EDC knife – 4 year review

I’ve been carrying this Deejo pocket knife for about 4 years now, and I figured I’d share a long-term review for anyone who is looking for an EDC knife. (To be clear, this is not a work knife, for me it's just in my pocket every day for the past 4 years)

My wife actually gave it to me right after I proposed to her in Olympic National Park. We had spent the day hiking, (if you’ve been you’ll know it’s quiet, misty mountains out there) and I proposed near the mountains. Deejo knives come with different designs and the knife she chose for me has the mountain design on it, which felt perfect for that moment. So to me it has a really important memory attached to it, probably even more reason i carry it everyday.

When I first got it, the main thing I noticed was how light it was. Honestly, it almost felt too light at first, like I wasn’t sure how it would hold up.

What ended up happening is that the light weight is exactly why I’ve carried it every day since. It just disappears in your pocket. No bulk, no adjusting it all day. I’ve owned other knives that were probably “better” on paper, but I stopped carrying them because they were annoying. That’s never happened with this one.

Most days it gets used for pretty normal stuff:

• Opening packages and breaking down boxes in the garage
• Cutting zip ties or plastic packaging
• Opening bags of soil or mulch when I’m doing yard work
• Cutting up an apple or something quick in the kitchen
• Little fixes around the house like trimming something or cutting loose material

It’s one of those things where I don’t think “I need my knife,” I just reach for it without thinking.

At some point I realized I was using it enough that I didn’t like being without it, so I picked up a second one that stays in my truck. It’s come in handy more than a few times.

For what I use it for, the blade has been solid. It sharpens up easily and stays sharp long enough that I’m not constantly messing with it.

I’m not out there doing anything extreme with it, so I can’t speak to heavy-duty use. But for everyday tasks, it’s been reliable. I’ve never had a moment where I felt like it couldn’t handle what I was asking it to do.

The design has held up better than I expected too. I actually like the more ‘used’ and aged look. The design isn’t cheap and hasn’t rubbed off. It’s still very clear and looks even better with the aged look.

After 4 years of carrying it almost every day, here’s what I’ve noticed:

• It still opens and closes smoothly
• The lock feels the same as when I got it
• No looseness in the blade
• Just normal wear from being used and carried

I haven’t abused it, but I also haven’t babied it. It’s just been part of daily life.

I’ve seen people mention that Deejo is now assembling some of their knives in Iowa. Mine is older so I can’t compare, but I thought it was interesting and worth mentioning if you’re looking at buying one now.

What I like:

• Easy to carry, you forget it’s even there
• Slim and simple
• The designs make it feel more personal and last time I checked they had so many designs (really good idea if you need a gift for someone)
• Does everything I need for day-to-day tasks
• Has held up well over time

What might not work for everyone:

• I don’t think it’s built for heavy or hard use
• Like any knife, you’ll need to keep it sharp

This is one of those items that just quietly becomes part of your routine. I don’t really think about it much, it’s just always in my pocket and gets used all the time.

I have maybe a dozen knives around the house, but between the story behind it and how practical it’s been, it’s easily the knife I’ve gotten the most use out of.

If you’re looking for something lightweight that you’ll actually carry every day, or a gift for someone, I think it’s worth considering.

Item in photo: Deejo pocket knife with mountain design