Finding the right way to carry your gear can be a challenge, especially when balancing comfort, accessibility, and durability. There are plenty of leather and Kydex solutions out there, but when I come across a company that’s making quality products at a reasonable price—especially one that’s local—I like to take a closer look. Enter 1791 Leather, a Miami-based company producing high-quality leather holsters, EDC organizers, and outdoor accessories. I got my hands on their Heavy-Duty Leather Belt and Easy Slide EDC Holster, and after some time using them, here’s what I think.
Dimensions and other info
Material: stainless steel (also exists in Chrome-Vanadium)
Manufacturers: Burketek, MCFeely's, Latshaw
Weight: 50g
Length:4" or 101 mm
Width: 1" or 25.4 mm
Thickness: 1/8" or 3.1 mm
Features
-Standard 1/4" hex hole
-Closed wrench end, sizes 3/16" to 11/16" or 5mm to 17mm
-beveled end for prying and large flat-head
-measuring scales, 2 inches and 5 cm
The knife industry is a fast-moving, competitive space where new companies either ride the wave or get lost in the turbulence. HIGHTRON is one of those newer names looking to carve out a place, and from what I’ve seen with models like the Pathwright and Sharplyn, they’re doing more than just showing up—they're making an impression. Their designs stand out, and their execution feels polished, as if they've been at this for much longer. Today, I’m looking at the Mini Ventura, a more compact offering in their lineup that still packs a respectable punch.
Watching a company steeped in tradition break new ground is always fascinating. Case has long been known for its classic slip joints, but in 2021, they shook things up with the release of the Kinzua, Marilla, and Westline—modern designs that marked a turning point for the brand. While the launch had its learning moments, it proved Case could evolve while staying true to its roots.
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.
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).
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.
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.