Practical, not tactical pocketknives and pens with obsessive design attention from Portland
The James Brand creates modern, minimal everyday carry tools that are 'practical, not tactical.' Founded by industrial designer Ryan Coulter, the brand emphasizes premium materials, clean lines, and a design ethos that strips away excess to find the truth in form. Their philosophy: 'make less stuff and make that stuff better.'
Signature$319
The flagship knife that started it all, now in its second generation with titanium frame lock, S35VN blade, and machined titanium pocket clip.
Signature$649
Their first integral design, CNC-machined from a single billet of 6AL4V titanium with a Bohler M390 blade. The most technically advanced knife in their lineup.
Signature$149
A versatile slide-lock EDC knife with VG-10 steel blade, available in medium and XL sizes with multiple colorways including carbon fiber.
$99
A lightweight liner-lock knife with VG-10 blade steel, slim G10 scales, and ambidextrous opening. The knife you'll have and use for a lifetime.
Signature$39
A modern utility knife with a playful retro-inspired clear polycarbonate body, available in vibrant translucent colors reminiscent of 90s tech.
$59
A reimagined carabiner with dual compartment design, machined from solid aluminum or titanium with an integrated bottle opener.
🇺🇸 US · $100-$300
Quiet Carry creates highly functional EDC and outdoor tools with a minimalist design aesthetic. Their focus on intricate details eliminates unnecessary bulk while maintaining clean lines and professional-grade performance. Specializing in corrosion-resistant saltwater knives using Vanax Superclean steel, they build gear for the everyday modern adventurer.
🇺🇸 US · $40-$150
Machine Era creates precision-machined everyday carry items using Swiss-type turning techniques and aerospace-grade tolerances. Their philosophy centers on crafting objects that feel satisfying to handle daily, combining industrial manufacturing precision with thoughtful ergonomics. Every product is designed in-house and machined from solid stock in their Richmond, Virginia workshop.
🇺🇸 US · $50-$150
Big Idea Design creates innovative EDC (Everyday Carry) gear with a focus on doing more while carrying less. Their products are engineered for versatility and durability, featuring patented mechanisms like auto-adjusting pen collets and universal refill compatibility, pushing the boundaries of what's possible in compact tool design.
🇺🇸 US · $15-$178
Craighill creates everyday objects that balance tactile, real-world functionality with an intangible sense of wonder. Founded on the belief that the world has too much 'stuff,' they design products to be as functional and timeless as they are beautiful and intriguing, returning users to the sensory pleasures of touching, seeing, and doing.
🇺🇸 US · $99-$150
Tactile Turn creates precision-machined pens, pencils, and flashlights designed to be used daily and passed down as heirlooms. Founded on frustration with disposable consumer goods and inaccessible small-scale manufacturing, they emphasize hand-craftsmanship, premium materials, and lifetime durability from their Dallas, Texas machine shop.
🇺🇸 US · $60-$200
Leatherman embodies utilitarian design born from real-world problem-solving. Founded by Tim Leatherman after frustrating roadside repairs in 1975 Europe, the brand's philosophy centers on practical preparedness. Form follows function with 'visual honesty that industrial designers dream of achieving' - every curve and tool serves a purpose. Built in Portland, Oregon with a 25-year warranty, these tools prioritize durability, repairability, and genuine usefulness over aesthetics.