Everyday Carry

Ask EDC: Quartz or Automatic Watches?

Ask EDC: Quartz or Automatic Watches?

One of the most divisive topics in watches and watch collecting is the eternal conflict between quartz and automatic movements—so divisive it caused an actual horological crisis in the '70s and '80s. It's always interesting to talk about since, like every other aspect of everyday carry, it can be a personal choice when choosing one's daily driver. As avid watch enthusiasts ourselves, we love seeing the discussion on the topic, and our recent posts on our social media channels have generated some excellent responses.

This prompted me to take the time to ask the team which side of the line they stood on and why. What type of watch does the Everyday Carry team wear, and what aspects of quartz or automatic led them to choose their main movement? I interviewed the members of the team who wore watches their thoughts, and our answers (and watches) are below.

This post was last updated on 12/29/2023.

Six New Year's Resolutions for a Better Everyday Carry

Six New Year's Resolutions for a Better Everyday Carry

With a new year upon us, it's always a good idea to step back, empty our pockets, and take inventory of our everyday carry.

Hopefully, you've got your everyday carry to a point where it kept you prepared through the past year, but that doesn't mean there isn't room for improvement.

Looking at what, how, and why we carry what we do and how it helps us—and more importantly, looking at the areas where it doesn't or can't—lets us build an even better carry.

You might need to make a few changes to do that, so we've made a list of everyday carry resolutions worth giving a shot in the year ahead.

Try them out, shake up your carry, and who knows—your new setup just might prepare you for an awesome new year.

This post was last updated on 12/28/2023.

Types of Pocket Knives: Blades, Brands, and More! Complete Guide

Types of Pocket Knives: Blades, Brands, and More! Complete Guide

It can be overwhelming When you're first learning about pocket knives. There are so many different types of steel and handle materials, and what the heck is a sheepsfoot anyway? A good pocket knife is one of the most essential parts of an everyday carry kit; knowing a little about what makes them so good can go a long way. In this guide, we'll break down what you should know about pocket knives into bite-sized chunks so you'll know what to look for when you come across a knife that catches your eye.

This post was last updated on 12/27/2023.

The Best Swiss Army Knife in 2024: Reviews and Top Picks

The Best Swiss Army Knife in 2024: Reviews and Top Picks

The venerable Swiss Army Knife (SAK for short) is a jack-of-all-trades everyday carry tool that enjoys an irreplaceable status in people's loadouts, even if they do not consider themselves part of the everyday carry community, thanks to the SAK's hallmark mix of valuable features and tools in a compact size. With over a century of experience making quality tools and knives, Victorinox and Wenger (the sole two authorized makers of the Swiss Army Knife since the 1890s, and the latter acquired by Victorinox in 2005) have hundreds of SAKs for you to choose from.

Victorinox created the original SAK to meet an Army officer's knife requirement in the Swiss military. Their practicality means they've become a preferred multi-tool for decades now. They've also become instantly recognizable even to someone unfamiliar with everyday carry. They carry a SAK because MacGyver had one on TV, and then there's the fabled green SAK pulled out of a safe deposit bank vault by Jason Bourne.

With all the options available, we'll focus on what makes for a good, compact SAK for everyday carry: a competent knife, one or more screwdrivers, a can or bottle opener, and other essentials like a pair of scissors, tweezers, or even a toothpick. Armed with that knowledge, you can research further on your own and decide what your first (or next) Swiss Army Knife should be.

This post was last updated on 12/26/2023.

The Everyday Carry Holiday Gift Guide for 2023

The Everyday Carry Holiday Gift Guide for 2023

If you’re like us, finding the right gear to EDC for yourself is hard enough. Finding the perfect holiday gift for another like-minded EDCer can be a daunting, if not utterly exhausting, task. How do you pick something they’ll appreciate, actually use, and be proud to carry? We're here to help. We’ve broken down 31 gift ideas for every kind of EDCer on your list.

This post was last updated on 12/25/2023.

Review: Leatherman ARC MagnaCut Multi-tool

Review: Leatherman ARC MagnaCut Multi-tool

More than even making exemplary tools, Leatherman is a company about legacy and longevity. Did you know that the original Wave, one of their most iconic and popular tools, and still one of the best multi-tools you can buy right now, came out 25 years ago in 1998? Pair that with a considerable 25-year warranty, and you're all but guaranteed a lifetime of service from their tools.

This post was last updated on 12/22/2023.

On the one hand, Leatherman making such long-lasting tools means they don’t make new ones very often. Conversely, when they do, it usually means generational leaps forward for multi-tool technology and functionality. Such was the case with the one-handed magnetic FREE series, which is the case for the FREE’s successor, the new Leatherman ARC, the production model of their recent Garage #005 project.

Leatherman isn’t always on the cutting edge of contemporary and trendy materials for their tools–after all, if a tool isn’t broken for 25 years, there's no need to fix it–so popular everyday carry mainstays like higher-end steels or titanium and carbon fiber scales rarely make an appearance on the brand’s flagship models. That was, until Leatherman decided to dive headfirst into arguably the most significant alloy of the past decade: Crucible Industries’ MagnaCut. MagnaCut is THE steel at the moment, devised by metallurgist and prolific steel geek Dr. Larrin Thomas to be “the best” knife steel: a powder stainless steel that had incredible toughness and edge retention while still having amazing corrosion resistance, second only to specialized corrosion-impervious steels like Vanax or LC200N.

Long story short, it’s the best of the best, and headlines the ARC’s functionalities with its use on the primary 2.8” blade. It's also PVD-coated for even more corrosion resistance and comes with a redesigned geometry for a stronger tip (but please, don’t pry with it, the pry tool is right there). Sharing the spotlight is a function many, myself included, wanted the most out of the original FREE tools: a bit driver. It was the one thing that held back the FREE from actual one-tool-to-rule-them-all status, and why the Wave+ remains neck and neck with the FREE as its true competition. With the bit driver on the ARC and the inclusion of additional bits in the package, it may very well be the multi-tool to beat moving forward.

Underneath these two pillars remains the familiar magnetic platform that debuted with the FREE P2 and P4. You get a two-tone color scheme with outer tools deployable and lockable one-handed (the knife, unfortunately, only with a right-handed stud), with 20 functions that include a new diamond-coated file, mini bit driver (for things like eyeglasses repair), ever-useful scissors, a redesigned bottle opener, and even an impact surface on the bottom of the handles.

So what’s the verdict? It’s been a long journey for Leatherman and their timeless tools, but this tool’s story arc is the one I’ve been anticipating the most. The only thing of interest that could have made this better for my tastes was some titanium detailing like on the Charge TTi. Still, it’s not a deal breaker, especially considering what I’ve gained with the MagnaCut blade (which saves me from buying a knife with the same steel) and the bit driver my FREE P4 sorely lacks.

Even the much steeper asking price of $230 is, in my opinion, worth saving up for, as you get three seriously strong features in the FREE’s magnetic system, an endgame knife, and a bit driver to cover nearly every daily task you could run into. Whether all of that is worth starting a new journey of your own with a new tool, at the very least, like all Leatherman tools, the ARC is in it for the long run.

The ARC is now available on Leatherman's site at the link below.

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The 12 Brightest Flashlights in 2023

The 12 Brightest Flashlights in 2023

There are flashlights for daily carry that you can easily store in your pockets, and provide you with more than enough light for your daily tasks. And then there are times when you want to see how many eye-searing lumens you can bring to bear in a package that pushes the limits of something you can everyday carry. Lighting up a football field or two, illuminating a mountain range in the distance, or simply impressing the heck out of your friends: these challenges demand the highest output that current flashlight technology can muster. In this guide, we run down our recommendations for some of the best and brightest flashlights you can buy today.

This post was last updated on 12/21/2023.

9 Of The Coolest Knives You’ve Ever Seen - Ranked!

9 Of The Coolest Knives You’ve Ever Seen - Ranked!

Some knives blend into the background, mere utility tools tucked away in a pocket or drawer, and then there are cool knives—the kind that makes you do a double take, raise an eyebrow, and think, "That's really cool." While these knives aren't always the most practical or come with a conventional style, they make a statement, making them great to consider as part of your everyday carry.

Practicality and conventional style are excellent qualities of an everyday knife. Still, sometimes you want to mix it up with an extra dash of flair or an unusual style or aesthetic. This guide lists our top picks of the coolest knives worth checking out for your next everyday carry.

This post was last updated on 12/20/2023.

The 12 Best Flashlights in 2024

The 12 Best Flashlights in 2024

With the weather getting colder and the nights getting longer here in the Northern Hemisphere, it’s a great time to stop and take stock of your gear. There are a lot of different items that go into making sure your bases are covered. Plenty of people opt for a quality knife or multi-tool. Still, one often overlooked piece of everyday carry gear is a flashlight, which is interesting because you would carry an umbrella for a 20% chance of rain, but most people opt not to carry a light when there’s a 100% chance of darkness every day.

A light you can rely on can be handy whether you’re trekking through the wilderness, prepping for the next power outage, or walking the dog. Not to mention, a small, super bright light can also come in handy for emergencies and is a brighter and more purpose-built tool than the light on your phone. Whether you’re looking to fill a gap in your everyday carry or are looking to upgrade, this list of the best flashlights has you covered. A quality light you can trust doesn’t have to be unattainable.

This post was last updated on 12/19/2023.

Ketalon Frag Bolt-Action Pen

Ketalon Frag Bolt-Action Pen

"Ketalon Gear is touting the shockproof abilities of its overbuilt bolt-action pen, but it’s the grippy, grenade-inspired texture that has us sold. The 4″ long pen fits neatly in pockets or bag webbing and its aircraft-grade aluminum and stainless steel construction will last a..." (Via The Awesomer)

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Böker Plus’s New Release Is Sci-Fi Inspired and Designed by Keanu Alfaro

Böker Plus’s New Release Is Sci-Fi Inspired and Designed by Keanu Alfaro

Böker Plus, a trailblazing knife manufacturer across every price point, recently unveiled their latest creation, the Bill N Ted Operation, designed by US knife designer Keanu Alfaro and inspired by the science fiction comedy from the late 1980s, Bill & Ted’s Excellent Adventure. It features a satin-finished drop-point 2.91” D2 blade, a workhorse for daily tasks like processing cardboard boxes, packaging, cords, and other everyday cutting chores. In addition to its regular blade, it also has space for a box cutter blade at the other end, reflecting the duo of the knife’s movie namesake.

The main blade can be flipped open with a thumb stud, and the liner lock secures the blade when in use. A slide lock in the back of the handle is used to push the cutter knife blade out and pull it back in when it's not being used. The two-tone handle combines a serrated G10 with classic aluminum for a clean look and includes a deep carry pocket clip Böker says is “future-proof” for a discreet everyday carry for all of your current or future pockets.


At a glance

Purpose: Everyday carry
Blade Steel: D2, utility blade
Blade Length: 2.91"
Overall Length: 6.57"
Handle Materials: Aluminum, G-10
Weight: 4.55 oz
Price: $82.95


The Böker Plus Bill N Ted Operation is available now on Böker’s website.

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Best Pocket Knife Sharpeners in 2024, Ranked!

Best Pocket Knife Sharpeners in 2024, Ranked!

So, you've spent much time picking a knife (or two) for your everyday carry. Now that you've got a sharp piece of kit, have you considered maintaining your knife's sharpness over time? Sure, you've got a knife with quality steel and excellent edge retention, but with regular use, all knives eventually become dull over time. Yes, even the most expensive ones.

This problem has vexed us all since the first humans started using a sharp rock flake as a knife in the past. That first knife user may have opted to find a new shard of rock, but as we developed bronze, iron, and steel implements, people discovered that rubbing it against abrasive material like stone at certain angles leads to sharper results. During the industrial age, the Sharp Blog notes that artisans in France developed a method where people could lie down on their stomachs to grind knives more efficiently. But you won't have to do any of that because there are more comfortable and convenient ways to keep your knife sharp no matter where you are. And while you don't have to go to extremes like I do in ensuring every knife in your house, down to the steak knives, are razor sharp, you should know that having a knife ready to go is safer and easier to use.

Having a good and reliable knife sharpener is essential to your everyday carry. Just as having a quality knife is important, having a knife sharpener that works is essential, too. The best knife sharpeners maintain and hone the edge on an already sharp blade, making your overall experience using the knife as fresh as when you took it out of the box for the first time. You can fix a damaged blade chipped or dented over time with the right tools. Finally, and more advanced in scope, you can modify existing blades to have an edge characteristic you prefer.

This post was last updated on 12/18/2023.

The 18 Best Keychain Multitools in 2024

The 18 Best Keychain Multitools in 2024

Part of putting together your everyday carry is knowing what tools you’ll need on an average day, but it’s hard to be prepared for everything. So many people rely on a reliable multi-tool to cover their bases. Traditional full-size multi-tools aren’t for everyone, however. They can be bulky or heavy for a minimalist carry and can be hard to justify if you don’t use one often enough. Smaller multi-tools that can fit on your keychain, however, are worth a look to keep essentials handy without weighing you down. Whether you’re looking for functional alternatives to larger tools or don’t want to be caught without one and are looking for a capable backup, these items are tried-and-tested everyday carry classics.

This post was last updated on 12/17/2023.

The 19 Best Multi-tools in 2023

The 19 Best Multi-tools in 2023

Multi-tools are an essential part of many people's everyday carry and have been favored for a long time as a much more convenient alternative to carrying a whole toolbox's worth of equipment. This guide will explain what a multi-tool is and why it's necessary. We'll also introduce you to a few of our favorite multi-tools and show why they deserve a place in your pockets.

This post was last updated on 12/16/2023.

Nitecore's New EDC33 is a Throwback and a Leap Forward for Tactical Flashlights

Nitecore's New EDC33 is a Throwback and a Leap Forward for Tactical Flashlights

December 15, 2023: Nitecore, one of the leading flashlight manufacturers on the market with a deep and robust catalog of lights with a specialty in tactical applications, releases the EDC33, their latest feature-packed flashlight. It brings together all of the brand’s experience in making lights across multiple applications and combines them into a modern tactical flashlight that utilizes the latest in battery, LED, and electronic technology.

Key features of the EDC33 include a substantial 4,000-lumen output up to 492 yards thanks to a 9x array of NiteLab UHi 20 MAX LEDs–one of the first appearances of the LED on the mass market–powered by a newly developed 18650 Li-ion battery with an unprecedented 4,000mAH capacity, which is a fresh reversion from the industry leaning more towards larger batteries like the 21700. Use of 18650 allows the light to be more compact while still having a substantial output.

One major feature that Nitecore emphasized is the “LUMIN SHIELD,” which sets the EDC33 on full 4,000-lumen output in a special full flood mode to create a “wall of light” as a deterrent in an emergency. Other modern features include the use of more premium anodized 7075 aluminum for the body, a hardware lockout switch, a USB-C charging port with a rotary cover, and an optical sensor that automatically drops the output when it detects an obstruction at close range.


At a glance

Purpose: Tactical, everyday carry, emergencies
Lumens/Candela: 4,000 lm, 40505 cd
LED: NiteLab UHi 20 MAX x 9
Weight: 4.27 oz
Dimensions: 4.5” x 1.0”
Waterproof rating: IP68
Price: $69.95


The EDC33 is now available from Nitecore’s store at the link below.

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