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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.
If you’re like me, your EDC gear doesn’t just need to perform—it needs to survive everything from daily pocket purgatory to the occasional drop into the unknown abyss behind your car seat. Arc Company gets that. Their mission? Build products like trees grow rings—stronger with every challenge and a testament to resilience. I’ll admit, I’m a sucker for poetic branding… especially when it comes wrapped in 1000D Cordura.
I’ve been carrying a few of Arc Company’s offerings lately: the Boulder Wallet, Rambler XL, Ripcord Case, and Mini Grunt. Here’s how they’ve fared in the jungle that is my day-to-day life.
Benchmade has a habit of taking something already great and somehow making it even better. Case in point: the Taggedout. Originally built as a lightweight hunter, this thing was a favorite among backcountry folks who wanted something slim, slicey, and easy to clean. But let’s be real—most of us aren't field dressing elk on the regular. We’re opening boxes, breaking down cardboard, and peeling the occasional apple. So Benchmade did what any smart maker would do: they gave the Taggedout an EDC makeover.
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.
RoseCraft Blades is a relatively new name in the knife world, but it’s got some serious talent behind it. Founded in 2021 and based in Maryville, Tennessee, the company was started by William Rose and includes well-known designer Andy Armstrong at the helm. If that name sounds familiar, it’s because Andy has a long history with CRKT and Rough Ryder. RoseCraft mixes modern and traditional designs, working with designers like Hawkins Rose and Swaggs to create knives that feel fresh but still rooted in classic patterns. Right now, their knives are made overseas, but they have plans to set up a U.S. factory down the road.
There are a few companies I consider the big dogs—those that have been in the game for ages and continue to produce outstanding cutlery year after year. One of those behemoths is Boker. With roots dating back to the 17th century, Boker’s history is as rich as its catalog. Their Solingen-made blades showcase traditional craftsmanship, while the Boker Plus line focuses on modern, innovative designs through collaborations with renowned designers.
Today, we're looking at a knife that’s been around for a bit but never quite got the fanfare it deserved. The Boker Plus Jive, designed by Brian Efros, is a sleek, high-quality EDC folder with clean lines and an ergonomic build. At 7.17 inches overall with a 2.95-inch blade made from D2 steel, it’s compact yet fully capable. The clip point blade gives it a distinct mini-Bowie look, adding character to an otherwise understated design.
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.
In the EDC world, innovation is everything—whether it’s groundbreaking materials, clever design solutions, or aesthetics that ignite a sense of desire. HX Outdoors is one of those brands that flies under the radar, lost in the flood of imported knives saturating the market. They aren’t a household name, and if I hadn’t stumbled across them myself, I might never have given them a second thought.
But here’s the thing—HX is putting out some seriously high-quality knives, and nobody seems to be talking about them. So, what do you do when you find something this good? You grab your soapbox and let the world know.
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.
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.
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.