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This story is part of our end-of-year series This Year in Gear, rounding up the most notable releases of 2023. For more stories like this, click here.
Many things changed in 2023, but one thing that remained the same was the knife and EDC world’s ability to churn out stunning and sharp masterpieces every month. Whether super steel appeared in a top-notch multi-tool, or some of our favorite pocket knives became customizable, the common theme was making good things even better, and raising the bar when it comes to what our tools can do.
You’ll see some tried-and-true brands on this list but also some lesser-known names. Innovation can happen at any level, from global brands to indie knifemakers in private studios. The following items stood out in a sea of sharp and pointy contenders.
The ARC is a dramatic reinterpretation of the brand’s classic multi-tool design, highlighted by the modified drop-point CPM-MagnaCut blade, the bit drivers, the diamond-coated file and a combination pry bar/bottle opener/flathead screwdriver.
The James Brand’s first back flipper mixes classic design cues with some new features for TJB — notably, the use of a button-lock flipper. Developed after years of ideating on a back flipper design, it’s “a knife aficionado’s kind of knife” — with the price point to match.
A threat to Benchmade’s iconic Bugout, the new USA-made Assert is pleasantly tactile, features a S30V plain edge blade and at 1.87 ounces, won’t weigh down your pocket (and it’ll stay put thanks to the deep-carry pocket clip). Other useful features include the adjustable thumb stud, ambidextrous pivot lock and single-handed operation.
This year brought us the ability to customize the little bro of Benchmade’s standout EDC folder. Beyond myriad colors and materials, you can upload images to truly make yours one of a kind — and deploy that 2.82-inch, S30V steel blade in style.
The features of this exceptional knife include a CPM-MagnaCut steel drop-point blade, Micarta scales, ambidextrous Slide-Lock, titanium pocket clip and more. If you want your very own USA-made workhorse knife, this is certainly a contender for the best currently available.
This funky folder features the same one-handed kinematic opening system as its talon-like predecessor — albeit with a D2 blade better suited to everyday tasks like opening boxes and slicing apples. It’s also the most haptically satisfying knife we’ve tried in years.
This full-tang bushcraft knife boasts a versatile, high-quality steel drop-point blade along with a grippy handle. It also has a spine and sheath made to help with starting fires — perfect for survival usage.
Editor’s note: The Venture Fixed Blade Knife is currently sold out, but you can sign up for restock notifications here.
Gerber finally took one of its most pocket-friendly multi-tools and turned it into an outdoor- and adventure-ready offering with the Armbar Scout, adding a saw blade, hammer tail cap, can opener and more.
The first CRKT collaboration with survivalist and custom knife maker Kaila Cumings, the Bugsy is a small fixed-blade knife with big capabilities thanks to its ergonomic Micarta handle and curved, full-tang 1095 carbon steel blade.
With its modular, magnetic functionality making it possible to create the exact configuration of functions you need on the fly, Windeler has been disrupting the EDC space since 2020 — and it’s cool tools are now much more widely available thanks to Huckberry.
This year, the incomparable Quintin Middleton launched a smaller version of the popular ONA folding chef’s knife on Kickstarter, and it quickly surpassed its funding goal. The 3.5-inch S35VN stainless steel blade looks great for cooking, camping, hunting and more.
Vosteed’s second collab with Rob Saniscalchi is inspired by Adam Haritan’s mushroom-loving YouTube channel. Forage-friendly highlights include a 2.99-inch N690 steel sheepsfoot blade, crossbar lock, dual pocket carry positions and ergonomic aluminum scales.
Case’s Modern EDC collection is a bold departure from its bevy of more traditional offerings. Available in four colors, this lively 4.5-ounce flipper boasts a lightweight anodized aluminum handle, 3.2-inch S35VN drop point blade, reversible pocket clip and liner lock.
With its reliable slicing and wine bottle-opening capabilities, the No.10 Corkscrew knife was already great for picnics. Now Opinel has taken it to the next level by adding a clever beer bottle opener to the end of the handle.
For the third time, WESN’s tiny, keychain-compatible frame lock folding knife has been redesigned — this time, with feedback taken from years of customer input. It now has a removable thumb stud, an improved pocket clip and a choil redesign.
This titanium treasure packs a surprising amount of functions into a typical keychain carabiner form factor: bottle opener, hex wrench, spoke wrench and hidden utility blade. An innovative spring design hooks easily on your belt loop, and it quick-releases your keys too.
This Kickstarter gem completely reimagines the utility knife concept with a casing that’s entirely free of screws. A study in minimalism, it’s composed of just three pieces total: a back, a top and a blade housing. Yet the mysterious way it deploys and retracts is truly a wonder to behold.
Leatherman
The James Brand
