EDC

submitted by Ben

Hello Bernard!

I love your blog, and your personal efficient take on EDC.  Over the past couple years I have spent hours perusing your archives, and have found out about a lot of great gadgets thanks to you.

I am a 24 year old blue collar kid from Colorado.  I have been putting myself through school and am finally about to get my undergraduate in philosophy from the University of Colorado Boulder. I have been collecting knives, flashlights, and fun things since the ripe old age of 6, and have worked very hard for almost every piece in my collection. 

Here are a few things that I carry on a regular basis, albeit not all at once :)

-Muyshondt Aeon from Enrique’s last neutral tint run
-McGizmo Sundrop 3S
-Mac’s Customs Copper Tri EDC in neutral.
-Mike Alsdorf custom slipjoint
-Chris English Z automatic
-Spyderco Caly 3
-Chris Reeve large regular Sebenza and sheath made by my uncle
-Handkerchief that I found in my grandma’s house when we moved her out.
-Makr Carry Goods wallet
-MiNI CR2 from the original warm run with a great super warm tint (~3000k) and an orange cadet attached to a split ring with McGizmo clips.  I usually have a car key on here too.
-keys
-phone
-not pictured: notepad, pen, or chapstick

Thanks!
Ben

Editor’s Note: Hi Ben, thanks for the kind words. Lovely collection you’ve got! I see you have discerning taste when it comes to flashlights — great variety of options, and it’s nice to see some love for warmer tints. For most EDCers, I would say color rendition isn’t critically important, but it sure does make real life usage more pleasing, in my opinion anyway. I also like the variety in your knives’ blade lengths, lock types, handle material, styling, and so on. You can’t really go wrong with those. The Mini CR2 x Alox Cadet pairing is great too. I personally find a highly efficient twisty light and a SAK make a great backup system, and you’ve got just that plus some cordage for retrieval and grip retention. Lastly, that wallet looks great — although if I had one, I’d probably experiment with using it as a small gear pouch. Thanks for sharing your collection of high quality, eclectic gear. From a recent graduate myself, congrats on finishing your undergrad! Work hard and save often.

Editor’s Note: Hi everyone, I’ll be going to the Philippines for a couple of weeks to address some family matters and I am not sure of the internet situation yet, so I apologize in advance if the posting frequency on the site becomes less consistent. To try to make it up to you, here’s a little shot of what I’ll likely be carrying overseas:

• Polarized sunglasses
• Rockboxed Sansa Clip+ w/ 32gb microSD
• Playing Cards
• Microfiber towel (for phone, gadgets, glasses and intense perspiration)
• Headporter Hip Pack
• 4sevens Quark 123 Ti
• iPhone 4S anti-theft device
• Pilot Birdy Mini SS and SS Sharpie
• My attempt at a paleo trail mix
• Victorinox Super Tinker with 550 lanyard (should cover all the tools I need)
• Seiko SNN215 on Grey NATO (Adjustable strap in case I swell up from the heat and/or consumption of rice)
• USB to mini USB, spare CR123a battery, SS peanut lighter
• Handkerchief (I’ve been told it’s hot in the Philippines)
• iPhone charger (I’ll pick up a universal adapter when I land)
• Shure SE530 custom remolds, vintage leather belt pouch

I’d likely be carrying this pack with my camera, or inside of my RUSH 24. My RUSH24 will keep a compact spare change of clothes, a compact umbrella, my laptop and charger, a book, and so on… I’d prefer to have a less “tactical” look and a more fobby asian look just to blend in better I guess! I don’t anticipate needing too much gear as I’ll be in the city, and as I’m not sure of the knife laws exactly, I’ll play it safe with a SAK.

Anyway, thanks for looking. If I see cool gear during my travels, it’ll likely end up on @carrygram!

submitted by Matt542

First off, really like the site. Perhaps similar to others, I have a slight pre-occupation with little gadgets, and an awareness of the objects I carry with me on a daily basis. I found your site while looking to replace the LED Lenser K3 on my keys, and have since then lost a substantial amount of time trawling through previous submissions.  Anyway, I finally decided to photograph my EDC, but have also included those objects I carry on my person on a daily basis while at work (UK Paramedic). Thanks for the site, and keep up the good work.

The lower row is my ‘true’ daily carry, from left to right:

• iPhone4 with slim black hi-gloss rubber case (micro-fibre cloth carried between case and back of phone).
• Freecom 16GB USB databar
• Papermate ComfortMate Ultra 1.0M black
• Moleskine diary
• Old Solo watch I found in an antiques market
• Keys, with 4sevens Quark MiniX 123, Gerber Shard, and Leatherman Style
• Leather Wallet, which I’d like to replace, but can’t find anything I truly like.

Upper Row is my additional carry when at work. Left to right:

• TuffCut Shears with lanyard on handle - to secure safely in pocket (looped over earpieces of stethoscope) as I’ve lost countless pairs.
• Casio F-91W. This replaces my wristwatch and sits on my belt (“naked” from elbow down policy at work). It’s bum-basic, easy to disinfect and cheap to replace.
• Peli VersaBrite 3. Clips onto loops on my shirt/fleece – really useful for leaving my hands free for completing paperwork/or not falling down steps at night with poor lighting and hands full.
• Leather belt radio clip.
• iPhone FM radio transmitter. Allows me to play my iPod via the ambulance radio.
• Pen torch (for pupillary responses)…as no one likes 100 lumens in the face.
• Fenix LD10 R5. Love it, although have contemplated replacing with a CR123 battery powered torch, but AA’s are supplied free at work.
• SAK Spartan, endlessly useful.
• Littmann Classic II SE stethoscope.

Editor’s Note: Hi Matt, thanks for the kind words, and for sharing a carry unique to you profession for us to enjoy. Your “true” EDC is set up just fine — Fairly minimal, good utility on your keychain and you managed to do it despite the more strict UK knife laws. Your work carry is especially interesting and refreshing to see! The retrieval cordage on your shears is very clever and looks like it would work great to quickly let you get to work, which is important in your profession as a paramedic. The LD10 should stay in your carry if you love it and batteries are free, in my opinion. Some CR123 lights are much brighter but these days you can even get away with something like the EagleTac D25A clicky, which is very compact and bright for a 1xAA light. Otherwise, everything looks great. The one thing that struck me was that you didn’t include a ‘rescue tool,’ with a glass breaker, seatbelt cutter and so on, but if those aren’t necessary in your line of work, forgive me. Thanks for sharing!

submitted by andyroo

Usual workday carry. 

• Moleskine
• Caran D’ache pen
• Keys w/ sak, atwood tool, and lumintop worm light
• Wallet
• Citizen watch
• iPhone4 in Saddleback case
• Emerson Mini A-100

Editor’s Note: Very nice, I especially like your keychain setup with the SAK, Atwood and Lumintop. That’s some great versatility and utility in a streamlined package. The little gate clip with your car keys lets you detach your main tools when in use and alleviates strain on your ignition. The Caran d’Ache pen is beautiful, and I like that you carry a notebook to use it with (I see a lot of ‘one or the other’ for some reason). Lastly, the Mini A-100 is one of those rare successful combinations of clean looks, rugged and tactical qualities, and a useful blade shape, making it a great EDC blade. Thanks for sharing!

submitted by H2O Boy

My Titan EDC

1. Strider SnG DGG-T
2. Mcgizmo Haiku
3. Render K Pen
4. USN Challenge Coin
5. Anso Titanium Carabiner
6. Voc Money/CC Holder

Editor’s Note: Not much to say about this carry other than that it’s safe to say you’ve made a lot of other readers pretty jealous. For many, the Strider and McGizmo are familiar items… but to less initiated, I should mention these tools are top notch quality and sought after by many. I haven’t seen many pics of the Render K kickstarter pen, my first impression is that the shape looks a little strange but at least it’s not overly tactical. And the Anso carabiner is awesome (if not overkill) with that rugged design, nice size, and sturdy materials to ensure your keys are secure. Thanks for sharing!

submitted by vikingmidgets

I really enjoy reading your blog and getting to see how diverse everyones load out is.  So here is currently what I usually have on me. -Dan

- 32oz Nalgene bottle(I drink at least one every day)
- Keys w/gerber shard(would love an atwood and toying with the idea of a second light on the keys)
- Citizen BM6400 on NATO strap (cheap durable and easy to read)
- Slimmy Wallet
- iPhone 4
- Spyderco Sage 2 Titanium
- 4sevens Preon 2
- Shure e2c IEMs (I intend to replace these with custom molded IEMs soon)

Editor’s Note: Hey Dan, I appreciate your support. Let’s take a look at your EDC… It’s good to see that you keep a bottle, hydration is really important for daily health, and having water could save your life one day, actually. I just wonder how you carry something like that. As for your keychain, some Atwoods would definitely add different functionalities but also keep an eye out on Leatherman, word on the street is that they acquired PocketToolX and should have some more affordable keychain one piece multitool offerings to consider. A second light is not a bad idea either, considering your main light is a little long — a small twisty light should complement it well (if you like 4sevens, maybe a Mini CR2 if you can manage the bulk). But in its current configuration, your keychain seems lightweight enough to handle everything on that non-locking carabiner, assuming you pocket tuck it. Good choice of watch, you bring up a good point about it being easy to read. Arabic numerals would help out with that considering the small case diameter. Your knife is a great EDC, not too large with a nice blade shape, excellent materials and lock. And yes, e2cs are a little dated but I see you’re in the market to upgrade. Nice carry over all and thanks for sharing.

submitted by Fredrik

Ever since a buddy of mine came home from Gunsite with a Spyderco and a Surefire - sometime around ‘92 - I’ve been EDC’ing. And finally I have a selection that actually works I can manage to carry around each and every day. So:

• iPhone… Good for everything except calling people 
• Keys, various. The ragged Ladybug now sports a chisel point. She’ll be replaced eventually.
• Wallet - as I’m in the #1 cashless country, I seldom - if ever - carry cash. For good or bad. Hence the credit-cards-only kind of thing.
• Zebralight H51. He. Hehehe… This thing is simply silly. 200 lumen from a AA battery. Nuff said
• HAK - the cheapest (440 steel) available, but with some ninja sharpening, it gets to hairpopping sharp.
• Snus! FTW! As long as the Brussels-tribe will let us have it…

And there you have it - nothing fancy and no SAK. I’ve messed around with all kinds of multitools in the past and it turns out (empirically/statistically) that, for me, it’s not worth the effort.

Editor’s Note: Pretty interesting carry here… I wouldn’t expect a hideaway knife to be paired with something less tactical like a Zebralight, to be honest. However, it still totally works, and I’m glad you’ve found a configuration that you like. It’s all fairly minimal, right down to the wallet. You could probably go even slimmer with those cards if you used a clip, but at the cost of easy organization. The choice of knives in your EDC — a more tactical, self-defense type fixed blade and a relatively innocuous looking keychain folder complement each other well and serve different purposes, so I like that setup. The Zebralight is a less common option for many EDCers but in my opinion, without good reason. The specs on those lights especially for their size made them very impressive when they first came out. They still stand out as some of the best headlamps around, and are just overall a nice alternative to look for in a light if you’re not looking for something very “conventional” in a light. Nice setup. Thanks for sharing!

submitted by tinycrumb

• Rolex 5513 Gilt Explorer dial. My all time favorite timepiece. Typically on my TAD khaki NATO strap.

 • Vintage brass money clip. This clip has an unusually nice shape with a very long backside. It was originally pulled from a leather wallet/clip combo. I lost this once on the train and it was impossible to find a perfect replacement. So lucky I got it back.

 • JH Audio JH16 Pro. The nicest sounding ear monitors I’ve ever tried. Case is a black snap case originally sold with Jabra JX-10 bluetooth headsets. I fell so head-over-heels for this case that I’ll often buy an old NIB headset on eBay just for the case and throw/give away the headset. It’s double layerd, rough texture on the outside that keeps it from moving around in your pocket and nylon on the inside which keeps it water resistant. I’ve used this one for a few years and it wears in beautifully over time. Snaps open and shut by squeezing the edges.

 • Hinderer XM-18 3” Generation II w/ Brown Micarta scale.

 • LiteFlux LF2XT modified by Steve Ku with Berillium Copper replacement body, Moddoo clip, neutral XP-G & yellow trit. LiteFlux stopped making lights awhile back and I can’t figure out why. The LF2XT is the nicest EDC light I’ve ever come across. The UI is great, first press turns on moonlight mode with momentary high available by holding the switch down. AAA cells are also plentiful and easy to find.

 • iPhone 4S w/ Titanium Raw Armor replacement back from Más Elements & leather slip case from Makr Carry Goods. The leather case protects the phone well against other pocket items and the titanium back is great for just throwing it down anywhere while using it and not worrying about cracking the back.

 Now shown: Keys & wedding ring.

Editor’s Note: Really awesome carry there, but obviously all of that comes with a price… It’s hard to make a recommendation here as it’s clear you know your gear, so instead I’d rather highlight parts of your carry. I like how you’re able to blend vintage and tech gear but keep it minimal and functionally cohesive. There’s very little overlap, and each piece does its job very well (if not the best in its class) and takes up little pocket space. The JH16 Pros are probably the best portable hi-fi IEM solution, the modded LF2XT offers a fantastic UI as you already mentioned in an elegant, sleek package, Hinderer knives can take tons of abuse, the Rolex is classic, and even your phone is well protected with high quality materials. I also like that IEM case.. it seems like a convenient way to carry, protect and access something that doesn’t generally carry well in a pocket. Overall, a carry like this isn’t necessarily what people should strive for (more expensive doesn’t always mean better, depending on your situation and all), but it’s a good example of how you can invest in your EDC to achieve performance and durability in a completely useable system. I would be very satisfied to carry this exact setup. Thanks for sharing.

submitted by the-distillery

My modest carry - 

iPhone in a Power Support case
Makr slim flap wallet 
Kaweco fountain pen
The Hill-Side floral discharge handkerchief
Kershaw Japanese-made VG10 on a custom leather/brass retrieval I made
Hamilton King Scuba - automatic and swiss made on a maratac strap.

Everything (besides the iPhone) is made in Japan, the USA, Germany or Switzerland. I’m a fan of quality goods. I also have a Japanese kaijin hook for my keys. Keep up the great blog.

Editor’s Note: Here’s a very handsome carry that doesn’t seem like much out of the ordinary, but actually features some high quality gear. I like the retrieval lanyard for your otherwise clipless Kershaw — both for its functionality and the nice choice of leather and brass that lends well to the rest of your carry’s “aesthetic,” so good job with that. I like your auto for EDC, it makes sense to go with an auto if you’ll keep it on your wrist every day. While I like the Kaweco fountain pen line and have a few myself, I personally don’t think they’re ideal for heavier duty EDC. It sort of sits in your pocket without a pocket clip for easy retrieval, it’s a little slower to start writing with considering you need to unscrew the cap and put the loose cap away, the plastic body might crack, ink might leak, etc. But in the context of this carry, I can see it working just fine. Maybe a small notebook would synergize with your pen (Field Notes, Moleskine etc) and round out this carry. Thanks for sharing — I’m sure EDCers looking to put together a “gentleman’s carry” could draw some cues from this.

submitted by PeterK

I really enjoy reading your blog for a while. It is time for my first contribution. Today i would like to send you my “non-Business” EDC (when I don’t meet clients or on weekends). There is some knife rotation of course. For this picture I have chosen to include a “heavy duty user”.

1. Zero Tolerance ZT300
2. Surefire E1B Backup (110 Lumen Version)
3. iPhone 3GS
4. TAD Gear Folding Titanium Spork 2.0
5. Luminox 3051 Blackout Watch
6. Moleskine Notebook with DIY Pen Loop & MUJI Pencil
7. TUMI Wallet
8. CRKT TAO Pen
9. Countycomm Micro Widgy Prybar

Editor’s Note: Hi Peter, I’m glad you enjoy the site. I like that your carry includes some high quality gear that might be less familiar to some. The ZT, SureFire, Luminox and TAD are all rugged pieces of gear and are very coherent together in this carry. I’m actually kind of jealous of your Ti folding spork (and I’m not sure why!). You did a good job with that DIY pen loop too. It looks simple enough, something like duct tape right? That could also serve as a way to carry some extra duct tape if you’re in a pinch, I would imagine. Lastly, I’ve always wondered how well a micro prybar would work, given its size… but I suppose in your carry it also works as a way to carry some cordage or perhaps as a high-visibility keychain option as well. Thanks for sharing!

submitted by Alex

Great site, always finding new things I want. This is my current Everyday Carry, sometimes I switch out the watch. I work as a Display Artist and carry a Scout Book sometimes (not pictured), I’ve been looking for a nice, simple, metal pen to accompany the notebook. Any suggestions?

- Chester Mox Wallet
- Keys w/ Carabiner
- Braun BN-32
- Motorola Droid Razr
- Vintage Handkerchief
- Kershaw Leek
- Jack Black Lip Balm

Editor’s Note: Hi Alex, I would say some safe choices for a metal pen to carry would be a Zebra F-701, which is a sturdy, full-sized pen of metal construction with a pocket clip and rugged body. For a notebook of that size, you might find the Pilot Birdy Mini Stainless Steel Pen [reviewed here] to be a good companion. To comment a bit on the rest of your carry, I like how much of it is very slim and streamlined. I actually prefer the Jack Black lip balm myself — tube balms tend to not unscrew/lose caps/mush up in your pocket as much as traditional sticks. The Leek is a solid everyday user knife without taking up too much pocket space. Vintage handkerchief and Braun watch look cool. As for your wallet, I am partial to its design myself (I have a similar one by Corter Leather) as it’s fairly minimal, but word on the street is that Chester Mox copied some MAKR Carry Goods designs… Lastly, of course it couldn’t hurt to add a small flashlight to your keychain, so long as you keep it lightweight that carabiner should retain everything just fine. Thanks for sharing!

submitted by hans nelson

From left to right:

Luminox 1828 Field Watch
Koyono Slimmy Wallet
Benchmade Emissary 470
Nite-Ize S-Biner Stainless Med.
Fisher Space Pen
Streamlight LED Nano-light
Lacie USB Key
Glock 30SF .45 ACP
iPhone 4

Editor’s Note: I’m guessing that with this carry you’re trying to keep it minimal and lightweight. Your choices of a slim wallet and the Emissary are good for this purpose, as is keeping other gear keychain sized. Your little keyring/space pen clip mod is pretty clever, I’ve never seen one carried that way! I see you keep your gear on clips for that modular versatility. My only recommendation would probably be to replace the old version of the S-Biner, many (including myself) have had issues with its retention strength. Your keychain looks lightweight so items coming loose might not be an issue, but it’s still worth mentioning. You might also find a little Swiss Army Knife to be useful too — a 58mm tool adds some redundancy and incorporates other tools while maintaining a slim, lightweight profile. Otherwise, everything looks nice and solid.

Thanks for sharing!

submitted by potato-potato

Casio Data Bank, Cambridge Frame, Skinray Wallet, Jetbeam RRT0 R5, Zebra Pen, CRKT Drifter, Boker Steel Kubotan, Moleskin Sketch Book, Zippo

Editor’s Note: Nice, cool carry here… Doesn’t look overly tactical but still boasts all-around everyday utility. I like the RRT for its battery versatility, making it a good light to EDC anywhere. The Zebra is a classic — durable, carries well and writes decently, and I like that you have a Moleskine with it. That’s a sensible system. The Drifter and kubotan I haven’t seen much of, but from what I remember the Drifter is still a good, affordable user. The Kubotan is an interesting ‘keychain’ so to speak but aside from the obvious I suppose it also serves to improve retrievability of such a small key! Nice cordage work you have going on too for the same reason, it brings you carry together too.

Thanks for sharing!

submitted by Flip

These are the things I carry with me everyday.

• Ibelo lighter with regular flame
• BIC maxi lighter
• Zippo lighter with turboflame insert
• Bally wallet
• Vintage cigarette case (Birmingham, 1894)
• Certina DS-2 Swiss watch with NATO-strap
• Dutch army issued Victorinox pocket knife
• Cross ballpoints (2x)
• Braunbüffel pencil case
• Keys with an AVO cigarpuncher

Editor’s Note: Looks like somebody likes fire, haha. Interesting array of lighters and cigarette related gear! With so many clipless, metal objects in your carry, I hope you’ve found a method of carrying that isn’t too bulky, loud, or likely to scratch/dent your gear against each other. As far as overall utility, the Victorinox covers a lot of everyday tasks, but aside from your lighters it looks like you might find a dedicated torch useful. A small button-celled twisty light could work on your keyring. I also see you carry pens, so maybe adding a pocket notebook could come in handy. Lastly, I’d like to add your carry overall looks beautiful — I especially like the pattern details on your Zippo and cigarette case. The watch and strap bring the aesthetic of the entire carry together with fantastic results.

Thanks for sharing!

submitted by olara21

I love your site, I submitted my edc a while ago and this is how far I’ve gotten. I either carry the Wave or my Kershaw Leek when I want to go lightweight. 

Magpul Field Case - Black 16gb iPhone 4
Fenix E11
Leatherman Wave
Casio Watch
Fisher Space Pen - Bullet
Key Chain - Carabiner, Gerber Shard, LED light

Editor’s Note: Here’s a simple, well-rounded carry that doesn’t really break the bank. The Fenix and Wave combination should cover many bases, not take up too much pocket space, and last a long time. The E11 is a decent, affordable and simple torch that runs on easily sourced batteries. Your keychain is kept minimal with a backup one piece multitool and an LED, which is good — I’d probably consider swapping out that carabiner for a different kind of retention clip though (but with such a lightweight keyring, you might be okay there). The Space Pen is a classic EDC staple and the Magpul is a good choice of case too. To be honest there’s not much in the way of outstanding high-end gear, but it’s good to remind readers that you can configure an EDC for pretty much any budget and any lifestyle. The advantage of more affordable gear is that they’re also easily replaceable if they get lost. Just be aware that there is a difference between cheap and affordable! You did a great job of that. Thanks for sharing.