Everyday Carry: How I Finally Got Into The Utilitarian Hobby
For the record, I do not yet possess the skill and sass in showcasing my EDC or everyday carry because I’m not an amateur photographer or I just need to learn more. But I’m not writing this blog about photos of my EDC but rather how I got into this amazing hobby. So a little backstory, I once admired my dad for having that multi-tool sheathed inside a leather pouch at his side secured by his belt, it was a Swiss Army Knife, and back in the day I really wanted one. My parents have their own way though, I was young and they don’t see me using it for it’s intended purpose and that’s true so I waited until it just went out of my head. I completely forgot about that until I got to college, studying aircraft maintenance and that’s where my quest for a multi-tool sprung back to my head after years in my cranial abyss.
Reddit was the place where I first looked for a community that shares my sentiment on EDC and I found this subreddit r/EDC the perfect place to learn and hang out. I saw a lot of people really with a variety of things that has been carefully handpicked and tailored to suit their needs. From knives to multi-tools to flashlights to pens, it was a complete wow to me. Then I began to create my own arsenal based on what my casual ass needs.
I did my best to put on something that really suits my needs and the pictures above and below shows my attempt in doing so. I am happy with it. I got my first knife which is a Gerber knock-off I got online for a cheap price just to test the waters and I was really satisfied that I bought a legit proper entry-level knife (though other people have their own opinions on what other entry-level is and I get that). I bought myself a shiny and sharp Columbia River Knives and Tools or CRKT flipper knife which bears the name Snarky, a CRKT Snarky. It’s small, cool, good-looking, and sharp knife.Then I got a pen, a Parker Jotter which matches the knife (ain’t it nice?), a must have mini multi-tool keychain that has a pry-bar, spoke wrench, wrenches, a rule, and most importantly; a bottle opener. I got my dad’s Timex Expedition and a St. Benedict coin.
Something was still missing. I still need a proper multi-tool and I did my research on what would be best, a Swiss Army Knife or a Leatherman. I weighed my options and decided to go with the latter. I went the Leatherman way because I am an aspiring mechanic and those pliers would really make a difference especially now that I kept on tinkering with things much more often. Then the next thing happened was I’m already inside the mall, in a hobby store where they sell Leathermans. I was a bit budget strapped so the higher end models were out. Suprisingly, I was able to get my sights on this particular model, the Knifeless Rebar. As the name dictates, it is knifeless so I won’t have the fear of it having confiscated by super strict people because knives are dangerous friends especially when it lands in the wrong hands but in my hands, it’s for utility. So I pulled the trigger and got myself my first epic multi-tool! I went home with a big smile and a wallet free from money!
The tools that come with it are as follows: long-nose pliers, wire cutters, wire crimper, a file, can/bottle opener, a philips screwdriver, a flat-head screw driver, an awl, scissors, a saw, and a ruler on the sides. Boy all of this was really worth it. I never leave the house without my EDC with me. I fell strangely naked and helpless without it and I assume that it also applies to other EDC enthusiasts. I know that the ending of my blog maybe has a bit of an abrupt ending but I have to tell you something that, EDCs don’t have to be like this, the tools and all that stuff, it’s just what you carry everyday with you that you often use like your phone, your wallet, your hanky, etc. but know this, there it might be a negligible thing but there are really a lot of people into it and is passionate about it. It’s all about the small things man. Cheerio!