Everyday Carry

Trending Gear: May 2020

Authored by:
Mikey Bautista
Reviewed by:
Bernard Capulong
Founder and Editor-in-Chief
14+ Years Reviewing EDC Products
Trending Gear: May 2020

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Every day, readers like you proudly share photos of their everyday carry on the site.

Not only is looking through their pockets this way super interesting, but it's also a great way to find really cool gear you never even knew existed (yet somehow, suddenly need…).

When you hover over an item you like and click on it in these photos, you're also letting other EDCers know you find that gear interesting. Each click gets recorded to create a data-driven ranking of the most popular gear, which you can find in our Gear section of the site found in the top menu bar.

Gear with the most views and clicks climbs its way to the top of this feed and lets the EDC community know what's trending right this second.

This past May you were keen on exotic essentials, lightweight knives, and compact tools. Let's take a look at all the gear you were most interested in…


10. Victorinox Compact

10. Victorinox Compact

Purchase
Specifications
Brand
Victorinox
Model
1.3405-X1
Reviews


Price
$$
The Victorinox Compact presents a refined option in their medium-sized 91mm format, and features 15 useful tools fit for out-and-about urban EDC. Its signature red Cellidor scales house the standard toothpick and tweezers on one side, as well as a small straight pin and a ballpoint pen on the other. Aside from the standard 2 3/8" blade, it also includes a pair of spring-loaded scissors, and it’s the thinnest of its mid-sized brethren to carry one. Also included are a combination can and bottle opener with integrated wire stripper and screwdriver functions, a corkscrew that combines with a detachable mini flathead screwdriver, and a parcel hook with a nail file on its spine. As usual, the mounted key ring counts as one of its functions, as it allows attachment to your key chain or tether. If you’re looking for urban EDC functionality in your SAK, the Victorinox Compact offers a compelling combination of tools for daily use.

Header image courtesy of Rheza.
9. Reylight Lan Ti

9. Reylight Lan Ti

Purchase
Specifications
Brand
Reylight
Model
002
Reviews


Price
$$
Coming in at May’s 9th spot, the Reylight Lan doesn't aim to impress with its total lumen output alone. While it still hits a maximum 390 lumens with a 14500 battery, it has much more to offer to the discerning EDCer. For starters, it uses a 4000K Nichia 219C high CRI LED, which does a much better job at making the colors of your surroundings vivid and lifelike as if they were in sunlight as opposed to the harsh, cold, blue light that most LEDs put out. It also offers a super useful Moonlight mode at 0.2 lumens for preserving night vision and keeping discreet so you don't disturb others when you need a little extra light. Because the Lan can take both a standard AA battery and a lithium rechargeable 14500, its output and runtimes can vary. For more power, use a 14500 to get 390 lumens for 40 minutes on High with 20 days on Moonlight mode. An AA lasts a bit longer at the expense of total output, hitting a max of 110 lumens for 50 minutes and lasting 30 days on Moonlight.

Header image courtesy of Ryan.
8. Thyrm PyroVault

8. Thyrm PyroVault

Purchase
Specifications
Brand
Thyrm
Model
716417986294
Reviews


Price
$
A suit of armor for an EDC favorite fire source--the classic Zippo lighter--climbs back on our charts. The Thyrm PyroVault locks things down in an extremely durable, heat-resistant polymer enclosure sized to accommodate most butane and fluid windproof lighter inserts. It features aggressive grip surfaces and a spring-loaded latch for easy one handed use. Most importantly, its O-ring seal keeps elements out and minimizes fuel evaporation, making it a much more worthy companion for your outdoor excursions and less likely to run out of fuel when you're out in the field. The PyroVault also adds one of the most conspicuously absent features on a lighter: a pocket clip. The back of the PyroVault features a low-profile clip designed to attach to MOLLE/PALS webbing on your pack or other compatible gear.

Header image courtesy of Andrew.
7. Fox Knives FX-521 DLB

7. Fox Knives FX-521 DLB

Purchase
Specifications
Brand
Fox Knives
Model
FX-521
Reviews
No reviews yet
Price
$$$$
The Fox Knives FX-521 DLB is a Boris Manasherov design bursting with custom and premium features across the board. The 3.75“ drop point blade comes in an intricate Björkm Twist Damasteel Damascus pattern, deployed with a chunky cutout from the titanium handle. These blue scales are machined with their own vertical pattern and shaped for ergonomics and a lighter profile, with a frame lock for blade security and a titanium pocket clip with ceramic ball bearing clasp taking care of clip duty. Last but not least, a lanyard hole gives an extra EDC or customization option for ease of retrieval from your pocket or its included tanned leather sheath.

Header image courtesy of uniquepattern.
6. CRKT K.I.S.S.

6. CRKT K.I.S.S.

Purchase
Specifications
Brand
CRKT
Model
5510
Reviews


Price
$
The CRKT K.I.S.S. stands for “Keep It Super Simple,” and offers a minimalist, yet functional design by bladesmith Ed Halligan. Last month’s 6th most popular item comes with a 2.25", tanto-inspired, chisel-ground blade, meaning all the edges and bevels are ground only on one side. When you close the blade into the minimal handle, even if it’s exposed, there are no sharp edges to catch with your hands or fingers as you reach for the knife. You deploy the blade via thumbstud, and it’s kept in place by an integral framelock, allowing for simple one-handed operation and easy maintenance. The pocket clip and lanyard hole give you multiple options for carry: clipped onto your pocket or pack, doubling as a money clip, or hung from your keychain via split ring or lanyard. The entire knife is made from bead-blasted 3Cr13 stainless steel, giving it a uniform finish that doesn’t catch light and gives the K.I.S.S. a low profile. If you’re looking for a lightweight, minimalist knife that’s easy to carry around, the CRKT K.I.S.S. should be at the top of your list.

Header image courtesy of Unkn0wn.
5. Spyderco Para 3 Lightweight

5. Spyderco Para 3 Lightweight

Purchase
Specifications
Brand
Spyderco
Model
C223PBK
Reviews


Price
$$
At just 2.4 oz weight in total, the Spyderco Para 3 Lightweight truly lives up to its name as it steadily climbs our trending charts. And with a premium BD1N stainless steel blade featuring a full-flat grind and Spyderco’s trademark leaf-shaped design, it’s ready to take on any EDC task you bring to the table. The compression lock at the spine is built sturdier than their regular liner and lockback mechanisms as well, making this agile knife ready to take on heavy duty use when it’s required. And don’t just take our word for it: the Para 3 Lightweight won "Most Innovative American Design" at Blade Show 2019, and it features in many EDCer’s pocket dumps as a result.

Header image courtesy of MLM.
4. Böker Plus Pelican

4. Böker Plus Pelican

Purchase
Specifications
Brand
Böker Plus
Model
01BO729
Reviews


Price
$$
Coming it at #4 is the Böker Plus Pelican, which just might be the perfect realization of what a solid minimalist EDC knife should be. At only 2.6" when closed and weighing 1.1 oz, it's the right size for your everyday use. Its size, combined with its deep-carry clip, allows it to remain discreet in your pockets. The composition of the blade is VG-10 high carbon stainless steel: versatile, sharp, and strong. Despite only having a sub 2" blade length, you'll make quick work with it due to its efficient tanto shape. Unlike other knives in the space, the Pelican one-ups liner locks by providing a solid frame lock. And because the frame is made out of titanium, you can rest assured of its light weight, strength and resistance to corrosion.
3. Kaweco Sketch Up Brass

3. Kaweco Sketch Up Brass

Purchase
Specifications
Brand
Kaweco
Model
Sketch Up Brass
Reviews


Price
$
The Kaweco Sketch Up Brass is a robust lead holder for those who want to carry a solid and sturdy pencil for EDC. Its push-button clutch mechanism can take lead sized 5.4 to 5.7 mm thick, allowing softer and darker shaded varieties that draftsmen and artists prefer. There’s no need to carry a specialized sharpener for the thicker lead, as the Sketch Up has one integrated into its push button top. You can get lead replacements in different grades, and even in useful highlighter colors. The tough and hefty brass body stands up well to the rigors of daily carry, while providing old school aesthetics as it develops a patina over time. Its 13mm octagonal profile provides a wide and comfortable grip, and it’s designed to work well with the original Kaweco Sport Octagonal pocket clips. At 103mm long and 36 grams, the Kaweco Sketch Up Brass is a solid tool for those looking to bring along a pencil for their EDC.

Header image courtesy of Jonathan.
2. Gerber Prybrid Utility

2. Gerber Prybrid Utility

Purchase
Specifications
Brand
Gerber
Model
31-003745
Reviews


Price
$
Sometimes you don’t need a full-sized knife for your everyday cutting tasks, or your work environment prevents you from carrying one. That’s where a dedicated, compact utility blade like last month’s penultimate popular item--the Gerber Prybrid Utility--comes in. It re-engineers the standard box cutter, offering the convenience of standard replaceable blades while also featuring seven other functions. A steel-cased slide mechanism deploys and retracts the blade smoothly, and fully extending it allows for quick and easy blade replacement. The spine of the tool provides a rigid platform for a prybar, while integrating a wire stripper, a nail puller, flathead drivers, and an always useful bottle opener. Under the tool there’s a cord cutter notch that allows you to sever cordage or webbing without having to deploy the main blade. All of this is sandwiched between textured and tough G10 scales that help with handling and grip. At 2.9 ounces and 4.25" closed, the Gerber Prybrid Utility lets you maximize functionality in a compact package that’s easy to pocket or hang off your keychain.
1. RovyVon Aurora A2 High-CRI

1. RovyVon Aurora A2 High-CRI

Purchase
Specifications
Brand
RovyVon
Model
RIIA2GYFBA
Reviews


Price
$
For the longest time, keychain flashlights were backups of your backup, understood to be something you put with your keys and available for small lighting tasks in worst case scenarios. But thanks to the tech and engineering of companies like RovyVon, keychain flashlights have come into their own as powerful options for EDC lights. The Aurora A2 is one of the brand's earlier models that packs a ton of functionality in one of the smallest possible packages, and climbs to the top spot for May. It comes with a Nichia 219C emitter, rare for a light of this size, able to output an eye-pleasing 350 lumens from its compact, stainless steel shell. You don't need to worry about replacing its batteries either thanks to the built-in micro USB charging slot that plays well with modern chargers and plugs. Finally, a large lanyard slot makes it easy to stow the A2 onto your keychain, belt loop, or other gear.

What stood out to you most in this monthly round-up? Let us know in the comments below.

To keep up with past trending gear, be sure to check out our round-up archives.

Mikey Bautista

Director of Everyday Carry Operations


About the Author
Mikey Bautista is an everyday carry (EDC) expert who has been working with the EverydayCarry.com team for nearly a decade, starting with an interest in EDC as a hobby and ending up as a writer for the site in 2014. Through the years, he’s led the site in editorial content and writing about products across every category, from knives to bags to flashlights and everything in between, as well as discovering, bringing exposure, and building bridges with many brands in the industry. Today, he is the site's Director of Everyday Carry Operations, leading the editorial team and managing day-to-day operations.

He has lived through many personal and professional lives, spending nearly a decade in the workforce management industry, a minor career in gaming, and has lent a hand with entrepreneurial efforts back home in the Philippines. He has also been an active participant and helped build a number of significant social communities online, both for EDC and his other hobbies.

Mikey has been at the cusp of gaming, technology, and the internet since the ‘90s and continues to lend his experience, expertise, and authority to all his pursuits. When not online, in a game, or watching movies, you'll find him in the gym, speedrunning his next hobby, or talking at length about EDC with anyone willing to listen.

Bernard Capulong

Founder and Editor-in-Chief


About the Reviewer
Bernard Capulong is an everyday carry (EDC) gear expert, entrepreneur, all-around nerd, and the founder and editor-in-chief of EverydayCarry.com—the largest online community for EDC gear enthusiasts. Since founding Everyday Carry in 2009, he’s built over a decade of experience in the industry, reviewing and highlighting brands and products, including pocket knives, flashlights, wallets, watches, bags, pens, and much more.

Bernard is known for bringing everyday carry out of obscurity and into the mainstream, having been published or featured in various publications such as GQ, TIME Magazine, The New York Times, VICE, HYPEBEAST, Outside, and many others. He has also played a part in curating, designing, and developing digital and physical products, resulting in successful crowdfunding projects or limited edition collaboration products with established softgoods brands. He stays on the pulse of the EDC industry by attending trade shows, participating in online interest communities, and actively engaging with fellow gear enthusiasts on social media.

In addition to being the editor-in-chief and main social media personality for EverydayCarry.com, Bernard is an avid gearhead and collector in general. His personal collections span technical bags, fountain pens, digital cameras, retro gaming hardware, personal hi-fi audio gear, and mechanical wristwatches, to name a few. Bernard Capulong is a prominent figure and trusted authority in the everyday carry industry with a career dedicated to helping people discover this hobby and stay prepared with quality gear.

Discussion (3 total)

Kyle ·
Let's be honest though, we all know the FX-521 is trending because of ONE person haha.
Mikey Bautista ·
Considering the price, we're not surprised either, haha!
Kyle ·
Oh definitely. I'm not getting one anytime soon, that's for sure.