Monthly Archives: November 2023

Top 10 EDC Gear Designs That Give A Functionality Boost to Every Outdoor Essentials Toolkit

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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.

Click Here to Buy Now: Starting at $26.25 $35 (Upto 25% off). Hurry, deal ends in 48 hours!

Why is it noteworthy?

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!

Click Here to Buy Now: Starting at $57.38 $76.50 (Upto 25% off). Hurry, deal ends in 48 hours!

Why is it noteworthy?

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.

Click Here to Buy Now: Starting at $52.50 $70 (Upto 25% off). Hurry, deal ends in 48 hours!

Why is it noteworthy?

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!

Click Here to Buy Now: Starting at $59.02 $78.70 (Upto 25% off). Hurry, deal ends in 48 hours!

Why is it noteworthy?

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.

Click Here to Buy Now: Starting at $43.50 $58 (Upto 25% off). Hurry, deal ends in 48 hours!

Why is it noteworthy?

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.

Click Here to Buy Now: Starting at $44.25 $59 (Upto 25% off). Hurry, deal ends in 48 hours!

Why is it noteworthy?

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.

Click Here to Buy Now: Starting at $140

Why is it noteworthy?

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.

Click Here to Buy Now: Starting at $70.50 $94 (Upto 25% off). Hurry, deal ends in 48 hours!

Why is it noteworthy?

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.

Click Here to Buy Now: Starting at $61.35 $81.80 (25% off). Hurry, deal ends in 48 hours!

Why is it noteworthy?

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.

Click Here to Buy Now: Starting at $100

Why is it noteworthy?

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!

The post Top 10 EDC Gear Designs That Give A Functionality Boost to Every Outdoor Essentials Toolkit first appeared on Yanko Design.

Top 10 EDC Gear Designs That Give A Functionality Boost to Every Outdoor Essentials Toolkit

Posted on by

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.

Click Here to Buy Now: Starting at $26.25 $35 (Upto 25% off). Hurry, deal ends in 48 hours!

Why is it noteworthy?

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!

Click Here to Buy Now: Starting at $57.38 $76.50 (Upto 25% off). Hurry, deal ends in 48 hours!

Why is it noteworthy?

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.

Click Here to Buy Now: Starting at $52.50 $70 (Upto 25% off). Hurry, deal ends in 48 hours!

Why is it noteworthy?

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!

Click Here to Buy Now: Starting at $59.02 $78.70 (Upto 25% off). Hurry, deal ends in 48 hours!

Why is it noteworthy?

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.

Click Here to Buy Now: Starting at $43.50 $58 (Upto 25% off). Hurry, deal ends in 48 hours!

Why is it noteworthy?

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.

Click Here to Buy Now: Starting at $44.25 $59 (Upto 25% off). Hurry, deal ends in 48 hours!

Why is it noteworthy?

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.

Click Here to Buy Now: Starting at $140

Why is it noteworthy?

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.

Click Here to Buy Now: Starting at $70.50 $94 (Upto 25% off). Hurry, deal ends in 48 hours!

Why is it noteworthy?

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.

Click Here to Buy Now: Starting at $61.35 $81.80 (25% off). Hurry, deal ends in 48 hours!

Why is it noteworthy?

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.

Click Here to Buy Now: Starting at $100

Why is it noteworthy?

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!

The post Top 10 EDC Gear Designs That Give A Functionality Boost to Every Outdoor Essentials Toolkit first appeared on Yanko Design.

Vollebak’s Indestructible Hoodie Is Practically Armor

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Vollebak has a knack for inventing apparel designed for adventurers. If you weren’t impressed by its Solar Charged Hat, just wait until you see the British fashion company’s newest innovation: the Indestructible Hoodie. It’s easy to poke fun at any item being called “Indestructible” by its designer, but there’s a good reason to believe Vollebak’s claim it can withstand “75kmph falls”. In fact, you might just find yourself shelling out for its fashionable, comfortable, yet weather-impervious outer shell.

The materials used in the Indestructible Hoodie’s high-durability design — Cordura and Dyneema — don’t come cheap, however, and the cost of a new Indestructible Hoodie from Vollebak’s web store is a whopping $795. Granted, that’s more than worth the value of peace of mind when heading straight into danger. Like many of Vollebak’s unique fits, this hoodie looks like it was made for extreme athletes with a need for serious protection. Vollebak advertises it as being “highly abrasion and rip resistant,” even so far as being able to mitigate damage caused by an “extreme 4 way stretch,” which, to be fair, I would prefer not to imagine in gritty detail. On a side note, it’s probably fantastic protective-wear for anyone working in construction, or in other potentially dangerous manual labor fields. And, heck, it even looks pretty slick.

Designer: Nick Tidball, Steve Tidball (via Vollebak)

Vollebak did some pretty wild stuff to ensure it’s exactly as durable as it claims to be, using something called the Darmstadt abrasion resistance test to assess its durability during high speed falls onto concrete. This involved testing the hoodie’s fabric in a rotating machine that dragged samples of its Cordura (Nylon) material across 30 meters. Apparently, Vollebak’s designers needed to rev the machine up to 412rpm to make a small hole in one sample. According to Vollebak, it was “not a subtle test”.

Coming in two colorways, either Yellow or Black, the Indestructible Hoodie is designed for a comfortable and neat fit. Not only does it contain two side pockets for storage, it’s also wind-resistant to keep you protected from the cold. When it gets a bit warmer, this design is lightweight and breathable as well.

All that breathability is great because there’s plenty of flexibility between the Indestructible Hoodie’s smallest and the largest sizes; the smallest (XS) jacket is rated to flex between 33-36 inch chest sizes and 28-30 inch waist sizes, while the largest (XXXL) is rated to flex between 51-54 inch chest sizes and 40-42 inch waist sizes. That means you’re likely to find one that’s right for your body type, making it a versatile piece of apparel throughout the year for any explorer, adventurer, or high-stakes contractor in need of a bit of fashionable armor.

The post Vollebak’s Indestructible Hoodie Is Practically Armor first appeared on Yanko Design.

Humane’s AI Pin will cost $699

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The AI Pin from Humane, a much-hyped startup founded by former Apple employees, will cost $699. The Verge obtained documents about the device ahead of its official launch on November 9, and that price has now been confirmed.

In addition, the Pin will have a monthly $24 subscription fee for access to T-Mobile’s cellular network and large language models from OpenAI and Microsoft to power its smarts. The AI Pin is a device that’s about the size of a large business card that clips on to your clothing magnetically and acts as a personalized assistant controlled via voice and touch. Notably, it doesn’t have a screen. Instead, it projects a barebones user interface onto the palm of your hand.

We now have more details about the Pin and confirmation of The Verge’s leak, which you can read about here.

Update November 9 1PM ET: This article was modified after publishing with Humane's confirmation of the leaked details.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/humanes-ai-pin-will-reportedly-cost-699-235018028.html?src=rss

This Official Backbone One Carrying Case Is Sleek and Convenient

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The rise of remote gaming in the early 2020s introduced the ability to play full-scale console and PC games remotely on mobile devices. Some of that hype may have been a bust when it came to cloud-based services like Google Stadia, which shuttered in January because it simply “hadn’t gained the traction” Google wanted. But at least the trend brought with it a huge boon: really cool controllers that looked great, felt great, and plugged into your phone to control local consoles through apps like the PS Remote App and Xbox Remote Play, or play console-quality games through Apple Arcade or Google Play Pass.

Backbone One, at least the original Backbone One from 2020, set the basis for great smartphone controllers that made gaming on the go far more viable than ever before. Last year, Backbone came out with the PlayStation version of its mobile controller, using a similar button layout and visual style at the excellent DualSense controller. And now there’s a second-gen refresh, complete with a stylish and sleek carrying case that only costs $24.99 on the official Backbone store. Backbone’s newest controller update is exciting (thanks to an improved D-Pad and broader compatibility with devices) but the real star of the show is the brand-new official Backbone carrying case.

Designer: Backbone

The carrying case comes in two, very slick-looking colorways: Black and White. The latter is also the official “PlayStation Edition” carrying case, thanks to its usage of DualSense colors around the exterior chassis. The PlayStation logo is neatly displayed on the upper right corner instead of the usual “Backbone” lettering. This chassis looks both compact and durable, thanks to Backbone’s “firm outer shell and molded interior”. Both case designs come with a bright orange zipper that looks sharp regardless of which colorway you choose.

Backbone One’s official carrying case is going for an MSRP of $24.99, and is rated to be compatible with any existing Backbone One controller for iOS or Android devices. It looks like the controller sits snugly inside the case, and you can even use it with the iPhone adapter installed onto the Backbone controller. Once inside, the carrying case’s foam molding should keep it in one spot, without exposing it to the wear-and-tear often caused by constant shaking and bumping during transport.

The post This Official Backbone One Carrying Case Is Sleek and Convenient first appeared on Yanko Design.

Canon’s RF 200–800mm Lens Combines Long Range With Excellent Stabilization

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Last week, Canon announced a new telephoto-to-super-telephoto lens with the ability to zoom in 4x. This should let anyone take extremely accurate shots from a long distance with little noticeable blur, and it may open new doors for wildlife photographers (who, likely, would prefer to avoid disturbing any natural habitats) working without a tripod. It sounds like hand-holding a Canon EOS R-series full-frame camera equipped with one of these lenses provides comparable image clarity, which is important when you consider tripods are a drag on mobility. The lens making such photography wizardry possible is called the Canon RF200-800mm F6.3-9 IS USM, and — despite its $1,899 MSRP — you’re absolutely going to want one if you plan on capturing fast-moving distant objects, like wildlife or even fast-moving athletes or vehicles.

Designer: Canon

By default, this 200mm lens has a minimum focus distance of 2.62 ft or 0.8 meters. But that can be extended out to 800mm for much clearer long-distance shots with a minimum distance of 10.83 ft or 3.3 meters. Of course, that’s if you don’t use an extender. Sticking an Extender RF2x on top of a Canon RF200-800mm doubles its focal length even further to 1600mm, potentially making it one of the best super-telephoto lenses around. That’s partially thanks to Canon’s Optical Image Stabilization (OIS), which Canon claims provides “enhanced shake reduction for up to 5.5 stops”. When paired with Coordinated IS on the Canon EOS R-Series cameras, these benefits combine for “reliable handheld performance and clearer detail in low-light situations, without having to increase the ISO or decrease the shutter speed.”

Canon’s RF200-800mm F6.3-9 IS USM lens features a number of weather-proofing features which blend right into its stylish black-and-white matte design. For instance, its white paint is actually meant to work as a countermeasure against excessive heat when exposed to direct sunlight for long periods of time, as would be the case when capturing sports footage or when shooting wildlife in an area with a hot climate. The lens mount, focus/control ring, lens function buttons, and other interface pieces are rated for dust-proofing as well. Carrying it around should be a breeze; this lens only weighs 0.55 lbs, making it lightweight compared to other telephoto lenses — which usually weigh somewhere in the 1-3 lb range.

So far, reviews of the RF200-800mm F6.3-9 IS USM skew overwhelmingly positive. TechRadar praised the lens for its “unbeatable reach” and “sharp detail especially at its wider end”. Even then, it sounds like the lens’ aperture could use more headroom for lower-light scenes. But that isn’t a huge deal on its own. If you buy one of these, you’re likely going to pair it with one of Canon’s EOS cameras — packed-in with in-body stabilization — and if that’s the case, this lens should be able to capture incredibly detailed photos (even in low-light situations) from afar. According to Canon, the RF200-800mm is shipping out to customers in the United States on December 14.

The post Canon’s RF 200–800mm Lens Combines Long Range With Excellent Stabilization first appeared on Yanko Design.

Chroma Console is Hologram Electronics’ unique take on a multi-effect pedal

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There's a moment, a little over a minute into the announce video, where Chroma Console finally starts to make sense. Up until that point it seems like a really excellent, but rather straightforward multi-effect pedal. And if you're familiar with Hologram Electronics at all, you know the company doesn't really do "straightforward."

It starts small. After introducing you to the four different effect modules — Character, Movement, Diffusion and Texture — a hand cranks a knob while someone plays the drums and this doubled phasing tape effect comes out of the speakers. Interesting. Then some text on the screen lets you know that, hey, you can rearrange the effect modules. So if you want everything to feed into the fuzz mode of Character, you can do that.

Then at the 1:37 mark of the video, we're introduced to Gestures. It's basically the same sort of motion controls and automation that you'll find on many modern synths, except this is a guitar pedal. Instead of having to be glued to an expression pedal or implement some complicated MIDI setup, you can just press a button and turn some knobs. This allows you to crank the distortion of only part of a riff, or have pitch shifted sparkles erupt at regular intervals. This sort of simplified automation is all but unheard of on a guitar pedal. 

The four modules themselves are pretty versatile, though. Each of them has five different modes, for a total of 20 effects. Character is where you'll find overdrive, fuzz, compression and swell effects to shape your tone. Movement, unsurprisingly, is where modulation like doubling, vibrato, phaser and tremolo live. Diffusion is for time based effects, like delay and echo, including some with that trademark Hologram glitchy weirdness. And Texture is like a dash of finishing salt on your tone, here are filters, compressors and tap emulators.

There's also a master Drift effect which introduces hints of randomness and instability. Plus Capture, which does dual (but very similar) roles as an infinite sustainer or a looper with up to 30 seconds of record time. 

Hologram Electronics made sure to outfit Chroma Console with all manner of useful features beyond the effects, too. It's got stereo ins and outs, MIDI over 5-pin DIN and USB-C, expression pedal input and 80 user presets. The two foot switches are also assignable, so you can turn off only specific effects without getting down on your knees. 

The whole thing seems like a unique take on what appears at first glance to be a pretty simple multi-effect pedal. Chroma Console is available now direct from Hologram Electronics for $399, though quantities are limited. 

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/chroma-console-is-hologram-electronics-unique-take-on-a-multi-effect-pedal-221501285.html?src=rss

The merged Disney Plus and Hulu app launches in beta next month

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You'll soon be able to use the one-app streaming experience Disney is creating between Disney+ and Hulu. On today's earnings call, CEO Bob Iger announced that the beta version of the Hulu on Disney+ combined app will be available in December for bundle subscribers. The full launch is expected in early spring, though Iger cautioned the company may not see the full benefits of the one-stop shop until 2025. The beta version will allow parents to setup profiles and content controls to ensure viewing remains age appropriate. Disney says a key reason for the beta is to give parents time to do this setup since the library of Hulu content significantly adds to the streaming options.

Disney announced in May that it planned to bring Hulu content into Disney+ before the end of 2023. The company has been clear that both apps will still be available as standalone options. What's more, Disney said it would purchase Comcast's remaining stake in Hulu last week, so the entertainment giant will be the sole owner of that service when the deal closes sometime next year. A combined app should be useful to bundle subscribers who are paying for both services in return for a discount on the monthly rate.

Disney added almost seven million Disney+ core subscribers is the fourth quarter of its 2023 fiscal year. The company says that streaming service now counts 112 million total customers. It increased the ad-free price in October and announced a crackdown on password sharing would begin in 2024. Given the higher margins, thanks in part to higher subscription fees across both Disney+ and ESPN+, Disney says it's still on track for its streaming business to be profitable by this time next year. 

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/the-merged-disney-and-hulu-app-launches-in-beta-next-month-220306792.html?src=rss

YouTuber built a Bluetooth Speaker small enough to fit inside a Walnut

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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.

Designer: Penguin DIY

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!

The post YouTuber built a Bluetooth Speaker small enough to fit inside a Walnut first appeared on Yanko Design.

YouTube will soon show visitors a personalized For You section on channel pages

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YouTube is adding a new For You section to creator channels. The TikTok-like feature will be personalized to each visitor, recommending content from a channel based on each viewer’s watch history. The company’s support account on X posted (via The Verge) about the upcoming feature, which launches on November 20.

Creators can prepare for the For You section by confirming their options before its release date. You can toggle the feature’s availability and change its settings in YouTube Studio by selecting Customization > Layout and then checking each of the prompts under the For You section. It allows you to toggle whether full-length videos, shorts and livestreams are available for the feature.

The company had already teased the feature in a May video posted to its Creator Insider channel, a hub where YouTube employees have “direct conversations” with YouTubers. In that clip, product manager Ann Katrin Kuessner framed the feature as an alternative to the static home page. “You’re trying to find a configuration that is one-size-fits-all since the channel page looks the same today for every person that visits it,” Kuessner said, summarizing a problem creators face. She said the feature’s personalization “will be especially effective if your channel has multiple topics, languages, or content formats.”

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/youtube-will-soon-show-visitors-a-personalized-for-you-section-on-channel-pages-213402443.html?src=rss