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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 Maniago, 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.
When I’m looking for an everyday carry fixed blade, there’s a mental checklist I go through. Size—does it hit that sweet spot between being compact enough for EDC but big enough for actual work? Weight—is it light enough to carry without feeling like a brick but substantial enough to inspire confidence? Materials—can it handle tough tasks, resist corrosion, and sharpen up easily? And then there’s the carry setup—can I strap it to a pack, drop it in a pocket, or clip it to my belt without it being a hassle?
Benchmade’s new Dacia checks a lot of these boxes. On paper, it’s a real winner. It’s lightweight, rugged, and designed with both everyday tasks and outdoor adventures in mind. But after carrying and using it, I’ve got a few thoughts on where it excels—and where it stumbles.
Olight has always been a polarizing brand. You either love them for their bold designs and accessible products, or you critique them for not meeting the exacting standards of flashlight purists. I stand firmly in the "love them" camp. Diving into the flashlight world has been an adventure for me, and while I’m learning the finer details like CRI ratings and emitter types, I know most people care about three things: Is it bright? Is it durable? How often do I need to charge it? The Olight Arkfeld Pro delivers on all three, but it’s also packed with unique features that set it apart.
When I first saw the Arkfeld Pro, I was struck by its shape. A flat flashlight? It was so different from anything I’d seen before. We’re used to round flashlights because batteries are round, but Olight broke the mold here. The Arkfeld Pro is slim, flat, and feels more like a TV remote than a flashlight. And that’s not a bad thing. It’s comfortable to hold, intuitive to use, and pocket-friendly in a way most flashlights aren’t.
The Kansept Baba Yaga, designed by Greg Schob of Sparrow Knives, is a fascinating blend of artistry, performance, and durability. Schob, a custom knife maker and active-duty Coast Guardsman, brings his expertise and passion for functional, EDC-focused designs to this collaborative effort. Named after the mysterious and powerful witch of Slavic folklore, the Baba Yaga knife mirrors its namesake—unassuming in appearance but harboring immense capability.
Kansept has been on a roll this year, cranking out one standout design after another, and the Cybin is no exception. This little marvel comes from the mind of Scott Stills, a part-time knifemaker from Asheville, North Carolina, who’s pouring every ounce of his passion into Edgy Bladeworks. His creations reflect a bold, dark sense of humor and a love for unique designs, and the Cybin—a nod to psilocybin, the psychedelic compound found in "magic mushrooms"—is a perfect example.
Happy Holidays from all of us at Multitool.org
Thanks for making this place amazing!
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.