Steel Revival Weekly Update — July 18
Steel Revival isn't just one set of hands. It's a circle of friends who support each other and share their passion for making dreams into realities. Around that circle are partners whose own crafts and ambitions intersect with ours, and together we move each other forward.
Shop Update: Building Together
This week I caught up with a friend who just earned his welding certification. He has his own dream of a different kind of business, but our conversation about fabricating a steel frame for the sandstone wheel reminded me how collaboration strengthens both paths.
A close friend of mine is working with knife blanks using wood from his family farm. His project is part of the same spirit that makes Steel Revival interesting. I love the idea of making and restoring things that have a deeper root in personal value than what you can get on a Walmart shelf.
And within Steel Revival itself, the EDC Expert continues sharpening and learning, while another sharpener works patiently with his own set of stones and strops when time allows. Each voice adds to the rhythm of growth.
Tips & Techniques: Choosing Your Everyday Carry
This past week our EDC Expert was asked: "What should I get for every day carry for under $100?" The answer isn't the same for everyone, but there are a few guiding principles that help narrow the field.
The Right Tool for the Job
Think about what you actually cut most often. Packages? Rope? Food prep? A blade with a strong tip may be perfect for piercing, while a broad belly excels at slicing. Carry the tool that matches your real tasks, not just the one that looks good in the pocket.
Budget vs. Capability
A $40 knife in the right steel can outperform a $200 knife that doesn't fit your needs. Budget steels like 14C28N or D2 offer toughness and edge retention without breaking the bank. Super steels like Magnacut are excellent, but ask yourself: do you need that level of performance, or would you rather save the difference for another tool?
What You're Able to Carry
Laws, workplace rules, and personal comfort all matter. A slim folder may be more practical than a large fixed blade, even if the latter feels stronger. The best EDC is the one you'll actually carry, day in, day out.
Lock and Mechanism
Button locks, liner locks, and back locks each have their strengths. Choose one that feels secure in your hand and easy to operate in your daily rhythm.
Personal Connection
Sometimes the right knife isn't about specs at all. It's about the story: a gift, a family material, or a design that simply resonates. That connection makes you more likely to carry it, and more likely to care for it.
Choosing your EDC isn't about finding "the best knife." It's about finding your knife. When you can align with the one that fits your tasks, your budget, your environment, and your story, the knife becomes more than a tool. It becomes part of your daily rhythm.
Industry Spotlight: Budget EDC Picks Under $100
Steel Revival's esteemed EDC Expert weighed in with his top recommendation for our friend for a reliable everyday carry knife under $100:
Vosteed Raccoon Bowie (14C28N steel, ~$60–70) — His top pick. Tough budget steel that resists corrosion, takes a razor-sharp edge, and offers mid-level edge retention. The bowie blade has a generous belly for slicing and a strong piercing tip. The button-actuated top liner lock is secure, and Vosteed offers nearly every handle type, color, blade finish, and shape you could want. A versatile, dependable choice.
Other Strong Contenders
- Civivi Elementum Button Lock (~$65) — Smooth action, reliable lock, and a proven design that balances utility with style.
- Kershaw Iridium (~$70) — Sleek design, good ergonomics, and solid steel. For those willing to spend a bit more, the Kershaw Belair in Magnacut (~$125) offers super-steel performance at a still-reasonable price.
- Ontario RAT II (~$35) — A classic budget EDC with AUS-8 or D2 steel, slim profile, and excellent cutting performance.
- Spyderco Tenacious (~$55) — Broad blade, ergonomic handle, and Spyderco's trademark thumb hole for easy opening.
- QSP Penguin (~$40–50) — D2 steel, sheepsfoot blade, and a cult following for its cutting efficiency and affordability.
- CRKT Pilar III (~$55) — Compact, rugged, and designed for utility with a strong tip and ergonomic grip.
Quick Comparison
| Knife | Steel | Price | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vosteed Raccoon Bowie | 14C28N | $60–70 | Versatile, customizable, strong lock |
| Civivi Elementum BL | Various | ~$65 | Smooth action, balanced design |
| Kershaw Iridium | D2 | ~$70 | Sleek, ergonomic utility |
| Kershaw Belair Magnacut | Magnacut | ~$125 | Super steel performance |
| Ontario RAT II | AUS-8/D2 | ~$35 | Budget classic, slim profile |
| Spyderco Tenacious | 8Cr13MoV | ~$55 | Ergonomic, broad blade |
| QSP Penguin | D2 | ~$40–50 | Affordable, efficient cutter |
| CRKT Pilar III | 8Cr13MoV | ~$55 | Compact, rugged utility |
Our Take
If you want a knife that balances price, performance, and personality, the Vosteed Raccoon Bowie is hard to beat. For tradition and proven design, the Ontario RAT II remains a budget legend. And for those who want to step into super-steel territory, the Kershaw Belair Magnacut offers cutting-edge performance without breaking the bank.
Steel Revival is more than a shop. It's a shared journey. Some collaborators wear the apron and carry the Steel Revival name. Others walk alongside us with their own dreams. Together, we move forward, each sharpening, building, or making in ways that strengthen the whole.
Growth in craft isn’t solitary. It’s a shared community. And that's what makes the Steel Revival Collective more than just a bench and a set of stones.
What's Your Take?
What do you carry with you every day? A few weeks ago we mentioned a fellow who went from leather holsters to a Benchmade pocket clip. How would you answer my friend's question about his search for a budget EDC? We'd love to hear from you.
Email and let us know if you have any questions or stories to share, or just want to tell us what you have in your EDC rotation.
Until next week — keep your mind sharp and your edges true.