Stay sharp (and up to date) with the best and brightest releases of the year.
Bellroy, The James Brand, Ansø of Denmark
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Much more so than a snowboarding kit, dress watch or sports car — all of which have a time and a place to be enjoyed — a new knife or tool has the power to transform your experience on a constant basis. You’ll carry it every day, everywhere, after all.
Are you looking to revitalize your EDC kit, add to your growing collection or like to keep up with the latest goings-on from your favorite brands and newcomers? Check this page every month for the most up-to-date news in the world of knives, multitools, and related gadgets galore.
Editor’s note: For a look back at notable releases from last year, check out our 2023 roundup.
February
Hogue Knives
Hogue Knives Mysto Cross Bar
Spyderco
Spyderco Bodacious
The James Brand
The James Brand The Barnes LTD
Terrain 365
Terrain 365 Invictus ATSP
Bellroy
Bellroy Key Cover
Civivi
Civivi Sendy
Ansø of Denmark
Ansø of Denmark AROS
January
CRKT
CRKT Homefront Compact
CRKT took one of its coolest folding knives — with a design harkening back to WWII field knives — and made it into a more compact, EDC-friendly package. It also got a steel upgrade to S35VN, a combination G10 and aluminum handle and — the piece de resistance — that no-tool Field Strip tech that made this Ken Onion knife so exceptional to begin with.
Price: $199.99
Spyderco
Spyderco SpyMyto Flash Batch
An unusual venture for Spyderco on multiple accounts, this limited-edition knife is a flipper made in collaboration with lionSTEEL and produced exclusively for Spyderco. It boasts a super-steel Böhler M390 drop-point blade mated to a Micarta and titanium handle (with a Reeve Integral Lock, no less). Oh yeah, and the flipper is removable.
Price: $330
Blade HQ
Boker Bill N Ted Operation
Named after everyone’s favorite San Dimas flunkies, Boker’s Bill N Ted is a dual threat, featuring a drop-point D2 folding blade on one end and a retractable, locking utility knife on the other. That means you can save the knife blade for big work and use the utility blade to open packages and the like.
Price: $82.95
$82.95
(15% off)
King Cage
King Cage Key King
Simplicity and minimalism are the name of the game with this solid titanium keyring. With just one piece, the bottle cage artisans at King Cage crafted a secure, key-capturing design that won’t get in the way — no matter how many keys and accessories you attach. It’s amazing how much the brand did with so little.
Price: $15
Nuwa Pen
Nuwa Pen
A more unusual piece of EDC, the Nuwa Pen is actually a smart device in disguise, allowing you to jot down all the notes you can and instantly transfer them into the digital realm courtesy of its array of cameras, motion sensors and advanced algorithms. And it can write for hours with just a 15-minute charge.
Price: $373
$373.00
(21% off)
Blade HQ
Chris Reeve Knives Large Inkosi Knife Carbon Fiber Inlays
Although it’s no longer available, we would be remiss to leave this ultra-high-end version of the Inkosi off our “best of” list for January. This BladeHQ exclusive took CRK’s premium folding knife and made it even more upscale, adding carbon fiber inlays and a Magnacut blade. Those upgrades are reflected in the eye-watering price tag.
Price: $665
Civivi
CIVIVI Vaquita II
This tiny little fixed blade squeeze a ton into its 1.3-ounce package. Designed by Nate Matlack, the Vaquita II may be small in stature and price, but it doesn’t skimp when it comes to materials: it features a 3.2-inch Damascus blade with 58-60HRC hardness, stainless steel screws and a Micarta handle.
Price: $87
Kickstarter
The Mantis Pen
This well-designed pen surpassed its Kickstarter goal in a matter of days, thanks to a sleek design, generous accolades and more features than you think. It’s a slim multi-tool of sorts, boasting an eternal pen tip, window breaker and built-in knife — exactly what you want in your glovebox as a “just in case” item.
Price: $55