This Ultra-Minimalist EDC Knife Is Deceptively Jam-Packed with Value

With a beefy complex blade and an equally formidable handle, this underdog cutting tool has plenty of bark and even more bite.

Deadman Design Co Elixir EDC Knives closeup

By Sean Tirman

Published June 4, 2025

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Updated June 5, 2025

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Let’s be honest: Kickstarter can be pretty hit or miss when it comes to everyday carry gear, including knives, especially for new makers. Still, every so often, a diamond in the rough emerges.

Such is the case with the Deadman Design Co. Elixir. Its name is more appropriate than you might think, as this surprisingly value-packed minimalist cutting tool could solve all your EDC knife woes.

Deadman Design Co Elixir EDC Knife in hand — With a chunky blade, ergonomic handle and minimalist styling, this knife is an EDC dreamboat.

Minimal styling, maximal features

As implied, this is Deadman Design Co.’s first-ever production knife. And if it’s any indication, the brand has a bright future. Of course, it doesn’t hurt that this cutting tool was crafted with the help of Reate, a much bigger and highly underrated brand. Still, the heart and soul come from Deadman.

It certainly doesn’t hurt that the materials and mechanisms are up to snuff with other knives in its class. The blade, for instance, is MagnaCut steel, probably the most popular super steel of the moment.

The handle is similarly outfitted. The scales are crafted from titanium, and the knife has a reliable old-standard frame lock. All signs point to this knife being sturdy, tough and ready for work.

It also reminds me of the designs of an iconic designer: Mick Strider. Specifically, the ratio of the Elixir’s chunky blade to the slimmer handle is similar to Strider’s work, although it still has a spirit all its own.

Deadman Design Co Elixir EDC Knife with other EDC gear on leather notebook on wood table — At 7.44 inches long, this knife is right in the sweet spot for most hands and EDC loadouts.

Quite the complex

One of my favorite parts of this knife is the blade. While the overall design seems pretty minimalistic, the blade is especially deceptive in its complexity — and I don’t just mean the grind (although that’s definitely a part of it).

The knife’s oversized thumb hole is positioned and shaped to make flicking the blade out quick and easy without compromising the blade’s overall strength. Furthermore, it jibes with the thumb ramp on the spine, allowing extra pressure to be exerted when necessary.

While the overall design seems pretty minimalistic, the blade is especially deceptive in its complexity

But let’s get back to the grind. The images throughout this article show that the blade is multifaceted, literally. That’s because it appears to have a flat (or maybe even convex grind) toward the tip, whereas the lower two-thirds are hollow.

This grants the tip strength while allowing the lower edge to come to a finer point, making the former better for tough piercing tasks and the latter ideal for slicing. Overall, it speaks to this knife’s exceptional versatility.

Whatever the case, I’m excited to see what Deadman cooks up next.

Deadman Design Co Elixir EDC Knife cutting a pickled egg — Can I offer you half an egg in this trying time?

Pricing and availability

The Deadman Design Co. Elixir EDC knife is currently funding on Kickstarter (with a little under a month left in the campaign). You can secure one for $305 (and up).