For many pocket-dumping EDCers, the knife has pride of place in one’s kit. Bags are commonly rotated depending on the use-case. You likely wouldn’t bring a hiking rucksack to the office. Watches, too, are usually swapped out daily (and for our crowd… maybe more). However, a good pocket knife can be a consistent staple in one’s everyday carry. Especially one small enough to fit conveniently on your keyring – like the Elko from the James Brand – which I’ve gotten to put through its paces the past few weeks.
My love of pocket knives predates my watch collecting interests by over a decade. In fact, getting into the mechanical minutiae of blades likely helped pave my way into the field of horology. I think knives are one of the best tools to keep with you daily, and as a result, I’ve lost more than a handful to unplanned metal detectors and security screening processes. So it goes. Therefore, I’m always looking to increase the size of my collection and have a variety of styles on hand, so I’m never without one close by.
My knife collection ranges widely, though I tend to opt for blades that are legal to conceal in Colorado: 3.50 inches. It goes without saying that this measurement changes based on someone’s country and state, so do your own research here. The Elko is well under my state’s legal limit – the blade is a petite 1.74 inches – with a total length, including the handle, of 4.33 inches
I was smitten with the Elko from the moment of my unboxing. However, I was curious to see how my relationship to the knife would change throughout the weeks of my review. It’s adorable, and very sharp. But my typical blade tastes trend towards the uber-tactical and the Elko is something entirely different. I had the Desert Tortoise colorway, which features a multi-colored handle with a mesmerizing mix of browns and creams, though there are eight models to choose from, which vary scale materials, PVD coating, and overall aesthetic.
The Elko’s blade is crafted from Sandvik 12C27 steel, which is popular for outdoor knives due to its wear and corrosion resistance. The carbon and chromium in this particular blade help it retain sharpness for longer periods of time, and it’s also one of the easier kinds of steel to sharpen when needed. It has a drop point shape with a through hole pick. It features a non-locking slip joint that opens with a nail nick. A blade of this size shouldn’t be used for anything that requires a lock; however, it’s important to be cautious when using it, and keep in mind that pressure applied in the opposite direction of the blade will cause it to close. The ambidextrous carry orientation means it can be used comfortably in either hand.
At the listed 1.3 ounces and with the included full-size titanium keyring, the Elko fits in nicely on a lanyard. I attached it to mine with the Hardin carabiner from the brand. Storing heavy keys in a pack or pocket isn’t ideal, and for those with a key-start ignition, bulky keychains can actually damage your vehicle over time. The Elko is the only knife I have ever felt inclined to keep on my lanyard, which is where it stayed for the duration of my review.
I used the Elko for all of its intended purposes. I opened boxes, cut tags, and clipped a loose thread on one of my sweaters. Don’t let its tiny frame deceive you: this knife is sharp and should be treated with the same respect and care as any blade should. However, one of my favorite aspects of the Elko had nothing to do with slicing at all. After weeks of this knife becoming an organic part of my setup, I finally understood the reason the James Brand says this knife is designed for “maximum utility.” The stainless steel piece at the opposite end of the handle is more than just a means to link a carabiner: it’s called the All Things scraper and functions as a pry tool, bottle opener, and screwdriver.
As much as I value the typical EDC essentials, a standalone multitool is something that just hasn’t made it into my daily carry quite yet. Despite a few close calls that are apt to make me change my ways eventually, I’ve found most everything I need to get done day-to-day can be accomplished with only a blade – screws and watch case-backs included. The aforementioned close calls have made me more willing to consider alternatives. The James Brand has thoughtfully reduced future risk to my digits by including this multi-purpose pry bar tool on the Elko.
Pocket knives are so varied in their styling, sizing, and materials that finding areas for improvement can be difficult. However, if I could make a single change to the Elko to customize it to my usage and quirks, I would include the addition of a clip so I could hook it to PALS webbing in my backpack independently of an additional carabiner on the pry tool. Keeping track of the Elko was easy when it was attached to my keyring. But being thrown in a bag or backpack means it is likely to get lost. Having the clip would ensure it stays right where I need it.
All things considered, if I was selecting another Elko, I might choose a different handle style. Scale material refers to the components that make up this part of a knife. The Desert Tortoise model that I have is made of eco-acetate, which is a biodegradable and recyclable material that is more sustainable than traditional acetate (which is often derived from petroleum). It has a beautiful finish, but it was pretty slick. The knife is very small – which includes not just the blade, but the handle, by extension – and getting enough purchase on the handle to feel secure enough to use it can be difficult due to the size. I could see someone with larger hands having a hard time handling the grip. A different scale material, like the G10 used for the Coyote Tan colorway, might have made a difference in this regard.
The size also has its advantages though. Men’s pockets are designed to fit most of their daily carry essentials – women have not been as lucky in that realm. Any time I want to carry along a standard-sized pocket knife, I have to commit to also bringing a bag to store it. At 2.60 inches when closed, the Elko is smaller than a tube of chapstick and makes pocket-storage a breeze.
Overall, the Elko is designed for those who want a sleek, well-crafted addition to their everyday carry kit. It’s small enough to stay tucked away on a lanyard until you need something sharp. The non-intimidating size and a retail price starting at $65 makes it a great first knife for a new collector, or for those who live in locations with more restrictive stances on blades. Keeping it on a lanyard with my house and car keys ensures I’ll always have a knife (and pry bar!) with me when I need it most.
And with a bit of foresight (but more likely the inevitable dash back to the car), it’ll probably even survive my next trip to the Denver International Airport. The James Brand
