The Drop: WE Knife Co. Diatomic

It's a big EDC market out there, and tons of awesome gear is released all the time. We made The Drop to help you discover the latest and greatest essentials worth a spot in your EDC.

The Diatomic is a unique flipper knife that WE Knife Company released at Blade Show Texas 2023 to great acclaim, going on to win Best Factory Tactical Knife at the show and winning again at USN’s The Gathering for Best Factory Folder. That it got recognized as a cut above the rest of WE’s already premium knives speaks volumes for this model.

The knife comes with a dagger-style folding blade, which is rare for non-automatic folding knives and especially not dressed up in the four styles the Diatomic comes with, including an extravagant Hakkapella Damasteel. Unlike many traditional daggers or even modern interpretations, the Diatomic features top-tier steel and titanium and an intelligent design that's a pleasure to use for both work and play.

Speed and symmetry are at the heart of the Diatomic. The smooth flipper mechanism gives you quick access to the single-edge 3.78" dagger blade that features CPM 20CV stainless steel with excellent maximum sharpness and edge retention, befitting a top-end material. Furthering the symmetric design, it comes with a flipper tab on both sides (but only swings out from one) and a deep carry pocket clip on both sides, giving your fingers a place to grip or rest when using the knife. Machined grooves continue the geometric design started by the clip, adding extra purchase towards the tail end.

The beautifully crafted bead-blasted 6Al-4V titanium handle integrates a secure frame lock that holds the blade open during use. Another safety feature that the flipper tabs append is acting as blade guards on both the top and bottom of the knife to help prevent you from cutting yourself on your knife when you're piercing through rough material.

What we like: The symmetrical dagger design of the WE Knife Diatomic makes it one of the best knives for piercing and cutting with its larger blade and its outstanding point. And true to WE fashion, it comes with the best materials you can find on a production knife.

What to watch out for: While the Diatomic has a blade with a symmetrical dagger profile, only one of the two edges is sharp. The single-edge design is safer and more accessible for anyone not used to EDCing an actual dagger and better accommodating laws where a double edge may not be allowed.

Final verdict: WE knives are already at the top of the game, and the Diatomic leads the pack as a two-time champion.

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Trending: Victorinox Compact

The Victorinox Compact presents a refined option in their medium-sized 91mm format, and features 15 useful tools fit for out-and-about urban EDC. Its signature red Cellidor scales house the standard toothpick and tweezers on one side, as well as a small straight pin and a ballpoint pen on the other. Aside from the standard 2 3/8" blade, it also includes a pair of spring-loaded scissors, and it’s the thinnest of its mid-sized brethren to carry one. Also included are a combination can and bottle opener with integrated wire stripper and screwdriver functions, a corkscrew that combines with a detachable mini flathead screwdriver, and a parcel hook with a nail file on its spine.

As usual, the mounted key ring counts as one of its functions, as it allows attachment to your key chain or tether. If you’re looking for urban EDC functionality in your SAK, the Victorinox Compact offers a compelling combination of tools for daily use. Check it out at the link below.

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Trending: Herschel Supply Co. Charlie Wallet

Herschel Supply Co. many popular and inexpensive EDC wallets, but the Charlie wallet is well on its way to becoming a classic. Its tough fabric holds up to everyday wear and tear and its compact no-fold design lets you carry your cards without adding bulk. On each side, you’ll get two slip pockets for cards and IDs, while a pocket in the middle stores your cash. If you deal with a lot of coins, this is a wallet that can get the job done without breaking the bank.

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National School Backpack Awareness Day

September 20th is National School Backpack Awareness Day, and while many of us are no longer in school, there are some good lessons to take away from the event. The American Occupational Therapy Association coined it to bring awareness to the proper use of backpacks for kids in school and teach them and their parents to always use them right. Namely:

Avoid pain from carrying heavy loads in their backpackWear backpacks properly and not slung off one shoulderBackpacks should be packed and balanced correctly so that the child can stand up straight

So what does that mean for everyday carry? The day is a good reminder to reconsider our EDCs and try not to overpack. Comfort and ergonomics should also be core features for your everyday backpack, so be sure to utilize things like load lifters, sternum straps, and hip belts, and ensure your pack rides high and tight, especially when packed heavy.

But while we're on the subject of backpacks and school, we'd also like to recommend some of our recent favorites to consider if you're looking for one in the first place. Here are five bags across five price points we think would be good considerations for your next school backpack. And remember, try not to stuff them too much and employ the ergonomic features they have where you can.

Amazon Basics Laptop Backpack: An affordable option with multiple compartments, dual mesh water bottle pockets, and can accommodate even extra large 17" laptops.Mystery Ranch Catalyst 18: An EDC favorite brand that brings the versatile tri-zip opening to a more minimal everyday bag. It comes in three sizes and lots of colors, but the 18 is a great daily size and can fit up to 15" laptops.Moment Everything Backpack 17L: Moment always wows us with their phone and camera tech, so if you carry a lot of those, their Everything bags are a great and roomy consideration for both daily carry and travel. You can fit up to a 16" laptop and Moment's array of inserts to dial in your carry.Thule Subterra 23L: Thule has long been a stalwart for robust backpacks and pouches, and the Subterra line is a nice and sleek option. It comes with a hi-vis interior, water bottle pocket, 15" laptop compatibility, and nice comfort features like a sternum strap and a mesh padded back panel.Timbuk2 x ASTRO Gaming BP35 Backpack: Work hard, play hard with this pack that can take on up to two 16" gaming laptops (but we highly recommend you don't carry that heavy) with room to spare for even an extra pair of gym shoes. Bonus that it's made by Timbuk2, one of our favorite bagmakers as well.

Interested in more backpacks, bags, and pouches? Check out our other guides:

The Best EDC BackpacksThe Best Tactical BackpacksMore bags and pouches

G-SHOCK DWH5600 Move Series

When G-SHOCK released its GBDH2000, the fitness-tracking world rejoiced as it combined the G-SHOCK’s world-renowned durability with true multi-sport fitness-tracking capabilities and smartwatch functionality. It also signified the start of the collaboration with Polar, one of the most recognized names in wearable fitness.

With the introduction of the DWH5600, the latest addition to the G-SHOCK Move series of watches, G-SHOCK pays homage by featuring a straightforward and balanced design and an octagonal case reminiscent of G-SHOCK’s first release. Both its bezel and strap are crafted using environmentally friendly bio-based resins, and carbon fiber-reinforced resin is also used for the inner case. Couple this with solar-assisted charging technology, and it’s easy to see the brand’s increasing commitment to sustainability. The watch also utilizes a high-definition Memory in Pixel (MIP) LCD screen, shielded by a flat mineral glass crystal, helping it maintain visibility in bright conditions. Water Resistance of 200 meters and Shock Resistance come standard and are hallmarks shared by the entire G-SHOCK lineup.

In addition to the standard digital watch functions found across the G-SHOCK collection, such as stopwatch, alarm, countdown timer, automatic calendar, and world timer, the new DWH5600 features advanced health and fitness capabilities, such as step counting, heart rate monitoring, blood oxygen level measurement, and sleep analysis. With Bluetooth connectivity, the watch implements automatic time synchronization, notification reception, and easy setup through the Casio Watches smartphone app. The app also provides daily activity tracking, activity logs, and life logs using data analysis that uses Polar's algorithm technology. These tools cater to your body's unique needs, allowing you to optimize your health to continuously progress with your fitness goals, whether walking, running, or working out at the gym.

Both solar and USB charging is supported, with solar-assisted charging enough to keep its time display active indefinitely. Once the battery is low, you’ll need to plug the watch in to use its training functions and smart notifications. Assuming zero light exposure, the watch offers up to 35 hours of battery life when utilizing heart rate tracking and activity functions. With heart rate measurement turned off, it can last approximately one month, and in power-saving mode, it provides around 11 months of timekeeping.

The G-SHOCK DWH5600 successfully bridges the gap between those looking for fitness tracking and notification functions from a smartwatch and those who still rely on the legendary robust durability that defines the rest of the G-SHOCK collection. With an official retail price of $299, the new G-SHOCK DWH5600 is also more affordable than most smartwatch models currently available, making its value-for-money proposition difficult to ignore. Grab yours at the link below.

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This is a sponsored post presented by G-SHOCK.

The Drop: The James Brand Wells Flipper Knife

It's a big EDC market out there, and tons of awesome gear is released all the time. We made The Drop to help you discover the latest and greatest essentials worth a spot in your EDC.

MagnaCut has become the everyday carry knife community's favorite steel of choice this year (for good reason), and the new James Brand Wells adds a minimalist folder to the mix. The Wells is The James Brand's first rear flipper design, eschewing the front flipper and manual activation of their previous models. The index flipper is one of the most intuitive of the flipper deployment mechanisms, and it means most EDC enthusiasts will be able to bring the Wells and its MagnaCut blade to bear faster than ever.

Each Wells knife is machined and assembled in the USA, which aligns well with the knife’s story since MagnaCut also originates from the United States. In the Wells, The James Brand has forged it into a modified 2.875" sheepsfoot-slash-wharncliffe shape well-suited for everyday cutting and slicing utility tasks.

The wire pocket clip comprises 420 stainless steel, and the aerospace grade 6061 aluminum handle contains ball bearings in the pivot for smooth action. A button lock (another modern knife feature favorite) completes the mix, creating a secure, right-handed carry blade in two colorways to best match your carry.

What we like: While some prefer the cleaner lines of a front-flipper design, the index flipper style is much easier to deploy for most users, and its inclusion in this quality EDC folder is a positive development. It’s also nice to see James Brand occasionally break their mold and try new things, especially with exciting materials and functionality at play.

What to watch out for: This is a hefty knife at 3.3 ounces in weight compared to other MagnaCut folders (and even some fixed blades) available today that manage to get things below two ounces. Still, the sum of its parts makes it a worthwhile carry in our book.

Final verdict: If you've been hunting for a premium minimalist MagnaCut folding knife, look no further than the new James Brand Wells flipper knife.

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The Drop: AceBeam Terminator M1 Dual Head Flashlight

It's a big EDC market out there, and tons of awesome gear is released all the time. We made The Drop to help you discover the latest and greatest essentials worth a spot in your EDC.

Everyday carry flashlight manufacturers have begun releasing torches featuring Laser Excited Phosphor (LEP) elements in the chase for greater light output and beam projection. Take the new AceBeam Terminator M1 flashlight, a dual-head specialty flashlight made for flashlight enthusiasts who want the best of all worlds. This design uses traditional LEDs and LEP emitters to give you floodlight and spotlight capability in–like its namesake–one seriously imposing package.

If you're wondering what makes LEP technology so unique, it's because it works differently LEDs. Those use a light-emitting diode to generate light, while LEP lights use a blue laser beam to hit a phosphor element, generating more concentrated light than a regular LED emitter at very, very high candela (intensity) levels. Needless to say, it’s probably not a great idea to point an LEP of any power directly into anyone’s eyes.

And on the AceBeam Terminator M1, you get dedicated use of both technologies. The LEP module puts a zoomable spotlight beam to a rated 1,600 meters (1,750 yards, or over a mile) at a top end of “just” 700 lumens, but with a substantial 640,000 candela. The traditional LED section features three LED modules in the head. You can choose a triple cool white at 6500K for a maximum 3,500 lumens or a triple array of enthusiast Nichia 519A LEDs at 5000K neutral white at a reduced 2,300 lumens but much higher CRI (color rendering index).

The Terminator is a massive light that may not be pocketable, but you can keep it in your pack or emergency go bag when needed. And the included 5000mAh 21700 battery is both high capacity and conveniently rechargeable via USB-C, so you can keep it topped up easily with your EDC power bank or wall plug.

What we like: The dual LED and LEP nature of the AceBeam Terminator M1 means you can carry both functions without sacrificing anything except your bag space and hard-earned cash.

What to watch out for: Flashlights with LEP elements are lasers, so their use may be more restricted. Check your local regulations, and always exercise safety while using your gear. Pay careful attention not to shine this light in your eyes (or anyone else's), and you should be good to go. Be sure also to check your needs to determine whether you need the higher output of cool white or a more discerning high CRI beam for the LED half of the light.

Final verdict: While this specialty light isn't the best for EDC, it's a good choice for anyone who needs extreme LEP reach and traditional LED flashlight capabilities. The AceBeam Terminator M1 allows you to carry one formidable flashlight instead of two with minimal compromise.

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Trending: Böker Plus K.I.D. cal .50 Pen

With a chassis inspired by a 50 caliber bullet, the Böker Plus K.I.D. cal .50 in aluminum is a compact yet substantial tactical bolt-action pen that’s meant to be sturdy for daily use and adaptable for self-defense situations. The steel clip is held on to mini standoffs by hex bolts, adding to the industrial aesthetic, while the thick barrel and built-in grooves make for a comfortable grip for EDC pen use. The K.I.D. cal .50 takes both Parker-style as well as Fisher Space Pen refills, which lock in place via its robust bolt-action mechanism.

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The Drop: Kansept Knives Fenrir

It's a big EDC market out there, and tons of awesome gear is released all the time. We made The Drop to help you discover the latest and greatest essentials worth a spot in your EDC.

EDC knives with carbon fiber handles look great while saving weight. But the look of carbon fiber tends to be the same: a tell-tale weave of carbon fiber material created during manufacture, giving it the strength to weight advantages we crave. The Kansept Knives Fenrir knife turns that on its head. Look at its handle; the carbon fiber inlay on the featured model displays a wild and beautiful red, black, and white design unique to each blade and a work of art.

The Kansept Knives Fenrir is a folding knife made in collaboration with custom knife maker Greg Schob from Sparrow Knife Company in Mississippi. It features a beautifully stonewashed black spearpoint S35VN stainless steel blade with a flat grind for easy maintenance and high sharpness. It deploys with dual thumb studs or through a front flipper motion thanks to the jimping towards the tail end of the spine, locking in place with a frame lock with a more durable lockbar insert.

Besides the larger 3.48" premium blade, the knife's highlight is the carbon fiber handle. It contrasts nicely with the stonewash finish of the blade, and it conceals the sturdy frame lock mechanism inside by sitting on the top half of the handle akin to very fancy bolsters. Despite its svelte appearance, the Fenrir is beefy in hand and offers full-handed grips, whether having the handle in hand, choking up the blade, or doing delicate slicing with your index finger on the blade ramp.

What we like: The unique look of the carbon fiber scale on the Fenrir makes it unique in the EDC space, and it's mated with a quality and capable 3.48" blade for general everyday carry cutting, slicing, and piercing tasks.

What to watch out for: The pocket clip is not reversible, making it difficult if you are left-handed or prefer to carry a pocket knife in your left pants pocket. Thankfully, a dedicated left-handed version of the knife exists for our southpaw readers (and EDC staff). And if carbon fiber isn’t for you, the Fenrir, in true Kansept fashion, comes in a ton of other handle materials like G-10, Micarta, Timascus, and blade materials like Damascus.

Final verdict: The Kansept Knives Fenrir is a unique folding everyday carry knife with a carbon fiber scale that stands out. But it also cuts as well as it looks, with a quality construction with premium materials and an ergonomic design that makes it an excellent choice for EDC today.

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Trending: Chris Reeve Knives Inkosi

For knife enthusiasts, Chris Reeve needs no introduction. His most iconic design, the Sebenza, has earned the title of “grail” knife for many EDCers for its innovative Reeve Integral Lock (commonly known as a frame lock on knives from other brands that eventually adopted this mechanism) and premium steel from Crucible on its blade. The Inkosi is an evolution of the Sebenza designed with EDC in mind. It retains a similar slim, minimalist design as the Sebenza but with more prominent choils for better ergonomics in hand. It boasts the signature Reeve Integral Lock in its titanium handles to secure its CPM S35VN steel blade.

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