Kyle Hameister

Oct 26, 2024 | outdoorgearlab.com | Kyle Hameister |Jediah Porter

You can think of the North Fork folding knife as a special edition of Benchmade's other top offerings. Especially popular among the outdoorsman, it (purposefully) includes fewer customizable options (only available with one blade steel option, for example), no open assist action, and a heritage-style wooden handle aesthetic. It comes with a premium price tag but is undeniably a fantastically designed and high-performing knife.

Apr 25, 2024 | outdoorgearlab.com | Kyle Hameister

If Leatherman's own marketing claims are to be believed, the ARC has been a long time coming, building on their long history and robust user base to build the best multi-tool the world has ever known. Truth is, they may be right. The ARC isn't the greatest thing since sliced bread, but it's perhaps the best multi-tool available to actually slice that metaphorical bread.

Apr 25, 2024 | outdoorgearlab.com | Kyle Hameister

The growing sub-market of one-piece multi-tools has started to mature in recent years, getting to the point where really everyone should consider popping one on their keychain for that little extra bit of convenience in their everyday life at an inconsequential price. The Geekey is a particularly well-designed version of the "key-shaped" one-piece multi-tools available.

Mar 22, 2024 | outdoorgearlab.com | Kyle Hameister

CIVIVI doesn't position themselves as the most budget brand of the market, but their reputation and influence has been growing for offering knives of respectable quality at affordable prices. They're perhaps best known for their distinct aesthetic though - their knives are undeniably more targeted to a fashion-focused crowd, or perhaps those who are not interested in the heavy industrial look of most American-made knife brands.