There was once a time when small, compact pocket knives meant you had to compromise on either blade quality or aesthetic. But The James Brand decided to change all that when it dropped its Elko keychain knife in 2018. At around 4″ when closed, the EDC folder still boasted Sandvik 12C27 blade steel and an aesthetic-forward appearance.
When the Elko originally launched, The James Brand was just a mere six years old, but already becoming a fan-favorite EDC staple for its blend of minimalism and undeniable build quality. For 2026, the Oregon-based company performed a ground-up redesign of the Elko to show how a good concept still shouldn’t be afraid to evolve from time to time.
What Actually Changed
The 2026 Elko retains the same compact, keychain-friendly slip-joint construction that made the original work so well, but nearly everything else has been addressed. Still stretching 4.3″ long, the 6061 machined aluminum scales are slimmer and feature a reworked knurled texture that gives you noticeably more grip, which was obvious right away from our own hands-on experience with the new knife.
This is important when you’re working with a sub-2″ blade and need all the control you can get. The nail-slot opening has also been refined for smoother, more ambidextrous deployment, and the overall proportions feel tighter.
The blade itself is still the brand’s go-to Sandvik 12C27 stainless steel at 1.6″ long. TJB made an effort to keep this the same, so as to not affect the accessible price tag. But 12C27 has its benefits too. While not the flashiest steel around, it holds an edge well and resists corrosion.
More Than Just a Knife
Bring back its multi-tool utility, the Elko also integrates an All Things scraper and pry tool on the tail end. This can handle everyday needs like opening a package or popping off a bottle cap.
Also, the way the ergonomics have been designed, you can grip your keys in your palm while using the knife so you’re not dealing with anything dangling or getting in the way.
Each tool ships with a titanium keyring, and four colorways are available upon launch, in both natural steel or black Cerakote-finished blade options.
Spec Sheet
Model: Elko (2026)
Blade Steel: Sandvik 12C27
Blade Length: 1.6″
Lock Type: Non-locking slip joint
Opening Style: Machined nail slot
Handle Material: 6061 machined aluminum
Carry: Full-size titanium keyring (included)
Price: $65
Pricing & Availability
The 2026 Elko is priced at $65 and is available in 4 different colorways now at The James Brand’s website.
Recap
The James Brand Elko 2026 Relaunch
The James Brand just relaunched the Elko, one of their original keychain knives, with a ground-up redesign that refines the handle, grip, and overall proportions while keeping the same Sandvik 12C27 blade and slip-joint simplicity that made it a staple. At $65, it’s still one of the cleaner entry points into the TJB lineup.
