Editor’s Note: Welcome to The Best New Knives and EDC, a monthly column surfacing the latest knives, tools and any other item worth carrying in your pocket.
Now we can officially proclaim the arrival of fall. It’s heralded by chilly weather, pumpkin spice everything and, of course, gear: fleeces, down jackets, flannels and beanies. On the cue of the autumnal equinox, brands recently revealed the newest versions of these items in droves. But not all product launches are tied to seasonal changes — pocket knives and EDC tools are a great example.
The companies and individuals that make these things work year-round, and large-scale manufacturers might reveal as many as 50 new knives and multi-tools spread out over all 12 months. So, there’s something new to check out every week, and while we make it our mission to keep you up to speed in regards to all the new knives and tools, we also know that you might’ve missed a few. That’s why we’re rounding up our findings here in one concise, easy-to-scroll article.
Recently, The James Brand made its second pen, Leatherman updated one of its classics, Victorinox made its first fixed blade and more.
Benchmade 496 Vector
The 496 Vector uses Benchmade’s Axis lock, which debuted in 1998 and consists of a simple yet incredibly secure sliding switch design. What is new, however, is the knife’s combination of a compound grind with CPM-20CV steel. It makes for a tactical blade — it’s 3.6 inches long — that hides in a more understated handle made of G10 with an aluminum bolster.
