Back in my grandfather’s day, there wasn’t a name for Every Day Carry. “Every day carry” were simply items a man just had on him at all times: A pen, a proper small flashlight, a lighter, and for my grandfather and an extra clean handkerchief just in case someone else needed it. My grandfather’s jacket was like a magic box made of tweed, with pockets that always had a useful tool when you needed it. He was always ready for any emergency, great or small.
Back then each man’s kit was slightly different: Some had magnifying glasses, or favourite fishing lures, some had larger tools for whittling wood, or cutting through thick underbrush, some 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 “every day carry”.
I’ve been carrying my own EDC kit for as long as I can remember. It started out as a simple thing, just a few items that 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 everyday life, and I’ve moved from pockets to a small carry case.
My EDC kit is always with me, no matter where I go; it gives me peace of mind knowing that I'm prepared for anything, and it has come in handy on more than one occasion. I've used it to inspect my engine in the dark, open a can of food, cut through wire and tape, sharpen a pencil, or treat a minor injury. I'm grateful for the peace of mind that it gives me, and I wouldn't leave home without it.
While the definition of men may have changed, for many of us, our needs have not. Simple, well-made daily use tools, handcrafted from top quality metals, and materials never go out of style, and leave you prepared for anything.
What should you have in your EDC kit?
EDC is becoming increasingly popular, with more and more people carrying EDC kits with them on a daily basis. According to a 2017 survey, the average EDC kit contains 10 items. The most common EDC items are
- a wallet
- keys
- phone
- flashlight
- multi-tool
- pen
- first aid kit
Personally, I like to include a secondary wallet, or some folded emergency bills, a set of keys, flashlight, a multi-tool, and a basic first aid kit. I also like to have a few other items on hand, such as a pen, a notebook, and a snack bar.
For a very simple starter kit, we offer our EDC Starter Kits, with a simple matching box-cutter and flashlight set.
If you're thinking about starting your own EDC kit, I encourage you to do some research and find out what items are essential for your lifestyle. There are a lot of great resources available online, and there are also a number of groups and forums where you can connect with other EDC enthusiasts.
Once you've put together your kit, take some time to practice using the items in it. This will help you become familiar with them and make sure that you know how to use them effectively in a variety of situations.
EDC is a great way to stay prepared for anything that comes your way. It's a simple concept, but it can make a big difference in your life. It’s an old-fashioned value that stands the test of time for modern day life.