Rough Edge EDC: Example of how to build your EDC
EL PASO, Texas (KTSM) – There’s no new gear to check out or review this week.
So, let’s do a pocket dump and run through what I’ve been carrying during the past week. This can be used as an example on how to build your own EDC. Please feel free to use any of these ideas as your own.
Regular readers of this space know that I love, LOVE the Wayfinder Flux wallet. It is a minimalist wallet that is made out of high-tech polymer material that has an indestructible feel to it.
I normally carry seven or eight cards in it and there is space in the center for a few bills and/or receipts.
Perfect for my EDC. Plus, it has this grippy exterior that gives you the confidence that this small and light wallet will actually stay in your pocket and not slip out, which is a problem with some minimalist wallets.
What is EDC? Here is a look at some daily carry items
As for my keys, I use an Orbitkey organizer from their active line in orange polymer. Attached to this, I have an Olight iTHX rechargeable keychain flashlight (got it for free with a Black Friday order last year) and a Leatherman Micra.
The Micra is the OG of my EDC. I am on my third Micra and have been carrying one since the 1990s. It is a keychain multitool that is scissors-based and includes a small blade, a couple of screwdrivers, bottle opener and tweezers. Just a great little tool.
I also use an S-biner from Nite Ize to attach my Micra to my key setup, allowing it to quickly be detached and be used unencumbered.
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This started out as a tool for fishing outings. Now, I bring it to the office. I have the reputation as the guy to go to when you need scissors in a hurry, thanks to the Micra.
In addition to that, I have been carrying a credit card-sized notebook from Rite in the Rain and a collapsible all-weather pocket pen from the same company.
Very convenient, for jotting down a few notes when you are out and about and don’t have access to a full-sized notebook.
I also usually carry a notebook cover from Galen Leather. It fits a traditional Field Notes or Log + Jotter notebook (3 ? inches by 5 ? inches). The notebook cover can easily fit two or three pocket-sized notebooks inside. It has a pen loop and two credit card-sized slots inside the front cover. I use one of them to store my CRKT Viva – a one-piece multitool that is basically a glorified bottle opener.
Rough Edge EDC: Going traditional with a modern company
And of course, can’t forget this one. I have been carrying a “hank” from my good friends at Junkin Genius. Been carrying one in my back pocket almost every day. It’s great as a backdrop for social media posts but also comes in handy to wipe smudges and fingerprints off pocket knives or clean up a small mess.
As for my knives (can’t forget the pocket knives), I have been alternating carrying my Vosteed Raccoon and Victorinox Sentinel as my primary carry.
The Vosteed has a 3.25-inch cleaver blade, a beautiful blue micarta handle that has the feel of blue jeans to it and great action thanks to its crossbar lock. Note: The Raccoon comes in several different varieties — different blade patterns, locks and handle material.
I bought it for $59 last year (no additional shipping costs) directly from the Vosteed website. It has the feel of a knife that costs way more than that.
It is a beautiful knife, but one that I have had to force myself to carry. It is so nice I have been afraid of “messing it up” or worse, losing it. But to not carry it, what is the point of having such a nice knife and never taking it out into the world?
As for the Victorinox Sentinel, it is one of the larger Swiss Army Knives at 4.4 inches (111 millimeters) when closed.
This is a little bit different from your typical Swiss Army Knife. The handle is black instead of the traditional red and is made of a polymer-type material that gives it a sturdy and substantial feel.
If you are expecting a bunch of different features from this knife, you will be disappointed. It has a single blade and just the traditional scale tools (tweezers and toothpick).
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Unlike so many other Swiss Army Knives, this one has a locking blade, can be opened one handed and has a pocket clip. All are features you normally don’t see on most Victorinox knives.
The older I get, the more attracted I am to the simpler Swiss Army Knife patterns, like this one.
As for my secondary knife, I have been alternating between a Victorinox Recruit and a Kershaw Gadsden.
Both, I carry in custom-leather slips made from my good friend at J.O. Ventures Outdoors.
The Victorinox Recruit is another simpler offering from the maker of Swiss Army Knives. This one has just two layers – two blades and a can opener and bottle opener, which can both be used as screwdrivers in a pinch.
Rough Edge EDC: Custom slip makes for simple carry solution
The Recruit is smaller than the Sentinel at 3.3 inches or 84 millimeters. This offering is much closer to what most people think of when they conjure up images of a Swiss Army Knife. It comes with red “cellidor” plastic handles for that traditional Swiss Army Knife look and also has the traditional tweezer and toothpick as scale tools.
The Kershaw Gadsden is a mini-trapper with two blades – a clip point and a fairly aggressive spey blade. This knife is listed as discontinued by Kershaw on its website, but I have been able to find it at Chicago Knife Works and Atlantic Knife, for around $20.
Here are some links so you can pick up some of the gear that I mentioned in this column.
Rite in the Rain credit card-sized notebook
Here are some YouTube channels that I find to be fun, entertaining and excellent sources of information about EDC gear.
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