Back in 2017 when the fidget spinner was all the craze, it was a pretty great reminder of one fact – digital experiences, social media, addictive apps be damned… There was still something incredibly engaging about a tactile spinner. The fidget spinner craze may have died down soon after, but the joy of fidgeting didn’t. As digital as the world grew since then, tactile experiences still reign supreme, whether it’s the clack of a keyboard, the pop of bubble-wrap, the snap of MagSafe accessories, or the sheer ASMR of playing with a fidget toy. The Tiroler builds on that experience by re-imagining the humble scale/ruler as a new kind of EDC-worthy gizmo. Unlike the average scale, the measuring tape, or those ultra-advanced laser measures, the Tiroler prides itself in being incredibly hands-on and having a user-experience centered around fun. The device assumes the shape of a rolling hubless wheel that has a series of markings on it. Roll it along a surface and you can effectively measure its distance by calculating the distance your roller has traveled. The Tiroler emits a series of satisfying clicks every time it completes a rotation, so all you do is count the clicks and read the number on the Tiroler’s window to know the exact measurement you’re looking for. Aside from that undeniably fun experience, the Tiroler is crafted in the image of a gorgeous piece of EDC (Everyday Carry) too. It comes crafted from titanium, with a hubless design that your fingers will love alongside your eyes. When you’re not measuring objects, surfaces, and distances, the Tiroler is a gorgeous toy that you’ll immediately want to fidget with. That’s more than I can say about any other measuring device or app…
“Tiroler is a revolutionary measuring tool designed to break free from the constraints of traditional rulers,” says designer Suzuki Sho. “With its continuous loop design, Tiroler offers limitless measurement possibilities for irregular shapes, curved routes, and extended surfaces.”
The radial design of the scale breaks away from the monotony of linear scales. Not only does this design approach make it more portable than a regular steel or plastic scale, it also makes the process of measuring more fun, and easier to execute on your own, unlike measuring tapes that can sometimes require two people holding each end of the tape.
The Tiroler comes with a gorgeous all-metal design featuring a rolling ring suspended within a hubless outer body. This makes the roller easy to carry around given that its central cavity acts as a big lanyard hole, but also makes it easy to grip by having your thumb and finger nestled within the negative space. Using the roller is easy, fun, and mildly challenging – a window on the rim lets you see the markings on the roller inside. Set it to zero before you begin rolling along the surface you want to measure. Every time the roller completes a revolution, it emits a click that you’ll hear and feel. Count the clicks and multiply it by 10, then add the number you see on the window to get your final measurement. For example, measuring a distance of 24 centimeters would lead to two clicks (20) and a window reading of 4.
The unique format of the Tiroler makes it perfect for organic non-linear measurements. Whether you’re a fashion designer measuring the cut of a garment, an architect or engineer calculating the length of a curved wall, or even a transport/furniture/industrial designer gauging the distance of a curved surface, the Tiroler’s unique format coupled with its pocket-friendly size makes it a perfect tool to have on you at all times. Its gorgeous full-titanium design sets it apart as functional jewelry – you could string it around your neck as a haute pendant, popping it off whenever you need. Conversely, place it in your pocket, stationery kit, or backpack for use later.
The visual beauty of the Tiroler extends to its tactile joy too. The cold metal feels great in the hand, and the polished surfaces on the Tiroler make for a great interplay between light and shadow. This instantly makes your hand want to fidget with the roller, twirling it in your palms, passing your finger through its oculus, and rolling the measuring ‘bezel’ to create that satisfying click sound.
The Tiroler’s grooved rim prevent it from slipping and sliding during use, ensuring an accurate measurement every time.
Given that the world is divided between Imperial and Metric folk, the Tiroler comes in two different sizes. The Metric Tiroler is much more compact, measuring just 31.8mm (1.25 inches) in diameter, while the Imperial Tiroler is significantly larger at 40.4mm (1.59 inches). Strangely enough, the Imperial Tiroler doesn’t count up to 12 inches or a foot. The clicks occur every 5 inches instead (creating a 12-inch Tiroler would make it massive), which does tend to *slightly* complicate things, especially when you have to calculate feet.
The Tiroler ships globally with free shipping to select countries, and a long-lasting guarantee thanks to its durable, non-corrosive titanium construction that should serve you for years if not decades. The Metric Tiroler starts at a discounted $58, while the Imperial Tiroler has a $69 price tag. You can buy both together for $108, and each Tiroler comes with its own bespoke leather carrying case, allowing you to carry and showcase your beautiful jewel-esque measuring instrument with pride!
If you aren’t one of the many American men on TikTok who think about the Roman Empire on a daily basis, the Panthevm Roma definitely will get you there. Inspired by the timeless design of the Pantheon dome, the Roma watch comes with a gorgeous 3D dial featuring the radial design seen on the underside of the dome that was constructed back in 125 AD.
The Pantheon in Rome, Italy has a dome that is 142 feet (43.30 meters) in diameter and 71 feet (22 meters) high. It was the world’s largest dome for 1,300 years and still remains the world’s largest unreinforced concrete dome. The trick lies in the fact that it was made in a staggered manner, with heavier materials like travertine used at the base of the dome, and lighter ones like porous volcanic rock on the top. A signature element of the dome remains its oculus, a 27-foot-wide hole on the top that lets a shaft of light in, illuminating the entire chamber naturally, along with the different pockets in the dome’s radial inner concavity. It’s these pockets that find themselves on the Panthevm Roma’s dial, with the oculus being where the watch hands emanate from.
The Roma collection features a classic design that goes well with the timeless nature of the Italian aesthetic. In short, it’s got a bit of history and modern times imbued in it, much like how Italian architecture and automobiles co-exist and complement each other on the streets of the bustling city of Rome.
The Roma watch comes with a body crafted from 316L Stainless Steel, with that 3D dial in the middle surrounded by linear markings lined with Superluminova (along with the hour and minute hands). There’s a date window at the 3 o’clock position that unfortunately doesn’t line up with the 3D Pantheon dome design on the dial and it’s making my eyelid twitch but that might be the only glaring OCD-triggering part of this otherwise elegant timepiece. Finally, a sapphire crystal sits on the top of the watch, offering a clear view of the dial while also rendering the Roma 20ATM water-resistant.
Although the watch is rather unapologetically Roman, with the Pantheon detail, Roman numerals around the bezel, and the word Panthevm written in the Latin style, its heart is Japanese. Underneath the surface lies the Panthevm Roma’s Seiko Automatic movement, a 24-jewel movement with a 41-hour power reserve.
The watch debuted on Kickstarter and Indiegogo back in 2020, unveiled in 5 different colored variants. Patrons can also choose between metal, leather, or rubber straps to customize their timepiece.
Early editions of the watch were marked with a serial number counting down from 753 B.C. – the year Rome was founded.
In the grand scheme of global design, it’s easy to take the basics for granted. Why bother redesigning a tissue box when we’ve got more pressing issues like solving the Climate Crisis, or going to Mars, right?! The case that needs to be made, however, is to look at the small problems with equal intensity as the larger ones. A problem ignored is a problem persisted, and with enough time, it really becomes a part of our life in general. Take for instance the humble tissue box. Outwardly, it’s a pretty simple product – a box with a cutout that you can dip your hands into to reach for tissues. Dig a little deeper and you realize that it isn’t perfect. The box’s inherent design makes it rather flimsy, and when you get to the bottom of the box, reaching for the last few tissues can involve some mildly frustrating deep digging… to say the least.
Designed by studio CLAY Inc. for Yuhan-Kimberly (South Korea’s joint-venture in charge of the brand Kleenex), this reimagined tissue box has a unique feature that allows it to overcome its past problems. When full, the box holds its shape really well (thanks to the tissues inside giving it volume), but as and when you reach the bottom, the box can be pushed into a new arched/curved structure that makes it much more stable, while reducing the the box’s overall height at the mid-section. This makes it easier to reach the bottom of the box without having the entire structure collapsing on you. The new box design is elegant, clever, and eco-friendly too, with the use of bamboo recycled paper in its construction. Moreover, it uses no ink (helping save cost while enhance recyclability) but rather comes with a simple Kleenex logo embossed on the side. The box is easy to use from start to finish, and once done, can easily be recycled or composted without any material impact on the environment.
Sure, it’s Holiday Season… but in most temperate parts of the world, it’s also outdoor season. The weather’s perfect for a trek, a camping session, or tailgating, and the folks at CIVIVI want to ensure you’re well geared-up for your expeditions. Makers of some of the finest budget-friendly outdoor (and indoor) pocket knives, CIVIVI’s putting their best sellers on sale this holiday season with discounts of up to 25%. We’ve hand-picked 10 of our favorite knives from the CIVIVI collection, ranging in size, capability, and budget. These knives are designed to be portable, highly utilitarian, and effective in almost every scenario from opening a box of gifts on Christmas to whittling wood for a wintertime campfire to roast s’mores on!
1. CIVIVI Mini Praxis
Easily CIVIVI’s best-selling knife, the Mini Praxis is a smaller version of its larger counterpart, the Praxis. Featuring a 2.98-inch drop-point D2 blade nestled within a wide, grippy G10 handle over a skeletonized stainless steel liner, the Mini Praxis presents an enticing proposition with its rather affordable price tag. Engineered as a dependable workhorse, this compact gem sports a classic drop-point blade available in either D2 steel, or an incredibly eye-catching Damascus steel with wonderful marbling. The blade measures under 3 inches in length, but is complemented by a broader handle made from either G10, translucent Ultem, or Guibourtia Wood if you pick the Damascus variant. A perfect compact knife for people who like EDC but don’t like the bulk associated with larger, more tactical-looking knives, the Mini Praxis weighs just 2.77 ounces (78.5 grams), and comes with a nifty pocket clip that lets you carry it around with ease.
The Mini Praxis is built like a modern classic. It’s the kind of EDC that pairs equally well with outdoor wear, a modern suit, or even regular lounging clothes in the shed or garage.
What we like
Portable and lightweight
Bang for its buck
What we dislike
The 2.98-inch blade may be too short for certain applications
2. CIVIVI Button Lock Elementum II
Unanimous feedback from customers led to CIVIVI developing edition 2 of the best-selling Elementum with a button lock to help disengage the blade while closing. The Elementum II is just as much of a modern classic as its liner-lock counterpart, with the same drop-point blade design now made from Nitro-V Steel instead of D2. Customers can choose between a G10 or translucent Ultem handle, and there’s even a variant with a Damascus blade for serious enthusiasts, and a Halloween collector’s edition with skull artwork printed on both the blade as well as the handle!
The Elementum II gets a touch of perfection with its new blade and button lock. While some still prefer the liner lock just because of sheer preference, the Elementum II’s upgrades definitely feel like an improvement to a knife that had barely any room for improvement!
What we like
The award-winning design gets a fitting upgrade with a button-lock and a Nitro-V Steel blade
What we dislike
It’s missing a good titanium pocket clip!
3. CIVIVI Baby Banter
While knives fall into the EDC category somewhat by default, not all of them are really the kind of knives you’d carry with you every day – the CIVIVI Baby Banter, however, fits beautifully in that EDC category with its compact design and pocket clip that makes carrying it around an absolute breeze. The Baby Banter gets its name from the small 59mm (2.34 inch) blade it’s equipped with, although it still comes with a full-sized handle that lets you grab it with fair amounts of dexterity. That small blade isn’t to be underestimated, though. The curve-back drop-point is a pretty versatile blade shape, perfect for any outdoor, indoor, or tactical use. The blade comes fashioned from Nitro-V steel, boasting up to 60HRC hardness, while the Baby Banter’s G10 fiber handle is the ideal blend between lightweight, grippy, and just incredibly robust.
With its 2.35-inch blade, the Baby Banter is CIVIVI’s smallest knife but that doesn’t take away from its capabilities. It’s the kind of knife that often gets underestimated but then shines through with that high-strength Nitro-V steel blade.
What we like
Very Tiny, Very Sharp
Nitro-V Steel is much tougher than D2 Steel
What we dislike
It’s smaller than the Mini Praxis, but double the price because of that Nitro-V Blade
4. CIVIVI Qubit
Yet another small flipper, the Qubit has perhaps the best blade-to-handle ratio for someone looking for a compact knife. It’s simple in its demeanor, but comes with a clever design that integrates a bottle-opener into its blade when closed. Open it and you’ve got that classic drop-point blade, now in Swedish 14C28N Steel, known for its resistance to corrosion, chipping, and just general wear and tear. The Qubit also packs a button-lock for one-press closure, and an aluminum handle that gives the knife a little more heft than your lightweight G10 fiber handle. This means enhanced maneuverability and a pretty gorgeous all-metal aesthetic!
Sometimes you just want a great compact knife and the Qubit really makes a compelling case for it. Unlike the Mini Praxis, it has its own identity, while still sporting a similar blade size. The aluminum handle may not be for everyone, but the cold grip of metal may excite some, and that bottle opener is just *chef’s kiss*. Oh, there’s also a Damascus Steel version if you really want to flex your EDC!
What we like
Love the integration of the bottle opener
Aluminum handle gives the Qubit a premium touch
What we dislike
At 80 grams (2.82 ounces) some small-knife cravers may find the Qubit a tad too heavy
5. CIVIVI Brazen
The Brazen charters into tactical territory, with an edgy, aggressive design featuring a stealth paint-job and an American Tanto-style blade that lends itself to unique applications. The American Tanto blade features not one, but two edges, and a pointed tip that’s perfect for piercing, nicking, slicing, chopping, scraping, and whittling. The 3.46″ / 88mm blade comes crafted from hard D2 steel and sits within a slim yet grippy G10 handle. As its name suggests, the Brazen isn’t afraid of a good challenge, which makes it the perfect pick for people who don’t walk away from adversity. The entire EDC weighs a respectable 3.82oz or 108.4 grams and comes with a pocket clip and lanyard hole for that everyday carrying habit.
Looking for a knife that really means business? The Brazen has just that attitude. Get the all-black one and it looks like something Batman would have in his utility belt.
What we like
The double-edged American Tanto blade is a refreshing change
A lovely edgy-looking knife for its budget-friendly price tag
What we dislike
Most Tanto-style knives have longer blades, so the Brazen’s blade feels slightly on the shorter side
6. CIVIVI Elementum
A winner of the BLADE SHOW ‘BEST BUY Of The Year’ award in 2021, the Elementum is a no-frills, straight-down-to-business utility EDC folding knife. It focuses on the core basics, quite like its name suggests, with a 75.2mm (2.96”) D2 Steel blade that folds into a classic-looking ergonomic handle. The handle comes in a variety of materials, from the standard G10 to more eclectic choices like a see-through Ultem plastic that lets you peer behind the handle and admire the knife’s inner framework, or even a rustic wood or a futuristic carbon fiber handle that pairs rather well with a Damascus steel blade to match. The Elementum’s drop-point blade is a modern classic, offering versatility throughout the day, while its overall 2.89oz / 82g weight (for the G10 handle variant), built-in pocket clip, and lanyard hole make it a pleasure to carry around.
You don’t win awards at the Blade Show for nothing. The Elementum gets the basics right, with the perfect size, shape, and price tag.
What we like
The perfection feels almost effortless
What we dislike
This classic design sorely lacks a button-lock
7. CIVIVI Incisor II
If the Brazen gave you goosebumps, wait till you take a look at the Incisor II. Most EDC blades are designed for conventional outdoor use – whittling wood, cutting cords, opening packets of food – the Incisor II isn’t really that benign. Modeled on the Karambit knife, a West Sumatran knife inspired by the tiger claw, the Incisor II is a miniature beast that’s built to intimidate. It sports a Nitro-V hawksbill blade that fits snugly into a rather chiseled ergonomic aluminum handle. The blade can be deployed in a number of ways – either using the flipper or the finger-hole for style, the button for convention, or the rapid thumb stud for looking like you mean business. The thumb stud is a tiny stud that gets caught in your pant pocket liner as you’re pulling the Incisor II out, causing the blade to automatically deploy as soon as it leaves your pocket. With enough practice, you can master the art of ejecting the blade in milliseconds as it exits your pocket. Don’t buy this knife if you need a basic indoor box-cutter.
The Incisor II might be CIVIVI’s most unique-looking knife. Sitting more on the tactical end of the spectrum, it’s the kind of knife you carry on missions, on dangerous trails, or if you’re a bit of a badass.
What we like
Gorgeous Karambit-style design with an all-metal build
Excellent ergonomics
What we dislike
This might be a little too edgy for most people who want a classy-looking indoor/outdoor EDC knife.
8. CIVIVI Conspirator
The Conspirator may just be the best name for a knife ever. Although it does give me Cassius and Brutus vibes, I doubt Ancient Rome had foldable blades… although CIVIVI’s Conspirator does. Built with a Nitro-V blade and a Micarta handle, the Conspirator is a pretty resilient and formidable little devi that’s easy to maneuver. The Conspirator measures nearly 8 inches when opened, of which 3.46 inches belong to its drop-point Nitro-V blade. Harder and more corrosion-resistant than D2 steel, the Nitro-V blade possesses the ability to take a very sharp edge, so beware. Built to handle tactical situations with ease, the Conspirator works comfortably as an EDC blade, but serves rather selflessly in demanding scenarios too, going from opening boxes to slashing through tough ropes or slicing through meat in seconds… An EDC that can also handle ‘the unimaginable’, as CIVIVI likes to say.
The Nitro-V Blade and Micarta handle make the Conspirator more than your average knife. It’s meant for business, not for merely collecting and stashing in your EDC drawer.
What we like
Great build quality
Customers love how ‘fidgety’ it is and we can’t help but agree
What we dislike
A titanium pocket clip would be preferred
9. CIVIVI Cogent
The Cogent is just one of those knives your eyes and hands simultaneously fall in love with. It’s a testament to CIVIVI’s knife-building prowess and tries to color within the lines but steps out just in the right places. The 3.4-inch blade comes made from Swedish 14C28N steel that’s known to retain its edge and resist corrosion better than most conventional blade steels. Unlike most of CIVIVI’s knives with drop points, the Cogent just barely steps out of its comfort zone with a clip-point-style blade that has a slightly more pronounced tip that’s perfect for piercing. The blade sits within a G10 fiber handle although you can opt for Micarta if you want something more robust, or Guibourtia Wood if you want something classy. CIVIVI also chucks in a button-lock and a pocket clip, and if you’re looking for something a tad more tactical, the Cogent also has a variant with a half-serrated blade that can slice through tough paracord, vines, and anything that may require some to-and-fro action.
The Cogent is the kind of knife that just connects with you if you know what you want. It’s different from most of CIVIVI’s other knives but doesn’t switch the game when it comes to a great construction, ergonomics, and materials.
What we like
The half-serrated blade variant really gives the Cogent a tactical boost
Great ergonomics packed in the perfect size and price
What we dislike
The flipper tab could be slightly larger, allowing for easier deployment
CIVIVI Sentinel
We really believe in leaving the best for the last so if you’ve stuck around this far, you’re in luck. The Sentinel is really CIVIVI’s highlight reel if anything, with a unique design sporting a Reverse Tanto (or Wharncliffe) blade that has a straight edge for remarkable cutting, slicing, and maneuvering. The blade itself is made from a high-carbon K110 steel that’s classified as a ‘tool steel’ for its ability to take on abuse without any complaints, with a Damascus variant that might be the most breathtaking knife in CIVIVI’s catalog. The blade fits right within a gorgeous dual-material handle featuring a machined aluminum body with an FRN (fiber-reinforced nylon) Integral Spacer that gives the knife its grippy feeling. The aluminum, on the other hand, lends a little weight to the Sentinel, allowing you to maneuver it with relative ease and deft. To help cut weight, the Sentinel’s blade has a cutout that shaves off a few grams, bringing down its overall weight to an impressive 98.3 grams (3.47 ounces), which feels rather light for a knife with an overall length of 8.6 inches (218.7mm). This mid-sized bad-boy also packs a button-lock mechanism, but more interestingly, a glass-breaker tip at the reverse end of the handle, allowing you to easily shatter through even toughened laminated glass with a single strike.
The Sentinel is just an all-round classy affair with a slight hint of tactical charm. Sort of like James Bond when he’s wearing a turtleneck and jeans instead of that tuxedo. The knife uses the finest materials and is well-balanced for a wonderful user experience, and that glass-breaker tip is quite literally a cherry on the cake
What we like
Good ergonomics, great balance
A wonderful grab for its price tag
The glass-breaker tip is a lovely tactical add-on
What we dislike
While we have no official complaints, somehow adding a bottle-opener to this would make it a no-brainer winner!
Sure, it’s Holiday Season… but in most temperate parts of the world, it’s also outdoor season. The weather’s perfect for a trek, a camping session, or tailgating, and the folks at CIVIVI want to ensure you’re well geared-up for your expeditions. Makers of some of the finest budget-friendly outdoor (and indoor) pocket knives, CIVIVI’s putting their best sellers on sale this holiday season with discounts of up to 25%. We’ve hand-picked 10 of our favorite knives from the CIVIVI collection, ranging in size, capability, and budget. These knives are designed to be portable, highly utilitarian, and effective in almost every scenario from opening a box of gifts on Christmas to whittling wood for a wintertime campfire to roast s’mores on!
1. CIVIVI Mini Praxis
Easily CIVIVI’s best-selling knife, the Mini Praxis is a smaller version of its larger counterpart, the Praxis. Featuring a 2.98-inch drop-point D2 blade nestled within a wide, grippy G10 handle over a skeletonized stainless steel liner, the Mini Praxis presents an enticing proposition with its rather affordable price tag. Engineered as a dependable workhorse, this compact gem sports a classic drop-point blade available in either D2 steel, or an incredibly eye-catching Damascus steel with wonderful marbling. The blade measures under 3 inches in length, but is complemented by a broader handle made from either G10, translucent Ultem, or Guibourtia Wood if you pick the Damascus variant. A perfect compact knife for people who like EDC but don’t like the bulk associated with larger, more tactical-looking knives, the Mini Praxis weighs just 2.77 ounces (78.5 grams), and comes with a nifty pocket clip that lets you carry it around with ease.
The Mini Praxis is built like a modern classic. It’s the kind of EDC that pairs equally well with outdoor wear, a modern suit, or even regular lounging clothes in the shed or garage.
What we like
Portable and lightweight
Bang for its buck
What we dislike
The 2.98-inch blade may be too short for certain applications
2. CIVIVI Button Lock Elementum II
Unanimous feedback from customers led to CIVIVI developing edition 2 of the best-selling Elementum with a button lock to help disengage the blade while closing. The Elementum II is just as much of a modern classic as its liner-lock counterpart, with the same drop-point blade design now made from Nitro-V Steel instead of D2. Customers can choose between a G10 or translucent Ultem handle, and there’s even a variant with a Damascus blade for serious enthusiasts, and a Halloween collector’s edition with skull artwork printed on both the blade as well as the handle!
The Elementum II gets a touch of perfection with its new blade and button lock. While some still prefer the liner lock just because of sheer preference, the Elementum II’s upgrades definitely feel like an improvement to a knife that had barely any room for improvement!
What we like
The award-winning design gets a fitting upgrade with a button-lock and a Nitro-V Steel blade
What we dislike
It’s missing a good titanium pocket clip!
3. CIVIVI Baby Banter
While knives fall into the EDC category somewhat by default, not all of them are really the kind of knives you’d carry with you every day – the CIVIVI Baby Banter, however, fits beautifully in that EDC category with its compact design and pocket clip that makes carrying it around an absolute breeze. The Baby Banter gets its name from the small 59mm (2.34 inch) blade it’s equipped with, although it still comes with a full-sized handle that lets you grab it with fair amounts of dexterity. That small blade isn’t to be underestimated, though. The curve-back drop-point is a pretty versatile blade shape, perfect for any outdoor, indoor, or tactical use. The blade comes fashioned from Nitro-V steel, boasting up to 60HRC hardness, while the Baby Banter’s G10 fiber handle is the ideal blend between lightweight, grippy, and just incredibly robust.
With its 2.35-inch blade, the Baby Banter is CIVIVI’s smallest knife but that doesn’t take away from its capabilities. It’s the kind of knife that often gets underestimated but then shines through with that high-strength Nitro-V steel blade.
What we like
Very Tiny, Very Sharp
Nitro-V Steel is much tougher than D2 Steel
What we dislike
It’s smaller than the Mini Praxis, but double the price because of that Nitro-V Blade
4. CIVIVI Qubit
Yet another small flipper, the Qubit has perhaps the best blade-to-handle ratio for someone looking for a compact knife. It’s simple in its demeanor, but comes with a clever design that integrates a bottle-opener into its blade when closed. Open it and you’ve got that classic drop-point blade, now in Swedish 14C28N Steel, known for its resistance to corrosion, chipping, and just general wear and tear. The Qubit also packs a button-lock for one-press closure, and an aluminum handle that gives the knife a little more heft than your lightweight G10 fiber handle. This means enhanced maneuverability and a pretty gorgeous all-metal aesthetic!
Sometimes you just want a great compact knife and the Qubit really makes a compelling case for it. Unlike the Mini Praxis, it has its own identity, while still sporting a similar blade size. The aluminum handle may not be for everyone, but the cold grip of metal may excite some, and that bottle opener is just *chef’s kiss*. Oh, there’s also a Damascus Steel version if you really want to flex your EDC!
What we like
Love the integration of the bottle opener
Aluminum handle gives the Qubit a premium touch
What we dislike
At 80 grams (2.82 ounces) some small-knife cravers may find the Qubit a tad too heavy
5. CIVIVI Brazen
The Brazen charters into tactical territory, with an edgy, aggressive design featuring a stealth paint-job and an American Tanto-style blade that lends itself to unique applications. The American Tanto blade features not one, but two edges, and a pointed tip that’s perfect for piercing, nicking, slicing, chopping, scraping, and whittling. The 3.46″ / 88mm blade comes crafted from hard D2 steel and sits within a slim yet grippy G10 handle. As its name suggests, the Brazen isn’t afraid of a good challenge, which makes it the perfect pick for people who don’t walk away from adversity. The entire EDC weighs a respectable 3.82oz or 108.4 grams and comes with a pocket clip and lanyard hole for that everyday carrying habit.
Looking for a knife that really means business? The Brazen has just that attitude. Get the all-black one and it looks like something Batman would have in his utility belt.
What we like
The double-edged American Tanto blade is a refreshing change
A lovely edgy-looking knife for its budget-friendly price tag
What we dislike
Most Tanto-style knives have longer blades, so the Brazen’s blade feels slightly on the shorter side
6. CIVIVI Elementum
A winner of the BLADE SHOW ‘BEST BUY Of The Year’ award in 2021, the Elementum is a no-frills, straight-down-to-business utility EDC folding knife. It focuses on the core basics, quite like its name suggests, with a 75.2mm (2.96”) D2 Steel blade that folds into a classic-looking ergonomic handle. The handle comes in a variety of materials, from the standard G10 to more eclectic choices like a see-through Ultem plastic that lets you peer behind the handle and admire the knife’s inner framework, or even a rustic wood or a futuristic carbon fiber handle that pairs rather well with a Damascus steel blade to match. The Elementum’s drop-point blade is a modern classic, offering versatility throughout the day, while its overall 2.89oz / 82g weight (for the G10 handle variant), built-in pocket clip, and lanyard hole make it a pleasure to carry around.
You don’t win awards at the Blade Show for nothing. The Elementum gets the basics right, with the perfect size, shape, and price tag.
What we like
The perfection feels almost effortless
What we dislike
This classic design sorely lacks a button-lock
7. CIVIVI Incisor II
If the Brazen gave you goosebumps, wait till you take a look at the Incisor II. Most EDC blades are designed for conventional outdoor use – whittling wood, cutting cords, opening packets of food – the Incisor II isn’t really that benign. Modeled on the Karambit knife, a West Sumatran knife inspired by the tiger claw, the Incisor II is a miniature beast that’s built to intimidate. It sports a Nitro-V hawksbill blade that fits snugly into a rather chiseled ergonomic aluminum handle. The blade can be deployed in a number of ways – either using the flipper or the finger-hole for style, the button for convention, or the rapid thumb stud for looking like you mean business. The thumb stud is a tiny stud that gets caught in your pant pocket liner as you’re pulling the Incisor II out, causing the blade to automatically deploy as soon as it leaves your pocket. With enough practice, you can master the art of ejecting the blade in milliseconds as it exits your pocket. Don’t buy this knife if you need a basic indoor box-cutter.
The Incisor II might be CIVIVI’s most unique-looking knife. Sitting more on the tactical end of the spectrum, it’s the kind of knife you carry on missions, on dangerous trails, or if you’re a bit of a badass.
What we like
Gorgeous Karambit-style design with an all-metal build
Excellent ergonomics
What we dislike
This might be a little too edgy for most people who want a classy-looking indoor/outdoor EDC knife.
8. CIVIVI Conspirator
The Conspirator may just be the best name for a knife ever. Although it does give me Cassius and Brutus vibes, I doubt Ancient Rome had foldable blades… although CIVIVI’s Conspirator does. Built with a Nitro-V blade and a Micarta handle, the Conspirator is a pretty resilient and formidable little devi that’s easy to maneuver. The Conspirator measures nearly 8 inches when opened, of which 3.46 inches belong to its drop-point Nitro-V blade. Harder and more corrosion-resistant than D2 steel, the Nitro-V blade possesses the ability to take a very sharp edge, so beware. Built to handle tactical situations with ease, the Conspirator works comfortably as an EDC blade, but serves rather selflessly in demanding scenarios too, going from opening boxes to slashing through tough ropes or slicing through meat in seconds… An EDC that can also handle ‘the unimaginable’, as CIVIVI likes to say.
The Nitro-V Blade and Micarta handle make the Conspirator more than your average knife. It’s meant for business, not for merely collecting and stashing in your EDC drawer.
What we like
Great build quality
Customers love how ‘fidgety’ it is and we can’t help but agree
What we dislike
A titanium pocket clip would be preferred
9. CIVIVI Cogent
The Cogent is just one of those knives your eyes and hands simultaneously fall in love with. It’s a testament to CIVIVI’s knife-building prowess and tries to color within the lines but steps out just in the right places. The 3.4-inch blade comes made from Swedish 14C28N steel that’s known to retain its edge and resist corrosion better than most conventional blade steels. Unlike most of CIVIVI’s knives with drop points, the Cogent just barely steps out of its comfort zone with a clip-point-style blade that has a slightly more pronounced tip that’s perfect for piercing. The blade sits within a G10 fiber handle although you can opt for Micarta if you want something more robust, or Guibourtia Wood if you want something classy. CIVIVI also chucks in a button-lock and a pocket clip, and if you’re looking for something a tad more tactical, the Cogent also has a variant with a half-serrated blade that can slice through tough paracord, vines, and anything that may require some to-and-fro action.
The Cogent is the kind of knife that just connects with you if you know what you want. It’s different from most of CIVIVI’s other knives but doesn’t switch the game when it comes to a great construction, ergonomics, and materials.
What we like
The half-serrated blade variant really gives the Cogent a tactical boost
Great ergonomics packed in the perfect size and price
What we dislike
The flipper tab could be slightly larger, allowing for easier deployment
CIVIVI Sentinel
We really believe in leaving the best for the last so if you’ve stuck around this far, you’re in luck. The Sentinel is really CIVIVI’s highlight reel if anything, with a unique design sporting a Reverse Tanto (or Wharncliffe) blade that has a straight edge for remarkable cutting, slicing, and maneuvering. The blade itself is made from a high-carbon K110 steel that’s classified as a ‘tool steel’ for its ability to take on abuse without any complaints, with a Damascus variant that might be the most breathtaking knife in CIVIVI’s catalog. The blade fits right within a gorgeous dual-material handle featuring a machined aluminum body with an FRN (fiber-reinforced nylon) Integral Spacer that gives the knife its grippy feeling. The aluminum, on the other hand, lends a little weight to the Sentinel, allowing you to maneuver it with relative ease and deft. To help cut weight, the Sentinel’s blade has a cutout that shaves off a few grams, bringing down its overall weight to an impressive 98.3 grams (3.47 ounces), which feels rather light for a knife with an overall length of 8.6 inches (218.7mm). This mid-sized bad-boy also packs a button-lock mechanism, but more interestingly, a glass-breaker tip at the reverse end of the handle, allowing you to easily shatter through even toughened laminated glass with a single strike.
The Sentinel is just an all-round classy affair with a slight hint of tactical charm. Sort of like James Bond when he’s wearing a turtleneck and jeans instead of that tuxedo. The knife uses the finest materials and is well-balanced for a wonderful user experience, and that glass-breaker tip is quite literally a cherry on the cake
What we like
Good ergonomics, great balance
A wonderful grab for its price tag
The glass-breaker tip is a lovely tactical add-on
What we dislike
While we have no official complaints, somehow adding a bottle-opener to this would make it a no-brainer winner!
I don’t know what it must have cost, but I’m assuming peanuts.
Reporting to you today from the weird part of the internet, we’ve got crazy YouTuber Penguin DIY who decided to take a walnut shell and cram an entire Bluetooth speaker inside it… USB-C port and status LEDs included. The speaker’s audio quality isn’t anything to write home about, but the video above that shows the entire construction process will not (I mean walnut) disappoint.
The speaker itself a miniature little device the size of a… well, walnut. Made from the walnut’s shell, it packs all the necessary components inside, including a mini battery, amp, driver, Bluetooth module, USB-C port, and even buttons and LEDs to control playback or increase/decrease the volume.
The process involved emptying out the contents of the walnut before taking a Dremel to the inside of the walnut shell to make as much space as possible for the components. The components include a 5V power bank module that was stripped for parts because it was too big to fit into the shell. The module (or whatever was left of it) was then connected to the rest of the speaker’s parts, including a 300mAh battery pack and a USB-C port for charging the speaker.
Other components included the actual ‘meat’ of the speaker, including a 2W audio driver, a mini-amp, and a Bluetooth module to allow for wireless connectivity. All the components were rather intricately pieced together and soldered with what I can only describe as incredible dexterity for something that small, and then glued to the shell with silicon glue. This flexible glue would allow the driver’s vibrations to occur without any danger of dislodging parts inside the walnut shell.
Finally, holes were drilled into the top of the walnut to make way for the speaker grill, control buttons, status LEDs, and even a nifty on-off switch. In the interest of repairability, Penguin DIY assembled the two halves of the shell together with screws instead of glues, enabling him to open up and repair or upgrade the speaker whenever he wanted. Let’s face it, if a YouTuber can turn a walnut into a Bluetooth speaker and still make it repairable, Apple can make the AirPods repairable too.
The results are impressive but not for the reasons you’d think. The speaker works flawlessly, with it being detected on a smartphone, getting connected, and even letting you play/pause music just like any regular wireless speaker. Understandably, the sound isn’t particularly great because of driver, amp, and size limitations… but if I had to rate the speaker on a scale of 1-to-10 for sheer ingenuity and for its proof-of-concept, it gets full marks. In fact, forget pumpkin carving skills, Penguin DIY’s walnut carving skills are absolutely on point!
Combining luxurious architecture and natural camouflage together, Mertcan Güldilek’s Nordic Breeze hotel is easy to miss when viewed from above. As you descend into the valley, however, the gorgeous hotel becomes more apparent with its unique blend of the snow-white facade and wrap-around glass. Created using AI, Güldilek’s architectural concept shows how organic design can blend beautifully into a landscape, complementing it rather than contrasting it.
Designer: Mertcan Güldilek
The AI experimentations take on a rather organic design reminiscent of Ross Lovegrove’s work. The hotel’s facade is difficult to really describe as it flows quite like the mountain slope. In the negative areas created by the facade, Güldilek adds running edge-to-edge windows that help residents/patrons get a sprawling panoramic view of the landscape ahead of them.
“The hotel emerges in the heart of the Swedish valley, inviting guests to a refuge that seamlessly blends with its breathtaking surroundings,” says Güldilek. “The organic approach to design ensures that the hotel becomes an extension of the surrounding nature, creating a sense of unity that calms and inspires.”
Envisioned for Storglaciären, Sweden, these hotels are located in the valleys of a snowcapped mountain range, alongside a glacial river that adds to the hotel’s charm. Multiple iterations of the hotel’s design see it nestled on top of the glacial river, giving patrons a stunning shimmering view of the snowcapped landscape along with its reflection. Sunrises and sunsets would look amazing here for 6 months in the year!
“As the sun descends, casting its golden rays across the land, the hotel radiates a warm and inviting aura that draws guests in,” adds Güldilek. “The golden hour lighting envelops the building, illuminating every detail and infusing the surroundings with a magical quality.”
Different iterations also play with volumes, adding multiple wings and levels to the architecture for a dynamic appeal. Each hotel room therefore has a unique view of what’s around them, creating a bespoke experience for everyone who comes to visit the conceptual Nordic Breeze hotel!
Don’t go out and buy a Beats Studio Buds + just yet because Spigen’s new AirPods Pro 2 case gives it a similar transparent design. The protective case guards your AirPods from accidental bumps and falls, while also giving it a few details of its own in the form of a carabiner clip, and built-in magnets that allow the AirPods Pro 2 case to snap onto Apple’s MagSafe charger. However, the one highlight is the case’s transparent graphic that outlines all the AirPods’ internal parts from the screws and PCBs, to the chipset and even the wireless charging coil at the back.
These transparent Ultra Hybrid Zero One covers for the AirPods Pro 2 follow Spigen’s foray into transparent cases for the iPhone too, inspired directly by the gorgeous iMac G3 designs from the good old days. The covers ultimately provide a layer of Spigen-backed physical protection to the AirPods case, shielding it from bumps and scratches thanks to an impact-resistant PolyCarbonate (PC) and Thermoplastic Polyurethane (TPU) build. The cover fits snugly around the case, with air-pockets around the corners to help provide an added layer of cushioning. The AirPods case’s lanyard hole is left exposed for you to use, although the other side has a slot for a carabiner clip to slide in.
Perhaps the most alluring thing about the Zero One covers is their eye-catching graphics. Following the transparency trend that’s been taking the tech and gaming world by storm, the Zero One cases have a faux transparent graphic on them too, outlining all of the AirPods Pro 2’s inner components. Obviously, it isn’t all accurate (I assume Apple’s lawyers would ensure that), but it makes a pretty strong insinuation. If you’re looking for a truly transparent AirPods Pro 2 case, we know a guy…
The case is designed to be compatible with older AirPods Pro 2 versions with the lightning port as well as new variants with the USB-C port in their base. It even has a transparent window for the AirPods case’s built-in status LED, allowing you to see the charging, battery, and connection status of your TWS earbuds.
Flip the case over and your eye will notice six cleverly placed Phillips-head screws in the graphic. These screws aren’t really indicative of the AirPods case’s construction but rather are strategic markings for the Zero One cover’s built-in magnets. Designed to be compatible with Apple’s MagSafe charger, the magnets allow your AirPods case to snap right in place, charging almost instantaneously.
The cover comes with its own carabiner clip, which you can either remove, or use as a means to loop your AirPods Pro 2 to your bag, pant, or jacket. The Spigen Ultra Hybrid Zero Union cover for the AirPods Pro 2 starts at $44.99 on Spigen’s own site, although it’s available for a sizeable discount on Spigen’s Amazon storefront.
“Play by ear” as they commonly say, doesn’t really apply to people with hearing impairments. The most common example of a hearing-impaired musical genius remains Beethoven, who composed entire orchestral pieces by relying on what he remembered from a time when he could hear. By the time he reached the peak of his career, Beethoven was completely deaf, but his memory served him well when it came to playing music… not everyone today has that luxury, but the Vibra helps the hearing impaired play music by connecting the audio to other senses like touch and sight.
Designers: Ahn Taegwang, Go Yeongseok, Hwang Jimin, Lee Wonjae
A winner of the Red Dot Design Concept Award, Vibra is a new instrument and service that can meet the musical needs of people with hearing impairments. Unlike traditional instruments that rely entirely on auditory feedback, Vibra relies on a combination of vibrations or haptic feedback, and visual cues like color and composition. The musical instrument comes with a modular design that serves the needs of multiple instruments, from key-based to percussive, string, and even electronic. It eventually pairs with an app that allows players to visualize their music. With a fair amount of visual training and consistent practice, hearing-impaired people can use the Vibra to play existing tunes and even compose new music entirely on their own.
The companion app fills in the sensorial gaps left by the auditory impairment. It provides a visual interface that helps conceptualize sound in a graphic sense, allowing people to understand notes, chords, harmonies, and other complex theories through vision instead of sound. The app enables practice, helps users find which instrument they’re more comfortable playing, and also allows them to learn and practice how to play popular tunes!
As the Ranger Ship descended on Miller’s Planet, hope suddenly turned to dismay and then to horror as Joseph Cooper and Dr. Brand realized that not only was the planet unviable for human life, their crew member was dead, they had wasted 23 years simply in the minutes they spent on the planet’s surface, and they were just mere moments away from a killer tidal wave approaching them from the horizon. The scene from blockbuster space-thriller Interstellar is noteworthy for causing a wide range of emotions and creating a visual tension only director Christopher Nolan can conjure. Now, LEGO builder Minibrick Productions is paying tribute to the Miller’s Planet scene with their tiny LEGO-based recreation that features the ranger aircraft, astronauts Cooper and Brand, and the shapeshifting robots TARS and CASE.
Designer: Minibrick Productions
Miller’s Planet is the first of the 3 planets explored by the group of astronauts looking for a viable alternative to earth. While crew-member Romilly stays back on the main ship, Cooper and Brand (played by Michael McConaughey and Anne Hathaway) travel to the planet, located close to a black hole. Little did they know that not only would this visit be futile, it would cost them decades because of the planet’s proximity to the black hole, causing a warp in space-time. Minibrick Productions’ rendition of this scene is as accurate as it gets, with all the characters and a rather realistic-looking Ranger spacecraft to match. McConaughey and Hathaway come outfitted in their space suits, while TARS and CASE, two monolithic-looking robots sport repositionable arms that allow them to walk like a human.
The Ranger craft itself is more than just aesthetic. Pop its hood off and there’s an entire cockpit where Cooper and Brand fit right in, along with a crawl-space where TARS or CASE can dock themselves. The rear hatch on the craft can open and close too, revealing the ramp through which the astronauts enter and exit the craft.
“This set would be mindless fun to a child who dreams of exploring space, as well as any collector who wishes to display one of the most iconic vehicles from science fiction,” says Minibrick Productions, the creator behind this LEGO scene. The LEGO Miller’s Planet scene from Interstellar comprises just 532 bricks, making it a relatively simple build for kids and enthusiasts alike. It currently sits in LEGO’s Ideas forum with over 4000 votes from the community. If it reaches the 10,000 mark, LEGO’s internal team will review it before turning it from a fan-made submission into a box-set that anyone can buy. Click here to vote for this build!
