The knife is perhaps humanity’s first tool. Long before metallurgy, early humans used sharpened stones and bones to cut, scrape, and defend. The knife, harkens to a simpler time where resourcefulness meant survival. For many societies, a knife represents a rite of passage — a boy’s first blade marked his transition into adulthood, symbolizing responsibility and readiness.

Perhaps today, our challenges aren’t crucial, but the knife still symbolizes preparedness mindset and hope during challenging times. The knife, is the perfect intersection of functionality, design, and symbolism. In a world where ever-evolving technologies challenge our reality, It is the dependable analog companion that solves many of life’s inconveniences.

On a practical level, a knife is one of the most useful things you can carry. Need to open a package, slice fruit, cut a thread, or sharpen a pencil? It’s there. In emergency scenarios, a knife can cut a seatbelt, remove a splinter, prepare a fire, or cut a motherfucker. A knife isn’t just useful in the wilderness; it's incredibly relevant in day-to-day urban life.

In the world of Everyday Carry (EDC), where people prepare thoughtfully for the unpredictable rhythms of modern life, a pocket knife is often considered foundational — right alongside keys, wallets, and phones. It’s a minimalist’s tool: compact, versatile, and always at the ready.

The Kizer Feist x Urban EDC Supply collab has been in my carry rotation the last couple of years. Designed by prolific knife maker Justin Lundquist, It represents to me, the perfect blend of clean modern aesthetics, old school-cool, and functionality. The shape of the high-flat ground S35VN drop-point blade, that’s perfect for piercing packages and fruit-cutting, blends seamlessly into the handle geometry. The slim natural-linen micarta scales, add a sense of timelessness and functional grip to the tool. Lastly, there is a minimal titanium pocket clip that ties the design language together.

The blade is a front flipper and is actuated by a jimped thumb nubbin. I sometimes use the knife as a fidget toy (bonus feature) if I want to stay off of my phone. The real highlight of the blade however, is the subtle radius of the plunge line that flanks the spine and sweeps down to the sharpening choil — chef’s kiss.

As a construction project manager, I needed an EDC knife that can move effortlessly between the field and office. I wanted the slim classic look of a slip-joint for the office, but with the convenience and security of a liner lock for field work. In the office / workshop, the knife is used to prep meals or cut packages and pallet straps. In the field, when I’m preparing templates for shop-fabrication, I use the knife to sharpen my pencil or shave plaster boogers that affect my field dimensions.

There are thousands of styles and designs, but the best knife is the one that fits your life. For some, it’s the Victorinox Classic SD, no thicker than a pack of gum but equipped with a blade, scissors, and tweezers (see first issue). For others, it’s a robust folding knife with a locking mechanism and a deep pocket clip. Some lean toward the timeless design of a traditional slip joint, while others opt for high-tech materials and modern aesthetics.

When choosing the type of knife you’d like to carry, think about the traits you find important. What aesthetic speaks to your soul? What are the use-cases for the knife? Higher carbon steels are easier to get razor-sharp, but may not hold an edge long. High edge retention will stay sharp longer, but may be difficult to sharpen. Do you need corrosion resistance? How thick of a blade stock do you need? Thin knives are slice-y, but may be more prone to breaking in heavy-use scenarios.

Regardless of the style, the act of choosing, maintaining, and carrying a knife fosters a mindfulness connection to the tool — imbuing it with personality and character as time goes on.

For those who carry with intention, a knife isn’t about violence. It’s about capability. It’s about having one more thing in your toolkit that lets you navigate the universe more effectively, more confidently, and with more grace.

To carry a knife is to carry a piece of human history — a small but significant emblem of our journey from stone tools to space travel. It’s to say that you value utility, tradition, and the quiet art of being ready. In a world of disposable everything and digital solutions, the simple pocket knife remains a reminder that some things — sharp, dependable, and deeply human — never go out of style.

Tips of the week:

ProTech in Rose Gold

ProTech is releasing the 721-RG and 921-RG in Rose Gold. The pink-gold PVD hue looks amazing against the black aluminum scales. Too bad we can’t carry these in CA due to auto deployment, but one can dream…Available at Protech dealers at the end of May. Head over to their IG page for more info. Check it!

Craighill Rook x Line of Trade

Staying on topic of knife collaborations and neo-traditional style; Craighill teamed up with Line of Trade to release an upscale version of their popular Rook knife. This iteration turns the style up with Pearl Acetate inlays and brass hardware. Check it!

This carry perfectly highlights knife design as engineered masterpieces. Ready_Weather1722 on Reddit

"A knife is more than steel — it’s trust in your hand, history in your pocket, and readiness in your soul."

Join over 4 million Americans who start their day with 1440 – your daily digest for unbiased, fact-centric news. From politics to sports, we cover it all by analyzing over 100 sources. Our concise, 5-minute read lands in your inbox each morning at no cost. Experience news without the noise; let 1440 help you make up your own mind. Sign up now and invite your friends and family to be part of the informed.

Subscribe to 1440 today.