THE CHRONICLE
A Closer Look at the James Brand Carter Knife
Windup Watch Shop - February 15, 2026
Whether you’re a rugged outdoorsperson, a dedicated desk warrior, or anyone in between, everyone needs a good knife. Still, not all knives are made equal, and Portland, Oregon-based The James Brand are determined to give you the “most advanced everyday-carry knife”. Here’s what you need to know about the versatile, stylish, and practical James Brand Carter knife.
It’s easy to dismiss the basic idea of “everyday carry” (or EDC) as impractical in our modern world of do-it-all gadgets. But how often have you been caught needing a pen, a carabiner, or a knife? Lucky for you, The James Brand has it all covered, and emphasizes style in tandem with function to create EDC mainstays that will last as long as you need them, and look intentional and beautiful all the while.
The Carter knife checks all the classic James design boxes, with a corrosion-resistant VG-10 steel drop-point blade, opened via an ambidextrous thumb disk. The grippy texture on the handle—available in either machined Micarta or G10—ensures that you’ll have a good grasp before you start cutting. The Carter lineup is offered in a considered range of colorways and textures, from brooding Black and Fire to cool Tidal Blue and Stonewash.
It’s not all about action, though. For stowing away, the Carter sports a reversible and removable pocket clip, and while it weighs in at 3oz and measures 6.5 inches when open, the handle length of 3.7 inches makes for easy pocketability. The thumb disk makes it safe and easy to open with one hand, ideal for grab-and-go situations, and the slide-lock mechanism keeps the blade secured when not in use, for peace of mind.
As for that VG-10 stainless steel blade, it sports excellent edge-retention to make sure that every cut is precise. The small size, easy-to-use locking and opening features, and light weight make the Carter ideal for everyday carry, and it’s easy to see why The James Brand calls it their most advanced EDC knife yet. Even better, the $169 price tag keeps it accessible, and the varied color and handle material options ensure that there’s a Carter knife for every type of EDC enthusiast.
To see more from The James Brand, check out the brand page on the Windup Watch Shop, and keep an eye out for new EDC essentials.
