Southfield, Michigan — Athlon Outdoors is proud to announce the Kershaw Launch 21 as the winner of the 2025 Ballistic’s Best EDC Knives category, an impressive debut for this brand-new division in the annual awards. As the first year featuring EDC blades, competition was fierce, with 10 standout knives put through a rigorous, hands-on evaluation process conducted by longtime gear expert and author Jim Cobb alongside seasoned testers Steven Paul Barlow and Craig Caudill.

The introduction of the EDC Knives category reflects the growing importance of everyday tools among outdoorsmen, preparedness-minded individuals, and working professionals. Cobb and his team evaluated each knife across a comprehensive range of criteria, including ergonomics, sharpness, daily task performance, edge retention, carry comfort, value, and more. With more than 120 combined years of knife experience represented at the testing table, the bar was set high from the start.

Among the many exceptional blades, the Kershaw Launch 21 rose unmistakably to the top, scoring 43 out of a possible 45 points and earning praise across all evaluators. Built on the proven pedigree of Kershaw’s Launch series, the Launch 21 pairs a robust CPM M4 blade with Flat Dark Earth aluminum scales, textured G10 inserts, and the snappy, confident action enthusiasts expect from a premium automatic knife.

“This knife is absolutely beautiful,” noted evaluator Steven Paul Barlow during testing. A sentiment echoed across the panel. Its combination of durability, cutting performance, and standout design made it a clear contender from day one.

For Cobb, the Launch 21 distinguished itself not only through its strong factory edge and superb edge retention, but also its ability to thrive in real-world tasks. In announcing the category’s top performer, he added: “The Launch 21 impressed us at every turn. It’s the rare EDC knife that blends rugged performance, refined design, and true everyday practicality. When a knife makes you reach for it again and again, that’s when you know it’s something special.”

With its commanding performance, exceptional build quality, and undeniable appeal, the Kershaw Launch 21 takes its place as the first-ever Ballistic’s Best EDC Knife, setting a high standard for future contenders in this growing category.

About Ballistic’s Best
Ballistic’s Best is Athlon Outdoors’ annual awards series, evaluating more than 100 firearms and gear entries across multiple categories. Each product is subjected to real-world range testing, judged by veteran shooters, and scored on a detailed 0–5 scale across performance, ergonomics, value and more. The winners represent the best-of-class for 2025, the firearms world’s equivalent of a heavyweight championship.

About Bleecker Street Publications

Bleecker Street Publications is a leading digital media company covering firearms, survival, tactical gear, outdoor living, and skill-building for enthusiasts and professionals. Since acquiring Athlon Outdoors in 2023, Bleecker Street has continued expanding its portfolio with powerhouse brands including Athlon Untamed, RottenGunReviews.com, Athlon Outdoors,Ballistic,Tactical Life, Personal Defense World, Combat Handguns, and GAT Daily.

Whether it’s expert gear reviews, hands-on training guides, breaking industry news, or beginner-friendly resources, Bleecker Street Publications delivers trusted content for the modern firearms community.

To learn more visit www.BleeckerStreetPublications.com or follow Athlon Outdoors and Bleecker Street Publications on Facebook, Instagram, and Open Air Media.

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Katie Burke
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