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When you’re looking for a quality utility blade—something for work, or just those moments when you don’t want to gunk up your favorite EDC knife—there’s a lot out there. You’ve got everything from budget bin beaters to high-end options like the Hawk Shortcut. I usually recommend starting somewhere in the middle. Something built well, compact enough to disappear in the pocket, and tough enough to handle daily demands. That’s exactly where the OKnife U1 Ultra lands. It checks all the boxes, and after spending time with it, I can confidently say it’s a contender.
Some knives are made to disappear into the pocket. The Feweed clearly didn’t get that memo. Designed by Vũ Huỳnh Nam Anh as part of Kizer’s design contest, the Feweed makes an immediate impression. Between the bold carbon inlays, harpoon-style blade, and dramatic lines, it’s anything but subtle. But beneath all that flair is a surprisingly well-thought-out EDC folder that’s more than just eye candy.
Some knives are designed to blend in. The Civivi Elementum II, especially this Damascus and golden shred variant, isn’t one of them. While it shares its name and silhouette with the original Elementum, this model feels like the dressier, more charismatic sibling. It's polished, confident, and packing a little extra swagger. But beneath the showy looks, Civivi’s familiar fit and finish and EDC practicality still shine through.
Ergonomics & Handle Materials
The shredded carbon fiber with golden shred is a showstopper. It’s encased in clear resin that gives it a glossy, high end finish, almost like a custom knife you'd expect to find behind glass at a boutique show. Despite its flashy looks, the handle offers a surprisingly comfortable grip.
At 0.51" thick, it fills the hand just enough without feeling bulky, and the smooth finish doesn’t create any hot spots during light use. You won’t get much traction if your hands are wet or gloved, but for EDC and fidget tasks, it feels great.
Inside, you’ll find stainless steel liners that provide structural integrity without adding too much weight. The total weight comes in at 2.86 oz, which makes this a very pocketable piece.
No texture? No problem. This one leans more gentleman than hard use, and I think that’s perfectly fine for what it’s trying to be.
Locking Mechanism & Clip
The button lock is the star of the show here, and Civivi tuned it beautifully. There’s a spring under the button that provides just the right amount of tension. It’s enough to avoid accidental deployment in the pocket but still light enough to make closing the knife with one hand a breeze.
It’s paired with caged ceramic ball bearings that give the knife that signature buttery deployment. Whether you’re flicking it open with the flipper or closing it with a press of the button, the Elementum II feels dialed in. The action is smooth, the lockup is solid, and there’s no blade play in any direction.
As for the pocket clip, it’s a simple stainless steel design, tip up and right hand only. It rides fairly deep and doesn’t draw attention, but I would’ve liked to see some accommodation for left-handed users, especially given how versatile this knife is otherwise. The clip holds tight, though I wouldn’t call it exceptionally strong or robust. It does its job, and that’s about it.
Blade & Performance
The 2.96" Damascus drop point blade offers a nice balance between form and function. Let’s be honest, most people are buying this version of the Elementum for the looks, and Civivi delivers with a blade that’s visually striking. The hollow grind is well executed, and the edge came razor sharp right out of the box.
In use, the blade handles daily tasks with ease. Opening packages, slicing fruit, breaking down cardboard—the 0.12" blade stock tapers to a fine cutting edge that excels at precise, controlled cuts.
Now let’s talk steel. Damascus looks amazing, but it's generally a compromise between performance and visual appeal. Civivi doesn’t specify the exact composition here, but the 58 to 60 HRC rating lines up with mid tier edge retention. You’ll likely find yourself sharpening it more often than a premium stainless, but it takes a fine edge quickly and isn’t difficult to maintain if you’re used to sharpening your own blades.
Bottom line: it’s a slicer, not a beater.
Final Thoughts
The Civivi Elementum II in Damascus and golden shred is a style forward version of a knife that already had a great reputation. It doesn’t pretend to be a heavy duty workhorse, and it doesn’t need to. Instead, it offers classy materials, premium action, and reliable EDC performance in a package that’s a joy to use and even more fun to show off.
Is It Worth It?
If you’re in the market for a button lock knife that feels more high end than its price tag suggests, and you want something that’s as much art piece as tool, this model delivers.
It’s not perfect. Lefties may feel left out, and you’ll want to be mindful of the resin handle in rough conditions. But at around $90, it offers a ton of value, especially considering the fit, finish, and fidget factor.
Humans have always been creators. It’s part of our DNA—this drive to innovate, to build, and to leave behind something that reflects our ideas and ingenuity. Nowhere is that spirit more alive than in the EDC community. From knives and pry bars to custom hanks and pocket organizers, this space is overflowing with talented individuals whose creativity never stops. Most of the time, we see clever twists on familiar designs. But every so often, something genuinely original comes along.
That’s exactly what happened when I stumbled across a TikTok video from Stephen at SPRTungsten. What caught my eye wasn’t just the sleek look of the tool—it was what it was made of, and what it could do. Crafted entirely from Tungsten Cobalt, it looked unlike anything I’d seen before. I was intrigued. My curiosity got the better of me, so I reached out.
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Gear
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Some lights are built like tactical tanks, others like elegant torches — and then there’s the Nitecore TINI 3. This tiny keychain flashlight looks like it belongs on a novelty USB stick, yet it kicks out up to 600 lumens, offers multiple color temperatures, and even has an OLED screen. It’s a pocket-sized nerd dream come true — and possibly the most overqualified thing you’ve ever hung on a keyring.
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Flashlights
When early European settlers first laid eyes on the massive, shaggy creatures roaming the plains of North America, they dubbed them buffalo — a name that stuck, even though these animals weren’t true buffalo at all. Technically, they’re bison — American bison, to be precise. But try telling that to the folks who named Buffalo, New York. Or the ones who minted the Buffalo nickel. Or me, when I still forget and call them buffalo out of habit.
The American bison has become a symbol of resilience, strength, and the wild spirit of the frontier. They were once hunted to near extinction, but conservation efforts brought them back from the brink. Today, they stand as one of the great icons of North America — a reminder of the untamed wild and the sheer muscle that once shook the prairie.
With so many knives in our collections, it’s easy to reach for different ones depending on the day. Sometimes you want something tough for real work, other times you're dressing up for church or hitting the town and want a blade that fits your outfit as much as your EDC needs. That’s where the Kansept Dako comes in. It’s sleek, modern, and undeniably classy - exactly what I look for in a refined dress knife. But is it more than just a pretty face?
I'm always on the hunt for a better way to carry my EDC. For me, compact and pocketable is the goal—I don’t want to resort to a waist pack or sling unless absolutely necessary. The reality is, my gear doesn’t get used every day, but when the need arises, it matters. That means it has to be ready without being in the way the rest of the time.
I’ve tried a ton of pocket organizers over the years—leather, Cordura, you name it. They usually fall into two camps: not enough space or way too bulky. So when I heard Maxpedition was coming out with a true pocket-sized EDC organizer, I was immediately interested. It made perfect sense. Maxpedition already has a long-standing reputation for making rugged, thoughtfully designed gear, so why not a slim organizer made for pants or jacket pockets?
I picked up both versions of the new Platy Pocket Organizer—the small (4" x 6") and the large (5" x 7")—to see if they might finally offer the right balance of size and utility.
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Gear
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I’ve been carrying the Loop Gear SK03 for a few months now, and it’s become one of those tools that just quietly slips into my daily routine. Whether I’m checking bags, lighting up a dark corner, or figuring out what that noise was outside, the SK03 is always close by and ready.
Most days, it lives clipped in my pocket. If it’s not there, it’s on my nightstand with the rest of my gear — always within reach, and always useful.
Solid Construction, Everyday Comfort
My SK03 is all black, and with the rear clicky and sleek profile, it gives off a bit of a “Darth Vader lightsaber” vibe. The aluminum body feels sturdy and solid in hand, with no rattle or weak points, and it’s sized just right for a secure one-handed grip.
The pocket clip is strong and reversible, which means you can not only carry it comfortably in a pocket but also clip it to a hat brim when you need hands-free light. It’s a bit heavy for extended hat use, but for short tasks it’s a great option — and the clip hasn’t loosened up or shifted in my time carrying it.
I do wish it had a magnetic tailcap for sticking it to metal surfaces, but that’s not possible with the mechanical rear switch. That said, Loop Gear offers an optional multifunction bracket that gives the SK03 a magnetic base, plus some other features for hands-free positioning. If that’s something you value, it’s worth considering.
Lighting Performance and Modes
The SK03 is powered by an included USB-C rechargeable 14500 battery and also supports standard AA cells if needed. The rated output is 1000 lumens, and while I don’t have a way to verify those numbers, I can say it’s more than enough for most tasks. I rarely use turbo — it’s there when I need it, but medium and high modes handle the bulk of my everyday use.
Mode breakdown (with 14500 cell):
Moonlight: 0.5 lm / 150 hours
Low: 8 lm / 30 hours
Medium: 130 lm / 3 hours
High: 330 lm / 60 minutes
Turbo: 1000 lm (step-down after 1 minute)
Strobe, SOS, Beacon: Accessible via multi-clicks
Operation is straightforward: hold the tail switch to cycle modes, double-click for turbo, triple-click for strobe, and so on. There’s also a momentary-on mode and a multi-click lockout for carry safety. The mechanical click switch gives great tactile feedback — you feel when it engages, even in the dark.
Side Glow Lights and Snap-On Filters
One of my favorite features is the side-mounted eTritium-style auxiliary LEDs. These soft-glow lights make it easy to locate the SK03 in the dark, and they’re also useful for low-level illumination during power outages or nighttime tasks. Long-pressing the tail switch and quickly releasing it activates the glow lights, and the effect is subtle and pleasant.
Loop Gear includes four snap-on filters for these side LEDs in red, yellow, blue, and white. These filters don’t screw on but instead clip onto the side of the flashlight over the eTritium lights. It’s a nice touch that lets you tailor the ambient light to suit your needs — whether for night vision preservation, map reading, or simply aesthetics. Personally, I prefer the clean, undiffused glow, but the filters add versatility and a bit of fun.
Charging and Power Options
Charging is handled via the USB-C port on the battery itself — a system that works well but does require removing the cell to charge. That’s a tradeoff I’m fine with, as it allows the flashlight body to remain sealed and water-resistant.
Charging is fast, and having the option to run on AA batteries in a pinch adds an extra layer of utility. Output drops significantly with a standard AA, but if you're in a bind, it’s good to know your flashlight isn’t just dead weight.
If you plan on using this light regularly, I’d recommend picking up a second 14500 cell and rotating them out as needed.
Final Thoughts
The Loop Gear SK03 has quickly become a staple in my daily carry. It’s compact, durable, and feature-rich without overcomplicating things. I’ve used it for everything from late-night backyard checks to power outages, and it’s always performed without fuss.
What I like:
Solid aluminum build
Useful mode spacing
eTritium-style side lights with color filters
Reversible clip for multiple carry options
AA battery fallback
Optional magnetic base accessory
Excellent value
Room for improvement:
No built-in charging (battery must be removed)
No magnetic tailcap without the add-on bracket
For the price, the SK03 offers a lot: a well-built flashlight with smart features, flexible power options, and real everyday usability. If you’re after a dependable EDC light with character, this one deserves a serious look.
Published in
Flashlights
I’ll admit it—I’m not exactly in the target audience for the Full Immunity. I don’t live in a state that limits blade length to sub-2.5 inches, nor do I wear a badge or tactical vest for a living. But that’s exactly who this knife is made for: folks who do face those restrictions. Benchmade saw a niche and filled it—not just with any tiny knife, but with one loaded to the teeth with premium materials, solid design, and a ton of attitude in a very compact package.
They actually made two versions: the Partial Immunity and the Full Immunity. Today we’re taking a look at the latter—a blade that’s proof you don’t need to be big to be bold.
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Three Rivers Manufacturing isn’t one of those knife companies that shouts for attention. They don't need to. Their knives quietly speak for themselves. Born out of Massachusetts, TRM has carved a reputation for doing things their own way: U.S.-made, small batch, and obsessively focused on fit, finish, and performance. The Neutron 2 is one of those knives that feels like it was made for people who use their blades—not just collect them—and it manages to blend sleek simplicity with high-end precision.
I’ve carried the Neutron 2 for several weeks now, and what stands out most is how little it tries to impress—and how much it actually does once you put it to work.
I didn’t get the opportunity to review the original PsyOp when it first came out — mainly because it was flying off the shelves faster than I could get my hands on one. You know a knife is doing something right when it can’t stay in stock. The original PsyOp featured titanium handles, but this newer version leans into a more budget-friendly approach with Micarta scales. Personally, I’m not mad about that at all. I might be a titanium junkie like a lot of guys in the EDC world, but I’ve really come to appreciate the warmth and natural feel of Micarta. It's a material that just feels right in the hand — less cold, less clinical, and more inviting for daily use.
I’ve always appreciated when knife companies take risks and release designs that really grab your attention, whether through unique materials or bold styling. Novelty knives usually fall into this space, though they’re often cheap, poorly made, and more about looks than function. So when Kizer announced the Tomb, a knife that clearly leans into playful, novelty-inspired design, I was honestly on the fence. Kizer has a reputation for quality, and kitschy is not usually part of their catalog, so I knew this was not going to be some throwaway tourist trinket. What arrived was a funky little blade designed by Bradley Diaz that blends cute, macabre elements with real, everyday carry potential. I opted for the version with the transparent yellow PEI handle, which beautifully showcases the skeleton-patterned liners beneath, a clever and eye-catching touch that immediately sets it apart.
OKnife has been quietly building its own identity in the knife world, moving beyond flashlight accessories and stepping into the spotlight as a standalone brand. The Duron is one of their latest offerings — a straightforward, no-frills framelock that focuses on functionality, toughness, and everyday reliability. It's not a showpiece knife trying to grab your attention with wild designs or exotic materials; instead, it aims to deliver solid performance with just enough refinement to make it stand out in a crowded market.
Interested in this or a different tool and still have more questions?
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Why not join us over on the Multitool.org Forum where our community can help you find what you're looking for!
Join the discussion now!
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