A cursory glance at the specs will tell you that Noc Knives’ minimalist MT-30 is a pretty exceptional knife. It boasts Böhler M390 steel for its clip point blade and a frame lock handle with titanium scales and varying material inlays. However, its superpower lies in its customization. Those scales are magnetically attached, meaning they’ll remain secure in use (and in your pocket) but they can be swapped at a moment’s notice. This might be the most easily customized knife we’ve ever seen.
Developed in collaboration with a German hunting outfitter, the frill-free MEK is a minimalist masterpiece. However, despite its pared-down appearance, it’s still very much a fully-featured knife, boasting things like a fuller deployment, back lock, reversible pocket clip and more. Perhaps the most impressive thing about this knife, however, is its price: under $70.
While Knafs has already achieved cult-hit status in the EDC world, there’s still a lot of ground left to cover for the brand. For instance, in winter of 2024, the brand bought its first CNC machine after years of research and learning. The Little Lulu fixed blade is the culmination of all that hard work, and it is exceptional. This ultra-discreet knife measures only 5.2 inches but feels more robust and sturdy than some knives twice its size. It boasts a MagnaCut super steel blade, Micarta handle scales and a Kydex sheath.
The James Brand The Barnes Arctic Storm + Stainless.
Since its launch in 2021, The Barnes has held steady as The James Brand’s flagship knife, thanks to its sterling combination of materials and construction, highlighted by a 3.5-inch Bohler M390 stainless steel blade and an integral frame lock CNC-machined from one solid billet of 6AL4V titanium. The addition of a Fatcarbon inlay only serves to make the knife even more dazzling. The Lithuanian brand’s key ingredient stands out here in a tempestuous black, grey and blue pattern that nonetheless retains TJB’s trademark class.
This edition of Cold Steel’s most iconic tactical folding knife is not for the faint of heart, as it measures a whopping 12.25 inches long (with a 5.25-inch blade). A reissue from 2018, this version sports the same G10 handle scales and rock-solid Tri-Ad lock as its smaller siblings. It also gets a PVC-coated XHP blade — a hard-working, high-carbon, high-chromium, corrosion-resistant alloy.
Based on designer Kevin Smock’s SK23, Spyderco’s Smock has proven to be one of the knife brand’s oddest and most sought-after EDC knives. Recently, a blacked-out version was launched, and it quickly sold out. Now, select retailers are set to launch the knife’s most unique edition yet, equipped with a Cru-Wear super-steel blade and raw aluminum handle, which will undoubtedly sell out even quicker. If you hope to get one, signing up for the email launch lists is highly recommended.
Gerber’s best pocket knife is so perfectly executed, it was a veritable shoo-in for the GP100 a couple of years ago. With a weight under 2 ounces, a crazy smooth crossbar lock and a 2.98-inch S30V steel blade, the USA-made folder instantly challenged the supremacy of Benchmade’s vaunted Bugout. Now, this higher-end Assert variant boasts a blade swap to MagnaCut super steel — so prized for its blend of edge retention, corrosion resistance and toughness — meaning Gerber’s best just got even better.
In collaboration with its local friends at Way of Knife, Michigan outfit WESN has given its two signature knives — the Allman and Microblade — a comic book-inspired redesign. Available in five distinct colors, these knives boast outlines and highlights that make them look cartoony. However, they retain their exceptional construction and materials, meaning this limited-edition styling comes entirely without sacrifice. Ka-Pow!
The crossbar-locking Bel-Air was already one of Kershaw’s more exciting recent knife releases. But now, it swaps its refinement for a bit more aggression with this tactical-inspired redux. Its handle is swapped for OD green Micarta — an exceptionally stable, durable material — and its Magna Cut blade gets a new, more piercing-friendly clip point shape. The blade and pocket clip also get a stonewashed finish.
Maniago, Italy-based LionSteel flashed this double-integral button-lock stunner at Blade Show last summer, subsequently launching it with MagnaCut steel and a variety of handles. Now it gets an even more luxurious treatment courtesy of a 3.15-inch Chad Nichols “scrambled” Damascus blade and a carbon fiber handle. Even more impressive than the look is the precision machining involved in getting the handle to synch perfectly with the titanium frame, as both are milled from blocks of their core material.
Case Limited Edition A.T. Diamond Case Trapper Knife
Case has built a limited-edition commemorative version of its trapper knife in celebration of the Appalachian Trail Conservancy’s 100th anniversary. With handle scales crafted from natural bone, a pair of blades made from Tru-Sharp surgical stainless steel and unique laser engraving, it’s a stunning take on an already historically significant cutting tool. However, only 250 will ever be made.
New West KnifeWorks Outfitter 2.0 MagnaCut Edition
This update to NWKW’s flagship hunting knife boasts three major improvements over its esteemed predecessor while adding only $20 to the price. The most notable is an upgrade of the blade steel from S35VN to MagnaCut, which delivers unparalleled toughness, edge retention and corrosion resistance. The handle, meanwhile, is made of alternating layers of rubber and G10 to boost grip, even when wet. Lastly, a house-made Kydex sheath offers eight different carry positions, making it easy to mount to a belt or any other convenient location.
Now in its third iteration, Vosteed’s Corgi continues to get better and better. This new version, the V 295, is a bigger option more in line with typical pocket knives. It also gets a beautiful machined aluminum handle and an S35VN blade, but it retains its excellent deployments and signature pivot-based Vanchor Lock. There’s also a more budget-friendly version with G10 handle scales and an N690 steel blade.
Despite having an all-titanium handle and a MagnaCut super steel blade, this remarkably frame lock flipper weighs a mind-blowing 1.6 ounces. Typically, that’s a lightness only achieved by knives with synthetic handles, like G10. However, Avian Knives has done it by skeletonizing this one’s titanium scales to the nth degree. Despite its lightness, it’s still incredibly strong and full-sized, measuring 7.72 inches with a 3.228-inch blade.