Best EDC Champion | Carry Awards X

With its clean and classy design, premium build quality, and multifunctional use for EDC and outdoor settings alike, our Best EDC champion is definitely a cut above the rest…

1st Place

GiantMouse ACE Sonoma V2

Edged tools are a foundation of a good EDC kit. A knife was also one of the first tools of humankind, and it totally changed the destiny of our civilization.

GiantMouse Knives is a bit like what Mountain Hardwear is in the backpack world – not a mainstream mass manufacturer available on every corner around the globe, but rather a high-performance product for conscious outdoor people and knife enthusiasts. And just like MH, they deliver superb quality, premium materials, and outstanding designs (by Jesper Voxnaes and Jens Ansø, knifemaking superstars from Denmark) at a competitive price point. And of course, all these characteristics fit the ACE Sonoma V2 too – Elmax steel, canvas micarta, brass accents, and a ball-bearing pivot. The knife offers a satin-finished slim blade with crisp grind lines, smooth (but not slippery) micarta handles with a tight and even weave, a fast flipping action, and a deep-carry wire clip, which is practical and discreet. Yes, the Sonoma has it all. And if green micarta is not the look you dig most… there’s a blacked-out version too, with a PVD finish all over the knife.

This is a well-established design that feels good in the hand, cuts like a laser, and will provide many years of dependable use. Not to mention being lightweight, slick, and handsome. Congratulations on your very worthy win, GiantMouse!

Highly Commended

These are the pieces that just missed out, and in most cases, by the smallest of margins. To them, we award a High Commendation. The below were of outstanding quality, displaying fine craftsmanship and design flair. With honor, we bow our heads in the utmost respect and kudos. If this were a dais, they’d be biting their teeth into silver medals, while their flags were hoisted into the horizon – a feat not to be overlooked. And we’re sure they’ll be back, to take it one notch higher, next year.

Prometheus Design Werx SPD CAS OTF

The world of EDC knives is vast, with countless options to choose from. But ultimately a good EDC knife is the one you have on you when it’s actually needed. And with its compact, pocket-friendly design, tough and meticulous build, and highly considered functionality, the Prometheus Design Werx SPD CAS OTF is a knife you’ll reach for day in and day out. Effortless to add to your daily setup, the SPD CAS OTF (Special Projects Division California Special Out The Front) is lightweight and includes a titanium pocket clip to keep it out of the way but close at hand.

As the name suggests, the blade extends out the front using a thrust slider. And in keeping with PDW’s thoughtful attention to detail, the slider has a glow-in-the-dark inlay for easy usability in low-light conditions. The knife uses quality materials including a Böhler M390 stainless steel blade and an aerospace-grade T6061 aluminum billet handle contoured for enhanced user comfort. The understated aesthetics and versatile design lend themselves to a variety of EDC settings and uses, making this a solid addition to your daily carry. Fantastic work, Prometheus Design Werx!

The James Brand Palmer

While practicality is an important element in any EDC knife, sometimes aesthetics can be an equally key consideration, especially if you’re looking for a blade that fits into a range of settings without an aggressive aesthetic. The James Brand Palmer is a savvy choice for such settings, combining easy portability and use with clean and modern aesthetics.

The utility knife is comfortable to use while still remaining compact for easy carry in a pant pocket, pouch, or bag. The blade easily extends and retracts with a simple sliding motion and is easy to replace as well, with no tools required to do so. The anodized aluminum handles come in a variety of fun colorways for adding some pop to your pocket carry and the included lanyard makes it easy to retrieve the knife on the go. Sleek, practical, and simple to use, this is a fine addition to any EDC setup. Awesome job, The James Brand!

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