Choosing EDC items.

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The Unknown User

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(Just read the last paragraph if you don't want to read my rambling. :))

I've had this idea spinning around in a head for some time now. With my 21st birthday coming up, I've really started thinking about carrying, and with recent situations, I've realized I really would benefit from having items on me on a daily basis other than just a cell phone and my keys.

I definitely want to carry a light, and for numerous reasons: (1) I'm afraid of the dark (I'm serious), and (2) when I'm out at night, I sometimes fumble with my keys to find the keyhole to my car door, and (3) sometimes I just want to light up a dark corner to make sure there's nothing there (it's a long shot, but coyotes and other large animals are occasionally spotted in my area, not to mention potential muggers).

With regards to lights:

1. What companies make good lights and have a good reputation?
2. What companies make bad lights and have a bad reputation?
3. Do I want a light that runs on CR123A batteries or more readily-available AA/AAA batteries?

I want to carry a knife, but I have to prime concerns: (1) I live in MA, and the knife laws are incoherent. I remember a poster here told me that a 3" blade length is the maximum, and that it drops down to 2.5" in Boston. If anyone can confirm that, I'd appreciate it. In addition to this, I travel to and from my college campus almost every day. I know that carrying a small knife isn't necessarily a weapon (I consider a small knife I tool, and wouldn't even consider using it as a weapon in a self-defense situation).

With regards to knives:

1. What companies make good knives and have a good reputation?
2. What companies make bad knives and have a bad reputation?

When I am able to carry concealed, I'll have to look at holsters. I don't much else to ask about this other than what the popular companies are.

The main point of this wall of text: what are the more popular companies/models of lights/knives/holsters? I hope that makes sense; I prefer to go with "tried and true" items rather than find out the hard way through trial and error.

(Note to mods: if this has been asked before, I couldn't search; I keep getting a blank page, so I'm not intentionally ignoring forum rules or anything.)
 
Here's a cool trick:

add "site:/URL" to your google search terms to limit it to that site.

For instance search google using the terms:

"tactical light CR123 site:http://www.thehighroad.org/"
 
Here's the light I started EDCing a few months ago, only this one is even more powerful:

https://www.fenix-store.com/product_info.php?cPath=22_65&products_id=361

p2d2.jpg


Awesome light in a keychain size package. There is no excuse to not EDC a tactical class light anymore. I am normally a AA guy, but the small package with a very high output makes me a believer in CR123 batteries, at least for EDC only.
 
For an EDC knife: do you want a plain edge or a combo? Or is it just preference?
Click to expand...

I think it comes down to preference. A serrated edge will still be able to cut (actually more like tear) long after it has become dull, whereas a straight blade will not. I prefer the plain edge, just because I find I need to cut more often than I need to saw. And while the plain edge is easier for me to sharpen, I need to do it more often.

BTW, I carry one of these:
C95_L.jpg

http://www.spyderco.com/catalog/details.php?product=165

As for lights, I'll second the SureFire notion. I got the 6P three years ago, and it is the best light I've ever owned.
 
Of course, after a gun and a flashlight, your next purchase should be a shoulder holster for your hatchet.

DSCN2484.jpg
 
Of course, after a gun and a flashlight, your next purchase should be a shoulder holster for your hatchet.
Click to expand...

Do you really wear that around town? And that looks like it would balance out your 1911 evenly.
 
Do you really wear that around town? And that looks like it would balance out your 1911 evenly.
Click to expand...

Surely I don't need a smiley to indicate humor :eek:

This is not mine, I saw it on another thread and found it hilarious.

But then again, if I had a zombie infestation I guess it wouldn't be so funny.

:D (just to be safe)
 
Fenix P2D for an every day pocket light. That's what I use and have been very happy.

Surefire G2 or G3 for a light in your car or in a coat pocket in the winter.

Knives generally make terrible self defense tools for people who aren't trained on how to use them. A firearm is a better option, though it too needs training.

My EDC:

Keys
Chapstick
Wallet
Phone
Fenix P2D or Surefire G2
Spyderco Knife (It's a tool to me)
Swiss Army Knife
Springfield XD45 Compact

I'm a huge fan of Spyderco knives. Check them out www.spyderco.com
 
Look at the plain edge SOG Flash II. I carry in the pocket without a clip and the little safety lever dremelled down and epoxied open. The assisted opening action on this knife is great.

I would rather have a utilitarian edge I can sharpen. If you really want a partially serrated edge, Lowe's sells the serrated version of the SOG Flash II for $50.
 
It's not that I'm set on a combo edge, it's that I'm trying to weight the pros/cons of both combo edges and plain edges with regards to the use and purpose of an EDC knife.

I'm thinking a plain edge is a bit more practical, as the only time I see a serrated edge being more useful is when I'm eating steak. I won't use an EDC knife to cut steak, so... :p

Bump for any other thoughts on blade types. :D
 
Rob87,

I realize that you've already laid out a format in your initial post, but I'd like to make a suggestion, if I may.

Conduct some practical research before you decide, like this -

carry a pen and paper for a week, writing down the actual uses for your tools. No conjecture, just your real life needs.

Consider the knife: If you need to turn screws as well as cut string and open mail, then a multitool or swiss army knife would probably be of more use to you than a combat folder. If you're taking some sort of weapons training, then a can opener and toothpick is of less use.

Later on, as you gather more experience, you can add or modify to suit your wants, but they'll be tailored to your actual uses instead of someone elses opinion.

Your mileage may vary, of course. There's lots of great info here.
 
Serrated knives

Good question about blade cutting edge types:

My pursuits have kept me around a lot of ropes and lines both nautical and aeronautical. After an incident on the water with a thin steel braided wire (mast stay) that could not be cut with a common straight edge knife, I switched to serrated.

I own both SOGs and Spyderco blades, but have not tried many others. I like the SOG best, as it went through the steel wire in just a few sawing strokes. I also had a co-worker on a tug boat cut through a 2" diameter nylon line with steel wires in a matter of about 10 seconds. This would have been impossible with a regular knife.

These knives hold an edge well, and as mentioned earlier will still cut well in a sawing fashion even when dulled. They are just as handy at all the daily tasks such as cutting small lines and rope, opening boxes and letters, taking out a splinter, tightening a screw. They are even able to skin animals if you use the non-serrated point carefully.

Different strokes for different folks. It all comes down to preference and comfort.

For me though I want a knife that can cut agressively in an emergency, thats why I bother carrying it in the first place. Whether its a seat belt or a steel wire, if I am trapped and need to get free I want something that will get the job done in the least amount of time.

-AL
 
I have carried a Knife for most of 25 years (even went to a school where, at the time at least, pocket knives were acceptable to carry). My absolute favorite knife in all this time has been my coumbia river M16-13Z. It is fairly good size folder (3 inch blade) and it is very rugged. It has a partially serrated blade. I have used this knife for many task which knifes were meant for and not meant for. I has been used to clean game, cut bait, trim calluses, cut string and cord, open paint cans, turn screws, cut weed eater cord (metal core), clean small engine parts, etc. All this and it big enough to give someone a nice "stop trying to kill me poke" in a pinch. Though all this abuse it has held its edge very well (obviousely it been resharped but can go a nice long time with out it). The serrations are very handy for getting through tough materials. It has a pocket clip but is easily removed if you don't like it. Wall mart used to carry this knife but dropped it for a smaller model, I'm sure you can find it online though.

As to flash lights. I own several smallish (think about the size of the regular sure fire some bigger some smaller) LED flash lights that spent no more that 20 dollars on at wall mart. They are durable (have yet to break any of them and im pretty hard on stuff), bright (they all hurt if you flash yourself with them) and use common batteries that are dont cost to much ( AA and AAA).
They also have a lot longer run time than alot of the tacticool lights I have looked at. They may not survive some of the stuff a surefire will but do you really think you will be next to an explosion anytime soon and if so that after that explostion you will be thinking about a flashlight.

I have found a knife and flashlight to be the most usefull things ever to carry, even more than pen and paper. I some times wonder how I mamaged to wander around in the dark as much as I do without having a light all the time
 
It seems like a combo blade gives the knife some more uses than just a plain blade. Thanks for the responses.
 
Rob,

Sorry I didn't reply sooner to your PMs, but I spent Christmas without access to a computer.

AAA/AA vs CR123A: CR123A all the way. I ordered a bunch of Titanium brand CR123A batts with my Olight for $1 apiece and haven't looked back. They're smaller than AAs and run/work/last much, much better. And the Titanium brand is cheaper than a "good" AA. AAAs, of course, result in the smallest light. If you are mostly using your light for map-reading, navigating to the car, etc, smaller could be better. Personally since getting the light I am finding myself less and less inclined to "tactical" use of it. I think that aspect of flashlights is overhyped somewhat. Heck, it's possible I'd need it for that, but as a tool it's far more useful for other stuff. So figure out the optimal size/power balance. The Olight feels great in the hands btw, and I'm about 6'1/200lb.

Olight T10 vs. Fenix P2D: from what I've heard, it's basically a toss-up depending on whether you want a "throw" light or a "spill" light. I got the T10 about a week ago for Christmas and love it. My mom got a LumaPower LM31 and it has a bit more spill, but FAR less throw using similar output levels. Personally, I like my light for walking in the woods, etc, as well as lighting up rooms and mundane tasks. I haven't handled the P2D but have heard the T10 seems tougher. And I think it's cheaper now, too, at $50.

batteryjunction is reliable, and fast-shipping too. Ordered from them, as I mentioned. Two thumbs up. And there are plenty of good reviews of fenixstore also, on CPForums. Fenixstore appears to carry the T10 too but you should probably email them to make sure it's in stock and Q5 binned.

Regarding your questions posted here about combo vs plain edge, etc, etc, it's also a toss-up. I wouldn't want an all-serrated knife, but I did have a combo edge Kershaw Leek that I liked. I didn't find the combo edge much of an advantage over plain, though, and traded up to a Kershaw Junkyard Dog 2, which is a BEEFY STOUT KNIFE.

Check it out. It opens cans. It hammers nails (seriously!). I had a small kitchen fire the other day, and used it to break safety glass to retrieve a fire extinguisher. This knife is built tough. Get your hands on one to try it out though, and it may be too big for MA. Personally I am a guy who will buy something that's extremely high quality and cheap over something "top of the line" and 10x costlier. I'd rather support the former type of mfr.

If you have a knife that's serviceable you may just wanna save your money. EDC knives will get beat up anyway. Invest in a Sharpmaker by Spyderco, I'm getting one soon, and put yourself a good edge on whatever you use.
 
My Personal Take :

EDC items should be considered for Environments, Settings and Skill Sets of User.

Two of many rules of how raised and what raised into:
1.What Perception do you give off?
2.What Perception do you want to give off?

I personally choose to blend in and not be "anybody".

Currently, I am just a 52 y/o , Southern Boy, that is a older returning college student.
Regulations are: No Concealed Weapons on Campus.
Most of my classes are /were On-line Classes, except I had to be on campus in the evenings two nights a week for hands on labs.

My EDC was a Case Yellow Handled Peanut with CV blades, SAK Vic Classic, and Carton Cutter that uses a disposable singe edge razor blade.
Sometimes I carried My Case YH Slimline Trapper, with CV blades.

Lights:
My Key Ring has an Inonva in White.
Also in backpack, or on person- Mag-Light AA, Ray-O-Vac/EverReady AAA penlight ( just like the one used in a Doctor's office).
Later I added a Coast[tm] that is a LED, that came with extra AG13 Batteries and total cost $9

It looks very much like the Fenix 2 above.
Recently added a EverReady LED pen light, that takes 2 AAA, andis a tad bigger than the similar light mentioned as seen used in Doctor's offices.

I often have a $1 small reversible screwdriver , just under 5 inches total length, as I use it in labs.

My world and my circumstances-

I have delivered $80,000 in value, some mdse on my to campus one morning to do some research.

Campus was going through Lock-Down, due to Bomb Threat ( again) as I roll up the main road and We have Security Big Time!
Basically one way in, one way out and this is a huge 'circle'.

We have armed LEOs, and other "Personal" , Trained Dogs, and the whole bit.

My turn to be allowed to turn around and leave and at random, some were being asked to "pull over there".

I am just an old fart in a old truck with a backpack on the seat.
I am given a once over, and allowed to pass on thru in no time. About as long as it takes to go through a Toll Booth.

Who was asked to "pull over there" ?
Trucks/SUVs with fake bullet holes, "Screw 911-I dial .357" vanity plates. Window stickers with "If it flies it dies" and "Kill 'em all and let God sort 'em out".

Word is, some "checking folks out" took longer with those dressed in "tactical wear", certain Camo, and sporting clip-on knives and Surefires.

-
I went to run an errand and this is a building that is technically a "Gov't" building and therefore NO Concealed Guns.
Fine.
Just my damn luck they too had had a Bomb Threat, and I get the whole nine yards at the Metal Detectors.

Nobody said a damn word about my Case Peanut or SAK Classic SD.
State Law here says blades must be less than 3 1/2 inches.
"We" always measure from pivot hole to blade tip - to assist in "clarification" if need.

This building has their own rules: No knives over 3" closed length.
Peanuts are 2 7/8" in closed length, and they do not lock, which fits "legal" for those buildings that do not allow a locking knife, that I also frequent.

Oh I have had a surgery which if anyone where to check after a "situation" and dealing with "Problem 2" would assist me for carrying a cane...if I choose to carry one.

Nobody has ever fussed at me carrying a rolled up magazine or Puzzle Book.
While I prefer glass , quite often I have to settle for a 20oz plastic bottle of water, or tea, or soda.

Then again, I do not feel less armed with a waxed paper cup of coffee from a vending machine, or Styrofoam cup of coffee either.

I do not want to look like a cop, a thug, a person that has any idea of what gun is, or anything about "training schools".

We did not have "training schools" coming up, they did not exist.
I/we did have Private Mentors & Elders.

I am nobody, and I want to give off that perception as much as I can.

Steve
 
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