Its been a while since I posted a collection of pocket dump pictures, so here it is. I find these telling of what I have actually been carrying. Between testing new stuff, favorites tend to creep back in to the carry rotation and so when I look at these pictures I can see trends I miss or trends I am only subconsciously aware of at the time.

Surefire Titan Plus (review/link), Hinderer Half Track (review/link), and Tactile Turn Shaker Gen 2 (review/link)

You would think that the Half Track is a knife I wouldn’t find all that appealing, given its size, but there is something about Hinderer-produced knives that is just so inviting and comfortable. They have an oddly smooth, lived-in feel like your favorite t-shirt and so, despite its heft, it finds its way into my pocket more than I would think. This is a sign of a really stellar piece of kit. If you are still looking for a stout knife that is pocketable, the Half Track is it. I would love to see Reate or WE Knives make an updated version of the Strider PT (or heck have Mick make a new version, there was a sprinkling of Striders released a few weeks ago that appeared to be new) to figure out just how good it is with updated materials and machining compared to the Half Track. One of those two is definitely my favorite small stout production knife.

Prometheus Writes Bamboo (review), Gareth Bull Small Shamwari, and Muyshondt Aeon Mk. III (review/link)

The Small Shamwari and Aeon work so well together that they are pretty brainless at this point. The Bamboo works here too. All three are wonderful tools made by top shelf people. The Bamboo’s style is really what sets its apart from other pens. If you need a tougher than average fountain pen and can handle cartridges, the Bamboo is amazing. Its thin section lends the pen a balance I haven’t found in another fountain pen.

Prometheus/Four Sevens Preon Mk. III (link), Giant Mouse Ace Biblio (link)

The pair here represents some of my favorite new gear released this year. The tweaks Jason made to the Preon design are 100% first rate. The competition has a hard time matching this little gem. If the light could tailstand, I am not sure anyone could match this package. The Giant Mouse Ace Biblio is its first non-limited knife and it is BY FAR their best offering yet. Its a bit thick, but that just means you have an excellent grip on the knife. This is one snappy flipper with tons of good details.

TWSBI Eco (link), Millit Torrent (review/link), and Torch Lab BOSS 35 (review/link)

Ah the Torrent. Millit knives makes great stuff and the complex, HG Giger-ish Torrent proves it. I liked this knife a great deal and the Thor 93X Damasteel was truly eye-catching. Paired with the classy looking, but budget friendly TWSBI Eco and the BOSS 35, this carry felt top shelf even with a $25 fountain pen. Its hard to match the performance of the Eco for the money and thus far it is missing my least favorite TWSBI feature—the auto destruct.

Maxmadco Bolt Action (review/link), TRM Neutron (link), and the Prometheus/FourSevens Preon Mk. III

If you weren’t REALLY fast on the uptake you missed the Neutron. TRM released them and they sold through the first batch in 22 minutes. There is good reason—this knife is exceptionally thin, light, and sharp. It is smooth as butter and at $160 it is a very good value for the steel and the place of production (USA). In this kit, you have a bunch of very smart options, all light and all world class performers.

Tobin Smith folder (link), McGizmo Haiku (review)

The Nameless Folder. Tobin Smith makes one nice looking folder. Paired with the McGizmo Haiku, it looks stunning. Well, really everything looks stunning next to the Haiku. It is one of the best looking lights in the world, still to this day. The folder came with a full mirror edge making it a super slicer despite the beefy blade stock.

Lum/Dawson Malahini (link), Smock SK23 (link)

Speaking of amazing looking lights, be prepared for the upcoming review of this gem from Mitch Lum and Dawson Machining. The Malahini is a full custom light with tons of smart choices included the light engine and LEDs. The real winner here for me is the body tube—just the right size with a great tapered mid section and subtle but functional light escapes. The Smock SK23 sitting right next to it is a parade of innovation and the pair are just incredible. Heavy, but incredible.