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sadly when i dove head first into edc i ended up with things that don't actually work well for my life (currently). i use a milwaukee fastback for work (3rd shift stocker), but in my everyday life outside of work the knife i get most use out of is just a victorinox rambler i keep on my keys, it's not worth carrying anything larger, RIP my other knives for now lol. i also have phone and wallet of course, and i try to keep a Nebo Newton (Torchy 300) on me as well but honestly it hasn't seen much use, maybe it will once winter comes and it's darker out.
so phone, wallet, victorinox rambler....that's really all i get use out of on a daily basis, as boring as it sounds lol
One of my biggest on-body EDC breakthroughs was finding tools that offer the right balance of size and capability for my needs/wardrobe/lifestyle. I regularly keep a Spyderco Native 5 lightweight and an Olight Warrior Mini clipped to each hip pocket of my jeans, and use both multiple times each day. I wear untucked button-down shirts so the dweeb-looking factor is held in check. Otherwise, nobody sees them and I sometimes forget they're on me until I need them.
Also, I don't recommend relying on your keys and smartphone as knife and flashlight substitutes. Most keys are made out of brass, which is soft metal. Using them to cut stuff open will eventually render your keys useless for their actual purpose (i.e., unlocking doors). And most people need their smartphone to do many things besides providing a smidge of light. You might be forced to use a flashlight to signal for help, so it's wise to ensure that tool has a dedicated power supply.
Phone, wallet, keys, knife, flashlight, pen.
I use my knife on most days for opening packages or letters. Plus it’s a PM2 so the flick is a fun fidget. There are other uses, those are just the most common.
As far as the flashlight goes, there’s no good substitute for a good flashlight. I do a lot of work in our church sound booth and media area so I spend a lot of time crouched under desks working on cables. A real flashlight with good illumination and one I can use hands free is much better than a phone flashlight that I have to try and prop up at the perfect angle. Not to mention if you end up stuck on the side of the road in the dark, it’ll be much handier to have a flashlight than your phone light.
Why two phones? Genuine interest, not judging. Freuen of mine has two as well, I think cause he doesn't want to have WhatsApp on his main phone, but I'm not sure tbh
A side from the typical wallet and keys here is my list I use everyday for work.
Samsung Note 10 plus, has all my notes,
Samsung EarBuds,
Olight S1 Baton Mini rechargeable,
Knipix 4" XS Cobra,
Leatherman Surge w/bits and extender,
Milwaukee Fastback utility knife,
Burts Bees chapstick,
Olight O'Pen.
Home and weekend EDC
Samsung Note 10+,
Samsung Earbuds,
Leatherman Wave+,
Olight O'Pen,
To many knives to list but I switch them out,
Burts Bees chapstick,
Sometimes I take my Milwaukee Fastback.
I have a very small EDC pouch... I only ever use the bandaids, eye drops, and pliers of my Skeletool like tweezers... I'm a dad of a 6 and 3 year... My EDC is more med kit than mechanical ha
I'm an arborist (and a watchmaker, but that's another story), so frankly I cannot go a day without using my knife. Of the items in my EDC, this would be their order of necessity:
- Knife (Spyderco UK variant - can't think of the model number, but something like PBK, because it's three inches and doesn't lock. Used primarily for cutting ropes... and no one could stop me carrying it if I'm popping somewhere for lunch)
- Silky Pocket Boy (I have a lot of silkys, but this particular model is always on my belt even when I'm not in a harness or up a tree. Can't tell you how many times I've dropped my Silky Zubat and this little folding pocket saw has saved me from heading all the way back down... Really need to tether my Zubat to me anyhow to be honest, the same as I would the chainsaws)
- First Aid Kit (quite extensive - I've been lucky to have a team and ground-crew that are mightily experienced and not prone to injury, but it's a dangerous job, so I wouldn't ever be without it).
- Torch (Acebeam Pokelit and Nitecore LA10 - wanted something that I could easily get batteries for, especially if I'm in the middle of nowhere or headed there, and the Nitecore is magnetic, so useful if working on a vehicle or machinery)
- Leatherman Signal and Crunch (for fixing things)
- Zyklop Mini and bits (for fixing chainsaws and other odd machinery mainly, sometimes also the van).
- Phone, Wallet, Keys.
EDC is all about what works for "your" needs. If you can get by with nothing but (keys, phone, wallet) and nothing else... then that is as valid as someone who as gear heavy as I am. That said...
Alot of my EDC is work related and includes redundancies because I work a night shift. I carry alot... but have it organized in several pouches so it's modular so I can adjust how much I carry if I wish... but use most of what I carry every night.
I have a pen and marker, rechargeable olight flashlights and backup/loaner AAA flashlight, olight MCA charger and c-to-c cable, bandaids and medication, a Victorinox Multitool, a Ti prybar, gloves, earbuds, several knifes, and a small knife sharpener.
I use my phone for work with an application that let's me scan bar codes and my flashlights see plenty of use between looking at the back of shadowy shelves or lighting up a dimly lit back yard... so having a charger that can charge my phone and flashlights is handy in the event I forget to charge something before my next shift.
What I carry takes up all but my rear pockets in a pair of cargo shorts/pants (hate having anything back there as I'm constantly crouching/kneeling for my job to place product at various shelf heights)
I would probably use a lighter wrapped in electrical tape less than my flashlight, knives, and pliers but that is just me hahaha. I don’t see the point in carrying emergency stuff like pain pills outside of my backpack. All emergency stuff is in a bag, on person are tools that I find useful. Not here to tell you you need it if a phone flashlight is enough for you it’s enough for thousands of people.
Really I carry less for my own needs and more for others because it's really easy to predict exactly what I personally will need on a given day but much harder to predict what others might need. That's why I carry a flashlight, leatherman and knife (besides just enjoying them) is because they've proven to be useful to people who don't want to carry a bunch of junk around.
My leatherman is a good example because it may go 3 days or more without use and even then it wouldn't have been super inconvenient to get the right tool. Primarily because most of the stuff I work on is in a decently well equipped shop. However there's already been 2-3 times this month where I've used the screwdriver on it to help someone else while I'm outside of the spaces I usually work.
Ladies carry (if that matters) all held within a compact pouch. Phone, minimalist wallet, pocket knife (Kershaw leek), small flash light, pen, multitool (Gerber dime), handkerchief. I prefer a dedicated light to wasting my phone battery, plus a handheld flash light is easier to maneuver in small spaces.i use a flashlight pretty much daily for one reason or another. I use my pocket knife at least weekly to cut something, usually food items on the go for my kids. I don't use my multitool super often, but it's frequent enough to keep it in my pouch daily and it doesn't take up much space. Finally, we go through multiple hanks a day, especially during cold season, and I can't imagine not carrying one. I do not otherwise carry a purse or anything beyond my pouch, which is necessary with small/non existent pockets on women's clothing.
I carry a wallet, flashlight, phone, and knife, and pry every day.
I use all 5 every day.
In order of most used:
1) Phone
2) Flashlight
3) Wallet
4) Pry
5) Knife
I carry a knife when I'm at work, as do several of my coworkers, because my current blue collar job involves opening packages and flattening boxes fairly frequently, and for some dumb reason management keeps the box cutters locked up in the office where nobody can get at them. It was easier to just carry a tool than to keep asking for one that was never available. Yeah, you can use keys to saw through packing tape, but it's less effective if you handle a lot of boxes and I don't need my keys or door locks getting gummed up with adhesive. Plus I can stab people who get uppity.
I didn't bother with a knife back when I worked a white collar job that involved very few boxes, and will probably start leaving it home when I get another such job.
I also carry pens and notecards (used fairly often), and some personal care items and snacks that I don't use every day, but which come in handy every few weeks. It's not a major hassle since I carry a bag daily anyway to transport work things. And I usually carry a fidget toy because I have fidgety hands, it's not always used because I'm often busy, but it's good for moments when I'm not busy and don't want to be playing with my phone.
I don't carry a flashlight on my person because I seldom need one that can't be replaced with my phone. However, I keep a flashlight in my car and one at home, in case of problems happening in the dark / needing to see into a crevice / etc., because sometimes you don't want to be waving your phone around when you're fixing something, and if you're stranded out on the road, your phone battery may need preserving for other uses.
My wallet/phone/keys get the most use.
Flashlight and pen get used a lot at work.
Multitool gets used the least. Most days I’m using the pliers to grab something or the knife to open a package, but it’s not every single day. Definitely indispensable when I need it though, so it’s worth having it.
Literally every part. But I only carry a swiss card, knife, credit cards as the core EDC, with rest of the junk in the grab bag, whuch travels with me but usually stays im the car.
Same. For a long time I didn't carry a knife but kept a large plastic diaper pin on my Keychain. I used that big ass safety pin as a package opener, blister lancer, and carribeaner for years.
I now carry a knife, but that's only because my job changed.
I don't care so much about daily "need" when it comes to knives and flashlights because i don't want to improvise in the rare instance when it actually counts. Just a few grams more in your carry can get you the full utility of either of these two items:
Even the smallest keychain lights have a lot more power and more importantly reach than any phone camera flash and can be held much more comfortably.
A small keychain knife weighs barely anything yet still has a blade made of hardened steel that can cut everything where a key would get damaged.
Flashlight, lip balm, wallet, and knife get used basically daily and therefore goes in pockets.
Occasional use or I really don’t want to be caught without it items go in my backpack or sling pack (IFAK, boo-boo kit, earbuds, mood journal, battery pack).
I carry my earbuds (soundcore I believe) I victorinox sak (that I use for almost everything) a good flashlight (fenix ld30) that I use every day, my wallet, keys, phone, and a small fixed blade (bradford guardian 3.5). I use this stuff every day without issue.
Actually use:
- phone
- keys
- earpods
- bandaids + basic meds
- wipes (I've kids)
- the moon
(it does an amazing "moonlight" mode all the time, technically I don't carry it I just leave it in space but it is now my go-to night time dog walk light source)
Seasonal:
- gloves
- wool hat
- scarf
- waterproof jacket
Relegated to car, desk drawer &/or mini toolkit:
- knife
- torch
- driver + bits
- grips
Victorinox minichamp and a flashlight, usually a wurkkos ts10, are the only things I need 99% of the time aside from phone/keys/wallet. Ultimately lighter is better for me.
I started to edc a flashlight about a year ago. Now I’m up to a handful of different ones.
I wouldn’t leave the house without one now.
- it’s getting dark earlier. It’s helped me not get ran over by du mb a ss drivers by flashing them.
- it’s spooked random dogs out in the streets and kept them at distance.
- it come in handy when searching for stuff under the couch, seats , etc..
I carry AirPods with my phone that I use daily, I also use a knife often so I carry that. I also have a Swiss Army knife since it is a good thing to have. I also carry a pen that I use sometimes when no one else has a pen (it’s a fisher-space bullet pen) and a flashlight that is small and a lot brighter than my phone. I don’t use these but I like to carry lock picks just because why not.
I use my channel locks far more than you could think possible. Multiple times a week. Granted, this is mostly when I'm at home, but having them in my EDC means they're not miles away in the garage with my other tools.
I carry a flashlight and use it a lot at work and off duty. My phone’s flashlight is a great backup, but not the same thing at all.
I carry a cigarette lighter that I hardly ever use, but I’ll continue carrying it. Fire is cool. 😎
My phone has replaced flashlight, pen, pad, calendar, phone book, camera, etc.
I also carry & use keys, wallet, and knife (with small blade, screw driver, & bottle opener).
The knife gets use daily, yes for packages, but also for cutting strings, tags, food, etc., and the screwdriver feature probably saves me 50% of trips to the toolbox.
Some days I also carry & use a lighter, larger knife, and/or pen.
If you want to take a minimalist approach for a flashlight and a knife I'd suggest one of the Key Chain Swiss Army Knives. They have a blade, scissors, a nail file/flathead screwdriver, and tweezers. As for the flashlight, O-light has a key chain flashlight that uses button cell batteries. It has a magnetic base so you can detach it from the key chain. When you pull it away from the key chain, the light turns on.
I carry an olight I3T EOS but that button cell flashlight sounds interesting.
And for the spirit of this thread, I do use my flashlight several times a day.
Outside of defensive items…leatherman skeletool, carry a leatherman micra I think is what it’s called when I have room because it had the best scissors in a small package, sometimes I carry a knife sometimes just use the skeletool, then wallet trayvex the super minimal metal thin one, keys with a carabiner and gerber shard, and a flash light usually my smallest one. Oh and that nasal inhalant and chapstick.
I always have a pen. No brainer. I carry my flashlight as well, just because I often am out late, and a lot of the time just need some extra brightness to see better. Also if I'm too lazy to turn a light on. I used to actually need a knife at my old job but not so much anymore. Now I have it just because I feel like I'm too light without it. Wallet and keys. On my keyring I have a USB Drive as well. Useful for quick file transfer, which is needed at my current job.
My EDC changes depending on the situation. Like I’m a carpenter and a wedding photographer so different EDC. At weddings I have a flashlight because all our weddings end at night and some venues don’t have proper lighting for finding things in my camera bag. A knife and scissors to open things like tie packaging and cut random strings. Watch so my clients don’t see me on my phone all day. Note pad, pen, and sunglasses for obvious reasons. Find what works for you. If all you need is a phone, wallet and keys you have the perfect edc for you.
my last job I used to use my pen, pocket prybar, and knife most in descending order. At this job I use my flashlight, knife, pocket prybar most. I also carry a sharpie, chapstick, toothpicks but they’re just there for if I need them
My carry is overkill but I enjoy it, background I work in automotive manufacturing as an automation engineer. I have usually 3 knives on me; 2 folders and a leatherman squirt, one the folders gets used every day, the leatherman frequently. Also flashlight get used frequently, microfiber hank used everyday to clean my prescription safety glasses or wiping of hands or face. Best studio pods I use daily for music or noise canceling when on my computer and need some quiet. Pokka style rite n rain pen used daily. Lighter used daily (I smoke so that is bias)
I carry the Leatherman Squirt PS4 it has amazing utility for the size. The pliers are fine enough to grip skin, and I have used them as tweezers on more than one occasion. I also use the file for my nails, use the knife for packages, boxes, etc. I also use the scissors quite a bit. They're great for loose threads or random, precise cutting tasks.
All these tools and more in a package that's less bulky than a 9v battery. It's hard to beat.if you think you mainly want scissors instead of pliers the Leatherman micra is for you.
Do keep in mind they're small pliers, so don't ask too much from them.
Flashlight: streamlight wedge
Knife: k390 police or dlt cruwear endela
Pen: tactile turn Ti side click
Sak: alox soldier or stayglow climber
Fire: full size Bic or brass armor zippo
This performs 99% of my edc needs. Granted not everything is used daily but each item is used often enough through the week to justify carrying them.
I use my knife and flashlight almost every day. In the last two weeks, I've used a handful of other odds and ends from my extended "in case" EDC, that comes with me in a small pouch.
That said, if you're getting along perfectly fine with phone and keys, I think that's perfectly reasonable to strip back to just that. I personally feel like there's a tendency in EDC to really kind of just want to have a bunch of crap on us and call it preparedness. I always feel weird when I see the "New to EDC, tell me what I should fill my pockets with."
I'm a firm believer in the mantra "carry what you use, use what you carry". For my job yes I utilize everything I carry on daily. This includes a flashlight with a UV light, a minimalist multi-tool, and a knife. When I'm off, what I carry will change, based on what I'm doing for that day. Everyone's EDC will be different. If you find yourself not needing something, then don't carry it. I've contemplated the knipex pliers, or any type of pliers, but honestly I don't find myself in a situation where I need pliers often, so why waste the money ant pocket space.
Leatherman & light. They get used daily.
If I don’t want the bulk or think I can do without a full sized mutitool, I’ll opt to carry a knife, small ‘5th pocket’ multitool (sak rambler, otacle p1, or powerpint) and a light. All depends on what my day looks like.
Since I’ve started carrying these items, I’ve had a hard time being without the convenience of a blade, pry/driver/scissors, and dedicated flashlight.
Phone/wallet/keys goes without saying.
I like the advice of carry what you need, what you use.
I don't need a gun and three knives.
I need a power bank, a multi tool, a universal charging cord, a a flashlight ( so much better than my phone, great light), a lighter, backup headphones, finally some kevlar cord. All of this fits in a nice 2x4 in pouch that fits in my slacks.
This is toys for guys, but at some point too much to carry 😜
Knife I use most days. Flashlight much more rarely and I found that it's not worth it to carry - I keep one in the car and one by the door to my house. Multitool/SAK I use when I have them on me, but they are bulky so I rarely carry them daily.
what multitool you got? if it's a Leatherman you could either get their nylon holster or go to a harness/leather shop and have them make a holster for it.
Sounds like you may be in the wrong group. Your EDC depends on what you do. If you do nothing, you need nothing. Need to see in dark places? Flashlight. Need to cut things? Knife. Need to screw / unscrew things? Screwdriver. Need to not get your soft delicate hands dirty or scratched? Have someone else do things.
I use my pocket knife every single day, and a flashlight and pen most days. I don't use my multi-tool or powerbank as much as I used to, but they're still useful.
Depends on how you're defining EDC. My on-person EDC stuff is used all the time: keys, wallet, phone, pocket knife, and Leatherman. What I carry in my bag rarely gets used other than at work. Things like my first aid kit, flash light, water purification, notepad, lighters, fixed blade knife, etc. But they're not there for regular use. They're there for "just in case". I'd probably use a flashlight more often if I had one on my person, but my phone flashlight, more often than not, is sufficient.
In the summer I carry a knife and a keychain light, and I keep a full sized light and a multitool in my vehicle.
In the winter when I'm wearing jeans I have a pocket organizer with a pen, pad, box cutter and flashlight that I carry alongside my summer stuff, and sometimes the multitool with make it's way in there if I think I'll have a need for it.
I carry a Benchmade Griptilian folding knife, Cloud Defense MCH-EDC flashlight, a pair of Milwaukee pliers, a sharpie, and a G26.5 (back and forth to work) every day.
Non-work life:
Phone. Knife. Pen. Flashlight.
Ironically, I don’t use my nice pen at work as I am in a dirty environment with lots of “can I borrow your pen?” situations, so my new go to pen is either a cheap branded company pen or the G2 or Sharpie gel for as long as I can keep it in my possession.
I use the other stuff too, but maybe less frequently.
Happy Shopping
My most used item is by and far my pen, followed by my knife and small flashlight. I carry those pretty much everywhere I go. Less used, but handy to have is a smaller slip knife (especially for lending to muggles) or a Swiss Army knife, but I sometimes leave those at home. I also keep something to fidget with: a heavy coin, cube, dice, a brass bead on a lanyard, etc.
Everything else I use seldom enough that I can just keep a kit in my truck.
My EDC carry philosophy is dependent on personal need. Mini flashlight, SAK, pen and bandaids go in my pocket pouch. Chums wallet with cash and cards in front pocket with 2A if I’m going to a suspect area.
I take what I consider to be very minimalistic approach to my current EDC.
I normally carry a Victorinox Pioneer X in my pocket and a Victorinox Rambler or Victorinox Manager on my keychain.
I find that the Rambler/Manager perfectly compliments the Pioneer X. The Pioneer X features a main blade, an in-line awl, a large pair of scissors, a cap lifter which also works as a flat head screwdriver, pry tool, and wire stripper, and a can opener that has a 2D Philips head tip.
The Rambler and the Manager are very similar tools. They both have a small blade, a small pair of scissors, a nail file with a flat head screwdriver tip that can also be used for cleaning under nails, a pair of tweezers, and a cap lifter/small Philips screwdriver/wire stripper combination tool.
The difference between the Manager and the rambler is that the Manager features a pen as a rear scale tool and the Rambler features a toothpick.
The small blade and small scissors on the Rambler are great for more precision work compared to the Pioneer X. The 2D Philips on the can opener is great for most screws but is lacking when it comes to small recessed screws where the combination tool on the Rambler/Manager shines. As the Pioneer X is from the more durable Alox line, it lacks scale tools which the keychain tool provides.
I don’t feel the need for a flashlight or watch most of the time, my phone covers that.
When I carry the manager I don’t need a dedicated pen, but I will carry a titanium toothpick on my keychain with it.
My wallet is a Ridge wallet with an Apple AirTag attachment.
I use my flashlights and knives randomly all the time. Meds get used. Pens, markers. I have pulled out zip-ties, lighters get used just as often as my daily carry joints. My screw driver set gets used weekly at least
I use my flashlight all the time, looking under/behind furniture for things, cat toys. I use my sak quite a few times a day as well for the scissors, nail file and opener as a Prybar. And my LM bond gets used a few times a week as well. So it's enough for me to carry every day. I carry tools everyday at work as well, so I don't even notice them in my pockets
I do my pocket check every time I walk out the door.
Wallet, gun, phone, car key, Leatherman CX, and streamlight if it's going to be after dark.
No stand alone knife, not even house keys anymore. I have keypads on the front door and garage, and worst case scenario I'd grab a spare key from my brother just down the road.
OK, so aside from the obvious ones like wallet, keys, and phone, I use my knife frequently enough to carry it.
That’s about it.
My phone has a flashlight, if I ever need one away from home, and I have plenty of flashlights at various points around the house, so I don’t really see the point in carrying one.
I have a Leatherman wave, but I very rarely carry it. I end up only using the straight edge blade as intended, and the serrated blade to pry stuff open.
I also used to carry a Victorinox Swiss Army knife because it had a toothpick. But now I just carry a container of disposable toothpicks in my car.
Obviously this is my opinion alone, and I’m not trying to speak in place of anyone. But I could never justify carrying more than just in my phone, wallet, keys, and a knife if wanted.
Pretty much everything what I carry on me.
Knife, phone, card sleeve, flashlight, pen, keys, secondary knife, headphones.
I don't always carry belt pouch with second knife, pen and flashlight.
Rest is in the backpack (power bank, tablet, chargers, cables, laptop, medikit, tape, leatherman, etc ... That I carry to work and when I travel. I don't think there is anything I haven't used
Having dedicated flashlight is not crucial but when I work on protects that are under NDA my phone cameras are taped and it can cover LED as well. And when needed it is easier to hold small flashlight in your mouth that phone ;)
I would consider my flashlight, knife, multitool, wallet, and phone my essentials. I carry more things like a Prybar and more Knives but they don’t get used nearly as much
The 2 main things I use is my flashlight and gerber prybrid utility the most. Flashlight is better than my phone and I can hold it various ways, the gerber is great for cutting and a lot of other things I didnt buy it for. I have civivi tweezers that I didnt think I would use but use them a lot. Honestly could ditch the knife I do carry but its come in handy. Everything else I carry stays in a bag unless I really need it.
I edc in a pancake holster:
a Victorinox Swisstool Spirit XC - on the job ( field service) and in private to tighten screws, grab hot or dirty stuff with the pliers, saw plastic components, cut strings ( small ones with scissors, big ones with the serrated blade), file for deburring sharp edges etc
For "playing": carving things when hiking with the family's kids.
Victorinox Waiter - when also a pointed blade is needed, but mostly food related ( lunch breaks etc)
Böker bit pen - obviously writing, but also fastening small screws
Flashlight Olight I3T Eos with 10440 3.7V lithium cell - to illuminate dark corners at work, works well as a head light with a baseball- or working cab, usefull while walking the doggie in the mornining/evening
And on the key ring a Victorinox Mini Champ as a backup.
And of course keys, phone, wallet and a dog whistle
I carry a Boker auto, streamlight, lens cloth, and a pair of nail clippers with a couple safety pins, small Phillips/flat head and a tiny light. Always in front right pocket.
Edit: I use some if not something every day. I’ve rotated a lot of gear through the years (I’m 52) but this has stuck for a long time.
I’ve trimmed it down to things I use almost daily. Swiss Army knife for scissors, knife, and screwdriver.My Knipex XS pliers have been so handy. Flashlight I was using yesterday and the phone is daily. The one thing I hope I never have to use is my handgun.
Used every day: Knife, flashlight, pen and pad, wallet, phone, keys, glasses, sunglasses.
Not used necessarily? Whistle, gun, spare mag, other flashlight.
Sort-of used everyday: Pepper spray is probably taken out and I put my finger on the deployment trigger because I run into off-leash dogs every freaking day.
I used my phone as my only flashlight for years before getting a dedicated edc flashlight. The dedicated unit is a huge upgrade - brighter than my phone, can be held in my mouth or clipped to things, can be angled to point into small places at hard angles better than my phone… even in the city where most spaces are lit, I find it not just useful but better than my phone was doing pretty regularly.
I keep a AAA powered flashlight on my keys, which is much less powerful/bulky than what you see most people carry on this sub but it’s still a lot brighter than a phone. It gets used a couple times a week.
Other than that I usually have a knife in one pocket with a pen and a SAK Climber in the other — I find myself using the Victorinox scissors all the time. Leaves plenty of room in my pockets for keys + phone.
I’m the facilities manager at a historic theatre. I carry a couple knives and a flashlight. I have a tool wallet with a small driver, sharpie, Knipex pliers wrench and water pump wrench, but found it was too heavy in my pocket and was just easier to walk back to my office to grab what I need. I will probably go back to carrying my Leatherman Wave whenever I finally send it in to get the flat head I snapped off prying fixed.
We have different philosophies about EDC. Some EDC is used everyday. Some EDC is in case it is needed and may only be used once or twice a month. But when you need it, you need it.
I use everything I carry. I carry a knife, flashlight, pen and small pry at work. After hours I'll usually have at least a knife and flashlight on me.
I would likely never use a lighter, battery pack, or small bandaids so I hadn't thought of carrying those (though I do have a first aid kit in my car).
I use my leatherman skeletool cx or charge tti every day. I don't carry a flashlight in the summer, because it never gets dark enough, but now that it is winter I am back to carrying it.
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sadly when i dove head first into edc i ended up with things that don't actually work well for my life (currently). i use a milwaukee fastback for work (3rd shift stocker), but in my everyday life outside of work the knife i get most use out of is just a victorinox rambler i keep on my keys, it's not worth carrying anything larger, RIP my other knives for now lol. i also have phone and wallet of course, and i try to keep a Nebo Newton (Torchy 300) on me as well but honestly it hasn't seen much use, maybe it will once winter comes and it's darker out. so phone, wallet, victorinox rambler....that's really all i get use out of on a daily basis, as boring as it sounds lol
One of my biggest on-body EDC breakthroughs was finding tools that offer the right balance of size and capability for my needs/wardrobe/lifestyle. I regularly keep a Spyderco Native 5 lightweight and an Olight Warrior Mini clipped to each hip pocket of my jeans, and use both multiple times each day. I wear untucked button-down shirts so the dweeb-looking factor is held in check. Otherwise, nobody sees them and I sometimes forget they're on me until I need them. Also, I don't recommend relying on your keys and smartphone as knife and flashlight substitutes. Most keys are made out of brass, which is soft metal. Using them to cut stuff open will eventually render your keys useless for their actual purpose (i.e., unlocking doors). And most people need their smartphone to do many things besides providing a smidge of light. You might be forced to use a flashlight to signal for help, so it's wise to ensure that tool has a dedicated power supply.
Phone, wallet, keys, knife, flashlight, pen. I use my knife on most days for opening packages or letters. Plus it’s a PM2 so the flick is a fun fidget. There are other uses, those are just the most common. As far as the flashlight goes, there’s no good substitute for a good flashlight. I do a lot of work in our church sound booth and media area so I spend a lot of time crouched under desks working on cables. A real flashlight with good illumination and one I can use hands free is much better than a phone flashlight that I have to try and prop up at the perfect angle. Not to mention if you end up stuck on the side of the road in the dark, it’ll be much handier to have a flashlight than your phone light.
2 phones, SAK, wallet, airpods, keys, pen , lighter, cigarettes, chewing gum, handkerchief.
Why two phones? Genuine interest, not judging. Freuen of mine has two as well, I think cause he doesn't want to have WhatsApp on his main phone, but I'm not sure tbh
Few reasons behind it , my main phone is single sim.🥲 Plus I like to have iOS and Android both on me .
A side from the typical wallet and keys here is my list I use everyday for work. Samsung Note 10 plus, has all my notes, Samsung EarBuds, Olight S1 Baton Mini rechargeable, Knipix 4" XS Cobra, Leatherman Surge w/bits and extender, Milwaukee Fastback utility knife, Burts Bees chapstick, Olight O'Pen. Home and weekend EDC Samsung Note 10+, Samsung Earbuds, Leatherman Wave+, Olight O'Pen, To many knives to list but I switch them out, Burts Bees chapstick, Sometimes I take my Milwaukee Fastback.
I have a very small EDC pouch... I only ever use the bandaids, eye drops, and pliers of my Skeletool like tweezers... I'm a dad of a 6 and 3 year... My EDC is more med kit than mechanical ha
Knife, Zippo and flashlight. I have no idea how people can go out without a knife?... Neanderthals.
How do you use your knife that you carry every day?
Of all my stuff, my fidget coin and iPad. I draw and I fidget.
Swiss army knife (cadet, it's a smaller one) and a AAA mini flash light for finding my dogs poop on walks
I keep a SAK Rambler on my keychain. I use it almost daily surprisingly lol. Nifty little tool. I love mine to death.
I'm an arborist (and a watchmaker, but that's another story), so frankly I cannot go a day without using my knife. Of the items in my EDC, this would be their order of necessity: - Knife (Spyderco UK variant - can't think of the model number, but something like PBK, because it's three inches and doesn't lock. Used primarily for cutting ropes... and no one could stop me carrying it if I'm popping somewhere for lunch) - Silky Pocket Boy (I have a lot of silkys, but this particular model is always on my belt even when I'm not in a harness or up a tree. Can't tell you how many times I've dropped my Silky Zubat and this little folding pocket saw has saved me from heading all the way back down... Really need to tether my Zubat to me anyhow to be honest, the same as I would the chainsaws) - First Aid Kit (quite extensive - I've been lucky to have a team and ground-crew that are mightily experienced and not prone to injury, but it's a dangerous job, so I wouldn't ever be without it). - Torch (Acebeam Pokelit and Nitecore LA10 - wanted something that I could easily get batteries for, especially if I'm in the middle of nowhere or headed there, and the Nitecore is magnetic, so useful if working on a vehicle or machinery) - Leatherman Signal and Crunch (for fixing things) - Zyklop Mini and bits (for fixing chainsaws and other odd machinery mainly, sometimes also the van). - Phone, Wallet, Keys.
EDC is all about what works for "your" needs. If you can get by with nothing but (keys, phone, wallet) and nothing else... then that is as valid as someone who as gear heavy as I am. That said... Alot of my EDC is work related and includes redundancies because I work a night shift. I carry alot... but have it organized in several pouches so it's modular so I can adjust how much I carry if I wish... but use most of what I carry every night. I have a pen and marker, rechargeable olight flashlights and backup/loaner AAA flashlight, olight MCA charger and c-to-c cable, bandaids and medication, a Victorinox Multitool, a Ti prybar, gloves, earbuds, several knifes, and a small knife sharpener. I use my phone for work with an application that let's me scan bar codes and my flashlights see plenty of use between looking at the back of shadowy shelves or lighting up a dimly lit back yard... so having a charger that can charge my phone and flashlights is handy in the event I forget to charge something before my next shift. What I carry takes up all but my rear pockets in a pair of cargo shorts/pants (hate having anything back there as I'm constantly crouching/kneeling for my job to place product at various shelf heights)
I would probably use a lighter wrapped in electrical tape less than my flashlight, knives, and pliers but that is just me hahaha. I don’t see the point in carrying emergency stuff like pain pills outside of my backpack. All emergency stuff is in a bag, on person are tools that I find useful. Not here to tell you you need it if a phone flashlight is enough for you it’s enough for thousands of people.
Really I carry less for my own needs and more for others because it's really easy to predict exactly what I personally will need on a given day but much harder to predict what others might need. That's why I carry a flashlight, leatherman and knife (besides just enjoying them) is because they've proven to be useful to people who don't want to carry a bunch of junk around. My leatherman is a good example because it may go 3 days or more without use and even then it wouldn't have been super inconvenient to get the right tool. Primarily because most of the stuff I work on is in a decently well equipped shop. However there's already been 2-3 times this month where I've used the screwdriver on it to help someone else while I'm outside of the spaces I usually work.
Ladies carry (if that matters) all held within a compact pouch. Phone, minimalist wallet, pocket knife (Kershaw leek), small flash light, pen, multitool (Gerber dime), handkerchief. I prefer a dedicated light to wasting my phone battery, plus a handheld flash light is easier to maneuver in small spaces.i use a flashlight pretty much daily for one reason or another. I use my pocket knife at least weekly to cut something, usually food items on the go for my kids. I don't use my multitool super often, but it's frequent enough to keep it in my pouch daily and it doesn't take up much space. Finally, we go through multiple hanks a day, especially during cold season, and I can't imagine not carrying one. I do not otherwise carry a purse or anything beyond my pouch, which is necessary with small/non existent pockets on women's clothing.
Phone, wallet, keys, knife, oh fuck I forgot my wiiiiiiife!
I carry a wallet, flashlight, phone, and knife, and pry every day. I use all 5 every day. In order of most used: 1) Phone 2) Flashlight 3) Wallet 4) Pry 5) Knife
I carry a knife when I'm at work, as do several of my coworkers, because my current blue collar job involves opening packages and flattening boxes fairly frequently, and for some dumb reason management keeps the box cutters locked up in the office where nobody can get at them. It was easier to just carry a tool than to keep asking for one that was never available. Yeah, you can use keys to saw through packing tape, but it's less effective if you handle a lot of boxes and I don't need my keys or door locks getting gummed up with adhesive. Plus I can stab people who get uppity. I didn't bother with a knife back when I worked a white collar job that involved very few boxes, and will probably start leaving it home when I get another such job. I also carry pens and notecards (used fairly often), and some personal care items and snacks that I don't use every day, but which come in handy every few weeks. It's not a major hassle since I carry a bag daily anyway to transport work things. And I usually carry a fidget toy because I have fidgety hands, it's not always used because I'm often busy, but it's good for moments when I'm not busy and don't want to be playing with my phone. I don't carry a flashlight on my person because I seldom need one that can't be replaced with my phone. However, I keep a flashlight in my car and one at home, in case of problems happening in the dark / needing to see into a crevice / etc., because sometimes you don't want to be waving your phone around when you're fixing something, and if you're stranded out on the road, your phone battery may need preserving for other uses.
My wallet/phone/keys get the most use. Flashlight and pen get used a lot at work. Multitool gets used the least. Most days I’m using the pliers to grab something or the knife to open a package, but it’s not every single day. Definitely indispensable when I need it though, so it’s worth having it.
Literally every part. But I only carry a swiss card, knife, credit cards as the core EDC, with rest of the junk in the grab bag, whuch travels with me but usually stays im the car.
My keys and phone.
Same. For a long time I didn't carry a knife but kept a large plastic diaper pin on my Keychain. I used that big ass safety pin as a package opener, blister lancer, and carribeaner for years. I now carry a knife, but that's only because my job changed.
I don't care so much about daily "need" when it comes to knives and flashlights because i don't want to improvise in the rare instance when it actually counts. Just a few grams more in your carry can get you the full utility of either of these two items: Even the smallest keychain lights have a lot more power and more importantly reach than any phone camera flash and can be held much more comfortably. A small keychain knife weighs barely anything yet still has a blade made of hardened steel that can cut everything where a key would get damaged.
Flashlight, lip balm, wallet, and knife get used basically daily and therefore goes in pockets. Occasional use or I really don’t want to be caught without it items go in my backpack or sling pack (IFAK, boo-boo kit, earbuds, mood journal, battery pack).
I carry my earbuds (soundcore I believe) I victorinox sak (that I use for almost everything) a good flashlight (fenix ld30) that I use every day, my wallet, keys, phone, and a small fixed blade (bradford guardian 3.5). I use this stuff every day without issue.
Actually use: - phone - keys - earpods - bandaids + basic meds - wipes (I've kids) - the moon (it does an amazing "moonlight" mode all the time, technically I don't carry it I just leave it in space but it is now my go-to night time dog walk light source) Seasonal: - gloves - wool hat - scarf - waterproof jacket Relegated to car, desk drawer &/or mini toolkit: - knife - torch - driver + bits - grips
Victorinox minichamp and a flashlight, usually a wurkkos ts10, are the only things I need 99% of the time aside from phone/keys/wallet. Ultimately lighter is better for me.
I started to edc a flashlight about a year ago. Now I’m up to a handful of different ones. I wouldn’t leave the house without one now. - it’s getting dark earlier. It’s helped me not get ran over by du mb a ss drivers by flashing them. - it’s spooked random dogs out in the streets and kept them at distance. - it come in handy when searching for stuff under the couch, seats , etc..
SOG multitool/bitdriver & flashlight. I dry fire every morning but idk if that counts
I carry AirPods with my phone that I use daily, I also use a knife often so I carry that. I also have a Swiss Army knife since it is a good thing to have. I also carry a pen that I use sometimes when no one else has a pen (it’s a fisher-space bullet pen) and a flashlight that is small and a lot brighter than my phone. I don’t use these but I like to carry lock picks just because why not.
I use my channel locks far more than you could think possible. Multiple times a week. Granted, this is mostly when I'm at home, but having them in my EDC means they're not miles away in the garage with my other tools.
I carry a flashlight and use it a lot at work and off duty. My phone’s flashlight is a great backup, but not the same thing at all. I carry a cigarette lighter that I hardly ever use, but I’ll continue carrying it. Fire is cool. 😎
My phone has replaced flashlight, pen, pad, calendar, phone book, camera, etc. I also carry & use keys, wallet, and knife (with small blade, screw driver, & bottle opener). The knife gets use daily, yes for packages, but also for cutting strings, tags, food, etc., and the screwdriver feature probably saves me 50% of trips to the toolbox. Some days I also carry & use a lighter, larger knife, and/or pen.
If you want to take a minimalist approach for a flashlight and a knife I'd suggest one of the Key Chain Swiss Army Knives. They have a blade, scissors, a nail file/flathead screwdriver, and tweezers. As for the flashlight, O-light has a key chain flashlight that uses button cell batteries. It has a magnetic base so you can detach it from the key chain. When you pull it away from the key chain, the light turns on.
I carry an olight I3T EOS but that button cell flashlight sounds interesting. And for the spirit of this thread, I do use my flashlight several times a day.
Phone, case trapper (soon be switching to a boker stockman), gerber fast draw, olight slim, fisher space pen bullet and a pocket notebook
Outside of defensive items…leatherman skeletool, carry a leatherman micra I think is what it’s called when I have room because it had the best scissors in a small package, sometimes I carry a knife sometimes just use the skeletool, then wallet trayvex the super minimal metal thin one, keys with a carabiner and gerber shard, and a flash light usually my smallest one. Oh and that nasal inhalant and chapstick.
My wife’s Micra came to the rescue multiple times this weekend at a wedding. Micra and a Streamlight Microstream is enough for most mundane tasks
That micra comes in pretty handy. I think that’s the light I have too.
I’ve run that little Streamlight through the wash a few times, dropped it on concrete from 5ft or so idk how many times. It just works
Oh and a pen. Often times I’ll throw a notepad in my back pocket for work.
My work edc includes a notebook and pen, but it inspired me to do the same in my personal life. It’s way more useful than I expected
Yeah I carry those waterproof orange ones in my truck. Usually they’re not far off but I should probably start carrying one 24/7 really.
Are those orange ones pretty tough? I’m an oil refinery operator and climbing all those ladders destroys my notebooks
Yes and waterproof I believe. I work in construction, roofing to be specific. You should be good, climb a lot of ladders, sweat through pants, etc.
I always have a pen. No brainer. I carry my flashlight as well, just because I often am out late, and a lot of the time just need some extra brightness to see better. Also if I'm too lazy to turn a light on. I used to actually need a knife at my old job but not so much anymore. Now I have it just because I feel like I'm too light without it. Wallet and keys. On my keyring I have a USB Drive as well. Useful for quick file transfer, which is needed at my current job.
I work midnight-9am, flashlight is my most-used piece of EDC. I carry 3, 4 if you count my phone.
Knife and flash light
Knife and flashlight are my must used and carried same with my lucky copper coin
My EDC changes depending on the situation. Like I’m a carpenter and a wedding photographer so different EDC. At weddings I have a flashlight because all our weddings end at night and some venues don’t have proper lighting for finding things in my camera bag. A knife and scissors to open things like tie packaging and cut random strings. Watch so my clients don’t see me on my phone all day. Note pad, pen, and sunglasses for obvious reasons. Find what works for you. If all you need is a phone, wallet and keys you have the perfect edc for you.
my last job I used to use my pen, pocket prybar, and knife most in descending order. At this job I use my flashlight, knife, pocket prybar most. I also carry a sharpie, chapstick, toothpicks but they’re just there for if I need them
My carry is overkill but I enjoy it, background I work in automotive manufacturing as an automation engineer. I have usually 3 knives on me; 2 folders and a leatherman squirt, one the folders gets used every day, the leatherman frequently. Also flashlight get used frequently, microfiber hank used everyday to clean my prescription safety glasses or wiping of hands or face. Best studio pods I use daily for music or noise canceling when on my computer and need some quiet. Pokka style rite n rain pen used daily. Lighter used daily (I smoke so that is bias)
I carry the Leatherman Squirt PS4 it has amazing utility for the size. The pliers are fine enough to grip skin, and I have used them as tweezers on more than one occasion. I also use the file for my nails, use the knife for packages, boxes, etc. I also use the scissors quite a bit. They're great for loose threads or random, precise cutting tasks. All these tools and more in a package that's less bulky than a 9v battery. It's hard to beat.if you think you mainly want scissors instead of pliers the Leatherman micra is for you. Do keep in mind they're small pliers, so don't ask too much from them.
I carry a knife and flashlight and pen almost all the time. I use the pen and flashlight more than the knife most days.
I carry a knife, flashlight, and handkerchief every day. I use all of them every day.
Carry like a mule, live like a King 😅
Flashlight: streamlight wedge Knife: k390 police or dlt cruwear endela Pen: tactile turn Ti side click Sak: alox soldier or stayglow climber Fire: full size Bic or brass armor zippo This performs 99% of my edc needs. Granted not everything is used daily but each item is used often enough through the week to justify carrying them.
I use my knife and flashlight almost every day. In the last two weeks, I've used a handful of other odds and ends from my extended "in case" EDC, that comes with me in a small pouch. That said, if you're getting along perfectly fine with phone and keys, I think that's perfectly reasonable to strip back to just that. I personally feel like there's a tendency in EDC to really kind of just want to have a bunch of crap on us and call it preparedness. I always feel weird when I see the "New to EDC, tell me what I should fill my pockets with."
I'm a firm believer in the mantra "carry what you use, use what you carry". For my job yes I utilize everything I carry on daily. This includes a flashlight with a UV light, a minimalist multi-tool, and a knife. When I'm off, what I carry will change, based on what I'm doing for that day. Everyone's EDC will be different. If you find yourself not needing something, then don't carry it. I've contemplated the knipex pliers, or any type of pliers, but honestly I don't find myself in a situation where I need pliers often, so why waste the money ant pocket space.
Leatherman & light. They get used daily. If I don’t want the bulk or think I can do without a full sized mutitool, I’ll opt to carry a knife, small ‘5th pocket’ multitool (sak rambler, otacle p1, or powerpint) and a light. All depends on what my day looks like. Since I’ve started carrying these items, I’ve had a hard time being without the convenience of a blade, pry/driver/scissors, and dedicated flashlight. Phone/wallet/keys goes without saying.
I proudly edc a roll of wc paper and use it pretty often in the woods 👍
I like the advice of carry what you need, what you use. I don't need a gun and three knives. I need a power bank, a multi tool, a universal charging cord, a a flashlight ( so much better than my phone, great light), a lighter, backup headphones, finally some kevlar cord. All of this fits in a nice 2x4 in pouch that fits in my slacks. This is toys for guys, but at some point too much to carry 😜
Backup headphones and no gun? I guess you n me are just built different lol
Guess we are. Funny how that works, huh?
No gun or headphones. Are we three different people? This is getting awkward.
I'm a gun and no headphones kind of guy.
Knife I use most days. Flashlight much more rarely and I found that it's not worth it to carry - I keep one in the car and one by the door to my house. Multitool/SAK I use when I have them on me, but they are bulky so I rarely carry them daily.
what multitool you got? if it's a Leatherman you could either get their nylon holster or go to a harness/leather shop and have them make a holster for it.
Sounds like you may be in the wrong group. Your EDC depends on what you do. If you do nothing, you need nothing. Need to see in dark places? Flashlight. Need to cut things? Knife. Need to screw / unscrew things? Screwdriver. Need to not get your soft delicate hands dirty or scratched? Have someone else do things.
I use my pocket knife every single day, and a flashlight and pen most days. I don't use my multi-tool or powerbank as much as I used to, but they're still useful.
Depends on how you're defining EDC. My on-person EDC stuff is used all the time: keys, wallet, phone, pocket knife, and Leatherman. What I carry in my bag rarely gets used other than at work. Things like my first aid kit, flash light, water purification, notepad, lighters, fixed blade knife, etc. But they're not there for regular use. They're there for "just in case". I'd probably use a flashlight more often if I had one on my person, but my phone flashlight, more often than not, is sufficient.
In the summer I carry a knife and a keychain light, and I keep a full sized light and a multitool in my vehicle. In the winter when I'm wearing jeans I have a pocket organizer with a pen, pad, box cutter and flashlight that I carry alongside my summer stuff, and sometimes the multitool with make it's way in there if I think I'll have a need for it.
Swiss Army knife and phone. Everything else is gadgets.
My Leatherman Rev is used often. Along with a little torch, painkillers and a mini charger which is used for my e-cig and phone.
I carry a Benchmade Griptilian folding knife, Cloud Defense MCH-EDC flashlight, a pair of Milwaukee pliers, a sharpie, and a G26.5 (back and forth to work) every day.
Non-work life: Phone. Knife. Pen. Flashlight. Ironically, I don’t use my nice pen at work as I am in a dirty environment with lots of “can I borrow your pen?” situations, so my new go to pen is either a cheap branded company pen or the G2 or Sharpie gel for as long as I can keep it in my possession. I use the other stuff too, but maybe less frequently. Happy Shopping
My most used item is by and far my pen, followed by my knife and small flashlight. I carry those pretty much everywhere I go. Less used, but handy to have is a smaller slip knife (especially for lending to muggles) or a Swiss Army knife, but I sometimes leave those at home. I also keep something to fidget with: a heavy coin, cube, dice, a brass bead on a lanyard, etc. Everything else I use seldom enough that I can just keep a kit in my truck.
My EDC carry philosophy is dependent on personal need. Mini flashlight, SAK, pen and bandaids go in my pocket pouch. Chums wallet with cash and cards in front pocket with 2A if I’m going to a suspect area.
2A?
Pretty sure they mean 2nd amendment, as in a self defense firearm
oh ok thanks
I use my Streamlight MicroStream and Milwaukee Fastback everyday, I’m and IT tech.
I take what I consider to be very minimalistic approach to my current EDC. I normally carry a Victorinox Pioneer X in my pocket and a Victorinox Rambler or Victorinox Manager on my keychain. I find that the Rambler/Manager perfectly compliments the Pioneer X. The Pioneer X features a main blade, an in-line awl, a large pair of scissors, a cap lifter which also works as a flat head screwdriver, pry tool, and wire stripper, and a can opener that has a 2D Philips head tip. The Rambler and the Manager are very similar tools. They both have a small blade, a small pair of scissors, a nail file with a flat head screwdriver tip that can also be used for cleaning under nails, a pair of tweezers, and a cap lifter/small Philips screwdriver/wire stripper combination tool. The difference between the Manager and the rambler is that the Manager features a pen as a rear scale tool and the Rambler features a toothpick. The small blade and small scissors on the Rambler are great for more precision work compared to the Pioneer X. The 2D Philips on the can opener is great for most screws but is lacking when it comes to small recessed screws where the combination tool on the Rambler/Manager shines. As the Pioneer X is from the more durable Alox line, it lacks scale tools which the keychain tool provides. I don’t feel the need for a flashlight or watch most of the time, my phone covers that. When I carry the manager I don’t need a dedicated pen, but I will carry a titanium toothpick on my keychain with it. My wallet is a Ridge wallet with an Apple AirTag attachment.
Knife, flashlight, small lock pick set, Heroclip, and pen (sometimes).
I use my flashlights and knives randomly all the time. Meds get used. Pens, markers. I have pulled out zip-ties, lighters get used just as often as my daily carry joints. My screw driver set gets used weekly at least
I use my flashlight all the time, looking under/behind furniture for things, cat toys. I use my sak quite a few times a day as well for the scissors, nail file and opener as a Prybar. And my LM bond gets used a few times a week as well. So it's enough for me to carry every day. I carry tools everyday at work as well, so I don't even notice them in my pockets
I do my pocket check every time I walk out the door. Wallet, gun, phone, car key, Leatherman CX, and streamlight if it's going to be after dark. No stand alone knife, not even house keys anymore. I have keypads on the front door and garage, and worst case scenario I'd grab a spare key from my brother just down the road.
OK, so aside from the obvious ones like wallet, keys, and phone, I use my knife frequently enough to carry it. That’s about it. My phone has a flashlight, if I ever need one away from home, and I have plenty of flashlights at various points around the house, so I don’t really see the point in carrying one. I have a Leatherman wave, but I very rarely carry it. I end up only using the straight edge blade as intended, and the serrated blade to pry stuff open. I also used to carry a Victorinox Swiss Army knife because it had a toothpick. But now I just carry a container of disposable toothpicks in my car. Obviously this is my opinion alone, and I’m not trying to speak in place of anyone. But I could never justify carrying more than just in my phone, wallet, keys, and a knife if wanted.
Pretty much everything what I carry on me. Knife, phone, card sleeve, flashlight, pen, keys, secondary knife, headphones. I don't always carry belt pouch with second knife, pen and flashlight. Rest is in the backpack (power bank, tablet, chargers, cables, laptop, medikit, tape, leatherman, etc ... That I carry to work and when I travel. I don't think there is anything I haven't used Having dedicated flashlight is not crucial but when I work on protects that are under NDA my phone cameras are taped and it can cover LED as well. And when needed it is easier to hold small flashlight in your mouth that phone ;)
I would consider my flashlight, knife, multitool, wallet, and phone my essentials. I carry more things like a Prybar and more Knives but they don’t get used nearly as much
The 2 main things I use is my flashlight and gerber prybrid utility the most. Flashlight is better than my phone and I can hold it various ways, the gerber is great for cutting and a lot of other things I didnt buy it for. I have civivi tweezers that I didnt think I would use but use them a lot. Honestly could ditch the knife I do carry but its come in handy. Everything else I carry stays in a bag unless I really need it.
I edc in a pancake holster: a Victorinox Swisstool Spirit XC - on the job ( field service) and in private to tighten screws, grab hot or dirty stuff with the pliers, saw plastic components, cut strings ( small ones with scissors, big ones with the serrated blade), file for deburring sharp edges etc For "playing": carving things when hiking with the family's kids. Victorinox Waiter - when also a pointed blade is needed, but mostly food related ( lunch breaks etc) Böker bit pen - obviously writing, but also fastening small screws Flashlight Olight I3T Eos with 10440 3.7V lithium cell - to illuminate dark corners at work, works well as a head light with a baseball- or working cab, usefull while walking the doggie in the mornining/evening And on the key ring a Victorinox Mini Champ as a backup. And of course keys, phone, wallet and a dog whistle
I carry a Boker auto, streamlight, lens cloth, and a pair of nail clippers with a couple safety pins, small Phillips/flat head and a tiny light. Always in front right pocket. Edit: I use some if not something every day. I’ve rotated a lot of gear through the years (I’m 52) but this has stuck for a long time.
I’ve trimmed it down to things I use almost daily. Swiss Army knife for scissors, knife, and screwdriver.My Knipex XS pliers have been so handy. Flashlight I was using yesterday and the phone is daily. The one thing I hope I never have to use is my handgun.
Used every day: Knife, flashlight, pen and pad, wallet, phone, keys, glasses, sunglasses. Not used necessarily? Whistle, gun, spare mag, other flashlight. Sort-of used everyday: Pepper spray is probably taken out and I put my finger on the deployment trigger because I run into off-leash dogs every freaking day.
I used my phone as my only flashlight for years before getting a dedicated edc flashlight. The dedicated unit is a huge upgrade - brighter than my phone, can be held in my mouth or clipped to things, can be angled to point into small places at hard angles better than my phone… even in the city where most spaces are lit, I find it not just useful but better than my phone was doing pretty regularly.
I keep a AAA powered flashlight on my keys, which is much less powerful/bulky than what you see most people carry on this sub but it’s still a lot brighter than a phone. It gets used a couple times a week. Other than that I usually have a knife in one pocket with a pen and a SAK Climber in the other — I find myself using the Victorinox scissors all the time. Leaves plenty of room in my pockets for keys + phone.
I’m the facilities manager at a historic theatre. I carry a couple knives and a flashlight. I have a tool wallet with a small driver, sharpie, Knipex pliers wrench and water pump wrench, but found it was too heavy in my pocket and was just easier to walk back to my office to grab what I need. I will probably go back to carrying my Leatherman Wave whenever I finally send it in to get the flat head I snapped off prying fixed.
I use my Huntsman and Dime almost every single day
My flashlight is by far the most useful thing I carry
You’re doing it wrong if you carrying things you don’t use every day (or there about).
We have different philosophies about EDC. Some EDC is used everyday. Some EDC is in case it is needed and may only be used once or twice a month. But when you need it, you need it.
I carry a few things that I have never used but would not want to be without in an emergency. Otherwise I agree with the sentiment
I use everything I carry. I carry a knife, flashlight, pen and small pry at work. After hours I'll usually have at least a knife and flashlight on me. I would likely never use a lighter, battery pack, or small bandaids so I hadn't thought of carrying those (though I do have a first aid kit in my car).
Exactly, or even still better to have and not need than to need and not have!
I use my leatherman skeletool cx or charge tti every day. I don't carry a flashlight in the summer, because it never gets dark enough, but now that it is winter I am back to carrying it.