- You are here:
-
Home
-
Knife Reviews
- Benchmade
W.R. Case & Sons Cutlery Company
The Tenable Model 6 is a budget-friendly rendition of its premium counterpart from Kansept, a knife beloved by the community for its performance and versatility. While the original Model 6 was a solid performer, I felt it had a few minor flaws that held it back from perfection. With this version, Tenable has addressed those concerns while introducing thoughtful upgrades that make it even more appealing.
For those unfamiliar with the Model 6, it was designed by Nick Swan, a retired law enforcement officer who knows the value of a reliable, functional knife. His philosophy is simple: a knife should be a tool, not a trophy. That practicality is evident in the Model 6, which blends utility and self-defense into one cohesive design.
The Rafe L is a stout and capable folding knife with an aggressive design that doesn’t compromise on performance. Designed by Adam of 4T5 Design, this knife embodies his passion for sleek yet functional blades, bringing a touch of his own style to the EDC world.
Vosteed has been on a roll—not just lately, but since the very beginning. The company set out to make a name for itself, and the community has taken notice. Yue, the mastermind behind Vosteed, took his passion for knives and the knowledge he gained working for Kizer to create something truly special. While many of their designs are Yue’s own, the company also collaborates with other designers. The sheer imagination Yue brings is remarkable and, in my opinion, the key to Vosteed’s success.
The Benchmade Griptilian is a true cornerstone in Benchmade’s lineup, earning its place as one of the most iconic knives in the community. Introduced in the early 2000s, it quickly gained popularity due to its innovative design, ergonomic handle, and the reliable AXIS lock mechanism. Designed by the late Mel Pardue, one of Benchmade’s most prolific and respected knife makers, the Griptilian reflects his knack for creating tools that are both practical and enduring. Its enduring appeal rivals classics like the Spyderco Delica and Endura, making it a benchmark for versatility and dependability. The Griptilian is available in various blade shapes, sizes, and materials, which has helped it remain relevant and highly regarded by users across the globe.
Extrema Ratio, based in Prato, Italy, has built its reputation on designing robust knives for military and law enforcement professionals. With a no-nonsense approach to design, their knives prioritize functionality over trends. The BF1 is a perfect example of this ethos—a compact tactical blade that seamlessly blends durability and utility into a well-rounded tool for daily use.
The Pepperwool Merino MM is a compact everyday carry (EDC) knife that blends thoughtful design with practical functionality. Designed by Beren McKay, a veteran knife designer with over 15 years of experience, the Merino MM embodies his knack for crafting tools that are both innovative and dependable.
Background on Beren McKay and Pepperwool
Beren McKay spent over a decade designing knives, multitools, and other gear at SOG, where he became known as a creative force behind many of their standout products. In 2017, he spearheaded SOG’s move toward higher-quality offerings, a shift that resonated deeply with the knife community. When SOG was sold to GSM, McKay saw an opportunity to build something truly his own. Thus, Pepperwool was born—a brand that combines "pepper" (representing innovation) and "wool" (symbolizing reliability).
Multitools are like the Swiss Army’s cousin—always prepared, compact, and ready to save the day when your toolbox is miles away. In the world of budget multitools, there's plenty of competition, from Bibury to Flissa. Enter the HX Outdoors Ignite: a multitool with an outdoorsy vibe and a name that sparks curiosity. But does it burn bright or fizzle out? Let’s strike up this review and see how it performs.
Fintiso is making some serious moves in the knife world, and hearing they’ll be at SHOT Show next year is just awesome. I love working with smaller companies and seeing them get out there to shake hands and showcase their products. That kind of in-person connection really completes the picture. The Apollo is one of the knives that’s helped Fintiso gain traction, and it’s a great example of why they’re on the rise.
The Olitans G056 feels like the company’s way of saying, “We heard you, and we’re stepping things up.” It builds on the T024, which I was pretty impressed with at the time, but with some smart upgrades that address the shortcomings of its predecessor. From the improved blade steel to the ambidextrous cross-bar lock and G10 handle, Olitans has taken what worked, refined what didn’t, and delivered a tool that feels more accessible and versatile. Let’s take a closer look at how the G056 stands out.
When the Kizer Momo debuted earlier this year, it was an instant head-turner. With its sleek lines and gorgeous blade, it was like the samurai of folding knives. But as much as I loved its precision tip and crazy-sharp edge, I found myself leaving it in the kitchen more often than not. Why? Well, the full-sized Momo is a pocket hog, and despite its beauty, it wasn’t practical for everyday carry. Enter the Mini Momo, a compact version that retains all the greatness of its big sibling but in a size that makes sense for EDC.
Kizer has kicked off 2025 with the Mini Mystic, one of four exciting new models to hit the market. Designed by Paul Munko, the Mini Mystic is a scaled-down version of the popular Mystic, a knife that won over enthusiasts with its ergonomic design and high-performance Rex 45 steel. While the original Mystic was a phenomenal tool, its 4+ inch blade size wasn’t ideal for everyone. The Mini Mystic addresses this by offering a more pocket-friendly design, with a 3.2-inch blade and an overall length of 7.58 inches—right in my personal EDC sweet spot.
The Olight Oclip is like the espresso shot of flashlights—compact, powerful, and guaranteed to wake you up when you see just how bright it gets. Don’t let its small size fool you; this little light packs some serious lumens.
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.