EDCGuyd

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  • EDCGuyd to be Merged Into ToolGuyd

    My intent was to operate EDCGuyd separate from ToolGuyd, and to feature more EDC-related content. Unfortunately, time constraints have made it difficult to post new content in a timely manner. Additionally, there seems to be an over-emphasis on tools, rather than things like watches, wallets, bags, writing implements, and so forth.

    It was suggested in a ToolGuyd feedback request post that I merge the separate Tool-, EDC-, and OhMy- Guyd sites, and this sounds like a reasonable idea.

    Here’s what will happen:

    EDCGuyd content will be moved to ToolGuyd, with the exception of the wallet and non-tool product posts, which will probably go to OhMyGuyd. There is currently an EDC-related category, but I see what I can do to create a new custom EDC classification for easier navigation.

    For those of you subscribed to the RSS feed, I might be able to create a filtered feed so that you continue to only see EDC-related content.

    I apologize for the inconvenience, but I just cannot juggle updates for both sites at the moment. Perhaps one day I will be able to relaunch a standalone EDCGuyd, but at the moment it is not sustainable.

    The merge won’t be immediate, but will happen sometime soon.

  • Filson Leather Credit Card Wallet

    Filson Leather Credit Card Wallet

    Filson’s leather credit card holder looks to be a good choice for minimalist guys like me* who rarely deal with cash. Sure, I always carry a couple of bucks in my wallet’s billfold, but there are more business cards, receipts, and store cards than currency.

    This slender 3″ x 4″ credit card wallet features 8 card slots for credit cards, debit cards, business cards, and maybe even a bill or two. The card wallet is only available in brown and is priced at $64.

    Buy Now(via Filson)

    I’ve never heard of Filson until recently, but it looks like they’re a popular USA maker of heavy duty leather and fabric products. After writing up today’s ToolGuyd preview of Filson’s twill utility bag, I took a few minutes to browse deeper around their site, and wow there is a lot of good-looking gear! Pricey, but good-looking and presumably rugged given that they’re guaranteed to withstand the test of time.

    * I’m minimalist in mind, but unfortunately not in EDC practice, yet. But, I’m getting there.

  • Zippo Hand Warmer (Refillable)

    Zippo Hand Warmer

    It’s been warming up outside, but mornings and nights are still a bit chilly around here. A couple of years ago we went to the Grand Canyon in March, and while we were all decked out in winter gear, our gloves just weren’t warm enough around sunrise. We purchased a couple of disposable chemical hand warmers, and while they worked well I can’t help but think how wasteful those warmers would be if needed frequently.

    Zippo’s hand warmers are reusable pocketable heaters that burn with an internal flame to keep your fingers and hands nice and toasty. These hand warmers can be refilled with conventional lighter fluid and last for up to 12 hours per fillup. Zippo says that the warmers are virtually odorless, and we imagine that users will have to get up close to smell the exhaust. They come with a warming bag and a fuel filler cup.

    These heaters are priced at about $12 sans fuel, and a pair will cost you about $23. Disposable chemical heaters are priced at about $0.50 – $1.50 per pair.

    Buy Now(via Amazon)

    For someone like me, who might need a hand warmer every now and then, chemical hand warmers make better sense. Plus they travel easier. But for hunters and other frequent outdoors types, something like the Zippo Hand Warmer might be more economical.

    Given the price of fuel, it seems that the Zippo warmer will be much better suited for intermittent use, while disposable warmers might be more economical for 8-10 hour sessions. Once a disposable warmer is activated, it will provide heat for a couple of hours whether you still need it to or not.

  • Gerber Instant Knife Recalled Due to Lock-Failure Laceration Hazard

    Gerber Instant Knife Recall

    About 3000 Gerber Instant Knives are being recalled due to faulty locking mechanisms. The lock can fail during use, leading to the blade folding closed, posing a very serious laceration hazard.

    No injuries have been reported yet. Affected models are 30-000435 and 31-001101, and the model numbers are only printed on the knives’ original packaging. These knives were sold between February and March 2012.

    If you have one of these knives, stop using it and contact Gerber for a free replacement at (877) 314-9130 between 9am and 5pm PT Mon-Fri.

    More Info via CPSC

  • Wera Kraftform Kompakt Screwdriver Makes an Awesome Sidekick

    Wera Kompakt 25 EDC Screwdriver

    I have more screwdrivers than I do bones, yet I’m still on the lookout for the perfect EDC driver. Although not perfect, the Wera Kraftform Kompakt 25 comes pretty darn close.

    The Kompakt 25 features a hidden bit compartment that is revealed with the push of a button, and an extendable shaft Rapidaptor locking bit adapter. The screwdriver is compact but still a little large for pocket-carry, but it does come with a nice low-profile belt pouch. Also included are 6 standard-size insert bits – 3 slotted and 3 Phillips.

    Buy Now(via Amazon)

    Average street price is $30-40.

    If I need a more compact screwdriver or one with greater bit-holding capacity, I still have my trusty PB Swiss Insider. But to be honest, the Wera Kraftform-style handle is much more comfortable.

  • Opinel Keychain Knife is Itty Bitty and Stylish

    Opinel Keychain Knife

    Remember what I said the other day, about how the best pocket knife is the one you carry? I meant it. If you cannot or will not carry a pocket knife or multi-tool, there are still quite a few keychain-sized multi-tools available. Any knife is (usually) better than no knife.

    The Opinel keychain is 1-7/8″ when closed and 3-1/8″ open with the 1-5/16″ blade fully extended. The blade is made from stainless steel, and the handle is beechwood. Normally sub-$10 knives make me wary, but not this one.

    While I do like keychain tools that have industrial-looking or mass-appeal designs, the Opinel knife really caught my eye as something different. Maybe it’s the wood handle. Yes, it’s definitely the wood handle.

    Buy Now(via Amazon)
    Also available via Harry Epstein

    There are a number of other mini knife options as well. At first thought the SOG Micron knife comes to mind, but it’s a little bit too small and flat, and so I regularly misplace it. I’m still not over SOG’s lousy customer service incident.

  • Zeroz Super-Slim Wallet

    Zeroz Card Wallet

    The Zeroz wallet is so slim it’s almost an anti-wallet. It comes in three sizes, extra-small, small, and medium, which I would describe as minimalist, average, and kitchen sink, but that’s just me. There are a couple of design, texture, and color options as well.

    Zeroz Card Wallet Sizes

    Zeroz wallets are made from Italian leather, although certain textured or patterned leather might be sourced from elsewhere.

    It looks like cards can be entered or removed from either side of the wallet, and small removable plastic tab pockets allow for quick-access of your most-used cards. An optional grippy and stretchy cashStrap holds a couple of bills on the outside of the wallet.

    Zeroz Card Wallet Sliding

    Pricing seems reasonable, at about $36-$42 depending on size, style, and options. An extra pack of tabs is $5.

    Overall, the Zeroz wallet does looks quite neat. I pay for 99/100 in-store purchases with a credit card these days. I’ve never been fond of money clip-style wallets, but Zeroz’ design looks a bit more practical. Plus it’s a money strap, not a clip, so it can potentially hold other things (like hotel keycards that I have a habit of demagnetizing). Maybe it is time I traded my wallet in for a nice slim card case like this one.

    More Info (via Zeroz)

  • The Best Pocket Knife is the One You Carry

    I have quite a few multi-tools and pocket knives, about enough to change it up on a daily basis for two weeks if I so desired. However, I found myself without any of my normal EDC tools last week. No multi-tool, no knife, not even a keychain tool. No biggie, right? I could go a few hours without a cutting implement.

    And then I needed a knife blade. The task was simple – slice open some plastic packaging and cut through plastic strapping. I was able to complete the task, but it took soooooo long, and it was incredibly frustrating.

    At that moment, I wouldn’t have cared which knife I had on me, I just needed something. I was lucky that I didn’t have to backtrack home to pick up a tool or knife, and that my empty pocket was only a mild annoyance.

    Too often I care about having the right tool for the job, a multi-tool with the best features, and pocket knife with no compromising features. But when I was stuck having to improvise, I realized once again that it doesn’t matter what type of steel a blade is formed from or the way a handle is designed. Grind profile, blade shape, partially-serrated vs. plain edge, liner lock vs. lockback. None of these factors matter if you leave your tool at home.

    Of course I am over simplifying things. Many knife design considerations do make a difference for regular users and in emergency or survival conditions. But if you’re a casual utility user like myself, it is important to have any knife rather than no knife at all. That said, I’m putting a mini tool back on my keychain, just in case. Better to have it as a backup and not need it than to need it and not have it…

    I know I’m not the only one who sometimes gets carried away, and that the same thing can happen to enthusiasts of all kinds. Reminders like this help me appreciate the very inexpensive knives and multi-tools I used back before my budget started to grow. A premium tool or knife means nothing (unless you’re primarily a collector) if it’s at home when you need to use it.

  • Leatherman Micra Multi-Tool, a Fan-Favorite Mini Tool with Scissors

    Leatherman Micra Mini Multi-Tool

    Leatherman’s Micra keychain multi-tool has been around for quite some time, and remains a favorite choice. While we do favor the newer Leatherman Style CS, but won’t be giving up our Micra anytime soon.

    The Micra features scissors, a small knife blade, 3 screwdrivers, nail file, ruler, bottle opener, and tweezers. It’s made from stainless steel to prevent corrosion, and weighs hardly anything.

    Buy Now(via Amazon)

    Leatherman Micra Color Options

    If the plain stainless steel finish is too boring for your liking, new color options should add just the right amount of flare to your keychain.

    If you find yourself cutting more paper than anything else, you might want to step up to the Kum PenCut scissors.

  • Stainless Steel Sharpie Permanent Marker

    I can’t say that I’ve ever broken a Sharpie marker. Sure, they’re made of plastic, but they’re still crazy-durable. But there’s something oh so unglamorous about carrying around a plain-Jane Sharpie marker – it could definitely use some pizzazz.

    Did you know that Sharpie offers a stainless steel permanent marker? I sure didn’t. It features a fine point tip, and accepts refillable ink cartridges. Great news, right?! Not exactly.

    Buy Now (~$5.50 via Amazon)

    Sharpie’s stainless steel markers require special screw-in refills that cost $1.60 a pop. You might be able to find these in-stores, but maybe not. If Sharpie designed this stainless steel enclosure to lock-down standard Sharpie marker bodies, I would be all over it. But as it stands, it looks like you can only easily get fine-tip black-colored refills.

  • Skinth Smartphone Case

    Skinth Smartphone Case

    Skinth SP Smartphone Sheath Open

    Skinth makes several multi-tool sheath products, and now, a smartphone case as well. The Skinth SP is designed to hold iPhones 3-4S and other similarly sized models. In addition to the main compartment, the smartphone sheath features two open-end side pockets that can hold pens, markers, or slim flashlights. A thin front pocket is large enough to hold a couple of credit cards, business cards, or even a small folding knife.

    Skinth SP Smartphone Sheath Orange

    Skinth SP Smartphone Sheath Example

    The Skinth SP is made from 1000D Cordura fabric, and is available in several colors. A Velcroed front flap prevents your phone and cards from flying out. There are a couple of options available as well, such a belt clip, heavy duty slide clip, snaps, and horizontal carry straps.

    Skinth SP Smartphone Sheath with Belth Clips

    Pricing is $45 plus $6 shipping.

    Skinth SP

  • Wenger HypeX Wearable Survival Tools

    Wenger, well known for making Swiss Army Knife products big and small, is coming out with a new line of unisex HypeX multi-functional jewelry and wearable survival tools.

    Each tool will come with a 21-inch silicone necklace with a stainless steel clasp and either a neoprene or reusable waterproof plastic pouch. We’ve also read that additional models are in the design phase.

    These first HypeX models will be released around June 2012 for $49-99. This seems a bit pricey to us, but we’ll reserve judgement for now.

    Wenger HypeX Buss

    Wenger HypeX Buss Screwdrivers Open

    The Buss is one of the more decorative-looking HypeX tools. It features two screwdrivers – Phillips and slotted – that fold out once the cover is removed. The T-handle shape the pendant should allow for a reasonable amount of torque delivery.

    Wenger HypeX Buss Pendant

    Wenger HypeX Pietra

    Wenger HypeX Pietra Flint

    The Pietra is one of the simpler HypeX tools, featuring only a knife sharpener on one side and fire-starting flint on the other.

    Wenger HypeX Ridge

    Wenger HypeX Ridge Wrench Open

    The HypeX Ridge is a little more recognizable and features a number of 6pt hex wrenches. We’re not quite sure what the V-shaped feature at the front of the tool is for.

    Wenger HypeX Ridge Wrench

    Wenger HypeX Whug

    Wenger HypeX Whug Open

    The oddly-named Whug features removable tweezers and an emergency whistle.

    Wenger HypeX Whug

    Wenger HypeX Wyss

    Wenger HypeX Wyss

    The Wyss is designed with quite a few more tools than the other HypeX pendants. It features hex wrenches, a wire stripper, pry bar, can opener and bottle opener.

    Wenger HypeX Wyss Can Opener

     

  • New ESEE Laser Strike Survival Knife

    New ESEE Laser Strike Survival Knife

    ESEE Laser Strike Knife

    ESEE has announced a new fixed-blade knife to their lineup, the Laser Strike. The ESEE Laser Strike knife features a 5″ plain-edge blade, high-carbon 1095 steel composition, 10″ overall length, and canvas Micarta handles. The Laser Strike comes with a Kydex sheath and a ferro rod stashes away in the handle.

    ESEE Laser Strike Knife Outdoors Shot

    ESEE and RAT Cutlery fans may recognize that the Laser Strike’s design is not exactly new. A very similar model of the same name was previously manufactured by the Ontario Knife Company in the early 2000s before being discontinued.

    ESEE-LS pricing has not yet been announced, but we anticipate it might be about $120 or so. ETA is said to be mid-late March.

  • Chawly Changer Coin Dispenser

    Chawly Coin Dispenser

    Personally, I hate carrying change. Coins have a habit of slipping into my wallet, into the folds of crumpled receipts, and are occasionally pulled out with my keys. Even so, having the right change can speed up a cash transaction. This is especially true if you commute and often pick up a newspaper, coffee, bagel, or anything else right before dashing to the bus or train.

    If you choose to carry change, you can let the coins jingle loosely in your pocket, or stash them inside a separate or wallet-attached pouch, compartment, or container.

    The Chawly coin dispenser is an acrylic plastic holder with four compartments that are sized to hold quarters, dimes, nickels and pennies. The dispenser can hold 3 quarters, 4 dimes, 3 nickels, and 4 pennies – $1.34 total, but you can also skip the pennies and add extra dimes for a max capacity of $1.70.

    A coin purse can accommodate many more coins (or other small items) than the Chawly dispenser, but the Chawly does have a nice minimalist appeal. These dispensers are available in a variety of colors for $5.95, or $6.45 with keychain, and shipping is $3.05.

    More Info via Chawly Products

  • Swiss+Tech Utili-Key Keychain Multi-Tool

    Swiss tech UtiliKey

    Swiss+Tech’s Utili-Key is the most minimalist keychain multi-tool we’ve ever seen. It sports 6 functions – a combination plain edge and serrated knife blade, Phillips and slotted screwdrivers, micro-sized screwdriver, and a bottle opener.

    The aptly-named Utili-Key attaches to your keyring and hides among your keys until called upon for use. While we wish the Utili-Key came in different color options, its polished stainless steel finish helps maintain a discrete and low-profile appearance.

    Buy Now (via Amazon)

    If 6 features aren’t quite enough for you, maybe the 19-in-1 Swiss+Tech Micro-Max will better suit your needs.