Tag Archives: EDC Multitool

Major EDC Multitool Brands Ranked Worst To Best

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I love the term EDC because it really describes the universal nature of the category. Short for EveryDayCarry, EDC includes everything you can’t live without. While for most people it’s their phone, spectacles, and AirPods… for the EDC community, it usually features tools that are integral to life and survival. These range broadly from knives for the outdoors as well as indoors, as well as multitools, camping equipment, stationery with a tactical touch (a pen that can also cut your seatbelt, perhaps), and even wallets that do a lot more than just storing cards and cash.

The beauty of EDC is that you might be able to get by without it, but having it on you just makes things a LOT easier. You don’t know when you’ll need a bottle opener or a screwdriver, but having one on hand can make a massive difference. To that end, all EDC tools focus on being carryable (that’s what the C stands for, after all). They do this by either fitting multiple tools into a small form factor, or by being foldable.

A good EDC focuses on the carry-ability, but doesn’t compromise on function. It uses the finest materials, the most interesting and reliable mechanisms, and prioritizes durability – because if there’s anything worse than NOT having your EDC on you, it’s having an EDC that fails or breaks right when you need it the most in an emergency or tactical scenario.

This list takes a look at some of the most noteworthy EDC brands, ranking them by variety, quality, performance, value, and overall consumer satisfaction.

15. UZI Knives

UZI Tactical Pen 4

Known for its rich history in the firearms industry, UZI‘s foray into the EDC market brings a robust, military-inspired aesthetic. The brand shines with its tactical pens, celebrated for their blend of practicality, reliability, and affordability. Made from durable materials like aircraft-grade aluminum, they perform in challenging conditions without compromising function. Beyond pens, UZI’s rugged watches, flashlights, and folding knives uphold their philosophy of durable, practical utility, making them a compelling choice for those seeking a reliable, utilitarian addition to their everyday carry.

14. Smith & Wesson

Smith & Wesson Karambit Folding Knife

Just like UZI, Smith & Wesson extends its presence from the firearms industry into the EDC market with a range of products that are reliable and offer an affordable alternative to enthusiasts looking to own their gear. Their products, especially knives and tactical tools, offer functionality and durability at an attractive price point, appealing to budget-conscious consumers. Whether it’s a compact folding knife or a versatile multi-tool, Smith & Wesson provides essential utility with a robust build, making them an appealing option for those seeking dependable everyday carry items without straining their budget.

13. Schrade

Schrade Torsion CLR Folder

Schrade‘s appeal lies in its fusion of durability and diversity. Originally founded in 1904 as the Schrade Cutlery Company, the brand now offers a wide array of knives and tools crafted from robust materials, designed to withstand daily wear and tear. Their product range extends from compact pocket knives to larger survival tools, each embodying Schrade’s commitment to practical, hard-wearing designs. For consumers seeking a balance of function and durability, Schrade provides a plethora of options tailored for everyday utility.

12. Kershaw

Kershaw Select Fire Multi-Tool

Kershaw is a trusted name in the EDC knife category, having been founded by Pete Kershaw in 1974. Eve though it’s now a subsidiary of the Kai Group – Japan’s premier blade producer – Kershaw still proudly manufactures all their EDC in Tualatin, Oregon, USA, combining innovation from its Japanese counterpart into its EDC offering. In 1988, Kershaw debuted their ‘assisted opening’ mechanism, which changed the industry landscape forever. EDC (pocket knives in particular) form a core part of the company’s broad offering, although you’ll also find outdoor gear and apparel on their website too.

11. Dango

Dango T01 Tactical Wallet

Dango dives into the EDC market with its strikingly unconventional designs and multifunctional products. Their unique line-up, especially their wallets/cardholders, blends industrial hardware with luxurious leather, showcasing a commitment to quality and innovation. The mix of functionality and style in their products caters to the modern consumer who seeks more than just traditional utility from their everyday carry. Originally founded as a Kickstarter project (one of the highest-funded ones in the EDC category no less), Dango’s evolved wonderfully into a company that prioritizes function, fashion, durability, modularity, and a consumer-first approach – no matter who the consumer is…

10. MetMo

MetMo Pocket Driver

MetMo, short for ‘Metal in Motion’, brings a novel approach to the EDC world. The brand thrives on the intersection of fascination and function, offering meticulously engineered items that invite hands-on interaction. Their flagship product, the ‘MetMo Driver‘, is a prime example of their commitment to creating meticulously engineered items. This hand-cranked driver with a satisfying bolt-action-inspired ratchet mechanism not only provides practical utility but also serves as a tactile, hands-on gadget that invites interaction. Made from high-quality metal, it is a testament to MetMo’s dedication to durability and innovative design. For those who appreciate a blend of utility, durability, and sensory satisfaction, MetMo offers a distinctive option in the EDC market.

9. Gerber

Gerber Stake Out Multi-Tool

A part of the Fiskars Group, Gerber has carved a notable place in the EDC market with a vast and versatile range of products. From compact multi-tools to robust knives, and even reusable outdoor cutlery, their offerings cater to a wide array of consumer needs. Built for durability and designed for functionality, Gerber’s products resonate with both occasional users and dedicated outdoor enthusiasts. Shown above is the Stake Out, Gerber’s handy 4.5-inch-long multitool that conceals 11 essential outdoor tools that help you forage and hunt, set up tents or shelters, start fires, and then crack open a bottle of your favorite beverage when you’re done.

8. SOG

SOG Trident AT Pocket Knife

SOG Specialty Knives was formed by Spencer and Gloria Frazer in 1986. The name SOG comes from the abbreviation for Studies and Observations Group, as a hat tip to the MACV-SOG Joint Operations unit which developed their own knife during the War in Vietnam. The company’s first-ever knife, the SOG Bowie, was designed as a modified replica of the same knife used in Vietnam. Other than the original military-inspired designs, SOG offers a diverse line of EDC gear designed to be reliable, functional, and robust. Their commitment to innovation is evident in their product range, spanning all sorts of outdoor, camping, workshop, and tactical gear… and the odd backpack series too.

7. Tekto

Tekto A2 Badger OTF Knife

Tekto caters to the modern EDC enthusiast with a range of products that balance form and function. Known for their strict focus on knives, the company’s offerings broadly branch into folding knives, and their popular automatic OTF (out-the-front) knives, better known as switchblades. All of Tekto’s automatic knives are made in the USA. While these knives are designed for and commonly used by law enforcement, military personnel, and first responders, their OTF knives make for a remarkable addition to any EDC-lover’s gear collection.

6. CRKT (Columbia River Knife & Tool)

CRKT Provoke Morphing Karambit Knife

CRKT prides itself on innovation and collaboration, working with a wide range of blade designers, veterans, and other knifemakers to release some of the most innovative, playful, and functional EDC designs out there. Their collection of knives and tools boasts an intriguing mix of design and functionality. Take the Provoke, for instance – this morphing karambit was designed by Joe Caswell and debuted on Kickstarter, before CRKT partnered with him to rebrand the knife and launch it on their website. The karambit works quite similarly to how panther claws would, and that all-black finish definitely enhances its appeal. CRKT’s other knives focus on indoor and outdoor use, with the company crafting a beautiful balance between rugged tools and classy, contemporary EDC.

5. WESN

WESN The Carabiner (Titanium)

WESN captures a unique market segment within the EDC community with its dedication to micro-sized, high-quality tools. Known for their compact and ultra-lightweight knives, WESN manages to balance the size without compromising on the build quality or functionality. Their offerings are a testament to precise craftsmanship and utilitarian design, making them a popular choice for minimalists who demand strength and durability from their EDC gear. WESN’s Allman and Microblade remain their most popular (and capable) blades, but our minds can’t forget The Carabiner (or CB for short), a single-piece carabiner crafted from solid titanium, with a unique flexible spring-like hinge detail and a lifetime warranty.

4. The James Brand

The James Brand – The Redstone

The James Brand brings a refreshing contemporary touch to the EDC landscape. Renowned for its minimalist designs, this brand elegantly balances aesthetics with function. Their collection, which includes sleek knives and versatile tools, caters to the modern consumer who values simplicity and style without compromising on utility. In a world filled with EveryDayCarry tools, the folks at The James Brand pride themselves in designing tools that you’ll WANT to carry every day. The company’s cultural impact on the modern EDC community is so vast, they even partnered with Supreme over a haute $78 box cutter. However, for die-hard knife fans, we recommend The Chapter, and The Redstone (shown above).

3. Leatherman

Leatherman P4 Multi-Tool Pliers & T2 Multi-Tool Pocket Knife

When it comes to multi-tools, Leatherman is almost a household name. While on holiday in Europe in 1975, Tim Leatherman and his wife Chau constantly came across leaky hotel plumbing and roadside fixes for their cranky Fiat. That experience led to a brainwave, sparking the birth of the plier-based multitool – an incredible category that Leatherman is credited with inventing. Based out of Portland, Oregon, the Leatherman company still champions this category as one of the most functional tools in their catalog, with offerings like the Leatherman Curl being one of their highest-selling pieces.

2. Benchmade

Benchmade Tanto Claymore Pocket Knife

The family-owned, American company Benchmade distinguishes itself in the EDC market with a well-earned reputation for premium knives.  Utilizing top-tier materials and advanced manufacturing, Benchmade’s products are celebrated for their durability, superior performance, and refined design. From tactical knives to elegant folding options, their offerings cater to diverse needs without compromising on quality. Each Benchmade knife is backed by the company’s LifeSharp® promise, which guarantees free blade sharpening for the lifetime of your knife’s blade. This consistent dedication to quality and service makes Benchmade a standout choice in the EDC landscape.

1. Victorinox

Victorinox Pioneer Multitool

Victorinox, the original Swiss Army Knife manufacturer, continues to stand at the pinnacle of the EDC world. With a solid reputation built on reliability, versatility, and a wide product range, Victorinox balances affordability with quality. Their Swiss Army Knives are iconic, but their other offerings, like kitchen knives and watches, also adhere to the highest standards. This combination of heritage, consistency, and range cements Victorinox’s position as a gold standard in the EDC community.

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This compact multitool fits on your keychain to help you get stuff done no time flat

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Life’s problems may sometimes seem complex, but sometimes, all it takes is the right tool for the right job to solve them. Unfortunately, most of us are caught unprepared to face these tasks, forcing us to fumble in our bags or pockets only to realize that we don’t have the correct tool at hand. After all, it’s nearly impossible to bring with you all the tools you could possibly need wherever you go, especially for those of us who have embraced minimalist lifestyles and compact everyday carries or EDCs. Fortunately, our world is also filled with ingenious and creative people who have come face-to-face with that same feeling of helplessness, people who designed this small wonder of a multitool that can solve more than 10 daily problems but is still small enough to actually fit into the pocket of your slimmest jeans.

Designer: Mike Scully

Click Here to Buy Now: $29 $39 ($10 off). Hurry, for a limited time only!

Ever found yourself at a loss when trying to open a package with no box cutter in sight? Or how about dying to drink that ice-cold drink but don’t have anything to open the bottle with? Every one of us has experienced the desire to have as many life-essential tools within our reach as possible, but no one wants to carry a toolbox with them everywhere. Even the so-called multitools are bulky and are sometimes even disallowed in some places, and they can’t even handle some of the basic needs we have to complete the task at hand.

The Lever Gear Edge XT was made precisely to solve this problem, providing an indispensable tool that you can keep in your pocket or even your keychain so that you’ll never be caught unprepared ever again. Despite its small size, this talented product provides 10 tools in one compact body. That includes a retractable utility blade, a quick box opener, a Phillips screwdriver, a bottle opener, a wire stripper, a flathead screwdriver, a prybar, a metric ruler, an inch ruler, and a hex bit holder. That pretty much covers every task you’ll ever face, from opening packages, cutting craft paper, fixing furniture, or popping a cold drink after a hard day’s work.

Quick and safe utility blade.

Changing blades is easy.

The Edge XT’s appeal doesn’t just come from its utility but also from its meticulous attention to detail. That blade, for example, is just a standard #11 craft blade, so you can easily remove and replace it as needed, especially to get through security checkpoints. And while that blade is super-easy to deploy and retract with just your thumb, a safety lock makes sure it stays safely in place and keeps you and your bag’s contents out of harm’s way.

With a durable 420HC stainless steel body, the Edge XT is also designed to last. Even the blade slider and lock are made from glass-reinforced nylon polymer to help them survive repeated use. And with a silver or black satin finish, the tool will look handsome in your hand or dangling from your keychain or bag. For a limited time, you can get the Edge XT for just $29 through the early bird special on Kickstarter. The Lever Gear Edge XT gives you a multi-functional workhorse to face life’s unexpected problems quickly, skillfully, and in style.

Click Here to Buy Now: $29 $39 ($10 off). Hurry, for a limited time only!

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A veteran designed this compact all-in-one multitool to be an incredibly versatile tactical EDC

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It looks like your average pocket knife, but the CRKT Septimo Multi-Tool cleverly gives you much more than just a flipper blade. Designed to be a combination of compact, ergonomic, and feature-rich, this handy little critter was named Septimo (Spanish for ‘seventh’) after the 7th Special Forces Group in which designer Jeremy Valdez served. Modeled after his vision of the ideal EDC multitool, the Septimo has a fold-out 2.86-inch long American Tanto blade with a liner-lock mechanism, a bottle opener, a flathead + Phillips head screwdriver, an adjustable wrench, and finally a glass-breaker tip for getting out of sticky situations. Finally, a pocket clip lets you carry your Septimo Multi-Tool around, keeping it always at arm’s length for practically every situation where you’ll need yourself a handy EDC.

Designer: Jeremy Valdez for CRKT

Click Here to Buy Now

The Septimo’s design isn’t arbitrary. It comes from a place of experience – the kind that Valdez wouldn’t wish on anyone. During a combat operation in Afghanistan in 2009, Valdez was involved in a helicopter crash. In the chaotic aftermath, he found his EDC folding knife of choice failing rather miserably at real-world applications that involved cutting straps/harnesses, prying apart fuselage, and moving debris to help extract his fellow soldiers from the blazing, mangled chopper wreckage. This single incident set him on a path to design the ideal tactical EDC that could be used by pretty much anyone. The Septimo Multi-Tool was crafted as a tribute to his fallen brothers and sisters in arms, with a design versatile enough to get you out of any mess. The high-friction grip and desert-proof oxide finish would also help the Septimo serve loyally even in extreme conditions.

With its tactical black aesthetic, the Septimo Multi-Tool measures 4.77 inches in length and weighs 4.4 ounces (124 grams), making it both compact and lightweight, yet cleverly versatile for all sorts of scenarios. The American Tanto blade comes with a dual-edge design that’s perfect for cutting and piercing, and a Veff™ serration located near the end of the blade provides a hooking point that’s perfect for cutting through paracords, seatbelts, etc. The 8Cr13MoV steel blade comes with the same black finish as the rest of the multitool, boasting an oxidized layer that acts as an anti-corrosive.

The rest of the tools are cleverly integrated into the Septimo’s handle. The handle itself is made from aluminum with glass-reinforced Nylon inlay plates for high grip and durability. The aluminum ‘chassis’ of the Septimo comes with a bottle-opener built into its profile, working also as a thumb-grip when you’re using the knife, and right beside it is a hexagonal slot for docking S2 bits to turn your Septimo into a screwdriver that docks flathead and Phillips Head bits.

By far the most innovative bit of this multitool is the tiny-yet-practical adjustable wrench built into the back of the handle. Armed with a moveable jaw that’s operated by a thumb-screw, this compact wrench is just as handy and useful as its larger sibling, but fits right in your pocket and works perfectly for smaller Hex bits, bolts, and nuts. The Septimo ends with a final flair by integrating a glass-breaker tip at the end of its handle, making it perfect for striking down on toughened glass to instantly shatter it for a quick getaway in an emergency.

Click Here to Buy Now

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This AirTag Holder is also a nifty, versatile 7-in-1 EDC multitool

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A multitool match made in heaven.

Most AirTag holders don’t make claims of also being able to hold your keys, open bottles, dock your smartphone, or maneuver hex bolts… the Atech Innovation AirTag Holder does. Crafted from solid stainless steel (with an ABS plastic enclosure for the AirTag), this nifty little multitool from Atech gives you seven features in its compact design. Shaped like a carabiner, the multitool has an enclosure that lets you dock a single AirTag, giving you a piece of EDC you can track easily using your Apple devices. A hole in the top lets you secure a keychain to your AirTag Holder, and cleverly oriented design details let you open screws and bottles, as well as use your AirTag Holder as a stand for your smartphone.

Click Here to Buy Now

The AirTag holder comes with a flat-ish design that’s stamped out of a sheet of stainless steel. A cutout lets you comfortably place your AirTag within the metal frame and two ABS plastic discs hold the tracking device in place without causing any interference in its signal. A built-in carabiner clip lets you fasten your AirTag Holder to pretty much anything, from your pant’s belt loop to your backpack, and a keychain hole lets you add keys to your multitool.

The AirTag Holder’s 7-in-1 design is a mixed bag of features, although the one you’re most likely to use (after the carabiner and keychain) is the bottle opener. Right below it also sits a rectangular slot that lets you prop your smartphone up, turning your multitool into a rather makeshift phone stand. You can’t really control what angle your phone will stand at, and it’ll depend mostly on how slim your smartphone is, and whether it has a case or not. The rectangular notch also works as a 12mm hex driver, while the AirTag Holder also comes with two more dedicated hex drivers (5.5mm and 1/4H).

The Atech Innovation AirTag Holder comes in black and white variants, and ships with a 1-year warranty (extendable to 3 years upon registration). While the AirTag Holder isn’t the most power-packed multitool we’ve featured on the site, its most obvious benefit is the fact that you can attach the world’s most advanced consumer-grade tracking device to it, so you never lose your multitool (or by extension, your keys). The Atech Innovation AirTag Holder doesn’t ship with an AirTag, just FYI. You’ll still have to buy one separately.

Click Here to Buy Now

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10-in-1 titanium multitool EDC includes everything from screwdrivers to stationery that can write forever

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I know the term ‘forever’ can get thrown around a little loosely while discussing EDC durability, but it’s precisely what designer EDC Monster had in mind while designing the Titanium Multi-Function Pry Bar. Crafted from Gr5 Titanium, this pocket-friendly tool is lightweight, versatile, and ridiculously durable. It sports 10 different tools that cover every scenario from fixing your bicycle to escaping your car, and from cracking open a bottle of beer to writing a letter… all of which encapsulate that ‘forever’ aspect, including the last bit, thanks to the fact that the Titanium Multi-Function Pry Bar comes with its own Forever Pen – a special metallic writing instrument that can write forever, without using ink or graphite.

Designer: EDC Monster

Click Here to Buy Now: $129 $169 (24% off) Limited Offer! Just 7 days left

While most multitools are designed for the outside, the Titanium Multi-Function Pry Bar has the unique distinction of having tools that can be used indoors and outdoors, and in casual settings or emergencies. The entire EDC measures just under 6 inches long and comes equipped with a pocket clip as well as a lanyard hole that lets you carry it around with you. Along the prybar’s length sit as many as 10 different tools, starting with the pry bar at the tip, with an American Tanto-style tip that isn’t sharp enough to accidentally cut you, but holds its edge rather well when used to whittle away at wood, pierce tough objects, or scrape away at rough items. That Gr5 titanium construction helps in this area, keeping the Pry Bar going even with rough and tough use… and if things get too intense, sitting right behind the pry bar is a bottle-opener detail that lets you crack open a cold bottle of beer or soda, depending on which way you lean.

On the opposite side of the tool lies a ratcheted screwdriver that lets you fit any standard S2 bit into it. The Pry Bar comes with two of its own bits magnetically tucked into its openable design, although you can just as easily replace them for any other S2 bit that you’re more likely to use. Find yourself working with electronics? Carry the smaller Phillips-head bits. Ardent bicyclist? Hex bits are your friend! Keep one flat-head screwdriver bit handy for most screw-tightening or loosening scenarios!

The ratcheted screwdriver lets you mount and use your bits with ease, allowing the ratchet mechanism to do most of the work for you, whether it’s tightening or loosening. To swap directions, just flip the Pry Bar over onto its other side and you’re good to go! Once you’re done, the bits tuck away neatly in their dedicated slots.

Each Pry Bar also comes with 4 slots for Tritium capsules that allow the multitool to glow in the dark. However, certain restrictions prevent the makers from shipping Tritium with the Pry Bar, although you can buy them separately and add them into the two slots on the front and back. EDC Monster will, nevertheless, ship the Pry Bar with luminous vials that can be charged under any regular light source.

The Pry Bar’s biggest highlight, however, is the Forever Pen that magnetically sits in its enclosure, and can be taken out to make notes, doodles, or sketches. The pen features a tip made from a special type of graphite that can oxidize on paper, leaving behind a mark that’s similar to the graphite on a pencil. However, unlike a pencil that loses its edge and needs to be sharpened periodically, the Forever Pen practically runs for an eternity, doesn’t need sharpening, and can replace hundreds of regular pencils. It works on most kinds of paper (although stone paper seems to display the best results) and will never accidentally leave marks on your clothes. The written notes are waterproof but erasable, while the pen itself is both water and fireproof, while also being resistant to damage, thanks to its compact design and titanium grip.

Each Titanium Multi-Function Pry Bar comes individually CNC-machined from Gr5 titanium and is designed to last for decades with minimal wear and tear on the metallic elements of its design. The entire multitool weighs a paltry 3 ounces (85 grams) with the S2 bits and Forever Pen included, and starts at $129 for super early bird backers on Kickstarter, with free global shipping beginning as early as March.

Click Here to Buy Now: $129 $169 (24% off) Limited Offer! Just 7 days left

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11 multi-tool Gerber Stake Out gets tent stake puller + everything desired in a compact EDC

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A multi-tool for all the adventure trips you embark on for unstoppable exploration and ease of doing things for any quick fixes. Gerber Stake Out is a handy everyday carry measuring just 4.5-inch in the closed position and a maximum of 6.6-inches when the knife is being used.

Outdoor activities for most of us are going to be the norm as springtime hits the calendar. Camping, hiking, Overlanding, and hardcore adventure trips to the mountains or outback being high on the list for outdoor junkies. No matter what the adventure is, a lightweight (weighing 3.32 ounces), compact and highly functional EDC is highly recommended for any such escapades. Gerber has impressed outdoor junkies with its everyday carry in the past few years, and now their Stake Out multi-tool is destined to do the same.

Designer: Gerber

The 0.75 inches thick camping multi-tool conceals 11 tools for any at-camp or on-trail tasks you throw its way. At the core the Stake Out multitool is ideal for setting up a camp, starting a fire, and ultimately cooking food in the wilderness. The pivotal tool is the 2.2-inch frame locking plain-edged Scandi grind blade which is accompanied by a bottle opener, awl, Ferro rod striker, saw, file, and a pair of scissors.

There’s a tent stake puller for packing and getting the gear ready after setting camp during the nighttime. This is a very useful tool for campers as they can pack up tent in a way quicker time than normal. So, in a way, this utility is the USP of this multitool without any question. Add to the mix a ruler and pop-out tweezers, and you’ve got an all-purpose multitool convenient enough to carry with you all the time.

The all-inclusive Gerber Stake Out EDC is soon going to be available in cool color options – silver, graphite, and bronze. For a price tag of $55, this everyday carry will indeed make its way to the backpack, belt loops, and pockets of countless people who like to explore the great outdoors.

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