I review a lot of gear—knives, multitools, flashlights—but I’ve been looking to branch out and see what else is out there. Trying something outside my norm not only expands my experience but also keeps things interesting. I’m not a hardcore camper, though I’ve camped before, and I know that a solid toolset makes all the difference. When you’re out in the wild, essentials like a saw, an axe or hatchet, and a fire starter can be game-changers.
As someone who usually distributes my everyday carry gear across different pockets, I’ve never given much thought to using a dedicated organizer. I typically stick to pocket-friendly options like those made by Arc Company, allowing me to adjust my carry depending on the day. But when Maxpedition sent over the Mini Pocket Organizer for review, I saw an opportunity to test a different approach—one that keeps everything compact, accessible, and in one place.
The Mini Pocket Organizer sits in the middle of Maxpedition’s lineup—not the largest, not the smallest, but a versatile size that can work for both pocket and bag carry. It boasts Maxpedition’s signature rugged construction, thoughtful layout, and plenty of organizational options.
Knives are a lot like people—some are quiet and unassuming, while others command attention the moment they show up. Maybe it’s their size, their look, or just an over-the-top presence that makes them impossible to ignore. Today, we’re taking a look at a knife that refuses to be subtle: the Kansept Leviathan. This thing is large and in charge, though completely unrealistic as an EDC. So, let’s dive deep into this aquatic adventure and take a closer look at this beast.
Knife design is often a game of balancing aesthetics, function, and innovation. Some makers lean toward subtlety, while others push the envelope. With the Vivid, Jacob Lundquist takes his signature design language in a bold new direction—one that is ergonomic, visually striking, and built for everyday use.
Flat flashlights are cool, they’re hip, and they’re everywhere. It feels like every manufacturer is jumping on the bandwagon, and honestly, I get why. They’re compact, easy to carry, and packed with features. While searching for flat lights, I came across a brand I hadn’t heard of before—Turtle Creek. After checking out some YouTube reviews (all surprisingly positive), I figured I’d take one for a spin. Having recently reviewed the Arkfield Pro, I thought the Castor would make for an interesting comparison.
Those who read my reviews know that I appreciate a knife that offers a high degree of utility. While I enjoy a variety of blade styles, my favorites tend to be wharncliffe, sheepsfoot, and cleaver blades. Any blade shape can be useful in different situations, but I find these three to be the best for general-purpose work. Knives with a good amount of belly are excellent for tasks like food prep and skinning, but a straight-edged blade offers better precision, ease of sharpening in the field, and a well-defined tip for detailed cutting.
That brings us to the Kizer Task, a knife that visually resembles models like the Gerber Flatiron, featuring a relatively straight blade profile and handle. This is a good thing—straight handles paired with straight blades tend to excel in utility and everyday carry.
Finding the right way to carry your gear can be a challenge, especially when balancing comfort, accessibility, and durability. There are plenty of leather and Kydex solutions out there, but when I come across a company that’s making quality products at a reasonable price—especially one that’s local—I like to take a closer look. Enter 1791 Leather, a Miami-based company producing high-quality leather holsters, EDC organizers, and outdoor accessories. I got my hands on their Heavy-Duty Leather Belt and Easy Slide EDC Holster, and after some time using them, here’s what I think.
Dimensions and other info
Material: stainless steel (also exists in Chrome-Vanadium)
Manufacturers: Burketek, MCFeely's, Latshaw
Weight: 50g
Length:4" or 101 mm
Width: 1" or 25.4 mm
Thickness: 1/8" or 3.1 mm
Features
-Standard 1/4" hex hole
-Closed wrench end, sizes 3/16" to 11/16" or 5mm to 17mm
-beveled end for prying and large flat-head
-measuring scales, 2 inches and 5 cm
The knife industry is a fast-moving, competitive space where new companies either ride the wave or get lost in the turbulence. HIGHTRON is one of those newer names looking to carve out a place, and from what I’ve seen with models like the Pathwright and Sharplyn, they’re doing more than just showing up—they're making an impression. Their designs stand out, and their execution feels polished, as if they've been at this for much longer. Today, I’m looking at the Mini Ventura, a more compact offering in their lineup that still packs a respectable punch.
Watching a company steeped in tradition break new ground is always fascinating. Case has long been known for its classic slip joints, but in 2021, they shook things up with the release of the Kinzua, Marilla, and Westline—modern designs that marked a turning point for the brand. While the launch had its learning moments, it proved Case could evolve while staying true to its roots.
W.R. Case & Sons Cutlery Company
The Tenable Model 6 is a budget-friendly rendition of its premium counterpart from Kansept, a knife beloved by the community for its performance and versatility. While the original Model 6 was a solid performer, I felt it had a few minor flaws that held it back from perfection. With this version, Tenable has addressed those concerns while introducing thoughtful upgrades that make it even more appealing.
For those unfamiliar with the Model 6, it was designed by Nick Swan, a retired law enforcement officer who knows the value of a reliable, functional knife. His philosophy is simple: a knife should be a tool, not a trophy. That practicality is evident in the Model 6, which blends utility and self-defense into one cohesive design.
The Rafe L is a stout and capable folding knife with an aggressive design that doesn’t compromise on performance. Designed by Adam of 4T5 Design, this knife embodies his passion for sleek yet functional blades, bringing a touch of his own style to the EDC world.
Vosteed has been on a roll—not just lately, but since the very beginning. The company set out to make a name for itself, and the community has taken notice. Yue, the mastermind behind Vosteed, took his passion for knives and the knowledge he gained working for Kizer to create something truly special. While many of their designs are Yue’s own, the company also collaborates with other designers. The sheer imagination Yue brings is remarkable and, in my opinion, the key to Vosteed’s success.
Extrema Ratio, based in Prato, Italy, has built its reputation on designing robust knives for military and law enforcement professionals. With a no-nonsense approach to design, their knives prioritize functionality over trends. The BF1 is a perfect example of this ethos—a compact tactical blade that seamlessly blends durability and utility into a well-rounded tool for daily use.
The Pepperwool Merino MM is a compact everyday carry (EDC) knife that blends thoughtful design with practical functionality. Designed by Beren McKay, a veteran knife designer with over 15 years of experience, the Merino MM embodies his knack for crafting tools that are both innovative and dependable.
Background on Beren McKay and Pepperwool
Beren McKay spent over a decade designing knives, multitools, and other gear at SOG, where he became known as a creative force behind many of their standout products. In 2017, he spearheaded SOG’s move toward higher-quality offerings, a shift that resonated deeply with the knife community. When SOG was sold to GSM, McKay saw an opportunity to build something truly his own. Thus, Pepperwool was born—a brand that combines "pepper" (representing innovation) and "wool" (symbolizing reliability).
What kind of people would write collect and review multitools? Quite simple really- we are designers and do-ers, outdoors types and indoor types, mechanics, doctors, problem solvers and problem makers. As such, we have, as a world spanning community, put every type, size and version of multitool, multifunction knife, pocket knife and all related products to every test we could manage in as many places and environments as there are.