Welcome to the Urban EDC Showcase! Each week, we feature a member of the EDC community and the gear they rely on every day. Want to be featured? Submit your gear photo.
From Ann Arbor, Michigan we chat with Matt (@blackbeard_edc) who, for the record, has a black beard. Between earning a bachelor’s in Environmental Studies and working part-time at a custom apparel printing shop, he enjoys getting down and dirty in the outdoors. Read on to learn all about Matt’s well-used and well-thought-out carry, and find out what’s he’s saving up for next.
Featured Tools:
- Knife: Chris Reeve Small Sebenza 21 Carbon Fiber Insingo
It's simple construction, ideal size, and high-quality design cumulate to form the ideal pocket knife. For the most part, this knife is used for day-to-day tasks.
- Flashlight: Peak Eiger with Z and C Metalworks Copper Carbon Bead
The copper body, unique rugged design, and variable light output drew me to this light. It’s used for everything from finding something I’ve dropped under my couch, to unexpected situations such as changing a tire on the side of a highway (got to love Michigan potholes).
- Pen 01: Urban Survival Gear TiScribe-Bolt in Copper
To me, the TiScribe-Bolt is the Sebenza of pens. Being a student, I mostly use my pen for taking a ton of notes. - Pen 02: Fisher Space Pen Bullet in Brass
It fits in my card caddy, I know it’ll work every time, and it patinas beautifully. Simple as that.
- Wallet: Hitch and Timber Card Caddy
I was drawn to the card caddy because it’s essentially a self-contained daily carry, minus my keys (I use it as a wallet). I can quickly grab it while heading out the door and know that I have a capable multitool and pen with me.
- SAK: Victorinox Alox Cadet
The Cadet offers a useful set of tools in a slim package. I use it for things like opening bottles, tightening screws, filing rough edges/corners, and it's a great alternative when a full-size knife may not be appropriate.
- Hank: EB Hanks Co.
The quality is fantastic, and the 9-inch size is ideal. It’s mostly used for cleaning glasses, wiping blades clean, or drying my hands when a paper-towel isn’t available.
Background:
My name is Matt (not many people in the EDC community know my name, or me for that matter) and I’m based in Ann Arbor Michigan. Although I work part-time at a custom apparel printing shop, my main gig is being a student.
Initially, I was studying photography but nearing the end of an Associates program I decided to change my path. I’m currently working towards a bachelor’s in Environmental Studies.
For as long as I can remember I’ve always loved pocket knives and neat little trinkets. As a young teen, I’d save my cash, purchase gift cards, and then use them to buy whatever knives and EDC items I could afford (online).
My first purchases included a Spyderco Tenacious, Ambitious, and CRKT Drifter (not necessarily in that order). Eventually, I got a job and purchased a Benchmade Mini Griptilian as my first “nice” knife. Since then, I’ve slowly been building my collection and refining my taste. The items you see on my Instagram today are a reflection of that.
During my free time, I enjoy photography, snowboarding, dirt biking, mountain biking, camping, hiking, and backpacking. I love the outdoors, and I love getting dirty. My hobbies define who I am and bring me more joy than I ever thought was possible.
Favorite EDC Tool:
My favorite piece of gear is my Sebenza. It has all the qualities of a pocket knife that are essential to me. It’s the essence of perfection.
What's On Your Gear Radar:
I’d love to get my hands on a Gareth Bull Shamwari. But realistically the next items on my list include a brass Maratac AAA light and some Ti scales for my Benchmade Bugout. I’m ballin on a budget, so my purchases tend to be quite spread out.
Wow, great Post! Makes me feel like I should start gathering some EDC!
Susan Sutton on
Your passion makes me think I’m really missing something awesome by not carrying!!! Well done Matthew!
Susan Sutton on