All-Around EDC Champ: Kershaw Bel Air
The Kershaw Bel Air stands out as a top choice for everyday carry. It offers a great action, an excellent blade shape and grind, and is thin enough to be easy to carry. The ergonomics are impressive, making it a comfortable knife to use throughout the day. However, the aluminum scales lack traction, which can be a minor drawback.
Key features of the Kershaw Bel Air include KVT ball bearings, a DuraLock mechanism, a reversible deep-carry pocket clip, and a limited lifetime warranty. The blade length is 3.1 inches, made from CPM MagnaCut steel with a hardness of 62 to 64 HRC. The blade has a BlackWash finish, and the handle is constructed from 6061-T6 aluminum with a Cerakote coating. The closed length is 4.2 inches, and the overall length is 7.3 inches, weighing 2.9 ounces. Priced at $150, it offers excellent value for its performance and build quality.
When first unboxing the Bel Air, the crossbar lock action was immediately noticeable, setting a high standard for quality. Testing it against the WE Banter showed that while the Banter had a slightly better action, the Bel Air outperformed in cutting tasks. Its blade easily cut through cardboard, wood, and cordage. The Bel Air is a refreshing option in a market where many knives are overpriced. Despite the minor issue with the aluminum scales, it's considered one of the best values for an American-made knife.
Budget Workhorse: Civivi Yonder
The Civivi Yonder is another strong contender for a budget-friendly EDC knife. It offers good all-around cutting capabilities, comfortable ergonomics, and is easy to carry. The knife is compact yet provides ample grip and blade space. However, it's not the best for cutting cordage.
The Yonder comes with a spade-point blade made from 14C28N steel with a hardness of 58-60 HRC. It features a crossbar lock, G10, micarta, or wood scales, and caged ceramic ball bearings. Designed by Zac Whitmore, the Yonder is priced around $60. It’s lefty-friendly and weighs 2.8 ounces. The open length is 6.63 inches, with a blade stock thickness of 0.09 inches. The Yonder has been tested against other knives like the Kershaw Bel Air and CJRB Pyrite Light, proving to be a favorite due to its affordability and performance.
The Yonder is a good general-purpose slicer thanks to its thin grind and sweeping belly. It handles thick cardboard and paracord with ease. In the pocket, it’s discreet and easy to deploy when needed. The Yonder is a reliable choice for those looking for a budget-friendly knife that doesn’t compromise on quality.
Pocket Fixed Blade: Big Idea Designs Lookout
The Big Idea Designs Lookout is a purpose-built pocket blade that excels in its design and functionality. It comes with two Kydex sheaths (left and right pocket carry) and a titanium pocket clip. The blade steel options include M390 (China) or MagnaCut (USA), with handle materials ranging from Grade 5 Titanium, G10, Tigerwood, Ultem, and Natural Micarta. The overall length is 6.2 inches, with a blade length of 2.2 inches and a thickness of 0.12 inch. The knife is available in China for $200 or USA for $250.
The Lookout is designed for intuitive pocket carry, with a sheath that works flawlessly for this purpose. The clip is positioned closer to the center of the sheath, preventing it from blocking access to the knife. The sheath has ideal pocket clip tension and a small footprint, making it a practical choice for daily use. The USA-made version offers more premium materials but at a higher price point.
Ultimate Dad Knife: Swiss Army Compact
The Swiss Army Compact is a versatile tool for dads who need to open packages, free toys from zip ties, and change batteries on the go. It includes 14 tools, such as a knife, pen, tweezers, bottle opener, and various screwdrivers. The knife is lightweight, measuring 3.6 inches in length and weighing 2.3 ounces. Priced at $59, it’s a practical and affordable option.
The Compact is packed with useful tools while remaining light and thin. The classic large blade is excellent for opening packages, cutting cordage, and slicing fruit. It performed well in EDC knife tests, handling hard cutting tasks effectively. The blade opens smoothly using a nail nick and snaps into place with good spring tension. The pen and scissors are particularly useful, though the scissors are harder to pull out than other tools.
The Knife That Makes Me Happy: OZ Machine Co. Roosevelt
The OZ Machine Company Roosevelt (Rosie) is a high-end knife that goes beyond basic cutting functions. It offers impeccable machine work, exciting design, and a supremely satisfying action. The blade is 2.9 inches long, with a thickness of 0.375 inches, made from CPM MagnaCut steel with a hardness of 63 to 64 HRC. The hardware and scales are made from grade 5 titanium, including screws, with 10 ball ceramic bearings in Delrin cages. The AEB-L lock insert features two ceramic detent balls.
The Rosie is thoughtfully designed for daily use, being both light and comfortable. Every component is made in-house, ensuring tight tolerances and strict quality control. The main downside is its availability, as demand exceeds supply, leading to high secondary market prices. For those interested in acquiring one, signing up for email alerts and following social media updates are recommended.
