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.
This week, we talk to Grayson (@g.r.parker) who’s an adjunct college lecturer from Bakersfield, California. As a regular contributor to BladeReviews, Grayson knows his gear and is especially discerning when it comes to his personal carry. Read on to learn all about Grayson’s astute gear choices and how his carry has evolved since he was last featured over 2 years ago.
Featured Tools:
- Pocket Knife: Chris Reeve Mnandi
Without a doubt, this is my favorite knife to carry. It's elegant and perfectly functional thanks to the old school nail nick and frame lock. It has the charm of a traditional knife with the convenience of a modern pocket knife. Most of the time it opens letters and packages. I can also definitively say it's a fine picnic knife.
- Flashlight: Muyshondt Aeon Mk.III
I can't always carry the Aeon (I'd rather not risk it in certain environments), but it is hands down the best torch I own. It is in my pocket whenever possible. The output is solid, runtime is unbelievable, and the UI is wonderfully intuitive. It may be a bit anticlimactic, but most of the time this just lights the way to the bathroom in the early morning.
- Pen: Pilot Vanishing Point
This pen is actually a new addition but hasn't left my bag since its arrival. The 1.1mm Stub nib doesn't do any favors for the small ink capacity. I may swap it out for a Fine or Very Fine nib. This is the perfect fountain pen if you value portability as well as a fabulous writing experience. From writing lectures to grading papers, the Vanishing Point is used several times a day without fail.
- Watch: Seiko Sarb017 "Alpinist"
Every so often, I see a piece of kit and know that one day I'll have to pick it up, and the Alpinist is one such case. The dial is gorgeous, the movement keeps good time, and the 39mm case is robust enough for a hike through the Sierras while being small enough to wear as a dress watch.
Background:
My name is Grayson Parker, and I live in Bakersfield, California. Nothing about my background has changed since my last showcase (Showcase #49), but I did manage to land a job in my field.
I'm now an adjunct lecturer at the local college which has resulted in a few changes to my daily carry. Carrying a pocket knife using a clip is discouraged at the college. I find myself carrying a traditional knife more often than not. The new job also involves quite a bit of writing. A good fountain pen wards off cramped hands and messy writing.
As far as hobbies are concerned, I've stepped back from gaming since starting the new job. These days it's mostly reading, wildlife photography, and games of Magic when friends can get together. Here's hoping for more free time in the future!
Favorite EDC Tool:
Just as before, the nod has to go to the pen. The Mnandi, Aeon, and Alpinist are mainstays of my carry, but the Vanishing Point is used the most. Hopefully it will save me from arthritic hands in the distant future.
What's On Your Gear Radar:
There are a few smaller knives I'm looking at. Currently I am waiting on the Frelux Synergy1 I ordered to arrive. The form factor is very interesting and I'm always a sucker for good machining.