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While they are, ultimately, kind of arbitrary, anniversaries can still be pretty cool, especially when they motivate brands to introduce celebratory drops of real quality.
Meanwhile, Buck launched a pair of stunningly upgraded classics, and Leatherman brought two striking new finishes to a first-responder essential.
Catch up on everything you might have missed below.
Ka-Bar
Ka Bar 125th Anniversary Knife
Ka-Bar’s USMC Fighting Knife is among the most iconic knives of all time, fixed-blade or otherwise. Now, a special edition of that knife (and a trio of others) has been launched to honor the brand’s monumental 125th anniversary. They’re all still crafted just as marvelously, boasting 1095 Cro-Van steel full-tang blades and leather handles, but they also get 125th anniversary graphics on the blade and sheath. There are versions for the USMC, Army and Navy, as well as a fourth non-military edition geared toward backcountry and survival use.
Leatherman Raptor Rescue (Violet/Rainbow and Violet/Rose Gold)
Thanks to its streamlined set of purpose-driven tools, Leatherman’s scissor sister is beloved by emergency professionals. Their admiration will likely only grow with two eye-popping new treatments celebrating International Nurses Day (May 12), Violet/Rainbow and Violet/Rose Gold. Meanwhile all the classic coveted features remain: substantial folding shears, a ring cutter, a strap cutter, an oxygen tank wrench, a carbide glass breaker and a 5cm ruler.
Four years ago, renowned knife designer Elijah Isham passed away. To honor his legacy and to keep his dream alive, We Knife has launched two new editions of his wild Arrakis integral folder. Named after the planet from Dune, this futuristic EDC folder has a lot going on, including a skeletonized one-piece titanium handle, either carbon fiber or titanium inlays and a Vanax super-steel blade.
Most jeans have a fifth pocket. There’s the two in the front, two in the back and a fifth small one inside the right front pocket, originally intended for pocket watches. Well, this Kizer knife is made to make use of that oft-forgotten pocket. And while it’s incredibly small, measuring just 5.33 inches when open, it’s also formidable, boasting a Böhler M390 super steel blade, carbon fiber handle, button lock and more.
Among the most iconic folding knives ever, Buck’s 110 Folding Hunter is a legend unto itself. However, it hasn’t always been entirely EDC-friendly. This latest configuration finally fixes that, offering a slimmer profile and a standard pocket clip. But that’s not the only update. This elite knife also upgrades its clip-point blade to MagnaCut steel, arguably the hottest blade material of the moment. And yet it still has the same signature silhouette, ebony scales, back lock and more.
Launched alongside the legendary 110 Slim Heritage Elite, an EDC-friendly version of the legendary Folding Hunter, this 112 might look beefier, but it’s actually already a more EDC-friendly size. While the 110 has a 3.75-inch blade, this one gets sized down to 3.0 inches, which is much more manageable. And yet, its thickness is increased, offering a more robust overall look. It also has the same ebony scales, brass bolsters, thin handle and pocket clip. Best of all, it’s a lot more affordable.
Technically classified as a doctor’s knife, the inspiration for its long blade and bolstered butt end, this fine-looking folder nonetheless goes down as a top-notch gentleman’s knife in my book. Highlights include a 3.38-inch sheepsfoot blade made of S90V super steel, handle scales made of carbon fiber, Kirinite, purple abalone or titanium (depending on the variant) and a frame lock on ceramic bearings with integral bolsters.
Prometheus Design Werx SPD X Strider SMF Tiger Stripe Mythosaur
Even in a galaxy far, far away, having a trusty pocket knife at your side can be invaluable. And you could do far worse than a Strider SMF, a tactical folder originally designed for the USMC. This version gets some pretty significant upgrades, including a titanium frame lock handle, MagnaCut blade and a camouflage laser-etched pattern that takes a whopping four hours per knife to apply. Just … don’t drop it into some brush, as the camo is so convincing you might never see it again.
GiantMouse resurrects a long-dead fan-favorite silhouette with a blacked-out treatment that suggests a phoenix rising from the ashes. The business end is multi-deploying 2.82-inch drop-point blade made of M390 super steel, complemented by a blacked-out titanium handle with a reversible steel pocket clip. Right in the middle you’ll find a sturdy frame lock and dual choils ensuring a steady four-fingered grip.
The latest edition of CRKT’s immensely popular tactical EDC knife combines a modern crossbar lock with a super-affordable price. The blade is an aggressively serrated 3.03-inch tanto made of budget-friendly yet reliable 8Cr14MoV, while the skeletonized glass-reinforced nylon scales echo the dozens of M16s that have popped up over the past 30 years.
This military-grade EDC flipper is identical to the tan version in every way but the hue, which in this case is blacked-out beauty. Highlights include a 3.03-inch 8Cr14MoV steel tanto blade (with fierce Veff Serrations), an super-smooth IKBS ball bearing, a crossbar lock, the nameplate’s trademark skeletonized glass-reinforced nylon scales and a weight of just 2.1 ounces.
Vero Engineering is a masterful brand when it comes to high-performance, minimalist EDC knives. And the Nova is among the brand’s best, most popular offerings. It’s also the brand’s first with “a large bellied, 3.65-inch drop point M390 steel blade.” Pair that with a titanium frame lock handle with a deep-carry pocket clip and minimal hardware, and that makes for a potent, impressive package.
Vosteed’s Psyop, a collaboration with TuffKnives, was already a fan-favorite for both brands. But this version really sets a new standard. Not only does it have the same killer silhouette, button lock, thumb hole deployment (and front flipper) and an Elmax super steel blade, but it also gets a trio of new Micarta handle scale options from Current Composites that are more refined and grippier. Best of all, each knife is unique; no two patterns are the same.
Now managing editor, Steve has served in a variety of roles with GP since 2019. Having previously written and edited for such publications as Men’s Health, Men’s Journal, Esquire and ESPN, he enjoys covering a range of topics — but mostly those pertaining to cycling, snow sports, pocket knives and motos — and dreams of a utopian world in which everyone’s bike seat is at the proper height.
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