It's interesting that the UK doesn't allow locking knives. Here in the USA it's considered a safety thing so the blade doesn't fold back on your hand. Excellent video!
Just to add a little complexity to the uk knife law thing, our laws state that we are not allowed to carry a knife with a blade that isn't immediately foldable (non locking) and no longer than 3 inches without good reason. This does mean however that if we have a good reason (as determined by the police etc if we're ever found with a knife) we can carry any knife we need.
Pen, paper, butane lighter, and cheap reading glasses are the essentials for this 70+ yo. If I weren't bad about losing them, a multi tool or knife would be next, so I just keep them in the vehicles and in known locations around the house. Good video. Thanks.
@@ernestsmith3581a light is so helpful in finding things. Changing the way it's lit or change in shadow, and "it" suddenly appears. I'm really good at hiding things from myself.
As I get older my main challenge is seeing things clearly, so eyeglasses and light are critical. Around the house, LED headlamps have proven great when working on anything with small parts. LED panels on stands (like photographers use) have proven great for my workbench.
The thing about most EDC is people think they don't need a certain tool until they carry it and realize how many opportunities there are. Most have just coped with not having the tools, but the fact remains that many situations could be resolved quicker had they carried a few basic tools. I carry a Milwaukee penlight with a laser and a Leatherman Micra, they cover almost every mundane task.
@@dlighted8861 It's actually my first flashlight so I can't compare it, but i like it. The natural light is awesome. I work as a handyman and i paint ocasionally, the light color reall comes in handy for spotting lacking paint when the old and new paint are very similar in color. Cool colored lights actually make touchups invisible. It only has two brightness settings but i think they're set apart enough in brightness so they both have their uses. Only real downside is the laser button sits proud of the body and is getting worn down from sliding in and out of my pocket. The laser button was small to begin with and only getting smaller and harder to press with time. Haven't used the light for its full battery life but it's lasted longer than I've needed it.
@@darryllspalding9680 I'm a handyman and the truck carry's all the tools. I carry a hip bag in my backpack with my most frequently used tools so I don't have to dig through boxes. Maybe if you're not doing real work sure you can carry everything you need, but I've never seen a hard working man carry all his tools in his pockets. Usually it's a big truck with a service bed.
I loved your in pocket edc video. It made me set up a small tool kit around a ratchet bit driver, knipex pliers and a SAK in a leather organizer, which i carried for months before getting tired of the bulge just recently. Now I already missed my tools on several occasions. You are publishing this video right on time for me and it is so concise. It‘s such a relief to have you kind of round up all my random thoughts about what did not fit in the past and turn it into a kind of actionable list of what to look for in my edc items. Thanks a lot!
Have thought about that. Instead I carry a couple of folded up paper towels. The cotton cloth would have more uses than the paper towels . I think I will try that for a while .
@@rawpraisehorn5716 a quick story. Back in 1961 I was 7 years old. My dad and I were crossing a street and a little old lady was steping off the curb to cross in the opposite direction. She fell in the street. Bleeding badly from mourh or nose! My dad helped her up and sat her on the curb. He produced the clean hanky he always carried and usd it to help stop the blood. There was a pop-corn vender just inside the Sears store and he got ice water there. Before long we had her across the street and on her way taking dads hanky with her. I remember asking about it, and he told me to ALLWAYS cary a clean hanky, you never know who may need it! Now Im 70. I have a clean hanky In my pocket right now.
I've been really thinking about my EDC recently. Whenever I go out I've always got my phone, wallet, keys, lip-balm, handkerchief, pocket notebook, a pen & pencil. Unfortunately I'm still finding that I'm coming up short in a number of different random scenarios. I've been making notes of the things I find myself needing the most, and I'm trying to work out what the best solution for me is, whether it's a multi-tool or a set of individual tools or what. Always interesting to hear your thoughts on a topic like this, and I will definitely be factoring this into my research. Excellent video as always Ben!
Many thanks for your comment. Yeah it’s hard coming up with a good EDC. This video shows one part of what I carry - the rest will be in other videos. I do think grouping first and foremost by the things you need instant access to vs the stuff you can afford a bit more time to get at is a good place to start though.
After my door keys, it’s handkerchief and lip balm for me too. Those are my 3 essentials. Since a kid I’ve never gone anywhere without a hanky and as I have to breath through my mouth a lot I can’t go far without lip balm. I only just learnt recently that lip balm makes a great survival tool because, smeared on cotton wool it makes a fire lighter
Great video, because you refer to what a person can do daily. During my working life I always carried a Bic lighter, a smallish thin folding knife, and a pair of nail clippers (splinters, etc). In every job I had.
@@jaspervanestelfeen2173 last time I tried it I couldn't get into my house or my car and I couldn't call anyone for help so I ran crying down the street, eventually I ran out of tears but I had no money to buy water, I'm still out there to this day.
Grow your finger nails out, get eye shine implants from eastern Europe , hone your mental abilities to remember and track events , trane hand strength, and learn friction fire making techniques. Become a physical god
Better start conditioning those hands. A little bit of time and effort, and you'll be pounding nails and crushing walnuts barehanded! You got this, bud.
It's always interesting to see peoples idea's on pocket EDC. Of course it's always personal and depending on the environment and laws of the country, state or even city you live in. Where I do have a small pry bar it's on my key chain. It does have the bottle opener part so in case of an emergency I can use a shoelace and this pry bar as a tourniquet and lock it it place hooking the cordage into the bottle opener part. I do also carry a small metal flash drive (USB stick) in my jeans coin pocket. My key chain also has a loud whistle and a tick remover.
I'm retired and live on my farm, so I carry a full size crowbar in my van. I carry a small flashlight, pocket knife and a Bic lighter in my pocket. I don't go very far from my van so I am not worried about not having a mini crowbar in my pocket. When I am cutting wood, my van is near. When I am camping in the back woods or in a State Park, my van is near. Be prepared and be safe my friends.
I have a brass Zippo from 1982 I don’t use it because it’s smelly and evaporates, so the turbo flame insert is perfect. Great idea. I haven’t decided which UK friendly to go for yet.
I carry a very similar setup. I have a solis but carry my Gslip more often and I was carrying the Olight Baton 3 everyday until a couple days ago when I got the 4. Its nice to find another EDC person from the UK!
Your videos are absolutely fascinating, love the easy to understand format and production quality is just spot on. I’ve been keeping a kit for years now without even knowing the term EDC, many of the items I carry work well for me but I am always on the lookout for new items and your videos has given so many ideas so thank you.
Great video! One suggestion: dual flame (torch and regular) insert for the Zippo. Sometimes keeping the torch activated is not comfortable, so having an open flame is handy.
Thanks for the content and its good to have a Brit sounding voice chatting about the virtues of EDC in its most basic form. Good to know there is someone else on the same page :) Best wishes Mike in County Durham
That's a great setup. The coolest part of EDC is you can spend like $2,000 or $100. I carry: Kizer Squidward - $34 on amazon sale Olight i5t - $21 Leather magazine holder (as a wallet) - $30 Clipper torch lighter - $6 like $80 and I really love it all.
I think the one that will surprise anyone (who has never carried one) the most is the flashlight. I started carrying a flashlight 10 years ago. It was a gift from a friend. I was skeptical and “don’t want to carry a bunch of STUFF all the time”, but I gave it a chance because I trusted my friend. It did not take long before I realized just how frequently it is useful. I think it comes in handy more often than my knife.
Knife, prybar, flashlight/ mini flashlight mulitool, Zippo Lighter and mini firestarter kit, keys and wallet with multi tools that can be carried in wallet or on keychain, handkerchiefs and mini first aid/personal hygiene kit.
I always carry a flashlight, often one like that, in neutral white, and use it everyday, multiple times. The new version which is also mentioned, is the Olight Perun Mini 2 is a little better for EDC (unless one has a lot of velcro on their clothes/hat to use the original one with a velcro patch). It has a bit of a hot spot, which may not be quite as good for even illumination as the original, but gives more throw for EDC aspects. The clip can be left on and used with the headband. The original went a different direction and the clip hooked into a rotating tube. Having red or flashing red for emergencies is also useful. Another EDC factor is that the new one has a battery lever indicator. Now the Perun or Perun 2 will also fit in the new Baton 4 charging case which makes a nice kit as you always have a light, the case can be charged with a standard USB C cord, and it can be used as a powerbank. It pisses me off a bit that when Olight has a sale they have been leaving the NW Perun 2 at full price, so that has kept me from recommending the package as many times. I can live with the CW Baton 4 for its brightness and efficiency, but headlamps should always be neutral white for better perception and to avoid disrupting one's circadian rhythms.
Ben has the same pocket size as Guybrush Threepwood! In all seriousness. That was pretty interesting. I'm a pocket minimalist (phone, slim wallet, keys in a keysmart), but lately I've added a pair of noise-cancelling earbuds and it's been amazing. Not only because I can hear my phone in any environment, but for the ability to reduce the volume of noisy environments. Yesterday at a loud Christmas party, I was the only one that could hear other people over the crowd noise 😊
no pen for EDC? You can get a Victorinox Swiss Army knife, one of the more basic ones, for $35 and get two blades with average steel, plus a bottle and can opener, so you won't need a pry bar, it's Swiss made, with a good guarantee from the manufacturer.
I remember my dad talking about when he was young a zippo was really windproof, he said he could hold the lighter and blow on the flame enough to make it wrap all the way around to the other side of his hand. I would only assume that the fluid was just made differently back then, less eco-friendly more fire. Maybe it was just him.
You and I seems have similar things in our pocket but mine are a little different. I used to carry lighter but it get very little use and got me into trouble a bit at some check points. I also used to carry small safety cutter but since 2020 some air ports doesn't allow any kind of razor blade onboard so after they took 3 of those tiny safety cutters from me, I now carry a tiny 1 inch folding knife which actually allowed. I don't carry any pry bars but I do have a bottle opener as my key chain so I can either use the opener or the keys for that. I also carry a tiny SIM ejector because sometimes paper clip isn't small enough to poke into some holes or push something out of tight spots. I also always have tiny bottle of petroleum jelly or shea butter for my lips, skin, or to put on fresh cuts. Another thing I like to have in my pocket is the paper measure tapes that they giveaway for free at Ikea. I like to have one or two of those to measure things and I can also note on them. It's better than steel measuring tapes I used to carry.
As someone else who always carries a tape measure I recommend a komelon kmc-74k. It's a tiny 3m tape measure that is smaller than most 2m ones and very sturdy for it's size.
I dropped my Leatherman that I had been carrying for almost 20 years for a new setup. Pocket knife (I like Spyderco, but you could use a Benchmade) + Gerber Shard + OLIGHT flashlight. I use the Shard for prying and opening boxes etc. The real brute force tool. And the knife for everything else you mentioned. Really cool video brother. Enjoy.
For a torch I've been carrying the Nicron N7, I'm not sure if it's available in the UK though. But it's relatively slim as it runs on a single AA or 14500 (AA size but higher voltage), and the head can swivel 90 degrees. In any case, I've found that I love having a flashlight with me at all times. Along with my EDC knife, I have all the tools I need perosonally nearly all the time.
Prices as of 1/17/2024: Olight Perun 2 Mini Headlamp $64.99 Zippo Brass Lighter (comes with classic insert) $20.49 Zippo Butane Insert $16.36 Real Steel Solis (titanium black) Knife $114.00 Thumb Stud $7.99 Vero Fulcrum Mini Pry Bar $95.00 Total $318.83
Nice video. The flashlight has a magnetic charger, a proprietary charger, which, if you travel a lot is not ideal. If you lose your cable, it is much easier to find a USB-C or Micro USB cable pretty much anywhere, even gas stations carry these. This issue has come up for me in the past so I avoid anything with a proprietary cable to charge.
Glad I'm an American, I've got a locking blade knife, and I carry a North American Arms .22 for self-defense. The rest fits on my keychain, prybar, Geekey (never know when you want a quick smoke or tighten a bicycle spoke), tiny Craftsman adjustable wrench, flashlight and a few other small gadgets.
leatherman signal, leatherman wave and a few others have the blades on the outside of the multi tool, and they are quite easy to open and the lock open
Excellent taste in gear and very watchable vid. I highly recommend the Gondek EDC, fullsize, Executive pry bar, it’s a very minimal prybar, easy to clean, and I’ve been carrying it daily for 2 and a half years and I like how streamlined it is
What have you discovered yourself using the pry bar for? I truly can’t imagine a need for one in my daily life. What am I overlooking as far as its usefulness?
@@BenVallack 100% but the form factor won for me - for most of my use (finding shit I dropped, not tripping on stuff) it's actually usually more than enough! YMMV!
I started carrying a small Nebo also. The thing is amazing . Very bright, easy to recharge ,not very expensive, durable . I built a small leather auxiliary pocket which I carry on my belt next to several other black leather “ auxiliary pockets” that have other EDC items in them.
One thing I found I can't live without easy access to when out and about is a tape measure. To the point where I ended up buying a 3 way split keyring and attaching my mini torch and a mini 3m tape measure to my house keys. So far it must've already saved me hours in not having to walk back to the car to get one out the tool box. Might have to look at a pry bar next as that does look to be very handy!
I do the same thing except the knife in my multi-tool serves as one of my needs so that with a lighter and a small flash light equal three as essential.Also wrap you lighter in duct tape.You can peel it off and use as a fire starter.
Love this idea, My setup is a SAK Compact (prybar/ scissors), skeletool (knife openable with one hand), Olight i5R. This is a kit where the sum is greater than the parts
I carry a plethora of useful items...almost a Batman bat-belt, in fact. My personal issue is feeling that if I delete a tool off my utility belt, that may likely be the very tool I'll find I need in a given situation, so I end up becoming fated to be a pack-horse of tools.
Although everyone has different needs from their EDC, a big one for me is that whatever EDC items I carry in my pockets they're inexpensive, small & light. For example, I'd carry a disposable Bic lighter over a Zippo, a pen style battery operated flashlight and a box cutter. I cringe every time someone pulls out a knife to open a package, cut cardboard, etc. Also, if you lose, break or have any of these items stolen, they''re quickly, cheaply & easily replaced. I also have no problem with letting anyone use them and maybe even keep them if they're really in need. The last thing I'd suggest is a carpenter's pencil for writing & marking. They're cheap, flat, light & easy to sharpen on the go. Tons of options out there and maybe this is the old, grumpy man coming out, but I feel like EDC has become kind of a penis measuring, socioeconomic flex, cool/hip one-up pocket sport more than just being practical and being able to engage with the world as you're moving through it.
That little Olight Pmini is the shizzzz. I love mine. It really shines when you mate it with the Velcro patch it comes with as an optional accessory, attached to a bag/jacket/hat. Instant hands free light!
On my keyring: A Gerber Shard with my telephone number engraved on it. A telescopic pen. The smallest Spyderco - a razor sharp Bug. All that utility with barely any bulk or weight to it. Then my smartphone with torch etc of course. I also carry a Kershaw Pub knife because it is so flat and folds out a really useful short blade, has a screwdriver, bottle opener and belt attachment which is brilliant for removing tent pegs.
Not sure if it's legal where you live, but I carry the Leatherman Skeletool. It comes in a variety of blade styles, or there are some third party replacements depending on your preferences or requirements. The knife can be opened and closed one handed as it's on the outside of the tool. Unlike some multitools they aren't trying to cram in every tool under the sun. It's an easy access knife, pliers, a driver with replaceable bits, and a clip that doubles as a bottle opener. The bits for the driver are double-sided, and it stores one extra bit in the handle. I usually keep a flat head that I can use as a prybar or scraper, along with whatever other bit I expect to need. Most days that's the standard Phillips bit, but sometimes it's a #3 for my snowboard bindings or a hex bit for my camera gear. The extra bit kit that Leatherman sells is also pocketable, but at that point I'll typically bring a pair of Fix-It-Sticks. Personally, I find having a good screwdriver and pliers come in handy enough to justify the multitool. Also, the carabiner clip has been handy more often than you might expect. If I anticipate needing a more specific knife I'll just carry another knife on my belt. I also carry an Olight, but opted for the pocket friendly Arkfeld with a laser for my cat.
I’ve always carried a Swiss Army knife type pocket knife as well as a bic lighter in my pocket. But I never thought about a small pry the would be much stronger than anything on my knife. That plus a very small flashlight seems like great additions to my pockets
I have a Zippo identical to the outer casing of yours. I found that as a non-smoker who rarely used it, it was never there for me when I needed it because of evaporation. I didn't know about the inserts for butane. I might look into that. Otherwise it is a Bic lighter or matches.
I love the butane insert - find myself using it all the time. Lighting birthday candled, normal candles, camping cookers, melting paracord etc. Really good that it works upside down without burning your fingers.
EDC is interesting. Many of us have a common number of items we carry, but they aren't the same items. I carry a three-blade, stockman style, pocket knife which sees use nearly every day. It takes two hands to open, but, I don't think I've ever _needed_ to open a knife one-handed. It's more convenient, but so far, not essential. I also carry a loupe (10X), and a nail clippers. The clippers are the kind that has a small file that swings out to use. They are something I consider essential to first aid, as is the longer blade on my knife. I keep it sharp enough to remove splinters. In addition, I have my keys.
I usually carry following things: Pack of smokes and lighter (electric lighter with flashlight and regular bic one) a phone (never go out without my phone) folding pocket knife and depending on where I go I may have a fixed blade knife or even a sword at my hip (in my area you can open carry fixed blade knives and even swords. however concealed weapons like cane sword are outlawed)
A nail clipper would get used more and the bar to pinch it down is a pry bar. I carry lighter, knife, watch, & AAA flashlight in my pocket. I have a belt clip that carries Ferro Rod/Striker, Whistle, Compass, 6' Paracord in Cobra Weave
Wanted to chime in that the Leatherman P4 and Wave+ multitools have easy one handed knife open. Other Leatherman models do also, but those are the two I am personally familiar with.
My favourite edc knife at the moment is also the Real Steel Solace Lite. It’s super slicey, slim and ultra light, with a real thin behind the edge easy to strop up to shaving sharp. I love the blade shape for opening packages and boxes and food tasks as well as little DIY jobs. But because it’s less than £30 I don’t feel precious about it. I totally love my Heinnie Haynes/Real Steel Barlow, which ticks all the same boxes except that at £75 I do feel rather precious about it which somewhat inhibits the ways I use it. Although it’s my favourite knife and it is way up there for me in usefulness. I carry a small torch in a belt pouch and I often carry my Alox Pioneer because I use the large screwdriver so much as a pry-bar and I use the spike a lot, especially as a bradawl. I love the butane insert for the zippo
My current carry solution is a Victorinox Bantam Alox, which comes with a well-sized pry, a good blade, a bottle opener and the ability to turn screws in a pinch, a Zippo lighter with a standard kerosene insert, and a pair of Knipex pliers. Also on my keyring I have one of those tiny torches. This is how I've done things for the last couple months (prior to that it was the same minus the knipex) and I'm really happy. My setup is super minimal, but that allows me to add and remove stuff as needed. If I'm doing work around the house I can easily add a full size screwdriver and fixed blade knife and still have access to all my other gear. Keeping things stripped back also allows me to get to everything while wearing gloves, which I often do due to work. I've had my eye on the Perun Mini for a while now. I like the right-angle layout. My main complaint is needing yet another charger.
in the army we prefer an original zippo, because you can put anything in it and it will light up unlike butane is not as easy to access onces you runout
I "in pocket" carry my EDC for work as a bag isn't currently viable. However, I utilize several pocket organizer pouches which still allow me to access individual items. It allows me to carry the much larger array of items I need and still keep them effectively instantly available by holding them in a specific orientation. (This includes a custom Victorinox Yeoman and Olight Arkfeld Pro on the outside of the pouch that serves as my wallet... as well as a Pen, Marker, Prybar, and worksharp pocket sharpener/bit driver in another 4 slot organizer.) I can access any of these items by feel except the sharpener as its a tight fit in it's pouch. As I wear cargo pants... these organizers free up my standard pockets for my phone, keys, pocket knife... and I don't rattle and clink with each step like some weird version of a one man percussion section.
Hey thanks for taking the time to tell us what it has in it's pockets. I carry a sheep's foot locking knife a sharpie an I-Phone &ear buds and a Zippo. I did like your pry bar and would like to pick that up.
My EDC kit is a knife, flashlight, whistle and an Rx pill capsule. The knife and flashlight get used everyday. When we lived in Texas, the additional item was my handgun! 😉
The only thing I've ever regularly carried for past sixty years is some form of Swiss Army knife, no safety problems using a non-locking blade. Anything larger tends get left in the drawer. Petzl led headtorch for late dog walks in winter. I've spent most of my time as a vehicle technician and to be honest, most of these very expensive tiny pry-bars and multi-tools seem to be a bit of a joke for real work.
What is the thinking behind not allowing locking blades in the UK? I'm assuming it is something it is something along the lines of if it is locking you can stab? In practice, it seems like it just means your more likely to cut yourself when using. If you are wanting to do harm, the idea of cutting yourself, is not likely to deter you.
I'm envious that your zippo butane insert lights every time. I've tried multiple and they seem to be very hit or miss as to whether they actually light. Sometimes they don't seem to at all. I have to use another lighter to light it.
In the US small fixed blades are coming into vogue for pocket carry. As far as folding knives, there are so many better choices... but they're all probably illegal in the UK. The CIVIVI Elementum is my favorite and is pretty inexpensive, but I also like Kershaw knives, like the Leek and the Blur. But those are almost certainly illegal in the UK. Todd Begg designed a friction folder version of the Glimpse that's completely legal in the UK, but it'll cost you around £325.00. Personally, if I lived in the UK I'd save up and buy that. It's beautiful. Just gorgeous. Note, however, that Begg Knives is not the same company as Todd Begg. Begg Knives does make a version of the Mini Glimpse that's quite a bit cheaper, but it's not a friction folder. It's a flipper with a locking blade made in China, and you can't even take it apart to service it. I wouldn't buy one, just because of the bad blood over his brother stealing his company and his designs.
I usually tell my coworkers to carry something to write with, something to cut with, and a source of light. Due to work regulations, I don't emphasize the fire as much but it's still something I carry. Will definitely have to add a pocket prybar to my arsenal.
If i may... maybe you should look at another knife company that i about to order one from, Boyd's knives. It's a type of knife called a rigging knife used in sailing, boating, and marine applications. A rigging knife should always come wit a marlin spike, but Boyd's is titanium, with a shackle key, and a pocket clip. The blade is rust proof and comes in different variants, pointed or not, serrated or not. Check em out.
I keep my Knipex 87-100 mini Cobra pliers, a little brass flashlight that's nicely bright, and a knife that Blackie Collins designed for Meyerco, which features an AUS-8 blade from Seki, Japan, and a flip-out pair of needle nose with bit-holder at the opposite end. My other tool is my toaster, in case I need to neutralize a threat.
One of the best pry bars ever is a $10 Brake Caliper tool from an auto repair shop. Very tough, very simple. More useful than all the trendy ones advertised on Facebook IMO.
Why does someone need to carry anything in their pockets? Most of the time we are at work, home or in the car, just put them somewhere handy and forget about them.
Locking and fixed bladed are legal to carry in the UK providing you have a valid reason. Grey areas obviously abound which is all the more reason to provide oneself and others with a good understanding of the preposterous UK blade legislations.
Carry: Cold Steel Ti-Lite 4", Leatherman Wave + multitool w dual bit kit, Streamlight 053995 (USB rechargeable), brass Zippo. What people don't realize about Zippos is that they don't necessarily need lighter fluid, you can use the same fuels you use in a lantern in a Zippo and it will work fine. Or oil, alcohol, whatever you have really, just nothing explosively combustible (gas).
I don't understand *at all* the point of a titanium pry bar, it's half the hardness and stiffness of steel. Titanium's great when you need light weight, not ultimate performance, as you found out when trying to crack rocks with it.
Yes! I came to the same conclusions/philosophy. Long ago I tried to carry a multi tool, but 9/10 times I would just go looking for the full-sized version b/c it was less hassle and the bulk was a pain in the ass (sometimes literally). Years later, I decided to just commit to always carrying a light and the thinnest folding knife I could fine--this actually worked great and gave me that instant capability-augmentation I had always wanted. Originally started with a Nitecore MT10C (great, but pretty fat at 26mm diam.) and an SOG Slimjim XL (Great, but difficult to open and too long. The shorter version was too short and wouldn't reliably lock with opening momentum). Now I carry a EagleTac D25A Titanium (17mm diam.) and a CRKT LCK+ (12mm). Light, slim, and high performing (wish the eagtac had a two-way clip, tho). Olight S1R Baton II (two-way clip!) is also great and I carry it sometimes. Kershaw 1776 Link SpeedSafe Assisted Flipper is a great knife and my 2nd most-common EDC.
My minimum EDC, after the almost obligatory keys, phone, and cash, is a pre-SD SAK Classic and an Olight i1R2, I have not needed bottle and can openers when out-and-about for a long time, and I have tools at home and work. Sometimes I carry a Swiss Champion and a large torch in pouchies on my belt.
You're describing what I would call the preparedness role items. There augmentation type tools are more for day to day improvements to your physical abilities. Opening a big of coffee in the kitchen, just grab the knife with one hand and cut it open. It's so convenient it's easier that finding the kitchen scissors to do the job. That's what is so interesting about this kit.
I stopped carrying a folding knife many years ago when I got a Gerber multi tool, but I have never liked the knife. So, a few years ago I bought the smallest straight knife I liked, which is a Buck with a 4 inch blade. I lives on my belt next to my Gerber tool, and I use one or both of them every day.
I just have one question. Where do you put your phone if your right pocet is full of tools? I just genuinely can't justify loosing the quick and easy phone access, and maybe there just is a sollution I don't see.
I carry a Sog Fielder, I switch traditional pocket knives daily (to include a SAK Woodsman on occasions),a Rovyvon A7, keys on a KeySmart system, my wallet, and my phone. I rarely need much else at 53.
It's worth pointing out that just because lots of people recommend lighters/pry bars/pens etc, it doesn't mean they are right for you. I spent a while carrying around all of the things mentioned in this video and realised I just don't have a need for anything but a knife and torch. If I'm in need of something else, I'm normally at home or in the office in which case I just have that item there already. I'd rather compromise and spend 30 seconds going to get it than have it on me all the time weighing down my pockets. The only thing I would recommend is duplicating some items you don't keep on your person into your vehicle/rucksack so that you have them for those times you go somewhere else.
I kept a small Leatherman Juice in my pants pocket for years and I don't know whether I am just a particularly disgusting, corrosive sweater, but it started to rust pretty badly, not to mention that it wore holes into a bunch of pants. I can't even imagine what a fully sized multitool would do.
As a young boy, ever since I first saw the movie "In Like Flint", I have been obsessed with gadgets and multi tools that you can have with you on your person. Still looking for the 85 function cigarette lighter but I guess an iPhone and a few other things will do.
You may want to consider carrying an inexpensive Bic butane lighter instead of risking the loss of a more expensive Zippo that looks like it has sentimental value. I attach a couple of Tinder-Quick cotton tinder with orange gaffer tape. The tape itself burns readily and the bright orange color makes it easier to find should it be dropped. I am going to add a few fish hooks under the tinder.
I've now watched a multitude of your edc videos which were very erudite, and well produced, but now I'm more confused than before about what to actually carry. I guess everyone needs to find their own path.
Thanks, yeah it constantly changes too. I think the way to do it might be to pick some of core philosophies that interest you the most and just start running with it.
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Part 2 of this series here: ruclips.net/video/wmvpS1wU3SY/видео.htmlsi=5rT4T1-CAO-tVmFt
It's interesting that the UK doesn't allow locking knives. Here in the USA it's considered a safety thing so the blade doesn't fold back on your hand. Excellent video!
In the UK, safety is not a consideration. Controlling the subjects trumps all. 😖
@@maxsparks5183 that is unfortunate. :/
@@thejunkyardnecromancerThey get free healthcare but they don’t get to carry a Ka-Bar. Such a sad existence to live in.
Just to add a little complexity to the uk knife law thing, our laws state that we are not allowed to carry a knife with a blade that isn't immediately foldable (non locking) and no longer than 3 inches without good reason. This does mean however that if we have a good reason (as determined by the police etc if we're ever found with a knife) we can carry any knife we need.
@@mikeappleget482 they also get to wait 6 months to see a doctor , up to 1 year for a procedure 😀 also get to pay up to %45 personal taxes 🤑
I’m over seventy five years old, and I have not yet had to quickdraw anything from my pocket yet. I must live a charmed life!
Or maybe you subconsciously recognize potential threats before other people do? But happy you live in a safe area
@@pops55650 after serving 25 years on a police department my recognition of potential threat is not subconscious! It is for real
@@pops55650 You've kind of missed the point of quick deployment in this video, it's not about self-defence or threats, just practicality.
Pen, paper, butane lighter, and cheap reading glasses are the essentials for this 70+ yo. If I weren't bad about losing them, a multi tool or knife would be next, so I just keep them in the vehicles and in known locations around the house.
Good video. Thanks.
Oh, and single led mini keychain light!
@@ernestsmith3581a light is so helpful in finding things. Changing the way it's lit or change in shadow, and "it" suddenly appears. I'm really good at hiding things from myself.
As I get older my main challenge is seeing things clearly, so eyeglasses and light are critical. Around the house, LED headlamps have proven great when working on anything with small parts. LED panels on stands (like photographers use) have proven great for my workbench.
The thing about most EDC is people think they don't need a certain tool until they carry it and realize how many opportunities there are. Most have just coped with not having the tools, but the fact remains that many situations could be resolved quicker had they carried a few basic tools.
I carry a Milwaukee penlight with a laser and a Leatherman Micra, they cover almost every mundane task.
so youre a secretary looking for keyholes at night?
How is that Milwaukee penlight?
@@dlighted8861 It's actually my first flashlight so I can't compare it, but i like it. The natural light is awesome. I work as a handyman and i paint ocasionally, the light color reall comes in handy for spotting lacking paint when the old and new paint are very similar in color. Cool colored lights actually make touchups invisible. It only has two brightness settings but i think they're set apart enough in brightness so they both have their uses. Only real downside is the laser button sits proud of the body and is getting worn down from sliding in and out of my pocket. The laser button was small to begin with and only getting smaller and harder to press with time.
Haven't used the light for its full battery life but it's lasted longer than I've needed it.
I carry my wallet. Tends to solve most problems.
@@darryllspalding9680 I'm a handyman and the truck carry's all the tools. I carry a hip bag in my backpack with my most frequently used tools so I don't have to dig through boxes. Maybe if you're not doing real work sure you can carry everything you need, but I've never seen a hard working man carry all his tools in his pockets. Usually it's a big truck with a service bed.
I loved your in pocket edc video. It made me set up a small tool kit around a ratchet bit driver, knipex pliers and a SAK in a leather organizer, which i carried for months before getting tired of the bulge just recently. Now I already missed my tools on several occasions. You are publishing this video right on time for me and it is so concise. It‘s such a relief to have you kind of round up all my random thoughts about what did not fit in the past and turn it into a kind of actionable list of what to look for in my edc items. Thanks a lot!
As I told a skeptical friend, it’s not that most people *need* a robust EDC-it’s that it’s useful if you want to be useful. Great video.
Add a 100% cotton handkerchief to your list. invaluable from time to time for a whole list of needs, and super comfortable to cary.
Have thought about that. Instead I carry a couple of folded up paper towels. The cotton cloth would have more uses than the paper towels . I think I will try that for a while .
@@rawpraisehorn5716 a quick story. Back in 1961 I was 7 years old.
My dad and I were crossing a street and a little old lady was steping off the curb to cross in the opposite direction. She fell in the street. Bleeding badly from mourh or nose!
My dad helped her up and sat her on the curb.
He produced the clean hanky he always carried and usd it to help stop the blood. There was a pop-corn vender just inside the Sears store and he got ice water there.
Before long we had her across the street and on her way taking dads hanky with her.
I remember asking about it, and he told me to ALLWAYS cary a clean hanky, you never know who may need it!
Now Im 70. I have a clean hanky
In my pocket right now.
@@rawpraisehorn5716I also carry two folded paper towels.
I've been really thinking about my EDC recently. Whenever I go out I've always got my phone, wallet, keys, lip-balm, handkerchief, pocket notebook, a pen & pencil.
Unfortunately I'm still finding that I'm coming up short in a number of different random scenarios. I've been making notes of the things I find myself needing the most, and I'm trying to work out what the best solution for me is, whether it's a multi-tool or a set of individual tools or what.
Always interesting to hear your thoughts on a topic like this, and I will definitely be factoring this into my research. Excellent video as always Ben!
Many thanks for your comment. Yeah it’s hard coming up with a good EDC. This video shows one part of what I carry - the rest will be in other videos. I do think grouping first and foremost by the things you need instant access to vs the stuff you can afford a bit more time to get at is a good place to start though.
After my door keys, it’s handkerchief and lip balm for me too. Those are my 3 essentials. Since a kid I’ve never gone anywhere without a hanky and as I have to breath through my mouth a lot I can’t go far without lip balm. I only just learnt recently that lip balm makes a great survival tool because, smeared on cotton wool it makes a fire lighter
Great video, because you refer to what a person can do daily. During my working life I always carried a Bic lighter, a smallish thin folding knife, and a pair of nail clippers (splinters, etc). In every job I had.
“Augmentation” and “manipulating the world around you” are such great ways to explain the need for these tools.
I dream of carrying absolutely nothing in my pockets, maybe one day.
Yeah I like the idea, but then I need a tool!
I wonder what prevents someone to have nothing in his pocket
@@jaspervanestelfeen2173 last time I tried it I couldn't get into my house or my car and I couldn't call anyone for help so I ran crying down the street, eventually I ran out of tears but I had no money to buy water, I'm still out there to this day.
Grow your finger nails out, get eye shine implants from eastern Europe , hone your mental abilities to remember and track events , trane hand strength, and learn friction fire making techniques. Become a physical god
Better start conditioning those hands. A little bit of time and effort, and you'll be pounding nails and crushing walnuts barehanded! You got this, bud.
It's always interesting to see peoples idea's on pocket EDC. Of course it's always personal and depending on the environment and laws of the country, state or even city you live in. Where I do have a small pry bar it's on my key chain. It does have the bottle opener part so in case of an emergency I can use a shoelace and this pry bar as a tourniquet and lock it it place hooking the cordage into the bottle opener part. I do also carry a small metal flash drive (USB stick) in my jeans coin pocket. My key chain also has a loud whistle and a tick remover.
Man I love the way your brain works. It’s always bringing a new perspective of EDC for me.
I'm retired and live on my farm, so I carry a full size crowbar in my van. I carry a small flashlight, pocket knife and a Bic lighter in my pocket. I don't go very far from my van so I am not worried about not having a mini crowbar in my pocket. When I am cutting wood, my van is near. When I am camping in the back woods or in a State Park, my van is near. Be prepared and be safe my friends.
I have a brass Zippo from 1982 I don’t use it because it’s smelly and evaporates, so the turbo flame insert is perfect. Great idea. I haven’t decided which UK friendly to go for yet.
I carry a very similar setup. I have a solis but carry my Gslip more often and I was carrying the Olight Baton 3 everyday until a couple days ago when I got the 4. Its nice to find another EDC person from the UK!
I've had a couple folding knives close on me while being used. I have a high distrust of them. I only carry fixed blade belt knives.
The Kershaw Pub is a UK legal carry which is impossible to fold while in use. The design is pure genius.
Your videos are absolutely fascinating, love the easy to understand format and production quality is just spot on. I’ve been keeping a kit for years now without even knowing the term EDC, many of the items I carry work well for me but I am always on the lookout for new items and your videos has given so many ideas so thank you.
Thanks so much!
Great video!
One suggestion: dual flame (torch and regular) insert for the Zippo. Sometimes keeping the torch activated is not comfortable, so having an open flame is handy.
Amazon has various butane inserts, including dual torch flame, single torch flame, yellow flame (the one I bought), and electric arc.
Thanks for the content and its good to have a Brit sounding voice chatting about the virtues of EDC in its most basic form. Good to know
there is someone else on the same page :) Best wishes Mike in County Durham
That's a great setup. The coolest part of EDC is you can spend like $2,000 or $100. I carry:
Kizer Squidward - $34 on amazon sale
Olight i5t - $21
Leather magazine holder (as a wallet) - $30
Clipper torch lighter - $6
like $80 and I really love it all.
I think the one that will surprise anyone (who has never carried one) the most is the flashlight. I started carrying a flashlight 10 years ago. It was a gift from a friend. I was skeptical and “don’t want to carry a bunch of STUFF all the time”, but I gave it a chance because I trusted my friend. It did not take long before I realized just how frequently it is useful. I think it comes in handy more often than my knife.
Knife, prybar, flashlight/ mini flashlight mulitool, Zippo Lighter and mini firestarter kit, keys and wallet with multi tools that can be carried in wallet or on keychain, handkerchiefs and mini first aid/personal hygiene kit.
I have never carried any of these before, but that flashlight looks super useful, especially with how early the sun sets in the winter.
I always carry a flashlight, often one like that, in neutral white, and use it everyday, multiple times. The new version which is also mentioned, is the Olight Perun Mini 2 is a little better for EDC (unless one has a lot of velcro on their clothes/hat to use the original one with a velcro patch). It has a bit of a hot spot, which may not be quite as good for even illumination as the original, but gives more throw for EDC aspects. The clip can be left on and used with the headband. The original went a different direction and the clip hooked into a rotating tube. Having red or flashing red for emergencies is also useful. Another EDC factor is that the new one has a battery lever indicator. Now the Perun or Perun 2 will also fit in the new Baton 4 charging case which makes a nice kit as you always have a light, the case can be charged with a standard USB C cord, and it can be used as a powerbank. It pisses me off a bit that when Olight has a sale they have been leaving the NW Perun 2 at full price, so that has kept me from recommending the package as many times. I can live with the CW Baton 4 for its brightness and efficiency, but headlamps should always be neutral white for better perception and to avoid disrupting one's circadian rhythms.
Love seeing you making more edc vids!
Thanks! Great to have you here. Have loads more lined up.
Everyone, check this guy’s channel out if you haven’t already!
Ben has the same pocket size as Guybrush Threepwood!
In all seriousness. That was pretty interesting. I'm a pocket minimalist (phone, slim wallet, keys in a keysmart), but lately I've added a pair of noise-cancelling earbuds and it's been amazing. Not only because I can hear my phone in any environment, but for the ability to reduce the volume of noisy environments. Yesterday at a loud Christmas party, I was the only one that could hear other people over the crowd noise 😊
no pen for EDC? You can get a Victorinox Swiss Army knife, one of the more basic ones, for $35 and get two blades with average steel, plus a bottle and can opener, so you won't need a pry bar, it's Swiss made, with a good guarantee from the manufacturer.
This isn't _all_ of my EDC :) See here ruclips.net/video/MtAqj1wI1tE/видео.html and ruclips.net/video/wmvpS1wU3SY/видео.html
I remember my dad talking about when he was young a zippo was really windproof, he said he could hold the lighter and blow on the flame enough to make it wrap all the way around to the other side of his hand. I would only assume that the fluid was just made differently back then, less eco-friendly more fire. Maybe it was just him.
Maybe he'd just spilt a load on his hand!
You and I seems have similar things in our pocket but mine are a little different. I used to carry lighter but it get very little use and got me into trouble a bit at some check points. I also used to carry small safety cutter but since 2020 some air ports doesn't allow any kind of razor blade onboard so after they took 3 of those tiny safety cutters from me, I now carry a tiny 1 inch folding knife which actually allowed. I don't carry any pry bars but I do have a bottle opener as my key chain so I can either use the opener or the keys for that. I also carry a tiny SIM ejector because sometimes paper clip isn't small enough to poke into some holes or push something out of tight spots. I also always have tiny bottle of petroleum jelly or shea butter for my lips, skin, or to put on fresh cuts. Another thing I like to have in my pocket is the paper measure tapes that they giveaway for free at Ikea. I like to have one or two of those to measure things and I can also note on them. It's better than steel measuring tapes I used to carry.
As someone else who always carries a tape measure I recommend a komelon kmc-74k. It's a tiny 3m tape measure that is smaller than most 2m ones and very sturdy for it's size.
@@ALifeOfWine wow, i checked and it looks really good! thank you! added it to my cart
I dropped my Leatherman that I had been carrying for almost 20 years for a new setup. Pocket knife (I like Spyderco, but you could use a Benchmade) + Gerber Shard + OLIGHT flashlight. I use the Shard for prying and opening boxes etc. The real brute force tool. And the knife for everything else you mentioned. Really cool video brother. Enjoy.
The shard is amazing. Engrave your mobile number on it in case you lose your keys.
@@40173k good idea brother
For a torch I've been carrying the Nicron N7, I'm not sure if it's available in the UK though. But it's relatively slim as it runs on a single AA or 14500 (AA size but higher voltage), and the head can swivel 90 degrees. In any case, I've found that I love having a flashlight with me at all times. Along with my EDC knife, I have all the tools I need perosonally nearly all the time.
You should add to that a survival frog usb recharchable AA
Prices as of 1/17/2024:
Olight Perun 2 Mini Headlamp $64.99
Zippo Brass Lighter (comes with classic insert) $20.49
Zippo Butane Insert $16.36
Real Steel Solis (titanium black) Knife $114.00
Thumb Stud $7.99
Vero Fulcrum Mini Pry Bar $95.00
Total $318.83
Nice video. The flashlight has a magnetic charger, a proprietary charger, which, if you travel a lot is not ideal. If you lose your cable, it is much easier to find a USB-C or Micro USB cable pretty much anywhere, even gas stations carry these. This issue has come up for me in the past so I avoid anything with a proprietary cable to charge.
Yeah it’s definitely something to keep in mind. It’s not caught me out yet but I will add a charger to my travel kit and/or car kit soon I think.
@@BenVallacki just use AAA or AA flashlight.
Or, you could just use the light on your phone.
Glad I'm an American, I've got a locking blade knife, and I carry a North American Arms .22 for self-defense. The rest fits on my keychain, prybar, Geekey (never know when you want a quick smoke or tighten a bicycle spoke), tiny Craftsman adjustable wrench, flashlight and a few other small gadgets.
leatherman signal, leatherman wave and a few others have the blades on the outside of the multi tool, and they are quite easy to open and the lock open
Excellent taste in gear and very watchable vid. I highly recommend the Gondek EDC, fullsize, Executive pry bar, it’s a very minimal prybar, easy to clean, and I’ve been carrying it daily for 2 and a half years and I like how streamlined it is
Thanks very much. Will check this out!
What have you discovered yourself using the pry bar for? I truly can’t imagine a need for one in my daily life. What am I overlooking as far as its usefulness?
I used to have a similar pocket light to you, but switched to the "NEBO Slim Mini" - it's flat, and usb-c, and cheap - but also great!
That does look really cool - but quite a drop in brightness. I do love having the 1000 lumens available heh
@@BenVallack 100% but the form factor won for me - for most of my use (finding shit I dropped, not tripping on stuff) it's actually usually more than enough! YMMV!
I started carrying a small Nebo also. The thing is amazing . Very bright, easy to recharge ,not very expensive, durable . I built a small leather auxiliary pocket which I carry on my belt next to several other black leather “ auxiliary pockets” that have other EDC items in them.
One thing I found I can't live without easy access to when out and about is a tape measure. To the point where I ended up buying a 3 way split keyring and attaching my mini torch and a mini 3m tape measure to my house keys. So far it must've already saved me hours in not having to walk back to the car to get one out the tool box. Might have to look at a pry bar next as that does look to be very handy!
Loosing tape measures is the bane of my life! But I don't really use them frequently enough to justify a pocket location for one.
I do the same thing except the knife in my multi-tool serves as one of my needs so that with a lighter and a small flash light equal three as essential.Also wrap you lighter in duct tape.You can peel it off and use as a fire starter.
Love this idea, My setup is a SAK Compact (prybar/ scissors), skeletool (knife openable with one hand), Olight i5R. This is a kit where the sum is greater than the parts
I carry a plethora of useful items...almost a Batman bat-belt, in fact. My personal issue is feeling that if I delete a tool off my utility belt, that may likely be the very tool I'll find I need in a given situation, so I end up becoming fated to be a pack-horse of tools.
All I carry is a handkerchief - its served me well over 50 years
I do same thing. I have a zippo, a torch, a pen and knife. Always in the pocket of my coat. Haven't thought of a prybar before. Good video.
you can reshape and sharpen that prybar to any useful form that you find necessary, eg hook, or can opener . relatively easy to do
Although everyone has different needs from their EDC, a big one for me is that whatever EDC items I carry in my pockets they're inexpensive, small & light. For example, I'd carry a disposable Bic lighter over a Zippo, a pen style battery operated flashlight and a box cutter. I cringe every time someone pulls out a knife to open a package, cut cardboard, etc. Also, if you lose, break or have any of these items stolen, they''re quickly, cheaply & easily replaced. I also have no problem with letting anyone use them and maybe even keep them if they're really in need. The last thing I'd suggest is a carpenter's pencil for writing & marking. They're cheap, flat, light & easy to sharpen on the go. Tons of options out there and maybe this is the old, grumpy man coming out, but I feel like EDC has become kind of a penis measuring, socioeconomic flex, cool/hip one-up pocket sport more than just being practical and being able to engage with the world as you're moving through it.
That little Olight Pmini is the shizzzz. I love mine.
It really shines when you mate it with the Velcro patch it comes with as an optional accessory, attached to a bag/jacket/hat. Instant hands free light!
Yeah such a brilliant thing!!
On my keyring: A Gerber Shard with my telephone number engraved on it. A telescopic pen. The smallest Spyderco - a razor sharp Bug. All that utility with barely any bulk or weight to it. Then my smartphone with torch etc of course. I also carry a Kershaw Pub knife because it is so flat and folds out a really useful short blade, has a screwdriver, bottle opener and belt attachment which is brilliant for removing tent pegs.
Not sure if it's legal where you live, but I carry the Leatherman Skeletool. It comes in a variety of blade styles, or there are some third party replacements depending on your preferences or requirements. The knife can be opened and closed one handed as it's on the outside of the tool. Unlike some multitools they aren't trying to cram in every tool under the sun. It's an easy access knife, pliers, a driver with replaceable bits, and a clip that doubles as a bottle opener.
The bits for the driver are double-sided, and it stores one extra bit in the handle. I usually keep a flat head that I can use as a prybar or scraper, along with whatever other bit I expect to need. Most days that's the standard Phillips bit, but sometimes it's a #3 for my snowboard bindings or a hex bit for my camera gear. The extra bit kit that Leatherman sells is also pocketable, but at that point I'll typically bring a pair of Fix-It-Sticks.
Personally, I find having a good screwdriver and pliers come in handy enough to justify the multitool. Also, the carabiner clip has been handy more often than you might expect. If I anticipate needing a more specific knife I'll just carry another knife on my belt.
I also carry an Olight, but opted for the pocket friendly Arkfeld with a laser for my cat.
I’ve always carried a Swiss Army knife type pocket knife as well as a bic lighter in my pocket. But I never thought about a small pry the would be much stronger than anything on my knife. That plus a very small flashlight seems like great additions to my pockets
I have a Zippo identical to the outer casing of yours. I found that as a non-smoker who rarely used it, it was never there for me when I needed it because of evaporation. I didn't know about the inserts for butane. I might look into that. Otherwise it is a Bic lighter or matches.
I love the butane insert - find myself using it all the time. Lighting birthday candled, normal candles, camping cookers, melting paracord etc. Really good that it works upside down without burning your fingers.
Insightful video I'll check out more of this content later. Always interesting to see what tools are most handy.
EDC is interesting. Many of us have a common number of items we carry, but they aren't the same items. I carry a three-blade, stockman style, pocket knife which sees use nearly every day. It takes two hands to open, but, I don't think I've ever _needed_ to open a knife one-handed. It's more convenient, but so far, not essential. I also carry a loupe (10X), and a nail clippers. The clippers are the kind that has a small file that swings out to use. They are something I consider essential to first aid, as is the longer blade on my knife. I keep it sharp enough to remove splinters. In addition, I have my keys.
If you can modify one edge on the prybar to be more of a chisel edge they can be really handy for ripping packages .
I usually carry following things:
Pack of smokes and lighter (electric lighter with flashlight and regular bic one)
a phone (never go out without my phone)
folding pocket knife
and depending on where I go I may have a fixed blade knife or even a sword at my hip (in my area you can open carry fixed blade knives and even swords. however concealed weapons like cane sword are outlawed)
Great ideas for edc. The zippo wick worked well if people weaved the wick as Zippo describes. The butane is nice and convenient for sure
In many countries (like my Germany) one-handed knives are strictly banned for outdoor carry.
So people should be careful about that kind of laws...
A nail clipper would get used more and the bar to pinch it down is a pry bar. I carry lighter, knife, watch, & AAA flashlight in my pocket. I have a belt clip that carries Ferro Rod/Striker, Whistle, Compass, 6' Paracord in Cobra Weave
The Olight Perun 2 is a head torch that you can remove the torch element to clip onto something with the pocket clip or magnet.
I would describe more as a normal periscope torch that comes with an optional head band!
Wanted to chime in that the Leatherman P4 and Wave+ multitools have easy one handed knife open. Other Leatherman models do also, but those are the two I am personally familiar with.
My favourite edc knife at the moment is also the Real Steel Solace Lite. It’s super slicey, slim and ultra light, with a real thin behind the edge easy to strop up to shaving sharp. I love the blade shape for opening packages and boxes and food tasks as well as little DIY jobs. But because it’s less than £30 I don’t feel precious about it. I totally love my Heinnie Haynes/Real Steel Barlow, which ticks all the same boxes except that at £75 I do feel rather precious about it which somewhat inhibits the ways I use it. Although it’s my favourite knife and it is way up there for me in usefulness.
I carry a small torch in a belt pouch and I often carry my Alox Pioneer because I use the large screwdriver so much as a pry-bar and I use the spike a lot, especially as a bradawl.
I love the butane insert for the zippo
My EDC torch of choice is the Rovyvon A8. Much smaller than that Olight
My current carry solution is a Victorinox Bantam Alox, which comes with a well-sized pry, a good blade, a bottle opener and the ability to turn screws in a pinch, a Zippo lighter with a standard kerosene insert, and a pair of Knipex pliers. Also on my keyring I have one of those tiny torches. This is how I've done things for the last couple months (prior to that it was the same minus the knipex) and I'm really happy. My setup is super minimal, but that allows me to add and remove stuff as needed. If I'm doing work around the house I can easily add a full size screwdriver and fixed blade knife and still have access to all my other gear. Keeping things stripped back also allows me to get to everything while wearing gloves, which I often do due to work.
I've had my eye on the Perun Mini for a while now. I like the right-angle layout. My main complaint is needing yet another charger.
in the army we prefer an original zippo, because you can put anything in it and it will light up
unlike butane is not as easy to access onces you runout
I "in pocket" carry my EDC for work as a bag isn't currently viable. However, I utilize several pocket organizer pouches which still allow me to access individual items. It allows me to carry the much larger array of items I need and still keep them effectively instantly available by holding them in a specific orientation. (This includes a custom Victorinox Yeoman and Olight Arkfeld Pro on the outside of the pouch that serves as my wallet... as well as a Pen, Marker, Prybar, and worksharp pocket sharpener/bit driver in another 4 slot organizer.) I can access any of these items by feel except the sharpener as its a tight fit in it's pouch. As I wear cargo pants... these organizers free up my standard pockets for my phone, keys, pocket knife... and I don't rattle and clink with each step like some weird version of a one man percussion section.
Great EDC, mine has become almost the same four items plus a pen, tweezers (sliver grippers) and fingernail clippers (victorinox). Very handy
Hey thanks for taking the time to tell us what it has in it's pockets.
I carry a sheep's foot locking knife a sharpie an I-Phone &ear buds and a Zippo.
I did like your pry bar and would like to pick that up.
My EDC kit is a knife, flashlight, whistle and an Rx pill capsule. The knife and flashlight get used everyday.
When we lived in Texas, the additional item was my handgun! 😉
Not an edc light, but I am a huge fan of the Olight ball lights. The magnet base is so nifty.
The only thing I've ever regularly carried for past sixty years is some form of Swiss Army knife, no safety problems using a non-locking blade. Anything larger tends get left in the drawer. Petzl led headtorch for late dog walks in winter. I've spent most of my time as a vehicle technician and to be honest, most of these very expensive tiny pry-bars and multi-tools seem to be a bit of a joke for real work.
What is the thinking behind not allowing locking blades in the UK? I'm assuming it is something it is something along the lines of if it is locking you can stab?
In practice, it seems like it just means your more likely to cut yourself when using. If you are wanting to do harm, the idea of cutting yourself, is not likely to deter you.
Yeah exactly
I'm envious that your zippo butane insert lights every time. I've tried multiple and they seem to be very hit or miss as to whether they actually light. Sometimes they don't seem to at all. I have to use another lighter to light it.
Ah really that’s interesting. I do find there’s an optimum speed that you click down the button. If you press it down too fast it won’t always light.
In the US small fixed blades are coming into vogue for pocket carry. As far as folding knives, there are so many better choices... but they're all probably illegal in the UK. The CIVIVI Elementum is my favorite and is pretty inexpensive, but I also like Kershaw knives, like the Leek and the Blur. But those are almost certainly illegal in the UK. Todd Begg designed a friction folder version of the Glimpse that's completely legal in the UK, but it'll cost you around £325.00. Personally, if I lived in the UK I'd save up and buy that. It's beautiful. Just gorgeous. Note, however, that Begg Knives is not the same company as Todd Begg. Begg Knives does make a version of the Mini Glimpse that's quite a bit cheaper, but it's not a friction folder. It's a flipper with a locking blade made in China, and you can't even take it apart to service it. I wouldn't buy one, just because of the bad blood over his brother stealing his company and his designs.
I usually tell my coworkers to carry something to write with, something to cut with, and a source of light. Due to work regulations, I don't emphasize the fire as much but it's still something I carry. Will definitely have to add a pocket prybar to my arsenal.
Same here. I never thought about a prybar but then I remember gingerly using my knife as one many times.
If i may... maybe you should look at another knife company that i about to order one from, Boyd's knives. It's a type of knife called a rigging knife used in sailing, boating, and marine applications. A rigging knife should always come wit a marlin spike, but Boyd's is titanium, with a shackle key, and a pocket clip. The blade is rust proof and comes in different variants, pointed or not, serrated or not. Check em out.
I keep my Knipex 87-100 mini Cobra pliers, a little brass flashlight that's nicely bright, and a knife that Blackie Collins designed for Meyerco, which features an AUS-8 blade from Seki, Japan, and a flip-out pair of needle nose with bit-holder at the opposite end. My other tool is my toaster, in case I need to neutralize a threat.
One of the best pry bars ever is a $10 Brake Caliper tool from an auto repair shop. Very tough, very simple. More useful than all the trendy ones advertised on Facebook IMO.
Why does someone need to carry anything in their pockets? Most of the time we are at work, home or in the car, just put them somewhere handy and forget about them.
The last bit is exactly the problem!
Locking and fixed bladed are legal to carry in the UK providing you have a valid reason. Grey areas obviously abound which is all the more reason to provide oneself and others with a good understanding of the preposterous UK blade legislations.
Carry: Cold Steel Ti-Lite 4", Leatherman Wave + multitool w dual bit kit, Streamlight 053995 (USB rechargeable), brass Zippo. What people don't realize about Zippos is that they don't necessarily need lighter fluid, you can use the same fuels you use in a lantern in a Zippo and it will work fine. Or oil, alcohol, whatever you have really, just nothing explosively combustible (gas).
I don't understand *at all* the point of a titanium pry bar, it's half the hardness and stiffness of steel. Titanium's great when you need light weight, not ultimate performance, as you found out when trying to crack rocks with it.
This is really interesting - yeah I will keep looking for a stronger option I think!
Yes! I came to the same conclusions/philosophy. Long ago I tried to carry a multi tool, but 9/10 times I would just go looking for the full-sized version b/c it was less hassle and the bulk was a pain in the ass (sometimes literally). Years later, I decided to just commit to always carrying a light and the thinnest folding knife I could fine--this actually worked great and gave me that instant capability-augmentation I had always wanted.
Originally started with a Nitecore MT10C (great, but pretty fat at 26mm diam.) and an SOG Slimjim XL (Great, but difficult to open and too long. The shorter version was too short and wouldn't reliably lock with opening momentum).
Now I carry a EagleTac D25A Titanium (17mm diam.) and a CRKT LCK+ (12mm). Light, slim, and high performing (wish the eagtac had a two-way clip, tho).
Olight S1R Baton II (two-way clip!) is also great and I carry it sometimes. Kershaw 1776 Link SpeedSafe Assisted Flipper is a great knife and my 2nd most-common EDC.
Awesome!
My minimum EDC, after the almost obligatory keys, phone, and cash, is a pre-SD SAK Classic and an Olight i1R2, I have not needed bottle and can openers when out-and-about for a long time, and I have tools at home and work. Sometimes I carry a Swiss Champion and a large torch in pouchies on my belt.
You're describing what I would call the preparedness role items. There augmentation type tools are more for day to day improvements to your physical abilities. Opening a big of coffee in the kitchen, just grab the knife with one hand and cut it open. It's so convenient it's easier that finding the kitchen scissors to do the job. That's what is so interesting about this kit.
Good ideas. I'm in Texas, so I add a Ruger LCPII 380 in my front pocket and 2 spare magazines on my belt in a multitool holder.
The ultimate survival tool.
I stopped carrying a folding knife many years ago when I got a Gerber multi tool, but I have never liked the knife. So, a few years ago I bought the smallest straight knife I liked, which is a Buck with a 4 inch blade. I lives on my belt next to my Gerber tool, and I use one or both of them every day.
Pencil, paper/notebook, a good sharp edge, means of starting fire in the wet and some cordage.
Knife crime in the UK is out of control. Even the middle class are carrying them now 😂
I just have one question. Where do you put your phone if your right pocet is full of tools? I just genuinely can't justify loosing the quick and easy phone access, and maybe there just is a sollution I don't see.
Back left pocket
Check out the Rapid PL 1AA flashlight, 4.24" L., submersible up to 2 meters and three settings available at 5.11. Great video.
Titanium is often brittle (depending on alloy and environment factors), and a bad choice for a pry bar, or pretty much any (impact) tool, IMO.
I carry a Sog Fielder, I switch traditional pocket knives daily (to include a SAK Woodsman on occasions),a Rovyvon A7, keys on a KeySmart system, my wallet, and my phone. I rarely need much else at 53.
How close to the legal limit is the knife ?
It's worth pointing out that just because lots of people recommend lighters/pry bars/pens etc, it doesn't mean they are right for you. I spent a while carrying around all of the things mentioned in this video and realised I just don't have a need for anything but a knife and torch.
If I'm in need of something else, I'm normally at home or in the office in which case I just have that item there already. I'd rather compromise and spend 30 seconds going to get it than have it on me all the time weighing down my pockets.
The only thing I would recommend is duplicating some items you don't keep on your person into your vehicle/rucksack so that you have them for those times you go somewhere else.
I liked your video, especially the part about the pry-bar. Very interesting.
I kept a small Leatherman Juice in my pants pocket for years and I don't know whether I am just a particularly disgusting, corrosive sweater, but it started to rust pretty badly, not to mention that it wore holes into a bunch of pants.
I can't even imagine what a fully sized multitool would do.
No one ever needed a prybar in his pocket……unless your a painter
As a young boy, ever since I first saw the movie "In Like Flint", I have been obsessed with gadgets and multi tools that you can have with you on your person. Still looking for the 85 function cigarette lighter but I guess an iPhone and a few other things will do.
You may want to consider carrying an inexpensive Bic butane lighter instead of risking the loss of a more expensive Zippo that looks like it has sentimental value. I attach a couple of Tinder-Quick cotton tinder with orange gaffer tape. The tape itself burns readily and the bright orange color makes it easier to find should it be dropped. I am going to add a few fish hooks under the tinder.
The prybar doesn't poke you inside your pocket?
Na it's pretty stable clipped onto the edge there
I've now watched a multitude of your edc videos which were very erudite, and well produced, but now I'm more confused than before about what to actually carry. I guess everyone needs to find their own path.
Thanks, yeah it constantly changes too. I think the way to do it might be to pick some of core philosophies that interest you the most and just start running with it.