Welcome to the Urban EDC Showcase! Each week, we feature one member of the EDC community and the gear they rely on every day. Want to be featured? Submit your gear photo.
A New York native who lives and breathes creativity, Nolan (@everydaylan) is a former hip-hop producer and trumpet/synth player in an alt-rock band. When he’s not tending to his Bonsai, you’ll find him chasing light and shadows on the streets of New York in search of the decisive moment. Read on for the full story of Nolan’s wonderfully eclectic and effortlessly stylish everyday carry.
Featured Tools:
- Knife 01: Northwoods Fayette Jack
I've only recently received this knife, but it has already shot up the ranks to being one of my favorite knives! I love the Wharncliffe blade and also the serpentine shape of the handle. Since it has one blade, I usually carry the Case Peanut alongside it.
- Knife 02: Boker Plus Barlow
I was reluctant to buy this knife because I couldn't find much info about it online or even good product photos. However, I eventually purchased it to hold me over until I can get my hands on a TC Barlow. The price was very affordable, so I gave it a shot. As it turns out, this is now my favorite EDC knife!
- Knife 03: Case Peanut
This is another knife I was on the fence about purchasing because the shape of it looked odd compared to other two bladed Case knives, like the Trapper. However, I was very happy once I had it in hand. The small size makes it a great always-in-pocket knife that pairs perfectly with a bigger knife such as my Northwoods Fayette Jack.
- SAK: Victorinox Rambler
This multi-tool is great because it fits right on my keychain! I use it mostly for the scissors and occasionally the screwdrivers.
- Pocket Flashlight: Prometheus Lights Beta-QR V2
I chose this flashlight because I love its beautiful design! I also like the Nichia LED light, as it is a nice warm color that is pleasing to look at. I wish I could access the three power settings in one twist, rather than having to twist forwards and backwards to cycle through the power settings.
- Keychain Flashlight: MecArmy Illuminex 3
I like this flashlight because it is so small – they claim it is the world's smallest USB rechargeable flashlight. I also like that you just twist to go from lowest to highest power – very simple! I am not so fond of the harsh tone of the CREE LED light. But because of its size, I keep it on my keychain, so it is always with me. This has been very handy in dark bars and restaurants while trying to read the cocktail menu! However, I would prefer this with a warmer color LED light.
- Fountain Pen: Kaweco Liliput
I purchased this because I wanted to have a nice fountain pen to write with for special occasions, like signing cards. This pen is actually a little bit too small for me even with the cap posted. Still, it looks nice clipped to my shirt pocket!
- Ballpoint Pen: Fisher Space Pen Bullet
I have to say, writing with this pen is NOT fun. It takes a lot of pressure and the ink doesn't look good. However, it writes on just about anything, so I keep this pen in the bottom of my pocket just in case I need it. The real draw for me is the wonderful patina the brass takes on. I look forward to seeing mine evolve over the years!
- Machined Pen: Machine Era Original
This was the first "nice" pen I bought for myself. I love the heft of it and it is the perfect size in my hand lengthwise. I also love that it uses Pilot G2 ink refills. My one gripe is the threads for the cap are right where you'd hold the pen to write with, and they are a bit sharp. I am just starting to get used to it.
- Keychain: KeySmart
This thing is great at decluttering my keychain carry. And it looks good too!
- Belt Hook: Horse And Livestock Double End Bolt Snap
I use this to clip my keys, flashlight, and multitool to my belt loop.
- Synthesizer: Teenage Engineering OP-1
This is a super fun and very compact tool for jamming or writing electronic music with. I usually take this with me on days when I am not working or doing photo shoots.
- Camera: Fujifilm X70
I almost always have this small yet powerful camera around my neck, ready to take a photo should I see something interesting! I have larger cameras I use for photo shoots, but this camera is the one I shoot most of my street photography with.
Background:
My name is L. A. Nolan and I’m based in New York City. Currently, I’m a Tech Project Manager and Photographer. When I was younger, I was a trumpet and synth player in an alt-rock band, as well as a hip-hop music producer. These days, I spend most of my free time roaming the streets of NYC capturing in-the-moment photos of people. I am also into the art of raising and training Bonsai.
When I was a youngster, I had a couple episodes where I was hassled by some gang members. I knew nothing about EDC, but I bought a few pocket knives to carry with me in case I needed to defend myself. I had no idea it was illegal to do so in NYC, but thankfully nothing bad ever happened!
So that blew over and I continued my life as a young adult, mostly forgetting about the knives. I was a web designer by day, and living the "rock star" life by night – either doing gigs with my band or partying at nightclubs in NYC.
This led to me getting into fashion, buying expensive brands, and trying to stand out. Years later as I matured, I toned it down and got more into things handcrafted and made with high quality.
It started with raw Japanese denim, leather goods, and copper jewelry. Then over the years, I became very fond of things that get more beautiful with age and use! So full circle - I discovered classic knives, as well as pens and flashlights made of copper and brass.
Favorite EDC Tool:
At this point in my life, my passion is Street Photography. So my favorite item is my Fujifilm X70 camera because it is so compact and stealthy - I always have it with me, ready to capture an unexpected moment!
Out of the more common EDC tools my favorite item is the Boker Plus Barlow knife. It is just the right size to not be obtrusive in my pocket, but still handle my everyday tasks like cutting avocados, cracking open stubborn pistachios, and opening packages. The blades are razor sharp too! If I am grabbing just one knife, this is the one I go for.
Next On Your Gear Radar:
I would really love to get my hand on a cranberry saw cut bone TC Barlow with sheepsfoot blade! But if we are talking about things I can actually buy now, I am looking at the Tactile Turn Mover and Karas Kustoms Retrakt copper pens.