• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer

The Modest Man

  • .
  • Start Here
  • Blog
  • About
  • Outfit Ideas
  • Free Stuff
Home / Blog / Product Reviews

WESN Review: Premium Knives & EDC Gear

Published on September 7, 2022 by Brock McGoff · Knives, Product Reviews May contain affiliate links (what's this?)

In this review, we’ll share our thoughts on some WESN products to help you decide if you should add them to your EDC.

Table of Contents

  • About WESN
  • What I’ve Tested from WESN
    • Microblade
    • Samla
    • Pocket Sharpener
    • QR Quick Release
    • CB Carabiner
    • MT Multi-Tool
  • Frequently Asked Questions
    • Are WESN Knives Any Good?
    • Are WESN Knives Made in China or USA?
    • Where is WESN Located?
  • Final Verdict
WESN Review
Check current price

Whether you’re just getting into the EDC gear scene or are a long-time enthusiast, you know that there’s no shortage of brands to choose from. 

However, determining which of those are worth your investment and which fall short isn’t so cut and dry. The solution? Reach out to your fellow gear nerds, and get their informed opinions about whatever gadget you’re looking to add to your everyday carry setup.

That’s why in today’s WESN review, we’re going to share our hands-on experience with six different products from their lineup — then give an overall verdict on what’s worth it and who it’s right for.

About WESN

The Detroit, Michigan-based WESN is a relative newcomer to the EDC gear and knives scene, having been founded in 2016. But they’ve already made quite a name for themselves in the everyday carry community thanks to unique and finely tuned designs.

While they started with knives, WESN has recently branched out into other popular EDC categories like carabiners and multi-tools as well.

Oh, and the name? The stands for the cardinal directions: West, East, South, and North, meaning that you can take these knives and tools with you just about anywhere.

What I’ve Tested from WESN

So I’ve been carrying around gear from WESN for a few years now and had the chance to try out a half dozen of their most popular items.

I’d like to go over each one in more detail and give you my impressions of where they work great (and where they could maybe be improved).

Microblade

I’ve been carrying the Microblade around for quite a while now, and it’s become an indispensable part of my everyday carry setup.

WESN Microblade
Check current price

It’s small and convenient but sturdy simultaneously, with a satisfying deployment action and firm locking mechanism. 

This is easily one of WESN’s most user-friendly products, and it’s affordable compared to their other knives. I’d highly recommend it for just about anybody.

Samla

The Samla is another addition to the sub-$100 knife club, and it’s made in a really cool and unique retro style (almost like a straight razor for shaving).

WESN Samla action
Check current price

I picked up the rosewood handle edition and found it to be a nice desk and household knife. 

The slip action friction folding mechanism is different from most knives out there today, so it may take some getting used to. But once you get a feel for it, it’s as smooth to deploy as most assisted-opening knives.

Pocket Sharpener

Now, I’ll preface this: I don’t really use my knives so often or for such heavy-duty tasks that I need to sharpen them frequently.

So I can’t really imagine a situation where I’d need to sharpen my knives on the go so bad that I’d carry this as part of my EDC setup.

WESN Pocket Sharpener
Check current price

That said, the quality of materials on the Pocket Sharpener is really good for the $35 price.

A 400 grit plate on one side will let you put a new edge on old or beat-up knives, and the ceramic plate on the flip side will let you hone them to a razor edge.

QR Quick Release

Alright, so good news first: The QR Quick Release is a really good design for this product.

WESN QR Quick Release
Check current price

However, I don’t really use these quick-release devices because I don’t like adding even more length to my usual carabiner.

So is WESN’s quick release good? Definitely. It’s sturdy and durable, and the release mechanism is just strong enough without being hard to use. If you like this style of gear, WESN’s QR is worth buying.

CB Carabiner

Even though the CB is pretty pricey for a carabiner, I’m really in love with this piece from WESN. It’s been part of my everyday carry for years, and I barely leave the house without it.

WESN CB open
Check current price

The coolest part here is that the CB Carabiner is made with a super durable and minimalist one-piece construction.

That makes it both stylish and a good investment. And since it’s just the right size without being too bulky, I’ll probably keep using it for at least another decade.

MT Multi-Tool

The MT Multi-Tool is the most recent addition to my everyday carry — and I’m not 100% convinced that I love it yet.

Really though, that might be because I just don’t have much need to carry a multi-tool in general. I pretty much always get by just fine without one.

WESN Multitool
Check current price

WESN’s multi-tool is a minimal take on the tool side, but it’s not a small or compact piece of gear.

It focuses on offering just a pry bar, bottle opener, and flathead screwdriver. But to my hands, it’s slightly too bulky to want to carry around daily.

Frequently Asked Questions

Let’s wrap things up by answering the most common questions we’ve heard you guys asking about WESN.

Are WESN Knives Any Good?

I’m a big fan of WESN’s knives, especially the Microblade. It’s a great knife at a good price.

Are WESN Knives Made in China or USA?

At this time, WESN does not disclose where their knives are manufactured.

Where is WESN Located?

WESN’s headquarters is located in Detroit, Michigan.

Final Verdict

So overall, I think you’ll be really happy with anything you get from WESN — as long as the price point is within your reach.

There’s no doubt that these are pretty expensive products, but they’re really high quality with unique designs that get a lot of love around the EDC community.

Questions? Comments? Leave them below!

Knives, Product Reviews WESN

Related Posts

Victorinox Classic SD Swiss Army Knife Review
Victorinox Classic SD Swiss Army Knife Review + Rambler Comparison
Kershaw Cinder Review
Kershaw Cinder Review: A Small But Mighty EDC Knife
Spyderco Bug knife review featured
Spyderco Bug Review: Pros and Cons After 2+ Years
Luxire Review
Luxire Review: The Best Made to Measure Gurkha Trousers?

About Brock McGoff

The Modest Man founder, Brock is an aspiring minimalist who enjoys working out, spending time with his family, discovering new brands and creating great content.

Background: Brock McGoff has a bachelor's degree in psychology and a professional background in digital marketing. He believes that men's fashion is just one facet of self-improvement, and he started The Modest Man to help regular guys feel more confident by improving their appearance.

An east coast native, Brock currently lives in Arizona with his wife and daughter. When he's not working, he spends time with family, training BJJ, reading/listening to books and podcasts, and unsuccessfully trying to decide which movie to stream.

Expertise: Brock has built a men's lifestyle YouTube channel with over 400k subscribers. He's also worked as the creative marketing manager in a men's apparel startup. Brock has been quoted in, mentioned by or featured in publications like Esquire, Huff Post, Men's Health, WWD and Forbes.

More Articles by This Author

Facebook Twitter Instagram YouTube LinkedIn

Join the Club

Never miss a post, plus grab this free guide (instant download). No spam. Ever.

Subscribe Now

Reader Interactions

Comments

    Ask Me Anything Cancel reply

    Got questions? Want to share your opinion? Comment below!

  1. Ed says

    September 13, 2022 at 9:32 pm

    Blade HQ shows China as the source for the WESN Microblade. I prefer the similarly priced Spyderco Manbug. Maybe because I already carry one. It’s just my personal preference.

    Reply

Primary Sidebar

Join the Club

Never miss a post, plus grab this free guide (instant download).

No spam. Ever.

Subscribe Now

Top 5 Favorites for Fall & Winter 2022

  1. Thursday Boots Captain – still the best Goodyear-welted boot under $200 (full review here) 🥾
  2. Matte for Men SPF Lotion – because you should be using moisturizer with SPF
  3. Darn Tough Wool Socks – possibly the best boot socks you can buy 🧦
  4. Hamilton Khaki Mechanical – perfect everyday mechanical watch under $500 (Amazon/Jomashop)
  5. Flint & Tinder Waxed Jacket – great fit, perfect weight for fall 👍🏼

Trending Articles

Men over 40 style

How to Dress Well In Your 40s and 50s (and Beyond)

Fashion brands for short men

Where to Buy Clothes for Short Men (2022 Guide)

Seiko 5 SNK805

31 Great Watches For Small Wrists (Updated for 2023)

Best Business Casual Shoes for Men

Top 8 Best Business Casual Shoes for Men (2023 Guide)

Business casual outfits

The Complete Guide to Business Casual Style for Men

Topics

  • Clothing & Style
  • Outfit Ideas
  • Fitness
  • Product Reviews
  • Dating & Confidence
  • Grooming
  • Men of Modest Height
  • Income Reports

Footer

The Modest Man logo

  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Twitter
  • YouTube

Home • Blog • Resources • Contact • Advertise

 

Privacy Policy & Affiliate Disclosure • Terms & Conditions

 

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

 

Copyright © 2023 The Modest Man (Registered Trademark)