With Valentine’s Day in full swing, you’ll notice the color red just about everywhere. Sure, you could say it’s the color of love and affection, but it also has a more practical place in your EDC. Red accents give your kit that extra visibility so it’s easier to find in a bag or even color code its importance from the rest of your gear (like first aid, for example). In this round-up, we’re highlighting some essentials that’ll have you EDCing red.
StarGear Pocket Samurai
If you’re looking for a smaller blade, the Pocket Samurai has you covered. It’s a compact knife based on the traditional Japanese higo-no-kami utility blade. It improves on that concept with the addition of a liner lock and the introduction of lightweight materials. It weighs a single ounce, and it measures just 2.36” closed. It features a 1.96” 440C stainless steel tanto blade with thumbstud deployment. And its textured red aluminum frame helps you keep a solid grip on the knife during use.
CRKT Sketch
The Sketch is a heavy-duty everyday carry folding knife made in collaboration with custom knife maker Lucas Burnley. It features a 2.768” 8Cr13MoV Wharncliffe-style utility blade with an upswept edge for increase slicing ability. The black oxide blade finish helps it stand up to wear and the elements as well. The injection-molded handles feature a bright red and black pattern that help it stand out, and it has a locking liner to keep the blade in place during use.
Manker E02H
The red Manker E02H is a bit different from most EDC lights because of its right-angle design. This allows you to clip it to your gear or clothes to take advantage of its forward-facing light. It’s a powerful light, too, featuring an impressive max 220 lumens out of its single CREE XP-G3 LED module. And because it takes a single AAA battery, finding a replacement when you need it should be easy.
MecArmy X4S
The MecArmy X4S is a tiny powerhouse of a light. It’s a 1.83” long USB-rechargable flashlight that packs 130 lumens into a frame that fits neatly in your hand. You can switch between its 130 lumen high mode and 8 lumen low mode via its twist head, powered by a 10180 battery that can last up to six hours on Low. IPX8 water resistance helps it stand up to the elements, wherever you take it. And with a light this small, it’s a good thing it’s available in red because it might be hard to find it otherwise if you drop it.
Keyport Pivot
The Keyport Pivot is a step up from most everyday carry key organizers because it offers increased key capacity and a modular design that lets you configure it to suit your needs. It has enough space for up to nine keys, and its available modules (available through separate purchase) include USB keys, knives, flashlights, and even a bluetooth locator to turn it into something more like a multi-tool than a keychain.
Leatherman Squirt PS4
The compact but ever-useful Leatherman Squirt is a favorite multi-tool for EDC carry. It packs nine essential tools including a knife, pliers, scissors, openers, and drivers, into one 2 oz lightweight package. At 2.25” closed, this powerhouse of a tool won’t take up too much bulk in your pockets or bag, and you can take it with you wherever you go.
Victorinox SwissCard
The SwissCard is one of the most novel ways to integrate a multi-tool into your everyday carry. In a compact size that’s only slightly larger than a standard credit card, you’ll find 13 EDC-worthy essential tools you can slip right into your wallet.
Fisher Space Pen
Whether its to sign the check at a restaurant or to compose thoughts on a greeting card, you need a pen that can write reliably, whenever and wherever. The Fisher Space Pen is that pen, with its pressurized ink cartridge that lets it write in any angle and stand up to extremes in temperature and even gravity. It has a solid brass and steel construction, and it looks absolutely gorgeous in red.
Flowfold Minimalist Slim Wallet
This Flowfold wallet leverages technical sailcloth fabric construction to provide you a compact and lightweight card holder that can stand up to the rigors of daily use and a few splashes along the way. It has plenty of space to fit your credit cards, identification, and folded bills, and its red colorway makes it stand out from the rest.
LAPG Bug Out Bag
LAPG’s Bug Out Bag is one of the strongest and most versatile tactical go bags available today. At 16x11x6.5 inches it has enough space to fill your essentials. The plethora of pockets and organizational space let you compartmentalize your gear for easy location. Plus its availability in red lets this bag stand out as the bag you need to reach for when the going gets tough.
What are some of your favorite EDC items that sport some red? Let us know in a comment below!
