10 Chinese EDC Brands Worth Your Attention
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Over the years, Chinese-made products developed a reputation for being lower tier products. Which is undeserved, considering many brands in many industries build their products in China. And while it’s true that there are bad apples in the bunch and some companies tend to pirate more than innovate, others are working hard to change that image and deliver great EDC products, too. In this guide we’re shining a light on Chinese brands that may have flown under your radar and are worth a closer look, creating new and innovative products that deserve a spot in your EDC. If you’re looking for something new, different, and sometimes on the cutting edge, we hope our list has something for you.
WE Knife Co. Arrakis
PurchaseSpecifications
Brand
We Knife Co.
Model
906CFB
Reviews
No reviews yet
Price
$$$$
WE knives has been in business in Guangdong, China since the year 2000, and their folding knives are known for their smooth deployment, premium feel, and the design of their iconic logo embossed on the pivot point. Last year they took on a stunning and intricate Elijah Isham concept with the Arrakis, but they also have more conventional-looking models like the 617F. They are also the brand behind one of the most popular names for EDC knives these days, Civivi. We’ve featured some of their models before, including the Baklash, Wyvern, and the new-for-2020 Chronic.
Kizer Mini Sheepdog
PurchaseSpecifications
Brand
Kizer
Model
V3488
Kizer Cutlery is known for producing high-end designs with high performance blade steels in collaboration with custom knife makers. We have the sleek and pocket-friendly Kizer Feist by Justin Lundquist, and on the other end of the spectrum, we have the robust Mini Sheepdog, a production version of the sheepsfoot cleaver design by Sheepdog Knives. In 2017, they launched the Tangram line of budget blades, which include very functional designs like the the Brevis fixed blade, all done up in Acuto 440 steel.
Ganzo Firebird FH61
PurchaseSpecifications
Brand
Ganzo
Model
FH61-GY
Since their founding in Guangdong province in China over 20 years ago, Ganzo has been producing and exporting a variety of affordable knives and multitools. The brand did well last year with their FH series, a line of liner-locking pocket flippers featuring D2 steel and original in-house designs. The FH61 is a unique and compact design that features a finger choil, a lanyard hole, and a deep carry pocket clip, making for an interesting and affordable EDC choice.
NEXTOOL Flagship Pro
PurchaseSpecifications
Brand
NEXTOOL
Model
KT5020
Reviews
No reviews yet
Price
$
For those looking for an affordable yet highly useful multi-tool, the NEXTOOL Flagship Pro features 16 tools, including full-sized scissors and pliers as well as plain-edged and serrated blades. As per its namesake, this is their premiere multi-tool, although the company also produces smaller designs like a multi-tool built around an adjustable wrench, and multiple keychain tools of different designs. The brand is known for their molds and tooling expertise, and has done subcontracting work for other Chinese brands.
WOWTAC A7
PurchaseSpecifications
Brand
Wowtac
Model
A7
The A7 tactical flashlight is the latest from the WOWTAC, an offshoot from the ThruNite brand. The included 18650 battery can be charged in the light via USB, and allows the cool white Cree XP-L HI emitter to blast up to 1047 lumens out to 880 feet. This dual-switch thrower has both an easy-to-access tailcap switch and a side-mounted electronic switch. It comes in a 1-inch wide knurled aluminum body, making it a familiar fit your hands pockets.
TwoSun TS233
PurchaseSpecifications
Brand
TwoSun
Model
TS233
Reviews
No reviews yet
Price
$$
Known for their wide variety of aggressive-looking flipper knives with titanium and carbon fiber handles, TwoSun began as a re-brander in the Chinese market that eventually decided to produce their own knives and prybars. This year, they came out with the TS233, a modern slipjoint knife that features premium M390 steel for the blade and natural bone over a titanium frame for the handle. Designed by a Chinese knifemaker known simply as Night Morning on Instagram, its combination of a classic design reinforced with more modern materials makes for an interesting take on a gentleman’s carry knife.
DQG Hobi PLUS
PurchaseSpecifications
Brand
DQG
Model
Hobi PLUS
Reviews
No reviews yet
Price
$$
The name DQG is based on the initials of the brand’s designer, who rose to prominence in the flashlight community by producing high efficiency microlights like the Fairy. Ever pursuing his mission to pack the most power into the smallest form factor, his latest iteration of a light using a lone 10180 battery is the Hobi PLUS, a three-mode USB rechargeable light with a twisty interface that can produce up to 120 lumens while being only 39mm long. If you’re looking to get hyper efficient lights, you should definitely check out his works.
Bestech Texel
PurchaseSpecifications
Brand
Bestech
Model
BTKG21B1
Reviews
No reviews yet
Price
$
Previously an OEM manufacturer for other Chinese brands, Bestech has created its own place in the market, bolstered with collaborations with noted knife designers such as Markus Heidgen from Germany and Ostap Hel from Poland. The Texel is a late 2019 release that features an Alan Purvis design with a utilitarian sheepsfoot blade made of D2 steel. This version with jade green G10 handle scales and a satin finished blade makes for a practical and attractive entry into the budget knife arena.
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Rike Knife M3
PurchaseSpecifications
Brand
Rike
Model
M3
Reviews
No reviews yet
Price
$$$
Another brand based in Guangdong, Rike Knife started not as a rebrander or OEM manufacturer, but as an original brand founded by knife enthusiast Richard Wu. They specialize in mid- to higher-end knives and tactical pens, and with the M3 Framelock they get to show their capabilities quite well. The industrial-looking flipper features a stonewashed 154CM blade mated to a titanium framelock with G10 scales on one side and blue anodized hardware throughout, making for a striking EDC statement piece.
Keith Titanium Sports Bottle
PurchaseSpecifications
Brand
Keith Titanium
Model
Ti3036
With their roots in producing upscale kitchen utensils, it wasn’t until Keith Titanium started designing and producing ultralight titanium bottles and canteens that they started making a foothold in the EDC world. While most of their products are related to camping and cookware, items like the Ti3036 titanium sports bottle, featuring ultralight leakproof constuction and a bayonet-type cap that allows for minimal movement for opening and closing, translate easily into daily carry.
Special Mention: Spyderco Sage 5 Lightweight
PurchaseSpecifications
Brand
Spyderco
Model
C123PBK
American cutlery company Spyderco actually produces some of its most popular and unique knives off-shore, and those coming from their factory in Taichung City, Taiwan are regarded as some of their best quality knives. They include a lot of the brand’s more popular collaborations, like the Brad Southard Positron and the Marcin Slysz Techno 2. Also from the Taichung factory is the the popular Sage 5, which this year is getting the Lightweight treatment of FRN scales, just like last year’s extremely popular Para 3 Lightweight.
Are you using a Chinese EDC tool that's flown under people's radars? Share it with us in the comments below!
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