FocusWorks: What is Everyday Carry (EDC)?

Feb 9, 2026

Back in my grandfather's day, there wasn't a fancy name for Every Day Carry.

“Every day carry” was simply the collection of items a man just had on him at all times: a reliable pen, a proper small flashlight, a lighter, and -in my grandfather's case- an extra clean handkerchief, just in case someone else needed it.

My grandfather's jacket was like a magic box made of tweed. Its pockets always held a useful tool exactly when you needed it. He was always prepared for any emergency, great or small. Back then, each man's kit was slightly different: some carried magnifying glasses or favorite fishing lures; others had larger tools for whittling wood or cutting through thick underbrush; some even had a single needle and a measure of thread.

Anything you could fit into a small tool belt or your numerous pockets was -and still is- “Everyday Carry.”

The Evolution of the EDC Lifestyle

I've been carrying my own EDC kit for as long as I can remember. It started as a simple thing -just a few items I had on me at all times. But over the years, it's grown into a more comprehensive collection of tools and gadgets that I find essential to my daily life. Eventually, my gear moved from just my pockets to a dedicated small carry case.

Today, EDC is becoming increasingly popular. More people than ever are realizing the value of being self-reliant. Modern surveys of the community suggest the average enthusiast carries anywhere from 5 to 10 items daily. While the tools have become more advanced -moving from carbon steel to Grade 5 Titanium and Zirconium- the soul of the practice remains the same.

Why Does Everyday Carry Matter?

EDC is a great way to stay prepared for anything that comes your way. It's a simple concept, but it makes a big difference in your life. It’s an old-fashioned value that stands the test of time, even in our modern, digital world.

My EDC kit is always with me, no matter where I go. It gives me peace of mind knowing I’m prepared for anything, and it has come in handy on more than one occasion. I’ve used my gear to:

Inspect an engine in the dark with a high-CRI F2 Flashlight.
Open packages and cut through wire or tape with Bob the Boxcutter.
Sign important documents with a precision-machined pen.
Treat minor injuries or tighten a loose screw on the fly.

While the definition of "the modern man" may have changed, our fundamental needs have not. Simple, well-made daily use tools -handcrafted from top-quality metals- never go out of style.

What Should You Have in Your EDC Kit?

If you're thinking about starting your own EDC kit, I encourage you to look at your daily routine. What "hiccups" do you face? Do you find yourself reaching for a light? Are you always looking for a blade to open a box?

The Essential EDC Checklist:

Wallet: For your cards and ID.
Keys: Often kept silent with a key organizer.
Phone: For all of life’s emergencies.
Flashlight: Because half of our lives are spent in the dark.
Multi-tool or Pocket Tool: For those "quick fix" moments.
Pen: A writing instrument that won't fail when you need to sign a check or jot a note.
First Aid Kit: Even just a few bandages can save the day.
Knife: We love Bob our Boxcutter, or join our email list to get a full selection of our precision machined knives.
Streamlined leather cases: Because it still needs to fit in your pocket.

Personally, I like to include a secondary wallet for emergency bills and a basic medical kit. For those looking for a simple, high-quality starter kit, we offer our EDC Starter Kits -a matching box-cutter and flashlight set designed to last a lifetime.

The FocusWorks Philosophy

Once you've put together your kit, take some time to practice using your tools. This familiarity ensures you can use them effectively in a variety of situations.

At FocusWorks, we believe that the tools you carry say something about you. We choose to make gear that doesn't just work, but feels right. Whether it's the weight of solid copper or the sleekness of aluminum, your EDC should be something you are proud to carry every single day.