Trending Gear: April 2021

Many EDCers have discovered the practical size and utility of Leatherman's Skeletool CX, making it one of the most popular full-sized multi-tools over the past few years, kicking off April's most popualr gear. Thanks to a functional design and lightweight build, it hits that sweet spot for anyone looking to EDC both a multi-tool and a competent folding knife. Despite its small size the Skeletool packs a punch. Thanks to its compact, skeletonized body it manages to weigh only 5 ounces for ease of carry. You can also access all the tools with one hand, making it perfect for the solo handyman. A key Skeletool feature is its heavy-duty 154CM blade with a wharncliffe shape for precision cuts. Its other tools include wire cutters, pliers, and and a carabiner/bottle opener which lets you attach it to a pack or pop open a beverage rounding out its complement of everyday essentials.

The Blur is a tried-and-true classic from Kershaw, with dozens of our users depending on one as their EDC for every line of work ranging from firefighting to active military duty. It's a Ken Onion design that's made in the USA. Its 3.4” blade offers plenty of cutting edge to work with, while its slight recurve and drop point make for a versatile geometry to tackle most EDC cutting tasks. The Blur series uses a DLC-coated Sandvik 14C28N stainless steel on most variants, including the plain edge, serrated edge, and tactical serrated edge with a tanto point for improved piercing capabilities. You can also opt for the S30V steel version as an upgrade. The Blur leverages Kershaw's signature SpeedSafe assisted opening mechanism for quick deployment via a textured thumbstud on the blade and locks with a liner lock. There's also texture on the Blur's lightweight yet hardy aluminum handles for a secure grip. Last but not least, a reversible tip-up or tip-down pocket clip lets you EDC it to your preference.

Everything that made the original S2R a great EDC light remains or has been improved this time around. Take the output for example, it can bust out a maximum of 1150 lumens for up to 135 meters despite its relatively compact size (in fact, one of the most compact 18650 lights you can carry). Adding to its utility, the S2R Baton II includes five different brightness settings including Turbo, Moonlight, and everything in between. Made out of AL6061-T6 aluminum alloy, the S2R Baton II is made to withstand a lot of punishment. Its construction comes with an IPX8 rating, making it impact resistant for up to 1.5 meters and waterproof for up to 2 meters. To wrap things up, a magnetic charging port and a dual-direction pocket clip makes it one of the most versatile and convenient lights you can carry.

They say you remember things better when you write them down, and that’s easier to do when you have a notebook on hand all the time. The Moleskine Cahier Pocket Journal measures an easy-to-carry 3.5" x 5.5" and uses a cardstock cover that’s flexible but durable enough for pocket carry. Its plain colored cover lets you to write on and personalize it for your needs, while the simple exposed, full-length stitching on the spine offers better binding and reliability over staples. Inside, 64 high-quality acid-free pages can take on most types of ink and ensure that your entries remain legible for posterity. In case you need to leave a note for someone, the last 16 pages are perforated and detachable. Finally, the back of the cover features a sleeve that you can use to tuck in loose notes, receipts or business cards. The Moleskine Cahier Pocket Journal is a simple, lightweight and functional notebook that’s sturdy enough for everyday pocket carry. You can get it in a packs of three with your choice of plain, ruled, or squared pages, as well as different colored covers to suit your needs.

The Case XX Cheetah Chestnut Jig Bone is a single bladed knife with an aesthetic reminiscent of traditional knives of the past, but its materials place it squarely in the present. The 3.2“ clip blade is made from Chrome Vanadium Steel, an original alloy which provides top of the line edge retention and ease of maintenance. However, it’s less resistant to rusting, pitting, and discoloration than stainless steel, so it’s recommended to keep a thin film of oil to maintain the polished mirror finish. The handles feature beautiful Chestnut Bone scales and measure 4.375” long, giving the knife a light overall weight of 3.5 oz. This knife deploys via a lockback mechanism featuring a swing guard for extra safety and a unique flair. While it might have a design reminiscent of the English Barlow, the Cheetah is actually made by Case in the USA.

One of the most recommended and most carried pocket tools on our site-and halfway on the list for April--is the Gerber Shard. Its small size and lack of blades makes it perfect for airline travel but gives you plenty of the functionality of a larger multi-tool. A wire stripper, flathead driver, and bottle opener are crammed into this small tool that can easily fit in your pocket. You can also wrap the handle in your favorite color paracord to add style and a little extra practicality. And with an easily accessible price point, it's an affordable and useful addition to any EDC.

The Gerber Paraframe Mini is designed to be a knife that disappears into your pocket. Almost literally, since its handle is liberally skeletonized to drop the Paraframe's weight to an impressive 1.4 ounces, which also makes the knife a breeze to clean. But it's still a performer, with its 2.22” clip point, high-carbon blade that makes short work of everyday cutting tasks. A nail nick deploys the Paraframe's blade, while a framelock keeps it secure while in use. Finally, a bolted-on clip makes EDCing the lightweight knife as simple and easy as possible.

If you’re looking for a classic gentleman’s knife with modern features and materials, the Benchmade 601 Tengu Flipper is a solid and snappy option. Designed by Jared Oeser, this classy flipper knife was designed to take your everyday carry’s style above and beyond while still providing you with top of the line cutting performance. The 2.77" blade features a modified tanto shape made out of premium CPM-20CV steel. This metal has a hardness rating of 59-61 HRC, making it able to retain an edge for much longer than regular steels. In the handles, you’ll find contoured G-10 scales for a smooth, but comfortable grip. A liner lock holds the blade securely while in use, and when you’re done with it, you can fold it closed and store it in its double-stitched leather pouch, included with the knife. Premium materials, a beautiful design, and a classy sheath make this gent’s knife a solid addition to any EDC.

It can be hard to find the pocket space to carry around a full-sized pen in your EDC. All too often you’ll have to sacrifice a comfortable, balanced writing experience for a more compact design. The James Brand Stilwell is an exception, with a compact, travel-sized design that extends to full length when it’s time to use it, and appropriate that it's April's penultimate popular piece. Machined out of brass, aluminum or titanium this pen measures 3.5“ when closed, for a more convenient carry, but extends to a 5.4” when you post its cap on its back. While this pen might not have a pocket clip, a lanyard hole is machined into the back of the pen to easily attach it to a keychain, bag, or zipper. Finally, a D1 Style Replaceable Ink Cartridge will lay down a smooth line down on the paper.

The Bertucci A-5P comes with a carbon fiber reinforced polycarbonate unibody that not only increases durability but keeps things comfortable. The crown is located at the 4 o’clock position, so it won’t impede with wrist movement while remaining accessible. While most watches would rely on lume coatings or a backlight, the A-5P uses tritium microtubes in the hands and indices to provide you with constant, self-powered light for up to 25 years. The scratch-resistant mineral glass crystal protects the black dial inside, featuring 24-hour markings. The A-5P is powered by an all-metal quartz movement for durability and precision. Finally, a black ION finish on its stainless steel hardware combined with a green camo gives you a military-inspired aesthetic to match the rest of your gear.