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When Nick (@scv_edc) was first introduced to the world of EDC by his best friend, he made fun of him for paying for knives and beads. That was until he joined USN – and as they say, the rest is history. Read on for the story of Nick’s EDC journey and find out all about his spectacular knife rotation.
Featured Tools:
I always carry a knife but like to keep a steady rotation going. I’m drawn to knives that have a classy, yet aggressive look to them. Above all, I buy the maker. Each knife I own is from a maker who I genuinely respect.
- Knife 01: Efros Knives
The Jam is made by Brian Efros and has dark acid washed Ti scales and a matching backspacer. This knife features a 3” XHP blade and has a little added flare from the white timascus pocket clip. This knife caught me by surprise. It’s stubby and wide, but it’s slim to the point where you can easily forget it’s in your pocket. The action is snappy and the ergonomics are insane. It's just so comfortable in hand.
- Knife 02: JBB Knives
Made by Brad Blount, this is my Gaff showcasing purple rag micarta (@unique_micarta) Ti liners, and sports a 3” satin CPM154 blade. I've outfitted this knife with some of Brad’s signature beads. I have the DarkTi “Sorry/Not Sorry” followed by his fluted ivory bead made from Westinghouse micarta.
When Brad first introduced his unique take on a slip joint knife, I knew I had to have one. I was immediately drawn to the blade shape with his distinct swedge and the lack of a nail nick. It's classy, yet aggressive and bigger than your typical slip joint. That being said, it pockets very nice.
- Knife 03: JBB Knives
Also by Brad Blount, this is the Micro Arrester with dark acid washed Ti scales, Hafnium pocket clip and backspacer, and a 2.5" D2 blade. This is a perfect EDC for me given the size of the blade. The lightning fast flipper action makes this very easy to deploy in a sticky situation. - Knife 04: Hansen Knives
Made by Scott Hansen, the Sever comes with a 3.25” hand rubbed satin CPM154 blade, zirconium pivot collars and clip, linear carbon fiber backspacer, and runs smooth as silk on washers. This is my most recent acquisition and all I can say is Scott is getting a lot of well-deserved praise lately. Such a solid knife.
- Utility Tool: JBB Knives
I like to carry one of my two bottle-openers/pry tools should the need to celebrate arise. They are the JBB Knives SS tag opener with Ti SNS bead or the JBB Knives SS ball pry opener with Mokuti fluted, flame-anodized Ti Scoopyloops LB, and JBB/J76 SS Brolab fluted beads.
- Flashlight: Deadwood Custom Works
In the event I need a flashlight, I carry my stainless-steel Deadwood Custom Works Huckleberry. This torch features a twisted body design, crenellated head, CWF Red Dragon driver, and a Steel Flame Bushido Vigilant Warrior pocket clip.
- Watch: Junghans
This is my Max Bill Chronoscope with B&R Bands Roadmaster Horween Classic Vintage Leather Strap - I love this watch! You can wear it casually or with a suit. It looks great either way. It keeps great time and while the movement is a little noisy, I actually really like that about it. The watch has a domed plexiglass crystal and is almost all face. Again, I love this watch!
Background:
I live in Santa Clarita, CA and commute to my job as a commercial insurance underwriter everyday in downtown Los Angeles. I moved to LA in 2008, but before that, I was born and raised in San Jose, CA. I graduated from UC Santa Cruz with a BA in Business Management Economics.
I remember when I was very young, I saw my uncle carrying one of those huge Swiss Army Knives. It had everything in it but the kitchen sink. I always wanted one like it but had to wait until I got into my teens. Even then, I still only managed to get a small keychain SAK or some cheap no-name knives.
I lost interest until 2016 when my best friend introduced me to the EDC community. I immediately made fun of him for what he was paying for knives and beads. Within a couple of weeks, I joined USN and stared seaching social media for any EDC I could get my hands on!
Since then, I’ve seen the kindness and camaraderie that is the EDC community. “Come for the gear, stay for the people” - so very true.
When I’m not working, I’m usually just relaxing at home with my wife and two dogs. I also spend a good amount of time hunting down my next EDC piece. Otherwise, I love snowboarding and the outdoors.
Favorite EDC Tool:
My favorite would have to be my JBB Gaff. This was a long-awaited book spot with my favorite maker, Brad Blount. I recently got to travel to his shop in Tennessee and hang out with him for the weekend while he made it. He’s just such a good dude. The weekend was full of knife-making tips, stories, and laughs. This knife represents one of my now fondest memories and best EDC experiences.
What's On Your Gear Radar:
Currently, I have a build going with David Mosier that I’m really excited about. I also have a slip joint build later this year scheduled with Ricardo Romano. I’d love to get more JBB, Efros, Hansen, and a JB Stout as well.