Ok, we know we’re late here... Summer may be past its peak, but there’s still plenty of fun to be had before the pumpkins take over. This is the time outdoorsmen dream of! The days are long, the weather’s clear, and your wife wants you out of the house. Conditions are just right for adventure.

Whether you’re trekking through wilderness or cracking cold ones at the beach, remember to stay prepared. Out in the elements, you’re only as good as your best tool. Don’t get caught empty handed! We’ve put together this essential lineup of knives for summertime carry. The bare minimum to grab when you get up and go.

To easily tackle any seasonal need, look no further than the newest addition to our arsenal: the ACE Bleecker. Available in full Titanium or Carbon Fiber show-side variant, this folder’s thin profile and sleek design are sure to make it an instant favorite of EDC enthusiasts everywhere. A handy cutter for routine tasks or trusted tool in case of emergency, there’s little the Bleecker can’t handle in style. Truly the ultimate sidekick for any late summer scenario.

A trusty blade is your all-in-one outdoor companion, an aid for every endeavor under the sun. We’ve assembled a few of our top picks, custom fit to conquer any summer challenge (except maybe the heat and mosquitoes).

Boat - Never take to open water without an able first mate. Whether ocean or pond, yacht or dinghy, a knife is the best crewmember a captain could ask for. You’ll be happy you packed a pocket blade to cut stray rope, unhitch rogue rigging, or fight off that menacing sea beast. The right knife can come in clutch for anything from scaling a catch to saving a life, making smooth sailing out of even the choppiest waters.

GMF1-XL - A true maritime essential. Named Fixed Blade of the Year at Atlanta Blade Show 2024, our GMF1-XL features a large N690 Cobalt blade, strong enough to slice through nasty nautical knots, even claw off a barnacle or two. And its removable canvas Micarta scales offer a secure grip that won’t slip when the seas swell. Built for serious function, the GMF1-XL is designed from hull to tip to help keep you on course.

Hike - Time to lace up those boots, toss on the Camelbak, and begin your ascent. No matter if you’ve mapped a backpacking trek or less treacherous day hike, best bring a knife to be safe. From ration rationing to cutting cord, bandage fashioning to kindling, the right blade can save your day out in the woods. Let’s just hope you never need it to remove a tick (but it’s there if you do).

ACE Atelier - This little bushwacker comes outfitted for any obstacle on the trail. The ACE Atelier is lightweight and incredibly versatile, easy to pack but sharp enough to chop branches or rope in a snap. Geared for both survivalists and fitness junkies, mountains and loop hikes, there’s no switchback this blade can’t overcome. A tool you’ll be thankful you tucked in your rucksack when you’re trudging the backcountry.

Golf - Be it regular, disc, or mini, you need a tool that can go par for par from sand trap to putting green. A knife is the perfect caddie compliment, there to tackle any situation the course has in store. Wild weeds on the fairway? Dig ‘em out. Sloppy cup caught your ball? Clean those edges yourself. Heck, you may only need it to cut tags off some new clubs. Whatever the reason, you’ll be ready.

ACE REO - The perfect blade for working on a birdie. This industrious folder is a hole in one—an ACE on and off the fairway. Boasting CPM MagnaCut steel, the REO is all slice no shank, sharp enough to handle any hazard, with the stamina to go 18 holes (and then some). Its streamlined design makes this a beauty to behold on the links, and equally fun to play with while waiting on the party ahead.

Fish - Every angler worth their weight in trout knows the importance of a good fishing knife. When line gets tangled or a catch needs cleaning, there’s no better tool for the tackle box. A sharp blade can serve as bait knife before you cast, de-hooker when you reel in, and carver to gut your haul, cutting through scales and meat like butter. Forget one and you may as well be up a creek without a paddle.

GMF2-P-R - This rugged, heavy fixed blade comes packed to the gills with seaworthy selling points. Like a majestic marlin, its PVD-coated N690 steel glides through even the toughest chum with surgical precision. And the Red G10 handle provides optimal grip when pulling from pocket, fishing vest, or included black leather dangler sheath. Simply put, we think this piece is one hell of a catch.

Bike - When the mountain calls, be ready to ride. A compact cutting tool is the perfect carry for any bike excursion. Slash vines and branches with ease. Fix straps on the go. Fashion a makeshift patch. The possibilities are endless. When you’re stuck mid-trail with gunked up gears or some minor first aid need, a trusty knife can almost always help get those wheels rolling again.

ACE Iona V2 - We present the ultimate companion for your two-wheeled adventures. With its wide blade and ergonomic handle, the ACE Iona V2 is a strong, reliable folder able to hold its own on any slope. But it’s the utilitarian design that’ll really come in handy should you hit rough terrain. This trail bomber uses washers for the pivot mechanism, so you can get her nice and muddy without worrying about dirt in bearings.

Beach - You may not think a sunny beach day requires knife accompaniment. But whether you plan to snorkel, surf, fish, or just drink, the applications are as plentiful as sand. A fine-edged blade will help you open stubborn snacks, or dig a splinter out of your thrashing youngster. When the team needs a midday pick me up, it’s good to be the guy who can slice apples or cheese in a jiff.

ACE Nibbler - Our plucky lifeguard in training. The ACE Nibbler is the perfect cocktail of carefree and ready for action. Small but mighty, it’s prepped for all manners of fun in the sun. Easy to toss in your tote next to sandals and sunscreen. Sharp enough to rip through watermelon. And thanks to its aluminum handle, neither water nor sand will stop this dude from having a good time.

Camp - There’s nothing quite like sitting by a campfire, favorite knife in hand. A trusty blade has always been essential packing for roughing it under the stars. From whittling to kindling to cutting weenies, sharp steel is a camper’s best friend (next to food and shelter). When it’s just you and the wild, it’s the one tool you can always count on, especially if need appears to repair gear or fend off a hungry intruder.

GMF4 - The ultimate camp knife upgrade, built to tackle any chore around your site. Rough and rugged, our GMF4 comes ready for work, more than capable of prepping tinder or opening provisions. There’s even a lanyard hole strategically placed in front of the handle, to provide safer grip when working in the bush. And the best part? Its PVD-finished N690 blade wipes off easy, meaning less mess in your tent, yurt, or RV.

BBQ - Ok, some situations call for more than a pocket knife. Thankfully, when the plans are just “sit out back and eat,” you don’t have to worry about loadout. No backyard barbeque is complete without the right knives. Every cook needs a sharp set at the ready to cut through meats and slice sides. This is your chance to show off the fancy tools. The grill’s been cleaned, the cooler packed, the only thing that could ruin this day is a dull sous chef.

Kitchen Line - Be master of the prep station, king of kebabs, a certified steak samurai. With the GiantMouse Kitchen Knife set, you get a full epicurean arsenal primed to rule the neighborhood cookout. Our chef knife, Santoku, carving knife, and paring knife can help upgrade even the worst cook to culinary artist—ready to slice, dice, chop, or filet well past Labor Day.