The Best New Knives & EDC of May 2022

For more of the latest and greatest product releases, check out our full collection of the best new gear.

Thinking of everyday carry gear as seasonal might seem strange to some. After all, if you get a kit you like, there’s a good chance you will use it for years at a time. But sometimes a new release fills a niche you perhaps didn’t know you had. And some gear is better suited to particular times of year — like umbrellas for spring and sunglasses for summer. So yes, EDC can actually be and often is quite seasonal.

Take this roundup as an example. Sure, there are stalwart offerings you might tote from January through December. But many of these items are suited to the changing of the weather from gloomy and dark to warm and welcoming — lightweight tools, stylish new knives that look gorgeous in the spring sun and even a means of staying hydrated while out enjoying nature.

One thing that can’t be debated? This suite of new releases is worth your hard-earned money and a spot amongst the rest of your loadout.

The James Brand Kline

The James Brand

TJB is at it again, folks! Once again, the brand has outdone itself with this impending release, a USA-made workhorse knife boasting a 3.5-inch MagnaCut blade (the new darling material of the knifemaking world), a Slide-Lock mechanism and Micarta scales. You can sign up to be notified when it drops — and expect the accolades pour in once it does. This could be the best new knife of 2022.

CRKT Butte

CRKT

Lucas Burnley is a legend in both the knifemaking and everyday carry worlds, and the Butte is a glimpse into why. Available in two versions — the standard D2 steel and G10 edition and a highly-upgraded S35VN steel and shredded carbon fiber one — this unmistakably Burnley knife boasts Flavio Ikoma’s unbeatable IKBS ball-bearing system for buttery-smooth flipper deployment, a sturdy and unique Deadbolt lock and an EDC-friendly low-profile design.

Price: $125–$300

Sawyer Bottle Water Filtration System

Sawyer

Staying hydrated is a necessity whether you’re just commuting to and from work or you’re out on the trails. Either way, you’ll be better off with the Sawyer bottle system you see here. Rated for 100,000 gallons of water, this user-friendly 24-ounce bottle features an integrated filter that removes at least 99.9999 percent of all bacteria, protozoa, microplastics and more from just about any water source.

Price: $36

Victorinox Cadet Swiss Spirit 2022

Victorinox

This sweet little limited-edition multi-tool boasts 11 functions, including a blade, can opener, screwdriver and bottle opener. Actually, if you count the embossed images showcasing some of Switzerland’s most famous sights, including Grossmünster and the Federal Palace, you’ve got a dozen. The last being “conversation piece,” of course.

Price: $52

Helle Raud M

Courtesy

While Helle has been crafting gorgeous knives for 90 years, the Scandinavian brand has only been making folders for the past three. You wouldn’t guess it from this beauty, featuring a 2.71-inch drop point blade made of corrosion-resistant, edge-retaining Sandvik 12C27 Stainless Steel. A pretty 3.7-inch birchwood handle allows a firm four-finger grip, but if you crave a lower profile, Helle offers a smaller version as well.

Price: $149

Wren River Hawk

Bespoke

Bespoke Post’s private label team recently dropped this frisky USA-made folder featuring grippy G10 scales, a thumb stud for one-handed deployment and a 3-inch custom 440A modified stainless steel drop point blade that’s rust- and corrosion-resistant. Take it on your next fishing trip, and pray for half the success of the fierce bird of prey it is named for, the osprey.

Price: $55

Gerber Chonk

Gerber

GP’s love for Gerber’s humble Shard is well documented. The also aptly named Chonk offers many of the same capabilities — including small and large flathead drivers, wire cutter and bottle opener. But you also get more leverage in the pry bar, plus a nail puller, a pocket clip and, frankly, a bit more style.

Price: $25

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