The Best New Knives and EDC of October 2021

If there’s one month that is pretty inextricably linked with sharp metal objects, it’s October. We have be-masked cinematic icons Jason Voorhees and Michael Myers to thank for that.

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But whereas they often rely upon machetes and kitchen knives to do their stabby-stabby deeds, our favorite knife and EDC brands are leaning much less violent and more utilitarian of late.

And that’s awesome, because unless you are an unkillable horror movie villain, you’ll find much more joy in — and use for — a well-designed pocket knife, pry tool, shears or sharpening set. Like, for instance, the following recent releases.

— Additional contribution by Tyler Chin

WESN Samla

WESN Samla

WESN’s most streamlined knife to date is not one to be taken lightly. A Sweden-sourced Sandvik 14C28N stainless steel sheepsfoot blade makes this non-locking friction folder ideal for chopping up snacks while out on the trails. Lightweight titanium or wood scales round out the adventure-ready package.

Price: $115

Craighill Rook

Craighill

While Craighill already has an impressive selection of EDC such as its keyring and money clip, the frame-lock Rook is its first-ever non-collab folding knife. It features a drop point blade in S35VN steel, which easily opens with one hand thanks to its flipper mechanism. The stainless steel version ($105) is nice, but the tricolor option, which combines a half-steel, half-bronze handle with a black blade, really steals the show.

Price: $125

Urban EDC F5.5

Urban EDC Supply

Inspired by sailing, the first versions of the Jesper Voxnaes-designed F5.5 appeared over the summer. Now the knife is back in a new iteration: Bronze with an Anchor motif. It retains the sailing spirit in the subtle iconography — and the smooth functionality in the Elmax steel sheepsfoot blade with a blunt tip that makes emergency cuts safer. The fact that it’s gorgeous is just a bonus.

Price: $299

TRUE Tactical EDC Knife

TRUE

This new frame-lock folder from True packs value into quite a wallet-friendly package. The 3.25-inch drop point 8Cr13MoV stainless steel blade is corrosion-resistant and easy to sharpen, while the titanium-coated, stainless steel skeletonized frame includes a glass breaker and screw placements for both tip-up and tip-down clip-on carry.

Price: $34.99

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Gerber Gear Lockdown Pry

Gerber

Gerber’s latest release is a minimalist’s dream: tools include a fine-edge blade, a replaceable #11 blade, scissors, a file with a chisel edge, a bottle opener and a pry bar that pulls triple duty as a nail puller and flathead screwdriver. For those with less need to pry and love for the Phillips head, there’s also a Drive version, though it is currently out of stock.

Price: $51

Leatherman Raptor Response

Leatherman

These streamlined, folding shears are ready to cut the mustard — or fabric — at a moment’s notice. They feature micro-serrations to prevent slipping and binding of the material, plus a ring cutter, ruler, oxygen tank wrench, pocket clip and contoured, ceramic-coated grips. Of course, the folding feature makes them easy to run with stash till you need them, too.

Price: $69.95

Work Sharp Precision Adjust Elite

Work Sharp

Thanks to precise and repeatable edge angles and premium abrasives, Work Sharp’s original Precision Adjust Knife Sharpener was a big hit. Now the brand offers more, with seven abrasive grits and a carry case. Coarse 220, 320 and 400 grit diamond stones help re-profile blades, while 600 and 800 grit diamond stones refine and resharpen them, and fine ceramic and leather let you hone and strop sharp knives. Note: if you already own the original, your best bet is the new Upgrade Kit ($79.95), which essentially brings it up to the Elite level.

Price: $119.95

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