Advice/opinion on my intended EDC gear list

R

raxis

Joined
Dec 8, 2004
Messages
34
Allow one of my long-winded explanations, if you please: I'm not a Jedi Knight, Indiana Jones, James Bond, John Rambo, Angus MacGyver or a T-series Terminator. I am, however, a great 'gear fan' but also a volunteer worker so I don't have tons of cash to fork out on all the coollest goodies. (This is good thing, though, since I wouldn't want to look like Batman even with just the so-called essential gear!)

My intended away-from-home EDC gear list is as follows:
  • Leatherman Wave (pre-2004 model)
  • Victorinox Signature mini pocket knife
  • Cellphone with some PDA features (calendar, reminders, clocks etc.)
  • Ultra-flat Jeep leather wallet
  • White gold 'comfy-fit' (thicker, rounded) wedding band
  • Seiko Perpetual Calendar Titanium
  • Ripoffs CO-80 multi-tool & flashlight belt-clip pouch
  • Mini Maglite 2 x AA model
I already have the Leatherman (engraved anniversary gift from wifey), Victorinox (travel gift from my sister-in-law), cellphone, wallet, ring and watch, so the first six items stay as-is.

I was looking for a sheath with a belt clip for the Leatherman Wave, since the supplied leather sheath is a belt loop sheath only. So on the internet I looked at the Ripoffs CO-12, a one-tool-only sheath. Then I saw the CO-80 which has a little loop for a Mini Maglite, and that's how I ended up with the list above. I would have loved a SureFire 6P, G2 Nitrolon or even a Streamlight Scorpion or a Pelican MityLite Magnum but it's either too expensive (SureFires go for about 233% of the US recommended retail price here) or not available. Maglite is quite common and reasonable, though, and runs on AA batteries.

For maintenance of my blades I would like:
  • Smooth & serrated sharpener
And as an optional I'm considering:
  • 45 or 60 ml Fog type pepperspray with belt clip
Now, if you're still reading this thread at this point, I would like:

Your opinion on all the above - too much gear, wrong gear or am I missing something crucial? ;) I know many will shout, "A folder!", and don't get me wrong, if anyone would like to donate a CRKT Crawford/Kasper folder, a CRKT Brian Tighe Tac or any other discreet gentleman's tactical folder to little me in South Africa, they're more than welcome :D but I'm thinking along the lines that my smooth and serrated blades on the Leatherman and the Victorinox are sufficient for myself as a layman.

Your opinion specifically on the everyday usefulness, practicality and value-for-money of the Maglite. I'm wondering if I shouldn't get a small LED (I think Photon is available here) or just make my next cellphone a Nokia with a built-in LED flashlight. Like I said at the start, no superhero Maxabeam gear needed...

Your opinion and advice on what to look for in a good yet affordable sharpener for my blades.

Hope to hear some good replies!

P.S. My trusty ol' Pentax Optio 330GS also goes away with us quite often.
 
I would get a new flashlight. If Surefire is too dear then get something like an Inova X5. The batteries lasts a long time. I'm sure you have CR123A batteries there anyway. You must have a photography shop nearby.

The maglite is alright but i don't know about the durability of the lightbulb. I've had my mini maglite bulb explode and that won't happen with the X5. I don't think so anyway.

For a folder i'd get something cheap and good quality maybe a spyderco native.

You didn't say what is affordable to you but i think the best value sharpener would be the Spyderco Sharpmaker 204. It's easy to use. I've finally been able to sharpen my recurves with this thing. Before i was afraid to use my Microtech Amphibian 'cos i didn't have a clue how i was going to sharpen it. But now it sharpens nicely on the 204.

Try ordering with newgraham. You should get your stuff there although i don't know how much the duty is there. But all you need is there. X5, Native and Sharpmaker.
 
Nice list, I don't think it's too much stuff. If you use it all...

What about firestarting?

2nd, Point's recommendation for X5 maybe an X1, try go to a dealer and check out both. And the recommmendation for the Sharpmaker. There is also a more portable Sharpmaker model, if you're always on the move.
 
Hmmm... now that you mention it, I have been thinking of keeping either a cheapie lighter or a plain Zippo somewhere.

Inova and Streamlight are available here, I'll check out pricing etc on the X5 and the Scorpion. Those are the most popular for the two brands in the mini category, if I'm not mistaken.
 
The Inova X5 is a great little light.

As for your list, if it's something you use frequently, carry it. You seem to have most things covered.

Paul
 
Like the others said a Inova X5 could be intersting for you.

If you already have your Leatherman, do you really need your Victorinox knife (i don't think it has features that the Leatherman doesn't have)?
In replacement i'd go for a unexpensive litle folder like a Spydie Delica (PE or SE).
An O.C. can is always a good item to have, don't hesitate to pack one!

Stay safe,

Lem
 
i would look into the inova X1 instead of the X5. it's smaller and has a focused beam. also, AAA/AA batteries are easier to come by than 123a lithiums, but that doesn't matter because your x5 will use the same 123a's for a gazillion years.

i have both the x5 and x1 and am very impressed with the x1.


other than that, a pimp zippo would be cool to carry, even if you don't smoke.

i carry a compass around, which i find useful once or twice a week.

and get yourself a nice pen.



put your maglite in the trash.
 
Lighter from a college standpoint:

I always keep a lighter, even though I don't smoke. Why you ask? Well, for the ladies of course. If you are at the bar, or a party, nothing is more handy than a lighter to get and "in." All you high-schoolers out there, trust me on this one.
 
If you already have your Leatherman, do you really need your Victorinox knife (i don't think it has features that the Leatherman doesn't have)?
Click to expand...

The Signature is a Classic with a retractable pen. And even though the Wave has scissors and a file, those on the Signature are MUCH handier for doing your nails, IMO. Plus, it's even more sheeple frendly then a Wave; can't get much more sheeple frendly than a small SAK.

Leo
 
I don't really think a Photon would be a good replacement for a MagLite. While the Photon is bright for its size, it isn't really a full sized light. If you can't afford or find one of the more modern types I think a MagLite should do you fine. I switched over to a Surefire recently and would never go back, but that is just because I could afford to make the switch.

A lighter always comes in handy, even if you don't smoke. I don't smoke yet I almost always have a lighter with me. You would be suprised how often it comes in handy, and not just for picking up girls either.

I would also recommend you add some type of dedicated knife to that gear. The LM blades are decent if nothing else is handy, but don't really replace a dedicated folder. As for a sharpener for them that is portable I would probably go with one of the DMT folding diamond sharpeners. I don't carry one with me, but if I ever did it would probably be one of those. It won't give you an ultra fine edge, but it will give you a good working edge rather fast. I would think that you could always refine that rough edge more when you get home.

I also carry a watch as part of my EDC gear, great for those times when I can't look at the cell for the time. Or even if you happen to forget your phone, or the batter dies, etc. you will be able to know the time. Another thing would be a pen, I carry a Fisher Space Pen Bullet. Fits in the pocket easily, and when open feels as comfortable as a regular pen and writes great.
 
ErikD said:
A lighter always comes in handy, even if you don't smoke. I don't smoke yet I almost always have a lighter with me. You would be suprised how often it comes in handy, and not just for picking up girls either.
Click to expand...

I don't smoke either and carry a Windmill Delta. And there are quite a few times girls from my course have asked to borrow it to light up their bunsen burners. One of 'em even calls it a grenade.

It's just funny when a girl says,
'Can i borrow your grenade?'
 
i also keep a pack of tissue with me and something for fresh breath.. a spray or some gum.. zippo lighter i like but the damn fuel evaporates after a while... had a mini compass on me for a little while.. but i rarely used it in my urban enviorment..a mini photon surfices and i whip out the t3 when i know i need a light.. i also keep a monocular in the car along with some hand sanitizing liquids.
and another vote for the sharpmaker.. got mines in over the weekend and now i can shave with my knives again if i need to.
 
Good start.

Don't know funds availability or product similarity.

Get a Photon for your keychain, and forget about it til you need it.

Don't know if they carry them there, but Dorcy makes a small AAA LED that is pretty stinkin bright, good for in house or vehicle, maybe trail, but not for strong illumination.

There are some LED conversions for the MagLite. Check around here, or CandlePowerForums for mroe help with that.

Also, the INOVA X1 or X5 are great LED lights. I have a friend with the X1, and it works for him. I have the X5, and prefer it. A bit bigger, but can be used for "other" purposes when necessary.

The Surefire G2's are great for the price, and are definite night penetrators. Not sure of the exchange rate, but perhaps you can buy from someone here in the states, or another country, and have shipped for less than your local dealers.

While the phone/light is cute, talking precludes lighting your way, and at some point you may need to do both at the same time.

For a small EDC knife, try a Victorinox Swiss Army Knife. Less expensive than some of the folders, and mch more sheeple friendly.

A pair of Sliver Gripper tweezers are good to have on your keychain. Amazing how precise those pups are for splinters.
 
Bandaids, alcohol swabs, aspirins. Small, folded premoistened napkins, which go by the brand name Wet Wipes over here. A pen and a few sheets of Post-It notes. Something to carry this stuff in. It's all flat, compact, and useful.
 
Hmmmm, good list so far and the above advice is good as well. I'd like to add one small point though. Why the "fog" type of OC? Have you ever used it? If packing OC spray, I would recommend against the fog and get the stream instead. Fog works ok in a dead calm and controlled enviroment. Kick in a breeze and wave that thing around while spraying and you are very likely to end up on the recieving end as well as the bad guy. FWIW, I have "tested" this theory on several occasions as demonstration for customers. :rolleyes:
Also, get some training on using this stuff. Sounds kinda dumb, I know, but a good class can teach alot on how to use this stuff correctly. Hope that helps, Aaron/m1marty
 
Shelter
Warmth
Signaling
Defense
Food

I generally follow this criteria, but YMMV. My everyday is a decent folder, photon, Leatherman Squirt, whistle, and lighter. Whatever else I can carry is gravy, but I can't carry the Sig at work! :mad:

I've foundEquipped to Survive/Doug Ritter to be a valuable resource of information.
 
Lion said:
The Signature is a Classic with a retractable pen. And even though the Wave has scissors and a file, those on the Signature are MUCH handier for doing your nails, IMO. Plus, it's even more sheeple frendly then a Wave; can't get much more sheeple frendly than a small SAK.

Leo
Click to expand...
Thanks for all the input thus far! Keep it comin'. As for the Vic Signature, the pen is indeed a handy one to have, besides that it can go anywhere, including non-cargo shorts etc where the Wave wouldn't really work. Of course I do have a two-tone gold/stainless (yet tasteful) Parker with a Gel refill, also a gift (got it with a matching fountain pen). Lovely to write with, but I wouldn't classify it as EDC gear, not for myself anyway. I use it for business, meetings, etc yes. A Victorinox Signature Lite looks nice and handy with its little LED, probably much weaker than a Microlight or Photon though.

The Inova X1 seems to be what I should be hunting for, and an X5 too. The CR123A batteries won't be a hassle, they're plentiful, but the very common AA option sounds nice, especially since I have rechargeable ones that I can share from my Pentax. Now does anyone know of pouch brands and model name/no's that will discreetly fit a Wave plus a little uniformly-cylindrical LED like a X1 or similar (without a 'head' like a Maglite) on a belt clip? I see Ripoffs don't have anything for that specific combo.

I really like the LED idea, I must say.

As for the pepperspray, it makes sense what Aaron said. There's a South African manufacturer, and I read their discussion on fog vs stream on their website and that's where I considered fog. Never used it myself, though, so I'm open on this.
 
Plumber576 said:
Lighter from a college standpoint:

I always keep a lighter, even though I don't smoke. Why you ask? Well, for the ladies of course. If you are at the bar, or a party, nothing is more handy than a lighter to get and "in." All you high-schoolers out there, trust me on this one.
Click to expand...

Damn I can't find these... One of few dealers close to home turned me around like I was a cronik. God damn.

A key shop deals colibri's like 15 year old kind with scratches like they've been dropped, and dust all over them. "No can sell, come back on eighteen." :eek: Mean old man... I just asked to see it...
 
I think my sheath of choice will be a black Mini Pock-Its from Nite-Ize. They've got them here. If I get a AA LED (maybe an Inova X1 or similar) that's small enough I'll be able to fit a cheapie waterproof lighter in as well.

Then, voila! My gear list will be complete and will be:
  • Leatherman Wave (pre-2004 model)
  • Victorinox Signature mini pocket knife
  • Sony Ericsson T630 with some PDA features (notably calendar)
  • Ultra-flat Jeep leather wallet
  • White gold 'comfy-fit' (slightly thicker, rounded) wedding band
  • Seiko Perpetual Calendar Titanium
  • Nite-Ize Mini Pock-Its (Black)
  • Inova X1
  • El Cheapo waterproof lighter
  • Small fog/stream type pepperspray with belt clip
  • Smooth & serrated sharpener
  • Two-tone gold/stainless Parker with Gel refill
  • Two-tone gold/stainless Parker fountain pen
  • Pentax Optio 330GS
  • Oakley A-wires
My EDC gear configuration will of course depend on the situation. :cool:

Any other input?

By the way, as far as cellphones are concerned, I've been a Nokia user for 7 years or so, and tried a Sony Ericsson. My advice: stick with Nokia. Having designed and developed software user interfaces I know what makes a UI good or bad and I have seen cases that prove my point about the Nokias. My father-in-law got a SE and a Nokia only afterwards, and he preferred the Nokia UI by far. And oh yes, Europe/South Africa also get some cooller Nokias than the States, last time I looked. Quite refreshing!
 
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