Ridge’s 12th birthday is coming up, and of course there’s going to be cake. Or in this case, cake colorways. The Ridge Dessert Warrior Collection is a fun, limited-edition take on Ridge’s popular everyday carry gear, each with a unique, playful design that’s been a fun staple in the community since its origins in a collaboration between Blade HQ and Boker. The set is a celebration of Ridge’s 12th anniversary and includes three of Ridge’s most loved offerings: the Ridge Wallet, Everyday Folder, and KeyCase, all featuring a light pink base, chocolate brown hardware, and mint green accents, inspired by sweet treats. Don’t let the lighthearted designs fool you, though. Each piece maintains Ridge’s signature solid build quality, making them just as reliable as they are eye-catching. Since this collection is only available as a complete kit with no planned restocks, it’s a one-time release for those who appreciate a bit of fun (and a whole lot of pink) in their EDC gear.

Vosteed has been on an absolute tear with their recent releases. It seems every new knife brings something new to the table, and the Vosteed Akita is no different. It features a 2.94″ Bowie blade made from S35VN steel, one of our favorites for its excellent edge retention and corrosion resistance. But what sets this knife apart is its use of Vosteed’s recent Vanchor Lock mechanism, a hybrid system that combines a pivot and button for smooth, effortless operation.

This lock uses a magnetic connector and reinforced plate to keep the blade secure while maintaining a clean, low-profile design. Paired with ceramic ball bearings, the Akita opens and closes smoothly, whether you prefer the front flipper or thumb hole. The aluminum handle, available in Sunshine or Golf Ball milling, provides a comfortable grip with a bit of vintage character. If you appreciate Bowie blade designs like we do, then you’ll find a lot to like here.

No, this isn’t a prop from a post-apocalyptic sci-fi movie—this is the Artisan Cutlery Butcherling, a wild-looking prototype folding knife made in collaboration with Task Knives and unveiled at SHOT Show 2025 in Las Vegas. Its distinct triple compound grind blade is hard to miss, featuring a hollow-ground tip, flat grind in the middle, and hollow-ground heel. While it leans more toward style than function, there’s no denying it’s a conversation starter. The prototype sports an S35VN steel blade, though Artisan Cutlery may switch to their AR-RPM9 powder steel for the final version. The milled titanium handle adds a textured grip, complemented by a unique “flying bridge” pocket clip. It locks up with a crossbar lock and offers three deployment methods—thumb studs, crossbar flick, or (the strangest one) using your pinky to flick it open via a hole near the blade’s tip. Pricing is still unknown, but it’s expected to be released later this year, and we’ll be keeping an eye out for the final specs and details when it drops.

The CRKT Provoke X Axe builds on the success of the original Provoke karambit by morphing it into a pocket-sized tactical axe that’s as functional as it is innovative. Retaining the Kinematic folding system, it flicks open with a fluid wrist motion after releasing the handle lock, making it just as satisfying to deploy as its knife counterpart. Built with a D2 steel blade coated in titanium nitride for extra durability, the 1.84” axe head comes with a spiked back for added utility. And when you’re done and you need to slip the Provoke X into your (possibly very large) pocket, you simply disengage the Deadbolt lock on the head and each business end folds back down into the handle.

Said stainless steel handle with glass-reinforced overlays stretches to 8.69” when opened, providing a solid grip while keeping things relatively compact. At 13.20 oz, it’s got enough heft for practical chopping without feeling cumbersome in a pocket or pack. Unlike the original Provoke’s fixed pocket clip, this one features an adjustable, ambidextrous clip for easy carry on either side. Those looking for an axe that’s portable, built tough, and undeniably cool, mark April 2, 2025, on your calendars, which is when the CRKT Provoke X Axe is set to launch.

Magpul’s second-ever knife, the Breslau, is already shaking up the knife world with its modern use of Metal Injection Molding (MIM) technology, something rarely seen in high-performance EDC blades and key to its pioneering use of making a compound grind or variable cross-section blade, e.g., a hollow grind transitioning to a thicker tip. At its core is its 2.94” MVN35 steel, made from a proprietary composition that delivers performance on par with CPM S35VN but at a lower cost, faster production speed, and consistent heat hardness throughout the blade, and that’s a big deal, folks. Magpul, known for its expertise in injection-molded firearms accessories, has seemingly cracked the MIM steel code, sidestepping the durability issues that have plagued similar attempts in the past.

Beyond the groundbreaking blade tech, the Breslau is packed with thoughtful design elements: a smooth flipper deployment with a friction-reduction system, a tough 4.48” polymer handle reinforced with full-length steel liners, and a unique, crossbar-esque, “Lug Lock” mechanism for rock-solid security. Ergonomic, ambidextrous, and built to handle hard use, this knife could be a game-changer for the innovations it brings to the table, albeit with the price to match. Available now for pre-order exclusively at Blade HQ—this might be one to grab before the rest of the world catches on.

The Vosteed Porcupine stands out as one of the very exciting knife releases so far in 2025, delivering an impressive combination of solid materials, clever design, and impressive functionality, especially at its price point of under $70. Built to be a reliable workhorse, this 7.2″ manual folder features a 2.99″ Sandvik 14C28N blade, offering outstanding edge retention, corrosion resistance, and effortless maintenance. Its wide belly and sharp drop-point tip make it an all-purpose tool, perfect for slicing, piercing, and precision tasks. The top liner lock, which we’re pleased to see in more knives, enhances reliability and safety with a recessed button for ease of use from either hand. A large thumbhole and a buttery-smooth pivot system make opening seamless, whether you’re in gloves or bare-handed.

The Porcupine’s handle, crafted from durable G-10, is lightweight yet robust, with a forward finger choil, handle choil, and extremely generous jimping all over the knife ensuring maximum control and comfort, while a reversible wire pocket clip and a sturdy barrel lanyard tube add carry versatility. Overall, the Porcupine reminds us of the best features we’ve seen from Vosteed’s knives, and arrives as one of their best budget blades yet—not to mention you’re spoiled for choice with the seven striking colorways available. If this is just the first of what’s in store for the rest of the year, then it’s shaping up to be another exciting one for Vosteed.

Kizer kicks off the new year with the release of the Hawk, a standout addition to their high-end lineup that embodies its avian namesake’s sharp, swift, and agile qualities. Designed by Carlos Elstner, the Hawk comes in two premium iterations: an S45VN version featuring a 3.41″ flat-ground sheepsfoot blade with a bubble stonewashed finish for exceptional edge retention and cutting performance, and a polished DLC M390 version, offering superior hardness and wear resistance for those who prioritize the ultimate in premium steel. Both versions feature a hawk-like “eye” and “beak” blade design paired with a chamfered and highly textured titanium handle with machined holes that add texture and visual appeal.

What sets the Hawk apart, though, is Kizer’s debut of their Snapecho system, combining a dual stop pin with a double-row ball bearing mechanism and detent pillar for silky smooth, secure blade action. Paired with a thumb hole opener, flipper, and liner lock, it delivers quick, intuitive, and reliable operation, essential for a larger blade like this. It also sports a non-reversible, milled titanium clip for secure carry. Whether you choose the S45VN version or the M390 iteration, the Kizer Hawk delivers the kind of premium performance you’d expect from a high-end blade from the brand.

Artisan Cutlery has brought back two fan-favorite titanium knife models, the Revel and Satyr. These premium models are now reconfigured with AR-RPM9 steel, replacing the pricier S90V, to offer the same iconic aesthetics and functionality at a more affordable price point. We’ve loved seeing brands embrace this trend of re-imagining premium designs for wider accessibility, and Artisan Cutlery delivers it perfectly. These revamped classics prove you don’t have to spend big to own a quality knife.

Artisan Cutlery Satyr

Fans of Artisan Cutlery’s Satyr line who found its $200 price tag somewhat prohibitive now have a reason to celebrate. Designed by Chris Ortiz of Cerberus Knives, the Satyr features a 3.35″ drop-point blade now made from their proprietary AR-RPM9 steel, offering solid performance at a more wallet-friendly price compared to earlier S90V steel versions. The titanium handle scales, subtly textured for enhanced grip, not only feel great in hand but add a clean, understated elegance to the knife’s profile without being overly aggressive. Paired with smooth ceramic bearings, the Satyr’s action is satisfyingly snappy, making it a joy to deploy, while its frame lock keeps the blade secure when not in use. The original Satyr already offered great value compared to other blades with titanium-milled handles. With this new iteration coming in below $100, the value offered here is unmistakable.

Artisan Cutlery The Revel

The Revel by Ray Laconico has always impressed us with its sleek design and solid performance, offering EDCers a great blend of style and functionality, and we’re excited to see Artisan Cutlery release a more budget-friendly version with the Revel 1867T-AR. This version swaps the S90V steel from the original for a 3.54″ AR-RPM9 clip point blade, keeping Ray’s signature design intact while making it more accessible. Finished with a sand polish and a flat grind, it offers impressive cutting performance. The titanium handle provides a lightweight, durable grip with the same textured pattern as the Satyr, and the ceramic ball-bearing pivot ensures smooth opening, while the frame lock secures the blade. At 3.99 oz and 8.07″ overall, the Revel 1867T-AR is a reliable, everyday carry knife that brings a proven design to more users.

We’ve always been fans of aroundsquare and their unique collection of wearables, manipulatives, and skill toys, and with the original tanto release of The Base being one of our favorite and most-carried knives in 2024, we had to check out its refreshed drop point follow up. In case you missed it the first time, The Base is super compact—about the size of a pack of gum—but precision-crafted with premium materials like CPM S35VN steel for the blade and a grade 5 titanium handle with a frame lock. You can choose between two blade styles: a rugged modified tanto for strength and piercing, or the new sleeker and slimmer drop point that’s built to slice and great for precise cuts.

Designed to feel natural in hand, it’s easy to open with smooth dual thumb studs, whether you’re a lefty or righty, while the solid frame lock offers satisfying security. The Base skips the flashy, over-the-top tactical look and goes for clean, understated geometry, something you can toss in your pocket or even leave on your desk without it raising eyebrows. It’s minimal, versatile, and just feels solid in every way, built as a tool to be used, but with an undeniable fun fidget factor like the rest of aroundsquare’s creations. The Base is available now in both blade styles with or without a clip, and if you want to explore the fun in its form factor even further, check out the Nowhere Plank as well.

Building on the original Roadie’s roots as a modernized pen knife designed to be TSA-compliant, Spyderco introduces the Roadie XL—a refined upgrade that boasts improved functionality, innovation, and practicality, while keeping the original’s slip joint functionality and design DNA. While it keeps the brand’s signature features—like the smooth, ambidextrous thumb hole opener—the Roadie XL introduces an upgraded flat-ground, satin-finished 2.74″ sheepsfoot blade crafted from premium Böhler M390 steel, offering superb edge retention and cutting power.

It also sports a notched slip joint lock that ensures secure lockup and straightforward operation, perfect for everyday carry. The resilient and lightweight black FRN handle sports a double detent for easy pinch grip opening with jimping along the thumb ramp and finger choil for ergonomic handling, with a reversible tip-up pocket clip—another welcome upgrade from the original—making it a pleasure to use and carry ambidextrously. Spyderco has once again delivered a knife that we can rely on for everyday tasks, and if you’re looking for a compact everyday knife with enormous utility for less permissible environments, you might want to get your hands on the Roadie XL.

The Megatherium series from Kizer, a brainchild of the late Elijah Isham, has been a favorite among enthusiasts since its debut in 2017. Each iteration, from the original full-sized model to the compact Minitherium, showcased Isham’s bold, surrealistic designs paired with Kizer’s uncompromising use of materials, especially in this final, limited-edition reissue. This exclusive release captures everything we love about the model and refines it with premium materials and a striking finish, making it the perfect sendoff to the collaboration. The Megatherium features a big-bellied 3.65″ polished DLC-coated wharncliffe blade made from high-performance 20CV steel, delivering top-tier edge retention and excellent wear resistance paired with a flat grind to get the most slice out of the big blade.

The handle, made from black titanium with visually stunning Fat Carbon Nebula inlays, is ergonomically designed for comfort, with a distinctive thumb ramp for optimal thumb placement and well-chamfered edges for a smooth tactile experience. The frame lock ensures secure lockup, the front flipper and thumb hole provides multiple ways to deploy the blade, and the signature “Edge Below Tab” flipper system cleverly conceals the flipper in open position, ensuring unobstructed performance while still providing a secure full-handed grip thanks to the generous choil. The 3D non-reversible pocket clip also ensures secure tip-up carry, rounding out the design with an added layer of functionality. Kizer has gone all out with this final piece of the Megatherium series, perfecting the combination of Isham’s organic design and top-tier fit and finish. There’s still time to grab this last piece of knife history exclusively from Kizer’s site.

It’s no secret that we love our Kershaw knives here, but when it comes to upping the ante with more premium materials and bolder designs for serious enthusiasts, their sister company Zero Tolerance steps in. The ZT 556 automatic knife is a prime example, and mark’s the brand’s anticipated return to the market this year. This slim, sleek auto takes the precision and craftsmanship you’d expect from Kershaw’s knives and elevates it with a titanium handle, carbon fiber inlays, and a blade made from CPM MagnaCut steel.

The result is a knife that’s as tough as it is classy. It’s easy to appreciate how slim this knife is, too. It’s just 0.09″ thick at the blade, and the handle is equally trim, making it almost disappear in your pocket. The snappy push-button action is addictive, the ergonomics feel great in hand, and the subtle blue-anodized titanium tube spacers add just the right touch of flair. It’s not often we see auto knives this slim, and that alone makes the Zero Tolerance 556 worth checking out.

Vosteed has always been big on innovating when it comes to their knives. More than just thinking up new, funky designs, they integrate unique mechanisms into the knives, enhancing both functionality and user experience. The new Vosteed Marten is a great example. It uses a top liner lock, which is a similar version to Spyderco’s iconic Compression Lock, except it’s activated with the push of a button on the outside of the handle instead of manipulating liner to close the knife manually. They aren’t the first to do this type of lock, but the difference is in how the function is integrated into the ergonomics of the contoured aluminum handles, as well as matching the design of the micro-milled pattern.

Each side of the Marten’s handle has up to 20 micro-milled grooves within 1” angled at 48 degrees, providing a non-slip, confidence-inspiring grip for any environment. In our handling of the Marten, it feels like a perfection of their aluminum handled-models, giving sufficient purchase with the pattern without the “stickiness” and skin transfer we’ve experienced on some other models like the Hedgehog.

The 2.98” 154CM drop-point blade balances sharpness and durability, with a bit more belly towards the tip to give it extra weight on the initial cut. A generous finger choil on the blade also adds to the overall ergonomics and lock in when in a full-handed grip. We spotted a few more nice touches, including slightly oversized thumbstuds to give the Marten the signature Vosteed flickability and a low-profile deep-pocket clip for discreet carry. Weighing just 2.9 oz thanks to skeletonized liners for weight reduction, the Marten is as functional as it is refined, and at its price point, makes for an exceptional value within Vosteed’s lineup.

Benchmade Dacian (203BT-01)

$320.00

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04/26/2025 01:06 am GMT

If you’ve ever considered the pros and cons of replacing the trusty folder in your EDC with a fixed-blade knife, the Benchmade Dacian could be the one that tips the scales. With a near-perfect fusion of sleek design and rugged functionality, the Dacian’s standout feature is its 3.54” spear-point blade forged from CPM MagnaCut steel, a high-end super steel prized for its outstanding edge retention and corrosion resistance. The blade shape and belly give it piercing and slicing prowess alike, and a nearly full spine of jimping offers unparalleled precision and control for detailed cuts.

Coated in a striking blue titanium Cerakote finish for the 203BT-01 model, the blade isn’t just durable; it’s also a looker. The brown canvas Micarta handle of the 203BT-01 variant and the blue denim Micarta on the slightly more affordable 203 offer a lightweight yet robust grip with a textured finish that only gets better with use. Paired with a slim polymer sheath featuring secure retention and a versatile belt clip, the Dacian is built for seamless carry. Compact, capable, and undeniably cool, it’s a knife that works as hard as it looks good.

We’ve been huge fans of cutting-edge knife designer Snecx Tan and his Superlock mechanism ever since we got our hands on the CIVIVI Vision FG. The Tyro, a new folding knife from sister company WE Knife Co., marks the first time this innovative lock is featured on a sub-3″ blade, sizing the knife perfectly right for an everyday slicer.

The Tyro combines a 6AL4V titanium handle with a 2.91” blade in CPM 20CV or super-premium Hakkapella Damasteel for exceptional strength and lightweight performance, made possible by purposeful skeletonization. It features a thumb hole opener (which, like the design cutouts on the handle, has some nice detail chamfering for comfortable flicks), a caged ceramic ball bearing pivot, and a 4-way reversible clip, with an extra pivot screw for a clipless option. With the Superlock being top and center of the handle, the Tyro is a perfect EDC choice for those who value strength, Tan’s distinct design, and a truly ambidextrous blade.

The WE Knife Co. Tyro is available now direct from WE in five variants: Gray, Blue, Bronze, or Black/Golden Titanium handles paired with either a stonewashed or black stonewashed blade, along with the dressed up Hakkapella Damasteel option.

The new Vosteed Dirty Girl, crafted in collaboration with R.S. Knifeworks, is a traditional karambit-style fixed blade that means business, balancing a fierce look with precision engineering for self-defense. If you’ve followed Rob’s work on the RSKaos, Morel, or Griffin, you’ll spot his design DNA woven into every curve of this blade. A nod to the karambit’s Southeast Asian roots, the Dirty Girl combines traditional design with modern enhancements, creating a versatile tool equally suited for personal protection and rugged utility.

With its full-tang with 14C28N construction, contoured Micarta scales, and an oversized gear-like finger ring for a secure, full-handed grip, the Dirty Girl feels solid and controlled in hand. That distinct curve isn’t just for show—it’s built to hook, rip, and slice with formidable power, and the 0.157″ thickness means it’s ready for serious use. Designed in collaboration with highly trained professionals, this blade requires caution when unsheathing, flipping, or sharpening to ensure safe handling and optimal performance. The Dirty Girl is available in two colors and two Kydex sheath styles—regular and a shorter quick draw—to best optimize it for your EDC.

CRKT has a rich history of collaborating with some of the finest designers in the industry to create distinctive, premium-quality knives. Their recent collaboration with renowned designer Richard Rogers, celebrated for his minimalist, functional approach, continues this tradition, bringing us a lineup of expertly crafted EDC folding knives. This lineup, which includes the Pup, Q, and Persian folding knives, boasts unique design elements that’ll make each of these knives a standout addition to any EDC rotation, and even better, each design comes in two versions to suit your style and budget. Here’s how each of the knives stands out:

Pup Slip Joint and Pup Liner Lock

The Pup series delivers reliable performance in a conveniently small package. The premium Pup slip joint sports a stunning acid-etched 2.09″ Damasteel blade with a Super Dense Twist pattern housed in a sturdy titanium-carbon fiber handle. This slip joint design delivers a familiar, satisfying snap, with its streamlined front flipper that delivers quick and smooth blade deployment, an impressive feature for a knife of its size. The Pup liner lock offers a more budget-friendly option with Glass-Reinforced Nylon handle (GRN) scales and AUS-10 steel, plus a traditional spine flipper for quick deployment. Both models are impressively lightweight, with the titanium version at 1.1 oz. and the GRN version at 1.2 oz.

Q Frame Lock and Q Compact Liner Lock

The Q and Q Compact embody Richard Rogers’ signature style: minimalist yet refined. The limited edition full-size Q was made in Italy and boasts a plain-edge 3.31″ bead-blasted blade cut from premium MagnaCut steel held in a titanium-carbon fiber handle that’s both rugged and sleek. A floating backspacer adds a splash of detail to this design, and the pocket clip allows for secure carry. The Q Compact mirrors this aesthetic in a streamlined package, featuring a 2.95″ S35VN blade with a durable aluminum handle outfitted with G-10 inlays and a liner lock mechanism. Both knives deliver a seamless blend of performance and elegance, making them essential additions for those who appreciate understated, high-caliber design in their everyday carry.

Persian Frame Lock

The upgraded Persian Frame Lock takes the traditional Persian knife design and enhances it with premium materials and refined details. Now equipped with milled titanium handles and carbon fiber inlays, this model features a premium MagnaCut blade with a dramatic “harpoon Persian” shape that matches its handle, adding a more aggressive touch to its design. Slightly larger than its predecessor, it boasts a bead-blasted, plain-edge 3.51″ blade for more demanding tasks. It also sports a flipper for fast opening and a robust frame lock that secures the blade with unwavering reliability. This limited edition upgrade is engineered to deliver a blend of elegance and power, and it’s perfect for those who want a tough, high-performance EDC knife that’s equally stylish.