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So happy to see someone saying this. Theres so many things that are just pocket jewelry, needlessly expensive and not very practical for everyday life that is being pushed like its a necessity. If it something people want, I dont have anything against it, but im kinda tired of being told that a pen made of aerogel and titanium, a prybar with 5cm of leverage and cargo pants that turn into a sleeping bag will save my life and its irresponsible for me to not buy it through the affiliate link right now. All of these are good tools for when you need them (or at least the real, standalone tool is), but certainly not something I feel the need to keep on me all day, every day.
@@Leftyotism Honestly I have no issue with that. I buy plenty of things just because I want them too, its more the part where being told that its absolutely necessary to carry these things at any given time and everyone who isnt, is a chump. If you want it, and it brings you happiness I fully support you.
@@kvernesdottenYeah, I was just saying that if someone asks you why, you can say 'Me having many knives is like you having many shoes.', or "It's like you wearing jewellery.' 😊 And also yeah, people who like to tell you what you need and what you don't need, those you don't need to listen to. 🤭👍
for real man bumbs dont have that shit and since i live in seattle they steal whatever they need you got dopeheads knocking over weed stores and corner stores all the time. i wonder what their edc is? steal a kia and smash
For most people, if they have vixtorinox scissors they don't even need a knife, even a SAK knife. Literally the only thing I need to cut is shipping package tape and bags of frozen food. Vixtorinox scissors can handle both just fine. Tissues, however. That's a required daily use EDC if ever there was one.
And you dont even need a swiss champ, swapped the normal scales for plus scales on my super tinker and i cant quite think of something better, the best daily carry imo
I don't understand how some guys need 3 different ways to start a fire for urban EDC. I get it, you might need a lighter once in a while, but flint and 5 different fire starter materials. Really? Outdoor EDC is totally different, and I understand the need, but when do you suddenly need to start a fire in an urban environment.
They probably have the prepper mindset, where they think worst case scenario, if they have to get OUT of the urban and go into the rural, they're prepared. Yes, it's rare, but if they don't mind the weight of extra kit, so be it. They probably did bushcrafting before and are just comfortable with it on them now, even if in city. Or maybe they're practicing bushcrafting techniques in their apartment. Lighters can fall and bust open, but flint cannot break like that. It's just emergency backup. Just my guesses. 🤷♂️ I have a prepper mindset myself, so I'd probably carrying a tiny ferro rod on me, which I do in my multitool 'tactical' pen. 😁 It has a whistle, pen, flashlight, ferro rod, compass and stylus all in one one structure. I love it. I can switch out other tools on it when I need.
What's funny is only 10 minutes after making the comment I did above, I saw a "van lifer" who almost always only drives in the city, she then goes out to the desert and gets stuck in deep sand. She was amazed because she always had traction boards in her van until she stored them away and not in her van anymore. She didn't think she'd need them because she never thought she'd go into the wilderness off-roading... until she went and got stuck in the wilderness while offroading. 🤣 You see, the irony, how people underestimate unexpected SHTF situations, all up until they're stuck in one. And the worst pain is them kicking themselves for not prepping for those unexpected situations. 😣 To each their own. Usually those are the people who need that pain to finally learn their lesson, like the child touching the fire that daddy told him not to. So be it. 🤷♂️ It's nice to learn from our own mistakes; it's far better to learn from someone else's. 😉
Even in the wilderness, I’ll carry 3 baby bic’s before I resort to a ferro rod. I think it’s nothing more than a fun skill to have, kind of like that one piece of trivia that only you know and you carry it around with you for that chance to be important! 😂
I live on a farm and spend a ton of time in the woods. I carry a bic lighter. My emergency fire starter kit in my UTV is an old medicine bottle with a candle a book of matches and… another bic lighter 😂
One thing i found very useful is a folded up plastic bag. It weighs nothing, is super compact, and comes in very useful quite often. Just put it in your wallet like a dollar bill.
I agree with everything but the handkerchief. I use them to clean my glasses and wipe away sweat. I don’t have the ones like you have but just simple microfiber and they work well.
I have used the expensive hank for emergency toilet paper when I was stuck at a remote storage facility. My companion who lent it to me was very upset and told me to just use my sock next time.
You're right about the fancy EDC hanks, but a plain cotton bandana takes up no space in a rear pocket and is very useful. I've never had a pack of wet wipes that didn't dry out before I used more than one or two.
For me, a hank is very needed. A bandana is too big, but a smaller 12 x 12 or 10x10 hank is very useful. I carry wet wipes, too, but they’re not useful to clean your glasses or blow your nose. Also, if you use them often it means you have to be buying a lot of those packages and creating a lot of waste. But, you can have a few reusable hanks and wash them A LOT of times before they become useless or damaged. Also, I forgot to mention that hanks can also work to save small objects that you need to save for an unexpected reason (save a pill for later or a lens of a broken glasses, things that a wet wipe would not be the best option. This is just my opinion 😄 Cheers!
Surely a sleeve serves the same purpose, supposing you’re lilely to change your clothes daily/not camping out but just out in town/around the house. As if its easier to dig in a pocket for a ‘hank’ than just use your tshirt or a sleeve cuff 🤷🏼♂️
Throw in a mini Bic and I’m right there with you. Can I make primitive fire with my Leatherman and Season 3 Episode 5 of MacGyver? Probably. Is a Bic faster? Definitely 😂
Regarding the notebook, i don't carry a whole one, but a few pages of waterproof paper are very helpful. I work outside in all weather, but mainly the ability to for example, leave a note on a parked car i witnessed get damaged, without worrying about it falling apart or becoming illegible in the rain or dew, is very helpful. Has helped me multiple times.
Great use for that! I recently discovered waterproof/outdoor post-it notes. I keep some in all My vehicles. Great for temporary marking and leaving notes in the elements.
A notebook is super-essential to me, especially because you can take note immediately and naturally. Plus, I love writing. A Moleskine notebook has always been with me in the last 15 years or so. On the other side, I still don't understand why I keep buying pry-bars, Gesù Cristo Santissimo... I'm from Rome and don't have a manual job, I purchased 4 of them yet I never never had to use one. Yet they're cool 😅
Working outside in all weather I got into the habit of using all weather notepads, and would also use pens with sealed inserts over pencils for taking measurements in cramped conditions like attics. They aren't very expensive, and I've never had a problem writing on them. No point in a downgrade to standard notepads when the price is right. I guess I can kind of understand the criticism purely from an urban edc perspective, but still the price is so low on RITR/field note pads what's the point in losing out on that functionality?
If I could find a notebook that doesn't crumble after a few weeks I'd carry them as I always write stuff down. They go in my back pocket in my wallet and after a week they take the shape of my butt cheek, and the week after that the leafs are coming loose or the cover rips off. I'm a plumber and crawl around everyday and would love a durable notepad.
I would add paracord bracelets to the list of rarely ever used urban edc. I carried a self-made paracord bracelet on my wrist for years and have never found myself using it. Why? Because when the need for some cordage appeared (and let's be honest, it happens rarerly in the urban environment), it was not the matter of survival or serious damage prevention. It was always some occasion in which having a cordage might be more convenient, but not enough for me to untie my precious looking bracelet that took so much effort to tie nicely. My advice? Keep your 12ft long bracelet from 550 paracord for your camping. While in the city, just carry a 4ft of 100 paracord as a simple keychain fob. It will cover 95% of your urban cordage needs (which are rare in the first place).
Thanks for your thoughts. I personally do carry the paracord braclet for outdoors but not urban EDC. I do have paracord in some of my urban kits but don't EDC everyday.
As a paracord enthusiast myself, I do have quite a few items I made and carry on a regular basis. One is an arrowhead necklace I made and wire wrapped myself, the rest are various bracelets and useful items disguised as such. To me they're functional fashion and I like the way they look. Would I take them apart to handle the average situation? No. But its nice to know they're on me if needed, and don't really hog up space for essentials.
I carry paracord in one form or another, sometimes a bracelet, all the time. Some of the reasons it’s come in handy include replacing a broken shoelace, securing a load to a vehicle, and making a temporary leash when I’ve caught a loose dog.
One or two 5-7 foot hanks of paracord are more likely to be useful and fit easily in any pocket. Even camping, the typical miscellaneous cord usage is about 7 feet - tie out to a stake, hang tools from a tree, bundle up a sleeping pad or lash a cooking tripod. I always have a couple 6 foot pieces of cord (3mm & 5mm solid braid dacron) in my pocket. They serve two purposes : occasional utility and regular knot practice. When I'm camping, I'll have 5 or 6 hanks of 7 foot 550 paracord in my pockets. They almost always get used up.
Very true words. Common sense. I agree with your comments 100% I have found myself buying for WANT and not for NEED. Thank you for your honesty. It was refreshing.
Excellent! Whether EDC gear, computer parts, or anything else, it seems there are always some number of people insisting on something you "have to have" in order to be taken seriously.
I agree on the pry bar and pliers. Have some but never use them. I do like to carry a bandanna. Many is the time I have used a public bathroom to find the paper towel dispenser empty/missing/smashed and no air dryer. It is nice to have something to dry my hands on. I sometimes carry a regular notebook. The waterproof paper does not work with all inks. I like a “good” steel on knives, not a super steel. Too expensive and easy to lose.
Years ago I always cringed just thinking about what is on those public bathroom / toilet door handles, so when I washed my hands, I'd get paper towels or toilet tissue and use that to open the doorhandles with afterward. But if none is there, I'd definitely look into getting isopropyl alcohol wipes and whipping those out there wipe down the place: doorknobs, sink knobs, etc. People would be "germaphobes" if they could see all the CRAP that is on public doorhandles or sink handles. 🤣
When there's no paper or air drier I use the inner of my jeans back pockets. You get your hands dry and anybody can see the water stains when you leave the bathroom.😏 😂😂😂
I with you on all of them except the knipex I’ll give two examples I’m a strictly urban guy . 1. I was a t a bar the tap got stuck and the bartender had no tools I had the knipex fixed the situation and she was so happy she paid my tab later . 2 I was walking down the street guy was trying to change his battery with no tools I stopped and got the bolts off and he was really happy . So great video but knipex or pliers are kinda useful.
very kind of you to help those people! I still wonder how long one has to carry such a tool to finally use it, I myself would not want to carry something on me all the time just to use it every few weeks or months
@@Treman77 but this saying could be applied to virtually anything no matter how absurd it gets, like carrying a whole backpack of first aid supplies would be great if you come nearby an accidents with lots of hurt people, but who would want to do that?
I agree with almost all of what you say, with a couple of mods: * A cotton bandana and/or a microfibre cloth - very low cost, lightweight, small size - and can be very useful in an urban setting. * I always carry a small notebook (not waterproof) and pens. Note to self - I must treat myself to a rainproof bag for urban EDC, or use two or more plastic ziplock bags inside my existing, porous, urban EDC bag.
But you don’t answer the "why and what" of the application. Sure can these items be useful as can some pliers. The prepper mindset is to have all eventualities covered even though it’s unrealistic. So the question this video raises is what are you using the cloth for? Are you writing things down in your notebook? I used to carry a notebook until my circumstances changed and I barely took notes anymore. I still have a pen that I use once in a blue moon as I work digitally and otherwise I just throw things into a draft email. It works and is accessible from other devices as well.
I agree with almost everything listed, but as a glass wearer, handkerchiefs are absolutely amazing. Specially if you have any special coatings, like blue light filter or transition lenses, cause other tissues might damage them
I carry a vic compact, lumintop aa, space pen, and hank. All get used every day. I work in a freezer, so I'm constantly wiping off my beard. I use the pen to write notes for work. I use my light at least at night, to avoid turning on lights and wake up the kiddos. The Compact handles everything else: cutting, slicing, poking, picking, opening, filing, tweezering, cleaning, scraping, etc.
I pretty much agree. I bought one of the edc prybars because I wanted to be like everyone else. Still haven’t used it. I do use the knipex pliers, but im a tradesman so i end up using tools more than the average urbanite. And im sure some folks may be appalled, but i just carry a regular paisley pattern handkerchief, and use it like a regular handkerchief when i need to wipe my nose or hands off. All in all though i think this was a good list.
With the Cobra XS I took apart a sofa that had a lot of nuts and bolts... and a big saver was when I changed a leaking sink at a friend's house, if I didn't have it on me I would had to go back home or find a store to buy a small pair of pliers! The wrench we had was good for the other side of the connection, but could not fit to tighten the hot and cold hoses going into the sink battery! Even if you carry something like other multi-tool pliers, most would have broken by now with the force I've put into those small knipex pliers!
Definitively agree with you. Small, Swiss Army Knife, keyring flashlight, Kleenex, Dog bags (as dog owner), glasses wipes (as wearer of glasses) is totally sufficient as EDC - in the sense of wearing it always in my pockets. Pliers, multi tool, bit drivers, a substanial folding knive, flash light, paracord, duck tape, pry bars, etc. are always in my car kit. So it‘s nearby when I might need it, but will not carry this stuff all day with me.
But how will you make that 45 minute walk from the mall to you house when SHTF and the air becomes radioactive and the aliens and zombies roam the earth? You need it all!! 😮😢
Totally agree with your list. I find the Knipex XS pliers far too small to be practical. I do have a slightly bigger pair (87 01 125) that I carry, as part of a backpack kit of tools, that have come in clutch in the past but even then I feel that's about as small as I could comfortably use.
I agree with almost everything except the Cobra xs. I can't imagine my EDC without a pliers anymore. SAK is just not enough for me, I need the plier functionality almost daily, even in the urban environment. Sure, you can carry a Leatherman multitool, which gives you decent pliers. But then your SAK becomes redundant, since most of its features are already on your Leatherman. But what if you really love Victorinox SAKs? Well, then you pair them with Cobra xs. These pliers are cool compromise of a needle noose tip with enough wrench strength. What lot of people do not know is you can also fit leatherman bit extender in the middle hole, giving you very nice leverage. I say get one and carry it with your SAK, you won't regret it.
They aren't just pliers. They work perfectly with any bolt, and you can fit screwdriver bits as he says. Are quite useful for a lot of stuff. I carry one, not in my EDC, but in a small pouch in my backpack when I know I have something special to do
You don't know what you're missing without those tiny pliers. Six years ago I bought the latest Victorinox Champ that has the pliers and I did think they would be useless and just extra width and weight, but they were so useful and so often that I added the Knipex Cobra XS and a Channellock 424 to everyday carry. The two pliers and a Crescent AT24VS and a Bigidesign Ti EDC wrench all fit together in a Ruko SOG2N sheath. For a prybar around town I carry a James Brand Ellis slim which is a small pocketknife that passes public carry laws in Canada, Germany, and the UK. It has a partially serrated blade and I prefer to use it over the large blade on the Victorinox. What is useful depends on where you go and what you do. Try leaving a note on the outside of something (car, locked door, vending machine) with your phone.
This is a great video. I have modified my EDC for many years in search of the most efficient kit possible. I have all the items in this video but rarely carry most of it. I work in maintenance for a living and tools are life but I realized over the years that I don't need all the gear on my person at all times. Pulling up the trends earned you a sub sir. 🤘🏽
The "multitool mindset" is representative by the thought that: AT THE MOMENT you don't need a tool but there WILL come a time when the tool is needed, and the complacency of leaving it at home will annoy you when you're out miles away from home and NOW you need the tool, yet don't have it. 😬😋 It's the prepper mindset. I have it myself. There are many situations where I now look back and was glad I had a tool on me that fixed the problem, even if the situation that arose was rare, needing it only once and having it was well worth the years I carried it. 😁
I ride a motorcycle daily. I do have a 5 inch Knipex in my toolkit plus a 4 inch adjustable wrench and I have old style thick handkerchiefs as bandannas. Cheap microfiber towels to wipe down the bike and a standard note book for leaving notes (a sticky Post It pad too). Always have a Spyderco in my pocket. So fairly standard versions of what you show here. Pry bars have little use outside of my workshop.
I agree, mostly. The only thing on this list I carry daily for sure is the Cobra XS and that's because I use it daily but I agree that not everyone should carry one.
I mostly agree with you. I do carry a couple or three sheets of wet proof paper, in my EDC kit, but gave up carrying the whole notebook, a year or so ago, & also carry a nice Zebra pen, & a pencil. I live in a rainforest, & on occasion, leave notes for folks! A small set of Knipex, in my EDC KIT & a Leatherman on my belt, allows me to tighten, loose nuts, & bolts. My Kershaw pocket knife, gets a touch up once in a while. As does my Leatherman blade. A pry-bar lives in my vehicle toolkit. I agree with getting rid of stuff you don’t really need. Constantly modifying my EDC! Take care, & keep smiling!
I have the Cobra XS and it sees alot of use. Most cases I use it at work, I haul dairy products and the locks on both milk carts and the side locks on the ratchet straps often jam, and trying to get them unstuck with your fingers is just going to cost you nails and blood often to no avail. I COULD use a mini pry bar instead, but the pliers is more multi-functional and finds other uses every now and then.
Agree on the prybar, super steel, and hank. Like you said, I use my Victorinox bottle-opener to pry. I like some and own super steel knives, but for most of my environment and use, 14C28N, 12C27, 440C, 9Cr18 are more than adequate. I do carry Knipex pliers and use them literally every day, not for plumbing, but for holding things Im adjusting, tightening small nuts, and especially for as a pill crusher. Instead of a hank, I carry plain microfiber cloths. I use them to clean my glasses, wipe screens on electronic devices, dry hands, ets. I also ditched the notebooks a while ago, in favor of noting things electronically.
Just found your channel and love what I’ve seen so far. This was a good topic, thanks! Only item I might disagree with is the notebook. I’m not writing in the rain in urban EDC situations, but I like waterproof notebooks because a) I carry them around in a back pocket and don’t have to worry about protecting them if it’s raining out, and b) if I want to leave a note somewhere, I like knowing the ink won’t wash away if it rains. Looking forward to more videos!
Knipex is a damn good tool if you work around any kind of mechanical equipment. Jammed levers, gas bottle valves etc. I have carried those since about 2017
I agree with you on this J C. A lot of stuff that people carry in an urban setting isn't needed at all. I know people say to each their own but I think people who EDC need to carry useful things and not just the "pretty" or popular things. Great video. Love watching them!
I agree 100%. I have bought into the hype for these items myself only to find they don't really do it for me. Only scenario I found an exception is that the knipex (combined with other tools) is lighter than a good sized pliers-based multitool. I'll carry my mini tool pouch more often than my multitool just because it is lighter and arguably more capable. Even then, my tools rarely get used outside of work, so maybe I am just being silly. Just feels weird not having tools after getting used to carrying them.
Hank comes in handy for me especially for wiping off sweat or rain in your face. My pocket notebook is mainly for back up when and if my phone dies, it has emergency contacts, and other important things I might when I'm traveling.
Great video. Definitely agree with your picks. I often find it crazy how much people carry around, and claim that they use regularly? I don't carry much and it still feels like too much. Even just a basic knife, I almost never use. So I don't know how people are always finding stuff to cut. And I've always found the 'hanks' hilarious. From what I've seen its more like a cute display cloth for taking pictures of your gear for instagram rather than a useful item.
I carry a Victorinox compact. On my keychain is a very simple prybar/boxcutter (no wrench holes or screwdriver bits etc) to not mess up my SAK too quickly. I carry a small pouch in my daily backpack, with a variety of stuff, most of which I’m likely never to use. Keychain flashlight, boo-boo kit, pills, nail clippers, eyedrops, 4 matches, rubber bands, bit of cash, few sheets of waterproof paper, a fisher pen refill (who needs the whole pen?), baggie, whistle, eyeglass screwdriver, tape, and a foldable spork for that salad u buy on the way. Another pouch has some tech/charging stuff. And lastly the backpack has a Leatherman Curl with bitkit, a disposable mask and disposable poncho to complete my default carry. I can take pouches out or add others if needed. But other stuff is either in my car or in my house. I don’t need water purification tablets or 4 ways to make fire with me all the time. Maybe if I lived in a hurricane or earthquake area that would be slightly different.
Totally agree with you on the wet wipes! I have a small pry bar on my keychain - I do use that occasionally to open bottles. I use a small Olight most often, followed by a small traditional knife (right now a german made okapi slipjoint)
Thank you! For those of us who are still kinda new to this, this is great. I’ve watched some videos wondering why I would need something. Those items go lower on my list until I see a need for it, BUT it’s very enticing when I keep seeing items over and over and I’m told I need them. So far, luckily, I’ve only purchased one or two small ticket items that I kinda regret.
Sure, but a car is different from an EDC. In the car you have actual applications if it needs some fixing or depending on where you are going. Would you carry one in an office setting where you commute on public transport? Like I carry a knife and used to cut down the box of sugar packets in the office kitchen when it was empty but housekeeping would do that as well. When the siphon broke, a pair of pliers could have been useful - but we just shut off the mains and put up a sign with "out of order" and called housekeeping.
You're absolutely right about mini pry bars - if you need to pry on something small like a staple or a paint can lid, a Swiss Army knife has you covered, plus it does loads of other things as well.
Thank you this was a much needed topic to be discussed. Essentially, I carry one of those Swiss knives that has about 25 tools in it. It’s a lightweight sits in a pouch and pretty much channels anything and everything I could possibly want to do and of course there are other times where I have an in the pocket leatherpiece that I have a small lock back small pen and a flashlight other than that I don’t think there’s too much anybody needs just for bare bones, etc thank you again much much needed video
As a person who works in kitchens, I am constantly breaking down hundreds of heavy duty cardboard boxes per week, and the super steals are very useful for me because it means that I don’t have to sharpen my knife for one to two months at a time without having to worry about it. I agree that for the average person on S110v pm2 is absolutely unnecessary, but for me, that level of hardness and edge retention makes a huge amount of difference.
@LegitPrepperGuruNodoubt More than likely an employer will provide what they think is an appropriate tool like a box cutter. But if you want to use something better, then it is probably on you.
@@LegitPrepperGuruNodoubt the number of times I have been handed a ceramic “box cutter” because the job doesn’t trust me not to cut myself with a regular one is ridiculous. Plus most kitchens don’t bother to provide any kind of cutting tool aside from kitchen knives
I believe that Zac in the wild was the first CZcamsr that started to push the Knipex plyers. Since he started showing those it seems it’s grown almost a cult like group of desk jockeys carrying these tiny plyers around in their pockets.
I used to be an EDC fanatic and went down this rabbit hole deeeeeep. I carried a maxpedition case that probably weighed 7 or 8 lbs, with all the things I thought I'd need if SHTF. Now, I carry a Leatherman squirt, a dedicated knife, a keybar, small AAA flashlight and a cheap department store handkerchief. It's all I ever need.
When my late grandfather gave me my first penknife at the age of 13, his warning was that he ever saw me use it as a pry bar, he would take it back. That was in 1979 and it's a rule that I still stick to.
Well I have just discovered you and I was expecting to pull you up on an item or two ,but I am happy to say I agree with you on the points you made entirely ,to the point I have now subscribed and look forward to some good old fashion common sense .I like your style you offer good advice without any disrespect whatever to other peoples personal choices and hopefully many will take notice and make their lives easier .Thanks for this it is excellent work .
I went about developing my kit by going about my daily life, identifying what would have been useful and adding it at that point, rather than building and carrying a kit before I knew my requirements. It's also good to remember to add or remove items as required. BUT....I want more than I need 😁
You're dead right in every case. A lot of influencers even carry two knives. I don't get it. I have carried the above items and hardly never used them. For most days a Victorinox Compact or a gentleman's knife are al I need.
I pretty much agree with your assessment - My folder is the Civii Baby banter and I love it because it fits in the watch pocket of jeans - That, plus a swiss army knife, small flashlight, bic lighter cotton bandana and a pocket rosary is about all I carry - and, like many folks commenting I use 'em all frequently
Agreed with everything except the hank. I use my nerdwax hanks nearly every day. Keep one in the pocket and one in the car for cleaning screens and lenses. Additionally, I take proper paper notes and never see a need for weatherproof paper.
Granted I live in the US, I live in the country on a farm. I agree with the pry tool. I like the Knipex cobra pliers because they can handle a wider range than a Leatherman pliers. The Super steel I agree! My favorite steel is 440C or 154CM. I like weather proof paper because yes it's good for notes & maps but it also makes good tender for starting a fire. And I also have pens with Fisher Space pen inserts in them. Good video. Keep up the good work.
I’m using hanky regularly, so for me it's important, in the past I've carried wet wipes, but I like the hanky much more and it's more handy for me. Also the the waterproof notes are good, because when you carry it in your trousers pocket or in your shirts pocket, you can get sweaty and you could an average notebook pretty destroy it. And personally I'm sweating a lot, and in summer double so, so for me it's an waterproof notebook also handy. But you can also carry an average notebook in some edc pouch or so.
Experience has driven me to minimize my EDC loadout. Besides my wallet, keys, phone and watch I am down to one basic multitool with a blade, screwdrivers, a scissors and file. A small flashlight, pocket planner and a pen. I also carry some very basic first aid supplies like bandaids, benadryl, and naproxen. In the summer I have some cortisone for insects stings and bites. I leave the heavyweight gear in a pack in my car which includes a full first aid kit, and a standard NATO entrenching tool. I used to carry a folder but it is redundant for everyday needs. I also carry pepper spray because it gives me a non lethal, standoff self defense option against two and four legged threats.
I live in a city that can get up to 40 degrees Celsius when we get "warner" weather, having something that can withstand sweat is good, so a more rust resistant steel and a waterproof notepad can help a lot
Always in my pocket...Keys on 10" chain, opposite end has SAK with watch, pen, scissors, tweezers, nail file etc. Bokor mini pry bar, Photon torch, mini whistle (loud). Do carry a "tactical pen" for what it's worth. Just easier to avoid potential trouble. Carried in a pouch that can comfortably fit into pants pocket if need be (6'x4.5"x1' or 15x11x2.5cm), but usually in my briefcase. I have had occasion to use every item at some point, either for myself, or someone who has a headache, cut etc. :- Rain poncho, $50 in small bills attached by 2 hairpins/clip to a spare travel card and debit card ($50), "dehydrated" face towel in packet, moist towelette in packet , (a plug here for Ursa Major), dental floss/pick, lip balm, small sealed plastic bag with 2 tabs Panadol (Tylenol), 2 paper clips, two small safety pins (failed zipper etc), and a few coins, about 12" of 1" rolled Gorilla tape, two Band-Aids, 1 alco wipe, 1 betadine wipe, small Bic lighter, wipe for glasses, two spare hearing aid batteries, 6' of micro cord (shoe lace broken etc.) . 1 Litre metal water bottle and folding umbrella in briefcase/backpack. No need for ferro rods, tinder, water purification tabs. space blankets and the like for urban EDC. The separate get home bag in the car has more involved stuff for 72 hrs SHTF scenarios.
Good video, l love gadgets but my EDC is the pouch on the left at the beginning, + Lumintop EDC01, small NexTool as it has an adequate small knife, pliers and scissors, small 5000 mah Powerbank, and a small ziplock bag with band aids and alcohol wipes, I find these items useful and actually use them, fits in my pocket with no dramas.
Leatherman skeletool is surprisingly extremely useful and what I use the most with the bits alongside it in the pocket. Never thought it would be my number one used EDC item. Knife check, screw driver check pliers check pry bar check. It basically does it all of what 5 or more other items can do. Soon it will be a small hammer when I get the attachment
A Victorinox SAK covers most light prying duties and for something a little heavier, I carry a TPT Slide which does have a beefier prying edge but still very slim and compact. I recently changed my larger knife (Spyderco Tenacious) into an Aroundsquare Base and the smaller size is really appreciated. Small and chunky pocket knives are great! I have the Knipex Cobra XS and it actually comes out useful for certain applications. You will never know when you need a plier this small but you will appreciate having one when you do. That's why the Cobra XS doesn't sit in my pocket. It lives in my pouch. I recently bought a hanky and yeah, rainy country like Malaysia, it gets useful to wipe off some water. The microfiber side is also useful to quickly dust off screens on my electronics. Cheers!
I dunno; I have a light toolbox in the trunk of my car that I vacuum around every couple of weeks and I always have one of the many pocket knives and multi tools in my collection. Most of the time it stays in my pocket until time to wash them. That Victorinox Super Tinker is great for those times when I need a small pair of scissors (more often than I would have thought), and when I forget to take it out of my pocket to wash my jeans. Stainless steel is a knife saver! A lot of guys here have use for serious equipment and my hat’s off to them. I’m glad we live in a country where entrepreneurs can develop tools that people actually use and depend on.
Deluxe Tinker (w plus scales) has really become my one and done edc tool, combine it w a small flashlight and its perfect. Those small pliers are very useful and grabbing things my sausage fingers have a hard time with.
For the waterproof notebook: it’s good to have a pen and paper. Your phone can die, your phone can break, and you might want to write something down to hand to someone. You might not be doing that in the rain, but you might get caught in the rain and anything in your pockets will get wet. A non-waterproof notebook in your pocket will then be permantly useless. You don’t need to go nuts on a “tactical pen” though. Rite in the Rain sells waterproof pens and paper that aren’t crazy expensive, or you can use a pencil.
Yeah I had the Gerber mini pry-bar on my keychain and after a short period ended up removing it. I’m still using older folding knives and I don’t own any super steels. You’re right about the mini pliers. Instead of a bandana, I use my eye glass micro fiber cloth several times a day. I do use my titanium notepad with stone paper quite often to write down ideas or something I don’t want to forget. Sure I could use my phone which I do, I just love the feel of using a pen or mechanical pencil. I do use a leather pen holder pocket protector that I love.
I agree- I've been trying to see what I actually use daily and I find that it's hard to use things like the pry often. I'm seeing that maybe the small flip utility knives useful- mainly for package cutting or tape cutting anyway- throw away blade. I also see the need for zipties and flashlight. Even screwdriver sets mayyyy be useful if you have an old house, but hard for everyday. I will say I'm not going around and trying to fix everthing. It's a good video. I am starting to see the "plier" need though. Needed it several days lately.
Nice video! I have a differing opinion on two items. I always have a hank and I use it all the time. It is great to wipe away sweat or dry your hands when there are no paper towels in the rest room. I don't by the ones with micro-fiber backs, just throw it in the wash. I always carry a pen and pad as well. I take notes often and draw diagrams for work or spur of the moment project ideas. Sketching is more difficult to do on a phone. It is also rude to take your phone out and start typing when you are in a meeting or talking with someone, however taking hand written notes is not. Also, waterproof is not just for "writing in the rain", it saves all your notes should you get caught in the rain or spill water on your notebook (which has happened to me). Just my thoughts... Thanks!!
Two items to include in Urban EDC: (1) a small laminated card with the names & phone numbers of a few of your emergency contacts (and any medical conditions you have that a first responder or emergency room staff should know about) in case you have a medical emergency or are in an accident and cannot speak (eg are unconscious, in shock, etc.) (2) approximately $100 in $5 bills - YMMV, but this recommendation comes from an ex-CIA case officer interviewed on the Sean Ryan Show - he said that $100 in fives was in his EDC because cash comes in handy to pay people for things like letting you get to the front of a line (or even into a building), driving you somewhere, etc.
I love it! I agree with all but the hank. I carry a handkerchief every day and either use it myself or give it to my wife to use. I don’t carry anything fancy, actually a bulk buy for a cheap pack of 10. They are 100% cotton and bright yellow, not pretty but practical and have many uses. I really appreciate your mention about the evolution of steel and that paper and tape have not changed in hardness, funny bit of truth there. I think the knife companies have gotten us to spend loads on super fancy, expensive box cutters. Take care 😊
Decades ago, I carried a 4-inch adjustable wrench. Used it daily. A decade or so ago, I lost it, so replaced it. About that time, I picked up a pair of Knipex pliers. The pliers now get used. I can't remember the last time I used the wrench. I carry tissues and dude wipes. My nose runs, so I go through a lot of tissues. The dude wipes get used every few weeks, when there is no TP at work. Sometimes at public restrooms, same issue. I carry 2 handkerchiefs: 1 for a sweat rag, and 1 for drying my hands. Sure, I could use my clothes, but would rather not. Yes, they get used, but are not fancy. I have carried mine for 3 decades. I do carry a notebook. It gets used every week. I buy them 18 at a time. That is a month's supply. I do not recall writing on them in the rain, but they sometimes get wet. I used to carry Post-It notes, but they proved not ideal. I have carried a knife for decades. Years ago, it was more used. Actually, constantly used. Now, maybe only twice a day. I do have and carry a pry tool. I broke too many knife blades and tips by prying. So, I carry a pry tool. After testing a bunch of them, I finally found 1 that works. I use it every week. Things for which I have no EDC use: bottle openers, corkscrews, and, saws. I have occasional use for a can opener. I really have not come up with a genuine use case for paracord. Whatever length, it would be too little or too much. 100 feet would be enough for most things, but then not strong enough. 3 feet would not be long enough. It would be worn out, by the time I needed it. I have nowhere to carry it. There are multi-use types of paracord, but still not useful, for me. Not much use for nail files, toothpicks, or tweezers. My rule is, if it is not used at least once a week, it goes. I don't mean engineered uses. There must be a genuine need. I started carrying the item when a repeated need arose, and generally change my carry when my needs change. My carry also changes for casual and work. I won't carry something that is readily available. I do not have any of that "tactical" junk. My EDC is not color-coded, cool, or in any way attractive. It is functional. My pairings are very tight. There is some redundancy, mainly flashlights and pens, as those items are used heavily. Today, we had a staff outing. A fun exercise that had us pick 3 items from a list for being stranded on a remote island. After looking at the list, I decided I'd stick with what I had. The organizer had to concede that what I had was better than everything on his list. But, my stuff is for me.
As a Building Maintenance Tech, I actually use the rainproof notebook a lot. Regular notebooks get damp in my shirt pocket from me sweating from physical activity. The waterproofing helps to keep my notes from getting destroyed. I need to take many notes for my job for measurements, materials buying, and task management. I think pry bars are silly. For light prying, I always use a screwdriver from my tool bag or the slotted driver from my multi tool. I have the knipex xs. Both variants. I agree that I hardly ever use them. I keep them with me on vacation trips because they are small and light and are there for the rare occasion that I need to tune or fix a mechanical gadget. They were useful and conveniently available for me on those few occasions. They are more toy than vital components, though.
With the exception of super steels since I only use traditional knives I carry all these things but not. I carry a pry bar but it's a regular hand tool made by a tool manufacturer not a gimmicky gadget thing. I've carried a 4" adjustable wrench in my pocket for over 10 years. A 4" pair of slipjoint pliers. A mini notepad but not a write in the rain. And I carry a handkerchief, but it's a regular cotton bandana type not a fancy thing, I use it to wipe sweat off my forehead in the summer and of course at work. With that being said I do live in a small rural farm town not a big city, so maybe things are a bit different for me.
I agree, pliers e.g. I only used during sport events like snowboarding (had to fix a loose binding) or during archery (drawing lost arrow tips) and never during my working day.
Agree on most things. I like to carry a simple handkerchief to wipe off sweat or in case I need to blow my nose (don’t want to do that with a wet wipe). Then it’s a pocket flashlight and either a SAK, multitool, or a fastback depending on where I’m going and what I’m doing for the day.
Totally agree with the vid. Too much unneeded bulk fir an urban environment for my needs. Ii ended up with my keys on a small metal s-biner, with a victorinox classic alox on another sbiner, phone, earbuds, small lighter and wallet. More than enough. A larger victorinox and a box opener to have on me when at work. onyl thing i think might be needed is an extra slim xtra small power bank and a small charging cable, just in case.
I agree with all except the note book, I carry one and use it all the time. It's just good to know that you can write even when you're sweating in the south.
Im very big on the swiss army compact and knipex combo. Yes i usually work the knipex on my bike. But i did have some great other uses when im too lazy to grab a toolbox. The small wrenches have plenty of use for me and im as avarage as it gets.
For over 17 years, a Leatherman Micra has been with me nearly daily. Proton LED light for nearly 8 years. And that’s it. Used to carry a BIC lighter, but rarely used.
My pry bar I use more often than my knife as a screwdriver so I would recommend getting one that has a good Philips tip or skip it. I also dont carry a multitool other than the pry bar, just a regular folder and a flashlight.
This is a topic the edc community needs to talk more about. You’re right, most people don’t need all these different items. Your edc should be specific for your own needs. You shouldn’t have all these fancy items that you don’t use, just because everyone else has them.
Great video. I think a point that we should all take from the video is that we should cater our edc to our needs. Which we can sometimes loose sight of as to us obviously liking edc content and the stuff other people use. Wanting certain things because we think they are cool. I did the same thing with edc pens. I wanted super expensive models. But I noticed that my free bic pens from work were enough to do the job. So I stopped buying them. And the cobras XD I actually do need because of job. Idk how many times I randomly need to turn a bolt from a machine and I wished I just had some pliers on me. So I started carrying them.
The Kniper pliers and/or pliers wrench can be handy. Though I keep a larger chrome set tucked in the side of TAD litespeed. Handy when you really need them. I live in western WA. Rain is pretty much a near daily fact of life.
I carried a multitool for over 1 year and have not used it once. What i use all the time is a sharp blade, scissors und pliers. So the Standard Victorinox models are perfekt for me. In addition i carry some fancy knife and i am done.
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So happy to see someone saying this. Theres so many things that are just pocket jewelry, needlessly expensive and not very practical for everyday life that is being pushed like its a necessity. If it something people want, I dont have anything against it, but im kinda tired of being told that a pen made of aerogel and titanium, a prybar with 5cm of leverage and cargo pants that turn into a sleeping bag will save my life and its irresponsible for me to not buy it through the affiliate link right now. All of these are good tools for when you need them (or at least the real, standalone tool is), but certainly not something I feel the need to keep on me all day, every day.
Glad you enjoyed the video. There are cargo pants that turn into a sleeping bag??! Everyone needs that 🤣🤣🤣
Some people like to wear jewellery, I like to wear knives. haha
@@Leftyotism Honestly I have no issue with that. I buy plenty of things just because I want them too, its more the part where being told that its absolutely necessary to carry these things at any given time and everyone who isnt, is a chump. If you want it, and it brings you happiness I fully support you.
@@kvernesdottenYeah, I was just saying that if someone asks you why, you can say 'Me having many knives is like you having many shoes.', or "It's like you wearing jewellery.' 😊
And also yeah, people who like to tell you what you need and what you don't need, those you don't need to listen to. 🤭👍
for real man bumbs dont have that shit and since i live in seattle they steal whatever they need you got dopeheads knocking over weed stores and corner stores all the time. i wonder what their edc is? steal a kia and smash
in 99% a Swiss Army knife will do the job - especially a model with a pen and scissors.
In doubt, ask yourself: what would McGyver do?
@@leopoldbloom4835 👍
For most people, if they have vixtorinox scissors they don't even need a knife, even a SAK knife. Literally the only thing I need to cut is shipping package tape and bags of frozen food. Vixtorinox scissors can handle both just fine.
Tissues, however. That's a required daily use EDC if ever there was one.
Thanks for your comment!
And you dont even need a swiss champ, swapped the normal scales for plus scales on my super tinker and i cant quite think of something better, the best daily carry imo
I don't understand how some guys need 3 different ways to start a fire for urban EDC. I get it, you might need a lighter once in a while, but flint and 5 different fire starter materials. Really? Outdoor EDC is totally different, and I understand the need, but when do you suddenly need to start a fire in an urban environment.
They probably have the prepper mindset, where they think worst case scenario, if they have to get OUT of the urban and go into the rural, they're prepared. Yes, it's rare, but if they don't mind the weight of extra kit, so be it. They probably did bushcrafting before and are just comfortable with it on them now, even if in city. Or maybe they're practicing bushcrafting techniques in their apartment. Lighters can fall and bust open, but flint cannot break like that. It's just emergency backup. Just my guesses. 🤷♂️ I have a prepper mindset myself, so I'd probably carrying a tiny ferro rod on me, which I do in my multitool 'tactical' pen. 😁 It has a whistle, pen, flashlight, ferro rod, compass and stylus all in one one structure. I love it. I can switch out other tools on it when I need.
I got a little magnet for my SAK, and I wondered about this same question 😂😂
What's funny is only 10 minutes after making the comment I did above, I saw a "van lifer" who almost always only drives in the city, she then goes out to the desert and gets stuck in deep sand. She was amazed because she always had traction boards in her van until she stored them away and not in her van anymore. She didn't think she'd need them because she never thought she'd go into the wilderness off-roading... until she went and got stuck in the wilderness while offroading. 🤣 You see, the irony, how people underestimate unexpected SHTF situations, all up until they're stuck in one. And the worst pain is them kicking themselves for not prepping for those unexpected situations. 😣 To each their own. Usually those are the people who need that pain to finally learn their lesson, like the child touching the fire that daddy told him not to. So be it. 🤷♂️ It's nice to learn from our own mistakes; it's far better to learn from someone else's. 😉
Even in the wilderness, I’ll carry 3 baby bic’s before I resort to a ferro rod. I think it’s nothing more than a fun skill to have, kind of like that one piece of trivia that only you know and you carry it around with you for that chance to be important! 😂
I live on a farm and spend a ton of time in the woods. I carry a bic lighter. My emergency fire starter kit in my UTV is an old medicine bottle with a candle a book of matches and… another bic lighter 😂
One thing i found very useful is a folded up plastic bag. It weighs nothing, is super compact, and comes in very useful quite often.
Just put it in your wallet like a dollar bill.
Good suggestion! Thanks!
I keep one folded in a small section of my backpack and totally forgot about it until I read this. So handy just in case!
Me too - I saw ads for slim wallets and got a slimER using a vertical snack bag from Target.
Walk the shoulder of any road and you will find 2 dozen grocery store bags
I agree with everything but the handkerchief. I use them to clean my glasses and wipe away sweat. I don’t have the ones like you have but just simple microfiber and they work well.
Thanks! I'm all for a regular hank or microfibre cloth. Not just an EDC-specific one like the one shown in the video.
I have used the expensive hank for emergency toilet paper when I was stuck at a remote storage facility. My companion who lent it to me was very upset and told me to just use my sock next time.
@@seanbautista2606😂😂😂
I carry a folded up microfiber cloth that I got for free with my glasses and it cleans my glasses just fine while not being pretentious.
I carry a buff, thinner and can be used for more things.
You're right about the fancy EDC hanks, but a plain cotton bandana takes up no space in a rear pocket and is very useful. I've never had a pack of wet wipes that didn't dry out before I used more than one or two.
I carry one every day and I guarantee it takes up space.
Thanks for sharing! Yes, wet wipes do dry out if opened and not used within a week.
@@urbanknifeguy Put them in a zip-lock bag. They don't dry out then.
For me, a hank is very needed. A bandana is too big, but a smaller 12 x 12 or 10x10 hank is very useful. I carry wet wipes, too, but they’re not useful to clean your glasses or blow your nose. Also, if you use them often it means you have to be buying a lot of those packages and creating a lot of waste. But, you can have a few reusable hanks and wash them A LOT of times before they become useless or damaged. Also, I forgot to mention that hanks can also work to save small objects that you need to save for an unexpected reason (save a pill for later or a lens of a broken glasses, things that a wet wipe would not be the best option. This is just my opinion 😄 Cheers!
Surely a sleeve serves the same purpose, supposing you’re lilely to change your clothes daily/not camping out but just out in town/around the house. As if its easier to dig in a pocket for a ‘hank’ than just use your tshirt or a sleeve cuff 🤷🏼♂️
A knife, a multi tool, and a flashlight. That's all I will ever need to carry in non emergency situations.
Thanks for your thoughts!
I got a new red Leatherman Raptor ✂️ . I put it in my car, sometimes in my patrol 🚓 security SUV. I rarely carry it.
And a pen.
Throw in a mini Bic and I’m right there with you. Can I make primitive fire with my Leatherman and Season 3 Episode 5 of MacGyver? Probably. Is a Bic faster? Definitely 😂
why a multi tool and a knife? what does a pocket knife do that a leatherman blade can’t? I have the LM Arc and no longer carry a pocket knife
Regarding the notebook, i don't carry a whole one, but a few pages of waterproof paper are very helpful. I work outside in all weather, but mainly the ability to for example, leave a note on a parked car i witnessed get damaged, without worrying about it falling apart or becoming illegible in the rain or dew, is very helpful. Has helped me multiple times.
I think this is the best use-case for waterproof notes. Thank you.
Great use for that! I recently discovered waterproof/outdoor post-it notes. I keep some in all
My vehicles. Great for temporary marking and leaving notes in the elements.
A notebook is super-essential to me, especially because you can take note immediately and naturally. Plus, I love writing. A Moleskine notebook has always been with me in the last 15 years or so. On the other side, I still don't understand why I keep buying pry-bars, Gesù Cristo Santissimo... I'm from Rome and don't have a manual job, I purchased 4 of them yet I never never had to use one. Yet they're cool 😅
Working outside in all weather I got into the habit of using all weather notepads, and would also use pens with sealed inserts over pencils for taking measurements in cramped conditions like attics. They aren't very expensive, and I've never had a problem writing on them. No point in a downgrade to standard notepads when the price is right. I guess I can kind of understand the criticism purely from an urban edc perspective, but still the price is so low on RITR/field note pads what's the point in losing out on that functionality?
If I could find a notebook that doesn't crumble after a few weeks I'd carry them as I always write stuff down. They go in my back pocket in my wallet and after a week they take the shape of my butt cheek, and the week after that the leafs are coming loose or the cover rips off.
I'm a plumber and crawl around everyday and would love a durable notepad.
I would add paracord bracelets to the list of rarely ever used urban edc. I carried a self-made paracord bracelet on my wrist for years and have never found myself using it. Why? Because when the need for some cordage appeared (and let's be honest, it happens rarerly in the urban environment), it was not the matter of survival or serious damage prevention. It was always some occasion in which having a cordage might be more convenient, but not enough for me to untie my precious looking bracelet that took so much effort to tie nicely. My advice? Keep your 12ft long bracelet from 550 paracord for your camping. While in the city, just carry a 4ft of 100 paracord as a simple keychain fob. It will cover 95% of your urban cordage needs (which are rare in the first place).
Thanks for your thoughts. I personally do carry the paracord braclet for outdoors but not urban EDC. I do have paracord in some of my urban kits but don't EDC everyday.
As a paracord enthusiast myself, I do have quite a few items I made and carry on a regular basis. One is an arrowhead necklace I made and wire wrapped myself, the rest are various bracelets and useful items disguised as such. To me they're functional fashion and I like the way they look. Would I take them apart to handle the average situation? No. But its nice to know they're on me if needed, and don't really hog up space for essentials.
I carry paracord in one form or another, sometimes a bracelet, all the time. Some of the reasons it’s come in handy include replacing a broken shoelace, securing a load to a vehicle, and making a temporary leash when I’ve caught a loose dog.
One or two 5-7 foot hanks of paracord are more likely to be useful and fit easily in any pocket. Even camping, the typical miscellaneous cord usage is about 7 feet - tie out to a stake, hang tools from a tree, bundle up a sleeping pad or lash a cooking tripod.
I always have a couple 6 foot pieces of cord (3mm & 5mm solid braid dacron) in my pocket. They serve two purposes : occasional utility and regular knot practice. When I'm camping, I'll have 5 or 6 hanks of 7 foot 550 paracord in my pockets. They almost always get used up.
Very true words. Common sense. I agree with your comments 100% I have found myself buying for WANT and not for NEED. Thank you for your honesty. It was refreshing.
Thanks for watching and commenting!
@beausmith6010, Oh YES! Right now I am dying Francis Barker compass. LOL
I carry a set pliers and mini pry bar. I have developed weakness in my hands. ( I'm old). I do use them. Plus the wipes are great.
Thanks for sharing! A good reason for the EDC.
I used to think pry bars were dumb until I was gifted a Gerber Chonk for Christmas this last year and find I have a use for it at least twice a week
@@circlingoverland4364 I just got one now have both. When you have it you will have a need.
I go through my EDC bag every year. If I haven't used an item, I most often remove it.
If I did that, I would be left with an empty bag.
Must be empty by now
Thank you for putting out content on things that I have been rolling my eyes at for years....Great video and perfect topic! Thank you again.
You are so welcome! And thank you for watching and commenting!
Excellent! Whether EDC gear, computer parts, or anything else, it seems there are always some number of people insisting on something you "have to have" in order to be taken seriously.
Thanks for your comment!
I agree on the pry bar and pliers. Have some but never use them. I do like to carry a bandanna. Many is the time I have used a public bathroom to find the paper towel dispenser empty/missing/smashed and no air dryer. It is nice to have something to dry my hands on. I sometimes carry a regular notebook. The waterproof paper does not work with all inks. I like a “good” steel on knives, not a super steel. Too expensive and easy to lose.
Years ago I always cringed just thinking about what is on those public bathroom / toilet door handles, so when I washed my hands, I'd get paper towels or toilet tissue and use that to open the doorhandles with afterward. But if none is there, I'd definitely look into getting isopropyl alcohol wipes and whipping those out there wipe down the place: doorknobs, sink knobs, etc. People would be "germaphobes" if they could see all the CRAP that is on public doorhandles or sink handles. 🤣
Thanks for the comments! I think antiseptic wipes are a good urban EDC item, especially post pandemic.
When there's no paper or air drier I use the inner of my jeans back pockets. You get your hands dry and anybody can see the water stains when you leave the bathroom.😏
😂😂😂
I with you on all of them except the knipex I’ll give two examples I’m a strictly urban guy . 1. I was a t a bar the tap got stuck and the bartender had no tools I had the knipex fixed the situation and she was so happy she paid my tab later . 2 I was walking down the street guy was trying to change his battery with no tools I stopped and got the bolts off and he was really happy . So great video but knipex or pliers are kinda useful.
very kind of you to help those people! I still wonder how long one has to carry such a tool to finally use it, I myself would not want to carry something on me all the time just to use it every few weeks or months
Thanks for sharing!
@@Treman77 but this saying could be applied to virtually anything no matter how absurd it gets, like carrying a whole backpack of first aid supplies would be great if you come nearby an accidents with lots of hurt people, but who would want to do that?
Leatherman
I agree with almost all of what you say, with a couple of mods:
* A cotton bandana and/or a microfibre cloth - very low cost, lightweight, small size - and can be very useful in an urban setting.
* I always carry a small notebook (not waterproof) and pens.
Note to self - I must treat myself to a rainproof bag for urban EDC, or use two or more plastic ziplock bags inside my existing, porous, urban EDC bag.
Thanks! I'm all for a regular hank or microfibre cloth. Not just an EDC-specific one.
But you don’t answer the "why and what" of the application.
Sure can these items be useful as can some pliers. The prepper mindset is to have all eventualities covered even though it’s unrealistic.
So the question this video raises is what are you using the cloth for? Are you writing things down in your notebook?
I used to carry a notebook until my circumstances changed and I barely took notes anymore. I still have a pen that I use once in a blue moon as I work digitally and otherwise I just throw things into a draft email. It works and is accessible from other devices as well.
@@PH4RXI find both cloth and notebook very useful. Enough said.
@@TheTerryMarsh1 Yeah, enough to add nothing to the discussion. Not that you have to but still rather uninformative.
I agree with almost everything listed, but as a glass wearer, handkerchiefs are absolutely amazing. Specially if you have any special coatings, like blue light filter or transition lenses, cause other tissues might damage them
Fair enough! Thanks for sharing!
I carry a vic compact, lumintop aa, space pen, and hank. All get used every day. I work in a freezer, so I'm constantly wiping off my beard. I use the pen to write notes for work. I use my light at least at night, to avoid turning on lights and wake up the kiddos. The Compact handles everything else: cutting, slicing, poking, picking, opening, filing, tweezering, cleaning, scraping, etc.
Thanks for sharing!
I pretty much agree. I bought one of the edc prybars because I wanted to be like everyone else. Still haven’t used it. I do use the knipex pliers, but im a tradesman so i end up using tools more than the average urbanite. And im sure some folks may be appalled, but i just carry a regular paisley pattern handkerchief, and use it like a regular handkerchief when i need to wipe my nose or hands off. All in all though i think this was a good list.
Thanks and thanks for watching!
With the Cobra XS I took apart a sofa that had a lot of nuts and bolts... and a big saver was when I changed a leaking sink at a friend's house, if I didn't have it on me I would had to go back home or find a store to buy a small pair of pliers! The wrench we had was good for the other side of the connection, but could not fit to tighten the hot and cold hoses going into the sink battery!
Even if you carry something like other multi-tool pliers, most would have broken by now with the force I've put into those small knipex pliers!
Fair enough! Good use cases in favour of the Knipex!
In the UK where carrying a fixed blade is illegal, a leatherman is ruled out as edc, hence a SAK and the Knipex XS covers the bases of a leatherman
Definitively agree with you. Small, Swiss Army Knife, keyring flashlight, Kleenex, Dog bags (as dog owner), glasses wipes (as wearer of glasses) is totally sufficient as EDC - in the sense of wearing it always in my pockets. Pliers, multi tool, bit drivers, a substanial folding knive, flash light, paracord, duck tape, pry bars, etc. are always in my car kit. So it‘s nearby when I might need it, but will not carry this stuff all day with me.
But how will you make that 45 minute walk from the mall to you house when SHTF and the air becomes radioactive and the aliens and zombies roam the earth? You need it all!! 😮😢
@@NJRey For aliens and Zombies, the SAK should be enough, only for radioactive I‘m loosing 😜. But you can‘t survive everything 😎😉
@@NJRey Isn't that the USA already?
Thanks for sharing!
Zombies more likely than aliens IMO
Totally agree with your list.
I find the Knipex XS pliers far too small to be practical.
I do have a slightly bigger pair (87 01 125) that I carry, as part of a backpack kit of tools, that have come in clutch in the past but even then I feel that's about as small as I could comfortably use.
Thanks for sharing!
I agree with almost everything except the Cobra xs. I can't imagine my EDC without a pliers anymore. SAK is just not enough for me, I need the plier functionality almost daily, even in the urban environment. Sure, you can carry a Leatherman multitool, which gives you decent pliers. But then your SAK becomes redundant, since most of its features are already on your Leatherman. But what if you really love Victorinox SAKs? Well, then you pair them with Cobra xs. These pliers are cool compromise of a needle noose tip with enough wrench strength. What lot of people do not know is you can also fit leatherman bit extender in the middle hole, giving you very nice leverage. I say get one and carry it with your SAK, you won't regret it.
Thanks for the comment. The SAK and Knipex seems to be a fav pairing with many.
I find it a highly unlikely that you actually need to edc pliers unless you have a job that requires them.
They aren't just pliers. They work perfectly with any bolt, and you can fit screwdriver bits as he says. Are quite useful for a lot of stuff.
I carry one, not in my EDC, but in a small pouch in my backpack when I know I have something special to do
You don't know what you're missing without those tiny pliers. Six years ago I bought the latest Victorinox Champ that has the pliers and I did think they would be useless and just extra width and weight, but they were so useful and so often that I added the Knipex Cobra XS and a Channellock 424 to everyday carry. The two pliers and a Crescent AT24VS and a Bigidesign Ti EDC wrench all fit together in a Ruko SOG2N sheath. For a prybar around town I carry a James Brand Ellis slim which is a small pocketknife that passes public carry laws in Canada, Germany, and the UK. It has a partially serrated blade and I prefer to use it over the large blade on the Victorinox. What is useful depends on where you go and what you do. Try leaving a note on the outside of something (car, locked door, vending machine) with your phone.
Thanks for your input and sharing your EDC!
You seem like the guy who doesn't need all that.
I only carry a Victorinox compact around town..and when semi rural area's a huntsman. All good out here I Australia it works for me.👍
Sounds good! Thanks for sharing!
Compact is illegal to carry whilst in public in a lot of Australia if you don't have an approved reason.
@@Liquid_Peopleabsolute rubbish.
This is a great video. I have modified my EDC for many years in search of the most efficient kit possible. I have all the items in this video but rarely carry most of it. I work in maintenance for a living and tools are life but I realized over the years that I don't need all the gear on my person at all times. Pulling up the trends earned you a sub sir. 🤘🏽
The "multitool mindset" is representative by the thought that: AT THE MOMENT you don't need a tool but there WILL come a time when the tool is needed, and the complacency of leaving it at home will annoy you when you're out miles away from home and NOW you need the tool, yet don't have it. 😬😋 It's the prepper mindset. I have it myself. There are many situations where I now look back and was glad I had a tool on me that fixed the problem, even if the situation that arose was rare, needing it only once and having it was well worth the years I carried it. 😁
Thanks so much and thanks for sharing!
I ride a motorcycle daily. I do have a 5 inch Knipex in my toolkit plus a 4 inch adjustable wrench and I have old style thick handkerchiefs as bandannas. Cheap microfiber towels to wipe down the bike and a standard note book for leaving notes (a sticky Post It pad too). Always have a Spyderco in my pocket. So fairly standard versions of what you show here. Pry bars have little use outside of my workshop.
Thanks for sharing!
I agree, mostly. The only thing on this list I carry daily for sure is the Cobra XS and that's because I use it daily but I agree that not everyone should carry one.
Thanks for your thoughts!
I mostly agree with you.
I do carry a couple or three sheets of wet proof paper,
in my EDC kit, but gave up carrying the whole notebook,
a year or so ago, & also carry a nice Zebra pen, & a pencil.
I live in a rainforest, & on occasion, leave notes for folks!
A small set of Knipex, in my EDC KIT
& a Leatherman on my belt, allows me to tighten,
loose nuts, & bolts.
My Kershaw pocket knife, gets a touch up once in a while.
As does my Leatherman blade.
A pry-bar lives in my vehicle toolkit.
I agree with getting rid of stuff you don’t really need.
Constantly modifying my EDC!
Take care, & keep smiling!
Thanks for sharing the continued evolution of your EDC Kit!
I have the Cobra XS and it sees alot of use. Most cases I use it at work, I haul dairy products and the locks on both milk carts and the side locks on the ratchet straps often jam, and trying to get them unstuck with your fingers is just going to cost you nails and blood often to no avail. I COULD use a mini pry bar instead, but the pliers is more multi-functional and finds other uses every now and then.
Thanks for sharing!
Agree on the prybar, super steel, and hank.
Like you said, I use my Victorinox bottle-opener to pry.
I like some and own super steel knives, but for most of my environment and use, 14C28N, 12C27, 440C, 9Cr18 are more than adequate.
I do carry Knipex pliers and use them literally every day, not for plumbing, but for holding things Im adjusting, tightening small nuts, and especially for as a pill crusher.
Instead of a hank, I carry plain microfiber cloths. I use them to clean my glasses, wipe screens on electronic devices, dry hands, ets.
I also ditched the notebooks a while ago, in favor of noting things electronically.
Thanks for your detailed sharing! Appreciate it!
I have to agree.
I've greatly reduced my urban edc.
Got tired of carrying all those items I never actually needed.
Thanks for watching!
Just found your channel and love what I’ve seen so far. This was a good topic, thanks! Only item I might disagree with is the notebook. I’m not writing in the rain in urban EDC situations, but I like waterproof notebooks because a) I carry them around in a back pocket and don’t have to worry about protecting them if it’s raining out, and b) if I want to leave a note somewhere, I like knowing the ink won’t wash away if it rains. Looking forward to more videos!
Thanks for watching and thanks for sharing!
Knipex is a damn good tool if you work around any kind of mechanical equipment. Jammed levers, gas bottle valves etc. I have carried those since about 2017
I agree with you on this J C. A lot of stuff that people carry in an urban setting isn't needed at all. I know people say to each their own but I think people who EDC need to carry useful things and not just the "pretty" or popular things.
Great video. Love watching them!
Thanks for watching and thanks for sharing your thoughts!
I agree 100%. I have bought into the hype for these items myself only to find they don't really do it for me.
Only scenario I found an exception is that the knipex (combined with other tools) is lighter than a good sized pliers-based multitool. I'll carry my mini tool pouch more often than my multitool just because it is lighter and arguably more capable. Even then, my tools rarely get used outside of work, so maybe I am just being silly. Just feels weird not having tools after getting used to carrying them.
Thanks for your thoughts!
very good points. I use a 100% cotton bandanna daily to clean glasses, watch face and phone screen. It's generally handy and very affordable.
Glad you enjoyed it. Thanks for sharing!
I feel like carrying a sheet of high absorbent paper towel would be useful for many situations, but I hardly ever remember to carry one.
@@ToolTechGeek there you go, a practical solution
Hank comes in handy for me especially for wiping off sweat or rain in your face. My pocket notebook is mainly for back up when and if my phone dies, it has emergency contacts, and other important things I might when I'm traveling.
Fair enough! Thanks!
Great video. Definitely agree with your picks. I often find it crazy how much people carry around, and claim that they use regularly? I don't carry much and it still feels like too much. Even just a basic knife, I almost never use. So I don't know how people are always finding stuff to cut. And I've always found the 'hanks' hilarious. From what I've seen its more like a cute display cloth for taking pictures of your gear for instagram rather than a useful item.
Thanks for sharing your thoughts!
*applauds wildly* finally, I totally agree. Brilliant choices, the one missing for me was the lucky coin/charm etc.
Thanks! I can't say much about the coin as I have designed a challenge coin 🤣🤣🤣
I carry a Victorinox compact. On my keychain is a very simple prybar/boxcutter (no wrench holes or screwdriver bits etc) to not mess up my SAK too quickly.
I carry a small pouch in my daily backpack, with a variety of stuff, most of which I’m likely never to use. Keychain flashlight, boo-boo kit, pills, nail clippers, eyedrops, 4 matches, rubber bands, bit of cash, few sheets of waterproof paper, a fisher pen refill (who needs the whole pen?), baggie, whistle, eyeglass screwdriver, tape, and a foldable spork for that salad u buy on the way.
Another pouch has some tech/charging stuff. And lastly the backpack has a Leatherman Curl with bitkit, a disposable mask and disposable poncho to complete my default carry.
I can take pouches out or add others if needed. But other stuff is either in my car or in my house. I don’t need water purification tablets or 4 ways to make fire with me all the time. Maybe if I lived in a hurricane or earthquake area that would be slightly different.
That is quite a bit of gear for EDC! Thanks for sharing!
Totally agree with you on the wet wipes! I have a small pry bar on my keychain - I do use that occasionally to open bottles. I use a small Olight most often, followed by a small traditional knife (right now a german made okapi slipjoint)
Thanks for sharing!
I use my Hank everyday to clean my glasses, my red dot. Very handy.
@@urbanknifeguySAK, Spyderco Delica, & small pocket flashlight, & pen will suffice in pretty much every urban day...
Thank you! For those of us who are still kinda new to this, this is great. I’ve watched some videos wondering why I would need something. Those items go lower on my list until I see a need for it, BUT it’s very enticing when I keep seeing items over and over and I’m told I need them. So far, luckily, I’ve only purchased one or two small ticket items that I kinda regret.
Thanks for watching! It is easily to be wowed by the pretty things we see on social media 😁
Another great vid JC thanks man ✌️
Thank you!
I agree with all but the knipex- I have in my car and have used several times in urban setting
Thanks for sharing!
Sure, but a car is different from an EDC. In the car you have actual applications if it needs some fixing or depending on where you are going.
Would you carry one in an office setting where you commute on public transport?
Like I carry a knife and used to cut down the box of sugar packets in the office kitchen when it was empty but housekeeping would do that as well. When the siphon broke, a pair of pliers could have been useful - but we just shut off the mains and put up a sign with "out of order" and called housekeeping.
You're absolutely right about mini pry bars - if you need to pry on something small like a staple or a paint can lid, a Swiss Army knife has you covered, plus it does loads of other things as well.
Thank you this was a much needed topic to be discussed. Essentially, I carry one of those Swiss knives that has about 25 tools in it. It’s a lightweight sits in a pouch and pretty much channels anything and everything I could possibly want to do and of course there are other times where I have an in the pocket leatherpiece that I have a small lock back small pen and a flashlight other than that I don’t think there’s too much anybody needs just for bare bones, etc thank you again much much needed video
Thank you very much and I am glad you liked the discussion.
As a person who works in kitchens, I am constantly breaking down hundreds of heavy duty cardboard boxes per week, and the super steals are very useful for me because it means that I don’t have to sharpen my knife for one to two months at a time without having to worry about it. I agree that for the average person on S110v pm2 is absolutely unnecessary, but for me, that level of hardness and edge retention makes a huge amount of difference.
Fair enough. I agree on the need for good edge retention for that much cutting!
Blade geometry is more important for edge retention than steel hardness
If you work for an employer then your employer should provide you with cutting tools. I never used my personal tools for work related tasks
@LegitPrepperGuruNodoubt More than likely an employer will provide what they think is an appropriate tool like a box cutter. But if you want to use something better, then it is probably on you.
@@LegitPrepperGuruNodoubt the number of times I have been handed a ceramic “box cutter” because the job doesn’t trust me not to cut myself with a regular one is ridiculous. Plus most kitchens don’t bother to provide any kind of cutting tool aside from kitchen knives
I believe that Zac in the wild was the first CZcamsr that started to push the Knipex plyers. Since he started showing those it seems it’s grown almost a cult like group of desk jockeys carrying these tiny plyers around in their pockets.
I think I will research this! Thanks for the tip!
I used to be an EDC fanatic and went down this rabbit hole deeeeeep. I carried a maxpedition case that probably weighed 7 or 8 lbs, with all the things I thought I'd need if SHTF. Now, I carry a Leatherman squirt, a dedicated knife, a keybar, small AAA flashlight and a cheap department store handkerchief. It's all I ever need.
Haha nice! Thanks for sharing!
When my late grandfather gave me my first penknife at the age of 13, his warning was that he ever saw me use it as a pry bar, he would take it back. That was in 1979 and it's a rule that I still stick to.
Nice to hear that! Thanks for sharing!
A knife, 18650 Flashlight, lighter, small microfiber cloth and 2 piece keychain screwdriver set. That's all I carry and all I really need.
Thanks for sharing!
@@urbanknifeguyGreat topic and review. I also fully agree with you on the unnecessary edc gear.
Well I have just discovered you and I was expecting to pull you up on an item or two ,but I am happy to say I agree with you on the points you made entirely ,to the point I have now subscribed and look forward to some good old fashion common sense .I like your style you offer good advice without any disrespect whatever to other peoples personal choices and hopefully many will take notice and make their lives easier .Thanks for this it is excellent work .
Thanks so much for watching and commenting!
I went about developing my kit by going about my daily life, identifying what would have been useful and adding it at that point, rather than building and carrying a kit before I knew my requirements. It's also good to remember to add or remove items as required. BUT....I want more than I need 😁
All part of the journey!
You're dead right in every case. A lot of influencers even carry two knives. I don't get it.
I have carried the above items and hardly never used them.
For most days a Victorinox Compact or a gentleman's knife are al I need.
Thanks for sharing!
I pretty much agree with your assessment - My folder is the Civii Baby banter and I love it because it fits in the watch pocket of jeans - That, plus a swiss army knife, small flashlight, bic lighter cotton bandana and a pocket rosary is about all I carry - and, like many folks commenting I use 'em all frequently
Great content! Thanks.
Thanks for watching!
Thank you for bringing the sanity. I’m glad I’m not alone. 😀
Haha 🤝
Agreed with everything except the hank. I use my nerdwax hanks nearly every day. Keep one in the pocket and one in the car for cleaning screens and lenses.
Additionally, I take proper paper notes and never see a need for weatherproof paper.
Fair enough. Thanks for sharing!
Granted I live in the US, I live in the country on a farm. I agree with the pry tool. I like the Knipex cobra pliers because they can handle a wider range than a Leatherman pliers. The Super steel I agree! My favorite steel is 440C or 154CM. I like weather proof paper because yes it's good for notes & maps but it also makes good tender for starting a fire. And I also have pens with Fisher Space pen inserts in them.
Good video. Keep up the good work.
Thanks for sharing!
I’m using hanky regularly, so for me it's important, in the past I've carried wet wipes, but I like the hanky much more and it's more handy for me. Also the the waterproof notes are good, because when you carry it in your trousers pocket or in your shirts pocket, you can get sweaty and you could an average notebook pretty destroy it. And personally I'm sweating a lot, and in summer double so, so for me it's an waterproof notebook also handy. But you can also carry an average notebook in some edc pouch or so.
Thanks! That is a good reason for waterproof notes. Thanks!
I wasn’t a subscriber until this episode. Much appreciated topic!
Thank you and welcome!
Experience has driven me to minimize my EDC loadout. Besides my wallet, keys, phone and watch I am down to one basic multitool with a blade, screwdrivers, a scissors and file. A small flashlight, pocket planner and a pen. I also carry some very basic first aid supplies like bandaids, benadryl, and naproxen. In the summer I have some cortisone for insects stings and bites. I leave the heavyweight gear in a pack in my car which includes a full first aid kit, and a standard NATO entrenching tool. I used to carry a folder but it is redundant for everyday needs. I also carry pepper spray because it gives me a non lethal, standoff self defense option against two and four legged threats.
Thanks for sharing! Practical and functional!
I live in a city that can get up to 40 degrees Celsius when we get "warner" weather, having something that can withstand sweat is good, so a more rust resistant steel and a waterproof notepad can help a lot
Always in my pocket...Keys on 10" chain, opposite end has SAK with watch, pen, scissors, tweezers, nail file etc. Bokor mini pry bar, Photon torch, mini whistle (loud). Do carry a "tactical pen" for what it's worth. Just easier to avoid potential trouble.
Carried in a pouch that can comfortably fit into pants pocket if need be (6'x4.5"x1' or 15x11x2.5cm), but usually in my briefcase. I have had occasion to use every item at some point, either for myself, or someone who has a headache, cut etc. :- Rain poncho, $50 in small bills attached by 2 hairpins/clip to a spare travel card and debit card ($50), "dehydrated" face towel in packet, moist towelette in packet , (a plug here for Ursa Major), dental floss/pick, lip balm, small sealed plastic bag with 2 tabs Panadol (Tylenol), 2 paper clips, two small safety pins (failed zipper etc), and a few coins, about 12" of 1" rolled Gorilla tape, two Band-Aids, 1 alco wipe, 1 betadine wipe, small Bic lighter, wipe for glasses, two spare hearing aid batteries, 6' of micro cord (shoe lace broken etc.) .
1 Litre metal water bottle and folding umbrella in briefcase/backpack.
No need for ferro rods, tinder, water purification tabs. space blankets and the like for urban EDC.
The separate get home bag in the car has more involved stuff for 72 hrs SHTF scenarios.
Thanks for the detailed sharing! Having a separate get home bag is good!
Good video, l love gadgets but my EDC is the pouch on the left at the beginning, + Lumintop EDC01, small NexTool as it has an adequate small knife, pliers and scissors, small 5000 mah Powerbank, and a small ziplock bag with band aids and alcohol wipes, I find these items useful and actually use them, fits in my pocket with no dramas.
Thanks for sharing!
Leatherman skeletool is surprisingly extremely useful and what I use the most with the bits alongside it in the pocket. Never thought it would be my number one used EDC item. Knife check, screw driver check pliers check pry bar check. It basically does it all of what 5 or more other items can do. Soon it will be a small hammer when I get the attachment
Yes, agreed. I have been eyeing the Skeletool for some time!
Hi. Thanks for the video. I definitely agree each word.
A Victorinox SAK covers most light prying duties and for something a little heavier, I carry a TPT Slide which does have a beefier prying edge but still very slim and compact.
I recently changed my larger knife (Spyderco Tenacious) into an Aroundsquare Base and the smaller size is really appreciated. Small and chunky pocket knives are great!
I have the Knipex Cobra XS and it actually comes out useful for certain applications. You will never know when you need a plier this small but you will appreciate having one when you do. That's why the Cobra XS doesn't sit in my pocket. It lives in my pouch.
I recently bought a hanky and yeah, rainy country like Malaysia, it gets useful to wipe off some water. The microfiber side is also useful to quickly dust off screens on my electronics. Cheers!
Thanks for sharing! I'm doing my one-month Cobra XS experiment now as part of my EDC. Will share my results in a few weeks!
I dunno; I have a light toolbox in the trunk of my car that I vacuum around every couple of weeks and I always have one of the many pocket knives and multi tools in my collection. Most of the time it stays in my pocket until time to wash them. That Victorinox Super Tinker is great for those times when I need a small pair of scissors (more often than I would have thought), and when I forget to take it out of my pocket to wash my jeans. Stainless steel is a knife saver!
A lot of guys here have use for serious equipment and my hat’s off to them. I’m glad we live in a country where entrepreneurs can develop tools that people actually use and depend on.
Deluxe Tinker (w plus scales) has really become my one and done edc tool, combine it w a small flashlight and its perfect. Those small pliers are very useful and grabbing things my sausage fingers have a hard time with.
Thanks for sharing!
You're spot on... I do carry a plain cheap cotton handkerchief and a mini bic with my SAK.
Thanks for sharing!
For the waterproof notebook: it’s good to have a pen and paper. Your phone can die, your phone can break, and you might want to write something down to hand to someone. You might not be doing that in the rain, but you might get caught in the rain and anything in your pockets will get wet. A non-waterproof notebook in your pocket will then be permantly useless. You don’t need to go nuts on a “tactical pen” though. Rite in the Rain sells waterproof pens and paper that aren’t crazy expensive, or you can use a pencil.
Yeah I had the Gerber mini pry-bar on my keychain and after a short period ended up removing it. I’m still using older folding knives and I don’t own any super steels. You’re right about the mini pliers. Instead of a bandana, I use my eye glass micro fiber cloth several times a day. I do use my titanium notepad with stone paper quite often to write down ideas or something I don’t want to forget. Sure I could use my phone which I do, I just love the feel of using a pen or mechanical pencil. I do use a leather pen holder pocket protector that I love.
Thanks for watching and sharing!
I agree- I've been trying to see what I actually use daily and I find that it's hard to use things like the pry often. I'm seeing that maybe the small flip utility knives useful- mainly for package cutting or tape cutting anyway- throw away blade. I also see the need for zipties and flashlight. Even screwdriver sets mayyyy be useful if you have an old house, but hard for everyday. I will say I'm not going around and trying to fix everthing. It's a good video. I am starting to see the "plier" need though. Needed it several days lately.
Thanks for watching and sharing!
Totally agree. Using the Gerber Mullet (some sort of pry bar) on daily basis. Finding it useful as key hanger and package opener.
Congrats.! Got yourself a new sub from Australia.
Thank you and welcome to the channel!
Nice video! I have a differing opinion on two items. I always have a hank and I use it all the time. It is great to wipe away sweat or dry your hands when there are no paper towels in the rest room. I don't by the ones with micro-fiber backs, just throw it in the wash. I always carry a pen and pad as well. I take notes often and draw diagrams for work or spur of the moment project ideas. Sketching is more difficult to do on a phone. It is also rude to take your phone out and start typing when you are in a meeting or talking with someone, however taking hand written notes is not. Also, waterproof is not just for "writing in the rain", it saves all your notes should you get caught in the rain or spill water on your notebook (which has happened to me). Just my thoughts... Thanks!!
Thanks for sharing! And fair enough to your points! I am all for a "normal" hank. Not just necessarily the EDC-specfic kind. Thanks!
I absolutely agree. Fortunately, I am not an ordinary person and sometimes I use the tool even in the city. This allows me to enjoy my gadgets.
Two items to include in Urban EDC:
(1) a small laminated card with the names & phone numbers of a few of your emergency contacts (and any medical conditions you have that a first responder or emergency room staff should know about) in case you have a medical emergency or are in an accident and cannot speak (eg are unconscious, in shock, etc.)
(2) approximately $100 in $5 bills - YMMV, but this recommendation comes from an ex-CIA case officer interviewed on the Sean Ryan Show - he said that $100 in fives was in his EDC because cash comes in handy to pay people for things like letting you get to the front of a line (or even into a building), driving you somewhere, etc.
I love it! I agree with all but the hank. I carry a handkerchief every day and either use it myself or give it to my wife to use. I don’t carry anything fancy, actually a bulk buy for a cheap pack of 10. They are 100% cotton and bright yellow, not pretty but practical and have many uses.
I really appreciate your mention about the evolution of steel and that paper and tape have not changed in hardness, funny bit of truth there. I think the knife companies have gotten us to spend loads on super fancy, expensive box cutters. Take care 😊
Thanks! I'm all for a regular hank or microfibre cloth. Not just an EDC-specific one.
Decades ago, I carried a 4-inch adjustable wrench. Used it daily. A decade or so ago, I lost it, so replaced it. About that time, I picked up a pair of Knipex pliers. The pliers now get used. I can't remember the last time I used the wrench.
I carry tissues and dude wipes. My nose runs, so I go through a lot of tissues. The dude wipes get used every few weeks, when there is no TP at work. Sometimes at public restrooms, same issue.
I carry 2 handkerchiefs: 1 for a sweat rag, and 1 for drying my hands. Sure, I could use my clothes, but would rather not. Yes, they get used, but are not fancy. I have carried mine for 3 decades.
I do carry a notebook. It gets used every week. I buy them 18 at a time. That is a month's supply. I do not recall writing on them in the rain, but they sometimes get wet. I used to carry Post-It notes, but they proved not ideal.
I have carried a knife for decades. Years ago, it was more used. Actually, constantly used. Now, maybe only twice a day.
I do have and carry a pry tool. I broke too many knife blades and tips by prying. So, I carry a pry tool. After testing a bunch of them, I finally found 1 that works. I use it every week.
Things for which I have no EDC use: bottle openers, corkscrews, and, saws. I have occasional use for a can opener. I really have not come up with a genuine use case for paracord. Whatever length, it would be too little or too much. 100 feet would be enough for most things, but then not strong enough. 3 feet would not be long enough. It would be worn out, by the time I needed it. I have nowhere to carry it. There are multi-use types of paracord, but still not useful, for me. Not much use for nail files, toothpicks, or tweezers.
My rule is, if it is not used at least once a week, it goes. I don't mean engineered uses. There must be a genuine need. I started carrying the item when a repeated need arose, and generally change my carry when my needs change.
My carry also changes for casual and work. I won't carry something that is readily available.
I do not have any of that "tactical" junk. My EDC is not color-coded, cool, or in any way attractive. It is functional. My pairings are very tight. There is some redundancy, mainly flashlights and pens, as those items are used heavily.
Today, we had a staff outing. A fun exercise that had us pick 3 items from a list for being stranded on a remote island. After looking at the list, I decided I'd stick with what I had. The organizer had to concede that what I had was better than everything on his list. But, my stuff is for me.
As a Building Maintenance Tech, I actually use the rainproof notebook a lot. Regular notebooks get damp in my shirt pocket from me sweating from physical activity. The waterproofing helps to keep my notes from getting destroyed. I need to take many notes for my job for measurements, materials buying, and task management. I think pry bars are silly. For light prying, I always use a screwdriver from my tool bag or the slotted driver from my multi tool. I have the knipex xs. Both variants. I agree that I hardly ever use them. I keep them with me on vacation trips because they are small and light and are there for the rare occasion that I need to tune or fix a mechanical gadget. They were useful and conveniently available for me on those few occasions. They are more toy than vital components, though.
Thanks. Practical functionality for your gear makes perfect sense.
Subscribed because you got the balls to tell it like it really is❤
Haha thank you!
With the exception of super steels since I only use traditional knives I carry all these things but not.
I carry a pry bar but it's a regular hand tool made by a tool manufacturer not a gimmicky gadget thing.
I've carried a 4" adjustable wrench in my pocket for over 10 years.
A 4" pair of slipjoint pliers.
A mini notepad but not a write in the rain.
And I carry a handkerchief, but it's a regular cotton bandana type not a fancy thing, I use it to wipe sweat off my forehead in the summer and of course at work.
With that being said I do live in a small rural farm town not a big city, so maybe things are a bit different for me.
Thanks for sharing! Makes perfect sense!
I agree, pliers e.g. I only used during sport events like snowboarding (had to fix a loose binding) or during archery (drawing lost arrow tips) and never during my working day.
Thanks for sharing!
I have edc hankies and wet wipes but also, I like carrying a tiny absorbant hand towel to dry my hands with when bathrooms have nothing
Thanks for your comment!
Agree on most things. I like to carry a simple handkerchief to wipe off sweat or in case I need to blow my nose (don’t want to do that with a wet wipe). Then it’s a pocket flashlight and either a SAK, multitool, or a fastback depending on where I’m going and what I’m doing for the day.
Thanks for sharing!
Your ideas on this make sense. I agree.
Thanks for watching!
Totally agree with the vid. Too much unneeded bulk fir an urban environment for my needs. Ii ended up with my keys on a small metal s-biner, with a victorinox classic alox on another sbiner, phone, earbuds, small lighter and wallet. More than enough. A larger victorinox and a box opener to have on me when at work.
onyl thing i think might be needed is an extra slim xtra small power bank and a small charging cable, just in case.
Thanks for sharing!
I agree with all except the note book, I carry one and use it all the time. It's just good to know that you can write even when you're sweating in the south.
Thank you very much for your comment. Fair enough. But I'm sure it is useful when you sweat in other parts of your body too.
Im very big on the swiss army compact and knipex combo. Yes i usually work the knipex on my bike. But i did have some great other uses when im too lazy to grab a toolbox. The small wrenches have plenty of use for me and im as avarage as it gets.
Thanks for sharing! You are not alone!
For over 17 years, a Leatherman Micra has been with me nearly daily.
Proton LED light for nearly 8 years. And that’s it. Used to carry a BIC lighter, but rarely used.
Nice. Thanks for sharing!
My pry bar I use more often than my knife as a screwdriver so I would recommend getting one that has a good Philips tip or skip it. I also dont carry a multitool other than the pry bar, just a regular folder and a flashlight.
Thanks for sharing!
This is a topic the edc community needs to talk more about. You’re right, most people don’t need all these different items. Your edc should be specific for your own needs. You shouldn’t have all these fancy items that you don’t use, just because everyone else has them.
💯 thanks!
Great video. I think a point that we should all take from the video is that we should cater our edc to our needs. Which we can sometimes loose sight of as to us obviously liking edc content and the stuff other people use. Wanting certain things because we think they are cool.
I did the same thing with edc pens. I wanted super expensive models. But I noticed that my free bic pens from work were enough to do the job. So I stopped buying them.
And the cobras XD I actually do need because of job. Idk how many times I randomly need to turn a bolt from a machine and I wished I just had some pliers on me. So I started carrying them.
Thanks for sharing!
The Kniper pliers and/or pliers wrench can be handy. Though I keep a larger chrome set tucked in the side of TAD litespeed. Handy when you really need them.
I live in western WA. Rain is pretty much a near daily fact of life.
Thanks for sharing!
I carried a multitool for over 1 year and have not used it once. What i use all the time is a sharp blade, scissors und pliers. So the Standard Victorinox models are perfekt for me. In addition i carry some fancy knife and i am done.
Thanks for sharing!