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Benchmade has a habit of taking something already great and somehow making it even better. Case in point: the Taggedout. Originally built as a lightweight hunter, this thing was a favorite among backcountry folks who wanted something slim, slicey, and easy to clean. But let’s be real—most of us aren't field dressing elk on the regular. We’re opening boxes, breaking down cardboard, and peeling the occasional apple. So Benchmade did what any smart maker would do: they gave the Taggedout an EDC makeover.
When you spend enough time in the EDC world, you start to realize that some of the best gear doesn’t come from big companies or fancy marketing — it comes from people who live this stuff. People who understand why we care about the little things we carry every day. Gearhunter is one of those brands.
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Gear
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There are a handful of knives in this industry that go beyond just being tools — they become icons. The Benchmade 940 Osborne is one of those rare blades that helped define what an everyday carry knife could be. Designed by the late Warren Osborne, a custom knife maker whose work was as elegant as it was functional, the 940 wasn’t chasing trends — it set them.
When it first hit the scene back in 2000, the 940 was something different. Slim, sleek, and purpose-built. It didn’t scream for attention. It didn’t need to. It was a knife built for people who carry every single day — people who care about cutting performance, pocket comfort, and reliable deployment more than flashy gimmicks. And for over two decades, that same philosophy has carried the 940 through countless pockets, toolboxes, and gear bags.
RoseCraft Blades is a relatively new name in the knife world, but it’s got some serious talent behind it. Founded in 2021 and based in Maryville, Tennessee, the company was started by William Rose and includes well-known designer Andy Armstrong at the helm. If that name sounds familiar, it’s because Andy has a long history with CRKT and Rough Ryder. RoseCraft mixes modern and traditional designs, working with designers like Hawkins Rose and Swaggs to create knives that feel fresh but still rooted in classic patterns. Right now, their knives are made overseas, but they have plans to set up a U.S. factory down the road.
There are a few companies I consider the big dogs—those that have been in the game for ages and continue to produce outstanding cutlery year after year. One of those behemoths is Boker. With roots dating back to the 17th century, Boker’s history is as rich as its catalog. Their Solingen-made blades showcase traditional craftsmanship, while the Boker Plus line focuses on modern, innovative designs through collaborations with renowned designers.
Today, we're looking at a knife that’s been around for a bit but never quite got the fanfare it deserved. The Boker Plus Jive, designed by Brian Efros, is a sleek, high-quality EDC folder with clean lines and an ergonomic build. At 7.17 inches overall with a 2.95-inch blade made from D2 steel, it’s compact yet fully capable. The clip point blade gives it a distinct mini-Bowie look, adding character to an otherwise understated design.
Scott Stills is a name that’s been making waves in the knife world. Based in Asheville, North Carolina, he’s a custom knife maker with an undeniable passion for the craft. Like many, he started with fixed blades before quickly moving to folders, which were always his true goal. His brand, Edgy Bladeworks, reflects his dark sense of humor and appreciation for alternative art forms, but at its core, it’s about pushing boundaries in knife design. Scott's enthusiasm is evident in every knife he creates, and the Tipper is one he personally carries in custom form every day. His work embodies both artistic expression and practical function, and it’s exciting to see his creations brought to a wider audience through collaborations like this one with Kansept.
In the EDC world, innovation is everything—whether it’s groundbreaking materials, clever design solutions, or aesthetics that ignite a sense of desire. HX Outdoors is one of those brands that flies under the radar, lost in the flood of imported knives saturating the market. They aren’t a household name, and if I hadn’t stumbled across them myself, I might never have given them a second thought.
But here’s the thing—HX is putting out some seriously high-quality knives, and nobody seems to be talking about them. So, what do you do when you find something this good? You grab your soapbox and let the world know.
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Knives
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Social media influences our lives more than it probably should. It’s not just a way to connect with people anymore—it’s a marketplace, a never-ending stream of ads and product demos. One brand that kept appearing on my feed was JoyRaining, a knife company that seemed too good to be true. High-quality Damascus knives for under $20? That level of affordability usually screams "too good to be true," so I had to see for myself.
Who is JoyRaining?
JoyRaining is the Western-friendly name for 玖润 (Jiurun), a knife manufacturer based in Yangjiang, China—a city well known for its knife production. The company has over a decade of experience in knife-making, and the head of operations has been in the business for over 20 years. That alone gives them some credibility, but I still had my doubts. Cheap knives flooding TikTok don’t exactly inspire confidence.
For the sake of both curiosity and a fair review, I picked up two knives from their TikTok shop: a small Damascus slipjoint and a larger one with a more traditional hunting-style design.
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Knives
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GiantMouse has always had a strong identity in the knife world—stylish, functional, and a little rebellious. The original Biblio was a hit, a compact EDC knife with great lines and an ergonomic design. But for those of us who prefer a little more real estate in our folders, GiantMouse answered with the Biblio XL—a larger, refined version of their fan-favorite design.
I review a lot of gear—knives, multitools, flashlights—but I’ve been looking to branch out and see what else is out there. Trying something outside my norm not only expands my experience but also keeps things interesting. I’m not a hardcore camper, though I’ve camped before, and I know that a solid toolset makes all the difference. When you’re out in the wild, essentials like a saw, an axe or hatchet, and a fire starter can be game-changers.
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As someone who usually distributes my everyday carry gear across different pockets, I’ve never given much thought to using a dedicated organizer. I typically stick to pocket-friendly options like those made by Arc Company, allowing me to adjust my carry depending on the day. But when Maxpedition sent over the Mini Pocket Organizer for review, I saw an opportunity to test a different approach—one that keeps everything compact, accessible, and in one place.
The Mini Pocket Organizer sits in the middle of Maxpedition’s lineup—not the largest, not the smallest, but a versatile size that can work for both pocket and bag carry. It boasts Maxpedition’s signature rugged construction, thoughtful layout, and plenty of organizational options.
Published in
Gear
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I've reviewed so many modern knives that it feels like the right time for a slight departure. My love for knives started with slipjoints—the kind your grandpa carried while cleaning his nails and reminiscing about the old days. But outside of a few manufacturers, traditional knife-making has faded. Case, Buck, and Schrade are still around, and you’ve got companies like GEC, Jack Wolf, and Peña keeping the flame alive, but the market is overwhelmingly modern.
Enter RoseCraft Blades. Founded by Andy Armstrong, a veteran in the industry, RoseCraft brings a fresh approach to traditional designs. His passion is evident in every pattern, blending heritage with innovation. And today, I’m looking at their Clinch River Button Lock—RoseCraft’s first foray into "modern traditionals."
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Knives
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When you're on the hunt for a compact and featherweight everyday carry knife, the options are as plentiful as gadgets in a spy's arsenal. Some are so light they moonlight as money clips—quite the party trick. Today, we're diving into a knife that not only fits this ultralight bill but also flirts with the idea of doubling as a money clip. But should it? Let's find out.
Enter the SOG Ultra XR Blackout edition—a folding knife that's as sleek as a tuxedo-clad secret agent. With carbon fiber handles and an axis-style lock, this knife tips the scales at a mere 1.2 ounces. Yes, you read that right. It's lighter than a paperclip convention. Closed, it measures 3.6 inches, extending to an overall length of 6.4 inches when deployed. The carbon fiber boasts a marbled, almost shredded appearance, giving it an aesthetic that's both sophisticated and ready for action.
The budget knife market is packed with options—some good, some bad. When a company aims to compete in this space, it needs to focus on materials and quality. Go too cheap, and you get a subpar product; go too high, and you risk pricing yourself out of the budget category. Then there are knives that land in a strange middle ground—enter the SOG Diverge XR.
At around $60, the Diverge XR sits on the upper end of the budget spectrum (depending on how you define "budget"). On paper, it seems promising: aluminum handle, deep carry clip, D2 steel blade, and SOG's XR lock—a variation of the Benchmade Axis lock. It looks decent, and that’s exactly what it is: decent. It’s not exceptional, but it cuts well enough. Let’s break it down—the good, the bad, and the ugly.
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What kind of people would write collect and review multitools? Quite simple really- we are designers and do-ers, outdoors types and indoor types, mechanics, doctors, problem solvers and problem makers. As such, we have, as a world spanning community, put every type, size and version of multitool, multifunction knife, pocket knife and all related products to every test we could manage in as many places and environments as there are.