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.
From the South West of England, we chat with Tim (@rockett86) who works as a marketing writer. When it comes to his EDC, he's a firm believer of ‘less is more’ and focuses on extracting maximum performance from the most minimal of packages. Read on to find out all about Tim’s carefully considered carry and what he's eyeing for his next purchase.
Featured Tools:
- Pen: Titanium Maxmadco Bolt Action
I’m actually a little obsessed with pens, and always carry at least one since I draft all my ideas by hand. The Maxmadco bolt is one of my regular carry choices, mainly for its minimalist but elegant looks. The action is also insanely quick and easy to use, making it a great pen for quick note taking.
- Notebook: Field Notes Memo
I get through a lot of notepads and tend to vary them to try out different formats. The Field Notes Memo pad I’m currently using is the perfect size for easy carry without being too small.
- Knife: Custom Titanium Swiss Army Knife
On weekend hikes and mountaineering holidays, I’d feel lost without a Swiss Army Knife. This one’s an 84mm ‘Micro Farmer’ configuration. @Beaver_bladeworks is a very talented chap, and added a saw to a Cadet build for me with bead blasted titanium scales, brass liners and acid washed tools. The attached Tec P7 clip is a great addition to any SAK and makes for very easy carry.
- Flashlight: Foursevens Mini Ti
This little powerhouse of a light spits out up to 500 lumens and is a great size for EDC. I tend to switch-up my torch depending on the activity, but this one is a steady choice for its easy-carry and sheer power.
- Comb: Chicago Beard Comb
Although it’s difficult to class a comb in the same league as a pocket knife or flashlight, this is probably one of the very few ‘tools’ I carry every single day. It was a present from someone very special so it has some sentimental value, but it’s very smooth to use, and I love the design. It’s definitely a little bit hipster but it does help me keep my beard in check (and also hair, when I’m overdue a visit to the barber’s).
- Watch: Tudor Heritage Ranger
I love the rugged minimalism of the Ranger’s field watch design, which works just as well in the office as it does up a mountain. It looks great on every strap I’ve tried, but the woven camo NATO that it came with is probably my favourite.
- Wallet: Little King Goods Card Holder
Good leatherwork is definitely one of my weaknesses, and whilst not really a tool, the unobtrusive Little King Goods card holder that usually rides around in my pocket is a superb example of a simple design, executed well. Having just finished my own first very basic leather project (an axe sheath and collar) I’ve realised just how much work and time goes into doing something right.
Background:
Hi, I’m Tim. I’m a writer based in the South West of England. In my spare time, I like to get far away from urban life, and a good weekend usually entails my partner and me going on some hike or adventure.
My interest in tools such as pocket knives and torches started when my dad gave me my first Swiss Army Knife. I was just seven years old, about to go on my first camping trip.
As I grew older and started sourcing my own gear for various outdoor escapades, I became more and more interested in making sure I was getting hold of the best kit I could. Lots of research later, I found myself among the thriving EDC community and discovering the myriad of awesome tools and gear out there.
A pen (or two) and notebook are probably my core carry more often than not, as my vocation involves a fair amount of brief taking and writing. Ideas and concepts come much easier to me when I put pen to paper, with all the creative stages visible - even if it’s shown through crossings out!
When it comes to EDC I’m a firm believer in ‘less is more’ and try to keep my pockets streamlined and free of anything I don’t actually need. When I carry a pocket tool or torch, my first consideration is its size and I try to find the best performance in the smallest package.
To me, materials and craftsmanship are some of the most exciting and interesting aspects of what we choose to carry. Titanium features a lot in my usual items; I love its clean look and inert nature, as well as the superb strength to weight ratio. But I’ve also come to appreciate the subtle differences in metals such as copper and brass as they patina and alter over time, and the character they add to tools like writing instruments and flashlights.
Favorite EDC Tool:
I love my Ti SAK – it’s more than enough opening and cutting power for everyday life and the saw is great for any excursion away from civilisation. But, as the old adage goes, the pen is mightier than the sword, and Bear Grylls I’m not… so five days out of seven I’d probably have to choose my Maxmadco!
What's On Your Gear Radar:
Hmmm… that is a dangerous question! I’m actually planning to find a nice custom SAK for my other half, who thankfully shares my interest in great gear. She loves metals that age and tarnish – so probably something with copper or brass scales.
Oh, and I would definitely like more tritium in my life…and probably some more leather stuff like a pen and notebook wrap. This list goes on!