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Aug 03, 2023

Outdoor Awards 2023: The Best Knives and Other EDC Gear

Every product is carefully selected by our editors. If you buy from a link, we may earn a commission. Your everyday carry kit is a crucial part of your life. Don't leave home without at least one of

Every product is carefully selected by our editors. If you buy from a link, we may earn a commission.

Your everyday carry kit is a crucial part of your life. Don't leave home without at least one of the items on this list.

This story is part of the 2023 Outdoor Awards. To see the full list of winners, click here.

It doesn't matter at what age your love affair with everyday carry starts — there's a tipping point for all of us when a knife, multi-tool or EDC item stops being an optional accessory and becomes a non-negotiable part of your life. A must-have, if you will.

For each person, the story is different: if you're an avid outdoorsman or work in trades that require the right tools for the job, the obsession may start young, or it may kick off in adulthood. If as a child, your grandpa passed down his pocket knife to you, you may have caught the bug even earlier. No matter the entry point, one thing is certain: you'll want the best of the best in whichever category piques your interest.

Lucky for you, we've rounded the crème de la crème of EDC gear up for you. See below for the best in the biz.

The well-balanced combination of materials and form, along with some key updates, make the third version of this popular knife hard to beat. The D2 steel holds an edge well, and the G10 handle, frame lock and oversized choil bring practicality and ease to everyday tasks.

READ MORE: The Best Pocket Knives of 2023

Leatherman managed to fit an abundance of tools (12 in total) into a small, pocketable package — 4.3 ounces, to be exact. Internal magnets allow for easy one-handed opening, and at less than four inches, you can bring it just about anywhere, except on a plane.

READ MORE: The Best Mini Multi-Tools

While the Allman features many of the same materials as its counterparts, what sets it apart is the handfeel and action — something that has to be experienced firsthand to be believed.

READ MORE: The Best Small Pocket Knives of 2023

Sometimes quality comes at a price, and sometimes... that price is under 20 bucks. The Companion's blade is sharp, its handle sturdy and its included polymer sheath comes with a clip to attach it to your belt or pack. Now that's bang for your buck.

READ MORE: The 9 Best Bushcraft Knives of 2023

Ideal for any campsite task, the Hell Gap can slice, dice and cut with the best of them without missing a beat. It's specifically tactical- and survival-oriented; this is a jack-of-all-trades, master of a few.

READ MORE: The Best Fixed Blade Knives

Combine one iconic EDC knife with high caliber Damascus steel crafted by Swedish firm Damasteel, and what do you get? This unique beauty. A carbon fiber handle completes the package.

READ MORE: The Best Knives Made with Damascus Steel

The James Brand brings an elegant simplicity to anything it touches, and the Mehlville is no exception. It's sleek, but still manages to integrate a bottle opener and protect your keys from running astray.

READ MORE: Secure Your EDC with the Best Carabiner Keychains

If you need a heavy-duty tool that's going to get the job done quickly and simply, and you don't mind a little extra weight, this is our top tough pick.

READ MORE: The Best Utility Knives for Every Task

Complete with a 2.5-inch blade, Phillips and flathead screwdrivers, scissors and an awl, this little wonder still fits comfortably in your pocket. If you don't need pliers, a file or other specific implements, this affordable multi-tool is the way to go.

READ MORE: The 17 Best Multi-Tools You Can Get Right Now

The Guided Field Sharpener is one of the best manual pocket knife sharpeners on the market thanks to its multiple sharpening and honing surfaces, including diamond-coated plates and ceramic honing rods.

READ MORE: The Best Pocket Knife Sharpeners of 2023

Backpackers and serious campers prize ultralight gear, but it has to stand up to heavy use, and the Bugout makes that grade. The whole thing weighs just 1.85 ounces, yet the 3.24-inch blade is plenty hefty enough to handle any number of trail tasks.

READ MORE: The Best Pocket Knives of 2023

The Cannonball comes in hot a few notable features that help it stand out from the crowd: a Blackwash finish on the blade helps hide scratches; the assisted open makes opening on the go easier; the handle texture, though a little odd, helps with grip; and the reversible deep-carry pocket clip makes it a low-profile carry option.

READ MORE: The Best Fixed Blade and Pocket Knives Made with D2 Steel

The ESEE-4 checks every box for a good survival knife: it's full-featured, durable enough for the toughest tasks and just the right size to accomplish a wide range of uses, ALL without weighing you down.

READ MORE: The Best Survival Knives

The Sebenza 31 is the latest version of a pocket knife that was first released in 1987 and is widely considered among blade enthusiasts as the best pocket knife ever made — and history and iconic status aside, the Sebenza 31 is a fantastic, albeit expensive, pocket knife. It's available in two sizes — a small model with a 2.99-inch blade and a large one with a 3.61-inch blade — with various wood or micarta inlays.

READ MORE: The Best Pocket Knives of 2023

There are as many multi-tools as there are bike models, but we like Blackburn's for its simplicity, minimal profile and affordability.

READ MORE: The Best Tools to Carry In Your Bicycle Repair Kit