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Growing up in northern Sweden among towering trees and mountains, Mats (@kaiser_mats) has always been drawn to the great outdoors. It’s from this love that gave rise to his interest in knives and tools. Read on for the rundown of Mat’s high-performance carry and learn all about his newfound interest in high-end flashlights.
Featured Tools:
- Folding Knife: Strider SnG DGG
I've got a soft spot for Strider’s hard use design and this SnG DGG (dual gunner grip) captures the essence of that in my opinion. This SnG is one of my all-time favorite folders. It is my backpack when I’m in the city and in the pockets when I go out in nature. I use it for every task that needs a tougher blade.
- Prybar: Zach Woods Cyclops
I find a prybar to be a great complement to my slip joint when I’m in the city. I have tried several prybars over the years. I find the Zach Woods design and material to be superior to others I have tried.
I use it for smaller tasks that don’t need a sharp edge. This is actually my second one and hasn’t been put to use much yet. I like the Cyclops because of its small size and design. It is rather user-friendly in a city environment where people don´t use or carry knives. I've attached a Monkey Fist paracord weave to help me get the prybar out easily.
- Slip Joint Knife: Northwoods Lincoln Jack
Lately, I have been really into Northwoods slip joints and have one with me every day. This Lincoln Jack is the first Northwoods I bought and is the perfect size for me. This knife is still the one that gets the most pocket time. I like the traditional style and when I'm in the city I can easily use it without anyone reacting.
- Pen: Fellhoelter Celtic TiBolt
This is one of my latest acquisitions. I have been looking for a pen that is reliable, durable, and still is acceptable in my work. I have found all of this in the Fellhoelter. The Celtic pattern is awesome and makes it stand out. The titanium makes it lightweight and still tough. I plan to carry this for a long time. - Notebook: Word
I like to have a notebook with me in the backpack to write down ideas that pop up or draw with my daughter. I find the design of the Word notebooks so appealing. My daughter loves them too and tries to convince me to give them to her.
- Watch: Nic & Mel
This is a simple retro designed watch by a small Swedish company. It's nothing fancy but I love the way it looks. It's dependable and straight to the point.
- Flashlight: Oveready Boss 35
This was love at first sight! I never thought that I would get into high-end flashlights but when I saw this I knew I had to get one. I love the design of the body and how it makes it look like a retro space rocket. The design hits a home run regarding functionality and aesthetics. In the city, I'll use the smaller 35 body but when I go out in nature I use the bigger 70 body with a bigger battery.
Background:
I live in Sweden and work as a licensed clinical psychologist. I love Sweden with it's easy access to beautiful nature and lots of space. My work as a clinical psychologist is challenging and highly satisfying. It gives me the opportunity to help others, and at the same time, it’s stimulating for me as a person.
I love that my work lets me work with difficult cases. It requires me to help others find a way through their suffering and team up with primary care clinics to develop their work with mental health problems.
My interest in EDC began when I started to make knives a few years back. I have collected and used knives since I was little (mostly fixed blades). When I started to make my own fixed blades I stumbled into the EDC community. Eventually, I started to find folding knives that were something different than the cheap folders I have had before.
The Strider and Hinderer knives that were designed to handle hard use opened my eyes to a whole new world of folders. One thing led to another and I found myself getting more and more interested in daily carry. From here I started to carry things with great design, both in the practical and aesthetic aspects. I really look for things that are well designed in both these aspects. My newest interest is in high-end flashlights.
I love the outdoors and being in nature. I grew up in northern Sweden with great big forests and beautiful mountains. When I think about what gives my life good quality, nature always comes to mind.
My interest in knives is rooted in my love for nature and the outdoors. A few years back I started making my own fixed blades. This gives me the opportunity to make stuff with my own hands and design knives as I want them to be. Working with my hands and doing practical things is important to me. Sometimes my work doesn't allow me to do these, so my hobbies mean a lot.
Favorite EDC Tool:
That is a hard one pick to pick. Several of the things on the list are favorites in their own categories. But if I have to choose one it would be the Strider SnG DGG. This knife can handle any tasks that I put it trough regardless of context.
The size is perfect when it comes to carrying a folder in the outdoors and the dual gunner grip gives great texture to the handle. At the same time, it's not too big to carry in my daily backpack in the city and use when needed.
What's On Your Gear Radar:
I’m on the lookout for a Tim Curry slip joint to try out. Another knife I want to get into my EDC rotation is a Mick Strider custom PT-CC. The PT is a great size in a city environment and I have been looking to upgrade the one I currently use.