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.
Talk about having a dream job! Having made his own beer, cider, and mead since 2005, Bjorn (@btb_toolsngear) is now the Brand Director for a Homebrewing Supply company near Minneapolis. Aside from homebrewing, Bjorn is also an avid outdoorsman and has played the guitar for over 30 years. Read on to learn all about Bjorn’s diverse interests and find out what piece of gear he’s gunning for next.
Featured Tools:
- Fixed Blade: GiantMouse Knives GM5
I had a Viper Fortis (designed by Jesper Voxnaes) for a while and eventually found GiantMouse. After picking up a GMF1, I saw the GM5 was coming out soon. I ordered this the day it was released, and it’s been my primary EDC ever since. The lanyard is a limited handmade offer from @packconfig featuring @ivclavis and @rutitleyknives
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Folder: Fox Knives Suru (Urban EDC Supply Exclusive)
This is the Urban EDC Supply exclusive in blue titanium. Its an excellent small alternative to the GM5 when I need something more discreet. I had been eyeing the Suru designs for a while and could not pass up the Blue (or the black PVD as the case may be). - SAK: Victorinox Explorer
This is my custom Explorer with Blue Splash Ti Scales. The Swiss Bianco scales are gorgeous and allow me to add a pen for an Explorer Plus. The Explorer has a great set of tools for EDC, and it also compliments a Leatherman that I carry in my bag. Must admit, I’m becoming more reliant on the magnifying glass. - SAK Clip & Hank: Minuteman Fabrication
Both the Clip and the Hank are from Minuteman Fabrication. I loved the design of the clip, and the brass has developed a great patina through use. This is one of two hanks I own and I just really like the tree silhouette design.
- Flashlight: Olight Winter S1R II Baton
I wanted a light to match the GM5, and this one did not disappoint. The rechargeable base is a major plus.
- Lighter: Zippo “Astronomer” Edition
I enjoy carrying a Zippo even though I don’t smoke. It has come in handy numerous times. As a science and astronomy nerd, I really liked this design. Inside, there’s a Thunderbird butane insert to make it easy.
- Coin: Carpe Diem EDC Carpe Noctem Coin
I discovered Carpe Diem through Instagram and GiantMouse. I had a Carpe Diem coin already, but when the Kickstarter launched for the Carpe Noctem coin, I decided to splurge on the silver one. Love the patina coming in.
- Pen: Brass Bullet Pencil from Metal Shop CT
There’s just something about using a real pencil. I really like the durable design of this one. It really lends itself to being carried, and the brass is aging nicely.
Background:
My name is Bjorn. I work in e-commerce as a Brand Director for a Homebrewing Supply company near Minneapolis, MN. This is really a dream job as I’ve been making my own beer, cider, and mead since 2005.
I grew up in northern MN and spent a great deal of time outdoors. My first knife was a standard issue Cub Scout folder. It was very stiff and hard to open. Eventually, I moved up to my first SAK with the BSA Huntsman (really a Fieldmaster, because apparently, Scouts shouldn’t need corkscrews). That Huntsman got carried well into my twenties. My first locking knife was a Buck 110 gifted to me by my uncle. The 110 and Huntsman combo was unbeatable and went everywhere with me.
In college, my summer job was working as a maintenance tech for a lake resort. I purchased my first Leatherman, an original PST, to use on the job. I’ve carried a Leatherman ever since. Although there’s been a number of multi-tools and knives over the years, I still have the Huntsman, the Buck 110, and the PST hidden away for safekeeping.
A few years ago, I decided to get a new folder for camping. Through online reviews and Instagram, I discovered the EDC community. Maybe it’s cliche, but I didn’t even know “EDC” was a thing. I was just the guy with a Leatherman endlessly fixing things for friends and co-workers.
I was hooked and began to collect more unique items and tools. It’s still fun to feature some of the gear I’ve had for years, due to the sentimental value. Ultimately, I’ve really enjoyed the community of amazing folks and their creative gear posts.
Aside from EDC and Homebrewing, I’ve played the guitar for almost 30 years. Music has always been a part of my life. But honestly, I enjoy any activity that gets me outside or allows me to learn something new.
Favorite EDC Tool:
Current favorite is the GiantMouse GM5. This has proven to be my perfect EDC. I like larger folders, and everything about the design speaks to me. I use it every day, and the Elmax steel is very easy to touch up when needed.
What's On Your Gear Radar:
I’m looking at adding a titanium Tactile Turn Slider to my collection. I’d also like to check out the new Leatherman Free P4 and maybe the forthcoming GiantMouse GM6. Down the road, I might have to see what CRK is all about.