5 Best New EDC Knives and Multitools This Week: Complete Buyer's Guide

If you buy something from a link in this article, we may earn a commission. Learn more

What to Look for in an EDC Knife or Multitool

Choosing everyday carry gear requires balancing multiple factors that change based on your specific needs. The right EDC knife for a weekend camper looks different from the ideal option for someone navigating strict workplace carry policies. This week’s new releases span that entire spectrum, giving you options whether you prioritize legal compliance, premium materials, innovative features, value pricing, or practical organization.

Key factors to consider:

Legal environment: Blade length limits, locking mechanisms, and carry restrictions in your jurisdiction
Use case: Office-appropriate tools versus outdoor work versus tactical applications
Budget: Entry-level quality versus investment-grade materials and manufacturing
Features: Single-purpose precision versus multitool versatility
Materials: Premium steels and handles versus practical mid-tier options that perform well above their price

This guide breaks down five newly announced products by what they do best, helping you identify which matches your specific carry needs.

Best for Legal Compliance and Office Carry: GiantMouse ACE Farley V1 ($225)

Who this is for: Anyone needing workplace-appropriate EDC or navigating strict blade laws in their jurisdiction.

GiantMouse’s latest ACE model solves the legal compliance problem with thoughtful design rather than compromise. The 2.75-inch blade in Elmax steel provides legitimate cutting performance while staying under most jurisdictional length limits. The non-locking slipjoint mechanism keeps this legal in areas where locking blades face restrictions, and the refined Scandinavian aesthetic won’t raise eyebrows in professional settings.

The Grade 5 titanium handle drops weight to under 2.5 ounces while maintaining the solid feel you want from quality materials. At around 60 HRC hardness, the Elmax steel holds an edge well without becoming difficult to sharpen when needed. The Vox and Ansø design shows restraint and thoughtfulness, with a reversible wire clip that works for tip-up or tip-down carry and a satin finish that ages gracefully rather than showing every scratch.

Why choose this: You need reliable cutting performance in a package that won’t create legal or workplace issues. The titanium construction and premium steel justify the $225 price point for anyone treating EDC as a long-term investment rather than disposable gear.

Where to buy: GiantMouse official site. $225 with limited lifetime warranty

Best Innovation and Versatility: KEA Hex Knife Multitool ($69-89)

Who this is for: People wanting legitimate multitool functionality without carrying a full-size Leatherman, especially those who value clever engineering.

KEA Outdoors from New Zealand is crowdfunding what might be the most innovative multitool integration we’ve seen this year. The hexagonal dial rotates through five modular tools (box cutter, bottle opener, pry bar, stake puller, mini hammer) with spring-steel locking mechanisms that eliminate the wobble plaguing lesser multitools. This addresses the fundamental problem with pocket multitools: most sacrifice either size or functionality, but the Hex’s rotating dial gives you legitimate tools in a pocketable package.

The 3.1-inch blade uses high-carbon D2 steel with dual serrated and straight edges on a drop-point profile. The G10 composite handle provides waterproof, heat-resistant grip with texturing that works in wet conditions. At 4.5 ounces and 4.7 inches closed, it carries heavier than a simple folder but lighter than traditional multitools. The integrated magnetic quarter-inch hex bit driver and lanyard hole that doubles as a pry point show field-tested design thinking rather than drawing-board theory.

Why choose this: You want actual tool functionality beyond just a blade, but full-size multitools are too bulky for daily pocket carry. The Kickstarter early bird pricing at $69 makes this an accessible entry point for innovative EDC thinking, with April 2026 worldwide delivery targeted.

Where to back: KEA Hex on Kickstarter. $69 early bird, $89 future retail

Best Premium Investment: We Knife Essential Knight ($351.70)

Who this is for: Serious knife enthusiasts willing to invest in premium materials and manufacturing, collectors who appreciate Bowie-inspired design heritage.

We Knife’s collaboration with blade designer Jason Knight brings Bowie heritage into modern framelock flipper territory with no compromises on materials or execution. The 3.6-inch blade uses Böhler M390 super steel, running between 60 and 62 HRC hardness for top-tier edge retention and wear resistance. This steel holds an edge longer than most alternatives while remaining surprisingly easy to sharpen when needed, making it practical for daily use despite its premium positioning.

The titanium frame lock provides secure deployment through both flipper tab and a fuller that works as a nail nick for thumb opening. We Knife offers etched black or gray finishes, both showing the precise machining work the company built its reputation on. The deep-carry pocket clip sits ambidextrously for tip-up carry, keeping the 4.5-ounce knife low-profile despite its substantial presence.

Why choose this: You view EDC knives as heirloom-quality tools worth investing in rather than consumable gear. The combination of Jason Knight’s design sensibility, We Knife’s manufacturing precision, and M390 steel creates a blade that will outlast most alternatives while aging gracefully through decades of use.

Where to buy: We Knife official site. $351.70

Best Value: Böker Kihon Tan Micarta Black Stonewash ($49.95)

Who this is for: Anyone wanting premium materials and thoughtful design without premium pricing, first-time quality knife buyers testing the waters.

Lucas Burnley’s design for Böker Plus proves that premium materials and thoughtful engineering don’t require premium pricing. The 3.23-inch blade in D2 steel with black stonewash finish provides legitimate performance at a price point where most knives use cheaper steels or compromise on features. The ball bearing pivot creates smooth one-handed opening via ambidextrous thumb studs, while the crossbar lock provides secure blade retention without finicky adjustment.

The tan micarta handle brings warmth to what could otherwise be purely tactical aesthetics. Micarta’s natural texture improves with use, developing character as oils from your hand season the material over time. At 3.21 ounces and 7.8 inches overall, the Kihon hits a sweet spot for all-day carry without fatigue. The reversible wire clip allows tip-up positioning on either side of the handle.

Why choose this: You want quality materials and reliable performance but don’t need exotic steels or boutique manufacturing. Böker’s reputation for quality control under German engineering oversight gives confidence that this sub-fifty-dollar knife will perform well above its price point. This is the knife to buy when testing whether quality EDC gear matters to you before investing in premium options.

Where to buy: Böker USA official site. $49.95

Best Full-Size Multitool Evolution: Leatherman Wave Alpha ($180-225)

Who this is for: Anyone wanting the legendary Leatherman Wave functionality upgraded with premium materials and modern ergonomics, serious multitool users who demand the best.

Leatherman’s Wave Alpha represents the newest evolution of their iconic platform, bringing significant upgrades to a design that’s been the gold standard for EDC multitools for years. The most notable improvement comes from the CPM MagnaCut premium steel blade, offering significantly higher edge retention and corrosion resistance compared to previous generations. This steel typically appears on high-end knives, making its inclusion here a substantial upgrade for anyone who relies on their multitool blade daily.

The tool set shows thoughtful modernization with large scissors replacing the typical smaller versions, addressing one of the most common complaints about the original Wave. Full-size pliers with replaceable wire cutters ensure this tool stays functional for years, while the large awl, saw, file, bit driver, and screwdrivers cover the core tasks that actually come up in daily use. The sculpted G10 scale options (Obsidian black/gold, Canyon Land orange, Cascadia green/orange) provide better grip than steel handles while adding personalization options that weren’t available before.

The enhanced ergonomics deliver a slimmer chassis that carries more comfortably in pocket carry despite packing full-size functionality. Thumb cutouts and holes enable one-handed deployment of the blade and saw, making this feel more like a knife that happens to have tools rather than a toolbox that happens to cut.

Why choose this: You need legitimate tool functionality for daily repairs and projects, not just a blade with token extras. The Wave Alpha takes the proven Wave platform and upgrades every weak point with premium materials and better ergonomics. At $180 to $225, this positions itself as a replacement for the old Charge series, offering heirloom-quality construction that justifies the investment for anyone who uses their multitool seriously.

Where to buy: Leatherman official site. Rolling out November 2025. Full preview.

How to Choose: Decision Framework

Budget under $50: The Böker Kihon delivers premium materials and design at an accessible price point, perfect for testing whether quality EDC gear matters to you.

Budget $50-$100: The KEA Hex offers innovative multitool functionality through its rotating dial design, giving you legitimate tool versatility in a pocketable package.

Budget $180-$250: The Leatherman Wave Alpha brings premium materials to the legendary Wave platform, or choose the GiantMouse ACE Farley V1 for legal compliance and workplace appropriateness.

Budget $300+: The We Knife Essential Knight provides heirloom-quality construction with M390 super steel and Jason Knight’s Bowie-inspired design for collectors and enthusiasts.

Your legal environment matters most: Start with the GiantMouse slipjoint for maximum compliance, then consider the Böker or KEA depending on your jurisdiction’s specific restrictions.

You need full-size multitool capability: The Leatherman Wave Alpha upgrades the legendary Wave with CPM MagnaCut steel, large scissors, and better ergonomics while maintaining the tool set that’s proven itself over decades.

You want pocket-friendly multitool innovation: The KEA Hex’s rotating tool dial provides legitimate functionality in a package that actually fits in your pocket without the bulk of traditional multitools.

You want the best regardless of price: The We Knife Essential Knight combines premium M390 steel with precision manufacturing and classic design heritage.