Like its mythological namesake, the Kizer Phoenix rises from the ashes—not because it crashed and burned, but because it was born to blaze. Inspired by rebirth and transformation, this knife isn’t just a cutting tool—it’s a statement piece. With its fiery orange Fat Carbon scales and sweeping Persian-style blade, the Phoenix doesn’t just look the part, it feels like it’s been reborn from flame and forged with purpose. Whether you’re a collector, an enthusiast, or just someone who appreciates a great knife with killer aesthetics, the Phoenix earns its wings.
Every now and then, a knife hits the market that doesn't just follow trends—it steps sideways and makes its own lane. The Aurora Truffles is exactly that. It’s not screaming for attention with wild blade shapes or ridiculous names, but it still manages to turn heads the moment you flip it open. There’s intentional design here—smart choices that feel like they were made by someone who’s spent some time actually using knives, not just drawing them on a screen.
When you spend enough time in the EDC world, you start to realize that some of the best gear doesn’t come from big companies or fancy marketing — it comes from people who live this stuff. People who understand why we care about the little things we carry every day. Gearhunter is one of those brands.
There are a handful of knives in this industry that go beyond just being tools — they become icons. The Benchmade 940 Osborne is one of those rare blades that helped define what an everyday carry knife could be. Designed by the late Warren Osborne, a custom knife maker whose work was as elegant as it was functional, the 940 wasn’t chasing trends — it set them.
Scott Stills is a name that’s been making waves in the knife world. Based in Asheville, North Carolina, he’s a custom knife maker with an undeniable passion for the craft. Like many, he started with fixed blades before quickly moving to folders, which were always his true goal. His brand, Edgy Bladeworks, reflects his dark sense of humor and appreciation for alternative art forms, but at its core, it’s about pushing boundaries in knife design. Scott's enthusiasm is evident in every knife he creates, and the Tipper is one he personally carries in custom form every day. His work embodies both artistic expression and practical function, and it’s exciting to see his creations brought to a wider audience through collaborations like this one with Kansept.
Social media influences our lives more than it probably should. It’s not just a way to connect with people anymore—it’s a marketplace, a never-ending stream of ads and product demos. One brand that kept appearing on my feed was JoyRaining, a knife company that seemed too good to be true. High-quality Damascus knives for under $20? That level of affordability usually screams "too good to be true," so I had to see for myself.
Who is JoyRaining?
JoyRaining is the Western-friendly name for 玖润 (Jiurun), a knife manufacturer based in Yangjiang, China—a city well known for its knife production. The company has over a decade of experience in knife-making, and the head of operations has been in the business for over 20 years. That alone gives them some credibility, but I still had my doubts. Cheap knives flooding TikTok don’t exactly inspire confidence.
For the sake of both curiosity and a fair review, I picked up two knives from their TikTok shop: a small Damascus slipjoint and a larger one with a more traditional hunting-style design.
GiantMouse has always had a strong identity in the knife world—stylish, functional, and a little rebellious. The original Biblio was a hit, a compact EDC knife with great lines and an ergonomic design. But for those of us who prefer a little more real estate in our folders, GiantMouse answered with the Biblio XL—a larger, refined version of their fan-favorite design.
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.
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.