The CRKT Everyday Carry Holiday Gift Guide

Take the guesswork out of holiday gifting with CRKT’s hand-picked everyday carry gift guide.

The futuristic design of the CRKT MinimalX™ is no mistake. This compact EDC is based on a custom knife designed by Darriel Caston that was commissioned by the crew of SpaceX to commemorate a pivotal rocket launch. At first glance, the knife seems like a no-frills folder, but a closer look reveals the intricate grind on the blade, the uncommon — yet versatile — chisel tip, and streamlined stainless steel handle with a subtle notch for the low-profile flipper tab. The MinimalX™ is the perfect option for a minimalist everyday carry.

Designed by renowned customer knifemaker Ken Onion, the American-made CRKT Redemption is one of the most sought after knives by enthusiasts and collectors alike thanks to its 4” MagnaCut blade, versatile blade shape, and stunning design. Inspired by the gambler daggers of the Old West, the Redemption^® showcases classic styling with a G10 handle and stainless steel bolster, yet uses modern materials and mechanisms. The ambidextrous Crossbar Lock serves as both the locking mechanism and deployment method – lending to the streamlined design. 

The sizable MagnaCut blade makes this knife incredibly capable as an everyday hard user that’ll stand up to demanding tasks thanks to the edge retention, toughness and corrosion resistance qualities of MagnaCut steel. 

This sleek manual out the front knife re-imagines what a utility knife can be. Designed by the prolific knifemaker Darriel Caston of D Rocket Design, the KatanaX is a compact EDC that can handle the majority of your typical daily cutting tasks. The 2-inch D2 blade deploys out the front of the knife with a manual push button and the Grivory^® handle keeps weight to a minimum while adding rigidity. The KatanaX comes with an attached fob, adding a little extra purchase when gripping the knife and pulling it out of your pocket. 

The limited-edition Q Frame Lock is pure class. Designed by knifemaker Richard Rogers — the same designer responsible for the now iconic CEO — the Q is a case study in Richard’s elegant designs and Italian craftsmanship. The knife stands apart from the rest with a MagnaCut blade, titanium handle with carbon fiber inlay and buttery-smooth action thanks to IKBS™ ball bearings.  The floating backspacer adds a splash of detail and hints at the knife’s quality, but otherwise the Q remains perfectly understated.

Truth be told, the Ritual™ has been known to produce a few giggles of joy when deployed. With a dramatic Persian-style blade and lighting quick Assisted Opening, this impressive folder commands attention when the 12C27 blade snaps to attention. Knifemaker Alan Folts originally designed the Ritual as a class project to demonstrate to his students just how far you can push a folding knife. Now a perennial favorite among knife enthusiasts, the Ritual™ certainly pushes all the right boundaries.  

As elegant as the wading bird that inspired its distinct profile —  the Lucas Burnley-designed Ibis now comes in a lightweight, high performance package. Between the black stonewash finish on the S35VN blade and milled titanium handle, this limited-edition EDC is a striking tribute to the beauty found in nature. To quote Burnley on his inspired design: "It just looks good.”

Slim and elegant — the Richard Rogers-designed CEO Flipper has earned its rightful spot as a must-have EDC among collectors and enthusiasts alike. Perfect for a low-profile office carry where larger blades might draw unwanted attention, the CEO is right at home in a shirt pocket, on a desk or in a work bag. Don’t let the slender blade shape fool you — the 3.3-inch blade is highly capable for all the light duty tasks you might encounter through the day. The flipper tab makes for a snappy opening and the reversible, low-profile pocket clip keeps the CEO tucked away safely and discreetly.

Thick in all the right places — the USA-made Minnow is a push button automatic that seamlessly blends high performance materials with utility in a compact package. The MagnaCut blade comes in sub 2-inches, which means it complies with many stringent state-level knife regulations. The automatic push button release quickly deploys the blade, and the same button is used to return the blade to the close position. The thick shape of the micarta handle fills the hand surprisingly well and rides securely in the 5th pocket thanks to the deep-carry pocket clip.

While not new, scale release automatic knives are not all that common, which makes the USA-made Michaca™ a truly unique knife. Designed by knifemaker Philip Booth, known for his intricate custom automatic knives, the Michaca™ sports a classic drop point blade made from MagnaCut blade steel with a natural G10 handle that resembles jade.The release mechanism is hidden behind the handle and operated by moving the bottom of the handle scale forward. The same motion is used to close the blade. And the name Michaca™? It’s a portmanteau of Booth’s hometown of Ithaca, Michigan.

Inspired by the Japanese anime show Mobile Suit Gundam, the angular lines of the Nucleus carve the profile of a stealth fighter. The blade can be deployed with the textured front flipper or flicked out with the generous thumb slot. The Nucleus comes in two versions: one with 12C27 blade steel with a stainless steel and G10 handle, and an Italian-made version featuring a black stonewash MagnaCut blade and titanium handle with carbon fiber overlay.