The Best New Knives & EDC of July 2022

Something pretty special happened 125 years ago. That’s when Swiss cutler, inventor and entrepreneur Karl Elsener perfected his design of the Swiss Army Knife. We know this because Victorinox recently rolled out a special replica pocket knife to mark the occasion.

It says something about the magic of Elsener’s craftsmanship that this multi-tool — featuring multiple blades, a corkscrew, can opener, screwdriver and more — can be revived and introduced rather seamlessly into one’s modern EDC lineup.

We’ll just have to wait and see if the rest of the standout products below are worth bringing back in, oh, 2147.

SOG Ultra XR XHP Blackout

SOG

If traveling light is a priority, you’ll want to check out the latest edition of SOG’s Ultra XR, now available with a beautiful blackout finish. The carbon fiber handle is the key ingredient in keeping this pocket knife’s weight at a feathery 1.2 ounces. The CTS-XHP Stainless Steel blade, complete with an ambidextrous single-handed opening mechanism, ensure it’s sharp and smooth too.

Price: $154.95

Opinel 2022 Tour de France No.08 Folding Knives

Opinel

As the world’s most famous bike race gets rolling, we aren’t surprised that a French brand is celebrating with a special release — two, in fact. The Les Maillots edition of the No.08 features the colors and patterns of the tour’s iconic leader jerseys. That one sold out fast but you can still get Landmarks, featuring the Arc de Triomphe and Mont Ventoux, paired with graphics evoking water, rain and mist.

Price: $29

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WESN x Pioneer Microblade & Global Pouch

WESN

WESN

It’s not often two EDC brands as impactful as WESN and Pioneer come together for a collaboration, but the results are almost always magnificent. That’s true for this take on the Microblade, which benefits from a steel upgrade to S35vn (from D2) and a uniquely milled titanium handle boasting Pioneer’s signature hatch pattern. The whole thing is topped off with a carry pouch made from Pioneer’s proprietary 10XD fabric, one of the strongest synthetics on the planet.

Price: $170

Victorinox Replica 1897 Limited Edition

KnifeCenter

Remember that story we told up top? Here’s the actual product, dubbed the Replica 1897 Limited Edition. Victorinox will produce just 9,999 pieces, all featuring their own sequential numbering and the year 1897 — along with classic wooden handles, six functions, a time capsule-style plastic case and its own presentation box. Considering the cost, it is certainly something you’ll want to show off.

Price: $500

Orbitkey Star Wars Collection

Orbitkey

Every time a new Star Wars show, movie or game comes out, tons of brands drop gear inspired by the release — mostly with moderate-to-low success when it comes to stylishness and subtlety. That’s not the case, thankfully, for Orbitkey’s Darth Vader and Obi-Wan key organizers. Released to celebrate the Kenobi limited series, these understated organizers are made from high-end leather, carry 2-7 keys, come equipped with an award-winning locking mechanism and look out of this world.

Price: $44.90+

Tactile Turn Ultem Bolt Action Pen

Courtesy

Tactile Turn is well known in the everyday carry world for its exceptional, durable, reliable pens. While this Blade HQ exclusive offering sticks to those tenets, it’s also been done up in a unique semi-transparent amber colorway, lending it a bit more style that’s sure to please Jurassic Park fans. It’s also compatible with Schmidt EastFlow 9000 medium refill cartridges, has a buttery-smooth deployment mechanism and is available in a larger size, as well.

Price: $99

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