Slimming my EDC

I slimmed down as well....
Just not enough space/pockets when you have Keys/Wallet/Lighter/Cigs/iPhone as always carry...

Small Seb. Insingo
PEAK Eiger Ultra (CU)

This set-up is not only light and small, but it does everything I need......

6Z4k9KX.jpg
 
Quick update... Day one I needed a knife three different times. I had one on my Vic Spirit X but using two hands to open it drove me nuts. I will give it a few more days to try to get used to it. It kills me that Victorinox doesn't make a multi-tool (with real pliers) that has one hand opening knife on it. I am not a fan of the full size Leathermans, everyone I've had or used has rusted somewhere and made it a pain to open the tools (yes I lube them regularly). My Vic seems like it needs 1/4 the attention a leatherman does and I tend to like the tool set on the Vic a bit more anyway. Hopefully they'll make one soon, until then I might be stuck throwing a dedicated blade back into my EDC. We shall see.

Thanks for all the responses guys, keep em coming. And holly smokes ZuluKilo, thats one hell of an edc! But like you said if it work for you, then it works. :)
 
The Leatherman Skelatool CX has solved a lot of problems for me. I now have a more sensible tool, light, wallet, phone and watch. That's all I really need to get by.

I should add that a handkerchief and one of my more compact firearms round me out a little better when I carry them.
 
Smitty, it sounds like you have a reasonably firm grasp on what your day-to-day needs are and your ability to recognize any changes in life/edc needs. Decades of EDCing, for me, have been fluid depending on what I feel I need to have on me. Historically, I've been pretty loyal to the blade I carry(though that's been changing recently), but other items have always been fluid. Flashlight, no flashlight. Multi-tool, no multi-tool, etc. I keep on me what I use with frequency, and I try to keep it at that as well as keeping it minimal. A flashlight is now a Nitecore tube on the keychain. A multi-tool is a Micra on the keychain. Usually a less than 3" folder. Along with my phone and a lighter, this is about as minimal as I can go, and they get used.

Connectivity/chargeability is important, but I keep my vehicles stocked with these items. If I'm traveling more than a half an hour away from home, I toss my backpack with an extra blade, extra power(Cobra Jump Pack), larger multi-tool and a few other items in the trunk. As long as you have the choices for your daily needs, you can be minimal and versatile at the same time. That's how I like to approach it.
 
This seems like a solid thread to bring up the Sensi Patent Chain Keyholder. It clips to a belt loop, but the chain is long enough to have the keys rest in your pocket. It also comes with six rings that are easily removable, so you don't have to pull out a giant wad of keys to get what you want. Makes it MUCH easier to use keychain tools as each ring easily detaches and reattaches with a small, sliding latch.

My fiancée got one for me a few years back and it's the single most useful gift she's ever given me. Seriously, if you carry a bunch of crap on your keychain this thing makes it a million times easier to use it and retain it. One of the very few gifts that, if it gets lost or broken ever, I will unhesitatingly buy a replacement.
 
Smitty,

Do you need pliers on your person every day?

Or is it sufficient to have pliers in your day pack/car/office/kitchen drawer?
 
pinnah said:
Smitty,

Do you need pliers on your person every day?

Or is it sufficient to have pliers in your day pack/car/office/kitchen drawer?
Click to expand...

Yeah pretty much. I don't need them everyday but at least 2 or 3 times a week. I work on the grounds crew of a super high end tennis club and it's about 15 acres. I hate stopping what I'm doing to go all the way back to the shop to get some.
 
I have found myself carrying so much stuff in my pockets if I don't watch it.
Yesterday I had a ZT, a Kershaw, and a Boker stacked on the rim of my front pockets. Counting the belt cutter on the Boker, that's FOUR blade edges. Add in the leatherman on my belt and it brought me to SIX plus a saw blade and a pointy awl.
My leatherman sheath has a loop on either side where I'll stuff in a maglite mini and an ink pen.
Add in my keyring with various bobs and widgets and my 100' tape measure....

And that's if I'm not carrying a pistol :eek:

If I catch myself, like today, I'll walk out the door for work with one folder and my multitool tool and tape on my belt.
I don't need anything else, really.
 


out of my pockets (minus the lighter i forgot) it amazes me what some people stuff in their pockets and on their belt... What do they suppose they would need and why?
 
Regarding the need for pliers...

smitty1505 said:
Yeah pretty much. I don't need them everyday but at least 2 or 3 times a week. I work on the grounds crew of a super high end tennis club and it's about 15 acres. I hate stopping what I'm doing to go all the way back to the shop to get some.
Click to expand...

If this is the case, then I think you have 2 options. The first is try to find a single multi-tool with an externally mounted knife blade and live with that, even if it's a Leatherman (I prefer Leatherman tools to Victorinox myself but that's neither here nor there). The second is to pair an EDC knife with a multi-tool. Both approaches make sense.

Generally speaking, I prefer the latter approach. I *HATE* the ergos of a MT based knife blade and I use my pocket knife for food all the time. I can understand some situations where an external MT knife blade makes sense (I have a Wave and get it) but generally I think of knife blades on an MT as a wasted slot. I can live with a small pen blade like on my Micra for detailed cutting that's harder with a full sized EDC knife. But on other MTs I've cut the blade down to an awl.

I guess the 3rd option is to just keep using your Vic tool till opening the blade becomes second nature. I find that repetition makes things easier. I consider my Opinel to be a one hand opener because I have a long commute and have learned to open the knife in my sleep at this point.

If were me (and it often is), I would pair your Vic tool with a knife.

Here's what I do...

I have an older (non-rusted, man, what do you do to them?) Leatherman Blast. It's a full sized, classic MT. I cut the knife down to an awl, as I mentioned. I also have an old clip on style cell phone holster. The Blast fits it perfectly.

My normal EDC carry looks like this.
Untitled by Pinnah, on Flickr

But if I need to do some work around the property, I just pop the holstered Leatherman on my belt. No need to thread my belt through it. Once I'm done with the day's chores, I pop the thing off my belt and put it back in my day pack.

I've found the clip on/off holster makes dealing the full sized (knifeless) MT to be less of a hassle off hours. And, since I don't need pliers off hours, the Micra covers the little tasks of my non-working life.
 
My absolute minimal EDC looks something like this. (I mean what I will typically grab absentmindedly come hell or high water at a minimum as I walk out the door). Knife, sunglasses, Chapstick, hat, and I switch out various knives. Sometimes I supplement this with a gun, multi tool, lighter or flashlight, depending on when and where I am going. I very rarely have anything else with me.
28a1198db743670a1fc7df660fcc816b.jpg
 
pinnah said:
Regarding the need for pliers...



If this is the case, then I think you have 2 options. The first is try to find a single multi-tool with an externally mounted knife blade and live with that, even if it's a Leatherman (I prefer Leatherman tools to Victorinox myself but that's neither here nor there). The second is to pair an EDC knife with a multi-tool. Both approaches make sense.

Generally speaking, I prefer the latter approach. I *HATE* the ergos of a MT based knife blade and I use my pocket knife for food all the time. I can understand some situations where an external MT knife blade makes sense (I have a Wave and get it) but generally I think of knife blades on an MT as a wasted slot. I can live with a small pen blade like on my Micra for detailed cutting that's harder with a full sized EDC knife. But on other MTs I've cut the blade down to an awl.

I guess the 3rd option is to just keep using your Vic tool till opening the blade becomes second nature. I find that repetition makes things easier. I consider my Opinel to be a one hand opener because I have a long commute and have learned to open the knife in my sleep at this point.

If were me (and it often is), I would pair your Vic tool with a knife.

Here's what I do...

I have an older (non-rusted, man, what do you do to them?) Leatherman Blast. It's a full sized, classic MT. I cut the knife down to an awl, as I mentioned. I also have an old clip on style cell phone holster. The Blast fits it perfectly.

My normal EDC carry looks like this.
Untitled by Pinnah, on Flickr

But if I need to do some work around the property, I just pop the holstered Leatherman on my belt. No need to thread my belt through it. Once I'm done with the day's chores, I pop the thing off my belt and put it back in my day pack.

I've found the clip on/off holster makes dealing the full sized (knifeless) MT to be less of a hassle off hours. And, since I don't need pliers off hours, the Micra covers the little tasks of my non-working life.
Click to expand...

Amen! Multi-tool knives are almost always sort of vestigial growths that are, at best, mediocre. I'm actually very happy to see first Gerber and now Leatherman making some full sized, knifeless multi-tools. I'd like to more of that trend along with the hammer pommel as on the Leatherman Signal and MUT. It's sure no substitute for a real hammer, but having a dedicated surface for giving something a smack is honestly really handy.
 
pinnah said:
Regarding the need for pliers...



If this is the case, then I think you have 2 options. The first is try to find a single multi-tool with an externally mounted knife blade and live with that, even if it's a Leatherman (I prefer Leatherman tools to Victorinox myself but that's neither here nor there). The second is to pair an EDC knife with a multi-tool. Both approaches make sense.

Generally speaking, I prefer the latter approach. I *HATE* the ergos of a MT based knife blade and I use my pocket knife for food all the time. I can understand some situations where an external MT knife blade makes sense (I have a Wave and get it) but generally I think of knife blades on an MT as a wasted slot. I can live with a small pen blade like on my Micra for detailed cutting that's harder with a full sized EDC knife. But on other MTs I've cut the blade down to an awl.

I guess the 3rd option is to just keep using your Vic tool till opening the blade becomes second nature. I find that repetition makes things easier. I consider my Opinel to be a one hand opener because I have a long commute and have learned to open the knife in my sleep at this point.

If were me (and it often is), I would pair your Vic tool with a knife.

Here's what I do...

I have an older (non-rusted, man, what do you do to them?) Leatherman Blast. It's a full sized, classic MT. I cut the knife down to an awl, as I mentioned. I also have an old clip on style cell phone holster. The Blast fits it perfectly.

My normal EDC carry looks like this.
Untitled by Pinnah, on Flickr

But if I need to do some work around the property, I just pop the holstered Leatherman on my belt. No need to thread my belt through it. Once I'm done with the day's chores, I pop the thing off my belt and put it back in my day pack.

I've found the clip on/off holster makes dealing the full sized (knifeless) MT to be less of a hassle off hours. And, since I don't need pliers off hours, the Micra covers the little tasks of my non-working life.
Click to expand...

What ! You hacked up.a leatherman blast when people like me are stuck with a fuse,when the blast really is their ideal perfect multitool 😭😭😭😭😭
Leatherman needs to bring hack the leatherman blast so I can get one, because my fuse is almost perfect but is lacking a file.
 
Hickory n steel said:
What ! You hacked up.a leatherman blast when people like me are stuck with a fuse,when the blast really is their ideal perfect multitool 😭😭😭😭😭
Leatherman needs to bring hack the leatherman blast so I can get one, because my fuse is almost perfect but is lacking a file.
Click to expand...

And here I keep hoping that Leatherman would bring back the Knifeless Fuse!!!! That's my ideal. Seem rare as hen teeth.

And this seems to be the dirty rotten truth of multitools. There is no perfect multi tool. Not for anybody. Everybody wants this or that with something changed to make it perfect. I wish Leatherman would offer a custom shop with some ability to select that you want and don't want.
 
So this is what I've ended up with, those s-carabiners are worth their weight in gold. Main module is house key, key fob, backup flash drive, and mail key, wrapped in kydex. Currently it's my work EDC, multitool, USB flash drive and flashlight and all. Depending on what I'm doing, multitool gets replaced with a SAK classic alox, or just gets taken off, along with the flash drive and the car key. When going fishing, I add the Spyderco Ladybug Hawkbill. Pen is optional at most times, I never really found much use for it, got enough pens in the car and around me.
77NdZWv.jpg
 
I feel ya brother. I've been there done that like most guys trying to figure out "what works for me". I prefer to travel light, meaning one knife, keys, a money clip and my phone.
I don't do a watch, because my phone has a clock. Sometimes a flashlight will go with me but rarely since the phone has a light too. The main three items never change (keys/phone/money clip), but my knife does depending on dress and where I'm going. Could be a SAK or other traditional one day, and next day a Emerson Super CQC8 or ZT560. If I didn't have a keyfob for my keys I'd probably get one of those key holders with a blade added. I've never done the multi-tool thing as it's very rare I'd need anything other than the blade, hence being more bulk/weight than I would need. I try not to worry about covering every little situation that comes up, because you'll never be able to carry enough to cover them all. Sometimes you are just up a creek without a paddle no matter how prepared you are. And that is fine, it builds character. The best non-hard use EDC I could think of would probably be a SAK with a big blade, small blade, sissors, phillips driver, flat head driver/bottle opener, toothpick and tweezers.
 
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The AAA flashlight in my pocket is the most used item. Far better and somehow more convenient then using my phone.

All the slim wallets I have tried are too big... I just use the leather card/photo insert that came with a wallet.

I always have a larger than necessary knife in my pocket, and I actually stopped carrying my SAK classic because I never used it (though it was arguably a better carry). I still keep a screwdriver bit on my keys though. Today's load out minus phone:

26084416792_001bb92c6e_k.jpg
 
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My edc has stayed the same functionality, items have been replaced with smaller, lighter versions.
Rather have it and not need it, than need it and not have it.
 
pinnah said:
I have an older (non-rusted, man, what do you do to them?) Leatherman Blast. It's a full sized, classic MT. I cut the knife down to an awl, as I mentioned. I also have an old clip on style cell phone holster. The Blast fits it perfectly.

My normal EDC carry looks like this.
Untitled by Pinnah, on Flickr

But if I need to do some work around the property, I just pop the holstered Leatherman on my belt. No need to thread my belt through it. Once I'm done with the day's chores, I pop the thing off my belt and put it back in my day pack.

I've found the clip on/off holster makes dealing the full sized (knifeless) MT to be less of a hassle off hours. And, since I don't need pliers off hours, the Micra covers the little tasks of my non-working life.
Click to expand...

I live about a mile from the ocean and work literally across the street from it haha. I also spend a decent amount of time on boats in the summer and usually try to get some clamming/fishing in too. So I'm always around saltwater. I always try to rinse them off asap but sometimes I forget. But like I said I very rarely have an issue with my Vic. I've never not been able to open a tool. The wave on the other hand can be a nightmare sometimes. Does anyone know where I can get the tool to open a leatherman (specifically the Wave/ Charges)? I'd like to froglube the whole thing if I could.
 
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