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.
Last month, you all put a new value EDC knife on the map, started to take notice of the growing fidget spinner trend, and looked into some traditional gentlemen’s knives. A few essentials rightly make a return to the top trending ranks, too. Let’s get into it…
The Best EDC Gear from April 2017
10. Noblespin Virtu Fidget Spinner
With fidget spinners on the rise, it’s not so surprising to another one break into the top of the ranks. The Virtu from Noblespin stands out in particular for its minimalist design, CNC-machined fit and finish that lends to a more premium aesthetic, and smaller footprint compared to other spinners out there. With just two arms and a more compact 52mm diameter, it’s better for fidgety fingers on the shorter side.
9. CRKT Pilar
Ever since we saw the Pilar at SHOT Show earlier this year, we knew it would be a hit. It has such an elegant yet practical design (courtesy of powerhouse knife designer Jesper Voxnaes) that can fit into nearly every carry. Best of all, production from CRKT helps keep its costs low. It’s hard to find a value folder with a framelock, so the Pilar earned its spot on this month’s list. It’s shaping up to be a contender for one of the best budget blades out there right now.
8. Hitch & Timber Card Caddy
Since a wallet’s primary function isn’t particularly demanding compared to the rest of your gear, it’s more and more common to see multi-functional wallets that do more than carry cash and cards. In the case of the Card Caddy from Hitch & Timber, it features slots on the front of its cardholder-esque silhouette for sheathing small essentials like a pen and pocket knife. If you already carry a Fisher Space Pen and a Swiss Army Knife, for example, you can get around their lack of pocket clips and slip them into the caddy to consolidate your carry. Extra storage aside, the wallet is handcrafted with a rustic Horween leather, finished with a lanyard hole for easy retrieval.
7. Victorinox Cadet Alox
Victorinox’s Swiss Army Knives are a foolproof way to cover your bases without the bulk in your EDC. While there’s a mindboggling number of models to choose from, this one in particular appears time and again as one of the most popular for good reason. It’s got the tools you want (large blade, bottle opener, screwdriver, nail file, and more) in a pocket-friendly profile sandwiched between light and tough Alox scales.
6. Trayvax Element Wallet
When Trayvax build wallets, they often do two things: give you a product that brings together classic, traditional design with modern materials and construction, and stand by those wallets and their quality with a lifetime warranty. The Element is one of their latest and most popular wallets: a rugged, minimalist model in leather and steel. This combination gives it extra toughness ideal for an everyday wallet, with a look that only gets better over time.
5. Leatherman Raptor
You might’ve noticed quite a few members of our EDC community work in the medical field, or as first responders of some sort. For their specialized carries, the Leatherman Raptor tends to be a common thread and their go-to multi-tool of choice. It’s based on medical shears, but features extra tools you’d want for day-to-day use or in case of emergency alike. Civilians can find them handy as part of a first aid kit too.
4. Katsu Damascus Japanese Razor
You may have seen the popular Japanese higonokami folding knife in EDCs on this site, but it was bound (and frankly, due) to get a modern upgrade. The Katsu Damascus razor takes the higonokami’s slim, folding design, and adds some welcome features, such as wooden handles that include a liner lock. And that’s not even mentioning the gorgeous damascus pattern on its blade. If you like the higonokami’s look and low profile and want that extra bit of flair and security, the Katsu razor has been one of the favorites the past month.
3. Christy Companion Knife
Keychains are a great place to put smaller essentials, and the Christy Companion Knife was a popular backup tool last month. It’s an incredibly slim and compact knife that won’t weigh down your keychain but still has enough utility for opening packages and basic cutting tasks thanks to its 1.875” surgical steel blade. Its nickel-plated handles come with a split ring so it’s ready to join your other keychain essentials.
2. Pepyakka Spinner
No surprise that a spinner was one of the most popular items last month. Everyone’s either building or using them, and they come in all shapes, sizes, materials, and prices. This spinner comes from Russia and comes in an impressive array of exotic materials like titanium and copper. If you want an impressive step up from the usual 3D-printed spinners, this one is worth a look.
1. Northwoods Knives Fremont Jack Knife
Last month’s most popular EDC item may look out of place in 2017, but it’s proof that classic designs and quality never go out of style. The Fremont Jack may look like a simple folding pocket knife from Northwoods Knives, but a closer look reveals its impressive details. A slim, 2.5” 1095 carbon steel blade blade paired with a versatile sheepsfoot shape gives you plenty of utility and slicing capability, and beautiful wooden handles give it a great touch. And for EDC, the Fremont Jack comes in a leather slip case that slides right into your pocket.
If you’re curious to see how these trends change over time, check out our monthly roundups from the archive for even more excellent gear.
See anything in this list that made you stop scrolling and think, “I need one…right now”? Leave a comment and let me know your favorite gear from this round-up.
