Not only is Kizer’s Begleiter 2.9 a versatile EDC knife, but it also boasts plenty of versatility in its configurations, offering a little something for everyone. While the silhouette remains the same shape and 7.03-inch length (with a 2.9-inch drop-point blade), it can be had with either S35VN, BD1N or Damascus steel. It’s also offered with Micarta or aluminum handle scales. And it is offered with either a button or a crossbar lock. The toughest thing about this knife, however, is picking which one you want.
That’s no moon…it’s Buck’s latest Buck of the Month launch. And for May, the brand has put out a properly sharp tribute to a galaxy far, far away with this Rebel-colored EDC blade. Of course, the “Galaxy-worn” Stormtrooper white blade and orange handle are much more than just lookers; they’re also high-quality and performance-focused. For instance, the blade is Cerakote-finished MagnaCut steel, making it an incredible all-around performer from its edge retention down to its corrosion resistance. And the aluminum handle is both durable and lightweight. Put plainly, this is much more than just a cheeky gimmick.
This sleek outdoor-oriented folder delivers everyday dependable capability without breaking the bank. Highlights include a 3.24-inch drop-point blade made of 440A stainless steel, deployable via thumb slot and pivot lock, plus ergonomic, textured handle scales made of light but tough glass-filled nylon (GFN). A lanyard slot, tip-up clip and weight of just 3.05 ounces make it easy to carry on a pack or in your pocket till you need it.
The Ellis was already The James Brand’s slenderest EDC knife. However, this ground-up revamp is even slimmer than ever, thanks largely to the redesigned pocket clip (the new one takes inspiration from another underrated EDC tool, the pen). Yet that’s only one of the components of this redesign. Like the Elko before it, this new version gets a sleeker, more ergonomic, grippier handle boasting aluminum scales, as well as a corrosion-resistant Sandvik steel blade, integrated driver and scraper tool, slip joint mechanism and more.
As far as Ka-Bar’s tactical knives go, there are a lot to love and choose from. This latest version might get a bit of an edge, however, as it’s a stylish reinterpretation of the brand’s beloved 1266 Modified Tanto. While it maintains the majority of what made the original great, like its 12.75-inch total length, 8.0-inch blade and 1095 Cro-Van steel blade (with a full tang), it also gets a new forest camo-pattern Kraton G handle.
The latest spinoff of prolific knife designer Lucas Burnley’s Japanese martial arts-inspired silhouette boasts a combo of size, price, looks and functionality that make it quite possibly the best yet. Highlights include a 2.76-inch spearpoint blade made of D2 steel, an ambidextrous thumb stud rendered in anodized orange, a smooth, reliable crossbar lock and a light but tough GFN (glass-filled nylon) handle.
Designed by David C. Andersen, a noted designer and mainstay over at KnifeCenter, the Bolero is actually a companion knife and follow-up to another dance-themed knife of his, the Tango. While the Tango is a fixie, the Bolero is a folder that actually has more in common stylistically and functionally with the CJRB Maximal, another Andersen design. Put plainly, this knife is an outstanding all-arounder with a wide, strong blade great for both long cuts and detail work, as well as an ergonomic handle and a solid crossbar lock. Unlike the Maximal, however, this one goes big on premium materials, like S30V steel and a handle made from either carbon fiber or titanium.
Böker’s tiny EDC knife differs from so many competitors in that it is a fixed blade rather than a folder. While the style isn’t for everyone, throw it in the included sheath, wear it around your neck with the included ball chain and 1.38 inches of sharpened, drop point-shaped D2 steel will be ready to pierce, cut and slice at literally a moment’s notice. Weighing just 1.34 ounces, the full-tang knife boasts light but tough G10 scales, ergonomically shaped with a grippy texture providing ample purchase to get the job done.
After launching just a few short weeks ago, the Vosteed Porcupine TiSlim has already ascended among the brand’s best all-time launches. This new edition only further solidifies that ascension by granting it a new handle style and higher-performance blade steel. While the handle is still titanium, it now gets a stonewashed finish and an almost moon-crater-like machining pattern. Similarly, the blade maintains the same size and shape, but gets upgraded to S90V steel.
Usually, EDC multi-tools sacrifice big features in favor of a small footprint. Then, there’s the Tacray Vinto, which packs a wallop and yet it can still easily fit on most folks’ keychains. This implement has a 10Cr15MoV steel blade and multi-functional attachment (with a bottle opener, driver, seatbelt cutter and more), both of which are secured with a button lock, and yet it measures just 2.6 inches when closed and has an integrated carabiner. It also just got a big bonus in the form of a titanium frame that makes it stronger and tougher than ever without adding any bulk.
The latest release from Artisan Cutlery’s budget-friendly spinoff combines two of CJRB’s most innovative pet projects into one super-handy EDC knife. The first is the brand’s proprietary Recoil Lock V2, basically a modified crossbar lock that offers an additional single-handed deployment/retraction option for the 3.25-inch, AR-RPM9 drop-point blade. The second is a glow-in-the-dark G10 handle, which simply makes the knife easier to spot at the bottom of crowded pack or after the sun sets.
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Kizer
Buck Knives
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