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Benchmade 317-1 Weekender

Benchmade 317-1 Weekender

Benchmade’s 317-1 Weekender is the company’s latest entry into the modern slip-joint field. While it is a multi-blade model, this isn’t your granddad’s old Stockman. The 317-1 Weekender features a 3-inch clip-point main blade, and a 2-inch drop-point utility blade along with a spine-mounted cap lifter.

The blades are of CPM-S30V steel and the handle scales are Micarta. It’s a little bit of a canoe-pattern slip joint with some Swiss Army utility mixed in, but with high-quality modern materials and ergonomics. The Weekender is a great EDC choice for folks who don’t need any tactical features or a locking blade. It’s also a great option for people living in areas that restrict locking blades.

Specs

Benchmade 317-1 Weekender

  • Blade Length: 2.97/1.97 inches
  • Blade Thickness: 0.090 inch
  • Open Length: 7.05/6.05 inches
  • Closed Length: 4.08 inches
  • Handle Thickness: 0.4 inch
  • Weight: 2.28 ounces
  • Blade Edge: Plain
  • Blade Finish/Color: Stonewash
  • Blade Steel: CPM-S30V (58-60 HRC)
  • Blade Style/Shape: Clip point
  • Handle Material: Micarta
  • MSRP: $250

Benchmade.com

Cloud Defensive Micro MCH

Cloud Defensive Micro MCH

A good light is an essential piece of kit whether for general EDC use or for use in conjunction with a duty or concealed carry pistol. Cloud Defensive is making some top-quality lights, and its Micro MCH fits the EDC bill perfectly. The Micro MCH is just 4 inches long and comes with either an EDC or High Candela light head.

There’s a single output or dual output options on both. The Every Day Carry (EDC) Light Head has an output of 35,000 candela/1,200 lumens. The dual output mode adds a 3,500-candela/120-lumen low mode.

The High Candela (HC) Light Head has a 63,000-candela/950-lumen output, with the dual mode adding a 6,000-candela/100-lumen low mode. The various heads are interchangeable and available separately so you can switch things up once you buy your initial light.

Cloud Defensive is so confident in its products that it offers a 30-day money back guarantee, so you really have no risk in trying one out.

Specs

Cloud Defensive Micro MCH

  • Head Diameter: 1.2 inches
  • Length: 4 inches
  • Weight (with battery): 5.27 ounces
  • Material: Certified 6061-T6 aluminum
  • Finish: Type III Anodized to MIL STD (hard coat)
  • Color: Clear Anodized, Flat Dark Earth, Olive Drab Green
  • Battery: Lithium ion, flat-top unprotected 18350 battery
  • Other: IPX-8 waterproof rating. Fully submersible to 100 feet for 24 hours; transferable, lifetime warranty
  • MSRP: $219.99

CloudDefensive.com

ESEE Pinhoti

ESEE Pinhoti ESEE Pinhoti

Friction folders are one of the oldest styles of folding knives. You still see the design used today. Many of them mimic traditional designs, which are fine, but Shane Adams of ESEE Knives wanted something a little bit different. His new Pinhoti folder keeps the ruggedness and simplicity of the traditional friction folder, but mates it up to a very bushcraft-worthy Scandi ground blade and a thoroughly modern ergonomic handle.

Like many good bushcraft blades, the steel is tried-and-true 1095 high carbon with a square-edge spine that can be used as a ferro-rod striker, even when the blade is closed.

The Pinhoti comes with a leather taco sheath designed by JRE Industries and made by ESEE. Knife and sheath are made in the USA and have a lifetime warranty.

Specs

ESEE Pinhoti

  • Blade Finish: Satin
  • Blade Hardness: 52-56HRC
  • Blade Length: 4.25 inches
  • Lock Type: Back lock
  • Blade Material: Stainless steel
  • Handle Material: Glass-filled nylon
  • Overall Length: 9.51 inches
  • MSRP: $236.95

ESEEKnives.com

 Galco Magnifying Glass with Case

 Galco Magnifying Glass with Case

If you want something a little different for your EDC kit, then take a look at the Magnifying Glass from Galco Holsters. Even if you aren’t as old as I am, a magnifier is handy for checking the small print on electronics labels, firearms or knife markings, or fine details on just about anything else.

You can start fires and fry ants with it, too, if that’s your thing. I quickly found out when I started looking for a pocket magnifier that most of them are cheaply made and have plastic lenses that scratch easily—and that probably aren’t the most truthful about the magnification level.

A buddy suggested the Galco Magnifying Glass, and it proved to be a great recommendation. Galco employs a quality metal-rimmed glass lens with a folding leather slipcover.

This configuration is compact, the leather cover allows you to carry it without fear of scratching the glass, and the image is clear and without distortion. It’s a handy item to have, especially if you deal with small print frequently. It’s also a cool bit of gear that your buddies probably don’t have in their kit. At least not yet.

Specs

Galco Magnifying Glass with Case

  • Premium dark Havana leather
  • Metal-rimmed 3X glass lens
  • Dimensions:
    2.5 inches (H) x
    2.5 inches (L) x
    0.375 inch (W)

MSRP: $59

GalcoGunLeather.com

Black Beard Fire Plugs

Black Beard Fire Plugs

Fire is one of the most important items when it comes to outdoor survival. Warmth, cooking, and signaling are all critical, so having a reliable way to make fire quickly in sub-optimal conditions is key.

Black Beard’s new Fire Plugs are extremely compact, waterproof, and affordable. They’re only $16 for 50 and can easily be lit with a ferro rod. I used some on a recent wet camping trip and they worked great.

The eight-minute burn time was more than enough to get even my damp tinder going. Even if it’s not an emergency, being able to get a fire going around camp or in the backyard fire pit without effort is worth it.

Specs

Black Beard Fire Plugs

  • Windproof
  • Waterproof
  • Lightweight
  • Handmade in USA
  • 30-year shelf life
  • Non-toxic
  • Odorless
  • Eight-minute burn time
  • Eco-friendly
  • 50 plugs per bag
  • MSRP: $15.99

BlackBeardFire.com

Spyderco Subway Bowie

Spyderco Subway Bowie

If small fixed blades are your jam, then you’re going to want to take a look at the new Fred Perrin design from Spyderco. The Subway Bowie is a neck knife that’s just over 5 inches long.

The Subway is an everyday utility and defense knife made of LC200N steel, which is highly corrosion resistant—a good thing on a blade that’s going to be worn close to the skin. It has a 2.8-inch saber ground blade with a straight-clip Bowie pattern.

The handle is FRN and patterned like the other Perrin fixed-blade designs. It utilizes a two-fingered grip but sits securely in the hand. The sheath is a simple, compact fold-over Boltaron design, and it comes with a breakaway ball chain as well as a paracord lanyard. If you prefer a fixed blade to a folder but are concerned with size and weight, then the Subway Bowie is an option worth checking out.

Specs

Spyderco Subway Bowie

  • Overall Length: 5.11 inches
  • Blade Length: 2.80 inches
  • Steel: LC200N
  • Edge Length: 2.52 inches
  • Weight: 2.3 ounces
  • Blade Thickness: 0.118 inch
  • Handle: FRN
  • Grind: Saber
  • Sheath: Boltaron
  • Origin: Japan
  • MSRP: $173

Spyderco.com

 

Editor’s Note:

A version of this article first appeared in the Jan/Feb 2023 print issue of Knives Illustrated Buyer’s Guide.