The Everyday Carry

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Phyltre

Joined
Feb 13, 2006
Messages
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I've just gotten a new job in computer repair that doesn't have any restrictions on carrying knives in-store. (In fact the other employees recommend it as the X-Actos we use are often misplaced.) So I started carrying my Spyderco Delica again.

Now I'm realizing just how much I'd cut back on my everyday carry in college. Being on campus (as an RA, no less) made me less-than-enthusiastic about carrying "suspicious" things around with me. It was just the environment up there.

So I'm starting over. I've gotten my hands on a Q5 Cree Fenix P2D/L1D, and I'm still carrying the Delica (which I'm looking to replace with something slightly shorter.) Now for the main setup: I'd like two thin and light but strong-as-possible carabiners, on two ends of a ~4 inch cord. (Also as strong as possible! It will be with me for years, I don't want it wearing through like they tend to do.) (I'm tired of the two-dollar carabiners that inevitably break a hinge or just plain fall apart.) One around the belt loop, one inside the pocket. On the clip in the pocket would be keys, a small indestructible folder knife, and anything else you can think of that's slim and light enough for an everyday kit. I'm deciding whether to lanyard the Fenix P2D to the clip as well, but it may be too much together for one pocket.

I'm doing research in the carabiner and miniature folder markets now. Any suggestions? Criticisms? Public ridicule?
 
I've used a real carabiner as a keyring holder for years and years.

I've had them so long I forgot where I got them but they are strong and do the job.
I'm not worred what anyone else would think , who cares ? lol

I think I scored them at a sporting goods store , or army surplus.
 
I've been using a 316L SS spring snap fot the last 25 years. They are available through McMasterCarr (part number 8907T61), the cost is ~$17. If you want a smaller version, TAD Gear has some little guys in SS (http://www.tadgear.com/x-treme%20gear/accessories%20main/ss_spring_clips.htm) They may have some in titanium. I've only had the TAD Gear ones for a year or two, so I can't say how they will stand up over a long period of time but they seem to be well made.

The feature I like is that the snap bar is also the spirng. It is set up as a torsion bar. The torsion bar doesn't fles the spring peice very much, so it does not fatigue over time like most other designs.

I keep 2 or 3 of the little spring snaps on my key ring. It lets me easily attach a small knife that had a lanyard or other keys etc. The car keys get attached to the my main key ring, this permits me to remove the car keys so the weight of a full key ring doesn't screw up my ignition lock...guess learned that one.

Another tool you might consider for your key ring is a SwissTech Screw All Tool. It has two flat blades and two phillips blades. What ever you do, DON'T order any thing from Botactical.com: they have good prices but their customer service :barf:stinks.

Another thing that I have done, is I made a short lanyard between the spring snap and key ring. When I clip the spring snap to my belt loop, it's long enough to hang in my pocket out of the way.

Ric
 
Those quick-draws do look like exactly what I need, but I must admit being drawn to that sexy-looking paracord. I'll do the research myself, but any suggestions for quick-draws made from paracord rather than those flat pieces? I'm thinking the cord would be more flexible as compared to the flattened loop.

Also thanks for the clip suggestion, those do look pretty strong and would presumably go great with a carabiner assembly.
 
Check Berkely Point for small stainless or even titanium 'biners. Nite Ize has some out now, too, at Home Depot, an "S" style in different sizes.

The Delica is a great knife, but if smaller is a must, you could consider a Leatherman Squirt or small Swiss Army knife.
 
well Phyltre as an RA my self (woot for RA's) i also had that hesitation.....i would recommend carrying a real carabiner and then attach ur knife of choice to it many knives have lanyard holes where u can just add one of those key rings and then put the key ring on the carabiner....having them separate i think will prove to be much easier plus then u can switch up the knife when ever u want....
 
Consider also carrying the Fenix either on your belt in the holster that comes with it, or without the holster vertically next to your wallet. There are so many fun toys to carry, and so little space to do it.
 
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