the minimalist look of the back looks very streamlined, the bag retains the side water bottle compartment to help you stay hydrated as you go about your daily business.

The slightly larger 16L of space afforded by the updated Aer Tech Pack 3 in X-Pac lets you maximize your loadout without adding too much bulk. At 3.0 lbs, this is the heaviest bag in the new lineup, but that’s still at least two pounds lighter than the standard ballistic nylon laptop bag before you add your gear into the mix. Unlike those other bags, the Tech Pack 3 has a structured design that holds its shape even when you don’t fill it with gear, clothing, and other essentials. At 18″ tall, it’s slightly more prominent on your back than the Aer Day Pack 3, but not by much, and the luggage passthrough at the rear means you can cart it around an airport terminal or train station easily with any roller bag you pack alongside.

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Explore the Brilliance of Streamlight Strion 2020

The Streamlight Strion 2020 marks a significant upgrade in the Strion series, delivering a powerful output of 1,200 lumens and 28,000 candela, making it ideal for long-range applications. Its innovative design includes independently functioning head and tail switches, providing versatile control options.  Additionally, the intuitive mode select switch allows for effortless adjustment between three intensity modes: High, Medium, and Low, along with a strobe function for emergencies.

The Strion boasts a durable lithium-ion battery and offers a runtime of 1.75 hours on High, 5.5 hours on Medium, and 12 hours on Low. At 6.33” in length and weighing only 5.70 oz, it strikes a perfect balance between portability and functionality, making it an indispensable tool for professionals and outdoor enthusiasts alike. Furthermore, its compatibility with existing Strion chargers ensures convenient and hassle-free charging whenever needed, making it a reliable companion for professionals and outdoor enthusiasts.

Buy Now ($230)

CRKT Bear Claw Knife Roars with Tactical Precision

The CRKT Bear Claw knife is an evolution of Russ Kommer’s original concept. This iteration of the Bear Claw knife has the same profile as the original and sports a 2.39” blunt-tip hawkbill blade. It’s forged from resilient AUS 8 steel with Veff Serrations, ensuring efficient cutting while minimizing the risk of accidental punctures—a crucial feature for activities like whitewater rafting and emergency response. The Bear Claw boasts a textured glass-reinforced nylon handle, providing exceptional grip even in wet conditions. The ergonomic design, complete with a finger retention hole, ensures secure handling during intense tasks. With a compact size and lightweight construction, coupled with a durable nylon sheath featuring multiple mounting options, the Bear Claw stands ready for any adventure or emergency situation.

Buy Now ($59.95)

The Weim By Kansept Cuts Through Expectations

Jonathan Styles, a skilled knife maker and designer hailing from Newfoundland, Canada, draws inspiration from his lifelong passion for the outdoors and artistic endeavors for his latest knife design for Kansept, the Weim. Constructed with premium CPM S35VN steel, the 3.28” blade ensures exceptional durability and edge retention, making it well-suited for various cutting tasks. The stonewashed finish adds a rugged charm while enhancing the blade’s resilience to wear and tear. Notably, the Weim stands out for its innovative handle design, which skillfully combines two different materials (Pilan Titanium + Blue Carbon Fiber) to create a unique and ergonomic grip. Featuring dual thumb stud deployment and a caged ball bearing system, this knife offers smooth and efficient opening action, making it a reliable tool for both outdoor enthusiasts and everyday users alike.

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The Nomadix Robe Brings Comfort at Home or On The Road

We’re a big fan of gear that enhances both comfort and functionality, and the Nomadix robe is a prime example of this. The Nomadix Robe is the latest release from Nomadix and is made from their MicroTerry material for anyone seeking relaxation at home or on the go.

One of the standout features of the Nomadix robe is its super-absorbent fabric, ensuring quick and efficient drying after any water activity. But it’s not just about functionality – this robe is designed with travel in mind. Its lightweight and compact design makes it easy to pack, while its sand-resistant properties ensure it stays clean and comfortable in various environments. It also functions as both a robe and a towel. It’s available in a limited capsule collection with four unique patterns that you can check below.

Buy Now ($149.95)

The post Gear Up with Technical Travel Bags and Outdoor Knives In This Week’s New Everyday Carry Releases appeared first on Everyday Carry.

RovyVon Angel Eyes E30 Delivers Double The Brilliance With Dual LED Power

RovyVon has once again raised the bar in the world of EDC tactical flashlights with the introduction of the Angel Eyes E30. Building on the success of the Angel Eyes E1-E8 series, the E30 boasts a maximum output of 2,600 lumens; this sleek flashlight is equipped with dual LEDs and a built-in 900mAh battery that ensures extended runtime. Another bonus of convenience is its compatibility with various power sources, including two standard AAA batteries, 3.7V 10440 Li-ion batteries, or 1x 10880 3.7V Li-ion batteries. With features like a dual switch system, proximity sensor with brightness auto-adjustment, and IPX7 water resistance, the E30 is a reliable companion for everyday carry and emergencies.

Buy Now ($89.95) 

WE Knife OAO, the Blade That’s “One and Only” in Style

The WE Knife OAO (One And Only) is a statement piece that combines functionality, craftsmanship, and elegance. From its sleek design to its high-quality materials—it uses the highest tier 20CV steel for the blade and a combination of titanium and fat carbon inlays for its handle—every aspect of the OAO reflects meticulous attention to detail. Designed with precision by Tashi Bharucha, it features a robust drop-point blade that deploys smoothly with a flick of the flipper tab. The integral frame lock mechanism demonstrates WE’s machining prowess while ensuring reliability and safety during use, and the addition of a lanyard hole adds practicality. It was one of our favorites this year at SHOT Show 2024, and you can see our hands-on video below.

Buy Now ($515)

Skullcandy EcoBuds Hit the Right Notes for Sustainability

Skullcandy’s latest release, the EcoBuds True Wireless Earbuds, represents a significant leap toward sustainability in the audio industry. These eco-friendly earbuds are crafted with 65% certified recycled plastics and feature a battery-free case design, resulting in a 50% reduction in CO2 emissions while delivering an impressive eight hours of battery life with Rapid Charge. Priced at an accessible $39.99, Skullcandy aims to make sustainability mainstream without compromising quality.

These earbuds come in a sleek design with minimal components, featuring an open-case design to minimize plastic usage and built-in magnets to secure the buds. Moreover, they deliver premium audio quality, noise isolation, and IPX4 sweat and water resistance, making them an appealing choice for eco-conscious consumers seeking both performance and sustainability.

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Kuoe’s Old Smith Watch Evolves with Contemporary Charm

Kuoe is a micro-brand watch manufacturer located in Kyoto, Japan. They specialize in making vintage-style automatic mechanical watches featuring reliable Japanese movements. Because of the vintage style, their watches tend to run small, but this year, they have updated their Old Smith watch to a more contemporary 39mm case diameter. The new Old Smith retains the “Dirty Dozen” classic British military style of the original, with bold Roman number markers and a railroad track to denote the minutes.  What’s hard to see, even in Kuoe’s own product photos, is the unique paper-like dial on the watch.

Where the original used a Seiko NH35 movement inside, the new watch comes with a Seiko NH38. Either way, you get a reliable made-in-Japan automatic movement with hand-winding and hacking stop seconds. A screw-down crown helps the watch maintain 100-meter water resistance. New to this model is that it comes with a domed sapphire glass, which was optional in the original, and it comes with two pull-through straps to meet the new, larger, 20mm lug width.

Buy Now ($541)

Slice and Shine with Bel-Air, Kershaw’s Latest USA-Made Marvel

Kershaw’s Bel-Air is a USA-made powerhouse featuring the innovative and ambidextrous DuraLock mechanism for secure blade deployment and a solid steel crossbar to prevent accidental closure. It’s crafted with aluminum scales and tough steel liners for durability and reliability. But its standout feature is its CPM MagnaCut steel blade with a BlackWash finish, the cutting-edge contemporary steel known for its exceptional edge retention, toughness, and corrosion resistance with almost zero compromises in each category.

The smooth action, facilitated by the KVT-assisted ball-bearing system and double thumb stud opener, ensures effortless deployment for any task at hand. Additionally, the deep-carry pocket clip, which is reversible for left or right-side carry, adds to its practicality as an everyday carry companion. Whether you’re a seasoned enthusiast or new to the world of knives, the Bel-Air stands out as the ultimate choice for those seeking a versatile and dependable EDC knife.

Buy Now ($164.95)

The post From Beats to Blades and More in This Week’s Everyday Carry New Releases appeared first on Everyday Carry.

The Skilhunt Eskte MiX-7 EDC Flashlight Packs a Colorful Punch

The Skilhunt Eskte MiX-7 is a game-changer of an everyday carry flashlight. Packed with an impressive array of white (3 x CREE XP-G4 6500K / Nichia 519A High CRI R9080 4500K) and color LEDs, it offers remarkable versatility and caters to many lighting needs. It boasts a maximum output of 2,300 lumens with the XP-G4 and 1,500 lumens with the 519A emitters, along with ANSI-rated red, green, blue, and UV lights, navigated via a side switch and ensures optimal visibility for various scenarios. Designed with durability, the flashlight’s body is constructed from aircraft-grade aluminum with a premium type III hard anodizing finish. It also has a waterproof rating of IPX8 and an impact resistance of 1 meter.

Overall, the compact design, runtime of 180 hours, and magnetic charging capabilities for its included 18350 Li-ion battery make it ideal for everyday carry. Whether you need to preserve night vision, detect stains, or verify currency, The Eskte MiX-7 comes in handy and is a must-have for anyone in search of a versatile and reliable EDC lighting solution.

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The Arcform Alt:Cut Knife Masters Precision with Danish Inspiration and Titanium Strength

Featuring a replaceable CPM S35VN blade and a billet-milled titanium handle, the Arcform Alt:Cut is a master at precision and detailed cutting jobs. Inspired by the craftsmanship of Danish master cabinetmakers, the dovetail joint unites steel and titanium for added strength without compromising precision. With the ability to switch blades effortlessly using just two T6 drive screws, Alt:Cut adapts swiftly to varying demands, allowing users to achieve the perfect edge for any job. Finished with a deep-carry clip, worrystone channel, and aggressive jimping for optimal control,  this knife embodies versatility and functionality in a discreet, compact package, making it an essential tool for those who demand precision.

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Glide Through the Day with the Chrome Industries Hondo’s Streamlined Design

If you’re looking for a low-profile backpack to hold your everyday carry essentials, you should check out the new Hondo pack from Chrome Industries. This slim 18L pack features tons of organizational pockets and sleeves inside and outside the bag, letting you take full advantage of the space provided. It can fit up to a 15″ laptop in its dedicated padded sleeve, water bottles in its side pockets, and even a padded sunglass sleeve outside the bag.

The flat design of the Hondo runs close to your back, and the adjustable T-Lok shoulder straps and removable shoulder strap let you tailor the fit depending on the circumstance. The Hondo also pulls double-duty as a travel bag, with a size that easily fits the definition of a personal item for airplanes and a luggage passthrough sleeve for easy transfers to your next destination. Rounding everything out is its 1680/900/600 denier ballistic nylon construction. The Chrome Industries Hondo is an ultra-durable, bombproof, and compact pack you can rely on this year and in the future.

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Prometheus’s Beta QRv3 Flashlight Returns with Upgraded Brilliance

It’s hard to believe that it’s been almost 10 years since we reviewed Prometheus’s premiere AAA flashlight, but this year, the Beta shines bright once again. Now on its third iteration since its original Kickstarter launch in 2013, it keeps its key functionality—namely, its twisty activation and quick-release tail system—while tweaking its design and upgrading its output to modern enthusiast sensibilities.

The QRv3’s main titanium body design maintains the signature Prometheus ridges, with the option for a classic or “ICE” design for the head, the latter of which includes a more aggressive knurled pattern. And speaking of the head, it now contains the latest and greatest Nichia 519A 9080 (4000K) LED with 90+ CRI, an incredibly pleasing tint that still has enough power for up to 90 lumens in up to three modes and is powered by an included AAA NiMH rechargeable battery. Last but not least, the Beta QRv3’s quick-release tail not only comes with your option for a clip instead of a split ring attachment but the current version also got re-tooled to be usable as a light work 1/4” bit driver.

The new Beta is on a monthly drop schedule and goes fast, so sign up for notifications and keep an eye on the Prometheus site for updates regarding releases to have the chance to grab your own.

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See the Night in a New Light with YASHICA Vision Binoculars

The YASHICA Vision binocular night vision device is a game-changer for nocturnal exploration. Built on a legacy of 75 years of innovation, YASHICA brings its first-ever night vision device to the modern era with impressive features and capabilities. With its advanced CMOS sensor, the Vision offers 4K image quality, full-color vision, and a remarkable view range of up to 1969 feet (600 meters) in darkness. With a built-in rechargeable battery offering up to 16 hours of daytime photography or five hours of use with infrared imaging, the Vision is designed to extend your adventures well beyond sunset. Its binocular-style design and narrow-angle color night vision imaging cater to outdoor enthusiasts and naturalists, providing a unique perspective on the nocturnal world. Equipped with infrared technology, this device ensures clear and detailed footage even in the darkest environments. Whether you’re wildlife watching or stargazing, the YASHICA Vision empowers you to explore the night confidently and clearly.

The YASHICA Vision is being launched through Kickstarter, offering an early bird price of just $149, a significant discount from its expected retail price of $252. There are a few hours left to grab it at that price, but it’s already hit over 50 times its initial goal so it should be well underway for its production even if you miss the campaign.

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The post Vision Takes Center Stage In New Everyday Carry Releases This Week appeared first on Everyday Carry.

Fly High With Redwood’s A-13 Solar Pilot Watch

The Redwood Pilot A-13 watch offers a compelling blend of heritage-inspired design and modern functionality. Drawing inspiration from iconic aircraft instrumentation, this timepiece is crafted with rugged specifications to withstand any adventure. Its Epson VS17 solar-powered movement ensures uninterrupted operation, charging effortlessly with exposure to light. The dial, featuring large numerals and Super-LumiNova pigments for enhanced visibility, pays homage to the legibility requirements of its military origins. Encased in 40mm of durable stainless steel with a brushed finish, the A-13 combines timeless style with practicality, boasting water resistance up to 100M and a scratch-resistant sapphire crystal. Complete with a heritage-inspired watch pouch, the Redwood Pilot A-13 is a reliable companion for those who value tradition and innovation in their timepiece.

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AceBeam’s Terminator M2 Flashlight Offers Power and Versatility in a Unique Form Factor

The AceBeam Terminator M2 flashlight stands out with its sleek and modern design, offering users a powerful illumination solution in a compact package. Available in two versions, a 3,200-lumen Cool White in OD green and a 2,000-lumen High CRI Neutral White in black, this flashlight impresses with its versatile beam patterns, including Spotlight and Floodlight, which you can toggle via a physical switch. Whether up close or needing long-distance visibility, the M2 provides the perfect lighting for any activity, including emergencies, with its RGB 7 color effects and SOS lighting modes.

Powered by a single 18650 Li-ion rechargeable battery with a built-in USB-C port for convenient charging, the M2 ensures solid run times and ease of use. Its durable aluminum alloy body, hardened coating, and IP68 water resistance suit various environments. With a simple yet effective UI, including a switch for Spot/Flood modes and a tail cap switch for On/Off control, the AceBeam Terminator M2 offers powerful output, versatile functionality, and stylish design, making it an attractive choice for users seeking a reliable and modern flashlight for everyday carry.

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Kizer’s Sheepdog C01C Is a Brass Boss of an Everyday Cleaver

Kizer Sheepdog’s folding cleaver-style blade has been a favorite in the everyday carry community thanks to its unique chunky profile and sheer practicality in utility cutting and slicing. We’ve seen a few versions of the Sheepdog over the years, and the latest iteration combines an extremely tough 3.29″ 3V blade, the popular button lock mechanism, and a weighty brass handle to complete its overbuilt profile. Additionally, the adjustable clip adds convenience, catering to left-handed users and enhancing the knife’s overall usability.

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Carry Your Essentials Everywhere With the Mystery Ranch Gallagator 25 Backpack

The Gallagator 25 pack is the ultimate companion for any adventure, seamlessly transitioning from rugged mountain trails to city streets with ease. Its 25-liter capacity strikes the perfect balance, offering ample room for a day in the wilderness while maintaining a sleek and versatile design suitable for daily urban use. The pack’s signature tri-zip access system ensures quick and hassle-free access to your essentials, while the pocketed shoulder pads provide convenient organization for smaller items like sunglasses and phones.

Made from lightweight, partially recycled materials, this pack is a breeze to carry, further enhanced by features like the lid pocket with an integrated key clip and side pockets for easy access to water bottles and extra layers. With its durable construction and thoughtful design, the Gallagator 25 is a must-have for anyone seeking a reliable and adaptable backpack for all their adventures.

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Project Ratchet Introduces the Ratchet Ring V2 for Deep Focus and Stress Relief on the Go

Fidgeting is a familiar behavior we sometimes do to maintain focus or ease stress in high-pressure situations, and Project Ratchet recognized the potential of integrating it into a wearable tool. After extensive development with engineers and prototypes, they introduced the original Ratchet Ring in 2022. In 2024, they launched the improved Ratchet Ring V2, offering a selection of styles like the Black Edition with a machined or polished finish, Classic Steel, and patterned engravings.

It’s more durable and feels even better than the original, constructed from robust SUS316 stainless steel with a slim profile of just 2.8mm. It’s designed to withstand daily wear without hindering your movements. Each turn of the ring delivers a satisfying tactile click, and thanks to its wearable design, the Ratchet Ring V2 ensures fidget-friendly accessibility wherever you go.

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The post Wicked Wearables and Tough Tools: New Everyday Carry Gear to Check Out This Week appeared first on Everyday Carry.

Vosteed’s Mini Labrador Knife Offers Titanium Quality on a Budget

The Mini Labrador is the latest in Vosteed’s catalog of canine-themed everyday cutters and sizes down the sleek original to a more pocket-friendly 2.73” blade. The rear flipper has a minimal design whose only embellishments are jimping on the flipper tab and a logo on the titanium clip, but its sleekness speaks for itself.

The 14C28N drop point blade folds into chamfered titanium handles, flies out on bearings, and secures with a frame lock reinforced with a titanium backspacer. While it would have been nice to have it be more ambidextrous with a crossbar lock and reversible clip, we can still appreciate its intended design and user. The Mini Labrador comes in two colors and would be a solid addition to any titanium-themed setup, especially at its $69 price point.

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Mission Workshop’s Mass Transit Duffle Delivers Style, Functionality, and Durability

Large duffel bags are too heavy and cumbersome for EDC and are typically relegated for travel use only. But things become more interesting when makers construct them out of lightweight and durable VX21 sailcloth fabric. Take the new Mass Transit 33-liter duffle bag from Mission Workshop, for example. The Mass Transit is the most oversized bag you can safely mount on the handlebars of a bike. But because of the need to transport it on that bike, it’s made far lighter at 3.4 pounds than a comparable bag of other materials. VX21 X-Pac sailcloth has excellent abrasion, tear, and weather resistance, and Mission Workshop stitched it with care into a large handlebar duffel bag to fit whatever your heart desires.

The Mass Transit features a large laptop compartment, zip pockets for stationery and other small tech essentials, and four open compartments for clothes, documents, and other valuables. The handles and straps are all designed to tuck away so you can streamline it when attached to a handlebar. This feature is also great for use in luggage compartments when traveling. And thanks to its waterproof, made-in-the-USA sailcloth construction and water-resistant YKK Aquaguard zippers, it’s made to resist the elements on the way to your destination and beyond.

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JLab Unveils Epic Lab Edition Earbuds with Hybrid Dual-Driver Design and Immersive Knowles Preferred Listening Curve

JLab’s latest offering, Epic Lab Edition Earbuds, features a hybrid dual-driver design and robust bass alongside an audiophile-acclaimed Knowles Preferred Listening sound curve to deliver an immaculate listening experience. Additional features like smart active noise cancellation, Hi-Res Audio, Bluetooth LE capabilities, and spatial audio further elevate the listening experience. Plus, it comes with customizable touch controls and a suite of premium features, including LDAC technology for Android users and AAC for iOS. You can enjoy 56+ hours of playtime and dual charging options, which allow you to power up wirelessly or through a USB-C cable.

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Vasque Resurrects Legendary Sundowner and Skywalk Boots with Modern Upgrades

Vasque has nearly six decades of experience making performance hiking footwear, and for 2024, they’ve brought two of their most iconic styles back to life from their archives. The Sundowner and the Skywalk are beloved leather boots with a classic style but built for the needs of the modern hiker with updated materials and construction.

The Sundowner GTX launched in 1984 and updated in 2015, with a sleek all-leather design sourced from Vasque’s tannery in Red Wing, Minnesota. The full-grain leather construction is reinforced and waterproofed with GORE-TEX, and a molded polyurethane and TPU shank midsole is finished with a Vasque Pyrenees lug outsole. The Skywalk GTX comes in a retro two-tone leather and abrasion-resistant mesh design, lined and waterproofed with GORE-TEX, and steps out with the same Pyrenees lug sole.

Lace up the classics for your next adventure, and rest assured because, like all Vasque boots, both the Sundowner GTX and Skywalk GTX come with free shipping and returns.

Check Out The Skywalk GTX

Check Out The Sundowner GTX

Sendy Knife Offers More Than Just a Blade With Cutting Edge Design and Integrated Tools

Imagine if your pocket knife could house even more nifty tools within its sleek design. With the CIVIVI Sendy by talented knifemaker Ben Peterson, that’s exactly what you get. It includes a toothpick, tweezers, and an in-line flipper that is fidget-friendly. The blade, the liners, the tweezers, and the toothpick all fit perfectly inside the handle. The Nitro-V spey point blade strikes a balance between toughness and edge retention, making it ideal for both modern outdoor tasks and everyday use.

Additionally, you can opt for a drop-point blade if that’s what you’re into. The G-10 handle ensures a secure grip, though alternatives like Micarta and wood are also available.

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The post Blades, Boots, Bags, and Beats: Check Out This Week’s New Everyday Carry Releases appeared first on Everyday Carry.

Tactile Turn Scales New Heights With Their Seasonal Release Pen, the Icefall

Tactile Turn’s latest seasonal release pen is the Icefall, named after the Khumbu Icefall on the route to the top of Mount Everest. Functionally, the Icefall indicates Tactile’s increasing mastery of using Cerakote to add a unique visual look to their precision-machined pens. On the Icefall, Tactile has added an ice-like design using Cerakote to their metal Side Click pens. There’s also an optional titanium Damascus pen clip if the ice-blue Cerakoted clip doesn’t do it for you. Functionally, the Cerakote finish adds additional durability and scratch resistance to the Side Click pen, which you can enjoy along with the satisfying clicky mechanism and reliable pen refill used inside.

The best part about the Icefall is that, like Tactile Turn’s other seasonal releases, you only have a limited amount of time to order it. All you have to do is order the Icefall anytime on Tactile Turn’s website before March 28. This approach is an excellent change of pace with the increasing hype around limited releases lately, and it ensures that everyone who wants an Icefall can get one. Whether rounding out a completionist set of Tactile Turn’s seasonal releases or picking this up as your first, the Icefall is a great pen to add to your everyday carry.

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aroundsquare’s Latest Drop Introduces Contra, “The Anti-puzzle,” and a New AroundHank

aroundsquare’s monthly menagerie of mindfulness and manipulation tools gets some new additions to its catalog for its January drop, in addition to the usual restocks and material explorations of their regular models. Newcomers include the Contra, “the anti-puzzle,” aptly named because its 1,125 pieces are all uniform, meaning there’s no actual solution, and the puzzle is a canvas of creativity. On the more conventional side of everyday carry is the AroundHank, an update to an original handkerchief design and, in true aroundsquare fashion, comes with exceptional attention to detail with its construction, including a 50gsm weight with double knit construction with a custom printed pattern.

Other notable inclusions in the drop include ebony wood MKUltras and Chetki wearables, exotic zircuti Knucklebones, and glow-in-the-dark POM (Polyoxymethylene, commonly branded as Delrin) Deadeye coins/worry stones. See the full collection in the drop video above and at the link below.

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Nitecore’s Latest EDC35 Flashlight Brightens Every Adventure with 5,000 Lumens

As our pick to win Best Flashlight at SHOT Show 2024, the EDC35 is a tactical pocket powerhouse. It shares a lot of characteristics with its smaller brother the EDC33, including custom knurling on the body, a physical lockout switch, and a rotating tail that hides a USB-C charging port for its built-in 6,000mAh battery.

The big difference is with the larger head, which uses an upgraded NiteLab UHi 40 MAX LED from the UHi 20 in the EDC33 that lets it output a more significant 5,000 lumens up to 601 yards on max output, which includes its trademark “Lumin Shield” burst mode. At under 5” and a still-pocketable 6.28 oz, the EDC35 is the perfect upgrade pair to the EDC33 and still a great pick in the 2024 rectangular flashlight meta.

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CRKT’s Michaca Automatic Knife Is A Cut Above the Rest

The Michaca is CRKT’s brand-new automatic knife designed by expert knifemaker Phillip Booth. The name Michaca is a combination of Phillip’s hometown of Ithaca and his home state, Michigan. It sports a 3.30” drop point blade made from CPM MagnaCut steel with a bead blast finish, while the natural G10 handle offers excellent grip and features Booth’s signature stripe.

To release the knife, there isn’t a button or switch. Instead, it uses the scales as a release. But not your typical scale release where you push it up by its pivot, the Michaca actuates by the tail end of the knife. You can slide the scale forward using your fingers or the pad of your palm, and it will automatically deploy the blade. It also comes with a generous deep carry pocket clip, and overall, we think this is a new fun auto to add to your collection.

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Article One and Mission Workshop Collaborate to Create the AO x MW Navigator Eyewear

In a compelling collaboration between Article One and Mission Workshop, the AO X MW navigator blends artisanal craftsmanship with rugged outdoor performance. Focused on versatility and high-performance functionality, the AO X MW frames are made in Italy with TR90 polymer, renowned for its exceptional durability, lightweight nature, and hypoallergenic properties. Featuring silicone nose pads with a wire core skeleton for enhanced grip during intense activities and wraparound silicone pads for added comfort and stability behind the ears.

Equipped with Italian Divel CR-39 lenses, the AO X MW blocks 100% of UVA/UVB rays and eliminates road glare. With an extra coating on the backside to combat eye reflections, the lenses ensure clarity and vision in any situation. Spring hinges provide resilience and flexibility, bouncing back after rough handling, while each frame includes a cleaning cloth and durable EVA case for on-the-go convenience.

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The post From Ink Trails to Flashlight Beams and Sharp Ideas: Check Out This Week’s New Everyday Carry Releases appeared first on Everyday Carry.

Master and Dynamic MH40 Wireless Headphones Get a Huckberry-Exclusive Makeover

Master and Dynamic teamed up with Huckberry for a limited-edition colorway of their popular MH40 Wireless headphones. This Huckberry exclusive retains the retro aviator aesthetic and functionality of the MH40 headphones while injecting a dose of modern craftsmanship.

As an upgrade to the premium construction of the MH40 Wireless from lightweight anodized aluminum, coated canvas, and lambskin leather, this exclusive sports durable waxed canvas on the arch and comfy lambskin leather ear pads—offering durability, comfort, and a more sophisticated feel and look. The plush leather ear cups and memory foam cushions gently conform to the shape of your ears, providing passive noise isolation and eliminating pressure points for an immersive listening experience.

Like the regular MH40 Wireless, this exclusive also boasts a rich, expansive soundstage powered by 40mm titanium drivers, with noise cancellation that keeps distractions at bay. It also comes with other impressive features like Bluetooth 5.2 with multipoint and quick-pairing technology, intuitive on-ear controls that make navigating your music, calls, and volume effortless, a dual microphone array with noise reduction that hints at crystal-clear calls (ideal for the work-from-anywhere crowd), and up to 30 hours playtime on a full charge.

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Vosteed’s Chipmunk is Lightweight, Grippy, and Fidget-Friendly

Vosteed’s new budget knife, the Chipmunk, will fit the bill if you want a small, lightweight EDC knife with fidget-friendly features. With at least 4 ways to deploy, the blade is a compact 2.64” modified drop point made with 14C28N steel. It locks up in a jimped liner lock with even more jimping on the spine that leads into the front rollover section, giving you more grip, which is much needed on a knife of this size. The G10 handle is crafted with attention to ergonomics and is available in 3 colors (Jade, Green, and Black). It also features a pocket clip that can be attached to either side.

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COAST Portland’s New SLAYER Is a Sleek Flashlight From the Future

COAST Portland, renowned for its reliable collection of everyday carry tools, introduced the SLAYER, a compact, tough-built, rechargeable flashlight. This powerhouse is housed in a flat, rectangular, all-aluminum frame. It features a dual optic system that delivers a dynamic range of lighting options from medium flood to turbo modes, accessible with a button click. Our favorite feature on this flashlight (in addition to the futuristic shape), the COAST Memory Mode, allows you to set a favorite light mode so it’s always the first one you get when you turn on the light, with a simple button hold.

The SLAYER boasts up to 11 hours of runtime on Low, a peak output of 1,150 lumens, lighting up a distance of 426 feet (130 meters) on Turbo, and an IP67 dust-resistant and waterproof rating. The built-in rechargeable battery, coupled with the USB-C port, ensures a swift two-hour charge time, while the integrated charge level indicator keeps you informed about the battery’s status. COAST says their products are “manufactured to stand up to constant use in the most extreme work and recreation environments,” and that remains true for the SLAYER flashlight, the latest in their long line of reliable work illumination.

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Blade HQ’s Exclusive New Dessert Warrior Field Notes Notebooks Are Fresh From the Oven

Whether writing down grocery lists or documenting your latest outdoor adventure, a memo book can be an essential part of your EDC. Blade HQ’s exclusive collection of memo books features the popular Dessert Warrior style coming in three different colorways: the classic Dessert Warrior Pink, the Dessert Warrior Remix Blue, and the Dessert Warrior Tactical Black edition, which glows in the dark. The set of three 3-1/2″ x 5-1/2″ memo books comes in lined, graphed, and blank pages, so you’ll always have the right book for the job.

The Field Notes 48-page Memo Pocket Size Books from Blade HQ feature rugged three-staple saddle-stitch binding made from durable materials and are proudly printed and manufactured in the USA.

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Kansept Unveils the Loki With Its One-of-a-Kind Thumb Hole

We’ve long been fans of Kansept Knives’ creations like the Model 6 and Fenrir, so we were excited to find out that they recently unveiled their latest creation, the Kansept Loki Thumb Hole Knife, a folding knife that combines the ergonomic design of a custom fixed blade with the convenience of a pocket-friendly EDC. The Loki features a futuristic handle shape made of plain and black anodized titanium, offering a smooth and comfortable grip. The 2.99” blade comes in a variety of finishes including Damascus, adding to the knife’s premium look while keeping it fully functional with its drop-point blade style.

The brainchild of mechanic and knife enthusiast Steven Dunnuck, the Loki’s refined aesthetic comes from keen attention to detail, with all the edges and corners on the handle well-chamfered and polished for optimal comfort and ergonomics.

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The post Sleek Slicers, Retro Cans, and Futuristic Flashlights: This Week’s New Everyday Carry Releases appeared first on Everyday Carry.

IMALENT MS32, the New World’s Brightest Flashlight

In the ever-evolving landscape of high-performance flashlights, IMALENT has again pushed the boundaries by introducing its latest powerhouse, the MS32. The IMALENT MS32 is designed for those who demand the absolute pinnacle of flashlight tech, literally blasting onto the scene with jaw-dropping 200,000 lumens, making it the brightest flashlight in the world. And yes, we’ve covered some seriously powerful flashlights before, like IMALENT’s former champ, the MS18, which packed a whopping 100,000 lumens, but the MS32 literally outperforms it twice over. 32 Cree XHP70.2 LEDs power this beast, which has a beam distance of 1,618m with an intensity of 655,000cd and comes in an IP56 waterproof body built from durable aluminum alloy with a handle for comfortable carry.

It’s not just about the raw power, though. IMALENT equips the MS32 with an OLED display that informs you about battery life, modes, and temperature. There are eight modes to choose from, including an eco-friendly Low and main event Turbo mode, letting you tailor the light to your needs. To tame the intense heat the light generates, IMALENT employs a sophisticated cooling system with built-in fans because, let’s face it, 200,000 lumens is nothing short of a tiny sun in your hands. The rechargeable battery pack boasts a runtime of up to 345 hours on Low, and it can be fast-charged using the included 100W USB-C PD charger in as little as two hours.

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Orbitkey 2-in-1 Tech Pouch

Orbitkey, known for its sleek and minimalist organization solutions, is back on Kickstarter with a new project: the 2-in-1 Tech Pouch and its two accompanying accessories, the Desk Pouch and the Pencil Case, with a promise to tackle tech clutter with the same blend of practicality and style we love about Orbitkey’s products.

The 2-in-1 Tech Pouch boasts a clever twin pouch design that provides ample space for essentials. The main pouch has a removable inner pouch that doubles as a desk pouch and is a convenient grab-and-go quick-access companion. It has a foldable divider for customization, offering separate spaces for cables, power banks, and other tech essentials, with each compartment further organized with internal pockets and elastic loops, ensuring everything has its designated spot. It also sports an integrated fold-down front panel that eliminates the frustration of rummaging through the depths of a pouch to find small items and an external zip pocket with cable pass-through that makes on-the-go device charging hassle-free.

This modular pouch, desk pouch, and pencil case have an expandable base and self-standing design that allows them to remain upright and stable when placed on flat surfaces. They’re crafted from waterproof, recycled polyester and PET plastic, ensuring your essentials are kept safe, making this collection a practical choice for maximum organization and secure compact storage.

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CRKT Padawan Pedro Buzetti Folder

Earlier this month, Oregon-based knife company Columbia River Knife & Tool (CRKT) released the Padawan folding knife as a part of their 2024 product collection, which promises to be the brand’s biggest and boldest yet. The Padawan is Pedro Buzetti’s first knife design with CRKT, with the “Padawan” name reflecting Buzetti’s role as a learner under the “Master” of knife making, Flavio Ikoma.

With a blade length of 3.01” and an overall length of 7.13”, the Padawan is a versatile folding knife that features a drop-point blade made from 14C28N steel, offering excellent edge retention and corrosion resistance. Its stainless steel handle is accentuated by a Micarta overlay that provides a comfortable and secure grip. The Padawan also boasts a smooth opening mechanism thanks to its IKBS ball-bearing pivot, while a modified frame lock with a thick lock bar firmly secures the blade. Its pocket clip allows the knife to sit low in the pocket, making it discreet and convenient to carry.

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Guard Dog Cases and Foam Inserts

Whether you’re looking for extra protection for your prized collection or simply want to keep your tools in order, Guard Dog’s Foam Inserts and durable Nanuk cases will completely change how you store and transport your essential tools and valuables.

Guard Dog offers a range of products and services designed to provide the best protection and organization for your items. Choose from a wide variety of pre-made foam inserts of different colors, sizes, or shapes, or have them customize your own CNC routered cut-outs to create snug and precise compartments for your items. You can even request for your name or logo to be etched on the foam for that extra personal touch. Their Nanuk Extreme Duty cases are made from durable and waterproof materials that can resist impact, corrosion, and extreme temperatures, serving as the perfect complement for the inserts.

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CountyComm R4A Ready 4 Action Fixed Blade Knife

CountyComm made their EOD breacher bar design into a beefy 3.65” D2 tool steel fixed blade knife in collaboration with MaxMadco. At $49.95 at the time of this writing, the CountyComm R4A (Ready 4 Action) Knife represents substantial value, as it’s hard to find such a richly-featured and capable fixed-blade tactical knife with the same features. Each knife is individually serialized and comes with glow-in-the-dark UTM scales, titanium hardware, a titanium DTF bead and lanyard, and a custom Kydex sheath for your carry convenience.

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The post Shine Bright, Cut Right, Store Safe: The Week’s Best Everyday Carry Gear appeared first on Everyday Carry.

Huckberry x Diemme Roccia Vet Hiking Boot

Handcrafted at the Calzaturificio Diemme factory in Onè di Fonte in Northeastern Italy—the birthplace of high-quality alpine footwear—the Roccia Vet Hiking Boot is the embodiment of rugged durability, built to withstand even the most demanding terrains. This hiking boot is made from premium full-grain, rich brown, fully waterproof cow leather. It sports a rugged 100% rubber mudguard that fends off weather elements with ease and a sturdy yet lightweight Vibram sole that keeps you light on your feet, even on long treks, with a classic hiking boot lacing system with durable metal hardware that ensures a secure fit. A full leather lining ensures that the boot molds to your foot over time, creating a custom fit that feels as good as it looks, and its high-top design provides ample ankle support.

Buy $479

Pioneer Million Mile Backpack Collection

This collection from technical wallet brand Pioneer features three backpacks designed to last a lifetime of travel and adventure. Each pack is made of Mandarin 840, a premium super fabric of twisted yarn ballistic nylon for a denser and stronger weave. The fabric has a rich and unique dobby weave that exhibits excellent abrasion resistance while maintaining a supremely luxurious hand feel. It also features a DWR and waterproof membrane for extra protection.

The three backpacks are the Duration Pack (18L, $349), the Savant Pack ($20L, $369), and the Panda Pack (25L, $425). Each bag offers unique features and benefits while sharing common characteristics. All backpacks in the collection can stand up on their own, which was a non-negotiable requirement for Pioneer. They also feature removable luggage tags for easy identification and security, wide and full-length openings for easy packing and organizing, and custom sculpted zipper pulls placed on large YKK Vizlon teeth, the most enduring zipper available.

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CIVIVI Propugnator Ultem Fixed Blade Knife

We’ve always been big fans of CIVIVI and their ability to produce knives that punch well above their price point, and the newly-released CIVIVI Propugnator Fixed Blade Knife reminds us that our admiration is well-placed. Designed by Polish knife maker Piotr Gosciniak, the Propugnator, meaning champion or defender in Latin, takes a lot of inspiration from his PG Knives Defender collection, masterfully crafted to take on everyday cutting tasks. The CIVIVI Propugnator is a fixed-blade knife that features a reverse tanto blade made from D2 steel and polished yellow Ultem on the handle. Ultem is a semi-transparent, high-strength plastic material designed to withstand high-temperature environments, including hot water and steam.

With an overall length of 8.62” and a blade length of 4.15”, the CIVIVI Propugnator proudly showcases everything we love in our tactical knives, with a great balance of sharpness, durability, and easy maintenance and an ergonomic handle for a comfortable and secure grip.

Buy Now ($104.70)

XPAC Xlarge MOLLE Medic / Radio Pouch

Built to handle the rigors of any situation, the redesigned XLarge MOLLE Medic/Radio Pouch boasts a fully opening main compartment with a spacious interior that offers ample room for supplies, radios, comms, or even camera gear. It also provides extra padding for sensitive equipment and allows for vacuum-packed long-term storage. The internal and external organization system, featuring mesh pockets, MOLLE attachment points, and elastic loops, keeps vital items readily accessible in the heat of the moment. This pouch is made from waterproof and puncture-resistant 600D polyester with PVC backing and closes with double YKK zippers to ensure your gear stays protected.

Buy Now ($59.95)

Snow Peak Tuga Tent

Designed with the modern adventurer in mind, this two-room tent from Snow Peak is built to withstand the rigors of the great outdoors while offering cozy and comfortable accommodations for two to four adventurers. It has a lightweight frame design, side windows for additional ventilation, and optional accessories for added comfort.

The main body, roof, and wall are made from 75D polyester taffeta with shield pigment, PU waterproof coating, UV protection treatment, and Teflon water-repellent finish. The inner wall is made from 68D polyester taffeta, and the bottom is made from 210D polyester Oxford with PU waterproof coating.

Buy Now ($1,599.95)

The post This Week’s Top Everyday Carry Picks: New Packs, Pouches, Boots, and More… appeared first on Everyday Carry.

The M390 stainless steel blade offers excellent edge retention and corrosion resistance, with a modified reverse tanto blade shape that is versatile enough to handle various cutting tasks. The blade’s thumb studs also allow for different opening options. The Dachund’s sleek and modern titanium handle is ergonomically contoured with an angled, geometric design, with a reversible pocket clip for tip-up carry. The crossbar lock system provides a strong, secure lockup and smooth and fast deployment. The lock can be easily operated with either hand, and it also adds to the fidget-friendly nature of the knife. Vosteed says the Dachshund is “not only fully ambidextrous and intuitive to use, but it also provides great fidgetablity and tons of fun.”

At a glance

Purpose: Everyday carry
Blade Steel: M390
Blade Style: Modified reverse tanto
Blade Length: 3.25″
Overall Length: 7.77″
Lock: Crossbar
Handle Materials: Titanium
Weight: 3.45 oz
Price: $229.00

The Vosteed Dachshund is available in two color options, gray and black, on Vosteed’s official website.

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The post Vosteed Launches New Dachshund Knife with Crossbar Lock and M390 Blade appeared first on Everyday Carry.

Popular Types of Pocket Knives

Drop Point

Featured Pick: Vosteed Raccoon

One of the most common types of knives that you’ll come across is the drop point. Some of the most popular everyday carry knives are rocking a drop point. It’s easy to tell a drop point from other knives because they have a characteristic slight slope down the spine ending in a sharp point. This helps with finer cutting work. Drop points are great general-purpose knives used for everything from skinning fish to cutting boxes. Whether you’re on your 20th knife or want one to last you, a drop point knife is always a great option because of its versatility.

Sheepsfoot

Featured Pick: Kizer Mini Sheepdog Titanium

Not as common as the drop point, the sheepsfoot blade has a much more unique look. Still, knives with this shape blade tend to find their way into plenty of setups. You can identify these knives by the lack of a sharp tip. Instead opting for a spine that runs parallel to the cutting edge before curving down at a sharp angle to the tip. A sheepsfoot blade is great for cutting tasks like food prep, so they’re commonly found in kitchens on chef’s knives. The lack of a sharp tip makes it difficult for more precise cutting tasks, so if that’s what you’re looking for, this probably isn’t for you.

Clip Point

Featured Pick: Demko AD20.5

A clip point blade is another common knife type. The identifier on these knives is the blade, which appears clipped off towards the last third of the blade along the spine. The resulting shape ends in a sharp point for fine cuts. These knives have a thinner spine, which makes it easy to pierce tough materials, but because they are so narrow, they can also break more than some of the other blade shapes if you try to pry something open. Some of the most iconic everyday carry and hunting knives are clip point blades.

Spear Point

Featured Pick: Kershaw Iridium

The spear point is a symmetrical blade great for piercing or thrusting and is also used in some throwing knives. These knives can have one or two sharp edges that meet at the point of the blade. A spear point knife is thicker than needle points, making it more durable and less prone to snapping. These are not ideal for tough chopping jobs as they’re meant for piercing or field dressing.

Wharncliffe

Featured Pick: Hogue Deka Magnacut

While most knives have a straight spine with a sharp edge that curves up to meet the point, the wharncliffe does the opposite. It has a straight edge blade that meets a tapered spine at the tip, like a sheepsfoot blade. The spine of these blades is convex, and that, along with the straight edge, makes it a useful utility knife. These blades are used for cutting on flat surfaces or opening boxes. Due to the curved spine, a Wharncliffe is not ideal for piercing or puncturing.

Straight Back

Featured Pick: Morakniv Garberg

A straight back is one of the more common blade shapes in the everyday carry community. These are characterized by sharp, straight edges that curve up to meet the blade’s spine. Crucially, the spine of these knives is usually dull, making it a safe place to add pressure for tougher slicing or cutting jobs or even for striking a ferrocerium rod to get sparks going for a fire. These are a common shape in fixed blades that will be used outdoors in tough survival situations or for tasks around camp.

Tanto

Featured Pick: Damned Designs Chimera

Tanto knives have a more specialized blade shape that consists of an angled tip with no belly and two cutting edges. The design is based on traditional Japanese weapons designed for piercing and stabbing, but in the everyday carry world, these are also great for scraping and prying tasks since they’re more durable than some other blade shapes.

Gut Hook

Featured Pick: Buck 685 BuckLite Max II

A gut hook knife has one real purpose: gutting game (hence the name). These knives are characterized by a small hook at the blade’s tip that protrudes backward along the spine, allowing a hunter to cut through skin without damaging anything underneath. Due to the specialized nature of these knives, they’re rare in everyday carry but very handy in the field.

Hawkbill/Talon

Featured Pick: Fox Knives 599 Karambit

Hawkbill knives are so named because they resemble a hawk’s sharp beak (or talons). The spine and the blade’s edge curve sharply downward and meet in a curve that is great for ripping and slicing. Whether you’re cutting through carpet, gardening, or stripping wires, these specialized knives do light work of jobs that would be more difficult with any other type of knife. Again, these are rarer to see in most everyday carry due to the specialized nature of the blade. But they’re generally not uncommon, considering the wide range of use cases for construction and electrical work.

Tips And Laws For Pocket Knives

FAQs

The post Types of Pocket Knives: Blades, Brands, and More! Complete Guide 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.

Like their other cases, the Blade Deck has a display area front and center protected by a hinged acrylic case, with four slots able to accommodate up to four fixed blades of up to 9” in length. The clear case gives a 360-degree view of your collection and allows easy access by just lifting it off its hinge. Supplementing the display area is a felt-lined drawer for more knives or other accessories, which rides on metal rails for smooth action.

Phil Hadfield told us over e-mail that this will be a limited drop, with only 100 units of the Blade Deck (50 in black and 50 in walnut) available until the drop ends on Sunday the 17th or when stocks have been sold out.

At a glance

Purpose: Knife display case
Storage: Four fixed blade knives up to 9″, felt-lined drawer
Colors: Black, walnut
Price: $175

The Blade Deck is available for preorder as of this writing from Holme & Hadfield at the link below.

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The post Holme & Hadfield Launches the Blade Deck, Their Latest Display Case 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

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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.

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