One of GiantMouse’s Classic EDC Knives Gets a Stealthy, Show-Stopping Reissue

This sleek knife draws inspiration from the same trendsetting, now-defunct brand that inspired REO Speedwagon. Yes, really.

Close-up of a black folding knife with a textured carbon fiber handle and a gold-accented pivot screw.

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By Sean Tirman

Published January 6, 2026

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Based in Lansing, Michigan, REO Motor Car Company was a trailblazing automotive brand, founded by the same fellow behind Oldsmobile. While the brand is long defunct, operating from 1905 to 1975, it remains a storied and beloved outfit to those in the know.

In fact, it was this very company that inspired the band REO Speedwagon. It also inspired Jesper Voxnaes and Jens Ansø to create the GiantMouse ACE REO EDC knife, which just received arguably its most stunning makeover yet.

Black folding knife with textured handle and gold pivot detail on a black and camo fabric surface. — Black and brass is a color combination that’s as striking as it is timeless.

A cut above

There’s a lot to be said about the ACE REO knife. Its design is sleek; the lines are outstanding; and it has that certain je ne sais quoi factor that helps it stand out even amongst its peers.

Thankfully, virtually all of that remains intact with this new Black & Brass edition. It retains its slender 3.325-inch drop point blade, offering a ton of cutting versatility, and its overall 7.94-inch silhouette.

That blade, by the way, is crafted from MagnaCut steel, as it was in the original versions of this knife. That said, this one gets a black stonewashed finish that helps set it apart (especially when paired with the other changes).

Black folding knife with a textured handle and gold pivot, resting on a black carabiner and dark fabric with "Mystery Ranch" label. — The integrated frame lock is a classic, highly reliable and incredibly sturdy mechanism.

It also maintains its signature “diamond plate” handle milling pattern, which offers some industrial flair, as well as some additional grip it wouldn’t otherwise have.

Other returning features include an integrated frame lock, ambidextrous thumb hole deployment and reversible wire pocket clip.

Black folding knife with textured handle and gold pivot, partially open on a black fabric surface with a blue carabiner nearby. — The brass is found exclusively around the pivot collar and lanyard hole, keeping it subtle while remaining eye-catching.

Similar, yet different

If there weren’t some alterations, this new knife wouldn’t be, well, new. Of course, this might be stating the obvious, as anyone who looks at it can see precisely what’s new about it (at least a little bit).

The striking colorway of this ACE REO is wholly novel. Along with the aforementioned black stonewashed blade, the diamond-patterned handle is also blacked out.

Black textured folding knife with bronze pivot and two black carabiners on black fabric. — The knife’s signature “diamond plate” milling pattern makes a comeback in this edition.

But it isn’t without a pop of color. The pivot collar and backspacer (which houses a lanyard hole) are both done in brass. The combination is classic, eye-catching and yet understated.

It’s also worth mentioning that the handle scales are crafted from PVD-coated titanium. So, along with looking stealthy, they’re also lightweight and extremely durable.

Folded black textured pocket knife with a brass pivot on a camo fabric next to black and purple carabiners. — The wire pocket clip is reversible for either left- or right-pocket carry.

Coming soon

The GiantMouse ACE REO Black & Brass drops January 13th, 2026, at 12 PM EST for $315 apiece. If the brand’s other launches are any indication, this one will sell out extremely quickly, so keep your wallet close at hand.

Black folding knife with textured handle and gold accent near the pivot on a white background.

GiantMouse ACE REO Black & Brass

$315 at GiantMouse

About the Author: Sean Tirman is an associate editor at Gear Patrol who specializes in EDC, cannabis and outdoor gear.

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