Ka-Bar’s Tactical, Affordable New EPT Reimagines the Ideal Form for an EDC Knife
As the category continues evolving, there might just be a place for this unusual, trendy small wonder in your kit.
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While it's not the biggest trend in the marketplace, we have been seeing more and more knives that don't depend on, you know, foldability to crack into your daily loadout.
Fixed blades making the case for EDC include Benchmade's Dacian , CRKT's Nessmuk and Böker's Li'l Friend Micro .
The $78 EPT was designed by Allen Elishewitz, a former Force Recon Marine turned knife designer. - Credit: Ka-Bar
Now classic American brand Ka-Bar is getting in on the action, following up its funkily shaped George Roscoe with an ex-Force Recon Marine's new design.
Meet the EDC-able new Elishewitz Pocket Tool , or EPT for short.
Fix it up
Like those other knives I just mentioned, this one recognizes a long-overlooked reality: when it comes to EDC, it's less about foldability than it is about overall size and carryability.
The whole knife, including the 2.5-inch drop-point blade, is made from drop-forged 425 high carbon stainless steel. - Credit: Ka-Bar
Designed by former Marine Allen Elishewitz, the EPT is admittedly a bit long in that department at 6.75 inches, but it balances that out with its handy included sheath.
Let's not forget a feature you rarely see on a fixie: a reversible, loop-over wire clip, which makes it easy to stash in a pocket or on a pack.
Like most fixed blades, the EPT comes with a mountable sheath (also made in the USA) for easy carry. - Credit: Ka-Bar
The finger ring on the back not only helps with nimble handling (just watch Anton Antonevych flip this thing around on Ka-Bar's Instagram page ) but also makes it easy to deploy quickly.
As I've mentioned in other stories, that's what ultimately makes fixed blades even quicker than flippers, as once it is out of your pocket, it's ready to go.
A reversible loop-over wire clip is a rare feature on a fixed blade, letting the EPT sit discreetly in a pocket. - Credit: Ka-Bar
Meanwhile, the 2.5-inch drop-point blade (made like everything else out of drop-forged 425 high carbon stainless steel) is perfectly qualified to take on a range of everyday tasks.
Throw in the fact that it's nicely weighted at 3.2 ounces, it's made in the USA and it's priced well under $100, and this thing is worth more consideration than you might have thought at first glance.
Availability and pricing
The Ka-Bar Elishewitz Pocket Tool (EPT) is available now for $78.
Ka-Bar Elishewitz Pocket Tool (EPT)
About the Author:
Now managing editor, Steve has served in a variety of roles with GP since 2019. Having previously written and edited for such publications as Men's Health, Men's Journal, Esquire and ESPN, he enjoys covering a range of topics — but mostly those pertaining to cycling, snow sports, pocket knives and motos — and dreams of a utopian world in which everyone's bike seat is at the proper height.
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