Tag Archives: pocket knife

This Grade 5 Titanium Knife Hides Two Extra Backup Blades for Unmatched Versatility

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I love it when an EDC knife goes beyond the standard template to throw in a few surprises. Whether it’s hiding a glass-breaker into its design or having a unique opening/closing mechanism, knives that don’t necessarily follow all the rules are a breath of fresh air. Take a look at the Ezsharp Titanium Knife and chances are it’ll look like just another ordinary knife with a scalpel blade mounted on the front. However, hit a switch on the handle and a cartridge pops out, revealing two MORE backup blades.

It isn’t often that you see a knife with extra blades hidden away in a secret chamber in the knife’s handle, but the Ezsharp does just that. Designed to be dangerously sharp, ruthlessly efficient, and relentless, the knife packs one main blade for cutting, slicing, shopping, or whittling… but just in case that blade isn’t enough to get the job done, you’ve got two more blades ready to be locked and loaded. Pretty cool, no?!

Designer: Backing Tech

Click Here to Buy Now: $79 $120 (34% Off) Hurry! Only 39 units left.

At the heart of Ezsharp’s appeal is its blade—a surgical-grade scalpel capable of extraordinary precision. Whether you’re slicing through paper, fabric, or plastic, the knife performs with the accuracy of a craftsman’s tool. The compatibility with various scalpel blades (#10, #11, #12, and #15) adds versatility, allowing you to tailor the knife to the task at hand. And when the blade loses its edge, there’s no need for sharpening like you’d have to with most pocket knives. Just swap out the old blade with a new one from the built-in slot housing spare blades—a feature as practical as it is innovative.

The body of the knife comes machined from Grade 5 titanium, which is in itself a mark of good, durable EDC. This is a material chosen for its unique combination of strength and lightness. Weighing only 45 grams and measuring 3.15 inches, it feels feather-light in your pocket but doesn’t compromise on robustness. Titanium’s corrosion resistance and germproof properties mean this knife is built to last, no matter where life takes you. The CNC-machined design ensures a flawless finish, making the knife as much a statement piece as it is a utility tool. Its bead-blast grey finish exudes understated elegance, while its ergonomic contours provide a steady, comfortable grip for prolonged use.

Opening the Ezsharp is seamless and should come naturally to anyone who’s wielded a folding blade before. There’s a flipper that helps you quickly deploy the knife, alternatively, a finger groove in the handle lets you get your nail in and open the blade out – just like your standard Swiss Army knife. A sturdy frame lock ensures it stays securely in place during use, offering the confidence of a heavy-duty tool in a sleek, compact package. Even closing the knife is hassle-free; a gentle push of the locking bar lets you fold it away with ease.

The Ezsharp ditches the regular blade for a standard Scalpel blade and with good reason. Scalpel blades are notoriously sharp, are readily available, are extremely cheap, and come in a variety of shapes for different activities. Mount a scalpel blade on the Ezsharp and it’s a formidable cutting tool, capable of doing everything from opening boxes to whittling wood to even slashing through seatbelts and paracord. Scalpel blades come in a variety of designs, which means you can choose a profile/shape that suits your needs the best. As far as sharpness goes, they’re all dangerously capable, and are medical grade, which means you can use the knife for hunting and cooking too.

Instead of worrying about sharpening your dull blade, Ezsharp sidesteps that laborious process by allowing you to simply swap out an old blade for a new one. A simple press of a resilient tab unlocks the blade for swift removal or installation. No risk to your fingers, no frustration—just smooth, effortless efficiency. It’s easy, and actually reduces waste by allowing you to swap out just the thin blade rather than ditch an old knife for a new one (let’s face it, not everyone sits and sharpens their knife). The replaceable blade is also great for travel, but more on that later.

The Ezsharp’s most impressive feature remains the hidden slot to store extra blades. Discreetly integrated into the handle, it can store up to two additional blades, secured with powerful magnets. A simple button press releases the slot for quick access. This thoughtful addition ensures you’re always prepared, whether you’re tackling a creative project, embarking on an outdoor adventure, or simply handling day-to-day tasks. You can store the same blade type or diversify by keeping different blade designs which you can then interchange depending on what blade profile you need.

The detachable blade makes the Ezsharp perfect for travel too. Just ditch the blades and the knife is TSA-friendly and flight-ready. The blades can be stored separately in your check-in luggage (or bought at any hardware/medical store), making just the handle perfectly safe for any kind of travel. Carrying the knife around is fairly simple too, thanks to a pocket clip for traditional carrying, or a lanyard hole for strapping the Ezsharp to your backpack or even around your keychain.

Beyond its practical features, Ezsharp embraces design as an art form. Its titanium body offers opportunities for stunning finishes, from anodized colors to laser-engraved patterns. The exclusive Adventurer’s Edition, available only to Kickstarter backers, takes this artistry to the next level with unique textures and iridescent effects.

The Ezsharp starts at $79, which includes the titanium knife along with ten scalpel blades (#11 design). The colorful Adventurer edition starts at $86, if the idea of simple microtextured titanium doesn’t excite you. Although there’s no official warranty on the Ezsharp, its titanium construction should be more than capable of lasting decades with regular use. Just keep changing the blades and your Ezsharp should be as good as new every single time!

Click Here to Buy Now: $79 $120 (34% Off) Hurry! Only 39 units left.

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This Pocket Knife with a Vertical Sliding Blade is Breaking the Internet

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Designed merely as a prototype for TikTok, the Sliding Knife by Midgards Messer seems to have broken the EDC world by proposing something that’s equal parts ridiculous and intriguing. You see, when someone says “sliding knife”, chances are, you think of a switchblade or an OTF knife. What Midgards Messer’s knife does is something vastly more interesting. It’s your regular folding knife, but instead of having a standard pivot mechanism, it has a pivot-and-slide system. Open the blade out, and before you use it, slide it down to lock it in place. Why is it interesting, you ask? Well, it helps the knife achieve the power of a much bigger blade, while still being fairly tiny. Let me explain…

Designer: Midgards Messer

A big blade is usually better for heavy-duty tasks. It’s bulkier, adds more weight, and holds its shape without warping or bending. Think of an axe blade versus a sword – one of them is clearly surviving being used against a tree bark, right? Well, the bad thing with bigger blades is that they aren’t really portable. Try to incorporate a big blade into a small pocket knife isn’t easy. Making the blade big means the handle needs to fit the folding blade too – and a thicker handle isn’t easy to grip.

So the folks at Midgards Messer came up with a pretty cool-looking workaround. Keep the blade big and the handle small, but incorporate a sliding mechanism that allows the blade and handle’s spine to align while in use. The blade’s edge sits inside the handle when shut, with the rest of the blade peeking out. Open the blade and you notice that it sits at an offset, with the jimping being a little higher than expected. Push the blade down and it locks in place, creating the aesthetic of a fixed-blade knife with a larger, heavier front, while still being foldable and portable.

Although having a pivoting AND sliding mechanism isn’t ideal, this knife isn’t meant to be hyper-practical. It’s designed as a proof-of-concept and a prototype for a unique format that can be refined further. As far as this ‘Sliding Knife’ prototype goes, it’s fairly mid-sized, which means you’ve got an easy-to-grip handle (made presumably from metal), while the blade itself has a drop-point design that’s a lot ‘taller’ than your average folding knife. This makes it perfect for cutting, slicing, and piercing, but also holds up well to more heavy, sustained use.

Midgards Messer made this as a one-off prototype (which promptly sold out instantly on their website), but is open to taking reservations for future models it manufactures. The Sliding Knife starts at $349, which is pretty reasonable for something this game-changing, and even though I don’t recommend it as an everyday-use tool, it definitely belongs in the EDC collector showcase!

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The Tactical EDC Knife That’s Also a Fidget Toy: Meet the HK2024 Eggplant

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I have a special affinity for folding knifes – they’re compact, safe when shut (by design), and can sometimes be extremely fun to deploy. However, once in a while I come across a fixed-blade knife that feels like it has the spirit of a folding knife. Meet the Harnds HK2024 Eggplant (or just Eggplant) – it’s compact, capable, and charming. Designed to be a full-tang knife with a neat sheepsfoot blade, the Eggplant may just seem like your regular knife if you’re just reading this text without looking at the images. Take a look at the knife, however, and you notice its most obvious design detail – a hole running right through the center of the knife. Wide enough to slip your finger right through, the Eggplant knife gives you a sense of reliability when in use – but when you’re not wielding its sharp blade, the knife doubles as a fidget toy, allowing you to spin it around for fun. Eventually, your hands and eyes fall in love with the Eggplant knife, making it a staple part of your EDC collection.

Designer: HARNDS

Click Here to Buy Now: $40 $49 (18% off) Hurry! Limited units at discounted price.

The mark of a good EDC isn’t just something that’s good-looking or functional, it’s EDC your hands can’t get enough of. Whether it’s playing with a wallet that fans your cards out, rotating your keys on your index finger, or playing with a switchblade or butterfly knife – the tactile experience of EDC plays a pretty important role in ensuring your mind falls in love with its design. That’s what the HK2024 Eggplant knife does with its ‘hole-punch’ design. It’s a knife you’ll absent-mindedly always want to have in your hand even when you’re not using it, and that’s really what subconsciously makes it such a handy little devil. The entire knife measures a mere 5.3 inches, with the blade clocking in at a compact 2-3 inches. The rest of the Eggplant is fairly grippy and ergonomic in hand (a sentence I never thought I’d say professionally), and its ambidextrous handle makes it perfect for both left and right-handed use.

The HK2024 comes in two variants: the D2 steel with a G10 handle and the N690 steel with a carbon fiber handle. The D2 version has the feel of a workhorse—ready to handle tasks from the mundane to the unexpected. D2 steel is a high-carbon, high-chromium material known for its excellent edge retention and durability, ideal for those who value a knife that can keep its sharpness through rough use. Pair this with a G10 sheath, and you’ve got a setup that’s built for those who expect their gear to take a beating. G10 is a composite material, strong yet lightweight, with a textured surface that ensures a solid grip, even when your hands are wet or the conditions get rough. The result is a knife that feels secure in hand, whether you’re cutting rope, working wood, or slicing through a particularly stubborn clamshell package.

The HK2024 Eggplant D2 Steel Variant

The HK2024 Eggplant N690 Steel Variant

Then there’s the N690 variant, which feels like the more refined cousin in this lineup. N690 stainless steel is prized for its superior corrosion resistance and sharpness, making it a great choice for environments where moisture or humidity might be a concern—think coastal hikes or rainy-day urban adventures. The carbon fiber handle adds an extra layer of finesse, offering the same lightweight durability but with a touch of elegance that makes it feel like something special. The carbon fiber sheath keeps the whole package sleek and minimal, reducing weight without sacrificing strength.

Both versions keep the blade length at 2.36 inches, with an overall length of 5.35 inches. This size strikes a sweet spot—it’s compact enough to carry comfortably but long enough to handle a range of cutting tasks. Weighing just over two ounces, they’re light enough that you’ll forget it’s there until you need it. The blade’s sheepsfoot design offers just the right amount of cutting surface for detailed work, like carving, slicing, or opening packages. The curved belly makes it good for rocking back and forth too – an essential for chopping herbs or mincing aromats.

Full-tang construction means the blade and handle are a single piece of metal, making the knife sturdier than those that rely on separate parts. There’s also jimping on the spine for better thumb control during precise cuts, and lightening holes in the design to trim down the weight. These are the kinds of features that seem small but make a big difference in use.

A fixed blade almost always needs a good sheath if you need to carry it around – and the Eggplant does come with one, made from either G10 or carbon fiber depending on whether you buy the D2 or N690 steel variant. The knife snaps into the sheath, and can be ejected with a click sound that adds that wee bit of audio feedback that feels really satisfying. The hole in the center of the knife makes un-sheathing rather simple, giving you a fairly good grasp as you tug the knife out of its ‘holster’ of sorts. With clips made from 420J2 stainless steel, you can attach the knife + sheath to your belt, bag, or even keep it in a pocket. There’s also a lanyard hole, letting you wear it around your neck or attach it to other gear. These options matter, especially when you’re out on a trail or need to access your knife quickly. It’s all about making the tool fit into your routine, not the other way around.

The D2 model offers finishes like black titanium stonewash or satin, while the N690 variant comes with a sleek satin look. These finishes aren’t just for show; they add a layer of protection to the steel, helping it withstand the scratches and scuffs that come with regular use. It’s the kind of detail that keeps the knife looking good even after months of carry.

The HK2024 Eggplant doesn’t try to overcomplicate things. It’s a knife that gets the basics right and adds just enough of a fun fidget-style interaction that your hands will intuitively and instantly get used to. Combine that with the knife’s solid build, its versatile blade, and fairly affordable price and you’ve got an EDC that’s a no-brainer.  The D2 version starts around $40, while the N690 model is about $74. Plus, the campaign promises free global delivery by December 2024, making it a potential holiday gift—or a new tool for your own kit to kick off the new year.

Click Here to Buy Now: $40 $49 (18% off) Hurry! Limited units at discounted price.

The post The Tactical EDC Knife That’s Also a Fidget Toy: Meet the HK2024 Eggplant first appeared on Yanko Design.

Gorgeous Cicada-inspired Pocket Knife may just be the most beautiful EDC I’ve ever seen

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It isn’t often that you have knives mimicking nature or being inspired by natural details, but this one gets a special mention for just how beautiful it is. The Cicada from Rike Knife takes inspiration from one of nature’s noisiest insects, but translates the cicada’s shape and form into a gorgeous piece of art that looks as beautiful closed as it does open. Available in 3 color options, the Cicada knife measures just under 3 inches in length wen closed, making it an incredibly compact number. Open it, however, and you’re greeted with a tiny yet mighty blade that’s perfect for everyday activities.

Designer: Rike Knife

The Cicada pocket knife sports an all-metal design, with a blade made from Bohler M390 (martensitic chromium steel) offering high durability and edge retention. The blade measures a mere 1.96 inches long, and sports a spear-point design with a dual-edge, so you can use it in any direction, or rely on its pointy tip for piercing. A cutout in the blade adds visual drama while reducing material to keep the knife light and spry… and even when open, the entire knife measures just a mere 4.9 inches, putting it in the more compact small-size knife category.

The knife’s 3 color options offer different aesthetics within the same jewel-like format. The matte-black with gold accents is subtle yet eye-catching, while the gold/blue and metallic silver variants glimmer more, drawing one’s attention. The cicada’s wings offer a decent grip while you use the knife, and a Flip Tab opener and frame-lock mean reliable operation.

The entire Cicada knife weighs a paltry 2.46oz (70g), which checks out given how the knife is literally a few fractions of an inch larger than an actual cicada. The $215 knife comes with a tiny hole on the rear end to string lanyards through, and a fairly ambidextrous design that allows you to use the knife with either your left or right hand. Unfortunately, there’s no pocket clip on the cicada – I assume adding one would really help, turning it into a brooch of sorts… but that only means the gorgeous insect-inspired design can be seen on both the front as well as the back of the handle.

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Gerber Key Note is a Tiny Folding Knife with a Very Unusual Broad Blade Design

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You usually expect knives to come with elegant, long blades that let you slice across a linear edge or serrations – the Gerber Key Note shatters convention with a Tanto blade that’s wider than it’s long. Measuring a mere 1-inch in length, the Key Note’s blade might make you feel short-changed at first, but once you get your hands on it, you realize that size honestly doesn’t matter. The blade’s double-edge design helps you do everything you normally would, while giving you an additional advantage of applying forward or downward pressure while cutting. At the end of the day, a 1-inch blade means the Key Note is just hyper-compact, making it small enough to easily fit on a keychain for carrying around wherever you go.

Designer: Gerber

Click Here to Buy Now

A unique feature of the blade’s design is its two-part edge. The lower edge is short, but lets you slice with great confidence, while the upper edge is almost perpendicular to the knife’s linear direction. This lets you apply pressure by leaning in while cutting. Whether it’s pressing forward, or holding the knife vertically and pressing downward, this edge gives you the advantage of letting you combine sharp edges with brute force.

Compact and affordable (at just $27) doesn’t necessarily mean cheaply built – the Key Note comes with an aluminum handle, a 5Cr steel blade, finger-flick opening as well as nail opening, and a liner-lock that clicks in place to lock the blade in its open position. After all, you don’t want the blade shutting on you while you use the knife.

The entire knife measures 3.8 inches when open, closing down to under 3 inches when shut. Weighing a mere 90 grams (3.2 ounces) makes the Key Note rather spry and easy to maneuver, and once you’re done, either hook it back to your belt loop using the keychain ring, or better still, slide it into your pocket thanks to the integrated pocket clip.

The Gerber Key Note comes in two colors – a black handle with metal blade, and an anodized bronze-colored handle with a black-coated blade. The latter clearly appeals more to the eye, while the former is perfect for people who love sticking to tradition. The knife’s compact design and unique blade make it perfect for indoor activities like cutting wires, opening boxes, and slicing envelopes. However, the Key Note is just as efficient outside the house, letting you carve/scrape wood or even scrape a flint while starting a fire. It’s small enough to disappear into your pocket when not in use, but comes exceptionally handy just when you need it.

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Tiny Titanium Pocket Knife is smaller than a Key, and uses a Replaceable Blade Design

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I swear these pocket knives keep getting smaller and smaller, but remain just as fascinating and sharp.

Meet the Tiflex, a knife so tiny you could hold it using just two fingers. Designed to be compact enough to fit on your keychain, the Tiflex is a petite little knife that shouldn’t be underestimated. It packs a titanium body and houses a scalpel blade on the front, known for its deceptive sharpness. If you’ve ever used an Xacto Knife, imagine having the same kind of blade in a form factor small enough for you to carry safely with you and use for everything from opening boxes to cutting ropes and even self-defense.

Designer: Titaner

Click Here to Buy Now: $42 $65 (35% off) Hurry! Only 33 of 100 left.

Open and close the Tiflex with a single hand

Measuring a little more than 2 inches when closed, the Tiflex might be tiny, but it’s still rather immaculately designed. It comes with a flipper that makes one-hand opening easy – the flipper even acts as a finger rest to prevent your index finger from ever accidentally touching the blade’s edge – and even has a frame lock that prevents the blade from shutting while in use. All this packs itself in a design small enough that even your house keys look larger in comparison. Now you’re probably worrying about ergonomics.

The problem with small knives is that they have small handles, which can be annoying to hold, but that’s where the Tiflex achieves a pretty good balance. The knife’s handle is 2.1 inches, and along with the blade, the knife measures 3.7 inches from tip to base. Even for that small size, the Tiflex is fairly handy to hold and use. Sure, you can’t measure it against much larger, more ergonomic knives, but the Tiflex offers convenience instead, with its compact form factor. The knife is perfect for outdoor use, craft, EDC-adjacent activities, or even for self-defense. The sharp scalpel blade plays its role wonderfully in that regard, giving you a knife that feels effortless to use.

The scalpel blade, often made with either high-carbon steel or hardened tempered stainless steel, is known for its versatility. You can use the Tiflex to cut paper, leather, plastic ties, ropes, or even seatbelts. The sharp edge can carve wood too, and that hook shape comes in handy for piercing or clawing. Hold the knife upside down like you would a karambit (with the blade emerging from the base of your grip) and it’s perfect for self-defense too, allowing you to potentially get out of a messy situation quickly.

The entire knife is made out of just 5 parts, including the blade. The handle, hinge, and blade holder are all machined from solid titanium, making the overall knife extremely light at just 6.6 grams or 0.2 ounces, but still rather durable. The knife is impervious to damage, is waterproof, corrosion-proof, and can last decades. However, the blade won’t, but that’s why the Tiflex comes with a replaceable blade design.

The clever frame lock ensures the knife’s blade stays in its open position while you use it

The replaceable blade format is great for the Tiflex for a bunch of reasons. Sharpening knives is an art that not many people have the skill or patience for, and sharpening a tiny knife like the Tiflex can be even more of a challenge. Scalpel blades come in a variety of shapes and you can buy them in bulk, replacing the Tiflex’s blade whenever it gets dull, or if you want to swap out its hook shape for something a little different. There are quite a few blade designs to choose from, and they’re all compatible with the Tiflex. All you need to do is take the old blade out and pop a new one in and it locks in place. This ensures you can use the Tiflex for years just by replacing the blade every few months, and it also means the Tiflex is inherently TSA-friendly and flight-safe, because you can simply ditch the blade and carry the rest of the knife with you on board.

The chances of you accidentally carrying your Tiflex on board a plane are pretty high because of just how ludicrously little it is. It’s designed to be attached to your keychain and forgotten about until you need a knife. That’s honestly the best kind of knife – one that’s there when you need it and gone when you don’t. Designed by the folks at Titaner, the Tiflex comes in both right-handed as well as left-handed variants, so you can choose the style of knife based on your dominant hand. The knife is originally priced at $65, but backers can grab the Tiflex at a special discounted price of $42, with 10 scalpel blades included, and global shipping starting July 2024.

Click Here to Buy Now: $42 $65 (35% off) Hurry! Only 33 of 100 left.

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The Worst and Best Ways to Sharpen your EDC Pocket Knife

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Everyday carry (EDC) knives are a trusty companion for many, whether you’re navigating the great outdoors or handling day-to-day tasks in the city. A sharp knife isn’t just a matter of convenience; it’s a crucial aspect of safety and functionality (you really don’t want to be stuck with a blunt knife in an emergency situation). However, maintaining that sharp edge can be a challenge, especially with the myriad of sharpening techniques and tools available. Some methods can enhance your blade’s performance, while others can cause more harm than good. Here, we delve into the worst and best ways to sharpen your EDC knife. Although these methods practically apply to knives of all kinds (like kitchen knives, etc.), we’re looking through the lens of maintaining EDC blades in particular, which people often spend hundreds of dollars on. An EDC knife might first and foremost be a knife, but for many, it’s also a work of art worth marveling at and collecting. Many of these knives are designed by experts and enthusiasts, requiring decades of skill, precise machinery (or sometimes even handcrafted mastery), and high-quality materials. Improperly caring for or sharpening such knives feels like a crime, doesn’t it? Let’s take a look at the worst, and the best ways to care for your EDC knife collection.

The Worst Ways to Sharpen an EDC Knife

1. Using a Glass Surface or Ceramic Mug

It might seem like a clever hack to use the unglazed bottom of a ceramic mug or a glass surface to sharpen your knife. After all, it’s often depicted in survival movies and touted in emergency preparedness forums (and guilty as charged, I’ve used this hack too). However, this technique is far from ideal for maintaining your EDC knife to perfection. The problem lies in the inconsistent abrasiveness of these surfaces. Ceramic mugs, while somewhat effective in a pinch, lack the uniform grit needed for a precise edge. The surface can be too coarse or too fine, leading to an uneven sharpening job. Moreover, using glass can cause the knife to slip, posing a safety hazard and potentially leading to a chipped blade. Sure, it’s a lovely hack that even Serious Eats recommends for home-chefs who don’t have their own honing rod or whetstone… but if you truly care about your EDC collection, the bottom of a mug isn’t the best place to be sharpening your prized knives.

2. Power Tools Like Bench Grinders

Power tools such as bench grinders might seem like a quick and easy solution to sharpen your knife, but they are more suited for heavy-duty tasks like reshaping tools rather than fine-tuning delicate knife edges. The primary issue with using a bench grinder for your EDC knife is the excessive heat generated during the grinding process. This heat can cause the steel to lose its temper, resulting in a blade that is brittle and prone to breaking.

Additionally, bench grinders remove material VERY quickly, which can lead to an uneven edge and significant wear on your blade. The aggressive nature of these tools makes it challenging to control the sharpening process, increasing the risk of creating an uneven bevel or completely ruining the knife. For those who value precision and the longevity of their knife, bench grinders are best avoided for routine sharpening tasks.

3. Cheap, Coarse Pull-Through Sharpeners

Pull-through sharpeners are widely available and often marketed for their convenience and ease of use. However, a cheap one off AliExpress or Temu will do you much more harm than good. The problem with pull-through sharpeners is that they use fixed abrasive materials that can remove too much metal from your blade unevenly. This aggressive removal process can damage the edge, leading to a shorter lifespan for your knife.

Moreover, these sharpeners usually set a fixed angle that may not match the original bevel of your knife, resulting in a less efficient cutting edge. The convenience of pull-through sharpeners comes at the cost of precision and control, which are crucial for maintaining a high-quality edge on your EDC knife. Instead of opting for these quick fixes, consider more controlled methods that allow you to maintain the knife’s intended geometry and sharpness.

4. Improvised Rock Sharpening

While it might be tempting to use natural rocks as makeshift sharpeners, especially in a survival situation, this method is highly inconsistent and can cause significant damage to your knife. Rocks found in nature vary widely in their abrasiveness and can introduce grit or contaminants that scratch and dull the blade rather than sharpen it. The uneven surface of a rock can also lead to an inconsistent edge, making your knife less reliable.

In emergency situations where no other options are available, using a rock might be your only choice. However, it should not be a regular practice for maintaining your EDC knife. For routine sharpening, it’s best to stick to purpose-made tools that provide a consistent and controlled sharpening experience, ensuring your knife stays in top condition.

The Best Ways to Sharpen an EDC Knife

1. Whetstones

Whetstones are the gold standard for sharpening knives, offering a controlled and precise method for maintaining your blade. They come in various grits, typically ranging from coarse to fine, allowing you to handle everything from reshaping a damaged edge to polishing a razor-sharp finish. Using a whetstone requires some practice and patience, but the results are well worth the effort.

Start by soaking the whetstone in water (if it’s a water stone) to ensure smooth sharpening. Place the stone on a stable surface and hold your knife at a consistent angle, typically around 15-20 degrees. Begin by using the coarse side of the stone, moving the blade in a smooth, sweeping motion across the stone to establish a new edge. Once you have a burr (a slight ridge of metal along the edge), switch to the finer side of the stone to refine and polish the edge.

Whetstones allow for a high level of control over the sharpening process, ensuring that you can maintain the original bevel and achieve a razor-sharp edge. The investment in a good set of whetstones pays off in the quality and longevity of your knife’s edge, making it a must-have for serious knife enthusiasts.

2. Diamond Stones

Diamond stones are another excellent option for sharpening EDC knives. They are composed of small, industrial-grade diamonds embedded in a metal plate, making them extremely durable and effective at quickly sharpening a blade. Unlike whetstones, diamond stones do not require soaking, and they can be used dry or with a little water for lubrication.

One of the significant advantages of diamond stones is their consistency and speed. They can remove material more efficiently than traditional whetstones, making them ideal for quick touch-ups or more substantial sharpening tasks. To use a diamond stone, follow a similar process to whetstone sharpening: maintain a consistent angle and use smooth, controlled strokes to sharpen the blade.

Diamond stones come in various grits, allowing you to perform coarse sharpening and fine-honing with the same tool. Their durability and ease of use make them a favorite among knife enthusiasts who want a reliable and efficient sharpening solution.

3. Ceramic Rods

Ceramic rods are excellent for honing, which is the process of maintaining an already sharp edge rather than performing a full sharpening. These rods are typically used after sharpening with whetstones or diamond stones to refine the edge and keep it in top condition between more intensive sharpening sessions.

Using ceramic rods is straightforward. Hold the rod vertically or at a slight angle and draw the knife blade down the rod, maintaining a consistent angle. Repeat this process on both sides of the blade, ensuring even honing. Ceramic rods are gentle on the knife’s edge and help maintain its sharpness without removing significant material.

For EDC knife users who want to keep their blades in peak condition with minimal effort, ceramic rods are an excellent tool for regular maintenance. They are compact, easy to use, and effective at keeping your knife sharp and ready for action.

4. Stropping

Stropping is the final step in achieving a razor-sharp edge and involves using a leather strop to polish and refine the blade. A strop is typically a piece of leather mounted on a flat surface or a hanging strip, and it may be used with or without a stropping compound to enhance its effectiveness.

To strop your knife, hold the blade at a consistent angle and draw it backward along the leather, moving away from the edge to avoid cutting into the strop. Repeat this process on both sides of the blade. Stropping removes any remaining burr from the sharpening process and polishes the edge to a mirror finish.

This step is essential for achieving the highest level of sharpness and ensuring the blade cuts smoothly and effortlessly. Stropping is an easy and effective way to maintain your knife’s edge, especially when combined with regular sharpening and honing.

5. Professional Sharpening Services

Sometimes, leaving the sharpening to the professionals is the best choice, especially if your knife is very dull or damaged. Professional sharpening services use a combination of techniques and tools to restore your blade to its optimal sharpness without risking its integrity.

Professionals typically use high-quality whetstones, diamond stones, and other precision tools to achieve a perfect edge. They have the experience and skill to handle various blade types and steels, ensuring that your knife is sharpened correctly and efficiently.

Using a professional service can be particularly beneficial for those who lack the time or confidence to sharpen their knives themselves. It’s an investment in the longevity and performance of your EDC knife, providing peace of mind that your blade is in expert hands.

6. Guided Sharpening Systems

Guided sharpening systems are designed to make the sharpening process foolproof by providing preset angles and multiple sharpening options. These systems often include ceramic stones, diamond plates, and strops, offering a comprehensive solution for maintaining your knife’s edge.

Using a guided system is straightforward. The knife is clamped into the device, and the sharpening stones are guided along the blade at a consistent angle. This setup ensures that even beginners can achieve a precise and consistent edge without the guesswork involved in freehand sharpening.

Guided sharpening systems are an excellent choice for those who want a reliable and user-friendly way to keep their EDC knives sharp. They take the complexity out of the sharpening process, making it accessible to everyone, regardless of skill level.

 

Maintaining a sharp edge on your EDC knife is essential for its performance and safety. While there are many methods to sharpen a knife, not all are created equal. Techniques like using a ceramic mug, power tools, and cheap pull-through sharpeners can cause more harm than good, leading to a damaged or dull blade. On the other hand, investing in quality tools like whetstones, diamond stones, ceramic rods, and guided sharpening systems ensures a sharp, reliable edge.

For those who prefer a professional touch, professional sharpening services offer an expert solution,

while stropping provides the final polish to achieve a razor-sharp finish. By choosing the right sharpening methods and tools, you can keep your EDC knife in top condition, ready to tackle any task with ease and precision.

So, the next time you consider sharpening your knife, skip the makeshift methods and opt for techniques that will enhance your blade’s performance and longevity. After all, a well-maintained knife is a cut above the rest, ready to slice through your daily challenges without a hitch. Just remember, keep the dishwasher for your dishes and the bench grinder for your tools—your knife deserves better.

The post The Worst and Best Ways to Sharpen your EDC Pocket Knife first appeared on Yanko Design.

Tiny yet Mighty Titanium + Carbon Fiber Pocket Knife is Smaller and Lighter than your House Key

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It doesn’t get smaller than this, lighter than this, or more viciously sharp than this. Measuring a mere 57mm (2.5 inches) when shut and weighing just 5.6 grams (0.19 ounces), the WaspArmor Micro Folding Scalpel floats like a butterfly and stings like a bee… or a wasp, as its name would suggest. Its titanium and carbon fiber body gives it a classy-yet-durable build, and the replaceable scalpel blade means never having to sharpen your knife ever again. Quite impressive for a blade tiny enough to attach to your keychain.

Designer: AlloyX

Click Here to Buy Now: $39 $55 (29% off) Hurry! Only 15 left of 560 units.

Smaller than even your index finger when closed, the WaspArmor is like the chihuahua of pocket knives, tiny yet so audacious and aggressive you’re bound to take it seriously. The knife comes with a few clever tricks up its sleeve, but it all starts with the titanium and carbon fiber construction. Both materials are known for their incredible strength-to-weight ratio, which made them the perfect selection for the WaspArmor knife. The Titanium body gives the knife its durability, resilience, and ability to withstand corrosion, etc. Three carbon fiber inserts on the sides of the handle give the WaspArmor a unique aesthetic while providing a mildly textured grip that makes holding and maneuvering the scalpel easy.

A simple fold-out arm reveals the WaspArmor’s small but seriously sharp blade. While most pocket knives come with their own built-in blades, the WaspArmor relies on standard Scalpel blades that clip right into the knife’s design. The reason for this is three-fold – for starters, scalpel blades are deadly sharp. They glide right through pretty much anything, making them perfect for opening boxes, piercing packets, whittling wood, or even slicing tough paracord. The pointed tip and sharp edge make the scalpel blade a formidable piece of hardware, and these blades are readily available, which means you can simply buy a pack of them (they even come in different designs) for replacing whenever.

The second reason is that instead of sharpening/maintaining your WaspArmor, you can simply ditch an old blade for a new one, saving energy and time, while keeping your knife fresh and usable for decades. The third reason is that a knife with a removable blade is invariably TSA-safe. In case you happen to have the WaspArmor on you while entering an airport, you can simply ditch the blade and carry the rest of the knife with you. Removing and replacing the blade on your WaspArmor is easy but not too easy that the blade comes apart on its own. The blade can only be removed when the knife is open at a 120° angle, ensuring it never comes undone by accident.

The WaspArmor’s compact design still has enough room for clever detailing. A hidden back-lock lets the blade snap into its open position, so the blade doesn’t accidentally shut while in use. The handle’s small design is still ergonomic to hold and use, which is quite a functional win for anyone who’s serious about buying and using this knife on a daily basis. The compact handle still has enough space for a cutout that you can slide a lanyard/carabiner through or even your keychain ring. The knife is small and light enough to sit among your keys, being accessible in a split second, whenever you need a cutting instrument.

That small, accessible size is what makes the WaspArmor so incredible. You could use it to open Amazon parcels, sharpen pencils, cut tiny twigs/branches outdoors, scrape a flint to start a fire, slice through a paracord, cut a seatbelt to get out of a messy situation, or even defend yourself with a tough, sharp blade that will never disappoint.

Each WaspArmor features a CNC-machined Titanium handle, with those Carbon Fiber inserts that give the overall knife its distinct character. Even though it’s a tiny piece of EDC, it’s designed to be reliably safe, with the blade holding its position, and the swinging arm locking in both open and closed modes, so your knife doesn’t accidentally disassemble or worse… hurt anyone. The WaspArmor Micro Folding Scalpel starts at a discounted $39, which includes the WaspArmor itself, along with 10 replaceable scalpel blades (you can buy more at any medical or stationery store), a titanium keyring, and free global shipping.

Click Here to Buy Now: $39 $55 (29% off) Hurry! Only 15 left of 560 units.

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This EDC’s Millisecond-Deploy Mechanism and ‘Vanchor’ Lock make it the ultimate Tactical Pocket Knife

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Vosteed’s new locking mechanism makes their latest pocket knife a must-have. The ‘Vanchor Lock’ builds on the best features of all existing locking mechanisms, delivering reliability, safety, and swift, single-handed deployment in the blink of an eye. Combine that with the Ankylo’s ridiculously sharp Bohler Elmax steel blade and its ergonomic aluminum handle and you’ve got yourself a tactical knife that’s a treat for eyes and a savior of lives…

Designer: Vosteed

Click Here to Buy Now: $159 $169 ($10 off) Hurry! Only 167 left of 700. Raised over $120,000.

On the surface, the Vosteed Ankylo looks like a pretty well-made EDC designed for all sorts of tasks. It’s rugged without overplaying the rugged aesthetic, is peppered with functional details that make it a great knife to use, and comes in a variety of colors to choose from. The knife sports an all-metal design that gives it heft and weight, while allowing you to maneuver it confidently. On the front sits a 3.18″ medium-sized reverse-tanto blade that’s great for cutting, piercing, whittling, scraping, and self-defence. The blade, made from Bohler Elmax steel, is harder than most, making it perfect for all sorts of cutting activities. The reverse tanto profile’s character is accentuated by the blade’s curved belly, which allows you to rock the knife while cutting. A finger groove at the base of the knife lets you comfortably rest your index finger, textured jimping on the top gives you a perfect place to rest your thumb, and a cutout in the blade allows you to swiftly deploy the blade from within the knife.

The Vosteed Ankylo’s unique Vanchor mechanism allows for fast and reliable deployment

The Ankylo’s crown jewel, however, is hidden away from sight within its aluminum body. While most knives have a liner lock, frame lock, or button lock, the Ankylo opts for something even better. The folks at Vosteed realized that while all three locking mechanisms were great, they all had their own trade-offs too. Some either made the knife weak, while others were tough to use with one hand. Designed to mitigate any of these drawbacks, the Ankylo boasts what Vosteed calls a ‘Vanchor’ lock. This patented locking mechanism is CNC-machined from a plate of stainless steel, and is secured by a magnetic button that lets you easily deploy or retract the blade. Unlike most locking mechanisms, the Vanchor lets you open or shut your knife in mere milliseconds with a single hand – a feature so incredibly captivating that it becomes a fidget activity too. When deployed, the Vanchor plate reinforces the blade, acting almost as a tang to give your knife stability and durability during use.

Deploy and use the Ankylo even with gloves on

It’s this Vanchor lock, combined with the Ankylo’s all-metal design that makes it such a pocket powerhouse. Whether it’s something benign as opening boxes, something as difficult as carving wood, or even something as mission-critical as self-defence, the Ankylo’s size, construction, ergonomics, and Elmax steel blade all play their part in the knife’s grand choreography. The blade cutout lets you deploy your knife instantly (even with gloves on), going from 0 to 100 in mere milliseconds, while a satisfying button lets you just as quickly shut the blade right back in. When you’re not using the Ankylo, chances are your thumb and forefinger will find themselves fidgeting wth it, almost like one would with a butterfly knife.

The Ankylo comes in 6 color variants all sporting a 6061 space-grade aluminum handle, that patented Vanchor lock, and the quick-deploying Elmax steel blade. The knife measures a respectable 4.5 7 inches long when closed, opening up to a mid-size 7.75 inches in length which is in the sweet spot for a good, ergonomic mid-sized knife. Each knife weighs 4.76 ounces or 135 grams (optimized for reliability and maneuverability), and you can choose from 6 CMF variants, which feature a choice between handle colors, handle textures, and even a regular or black stonewashed blade. The Ankylo knife, which gathered much support at last year’s BladeShow West 2023, begins shipping in June this year.

Click Here to Buy Now: $159 $169 ($10 off) Hurry! Only 167 left of 700. Raised over $120,000.

The post This EDC’s Millisecond-Deploy Mechanism and ‘Vanchor’ Lock make it the ultimate Tactical Pocket Knife first appeared on Yanko Design.

This Tiny $10 Titanium Pocket Knife has the most unique design we’ve ever seen

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Shaped like a comma, the Tops Home Store Titanium Knife is an unusual little EDC that’s full of surprises. Measuring a mere 1.65 inches long when closed, this ridiculously compact number is affordable, durable, capable, and just so unique-looking that it’s sure to grab the top spot in your EDC collection.

Designer: Tops Home Store

Click Here to Buy Now

The knife’s handle is hollow and features an open filigree-style design that lets you see right through it. Crafted from titanium, this unique design choice allows the EDC to be lightweight yet grippy, as your hands interpret the cutouts as a friction texture of sorts. When closed, you can see the blade right through the handle, which makes for an interesting visual effect giving the feeling of depth. Open it out, however, and you’ve got a tiny handle with an even tinier blade… but that doesn’t mean the Tops Home Store Titanium Knife isn’t a functional behemoth.

Even for its size, the Tops Home Store Titanium Knife is deadly sharp. The blade itself is 0.83 inches in length, but sports a neat drop-point design that makes the knife perfect for crafts, unboxing, DIY work, and even cutting ropes/cords. While the handle’s made from Titanium, the blade comes crafted from 5Cr13MoV Steel, known for its resilience, ability to hold a sharp edge, and anti-corrosion properties.

However, the most incredible part of the knife is its unique ball-bearing locking mechanism and guide. Given its size and compactness, the knife’s design relies on some rather clever detailing to help the blade open and close securely. A pair of ball bearings and guides help the knife open exactly as much as it should, while even locking in its open position. A tiny cutout in the blade lets you easily open the knife with your fingernails, and closing the knife is as simple as pressing down on the blade’s spine to disengage the snap and have it fold back into the handle.

The small EDC knife comes with its own small price tag. The sub $10 tag makes the Tops Home Store Titanium Knife quite a no-brainer, along with the fact that it’s small enough to fit on your keychain. Each knife comes with its own keychain ring that lets you secure the EDC to your keys, so the knife’s on you no matter where you go!

Click Here to Buy Now

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