In this week’s round-up: Tactile Turn releases their icy seasonal pen, aroundsquare’s January drop includes an “anti puzzle,” our Best Flashlight awardee at SHOT Show 2024 the Nitecore EDC35, CRKT’s Mihacha automatic hides a secret in its scales, and Article One and Mission Workshop team up to create a stylish pair of technical sunnies.
Tactile Turn Scales New Heights With Their Seasonal Release Pen, the Icefall
Tactile Turn’s latest seasonal release pen is the Icefall, named after the Khumbu Icefall on the route to the top of Mount Everest. Functionally, the Icefall indicates Tactile’s increasing mastery of using Cerakote to add a unique visual look to their precision-machined pens. On the Icefall, Tactile has added an ice-like design using Cerakote to their metal Side Click pens. There’s also an optional titanium Damascus pen clip if the ice-blue Cerakoted clip doesn’t do it for you. Functionally, the Cerakote finish adds additional durability and scratch resistance to the Side Click pen, which you can enjoy along with the satisfying clicky mechanism and reliable pen refill used inside.
The best part about the Icefall is that, like Tactile Turn’s other seasonal releases, you only have a limited amount of time to order it. All you have to do is order the Icefall anytime on Tactile Turn’s website before March 28. This approach is an excellent change of pace with the increasing hype around limited releases lately, and it ensures that everyone who wants an Icefall can get one. Whether rounding out a completionist set of Tactile Turn’s seasonal releases or picking this up as your first, the Icefall is a great pen to add to your everyday carry.
aroundsquare’s Latest Drop Introduces Contra, “The Anti-puzzle,” and a New AroundHank
aroundsquare’s monthly menagerie of mindfulness and manipulation tools gets some new additions to its catalog for its January drop, in addition to the usual restocks and material explorations of their regular models. Newcomers include the Contra, “the anti-puzzle,” aptly named because its 1,125 pieces are all uniform, meaning there’s no actual solution, and the puzzle is a canvas of creativity. On the more conventional side of everyday carry is the AroundHank, an update to an original handkerchief design and, in true aroundsquare fashion, comes with exceptional attention to detail with its construction, including a 50gsm weight with double knit construction with a custom printed pattern.
Other notable inclusions in the drop include ebony wood MKUltras and Chetki wearables, exotic zircuti Knucklebones, and glow-in-the-dark POM (Polyoxymethylene, commonly branded as Delrin) Deadeye coins/worry stones. See the full collection in the drop video above and at the link below.
Nitecore’s Latest EDC35 Flashlight Brightens Every Adventure with 5,000 Lumens
As our pick to win Best Flashlight at SHOT Show 2024, the EDC35 is a tactical pocket powerhouse. It shares a lot of characteristics with its smaller brother the EDC33, including custom knurling on the body, a physical lockout switch, and a rotating tail that hides a USB-C charging port for its built-in 6,000mAh battery.
The big difference is with the larger head, which uses an upgraded NiteLab UHi 40 MAX LED from the UHi 20 in the EDC33 that lets it output a more significant 5,000 lumens up to 601 yards on max output, which includes its trademark “Lumin Shield” burst mode. At under 5” and a still-pocketable 6.28 oz, the EDC35 is the perfect upgrade pair to the EDC33 and still a great pick in the 2024 rectangular flashlight meta.
CRKT’s Michaca Automatic Knife Is A Cut Above the Rest
The Michaca is CRKT’s brand-new automatic knife designed by expert knifemaker Phillip Booth. The name Michaca is a combination of Phillip’s hometown of Ithaca and his home state, Michigan. It sports a 3.30” drop point blade made from CPM MagnaCut steel with a bead blast finish, while the natural G10 handle offers excellent grip and features Booth’s signature stripe.
To release the knife, there isn’t a button or switch. Instead, it uses the scales as a release. But not your typical scale release where you push it up by its pivot, the Michaca actuates by the tail end of the knife. You can slide the scale forward using your fingers or the pad of your palm, and it will automatically deploy the blade. It also comes with a generous deep carry pocket clip, and overall, we think this is a new fun auto to add to your collection.
Article One and Mission Workshop Collaborate to Create the AO x MW Navigator Eyewear
In a compelling collaboration between Article One and Mission Workshop, the AO X MW navigator blends artisanal craftsmanship with rugged outdoor performance. Focused on versatility and high-performance functionality, the AO X MW frames are made in Italy with TR90 polymer, renowned for its exceptional durability, lightweight nature, and hypoallergenic properties. Featuring silicone nose pads with a wire core skeleton for enhanced grip during intense activities and wraparound silicone pads for added comfort and stability behind the ears.
Equipped with Italian Divel CR-39 lenses, the AO X MW blocks 100% of UVA/UVB rays and eliminates road glare. With an extra coating on the backside to combat eye reflections, the lenses ensure clarity and vision in any situation. Spring hinges provide resilience and flexibility, bouncing back after rough handling, while each frame includes a cleaning cloth and durable EVA case for on-the-go convenience.
