Böker Plus’s New Release Is Sci-Fi Inspired and Designed by Keanu Alfaro

Böker Plus, a trailblazing knife manufacturer across every price point, recently unveiled their latest creation, the Bill N Ted Operation, designed by US knife designer Keanu Alfaro and inspired by the science fiction comedy from the late 1980s, Bill & Ted’s Excellent Adventure. It features a satin-finished drop-point 2.91” D2 blade, a workhorse for daily tasks like processing cardboard boxes, packaging, cords, and other everyday cutting chores. In addition to its regular blade, it also has space for a box cutter blade at the other end, reflecting the duo of the knife’s movie namesake.

The main blade can be flipped open with a thumb stud, and the liner lock secures the blade when in use. A slide lock in the back of the handle is used to push the cutter knife blade out and pull it back in when it's not being used. The two-tone handle combines a serrated G10 with classic aluminum for a clean look and includes a deep carry pocket clip Böker says is “future-proof” for a discreet everyday carry for all of your current or future pockets.

At a glance

Purpose: Everyday carry
Blade Steel: D2, utility blade
Blade Length: 2.91"
Overall Length: 6.57"
Handle Materials: Aluminum, G-10
Weight: 4.55 oz
Price: $82.95

The Böker Plus Bill N Ted Operation is available now on Böker’s website.

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Best Pocket Knife Sharpeners in 2024, Ranked!

So, you've spent much time picking a knife (or two) for your everyday carry. Now that you've got a sharp piece of kit, have you considered maintaining your knife's sharpness over time? Sure, you've got a knife with quality steel and excellent edge retention, but with regular use, all knives eventually become dull over time. Yes, even the most expensive ones.

This problem has vexed us all since the first humans started using a sharp rock flake as a knife in the past. That first knife user may have opted to find a new shard of rock, but as we developed bronze, iron, and steel implements, people discovered that rubbing it against abrasive material like stone at certain angles leads to sharper results. During the industrial age, the Sharp Blog notes that artisans in France developed a method where people could lie down on their stomachs to grind knives more efficiently. But you won't have to do any of that because there are more comfortable and convenient ways to keep your knife sharp no matter where you are. And while you don't have to go to extremes like I do in ensuring every knife in your house, down to the steak knives, are razor sharp, you should know that having a knife ready to go is safer and easier to use.

Having a good and reliable knife sharpener is essential to your everyday carry. Just as having a quality knife is important, having a knife sharpener that works is essential, too. The best knife sharpeners maintain and hone the edge on an already sharp blade, making your overall experience using the knife as fresh as when you took it out of the box for the first time. You can fix a damaged blade chipped or dented over time with the right tools. Finally, and more advanced in scope, you can modify existing blades to have an edge characteristic you prefer.

This post was last updated on 12/18/2023.

The 18 Best Keychain Multitools in 2024

Part of putting together your everyday carry is knowing what tools you’ll need on an average day, but it’s hard to be prepared for everything. So many people rely on a reliable multi-tool to cover their bases. Traditional full-size multi-tools aren’t for everyone, however. They can be bulky or heavy for a minimalist carry and can be hard to justify if you don’t use one often enough. Smaller multi-tools that can fit on your keychain, however, are worth a look to keep essentials handy without weighing you down. Whether you’re looking for functional alternatives to larger tools or don’t want to be caught without one and are looking for a capable backup, these items are tried-and-tested everyday carry classics.

This post was last updated on 12/17/2023.

The 19 Best Multi-tools in 2023

Multi-tools are an essential part of many people's everyday carry and have been favored for a long time as a much more convenient alternative to carrying a whole toolbox's worth of equipment. This guide will explain what a multi-tool is and why it's necessary. We'll also introduce you to a few of our favorite multi-tools and show why they deserve a place in your pockets.

This post was last updated on 12/16/2023.

Nitecore's New EDC33 is a Throwback and a Leap Forward for Tactical Flashlights

December 15, 2023: Nitecore, one of the leading flashlight manufacturers on the market with a deep and robust catalog of lights with a specialty in tactical applications, releases the EDC33, their latest feature-packed flashlight. It brings together all of the brand’s experience in making lights across multiple applications and combines them into a modern tactical flashlight that utilizes the latest in battery, LED, and electronic technology.

Key features of the EDC33 include a substantial 4,000-lumen output up to 492 yards thanks to a 9x array of NiteLab UHi 20 MAX LEDs–one of the first appearances of the LED on the mass market–powered by a newly developed 18650 Li-ion battery with an unprecedented 4,000mAH capacity, which is a fresh reversion from the industry leaning more towards larger batteries like the 21700. Use of 18650 allows the light to be more compact while still having a substantial output.

One major feature that Nitecore emphasized is the “LUMIN SHIELD,” which sets the EDC33 on full 4,000-lumen output in a special full flood mode to create a “wall of light” as a deterrent in an emergency. Other modern features include the use of more premium anodized 7075 aluminum for the body, a hardware lockout switch, a USB-C charging port with a rotary cover, and an optical sensor that automatically drops the output when it detects an obstruction at close range.

At a glance

Purpose: Tactical, everyday carry, emergencies
Lumens/Candela: 4,000 lm, 40505 cd
LED: NiteLab UHi 20 MAX x 9
Weight: 4.27 oz
Dimensions: 4.5” x 1.0”
Waterproof rating: IP68
Price: $69.95

The EDC33 is now available from Nitecore’s store at the link below.

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Holme & Hadfield Launches the Blade Deck, Their Latest Display Case

December 15, 2023: The Blade Deck is the latest display case and organizer in the sizable catalog of UK-based design studio Holme & Hadfield. It continues the brand’s aim to provide top-tier storage and display solutions for all your everyday carry gear, focusing on larger-sized fixed blades you may have in your collection.

Like their other cases, the Blade Deck has a display area front and center protected by a hinged acrylic case, with four slots able to accommodate up to four fixed blades of up to 9” in length. The clear case gives a 360-degree view of your collection and allows easy access by just lifting it off its hinge. Supplementing the display area is a felt-lined drawer for more knives or other accessories, which rides on metal rails for smooth action.

Phil Hadfield told us over e-mail that this will be a limited drop, with only 100 units of the Blade Deck (50 in black and 50 in walnut) available until the drop ends on Sunday the 17th or when stocks have been sold out.

At a glance

Purpose: Knife display case
Storage: Four fixed blade knives up to 9", felt-lined drawer
Colors: Black, walnut
Price: $175

The Blade Deck is available for preorder as of this writing from Holme & Hadfield at the link below.

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The Best Budget Pocket Knives Under $50 in 2023 (Not Cheap!)

Whether you're an outdoor enthusiast, an everyday carry aficionado, or someone looking for a reliable tool for everyday tasks, the right pocket knife can be a real game-changer. Budget knives are getting good and worth considering if you’re in the market for your next pocket knife. Interest in everyday carry knives is only growing, and plenty of tried and true options cost less than a trip to the movies nowadays. In this guide, our mission is to help you find the perfect tool for the job without breaking the bank. If you want an everyday carry knife that blends quality, functionality, and affordability, you’ll likely find something that catches your interest here.

This post was last updated on 12/15/2023.

The 10 Best High-End Knives In 2024 - Pocket Knives and More

Before most historical records, knives have been essential to everyday carry. Because of its long and storied history, it's easy to see historical knives made of sharpened flakes of stone or bronze and dismiss them as trash compared to what you can get in the modern day. But for the most part, those knives were made by skilled artisans who dedicated their entire lives to making quality knives that were considered cutting-edge at the time.

How do we differentiate between a high-end knife and its lesser peers? One of America's Founding Fathers, Ben Franklin, lamented knives made from poor-quality steel in his famous Poor Richard's Almanac. His adage: "there never was a good knife made of bad steel," rings true today just as it did centuries ago. While it can feel a bit nerdy to focus on the specific qualities of knives, such as blade steel when looking for the best high-end knife, spending that time is essential. Thankfully, with the help of expert metallurgists like Dr. Larrin Thomas at Knife Steel Nerds, the community has honed in on blade steels with excellent maximum sharpness and edge retention, such as CPM MagnaCut and Böhler M390.

But blade steel is just one part of the equation. Notice, as well, that everyday carry experts will tell you that even if a knife is expensive, it is not a suitable high-end knife for everyday carry. High-end blades set themselves apart with intelligent ergonomic designs that make them handy tools. Many also come with a beautiful design and attractive construction materials, which are welcome bonuses. While tastes in materials and design change over the years, a well-made high-end knife features design considerations in a complete package you won’t get with more budget-oriented blades.

This post was last updated on 12/14/2023.

Huckberry and Gerber's New Collab Is Inspired by the World of Bushcraft

Leading outdoor lifestyle retailer Huckberry has joined forces with knife and tool manufacturer Gerber for an exclusive release of Gerber’s made-in-the-USA Terracraft fixed blade knife. This limited-edition collaboration features a 4.4” black S30V steel blade that promises durability, corrosion resistance, and ease of sharpening. The knife's drop point shape also offers versatility for camping and bushcraft, while its flat spine with a 90-degree edge is designed for striking fire steel or scraping tinder.

The textured surface of the Micarta handle enhances grip and provides a secure and reliable grip even when wet. Micarta is known for its toughness, stability, and moisture resistance and also develops a unique patina over time, adding a personal touch to each user's experience. This handle supports multiple grip styles and can be used to pound nails or stakes. This design is a noteworthy alternative to the original Terracraft's G-10 scales.

The Terracraft stands out as one of Gerber's premier fixed-blade knives that’s “designed with bushcraft in mind.” Ben O’Meara from Huckberry gives a first look at the Huckberry x Gerber Terracraft Knife here and details the process of teaming up with Gerber on the collaboration.

At a glance

Purpose: Outdoors, hunting, fire striking, bushcraft
Blade Steel: S30V
Blade Length: 3.875″
Overall Length: 9.1”
Handle Materials: Micarta
Weight: 6.4 oz
Price: $290

The Huckberry x Gerber Terracraft is available now exclusively on Huckberry’s website.

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SwingShears Folding Scissor Multi-tool

"This light-duty multitool from Sun Company lets you carry scissors safely in your pocket. In addition to its fold-out shears, the stainless steel tool has a flat-blade screwdriver, hex head wrenches, a phone holder, and a carabiner clip. They fold down to..." (via The Awesomer)

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Veteran-Owned MILSPIN Introduces The Magnus Brass Utility Knife

MILSPIN, a US-based, veteran-owned company known for its high-quality tactical gear, recently expanded its Magnus Utility Knife series with a premium brass variant—the MILSPIN Magnus Brass Utility Knife—an EDC utility knife/box cutter designed to be both stylish and functional. This knife is ergonomically designed with a body made from premium brass, sporting a textured serration finish that ensures optimal gripping.

The blade is made from USA-made high carbon steel and designed to slide out (in 2 lengths, 0.35" and 0.75") when you use the push-button thumb groove, relying on a 3-position locking 4-40 bolt to keep the blade in place. The knife also features an interchangeable razor blade system and comes with five double-sided blades for extended usage and a lanyard hole on one end that allows you to attach your knife to other EDC gear easily.

MILSPIN launched the Magnus Brass Utility Knife with a promise of exceptional durability and functionality, stating that the Magnus Utility Knife "embodies the spirit of American manufacturing and patriotism" and is "the last utility knife you'll ever need," offering a lifetime warranty to back that promise.

At a glance

Purpose: Utility blade
Blade Steel: High carbon steel (made in the USA)
Body Material: Brass
Dimensions: 1.07" x 3.18" x 0.39"
Weight: 1.3 oz
Price: $44.99

The Magnus Brass Utility Knife is currently available directly from MILSPIN.

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Hobonichi Techo Releases 2024 Line of Planners

Hobonichi's 2024 line of popular planners, covers, and accessories were released on September 1, 2023, giving fans of the brand and their note-taking systems plenty of time to plan for the upcoming year. The original Hobonichi Techo was created in 2001, and it’s been refined and updated every year since then with a wide variety of designs that range from cute to colorful and vibrant designs.

Next year's edition introduces innovative layouts, incorporating user feedback to refine the planner's functionality. Some of the standout features of the Hobonichi Techo 2024 include Tomoe River S, a lightweight but durable 52 gsm paper that allows each notebook plenty of pages and page types while remaining compact, monthly calendar spreads, memo pages, and original daily quotes. They’ve also added an English edition to the Original and HON planners.

Even though the Hobonichi Techo comes in various styles, they all “share a dedication to allowing users total control over the way they use their techo.” With customization playing a significant role in the design, Hobonichi continues its tradition of collaborating with talented artists to produce covers that tell unique stories.

At a glance

Sizes: A6, A5, Slim Vertical (Weeks)
Pages: Various sizes
Paper: Tomoe River S 52 gsm
Features: Moon phase, Daily quote, To Do list, Mini calendar, 24-hour timetable, 12-color tab, The “secret line,” a vertical line that runs parallel along the right of the timetable that separates the schedule on the left from the open memo pad on the right
Languages: Japanese, Chinese, English

The Hobonichi Techo 2024 planners are available on their official website.

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WaterField Designs Debuts the X-Air X-Pac Backpack: The Ultimate Travel Companion

WaterField Designs, a San Francisco-based company with a rich history of crafting premium laptop bags and travel accessories, recently launched its first carry-on bag from the X-Air collection, the X-Air X-Pac Backpack. It’s a durable, lightweight, and water-resistant backpack designed to be a game changer for business travelers, tech-savvy commuters, and everyday carry enthusiasts who prioritize quality materials and robust features.

Made from high-performance textile VX21 X-Pac and WaterField’s signature use of full grain leather, the X-Air X-Pac combines urban aesthetics and multi-functionality in a sizable 40L pack, sporting three ultra-organized gold-lined compartments and a front quick-access pocket to organize your tech and office gadgets, clothes, and personal belongings, and comes with multiple carry options for hassle-free travel. A full clamshell opening, an expanding water bottle pocket, and grab handles on three sides round out its travel-friendly features.

WaterField Designs says the X-Air X-Pac is the “ultimate travel companion designed with thoughtful organization features” to make it easy to find what you need. It's made in the USA in their San Francisco workshop from only the highest-quality materials to ensure it lasts for years.

At a glance

Purpose: Carry-on/Travel backpack.
Capacity: 40L
Dimensions: 21” x 13.5” x 9”
Weight: 2.6 lbs
Materials: VX21 X-Pac, full-grain leather accents, YKK waterproof zippers
Colors: Black, deep blue, slate, and olive green
Price: $489

The X-Air X-Pac Backpack is available now for purchase directly on WaterField Designs' website.

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Vosteed Launches the Mink, Their First Fixed-Blade Knife

The Mink is the latest addition to Vosteed’s cutting-edge lineup and their first-ever EDC fixed-blade knife designed by founder and lead designer Yue Dong. This new fixed blade aims to redefine the standard for versatility, durability, and performance, catering to outdoor enthusiasts, survivalists, and everyday carriers alike. At the heart of the Mink is its 3.33" Nitro-V full-tang clip point blade with its tall, flat grind, curved belly, and pointy tip that lets it excel at cutting and slicing. Its Micarta handle offers an ergonomic and secure grip, even when wet.

The Mink fixed blade knife has been on the market since November 16th, 2023, and Vosteed says it’s a “modern interpretation of a traditional blade.”  From the subtle jimping on the spine to the carefully contoured handle for various grip styles, the knife's traditional roots shine through in its design while still meeting the needs of modern users.

At a glance

Purpose: Outdoors, camping, hunting
Blade Steel: Nitro-V
Blade Length: 3.33"
Overall Length: 7.13"
Handle Materials: Micarta
Weight: 5.12 oz (Sheath included)
Price: $69

The Mink is available now on Vosteed’s official website.

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Timex Launches Its Latest Diver Watch—the Tiburón Automatic

Timex is one of the most trusted names in watchmaking and continues to build on its rich heritage with the launch of the Tiburón Automatic. This nautical-style diver watch is made from shock and corrosion-resistant stainless steel and arrives with premium features like a gunmetal case, ceramic lunette, a vibrant red Diver Down Flag dial, Super-LumiNova in-fill for optimal visibility in low-light conditions, and a scratch-resistant and anti-reflective sapphire crystal with date magnifier. The Tiburón Automatic also features a Japanese automatic movement that eliminates the need for batteries, a synthetic rubber strap with a quick-release spring, and a special slip-thru sport closure for a comfortable and secure fit on the wrist and a tucked-away look that complements the watch’s overall aesthetic.

Timex says this is a watch to “conquer the depths,” and with 200M water resistance on the Tiburón Automatic, it is suitable for a variety of activities, including swimming and diving, provided you don’t press any buttons underwater.

At a glance

Type: Dive watch
Case Size: 44mm x 14mm
Lug Width: 20mm
Water Resistance: 200M
Materials: Stainless steel, soft silicone strap, sapphire crystal, Super-LumiNova
Movement: Japanese automatic
Complications: Date with magnifier
Price: $349

The Tiburón Automatic is available now on Timex’s website.

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