The Best New Knives and EDC of March 2022

Gear up for spring with smart blades from Gerber, Leatherman, The James Brand and more.

gerber stake out, leatherman mr crunch, topo designs x james brand utility capsule Courtesy

Versatility. A fun word with a crucial meaning in 2022, when it seems like we are all seeking to do more with less.

It’s also the word that popped in our heads as we compiled this latest roundup of top-notch knives and EDC. Probably because so many of the ones jumping out to us were clearly built to do more than one thing, and do those things well.

Take a look below and you’ll see that from pocket knives to multitools to EDC carryalls, this gear is ready to go above and beyond. Perhaps, in the midst of truly fraught times, it will inspire you to do the same.

Gerber Stake Out

gerber stake outGerber

Yes, this soon-to-be-released getaway gadget features a 2.2-inch blade, a Ferro rod striker, a saw and a cool, carabiner-like clip. But it really lives up to its name thanks to that giant hook in the image above. When it’s time to break camp, swing that baby out and pull up stakes without even dirtying your fingernails.

Price: $55

True Dual Cutter

true dual cutterTrue

Here’s another cool tool that pretty clearly says what it does, teaming up a 2.6-inch fine-edge Tanto blade with a pair of spring-loaded, 1.5-inch micro-serrated scissors. The Tanto’s shape is great for piercing and chopping, while the serrations of the scissors translate to smooth, reliable cuts.

Price: $39.99

Leatherman Mr. Crunch

leatherman mr crunchLeatherman

The first tool out of Leatherman’s experimental new Garage recalls a feature that proved too costly and complex to produce in the ’70s: badass double-pliers that snap into place when deployed. That’s one of 21 functions, all swinging into action with one hand via the brand’s revolutionary, magnet-based FREE tech. Unfortunately, Mr. Crunch sold out in less than 24 hours, but you can sign up to be notified of the next Garage release — and cross your fingers this one returns.

Price: $199

Victorinox Swiss Tool MXBS

victorinox swiss tool mxbsVictorinox

This burnished steel, one-hand-operable multi-tool packs an impressive 26 functions, including a large blade, saw, five different screwdrivers and needle-nosed pliers. Does it look suspiciously like a Leatherman? Yes. But hey, if you’re gonna borrow, borrow from the best. (And unlike Mr. Crunch up there, this product is still available.)

Price: $210

Topo Designs x James Brand Utility Capsule

topo designs x james brand utility capsuleTopo Designs

Two of our favorite brands have teamed up again, and the results are not only elegantly utilitarian, but color coordinated. Topo’s Mini Shoulder Bag boasts durable X-Pac nylon, multiple pockets and hook and loop straps for attaching to a pack or bike rack. The very first thing to go in it? The James Brand’s rad Redstone, a 1.8-ounce slide-locking folder with a formidable 2.5-inch, partially serrated Sandvik 12C27 stainless-steel blade.

Price: $159

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Peak Design Small Wash Pouch

peak design small wash pouchPeak Design

The little bro of Peak’s hugely popular Wash Pouch is ideal for short trips — and not without some clever features of its own. Our favorites include a weatherproof 200D nylon DWR-impregnated shell, simple internal dividers that make for four unique storage spaces and a magnetically sealable toothbrush pocket.

Price: $49.99

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’73 Originals Every Day Carry Mini Sling Pack

’73 originals every day carry mini sling pack’73 Originals

Nothing to see here — just a handy, affordable sling pack perfect for festivals and other summer outings. The 915D Cordura fabric is tough and water-resistant, the strap has a quick-release buckle, and the pack itself boasts a drop-in sleeve plus 1.5 liters of space for your wallet, keys, phone and other small essentials.

Price: $30

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