Our Graduate Gift Guide 2025
We’re deep in graduation season—a time of transition and transformation, growing up and figuring shit out. Whether it’s high school, college, trade school, or a PhD, graduation marks the beginning of something bigger, life’s most epic adventure. The first real step into adulthood. The first chapter of independence. The start of a life built on their own terms. And that deserves more than a card and a handshake.
If you’re searching for a graduation gift that’s practical, personal, and built to last, we’ve got you covered. When prepping someone for the real world, you can’t go wrong with a premium EDC knife. It’s something they’ll carry daily, use often, and think of you every time they pull it out. A symbol of self-reliance. A tool for whatever comes next. A blade to grow with them. Now, to pick the perfect pocket companion…
Tools for the Trail Ahead
We’ve matched some of our favorite everyday carries to popular majors and career paths—from engineering to art school, pre-med to business. Because no matter where they’re headed, every grad deserves gear that works as hard as they do.
1. STEM
The fixers, builders, and troubleshooters of the world (in other words, MacGyver with a student loan). Whether they're cracking open gadgets, trimming wires, or hacking together a DIY solution, a good EDC knife is more than a tool to the STEM major, it’s an extension of their genius. Their trusty sidekick in the lab, the garage, or wherever else science happens, helping bring their latest innovation to life.
ACE REO - When it comes to innovation, look no further than our ACE REO. Named after the iconic REO Motor Car Company, this streamlined cutter is the ultimate convergence of form and function. The REO is a lightweight, forward-thinking tool, featuring a sharp-as-statistics MagnaCut blade. A fitting tribute to the automotive pioneers of yesteryear, and optimal choice for young minds set to shape our future.
2. Art & Design
Then there’s those who see the world a little differently—every blank space a canvas, every object a potential project. Whether they’re slicing matte board or sharpening pencils, a good EDC knife is both a creative tool and a survival essential for the more colorfully inclined. It’s the unsung hero of last-minute portfolio builds, savior of studio all-nighters. But, let’s be honest, these dreamers probably want one that displays as well as it cuts.
ACE Atelier - Named after a studio where artists create their masterworks, there’s no better muse for the budding maker in your life than our ACE Atelier. This stunning knife is designed from hilt to tip to impress, the pinnacle of beauty and practical performance. Crafted with the utmost attention to detail and quality materials, including eye-catching handle options like Titanium, Carbon Fiber, and Green or Red Canvas Micarta, the Atelier is the perfect instrument to facilitate a lifetime of imaginative endeavors.
3. Environmental Science
For the future conservationists, out there saving the planet one soil sample at a time. Whether studying desert flora, knee-deep in a stream, or halfway up a mountain, they need gear that’s not afraid to get dirty. A reliable EDC knife will come in clutch for cutting paracord, sampling plants, or opening field kits that refuse to cooperate. The kind of tool that earns its keep fast in the wild.
ACE Jagt - Originally made for hunting, the Jagt is just as adept at saving animals, bred to be a dependable outdoor companion for any preservation project. Its CPM MagnaCut blade makes quick work of invasive plants, clearing trails, or crafting markers. And with the Jagt’s ergonomically designed handle, your intrepid eco-warrior gets a secure, confident grip no matter the elements, tackling whatever nature throws their way.
4. Business
They may spend more time in boardrooms than backwoods, but don’t let the polished look fool you—these grads appreciate efficiency, versatility, and tools that get the job done. An EDC knife is perfect for everything from opening packages of branded merch to slicing into a power lunch with surgical precision. The executive decision-maker’s secret weapon.
ACE Tribeca - A truly entrepreneurial blade (that pairs handsomely with a blazer). Our Tribeca gets its name from the bustling neighborhood in NYC, once an industrial district now transformed to a sought-after residential and commercial area. It’s a knife that signs the deal and calls the shots, both visually appealing and a reliable wingman for any strategic venture. One sure to provide a healthy ROI for quarters to come.
5. Humanities
The deep thinkers, wordsmiths, and champions of all things analog. Whether they’re unboxing used books, crafting zines, or trying to open a stubborn snack mid-existential crisis, a trusty EDC knife can be a real lifesaver. It’s the perfect blend of form, function, and just a touch of poetic flair. Bonus points if it looks vintage or has a good tale to tell.
ACE Clyde - Part myth, part masterpiece, the Clyde is undeniably one-of-a-kind—a worldly blade named after our favorite watering hole in Portland, “The Clyde Common.” Its design is a long story, blending elements of Scandinavia with Japan and touches of Persian embellishment. But to the point: the slim, slightly upswept blade makes this a versatile tool for any free thinker (especially in this economy).
6. Skilled Trades
Next, the hands-on heroes, those who actually know how to fix things instead of just Googling it. For them, a knife isn’t a cool accessory—it’s practically another appendage. From stripping wire to cutting tough materials on the fly, a burly blade is a true job-site essential. Just make sure whatever you get is built like a tank and ready to put in some serious man-hours.
GMF1 - A solid choice for any tradesperson. This small utility fixed blade is built to help repair, fabricate, or finish, packing plenty of cutting power in a compact, tool-belt ready size. Our GMF1 is a blue-collar workhorse, great ergonomics skillfully mixed with high performance steel, tough enough to tackle any task with “measure twice, cut once” precision. For those grads who value strong hands and sharp minds equally.
7. Health & Medical
Trained to stay calm under pressure, fix what’s broken, and always have the right tools on hand—so why not add an EDC knife to their kit? While they (hopefully) won’t be using it to operate, a reliable pocket carry is perfect for opening stubborn packaging, cutting medical tape, or tackling everyday tasks with surgical precision. Think of it as the unofficial scalpel of real life.
ACE Bleecker - Clean lines, clean cuts—just how they like it. Our ACE Bleecker is both low-profile and practical, a compact “gentleman’s” folder trained for long shifts and quick thinking. It slips effortlessly into any pocket until needed, ready to rush in and save the day at a moment’s notice. And the pre-med major in your life will especially appreciate our sleek, clinical-grade handle options: Titanium or Carbon Fiber.
8. Culinary School
If there’s one thing these grads know, it’s that timing, presentation, and having the right tool can make or break a dish (or dinner service). For aspiring flavor masters, a great knife isn’t just a utensil—it’s an essential sous chef. Whether they’re prepping mise en place at lightning speed or slicing with precision for a packed restaurant, a high-quality blade is the real kitchen MVP.
GiantMouse Chef Knife - For your dining pleasure, may we humbly suggest our satin-finished Nitro-B steel Chef Knife. A prep station staple, this culinary chopper does it all, and looks as sharp as it cuts. Ready for a lifetime of slicing and dicing, its durable Micarta handle offers unparalleled strength, with optimal balance and control from breakfast to dessert. Something any young cook would love to have in their knife roll.
Cheers to the Class of 2025! Here's to the next generation of world-shapers—may our blades help you carve your path with confidence, wherever the journey takes you.