Some of us have an uncanny love for knives, and in them, foldable knives. Not many, but of course a few of these foldable knives are created to get the toughest job done, and then there are a few amid them that are crafted for the collectors. An eye-candy for the latter is the Sidewinder, which is also an impending workhorse from Craighill.
Born to a brand “rooted in curiosity, ingenuity, and satisfaction” designing knives that are “beautiful and intriguing,” the Sidewinder draws its name from a namesake serpent known for its characteristic sideways gait. The knife has a unique handle and opening mechanism that mimics the Sidewinder slithering smoothly on the sand.
Crafted to disrupt the appearance and functioning of the traditional pocket knives, the Sidewinder is the idea of Craighill but it was designed in a years-long collaboration with Chen Chen and Kai Williams. The outcome is a knife with little focus on functioning and longevity and more on style and substance, which may not make it the best option as an EDC for the outdoor, but would be a perfect conversation starter.
The opening mechanism that is high on ingenuity is easy to open with one hand. The handle is made in a two-piece hinge – one comprises stone-washed finish and the other has black PVD-coated stainless steel – that moves like the Sidewalker over to separate and join when the knife is opened and closed respectively.
The Sidewalker knife weighs 5.6 ounces to let you feel slight heft in the hand or your pocket. The knife measures 2.5 inches long; it has a fine tip and deep belly for everyday usage. But it’s the interlocking opening and closing mechanism that makes the biggest and most defining highlight of the knife. The interesting thing also is that even though the foldable knife is highly portable, it will make a great décor item on the desk or shelf where it is going to attract everyone.
Rather aptly named the JOAT, or Jack Of All Trades, this modular multitool holds the unique distinction of being the perfect EDC to have on you for practically any sort of crisis. Whether it’s gear that needs fixing or beer that needs opening, the JOAT’s uniquely equipped to help. Made from titanium and with modular elements that stack together magnetically, the JOAT has its own fold-out scalpel blade, set of hex-wrenches, pry-bar, portable saw, magnetic screw-bit holder, and a bottle opener… all in one thumb-sized form factor that fits around your keychain. The magnetic modules snap apart, making them easy to use individually, and they’re all crafted from titanium, so they’ll practically last a lifetime.
While most multitools try to cram as much functionality into the tiniest form factor (we’re looking at you, Victorinox), the JOAT’s approach is a tad bit different. It uses magnetic modules that let you pull different parts of the EDC apart, giving you individual tools that are easier to use without any of that bulk associated with larger multitools. Need a knife? Just take the knife module out. Need a wrench? You don’t have to worry about any of the other tools while you’re working the wrench.
The scalpel knife is perhaps the JOAT’s most standout feature. Unlike most knives that have fixed edges, the JOAT uses a standard removable/replaceable scalpel blade that you can attach to its folding arm. You can easily attach any standard scalpel blade to the JOAT, removing it during travel (so the multitool is TSA-friendly), or replacing just the blade when its edge wears out. Standard scalpel blades are ridiculously sharp, giving your EDC multitool a great outdoor or tactical advantage. The pointed tip and deadly-sharp edge are perfect for piercing, cutting, slicing, carving, shaving, or doing anything you’d require a portable knife for. That means easily being able to navigate any outdoor situations that require a cutter, or any potential self-defense scenarios where a tactical blade could prove to be handy. The blade’s replaceable design makes maintaining your JOAT easy, allowing you to just swap out old blades for new ones instead of sitting and sharpening your knife like you would with most other multitools.
Any good multitool needs to have a bit-driver, and the JOAT takes its name and reputation seriously. Really a jack of all trades, the multitool packs a bit driver and holder in one of its three modules, allowing you to store as many as two standard 1/4″ hex bits of your choice. Although most people recommend having an Allen-bit and a flathead bit handy at all times, the JOAT lets you choose exactly which bits you want to carry along with you, letting you either stick to traditional picks or go super obscure if you’re fixing things like tech or any special gear. When in need, just take the bit you want and dock it into its holder and you have a makeshift screwdriver for any sudden emergencies when your regular toolkit isn’t around.
Got some nuts and bolts that need tightening, the JOAT packs an entire bunch of hex wrenches in its third module, along with a bottle-opener for good measure. Ranging from an M2 wrench to an M6 wrench, the standalone module is grippy and easy to maneuver, allowing you to quickly tighten or loosen bolts. The fact that the JOAT’s modules are detachable and independently usable means you can potentially use the hex wrench and the screwdriver as separate tools, allowing you to hold and tighten with the same multitool.
Finally, the JOAT’s base platform comes with its own pry tool, along with a blunt serrated edge that doubles as a nail file or even a primitive saw for buffing/filing down wood, plastic, or even soft metals. That titanium build proves rather handy here, given its status as the strongest metal known to humankind.
At just 80mm (a little above 3 inches) in length, the JOAT’s exceptionally pocket-friendly. It weighs 1.8 ounces (51.5 grams) and comes with its own loop that lets you secure it to a carabiner or even to your keychain. The all-titanium multitool starts at $69, and for another $7 you could get yourself the leather strap and titanium machined keyring to go with your EDC (shown above). If the idea of a nude metal multitool doesn’t appeal to you, there’s even an option to get a PVD black version of the JOAT for an extra $11. The all-in-one EDC multitool ships globally, and although it doesn’t come with an explicit warranty, the fact that it’s machined from grade 5 titanium should speak volumes for its durability. Let’s just say, this might be the last EDC you’ll ever need to buy…
It’s rare to see knives that look like the Gerber Quadrant. Most knives have extremely classic drop-point or tanto-style blades (close your eyes and think of a pocket knife, chances are you’ve thought of one of those two), so seeing a blade like the one on the Quadrant is refreshing. The Quadrant is less of a hardcore outdoor knife and more of a pocket blade worthy of being a part of your sophisticated EDC collection. Make no mistake, the 7Cr17MoV steel blade is extremely capable, and comes with this hyper sheepsfoot profile that’s perfect for cutting and slicing, but the Quadrant isn’t your average ultra-rugged tactical blade – it’s a suave piece of gear that balances sophistication with outdoorsy… and to highlight that fact, the Quadrant has this gorgeous dual-material handle, featuring a robust metal body along with an immaculately smooth bamboo wood insert that gives the Quadrant its signature style.
The Quadrant’s blade feels almost reminiscent of a barbershop blade, with its rectangular profile. More popularly known as a sheepsfoot (for its sheep hoof-shaped tip) or a wharncliffe type blade, this particular style usually has a straight running edge that’s perfect for cutting/slashing. The lack of a defined tip makes this knife unsuitable for piercing, but some would suggest that this actually enhances the knife’s safety, while ensuring it’s used exactly in specific applications.
The knife’s silhouette is relatively rectangular, but the Gerber Quadrant makes up for it with its gorgeous design. The 7Cr17MoV steel blade features an anodized spine with a metallic edge that gives it a dual-tone finish, while the handle itself has two materials – the metal and the bamboo wood, creating an aesthetic that’s unmistakable. The knife sports a flipper for easily deploying the 2.7″ blade, with a frame lock that secures the blade in place while cutting.
The overall EDC is rather compact, measuring in at 4 inches when closed, and 6.7 inches when opened. At 4.3 ounces (121.9 grams), the Quadrant is lighter than most, making it a perfect EDC for carrying around indoors or outdoors. A pocket clip on the flipside of the handle lets you easily secure the Quadrant to your pocket or a pouch in your backpack, allowing you to whip it out when you need a handy, reliable blade. Gerber also offers a limited lifetime warranty on the knife, covering any product defects in assembly, manufacturing, or material choice.
A part of Kershaw’s ‘Starter Series’, the Misdirect is designed to be compact, affordable, and reliable, making it perfect for people looking for their first EDC blade. However, that minimalist design, stone-washed reverse tanto blade, and smooth stainless steel are sure to captivate even seasoned EDC collectors and knife aficionados. Sitting at just 4-inches when closed and weighing just 3.2 oz. (93 g), the Misdirect is a masterclass in classic knife design – it’s small, but has a larger-than-life attitude, and can handle benign tasks indoors, as well as work equally well in tactical outdoor situations.
With a blade that measures just 2.9 inches, the Misdirect falls closely short of the 3-inch margin required to be called a medium-to-large blade knife. The sub-3-inch blade comes crafted from 4Cr13 steel, with a BlackWash stonewashed finish that bestows a rather rustic appeal upon the blade. However, the sharp, slightly curved belly, and the reverse tanto profile make the blade highly capable of all sorts of tasks, from cutting and piercing to slashing, scraping, and even chopping with a rocking motion thanks to the slightly curved edge. Meanwhile, jimping on the top of the blade gives you a nice place to comfortably rest your thumb, while the knife’s flipper acts as a nice cross-guard to keep your index finger in place.
A flipper lets you quickly and reliably deploy the blade with either your thumb or index finger, while a frame lock holds the blade in place so it doesn’t shut while in use. To disengage the blade, just pry open a cutout in the frame and the blade comfortably folds back, getting secured shut for the next time you need your EDC.
The Misdirect has a satisfyingly slim stainless steel handle that measures 0.38 inches (9.8 mm) thick, with a built-in wide lanyard holder and a pocket clip that can be arranged in three different positions. Threaded holes on either side of the handle let you place the clip in multiple orientations, giving the Misdirect a unique customizability so you can stash it in your pocket just the way you want it, deploying it in seconds as you pull it out.
Given that the knife is a part of Kershaw’s Starter Series, it boasts an incredible under-$30 price tag that makes it a compelling purchase if you’re looking to own your first EDC blade. With how good it looks and how well it performs, it might just be your last purchase too!
If there ever was an emoji for a pocket knife, it would probably look like the Kershaw Iridium. Designed with an aesthetic that I can only describe as a modern classic, the Iridium ticks all the boxes with its clean aesthetic, grippy aluminum handle, more-than-capable D2 steel blade with a spear-point profile, and Kershaw’s new DuraLock technology that secures the blade in its open position while it’s in use. The Iridium is dependable, ambidextrous, and folds down to a 4.5-inch form factor that weighs a mere 3.3 ounces and fits right in your pocket after use.
The Iridium boasts a comfortable 6061-T6 aluminum handle with a gray anodized finish. Its ambidextrous DuraLock mechanism ensures secure blade lockup, while the reversible deep-carry pocket clip makes it convenient for both left and right-handed users. The entire build uses black-oxide hardware for a sleek look and added durability.
At 7.9 inches overall and a weight of 3.3 ounces, the Iridium finds a comfortable balance between pocketability and functionality. The 4.5-inch closed length makes it easy to carry daily, while the 8-inch overall length tackles various EDC and outdoor tasks.
The Iridium’s crown jewel is its 3.4-inch D2 high-carbon tool steel blade. D2 steel offers excellent edge retention and wear resistance, making it ideal for everyday cutting chores. The blade features a utilitarian drop-point profile and a thickness of 0.107 inches, providing enough strength for tougher jobs. Jimping at the base of the spine enhances grip during precise cuts.
Deployment is smooth and effortless thanks to the KVT ball-bearing pivot system. The blade can be opened using dual thumb studs or a simple flick of the wrist with the DuraLock mechanism engaged. Kershaw backs the Iridium with a lifetime warranty, giving the EDC an heirloom quality so you can pass it down to your children.
The Kershaw Iridium is a compelling choice for those seeking a full-size, well-built EDC knife without breaking the bank. It boasts high-performance materials, a comfortable design, and a versatile blade profile – all at an accessible price tag. The Iridium is also available in a blacked-out version and a reverse tanto blade variant for people looking for something a little more edgy and unconventional.
EDCs truly bring the sentence “big things come in small packages” to life. They’re the nifty little tools that are great to have in your backpack or tool kit. But if you’re the kind of person who doesn’t like those bulky and fat multitools that seem to occupy just a bit too much space in your toolbox – then you’ve hit the perfect listicle! We’ve curated minimal sleek multitools that get the work done, without looking too bulky or hefty. These little superheroes can make a world of difference while completing tasks – whether big or small. And, we’ve curated the best EDC designs we’ve seen in a while! From 8-in-1 EDC scissors to a modular multitool that you can custom-build – these are the EDC designs you definitely need by your side.
1. Windeler
Meet the Windeler, an innovative little design that lets you build and create your own EDC multitool based on your needs and requirements. The sleek Windeler lets you plug in and plug out modules, allowing you to swap out a pocket knife for a flathead screwdriver, or a small pair of scissors.
Why is it noteworthy?
You don’t need always to leave the house with your same old tools, with Windeler you can build, customize, and rebuild your EDC, letting you carry the stuff you truly need, and leave behind the stuff you don’t. It is a nifty multitool that lets you customize your toolbox daily.
What we like
Functions as a sleek monolithic multitool that you can just slip into your bag
What we dislike
Although it is similar in size to most multitools, it doesn’t feature as many tools as other designs on the market
2. Craftmaster EDC Utility Knife
The Utility Knife is styled like an everyday paper cutter, and it features a stunning all-metal body, with a textured knob that allows you to deploy and lock the blade. The handle is quite weighted and grippy, offering a comfortable and accident-free cutting experience. It also conceals a slick metal scale that you can detach and use independently.
The knife is a simple and sophisticated EDC that cleverly conceals its functionality in its minimalist and sleek design. It features a CNC-machined handle and an enclosed blade that is machined to perfection. This allows the blade to slide through with complete smoothness and zero difficulty.
What we like
Features a 45° slant that lets you open boxes easily and efficiently
Features a metal scale, allowing it to double up as a multifunctional design
What we dislike
Magnetic back might attract small metal parts in bags or boxes
3. HexFlex Multitool
Called the HexFlex multitool, this little design fits 14 useful tools into its small frame and is equipped with a keyring attachment, allowing you to always keep it with you. It is made from stainless steel and is a season-appropriate multitool with a clever snowflake-shaped design.
Why is it noteworthy?
It comes with two Phillips screwdrivers, a flathead screwdriver, three hex drivers, a box-cutter, a bottle opener, and six different wrenches. Since it fastens to your keychain, you can carry it anywhere you go, allowing you to open stuff from bottles to boxes!
What we like
Available in a titanium variant as well
Comes equipped with 14 tools
What we dislike
4. M-20 Titanium Magnetic Screwdriver
This unique 9-in-1 magnetic screwdriver ensures that you always have the right tools in your pocket, allowing you to fix things and do your magic wherever your skills are needed! The M-20 doesn’t really look like a screwdriver, in fact, it resembles a carrying case for screwdriver bits.
Why is it noteworthy?
The uniquely shaped multitool features slots for up to nine bits, and it holds them in place with the help of very strong magnets. This ensures that they don’t get loose, and prevents them from getting lost.
What we like
Built from titanium, which makes it lightweight yet durable
Offers you a firm and precise grip making it easy to handle
What we dislike
The screwdriver features a flat design which makes it an ergonomically different experience for inexperienced users
5. 8-in-1 EDC Scissors
Say hello to the 8-in-1 EDC Scissor which is perfect for indoor and outdoor culinary adventures. You can pull the scissors apart to form a set of knives! In fact, it even has a built-in bottle opener, nut cracker, can opener, and fire starter, forming one handy package that will come to your rescue in all kinds of situations.
This pair of innovative scissors separate into individual halves, offering you two knives, and a large variety of multiools on demand. Once you put them back together, the scissors can cut through hard materials like cured meats too, while the serrated mid-section can be used to crack through walnuts.
What we like
Ideal for the kitchen, but also for outdoor cooking on a camping trip
Clever practical tool that has a whole gamut of cool features
What we dislike
Not something you can carry in your pocket
6. Precision Sakura Metal Puzzle
Give your brain a satisfying and amusing challenge with this beautiful all-metal puzzle! Called the Precision Metal Sakura Puzzle, this puzzle has the shape of Japan’s most iconic flowers, with pieces that look so similar, that you’ll be scratching your head about where to put them.
Once this metal puzzle has been assembled it takes on the shape of Japan’s iconic sakura flowers. The puzzle is built from mirror-finish stainless steel with pieces that fit completely and seamlessly together, this puts your brain to the test, allowing you to challenge yourself. And since it has a compact no-frills design, you can carry it anywhere with you, letting you play with your mind whenever you’re bored.
What we like
You can build a puzzle, enjoy a fun game, and carry it with you wherever you go, owing to its lightweight form
What we dislike
The puzzle could be difficult to put together, which may not be preferred by users who are seeking a relaxing experience
7. AirTag Carabiners
These innovative, sleek, and quite good-looking AirTag Carabiners give a refreshing makeover to your boring old metal carabiners. Say good to your standard carabiners and, meet these precision-made metallic carabiners! They have a lightweight, non-bulky form that makes them easy to carry, and even easier to use.
They have been meticulously handcrafted to offer you premium durability. These unique carabiners aren’t just melted metal casings, in fact, each piece is unlike any other as manufacturing conditions can affect the final design.
What we like
The carabiners are crafted by hand from high-quality metal
What we dislike
Attaching or detaching the AirTag isn’t very user-friendly, or easily accessible, and can be inconvenient
8. M-stand
Dubbed the M-stand, this compact and lightweight tool is not only powerful but also pretty versatile. It quite smartly balances tactical and casual roles, as it works as a self-defense tool and a smartphone stand. It can convert from one to another within 10 seconds. It is a durable tool that will fit snugly in your pocket.
Why is it noteworthy?
The M-stand is made from durable titanium, and it doubles up as multiple tools such as a rope cutter, two wrenches, a bottle opener, a pry tool, a fire starter, and a tritium holder. All these handy tools have been fitted into a compact and sleek body.
What we like
The multitool features two-finger grips on either side letting you easily prop up your phone or tablet, providing you with a multitool that works well indoors and outdoors
What we dislike
The sharp edge of the design is always exposed and outside and could lead to accidental harm if you’re not careful
9. The Dango M1 Lite Cardholder Wallet
The Dango M1 Lite cardholder wallet is a sleek and minimalist wallet that keeps all your important essentials neat, tidy, organized, and easily accessible. The wallet has a barely-there form but a ton of capacity to store your necessary items.
Why is it noteworthy?
The wallet features CNC-machined aerospace 6061-grade aluminum and is quite lightweight and durable. It also features a Cerakote finish that provides it with an extra layer of protection.
What we like
Can carry 10-13 cards, equipped with a lot of storage
Features a Dango RFID Secrued Card, keeping your sensitive information safe and secure
What we dislike
Basic + unassuming aesthetics
10. AirTag Holder
Meet this innovative AirTag Holder by Atech! It is crafted from solid stainless steel and is a nifty little multitool that gives you seven diverse features in its compact design. It can hold your keys, dock your smartphone, open bottles, and maneuver hex bolds.
Why is it noteworthy?
The multitool is shaped like a carabiner, and it has an enclosure that allows you to dock a single AirTag, allowing you to track your EDC using your Apple devices. It has a hope on the top, that lets you secure a keychain to your AirTag Holder, letting you open screws and bottles.
What we like
The tracking device is held in place by two ABS plastics, which doesn’t cause any interference in its signal
What we dislike
Doesn’t let you control what angle your phone will be placed at. It depends on how slim your smartphone is, and whether you use a case for it or not
A Grade-5 Titanium body, a magnetic opening mechanism, and a replaceable blade that lets you stay sharp at all times. The G9 Knife by PICHI isn’t ‘default’ in any way. Every little thing about it screams ‘different’ and ‘better than the rest’, with a design that strays away from tradition, but still retains functionality, durability, and tactile pleasure that’ll make this your favorite knife to carry on outdoor adventures.
Most knives have a rather simple blade deployment technique. Some require manual flipping out of the blade from within the handle, others have spring-loaded switches that cause the blade to swivel or shoot out (switchblades, as they’re called) – the PICHI G9, however, opts for something a little more fidgety-fun. The knife features a two-part handle that opens up to reveal the blade sandwiched on the inside. Deploying your blade requires a bit of thumb action, causing the handle to disengage, revealing the blade inside, which can then be slid out. Magnets help the handle snap back into position, creating an opening experience that’s uniquely appealing, has a nifty tactile quality to it, and can be faster than most manual knives with a fair amount of practice.
Measuring a mere 3.14 inches long, the PICHI G9 is finger-sized, giving it a compact form factor that’s just designed for your hands and for travel. The entire thing weighs a paltry 55 grams (1.94 oz) blade and all, and comes crafted from grade 5 titanium, known for its quality and sheer durability. The knife, for all intents and purposes, can practically last forever with sustained use – a feature made easy thanks to the fact that it has swappable blades on the inside that you can replace, sort of like your grandfather’s shaving razor that probably still works just as well today as it did in the 50s.
The stonewashed outer body of the knife doesn’t have much detail to begin with, which allows you to really appreciate that unique texture on the knife’s body. However, there is a 3-stage safety lock that prevents the blade from accidentally being deployed, and a hinge on top with a brass insert that’s hollow, allowing you to pass a carabiner or paracord through it for carrying your knife around.
As for the knife itself, the PICHI G9 doesn’t go down the traditional drop-point route. Instead, it relies on a standard SK2 blade, known for its robustness, sharpness, and ready availability. The cutter-esque blades have a sheepsfoot design, which makes them great for piercing and slicing, while the blades themselves are symmetric, which means you can just flip them over if one tip gets dull, using the other side before you need to replace the old blade with a new one.
SK2 HC Blade
The fact that you can replace blades makes the G9 knife perfect for beginners who don’t know how to sharpen their knives (or experts who don’t want to spend too much time on a whetstone maintaining their blades). The SK2 blades are designed for heavy-duty use, and can take an absolute beating, slicing through paper like butter but also piercing through wood very comfortably. The knife’s rather simple design makes it perfect to use anywhere, whether it’s at home or in the great outdoors.
The 3-Stage Locking Switch
For the outdoor enthusiast, each PICHI G9 pairs wonderfully with its own pure leather sheath that lets you (safely) carry your knife with you wherever you go. Sure, you could carabiner that baby onto your pant belt loop, but there’s something satisfying about the holster-like design of the leather holder. The holder also comes with a deep pocket clip, letting you attach it to your pant’s waistline for quick and easy access. The G9 with a single SK2 blade retails for $89, while the entire kit with the leather holder will cost you $116, with free global shipping.
Looks can be misleading. Sure, the Titan looks like a sleek, gorgeous, gentleman’s EDC knife… but its quintessential design could fool anyone. This pocket flipper may look statesmanlike, but it’s an absolute beast on the ground. The Titan sports an S35VN steel blade, encased within a titanium handle, making it incredibly sharp, durable, and a reliable foot-soldier. It’s nimble-looking but packs a punch, has a well-balanced ergonomic form that’s a pleasure to hold, and boasts a design that’s such a modern classic, it would fit right into the tool kit of a certain Double O Seven.
The Titan sports a design so incredibly clean and sophisticated, it’s worthy of being a part of an elite EDC collection. The form embraces a combination of minimalism and utility, giving you a knife that looks pure on the surface, but has a reputation that can only be fully grasped when you use it. The knife features a 3.1-inch drop-point blade with a curved back that gives it a beautiful silhouette. Drop point blades are classics for a reason – they’re reliable and can handle various tasks from cutting to piercing, slashing, whittling, carving, and even chopping with a rocking motion given the blade’s curved edge. They’re easy to sharpen too, although, with the Titan’s durable S35VN steel blade, sharpening shouldn’t really be much of a regular concern.
S35VN is a martensitic stainless steel that’s known for its sheer toughness and wear resistance, making it perfect for rugged blades. The Titan, however, disguises the material’s true power with its rather civilized-looking design, but if push came to shove, the Titan could even open bottles and cans, slicing comfortably through thin sheet metal without so much as worrying about losing its edge. The blade sports a stone-washed finish that gives it its gorgeous textured sheen, which sits in a matte-finish titanium handle.
The 4.1-inch titanium handle is grippy, yet lightweight, giving you a well-placed center of gravity that you’d expect from good knives. The Titan is therefore comfortable to hold in any style, with the blade facing upwards or downwards. A mildly scalloped base on the handle lets your fingers rest comfortably, and a bear lock holds the blade in place, allowing you to disengage simply by sliding a switch at the tip of the handle and gently jerking your hand to have the blade obediently rotate back into its handle.
The Titan doesn’t get too extravagant with details… which means every single detail on it was carefully thought out before being added. A thumb switch on the blade lets you deploy your knife with a simple push of your thumb. The bear lock is within access of your index finger too, giving you single-hand operation on the field. The knife sports a titanium pocket clip that complements the titanium handle perfectly, and sure, there’s a palpable lack of a lanyard hole… but that’s with reason too. The Titan isn’t designed for keychains and carabiners – it’s made for pockets of suits and tuxedos. The pocket clip therefore serves its purpose rather well, giving the Titan its “gentleman’s knife” demeanor.
Available in one color (talk about being classic), the Titan weighs 3.70z (106 grams). It retails for $250, although you can grab it at a discounted price of $154 on Kickstarter with global shipping.
Great gear deserves a great home… and simply stashing your state-of-the-art EDC collection in a dopp bag or in a drawer in your shed is honestly a little shameful if you ask me. A great display case allows you to store, and more importantly, flaunt your EDC to your guests like the trophies they are. Whether it’s knives, multitools, pens, money clips, or anything else you’ve got on hand, a good EDC display case is just about as much of an investment as your EDC itself.
Why do I need a Display Case?
We’re at a point where EDC from companies like Gerber, CIVIVI, Tekto, CRKT, and The James Brand are less utility-focused tools and more of visual specimens of artistry and craftsmanship that ‘get the job done’. With the use of fine materials like Damascus Steel, Stone-washed Titanium, Micarta, and even sometimes top-grain wood, these knives, tools, and gear look like works of art, which is why a display case makes sense. The display case not only allows you to admire them when not in use, but it also lets you access them when you need to, whether it’s to show off to a fellow collector/enthusiast or get some tool action.
Moreover, a display case adds to the beauty of your EDC collection. It organizes your tools but also gives you a cohesive unit on your desk that looks great and enhances the overall value of your tabletop as well as your gear.
What should I look for in an EDC Display Case?
It overwhelmingly depends on the kind of EDC you’ve got, but luckily, there’s a vast variety of cases to choose from. Is your EDC watch-centric? Well, a nice watch-holder case should work. How about blades? Then Holme & Hadfield’s Blade Deck makes a nice pick too. It’s important to evaluate the kind of EDC you’d like to showcase (watches, blades, pens, coins, perhaps even spectacles) and then choose your case based around that. Make sure your case complements your gear as well as your decor… although you can never really go wrong with a nice hardwood and some plexiglass. For blades, try not to choose a leather or metal display case, because leather may end up getting cut, and metal might dull your blade. For watches, however, a leather or felt base helps prevent your watch from getting scuffed. If your case has a plexiglass (or glass) outer shell, we recommend keeping a nice cleaning spray handy. (Here’s the one they use to clean devices on display in Apple Stores)
Don’t focus on just one gear category
Most people (not just EDC collectors) end up having multiple things they carry around with them, which is why it’s important to not fall into the trap of a single-use display case. Choose something with versatility, perhaps a few drawers and organizing areas for your other gear. A place for your ‘less favorite’ knives, maybe a few carabiners, some pens, loose change, etc. Put the fancy stuff on display, but keep the other stuff easily accessible for later. And make sure your drawers are lined with felt or microfiber, so your tools don’t end up scratching the wood… or worse, slipping around every time you open/close the drawer and scratching each other.
What budget should I have?
The quantity and the value of your EDC should determine how much you spend on a display case. Unless you’ve got high-flying collector’s edition gear worth tens of thousands collectively, your display case shouldn’t cost you more than $250-300. The larger your collection, the bigger your case should be, but whether you’ve got luxury watches or high-end knives, a good display case shouldn’t cost more than $500 even on the higher side. Moreover, with Valentine’s, Easter, and other holidays always around the corner, make sure you grab yours on sale!
Multitools have a special place in an adventurer’s life, who must always be prepared for an emergency when venturing outdoors. The best preparation against the unforeseen is having a multitool in the everyday carry gear. Offering a number of simple and effective ways to tackle a range of problems when outside the house, or in the everyday routine at home, for that matter, a multitool in its portable format is a constructive option.
If you’re an enthusiast, or for the knowledge of the not-so-familiar, Victorinox and Leatherman are arguably the two most prominent names in the multitool industry. With the use of new materials and formats, many competitors and young designers are reinventing the wheel. A case in point is the Leica Multi, which is an EDC designed for the famed optics giant with impressions of its cameras reflected in the form factor.
Over the years with its unrelenting simplicity and compactness, the Leica cameras have paved the way for all types of modern photography. Now the Leica M forms the basis for the design of a multitool that draws more than its looks from the SL2 camera. The Leica Multi has a similar machined aluminum body and is manually assembled for precision and quality.
The smallest of design features of the Marco Barbosa’s multitool reflect the Leica brand image and closely represent its analog camera details, which would allow the familiar customers to use the multitool easily due to the acquired knowledge from using Leica cameras. To keep it in line, and more productive for Leica users, the Multi is made to stick (through a housing) to the bottom of a Leica camera where the tripod does. To ensure the everyday carry gear is even more versatile to use its housing includes a spatial reading photometer that harks back to the analog days.
Talking of versatility, the Leica Multi is designed in two parts. The screwdriver, Philips screwdriver, saw, knife, scissors, corkscrew, and cap opener are located on one side, while the precision instruments like the flashlight and goldsmith’s keys are placed on the other. Opening these individual tools is easy: select the tool and rotate the handle.
When the particular tool is fully open, it locks into place so it is hassle-free to use, and pressing the shoot button unlocks the tool to retrieve it back to its residing space. All the tools have a magnetic tip and the flashlight on the Multi goes on and off with the press of the Leica logo onboard. The Leica Multi, bare bone is directed toward Leica customers, but its design and effectiveness, I presume, will leave many outdoorsy yearning!
stonewashed finish that bestows a rather rustic appeal upon the blade. However, the sharp, slightly curved belly, and the reverse tanto profile make the blade highly capable of all sorts of tasks, from cutting and piercing to slashing, scraping, and even chopping with a rocking motion thanks to the slightly curved edge. Meanwhile, jimping on the top of the blade gives you a nice place to comfortably rest your thumb, while the knife’s flipper acts as a nice cross-guard to keep your index finger in place.
