EDC

submitted by Dan

Hey Bernard, I am addicted to your site… thought I might throw my humble EDC into the mix. I don’t like to carry a ton of stuff, but I refuse to skimp on the knife or the flashlight. The gear is as follows (from left to right):

Big Skinny Wallet
Cummins Keychain (housekeys and truck keys)
Quark AA2 Tactical Flashlight
Palm Pre
Mcusta Tactility (Damascus / VG10 Blade, Quincewood Handle)
Carrera Sunglasses

Also, I always EDC a bandana.

Editor’s Note: Was I the only one who read “I always EDC a banana” at first? Hey Dan, thanks for the support and frequent participation in discussions on the site. Sleek and effective carry as expected — slimmed down keys and wallet, a light with long runtime, and a beautiful knife. Thanks for sharing and keep up the good work. 

To my other readers, be sure to check out Dan’s site, BladeReviews.com, which offers a variety of insightful and thorough reviews on popular EDC knives. If you’re in the market for an EDC blade but aren’t quite sure what to get, his site is a useful resource to get you started.

submitted by mattbillfield

Love your blog.  Ever since I stumbled upon it and the rest of the edc world, I’ve been buying gear non-stop.  Here is what I have in my pockets today (photo taken with my iphone 4):

-Small Sebenza with matching Chris Reeve TI bead and custom sharkskin deep carry sheath by Paul Long
-Atwood G5 Prybaby with TI Lanslide
-4Sevens Quark Mini 123 in satin TI with S3
-Fenix E05 with R4
-Keys with P-7 Suspension Clip and fishing swivel
-Koolstof carbon fiber money clip
-Rolex Submariner

I also carry a simple white hanky which came in handy to wipe the dust off the coffee table before taking the photo.

Editor’s Note: Here’s one for the titanium lovers… Beautiful gear! I like your keychain setup with the suspension clip and swivel for ease of carry. Of course, nice primary knife, tool, light and watch too. Thanks for sharing.

submitted by Raph

EDC of a french farmer 

-Opinel #10 carbon steel
-Leclanché flashlight
-some coins
-key

The Leclanché flashlight belonged to my great-grandfather.

PS: I love this blog, check it at least once a day ;)

Editor’s Note: Whoops, forgot to publish this submission from several decades ago. Jokes aside, nice to see some ‘classic’ gear but you’re missing out on all the fun of having a sharp edge and LED emitters! Consider retiring this gear before wear and tear gets the best of them and free up some pocket space with more modern pieces, unless your sentimental attachment is too strong. Thanks for sharing.

submitted by georgechen

- Hazard 4 mil-wafer wallet. 
- iPhone 4 + Magpul case.
- Strider PT in black.
- Car key.
- 4Sevens Qmini.
- Swiss Army knife USB drive 4GB + tiny scissor version.
- Mega Dangler.
- Short 550 Paracord.
- Titanium Money Clip.

Editor’s Note: Good example of a minimalist carry here. You have a super-solid primary EDC blade that isn’t excessively long or unwieldy for most EDC tasks, backed by a keychain system providing your illumination and multitool functions. The keychain is kept slimmed down but also offers added utility in both the paracord lanyard for cordage and retrieval, and the Munroe Megadangler works as both a bottle opener type tool and a suspension clip to carry your keys easily in pocket. Lastly, separating your cash and cards into a wallet and moneyclip can better distribute bulk for a more symmetrical carry, which can free up space in some pockets and utilize some unused pocket space in others for a more balanced, comfortable feel. Good work, thanks for sharing!

submitted by ranon

Top (L to R): CDG Classic Plain, Zissou Keyhook with Cashstash, Leather Triangle for Coins, Blackberry Bold 9000, Rhodia Grid Notebook

Middle: Black Pilot G2 0.5

Bottom: Muji Camera Case, 6m Parachord, Magnesium Rod with Spark Rod, Sharpie Mini, Victorinox Swiss Army Knife, Leatherman Micra, Fenix E01, Parachord, Muji Case

Editor’s Note: Nicely done. I like the re-appropriated camera case into a sort of mini survival kit. That’s a clever and pretty stylish way to conceal and carry a good selection of tools for EDC. Nice wear on your leather goods as well. Your carry looks clean and coherent, and your bases are pretty much covered so keep that up and thanks for sharing.

submitted by daniel

I have been refining my EDC and I think I nailed it.

-The watch is a Laco type B with a Corvus Horween NATO strap.
-SAK Cadet -I love how thin it is!
-4Sevens Preon 1 - Carrying this is much easier than my HDS Clicky.
-Coach card case

Editor’s Note: Great minimalism here. The Cadet/Preon 1 pair is great. Those Alox Cadets are a great value, work well for many EDCers and carries so easily. I like the Preon 1 as it’s one of the few 1xAAA lights with both a pocket clip and a click switch too. Lastly, beautiful LACO flieger too. Thanks for sharing!

submitted by rickinFL

Left to Right

Fenix E15
Moleskine 18 month calendar
Zebra 701 Hybrid (modified) pen
Peter Atwood G5b Flatbaby
Colsen Keane Microwallet
SAK Fisherman with Peter Atwood Longslide
SAK Manager
Luminox Ultimate Seal No.8362

Editor’s Note: I throw around the term ‘retrieval lanyard’ a lot and to some new readers, what that means might not be so clear. Here, Rick’s carry showcases some good examples of retrieval lanyards: a simple knot of leather on his Atwood tool and an awesome paracord lanyard with a luminescent locator bead. These facilitate ‘retrieval,’ or pulling them out of their pockets/wherever they’re stored, and at night, help to locate them as some of his gear glows in the dark (good call to put on keys especially). Good carry overall, some quality pieces and I like the customization of the lanyards, keyring hardware and pen. The keyring looks like it might be a little noisy/cumbersome with all of that hardware depending on how you carry, but the keys seem to extend long enough for a backpocket tuck to silence them and gives you room to work with to make them modular for less strain on your car ignition, etc. Good job and thanks for sharing!

submitted by hufort

I’ve always had a thing for gadgets, and so, I’ve been “EDCing” since I was a kid without “knowing it.” Quote-unquote. I stumbled across this site a little while back, though, and had my eyes opened to the care with which people were approaching the philosophy. It’s inspired me to put some real thought into what exactly I bother carrying and how I carry it. So here’s what my carry has both grown into and been refined down to:  

1969 Submariner that I’m “borrowing” off my dad. For good. On a Maratac Mil-Nato strap.
Bic Lighter
Benchmade Mini Grip
Pilot G2 0.38
Notepad
Custom leather money fold my friend Des made for me.
Burt’s Bees, Medicated, slightly murdered a la gaffer’s tape.
iPhone 4
Keychain - County Comm tweezers / Pocket Tool X Brewzer / house key / extra leash string (classic bro move) / car key / 4Sevens Quark Mini 123 T6 
High fives (not pictured)

Editor’s Note: I really like this carry for its minimalism, simple utility, and relatively affordable choices of gear with just enough individuality and creativity. The Bic and G2 work well enough to be EDC staples for many, but are also easily replaced if lost or broken. The Mini Grip is fairly affordable, ambidextrous, and has a short blade length that makes it accessible to those even living in states with stricter knife laws. The keychain setup is packed with utility but remains streamlined and with strong retention. The custom leather wallet and the changes to your Sub’s strap and your taped off lip balm add individuality but maintain function. I think the taped lip balm is a good idea, you could probably carry some duct tape or a bit of paracord with you the same way. Good stuff, good ideas and thanks for sharing!

submitted by Eugene B

Top-down, left to right:

- Pocket Shark kubotan (disguised as a marker, hence street-legal in most places)
- fitbit motion register
- UNO 24 wristwatch by Botta Design
- Google Nexus S android phone
- Byrd Wrench by Spyderco

Editor’s Note: Interesting gear! That ByrdRench is a cool little gadget — I haven’t seen many multitools using that wrench-centric design. A small flashlight could probably round out your carry better, but otherwise I like your unique choice of gear. Thanks for sharing.

submitted by Matt L

This is what is on me everyday:

Kahr PM9 
4sevens Mini 123
HTC Incredible
The only key I need
Small Swiss Army knife
Allett wallet
Arnette Defy sunglasses

Editor’s Note: Nice, another minimal carry, even down to the keys and wallet. I’m still a big fan of the Quark Mini and SAK combo. The only thing I could think of changing is maybe adding paracord or a P7 suspension clip to help with retrieval and pocket carry of small items like the QMini and SAK. Alternatively, you could consider consolidating them onto your car key with a larger split ring. However, the items are small enough to pocket loosely and if concealment is a bigger concern then it should work just fine. Thanks for sharing!

Valentine Goods iPhone 4 Leather Backs

Editor’s Note: About a year ago, I was in the market for a minimal leather iPhone case. At the time, I had a 3GS so I decided to go with one of Corter’s slim cases. Around that time, Jamie at Valentine Goods shot me an email and introduced me to his products. Now that I’ve picked up an iPhone 4S, I jumped at his offer. Many thanks to Jamie for sending me some units to review — a gloss black leather back, a limited stingray leather back, and one of their new iPad 2 leather backs.

I was interested in the Valentine Goods line because they’re simple, minimalistic and add very little weight and bulk to the phone. However, coming from a 3GS, I still wanted to add a little thickness to the phone to fit better in my hand. I opted for the gloss black and stingray because they add about 2.0mm thickness to the case, offering adequate scratch protection for the iPhone’s glass back. You can see here everything fits flushly and applies easily via a 3M adhesive back (it can be applied and reapplied). One disadvantage of having an interchangeable back is the possibility of accidentally peeling the back off if it catches the lip of your pocket or something.

The stingray back has this interesting ‘bubble’ type texture to it. It gives a unique tactile feel to it when holding the phone, potentially offering better grip than a bare backed phone. I personally prefer the smooth gloss black because that’s the type of leather grain feel I’m familiar with, but for people looking for something eye-catching and unique, it could work for you.

Overall, the Valentine Goods backs are a stylish way to customize your iPhone while adding some protection. Due to the limitations of being an adhesive backing, this product doesn’t offer ultimate protection for your phone. It can protect from scratches but look elsewhere for complete shock/impact resistance and waterproofing. Still, it works as a great middle ground between style and utility, and allows for further customization with the addition of a ‘bumper’ style case. I have found a winning combination by pairing the gloss black backing with an aluminum bumper-style case. This helps protect the edges of the case and because the bumper and backing sit flushly together, it mitigates the chance of accidental peeling.

Check out these pictures and some shots of the iPad 2 case here: flickr.

Seiko SRP027K1

Editor’s Note: I finally got a DSLR! I haven’t been buying any EDC gear though so I could save up for it — apologies for pics of old stuff. In any case, look forward to better photos and videos. I should have something up by tomorrow. I appreciate your patience~

submitted by Bruce P

4Sevens Preon 1 Titanium
Hipster Wallet
Bulova Precisionist
Kahr CW9
AlMar Eagle Ultralight Plain Edge
Wedding Band
Tasche NBP Ohto Pen
iPhone 3Gs

Editor’s Note: Nice, the Preon I, Ultralight and Ohto work perfectly for a classy, functional and lightweight carry. Looks good! Thanks for sharing and carry on.

submitted by JohnC

It’s been keys, wallet, phone; keys, wallet, phone; keys wallet, phone for me for years. Lately, I’ve been watching some Nutnfancy gear reviews and viewing some EDC pocket dumps, and I’ve decided to add more utility to my EDC setup.

I do a little sewing in my backyard shop (blacktagbags.com), so it was easy enough to make a wallet and a tool organizer. Rather than carry all my keys all the time, I load up separate vehicle-specific key rings. This one includes: house key, shop key, and Stella scooter key. Work keys have their own ring, too. I don’t ask for much in a phone – this Samsung flip works just fine. The Benchmade 1100 model pen pairs well with the 4 Sevens Preon 2 flashlight. I included a less aggressive Bic GripRoller as well. I like the Leatherman Squirt’s size, so I expect I’ll carry it more often than my Leatherman WAVE. Peter Atwood made a million whistles this spring — I couldn’t resist. This Kingston 8GB flash drive comes in handy all the time. Finally this Spyderco Ladybug fills in the locking blade gap left by the Squirt.

Editor’s Note: Hey, that organizer is pretty neat! Interesting layout, it seems to be as efficient as possible for your gear’s form factors. Good choice on the contents as well. The Preon is probably my favorite 2xAAA light and the S2 is my favorite small/mid-sized multitool. Nice work, keep it up! Thanks for sharing.

submitted by willycheesesteak

Hey Bern,

Hope all has been well with you. Here is my summer EDC. Not too different from my regular one but definitely a little more colorful with a few things that are lighter in weight than the usual. I needed to make my carry as light as possible while factoring in the weather, fabric/materials of the pants or shorts that I’ll be carrying some of this stuff around in, efficiency, and dependability of the items.

Clockwise from left:

• Keys on Summit Creek Dry Goods Leather Keychain
• Rugby Card Case
• Sterling Silver Bracelet
• iPhone
• County Comm Spyderco Ladybug in Salt Orange H1
• Cross Century Classic with Fine Point Fisher Space Pen Refill
• Jetbeam E3S
• Seiko SKX007 on a “Patriot” NATO strap(i know how much you love nato straps)

Anyway, keep up the awesome blog and please update more often!

Editor’s Note: Let’s pretend I’m not two seasons late putting this one up~ I can see the efforts to keep things light and easily pocketable, which makes sense in warmer weather clothing. A NATO actually would probably help with wrist swelling in the heat and keep your wrist feeling lighter. I’d say the flashlight might be a bit heavy for the rest of your carry (being stainless steel, and all) but otherwise nice gear… Thanks for sharing.