In this review, we’ll share our thoughts on some WESN products to help you decide if you should add them to your EDC.
Whether youโre just getting into the EDC gear scene or are a long-time enthusiast, you know that thereโs no shortage of brands to choose from.ย
However, determining which of those are worth your investment and which fall short isnโt so cut and dry. The solution? Reach out to your fellow gear nerds, and get their informed opinions about whatever gadget youโre looking to add to your everyday carry setup.
Thatโs why in todayโs WESN review, weโre going to share our hands-on experience with six different products from their lineup โ then give an overall verdict on whatโs worth it and who itโs 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 theyโve 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 Iโve Tested from WESN
So Iโve 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.
Iโd 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
Iโve been carrying the Microblade around for quite a while now, and itโs become an indispensable part of my everyday carry setup.
Itโs small and convenient but sturdy simultaneously, with a satisfying deployment action and firm locking mechanism.
This is easily one of WESNโs most user-friendly products, and itโs affordable compared to their other knives. Iโd highly recommend it for just about anybody.
Samla
The Samla is another addition to the sub-$100 knife club, and itโs made in a really cool and unique retro style (almost like a straight razor for shaving).
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, itโs as smooth to deploy as most assisted-opening knives.
Pocket Sharpener
Now, Iโll preface this: I donโt really use my knives so often or for such heavy-duty tasks that I need to sharpen them frequently.
So I canโt really imagine a situation where Iโd need to sharpen my knives on the go so bad that Iโd carry this as part of my EDC setup.
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.
However, I donโt really use these quick-release devices because I donโt like adding even more length to my usual carabiner.
So is WESNโs quick release good? Definitely. Itโs sturdy and durable, and the release mechanism is just strong enough without being hard to use. If you like this style of gear, WESNโs QR is worth buying.
CB Carabiner
Even though the CB is pretty pricey for a carabiner, Iโm really in love with this piece from WESN. Itโs been part of my everyday carry for years, and I barely leave the house without it.
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 itโs just the right size without being too bulky, Iโll 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 โ and Iโm not 100% convinced that I love it yet.
Really though, that might be because I just donโt have much need to carry a multi-tool in general. I pretty much always get by just fine without one.
WESNโs multi-tool is a minimal take on the tool side, but itโs 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, itโs slightly too bulky to want to carry around daily.
Frequently Asked Questions
Letโs wrap things up by answering the most common questions weโve heard you guys asking about WESN.
Are WESN Knives Any Good?
Iโm a big fan of WESNโs knives, especially the Microblade. Itโs 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?
WESNโs headquarters is located in Detroit, Michigan.
Final Verdict
So overall, I think youโll be really happy with anything you get from WESN โ as long as the price point is within your reach.
Thereโs no doubt that these are pretty expensive products, but theyโre really high quality with unique designs that get a lot of love around the EDC community.
Questions? Comments? Leave them below!
I was told by a WESN rep that the blades are manufactured in Sweden.
Blade HQ shows China as the source for the WESN Microblade. I prefer the similarly priced Spyderco Manbug. Maybe because I already carry one. Itโs just my personal preference.