Carved is back at it again with their second-generation Live Edge Knife, and if the first one caught me off guard, this one definitely keeps me on my toes. The original was an absolute steal—titanium frame lock, Damascus blade, and a price tag that made you double-check if they forgot a zero. Now, with Gen 2, Carved has refined the formula, tweaking materials and design elements while staying true to their artistic roots.
For those unfamiliar with Carved, they started as a company crafting one-of-a-kind wood and resin phone cases, expanding into EDC gear with their signature blend of artistry and function. Every knife they produce is unique, and that’s not marketing fluff—it’s fact. The first-gen knife in my collection is named Melba, a tribute to our dear Memaw. For the second-gen, I went with Ben, named after our grandpa. Both were incredibly special to us, and what better way to carry a daily reminder of them?
The Handle – A Bold New Look
The first thing that jumps out is the handle. Gone is the subtle resin insert from the first-gen, replaced with a full-scale octagonal design that screams “look at me.” The mix of wood and resin is no longer a highlight—it’s the main attraction. The faceted shape plays with light beautifully, catching your eye like a gemstone. Bonus: the flat surfaces keep it from rolling off the table, which, while likely unintentional, is a handy little side effect.
The Lock – A Trade-Off
One of the biggest changes is the move from a titanium frame lock to a liner lock. Personally, I prefer a frame lock for its robustness, but I understand the decision. By switching to a liner lock, Carved was able to maintain that gorgeous live edge all the way around. Functionally, the lockup is solid, and while it’s not my favorite choice, it’s well-executed.
The Pocket Clip – A Swing and a Miss?
A pocket knife lives or dies by its clip—get it wrong, and the whole experience falls apart. The Gen 2 keeps the milled titanium clip but introduces a change based on customer feedback: it now has a gap between the clip and the handle for easier pocket insertion. In theory, that sounds great. In practice? Not so much. Instead of pressing my pocket material against the knife for secure retention, the clip now just sort of… hangs there. If you wear thicker pants, you might not notice, but for everyday use, I’d call this a misstep.
The Blade – A Step Up
The blade retains its Damascus construction but upgrades the core from 440B to VG-10—a significant improvement. VG-10 offers better edge retention while remaining easy to sharpen, making it a great choice for an EDC blade. The shape has evolved too; it’s still a drop point, but now it’s more elongated, giving off a distinct Japanese aesthetic. It’s a sleek, effective slicer, though the reduced belly might limit some cutting tasks. Deployment is handled via a knurled flipper tab, and while the action is smooth, I have experienced the occasional partial deployment.
Final Thoughts – A Worthy Successor
Carved has really leaned into their artistic side with this release, and it shows. The Live Edge is as much a piece of functional art as it is a tool. The changes aren’t all perfect—the pocket clip is a step backward in my book, and I still prefer a frame lock—but the overall package is impressive. The knife truly embodies what Carved is all about: unique, handcrafted design with a thoughtful approach to materials. While they don’t make a case for my aging phone anymore, this is a fine way to show off their craftsmanship. Flaws aside, it’s a beautiful knife that’s a pleasure to carry.
Pros:
Stunning and unique handle design
VG-10 blade core improves edge retention
Full live edge execution
Milled titanium clip (even if it has issues)
Artistic and functional
Cons:
Liner lock instead of frame lock
Pocket clip redesign affects retention
Occasional flipper misfires
Final Verdict: Carved takes their artistry to the next level with the Live Edge. While not without its quirks, it remains an eye-catching and functional EDC piece that’s worth considering—especially if you appreciate knives with personality
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