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Variety was the name of the game with this week’s EDC knife and multi-tool releases.
We rarely see reimagined folding knives from tactical giants, like Ka-Bar and Cold Steel, launch alongside multiple utility knives, including a pair of drops from Gerber. But here we are.
Of course, there were also some noteworthy EDC knife releases from a few reliable brands, including affordable folders from Tenable and Bestech, as well as a pair of stunners from Böker and Kansept.
Check them all out (and more) below.
Ka-Bar
Ka-Bar Dozier S35VN Folding Hunter
One of the brand’s most enduring designs, the Ka-Bar Dozier represents the pinnacle of value, meshing utility with affordability. However, now it has gotten a serious steel upgrade, vaulting it into the modern EDC conversation. While the knife still retains its hallmark features — a versatile drop-point blade, Zytel handle scales and a back lock — it now boasts S35VN steel.
Although not as alluring as the brand’s bladed tools, this Gerber keychain carabiner might actually be more useful for EDC. It boasts a handy three-chamber design — one solid ring, a second gated one, and the primary chamber — to keep your keychain gear organized and secure. It also boasts multi-tool functionality in the form of a package and bottle opener. Perhaps its most enticing feature, however, is its extremely low price.
Consistent with the brand’s beloved minimalist wallets, Ridge’s tiny folding knife offers surprising functionality beyond its streamlined form. Made of Sandvik 14C28N steel, the 1.6-inch drop-point blade deploys via nail nick, pivoting on smooth ceramic bearings, and stays in place thanks to a reliable slip-joint mechanism. Open, it measures 4.25 inches and closed, it measures 2.64 inches, enabling it to ride inconspicuously on your keychain until you need it.
Measuring just 3.0 inches by 1.1 inches, the TPT Slide is one of the most pocket-friendly utility knives on the market. Its also a feature-packed multi-tool boasting dozens of functions, including a bottle opener, numerous wrench sizes, drivers, a pry bar and so much more. Plus, now that it has an EZ Swap mechanism, its easier than ever to swap the replaceable blade.
With its 2.6-inch M390 steel blade and original G10, Micarta and wood handles, the Jens Anso-designed Cox was already a top-notch folder. However, this reissue represents a significant upgrade with regard to the handle scales, which are now titanium. The bronze-anodized hardware and clip add a bit of visual flair to the knife’s rough stonewashed finish, the frame lock is super reliable and — for better or worse depending on your geographic location — two-handed opening (via the nail nick) makes it 42a-compliant.
Cold Steel’s Recon 1 is one of the brand’s most time-tested tactical folding knives. Now, this fan-favorite has the honor of being the brand’s first-ever offering with MagnaCut steel — probably the most popular, best all-around performing super steel of the moment. The knife also still has its signature silhouette, its Atlas Lock (an ultra-strong back lock variant), G10 handle scales and more.
This fully loaded multi-tool already packs a whopping 19 functions, including multiple pliers, wire cutters and openers plus a 420HC combo knife, a saw, an awl, a hammer, a bit driver, box wrenches, a ferro rod, a diamond-coated sharpener and a safety whistle. Adding to the appeal of four eye-popping new colorways is Cerakote, an ultra-thin ceramic-based coating that improves wear resistance, abrasion resistance, corrosion resistance and chemical resistance.
Kershaw’s Bel-Air was already special, incorporating a trendy, ambidextrous crossbar lock with an equally trendy MagnaCut super steel blade. Now, that knife has gotten even more premium (and lightweight) with the addition of a marbled carbon fiber handle. Pair those features and materials with its KVT ball-bearing pivot system and reversible deep carry pocket clip, and you’ve got a really special, versatile EDC knife.
Created in collaboration with a renowned German firearms manufacturer, this knife boasts a number of features that carry over nicely to EDC use. Made of reliable D2 steel, the 3.6-inch spearpoint blade deploys via a single ambidextrous thumb stud and is held in place by a sturdy liner lock. The handle scales, meanwhile, are constructed of lightweight yet durable polypropylene with ergonomic finger recesses that enable a secure grip even when wet and/or you are wearing gloves.
Böker x Heckler & Koch SFP Tactical Folder All Black
This knife boasts many of the same compelling features as the core SFP Tactical Folder, with one notable difference: its black, 3.6-inch D2 steel spearpoint blade is partially serrated, equipping it to tackle sawing tasks. Like the core model, it deploys via a single ambidextrous thumb stud and is held in place by a sturdy liner lock. It also features an ergonomic handle made of lightweight yet durable polypropylene, making it grippy enough for reliable use in wet conditions and/or while wearing gloves.
Named after Dead Sober Design’s beloved canine companion, who was named after a mythical beast, the Tenable Gideon is made to evoke the style of dragons (yes, the fire-breathing flying reptiles). While its material textures and design cues certainly achieve that, they’re also solid, reliable options for a hard-working EDC knife. Across six configurations — including those with G10 and Micarta scales — this Nitro-V knife is ready to take on whatever EDC quest you task it with.
Despite its name, the Bestech Toddler is a full-sized, fully-featured EDC flipper. The brand’s first collaboration with Torbé Custom Knives, it measures 7.012 inches altogether with a 2.72-inch drop point blade. Interestingly, the knife’s fine point and up-angled cutting edge are reminiscent of utility or crafting cutting tools, granting it plenty of precision and overall versatility. It’s paired to a G10 handle with a liner lock and ceramic ball-bearing pivot.
Kansept tapped renowned designer Ray Laconico to update the Bowie knife, a frontiersman’s blade with a legend dating back nearly two centuries. Bringing his trademark minimalist style to the table, Laconico produced a fierce folder with a burly 4.25-inch clip-point blade made of tough, reliable S35VN steel. The 6.71-ounce beast also boasts multiple deployment methods (thumb studs and back flipper), a sturdy frame lock and eight different color treatments.
Gerber sneakily updated its legendary EAB (short for Exchange-a-Blade) utility knife in two ways, both of which are better and more affordable than the original. This version is the smallest and most affordable of the two. It includes a stout 4.2-inch stainless steel body with a topographical design, easy slider deployment, a simple blade exchange mechanism and a keychain attachment. It’s also compatible with all standard razor blades.
Gerber sneakily updated its legendary EAB (short for Exchange-a-Blade) utility knife in two ways, both of which are better and more affordable than the original. This version is the larger but slimmer of the two. It includes a slender 4.4-inch stainless steel body in silver or black, easy slider deployment (with a lock), a simple blade exchange mechanism and a lanyard attachment. It’s also compatible with all standard razor blades. Perhaps best of all, it has an integrated bottle opener.