The Best New Knives & EDC of October 2022

We don’t know about you, but we’ve spent at least the past couple years opening our minds to new ways of thinking. That trend extends even to our view of knives and EDC. Whereas in the past, it was hard for us to get past pocket knives and multi-tools, we now recognize that the category can be much, much broader.

To see what we mean, look no further than this roundup. Sure, there are a couple of excellent folders and a blade sharpener from a legendary multi-tool brand, but there’s also a flask, a collection of compact hangout gear, a keyring and a bifold wallet. One thing hasn’t changed from days of yore however: it’s all top-notch stuff that’s worthy of consideration for your daily kit.

Gerber Savvy – Carbon Fiber

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Introduced in the spring, the Savvy was immediately a model of backcountry-ready efficiency and functionality, but an improved, 3.5-inch 20CV steel wharncliffe blade and carbon fiber scales really take things up a notch. The pivot lock mechanism with anti-rotation washers still enables frictionless, ambidextrous one-handed deployment, and while the handle swap does add $50 to the price, it also drops the weight to a lean, mean 2.4 ounces.

Price: $250

Benchmade Mini Crooked River (Etched Editions)

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The Mini Crooked River isn’t a new silhouette for the veteran EDC brand, but these new editions boast stellar hunting-inspired etchings — your choice of a pheasant, mallard, whitetail deer or bull elk — on CPM-S30V steel blades that continue onto the bolsters. They also feature unique stabilized wood handles and the same high-quality materials and features we’ve come to expect from Benchmade — including that rock-solid AXIS locking mechanism we love so much.

Price: $400

Leatherman Blade Sharpener

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While not expressly a knife-making brand, Leatherman has proven it knows a thing or two about blades. This two-stage device — which includes a carbide sharpener and ceramic honing slot — will give your blades a razor’s edge. It even has an integrated, low-profile diamond-coated sharpening rod, so you can maintain your serrated knives just as well as your plain edge ones. The brand has also released a larger kit for more comprehensive cleaning and maintenance.

Price: $14.95

VSSL Insulated Flask

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Partnering with Speaqua Sound Co., VSSL has integrated a durable, weatherproof speaker into its endcap. The speaker boasts five hours of battery life and can be paired with another unit for stereo sound. The double-walled, stainless-steel flask itself offers two drinking methods — via flask spout or fully opened lid — plus a built-in magnetic carabiner for easy carry. Just launched on Kickstarter today, this clever hybrid feels like a lock to hit its funding goal.

Volcom x Matador Collection

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This collaboration between the Costa Mesa, California-based boardsports brand and the Boulder, Colorado-based travel company brings fresh, camouflage- and tie-dye-inspired looks to five handy products: a backpack, hip pack, towel, poncho and pocket blanket. Stylish, functional and super-packable — even the poncho and towel are no bigger than a burrito — they’re beyond ready for your next bike ride, park hang or surf session.

Price: $34.99+

Orbitkey Ring v2

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The oft-overlooked keyring keeps some of your most precious possessions (yes, your keys) in easy reach, but can it manage that job better? Orbitkey thinks so, which is why the brand has reimagined it as the Ring v2. This ingenious little device takes up the same space as a regular keyring but has a user-friendly proprietary locking mechanism that’s super secure. Available in four finishes, it will ensure you never go back to those old finger-jamming keyrings again.

Price: $16.90

WESN Forsta

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It’s a brave new world for the folks at WESN, as the brand has just released its very first wallet — and done so in spectacular fashion. Crafted from a single piece of Swedish vegetable-tanned leather, this 16-card bifold sticks with what works and ditches what doesn’t, resulting in a gorgeous, minimalist masterpiece of a cash-and-card carrier that stays slim no matter how jam-packed it is. If you’re dead-set on rocking a bifold wallet, do yourself a favor and make it this one.

Price: $80

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