The Best New Knives & EDC of 2023 (So Far)

CRKT has been on a bit of a tear lately, revamping some of its popular silhouettes into higher-end EDC knives. This go-around it's Matthew Lerch’s LCK — now equipped with a CPM S35VN steel blade, shredded carbon fiber handle and IKBS ball-bearing deployment.

Price: $175

The partially serrated tanto blade made of M4 steel, Trac-Tec handle inserts, oversized jimping and user-friendly finger choil are impressive. But what really stands out about the Launch 16 is how true it is to its name: at the push of a button, the blade deploys with force that can only be described as explosive.

Price: $149.95

We continue to be impressed with Case's Modern EDC collection, a bold departure from its bevy of more traditional offerings. Available in four colors, this lively 4.5-ounce flipper boasts a lightweight anodized aluminum handle, 3.2-inch S35VN drop point blade, reversible pocket clip and liner lock.

Price: $159.99

This handy collection makes it easy to set up/take down a tent, prep firewood and stoke a blaze for cooking, warmth and general campfire camaraderie. The package deal saves you money too — it costs $20 less than buying the Pack Hatchet, Fire Starter and Stake-Out multi-tool individually.

Price: $100

Normally, a simple pallet swap wouldn't necessarily be newsworthy, but when it's TJB's The Kline — one of the brand's finest American-made knives — we tend to take notice. It helps, too, that this knife benefits from a Magnacut blade, Micarta scales, a slide lock and so much more.

Price: $369

Named after the snake that inspired its serpentine shape, Craighill's latest keychain-adjacent release is a dual-gated carabiner designed to keep your keys accessible when you need them and secure when you don't. It also comes in steel, brass and black finishes, so you can pick the one that matches your style best.

Price: $44

Designed specifically to meet blade length restrictions in many places, Benchmade's tough-looking 290BK Full Immunity has a sub-2.5-inch CPM M4 Wharncliffe blade mated to aluminum handle scales equipped with the brand's rock-solid AXIS lock. If you need a tiny knife that can stand up to full-sized punishment, this one's for you.

Price: $270

Founded in Guangzhou, China in 2021, Vosteed is steadily making a name for itself in the knife world. This affordable, eye-catching folder features a fat, leaf-shaped V-Nitro blade ideal for EDC, food prep and more. You get your choice of Micarta or G10 handles, plus a smooth thumbstud opening mechanism (hence the TS) and a sturdy liner lock.

Price: $69

This cleaver-style knife combines form and function with some winning features, including a tough D2 blade, deployed via a thumb stud and steadied with a mid-lock. A handle made of glass-filled nylon buttressed by steel liners ups the durability, while a reversible deep-carry pocket clip keeps the Hatch at the ready whenever you need it.

Price: $71.99 $44.95

Lauded knife designer Michael Walker actually used to be a jeweler, and this upscale, high-end folder illustrates his prowess. It's available in two versions — one with Böhler M390 blade steel and a blue inlay handle, and another with a Damasteel blade and a silver inlay handle — but both have titanium handle scales, IKBS ball-bearing systems and low-profile pocket clips.

Price: $275-$500

Looking like something ripped straight out of science fiction, CRKT's Italian-made Hirin boasts a lightweight skeletonized design that's elevated by the use of Super Dense Twist Damasteel for the blade and pocket clip and titanium for the handle. And while it is probably excessively expensive, it's definitely one of the most unique folding knives we've seen in a long time.

Price: $500

Pining for one-of-a-kind blade? Portland-based artist Jess Mudgett has created 14 adventurous new illustrations that can be applied to a number of different Gerber knives. Use the brand’s interactive online tool to design a unique EDC essential that doubles as a conversation piece every time you pull it out.

Price: $200+

With its reliable slicing and wine bottle-opening capabilities, the No.10 Corkscrew knife was already great for picnics. Now Opinel has taken it to the next-level by adding a clever beer bottle opener to the end of the handle. This one sold out fast but you can sign up to be notified when there’s a restock.

Price: $38

While most keychain carabiners are pretty adept at getting your keys out of your pocket and secured to, say, a belt loop or bag, they can get pretty bulky. Orbitkey sidesteps the issue with the Clip Mini, the brand's slimmest and most minimal carabiner to date. Of course, it still has the same reliable gate, quick and secure Quick-Snap Lock System and top-notch styling as its larger brethren.

Price: $29.90

Victorinox steps away from its multitool roots with this fundamentally sound folder, featuring a paracord pendant and a lockable silver blade that deploys easily thanks to a removable thumb stud. The Evoke Alox is available in a range of colorways and treatments.

Price: $120+

This bushcraft-ready beast, complete with a rubberized handle and versatile sheath, is optimized for outdoor adventure. The most notable feature is the full-tang CRYO 4116 Krupp stainless steel blade, which boasts excellent corrosion resistance, strength and edge retention.

Price: $89.95

Gerber's Tri-Tip mini cleaver, Armbar Cork multi-tool and ComplEAT picnic multi-tool are outdoor gear pieces on their own. But packaged together in this affordable kit, they make an even better must-have campground set for cooking, maintenance and much more.

Price: $100

Upgrade your brown bag lunches and campsite picnics with this clever, useful on-the-go meal kit from Opinel (one of the most iconic knifemaking brands) and Monbento. It includes a gorgeous bento box (with two airtight containers), a limited-edition No. 8 folding knife, cutlery attachments (a spoon and fork) and more.

Price: $94.95

One of our favorite key organizer brands is back with new additions to its Star Wars collaboration, including the Millennium Falcon (seen here), an X-wing, the Death Star and a Tie Fighter — all done up with clever, colorful minimalist graphics. The six earlier Star Wars-themed organizers are still available, too.

Price: $44.90

The Ridge’s wallet and key organizer package is already wildly popular thanks to its minimalist functionality. The latest edition features a topographic look at the summit of Half Dome, the 8,800-foot icon of the Yosemite Valley that is tackled by thousands of hikers and climbers every year.

Price: $235 $155

The newest knife from the minds at The James Brand is slimmer than a pack of gum — perfect for EDC minimalists. Built with the same design language as its full-sized predecessor, the Ellis Slim is a multi-functional, miniature workhorse.

Price: $99 - $109

Gerber has finally taken one of its most pocket-friendly multi-tools and turned it into an outdoor- and adventure-ready offering with the Armbar Scout, adding a saw blade, hammer tail cap, can opener and more.

Price: $50

TJB's Barnes has been around for a while (and we're still not over how gorgeous and well-built it is), but now the titanium billet integral lock knife with its Bohler M390 stainless steel blade comes in a stainless steel and green Micarta option. Just be ready for some sticker shock.

Price: $679

WESN's first-ever artist collab (made in conjunction with the visionaries at Real Fun, Wow!), this take on the Henry slipjoint knife is, in a word, stunning. Along with those special-edition G-10 handle scales, you still get a Sandvik 14c28n steel blade, titanium accents and that rock-solid USA-made construction.

Price: $165

The first CRKT custom design from survivalist and three-time Naked and Afraid contestant Kaila Cumings, the Bugsy is a small fixed-blade knife with big capabilities thanks to its ergonomic Micarta handle and curved, full-tang 1095 carbon steel blade. There's a blacked-out, partially serrated G-10 version, too.

Price: $200

Another small but mighty fixed blade, WESN's latest beauty boasts a 2.75-inch full-tang blade made of S35VN steel, two handle options (wood or G10) and a leather sheath handcrafted in Sweden, just like the knife itself. Available for pre-order now, The Bornas ships in July.

Price: $185

This mini multi-tool isn't new, but it's now available in four fresh colors: Slate, Navy, Arctic and Cherry. And with 10 handy functions — including a 420HC knife, reliable spring-action scissors and multiple screwdrivers — the Micra earns its 549 five-star reviews and a place in your EDC.

Price: $34.95

Orbitkey's organizers are already some of the best around. But now they get a bit of refinement thanks to a new pebbled leather option. You still get the features you know and love — a clever locking mechanism, 2-7 key capacity, key fob loop and more — just with a nicer textured exterior.

Price: $43.50

This quirky little collab with Mountain Gazette sneaks a 5- or 10-pack of Dad Grass Hemp CBD Pre Rolls or Mom Grass CBG Pre Rolls into what looks like a safety kit. It’s perfect for relaxing on the lift or in the trees. Pro tip: pack some actual first aid too.

Price: $37 (for 5 pre rolls); $72 (for 10)

VSSL just keeps finding new things to pack into its clever cylinders. This beach-ready edition boasts Tenacious Tapes for wetsuit repair, a bevy of surfboard-fixing items, wound-closure strips and bandages, a fire-starting kit, zip ties and a water-resistant 4-mode LED 200-lumen flashlight.

Price: $130

In collaboration with artists Jack Ludlam and Shaylen Broughton, The Ridge has applied a brand-new vibrant Flamingo Pink colorway to two of its best minimalist EDC products: the wallet (seen here) and the Keycase keychain organizer.

Price: $95, $75

CRKT has taken one of master knifemaker Ken Onion's best compact EDC knife designs and elevated it into the stratosphere with premium materials, like Böhler M390 blade steel and titanium. And there are two versions — the one you see here and this one.

Price: $275

The Pilar III, designed by Jesper Voxnaes, already tops our list of the best pocket knives. But now there's a new edition with some big upgrades, like a black-coated Sandvik 12C27 steel blade and hammer-textured G10 handle (which adds better all-weather grip). As if this knife needed to get even better.

Price: $70

Hot on the heels of the updated Pilar III comes the next generation, which boasts a slightly bigger clip-point blade (3.09 inches versus 2.97 inches) made of edge-retaining D2 steel. Like the knife right next to it, this Voxnaes-design variety features a thumb slot for easy opening and grippy G10 scales.

Price: $99.99 $59.95

A gorgeous and unique take on one of WESN's best classic-style knives, this version of the Samla is made with handle scales crafted entirely by hand in Stockholm from a combination of Micarta and actual selvedge denim sourced from beloved brand Momotaro. That also means each and every one is unique.

Price: $225

Just in time for St. Patty’s Day comes this limited-edition Fastball, complete with a green aluminum handle, gold hardware and a laser-etched Celtic sailor’s knot. It also features a three-position clip and an easy-flipping, 3-inch S30V wharncliffe blade that’s sure to put an Irish spring in your step.

Price: $140

Part of an array of spring releases from VSSL, this uniquely cool hand-sized cylinder is actually a storage tin for your EDC and/or survival gear. But that's not all — it also has a carabiner lid and a waterproof Bluetooth speaker integrated into the tail cap. That makes it a mighty sidekick for lovers of both everyday carry and music.

Price: $110

Marie Kondo is well known for her impact on the world of organization, and now she's bringing it to the world of EDC alongside Orbitkey. Part valet tray, part storage case, part wireless charger, this gorgeous go-anywhere organizer is perfect for people that want to keep their EDC and tech in order.

Price: $139.90

We are one tray shy of a trend here. Made in Southern California by Cambro, TJB’s offering is simpler and cheaper than Kondo’s. It’s really just a two-piece place for your keys and lighter and pocket knife and change to hang out when not in use — and look damn good doing it.

Price: $49

This streamlined yet still rugged new Stanley design is ideal for stepping out into the world with your go-to beverage. It comes in three sizes (25 ounces to 1.4 quarts) and keeps drinks hot for 20 hours or cold for 25. An insulated lid doubles as a sipping cup, making it easy to share.

Price: $28+

TJB's vinyl record-opening utility knife only recently came out — but it's already got a special edition. Same corrosion-resistant stainless steel blade, now featuring mystery inlays made with genuine tie-dye vinyl from recycled LPs. And no two are the same.

Price: $69

At just 3.25 inches closed, this mini version of CRKT’s award-winning gentleman’s folder is the perfect desk accessory. It features a 2.21-inch Sandvik 12C27 steel blade, aluminum scales and an IKBS ball bearing pivot for deployment as slick as a three-piece suit.

Price: $60

These out-of-this-world EDC pens come with a novel Cerakote coating developed by Tactile Turn that makes each one unique, just like the stars in the night sky. Of course, their titanium construction and rock-solid deployments certainly help matters.

Price: $149

Utilizing a sturdy, reliable Crossbar Lock, this ambidextrous EDC knife is made in the USA. Pair that with its lightweight G-10 handle scales and upscale yet hardwearing 154CM steel blade and you've got another potential big hit for CRKT.

Price: $215

A limited-edition take on one of Gerber's best flippers made to celebrate the brand's 84th anniversary, the Heritage boasts the same B.O.S.S. Tech deployment, tough-but-light aluminum handle and S30V steel wharncliffe blade. Stay tuned for an update as soon as it becomes available.

This funky folder features the same one-handed kinematic opening system as its talon-like predecessor — albeit with a D2 blade better suited to everyday tasks like opening boxes and slicing apples. It's also the most haptically satisfying knife we've tried in years.

Price: $175

We've been fans of WESN's pint-sized, shockingly functional Microblade since its Kickstarter launch years ago. This collaboration with Glidr nicely freshens up the look and feel of the wrapping around the small but mighty 1.5-inch D2 blade.

Price: $110

TJB threw a shiny coat of paint on nine popular offerings, including The Carter, The Redstone and The Palmer. The new hues — Canary (yellow), Cerulean (blue) and Coral (red) — provide a pop not often seen on folding knives and EDC tools.

Price: $59+

Thanks to a 3-inch Wharncliffe Bohler M390 steel blade encased in a classic trapper pattern, the Venom Jack boldly treads the line between modern marvel and instant heirloom. Featuring a titanium frame and hardware, the knife employs a traditional nail nick opener and a slip-joint half-stop. It's available with a range of Micarta and carbon scales, all of which seem to be going fast.

Price: $275+

We know, $99 seems like a lot to pay for a pry bar/bottle opener. But what if it's the perfect pry bar/bottle opener? That's what Maciej Modrzejewski, the man behind Matsey, seems to have achieved here. With the hexagon as its basic building block, the titanium HexBar packs simplicity and symmetry into a sturdy, grippable package that fits nicely on a keychain and ships from Poland later this spring.

Price: $99

A staple of CRKT's catalog and one of the best neck knives available, the Minimalist just got a pretty serious upgrade with this Drop Point edition. The blade material has been swapped for 154CM performance steel and mated to an infused fiber handle, making it stronger and more durable. Ideal for discreet wear and occasions where a folder just won't cut it (like on a hike or camping trip), this knife is a real treat.

Price: $100

The Kline was announced way back in May 2022, but it unfortunately hit some speed bumps along the way and only recently launched. As a refresher, the features of this exceptional knife include a CPM-MagnaCut steel drop point blade, Micarta scales, ambidextrous Slide-Lock, titanium pocket clip and more. If you want your very own USA-made workhorse knife, this is certainly a contender for the best currently available.

Price: $389

Founded in 2021 by knifemaking wunderkind Josh Smith, Montana Knife Company is a boutique brand on the rise. While it typically drops limited quantities of fixed blades that sell out fast, MKC recently wide-released the popular Speedgoat. Named for a slang term for the pronghorn antelope, this 1.7-ounce, 3.75-inch carbon-steel blade (full length of 7.75 inches) is similarly light and agile, thanks in part to a skeletonized handle wrapped in seven feet of handy 550 paracord. While it’s designed for hunting, it’s ready for anything.

Price: $225

You'd probably have to be a Bear Grylls- or Les Stroud-level survivalist to add this water bottle-sized kit to your everyday carry loadout, but it's still a noteworthy release for serious outdoors lovers. Made in collaboration with renowned eyewear/helmet brand Smith, the water-resistant, 14.6-ounce tube packs a variety of essential tools ranging from zip ties to first-aid supplies that will help you thrive throughout any adventure — be that a quick trip to the slopes or a longer winter camping session.

Price: $120