My Gear of the Year Ballot

Overall Product of the Year:  L3 Illumination L10C

Nominees: 

Zero Tolerance ZT0454
Graham Stubby Razel Midtech

This is a tough choice, but I think it is the right one.  There was a lot of good gear this year, but the VAST, VAST majority of it was very expensive.  Andrew has done an excellent job of persuading me that accessibility is a tremendously important part of design.  Given the fact that the L3 Illumination L10C with Nichia 219 emitter runs $33 plus shipping, its hard to argue with its accessibility.  Priced like a budget light, the features and performance are anything but.  The light hits 120 lumens on a single alkaline AA and it has a whisper bright .09 moonlight mode, giving you stellar performance (for the format) at both ends of the spectrum.  The clip is no bullshit and the clicky is one of the best I have seen on a light, regardless of price.  The L10C is the anti-Instagram piece of gear--its not flashy, it looks boring in fact, but it works exceedingly well.  For me, there was no better piece of gear released in 2014 than this light.  Oh, and it is also one of cheapest Nichia 219 equipped torch I know of (the other similarly priced light is the EagleTac D25AAA)--tint snobbery perfection in a budget package...very unusual.  

I am going to talk about the ZT0454 and the IRJ below, but the Graham Stubby Midtech is relevant here.  This was a close call.  I simply love this knife to no end.  It does so many things right and DIFFERENTLY that it is a true wonder.  Graham's first run of midtechs were sticky.  This thing is utter perfection.  The clip, the blade shape, everything was a home run.  In the end, I just can't shake a $120 light that sells for $33, but the Stubby Midtech was a close second.

Company of the Year: KAI USA

Nominees:


The ZT0454, the ZT0888MAX, the Emerson collabs, the ZT0562, the Nura...the hits kept coming.  KAI has been darn good for a while, but this year they really flexed their muscles and showed us just how good production knives can be.  Its really amazing how good they were throughout the price spectrum.  They have stuff that competed at the very low end, like the Chill, in the middle, like the G10 Cryo, and way at the top with the ZT0454 or the ZT0888MAX.  Thomas and Company crushed it this year. In fact they only made one real mistake--the garish, hideous Kershaw Ruby.  What I wouldn't give for a blacked out version, where the whole knife looked like the lock side.  

Chad Nichols was also close here, emerging in a different space in the market. His damascus is great, but it is his OEM work on awesome midtechs, like the Grahams, the Southard Avo, and the Burch midtech, that puts him here.  I loved the Stubby Razel, but lots of people want bigger blades and the Avo is just that.  No one did more to bring customs to the masses than Chad Nichols.  A $350 Graham?  A $400 Southard?  Yes, please.

CRKT won last year and this year was pretty darn good, too. That said, KAI launched something like twice as many models as CRKT did. Now, CRKT is a much smaller company and they did win overall blade of the year for the Hi Jinx, but it was not QUITE as impressive a showing.  In 9 out 10 years though, they would have won this award.  Next year looks damn good already.  Its nice to see a company successfully changing their market position.  Wharton types should study CRKT to show how a company can go from the low price bracket to the middle and high price bracket in a short period of time.  

Nock Co. is brand new (or a new brand). They launched a Kickstarter, sold some pen cases, and then launched a store, and more new products.  I am a hardcore pen user (that needs to step up to some higher end tools; seems like a waste to have a SPY 007 flashlight and use it twice a day, but have a $50 pen and use it for hours on end) and their smartly made, nice looking cases are inexpensive, but high quality.  I am stoked to see what they do next year.  

Best Value: Northwoods Knives Indian River Jack

Nominees:

Graham Stubby Razel Midtech

The smooth bone version of the IRJ sold for $129.  They released a few of the 2015 models, basically the same knife with a long pull instead of a traditional crescent moon nail knick, and they were the same price.  What you get for that still sizable amount of money is crazy nice.  First, there is the steel, CPM154.  This happens to be one of my favorite steels--good edge retention, good rust resistance, and easy to sharpen and strop.  Then there are the traditional knife touches--the immaculate covers and the shield inlay--all of which are done to perfection.  And then there is the action--absolutely dialed in.  I have handled a few different IRJs and they were all flawless.  But the fit and finish is not the only reason they are great. Its the design too.  Its just perfect for EDC--slim,classy, and truly high performance.  It is the ideal combination of the traditional knife design (super slicey blades) and modern design (high end steel).  The IRJ compares very favorably to knives three times the price, like the Chris Reeve Mnandi.  Just go buy this knife when it comes out again.

The Graham Midtech is something I have mentioned already, but the two Kershaws deserve a little time.  Kudos to Kershaw for releasing a better version of an already best-selling (but underwhelming) knife.  In the Cryo G10 the small upgrades add up to a large performance increase.  For around $40 street, this is a good buy.  But the non-catalog (meaning it is not listed on their webpage or available to dealers, but is available to specific chain stores, in this case places like Dick's Sporting Goods) Zing is even better (there is a pattern here, the SS Cryo was not as good a knife as the SS Zing, but flavor of the month trends makes one a much better seller than the other).  The Zing is lighter, has more blade in the same sized handled, has identical materials (G10, 8CR13MoV), and is half the price.  You could pay $20 more for a Hindererized Kershaw or just get the Zing.  The Kizer is part of a growing number of knives from China that rival the best knives in the world.  The Ki-3404-4 is a super slick flipper with S35VN.  If it were made in the US it would sell for $350.  As it is, savor the $125 price tag. 

Most Innovative Tool: Leatherman Leap

Nominees: 


The Leap is a tool that opens up a whole new market.  It is a tool that teaches kids how to use tools.  It is a brightly colored munition in the war against raising kids that can't do things for themselves.  It also happens to be an excellent tool on its own.  There is simply nothing else that was as creative or interesting this year.  The locking mechanisms, the blade removability, and the shape of the knife are all proof that Leatherman thought this one out.  Excellent job.  My little guy LOVED the Leap.

The HIT is quite good and is really a close second here.  The swinging handle/blade guard is a genius idea one that solves two problems--shitty sheathes on fixed blades that are difficult to make and heavy sheathes.  I want to review one but their availability has been spotty--when the site has cash, dealers are all out.  It will line up some day, so be ready.  The Adventurer's magnetic sheath is another take on the sheath problem and it worked well, even if it did screw up the clean lines of the leather sheath.  The  S10R is oLight's take on a complete flashlight system and it looks quite nice.  Even the charger is good looking. In the end though, the Leap was just too good of an idea.

Best Production Knife: Zero Tolerance ZT0454

Nominees:

James Chapter Knife
Bark River Adventurer Neck Knife

I handled a ZT454.  I had it in my possession for a few days. It ultimately left in a deal that brought in a knife I was much more likely to carry and use (the Graham Stubby), but in the few days I had it I was really thinking about changing my preference for small blades.  It was, in the end, too massive.  I don't have blades I don't carry, so it went on its way, but man was it close to breaking all sorts of personal knife related rules. The reason is simple--its level of design excellence and execution is the highest I have ever seen in a production knife.  It rivals many, many customs. Only the rarified air, the Ron Lakes, Michael Walkers, and like are clearly superior.  And when you are comparing it to modern or tactical style customs, there is nothing I have seen that is flatout better.  The most notable of its many tricks is its weight. This is a 4 inch blade that weighs something like 4 ounces.  Holy Moley!  This was an easy winner.

Its not often that a new knife company comes into existence.  It is even rarer that they start making stuff this good looking right away.  A Chapter Knife is on its way in for review, so let's see if the hype matches the knife.  The Hi Jinx was awesome and in a year without the ZT0454 would probably have won. But the knife I want to highlight here the most is the Adventurer.  It really is a superb blade and perhaps the ideal collaboration.  Murray Carter + Bark River = Awesome.  Simply put, this was the sexiest fixed blade released this year. And with Bark River, unlike many fixed blade makers, you can get new, top shelf steel. The Adventurer is awesome.

Best Custom Knife: GTC Airborne

Nominees:

Tim Curry Myrmidon
Ver Steeg Imp

Gus Cecchini has been making otherworldly blades for a long, long time.  His unusual shapes, logic-defying inserts (a GLASS insert) and totally original touches, have put him in a class by himself.  But the new Airborne's flipper mechanism is just insane.  If it was just that, it would probably still win, but then there are all of the other Gus touches.  And finally, Laffer said it was his favorite, and if anyone knows customs, its that guy.

Tim Curry's knives have exploded on the Instagram and USN scene and for good reason--they are clean, well made, and downright awesome.  Sculpted Ti handles, smokey, almost ghostly hamons, and smooth action make them easily covetable items. The custom most likely to get used (and work incredibly well) is the Ver Steeg Imp.  I can't tell you how awesome this knife is.  You just need to experience it for yourself.  Its tiny, but stout, and came insanely sharp, as sharp as any knife I have ever seen.  And after some therapeutic stropping (I find it a stress release), it is lightsaber sharp.  And it still drops in the coin pocket of your jeans.  Its a simple design and one of my favorites.  Kyle can't seem to make a dud if he tried.  The Imp is long gone, but there is a stouter version, the Grendel, that is out there.

Best Production Light: R-Pal Lantern

Nominees:
oLight Baton S10R

Every single nominee was absolutely solid, but none were as interesting as the R-Pal.  Note that the one win per product rule bars the L10C from winning here.  The R-PAL is where lanterns will go in the future.  Until the R-Pal they have all been absolute boat anchors powered by roughly three pounds of batteries.  The R-Pal is both lighter and higher performing.  At $129 its not THAT much more than something like the abysmal Gerber Freescape Lantern.  And it blows away the $10 lanterns on store shelves.  This is the future and it was a no-brainer for best production light.

The other three lights are very capable, but they are not the game changer that the R-Pal is.  I liked the T10T, but it was not even half the light the L10C was.  The E05 is an awesome AAA light, but again, I liked the L10C better.  And well,the S10R is sort of like one of the bazillions of 3DS "upgrades"--its the same (nice) light with more stuff. The EagleTac D25 AAA is yet another attempt at a total flashlight system based on the 1xAAA format and it is both cheap and runs the Nichia 219 emitter.  If you prefer AAA to AA then this is your light over the L10C. 

Best Custom Light:  Moddoolar Pocket Wasp

Nominees:

Muyshondt Spinner
Tain Ottavino

This as been a pretty awful year for custom lights.  Rob of Lummi rebranded himself AGAIN and sold lights on Etsy, or more accurately took money from people for the promise of a light on Etsy.  Mac, of Mac's Customs, seems to have disappeared. Neither McGizmo nor Cool Fall released a new product this year.  Enrique Muyshondt did his thing very well this year released the Mako Mk. II and the Spinner, his first AA light.  Tainmania continued, but he too released upgrades.  I know of a few new lights from new makers coming in 2015, so next year will be more exciting but this year has been a snoozefest interrupted by bad news.  Malkoff's MDC series looks pretty awesome, but they aren't true customs and the first generation of the lights came out in 2013.

All looked lost until the VERY end of the year.  In late December, AFTER Christmas in fact, Oveready released a light, technically just a new head, the Wasp, with a radical air-cooling system.  We can quibble over whether it is a true custom or not, but the small numbers, radical design, and price tag make it close enough for me. I reviewed the original Moddoolar Pocket and it was an amazing light, but it got hotter than a car seat in August.  The air cooling system, while not making the light brighter or easier to control, is really something new. It is also a feat of enigneering and machining.  It also looks amazing, which doesn't count for a lot, but it is something worth mentioning. A light that can truly fit in your pocket and produce 2600 lumens is impressive.  One that takes heat into consideration is even nicer.  When you add on the brilliance of the Triad tailcap, plus a nice clip, you have a real winner.  I had literally written off this entire category, having written the first paragraph, the one above, and then the Wasp comes out.  Phew...that was a close one.

Best Pack: TAD Litespeed

Nominees:


The TAD Litespeed Updates look great and when you make great better, its hard to beat.  That said, there are a billion and one bags out there I am not confident I picked the best.  

Last year I was fascinated by the gadget charging packs, but EVERYONE and I mean everyone complained about their lack of capacity.  The new North Face Router Charged has a larger capacity solar cell and it looks like it might actually take these bags from proof of concept to actual utility.  Only time, and a decision to buy one for review, will tell.  And while I hated, hated, hated the Topo Designs Daypack, the Mountain Briefcase looks good and comes with good reviews from both Brad Dowdy and Myke Hurley, two guys whose opinions hold a lot of sway with me.  I might review one, but I can't imagine it would replace my Bihn Cadet.  You can have that when you pry it from my....you know. 

Then there is the Bexar Hudson Satchel.  There are a million "boutique" leather bags out there, from Saddleback, from any number of others, but there is something so appealing about the Hudson.  Its clean lines and its got enough organization not to be stupidly childish.  Something from Bexar is coming my way.  I am just not sure what it is.  


Nominees:


This is the closest category as the Karas Customs Ink looks incredible.  In the end, despite my love for them, I still think fountain pens aren't PERFECT EDC pens. You can't quite thrash on them like you would with an ballpoint of gel tip.  And so the Shaker takes the crown. Both are great, but the Shaker's uber clean lines are hard to beat.  In more ways than one it is the iPhone of EDC pens.  The Liliput looks great, but knife guys aren't impressed by the price tag supposedly justified by the bluing of the metal barrel. Its a pretty pen, but not price justified.

Best Multitool: Spyderco Clipitool Driver

Nominees:

Vox Snailor

Based on Instagram popularity it should be the Snailor, but I am not exactly sure why this thing is so popular.  In many ways our obsession with small trinkets and things made by famous knife makers has pushed us into pet rock territory in terms of utility.  All of the beads and "multitools" don't seem to do a whole lot, so I can't give the Snailor an award.  BTW  there is an ACTUAL totally useless Pet Rock of the gear world and it is the GLASS sculpture of Prometheus Design Werx's octopus. And it is quite expensive.  WTF?

Sorry for the rant. Well, the Clipitool is quite a nice showing from Spyderco.  It's well made and in the driver configuration, its quite handy.  The BTN #4 is one of the best one piece multitools available but its not quite as useful as the Clipitool.  I also really like the RUT, it just happens to be so expensive I can never price justify it.  $149 box cutter is a strong challenge to financial prudence, regardless of who makes it. 

Best Accessory: Edge Observer Lanyard Beads

Nominees:

Lynch 3-hole Pocket Clip
Aegis EDCi Solution

I am an avowed hater of lanyard beads.  I hate them.  But...well...Andrew's clean, simple aesthetic and nice finish make them the only bead I'd ever consider.  Given my disdain for all others, that is an accomplishment.  Call me a shill if you want, but its seems clear to me that this is the best bead for me.

Caseey Lynch makes some awesome gear and his over-the-top Spyderco compatible pocket clip is one of them (his pry tool is another).  The clip works with any Spyderco that has a triangle, three screw configuration (like the Delica and PM2, but not the Caly Jr.).  Its in full production and works really well. Henry makes a great, truly great flashlight, but his success with pocket clips has been...um...varied.  The first clip for the Clicky was a monstrous, ugly beast.  The second clip, a washer style clip, is awesome.  The new universal clip seems to be able to be mounted on even a HDS Rotary.  How that works I have yet to see, but one is on its way to me, so stay tuned.  That said, a universal clip for a universally great set of lights is definitely worth a mention.  

Best EDC-related Crowd Funded Project: Sugar Creek Forge Build Along

Nominees:

Project Hate
Knife Thursday Coffee

Gathering funds for a forge in Uganda is an awesome thing--a way our community can come together and make a difference.  Doing that while teaching folks how to make a knife is SUPER cool.  

Project Hate was covered on Justin's ballot and it is a great thing.  I also like the idea of using the NPR/PBS model to support podcasts, so Chris and Steve's coffee money idea is a pleasant, cheap way to keep the good stuff coming. 

Best Website/YouTube/Podcast/Instagram: Utility Talk

Nominees:

Knife Journal Podcast

I remain wholly unconvinced that Instagram is anything more than a fad, so I am not going to award this to an Instagram feed. Its lack connectivity--such as an inability to natively repost and unnecessary hurdles to link to the web--make me think the next picture based app will actually be the one that lasts. But in terms of quality, regardless of format, Utility Talk is up there.  It started out as two dudes goofing around (oh the history that is made by two dudes goofing around--airplanes, Microsoft, the Chicago Cubs 2015 line up), and now it is an important part of the gear community with great long form interviews with industry insiders...well with KAI USA, but still...they did great work.  

Knife Journal also had a great year, but last year was big for them too. Jim and Kyle do great work talking and teaching. They have also segmented their discussions so the apolitical can skip the ranty stuff. More than Just Surviving is a site I frequent a good deal and it is in the old Feedly feed.  Thomas and Elise do a good job with reviews and they both take amazing pictures--photojournalist style.  There are few product literature shots and the site is better for it.  Pivot and Tang is a high concept site, much like Edge Observer, and his reviews are clear, clean, and concise (Descartes would be proud).  

Community Leader: Chris Weinstein

Nominees:

Mario Contino
Weiners and Steel
James Nowka

Chris IS the knife community.  By focusing relentlessly on the community aspects of the knife world instead of the technical and design minutae (like I do) he has broadened the tent and brought in tens of thousands of new folks.  Every knife company should send him a free blade.  He's brought in that much business.  Plus his everyman approach is both funny and likeable.  

Mario has raised the bar for his video reviews, his podcast...everything. This year was a year he did a ton of work.  I'd love to see him get a job in the business, a la Ben Peterson.  If Chris Weinstein broadened the tent, the Weiners and Steel guys made it cool to be inside. Their show, filled with kilobuck blades and Jersey accents, is a can't miss.  James Nowka could be community leader just about every year and this year he took a leading role, reminding folks that there is a history to knives and that knives didn't start being made in the 1980s with the Spyderco Worker.  His experience and breadth of knowledge is heartening and his firebrand style is audio caffeine, it wakes up and challenges the brain, appropriate given his own drinking preferences.  

Remember to comment below with your gear of the year choices and you could win your choice of either the Kizer Ki 3404-4 or the BRKT Adventurer.