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.
As the owner of a wedding centre, Ben’s (@thefoxandowl_edc) responsibilities range from caring for the grounds and gardens to running weddings and functions. As such, his daily carry has been continuously refined to meet the demands of his diverse workload. Read on to learn all about Ben’s highly capable EDC, and how he does it all and still looks good while doing so.
Featured Tools:
- Knife: Shirogorov
The F95R19 has beautiful bronze anodized titanium handles with some nice milling patterns that not only look good but also add some traction when holding the handle. It boasts a big blade that's capable and ready to work but is easily carried due to its slim profile and internal milling. I try to carry this knife as much as possible as it's suited to work on the farm and dressing up nicely to run a wedding.
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Hank: Mighty Hanks
My hank is made by Mighty Hanks and is by far my favorite brand of hanks out there. I am able to carry one every day due to its perfect size with no more material than needed and with the bonus of a microfibre backing – they can't be beaten. - Prybar: Lynch Northwest
My prybar is a Lynch Northwest All Access Pass V1.2, and once I managed to get my hands on one of these highly sought pocket tools, I understood all the fuss.
It's the most pocketable prybar you'll find with his famous deep carry clip and slim profile, it quickly became my favorite, so I bought a V2 as well. I carry and use a prybar daily for random tasks around the property. Casey Lynch is also a super nice guy to deal with and always eager to help where he can. - Key Organizer: KeyBar
After starting the business, I found the KeyBar necessary. I found myself having to carry a large number of keys daily, and this made it easy. The KeyBar gives you a slim, compact, and organized way of doing that. The titanium is durable and looks nice along with a pocket clip to stop it from rolling around in your pocket.
- Flashlight: Olight
My flashlight is an Olight S1R Baton ii CU. It's the only flashlight I carry now as its super compact but throws out an impressive amount of lumens. Carrying a flashlight is handy for me throughout the week but mainly when running a wedding or function in the night on the property. I chose the copper as I love when gear builds a patina and shows wear.
- Lanyard beads: Various
On my Shirogorov, I have a micarta Scoopyloops bead, my KeyBar has a Maverick Workshop copper roller bead, and on my Lynch AAP there's a Combat Beads copper civilian bead.
I really enjoy putting lanyard beads on my gear as it makes them my own and can make something plain stand out. Although none are pictured, I also love my turbo glow beads.
Background:
I'm Ben, 30 years old, a father of two cute little boys – Henry and Max – and a lucky husband to my beautiful wife, Melissa. I live on a property in a rural town called Bathurst, located in NSW, Australia.
I own and manage a wedding venue/function center on the property where we live. We built and opened our business around 3 years ago and have since had great success.
My work consists of tasks that range from caring for the grounds of the property, such as gardens and lawns to setting up and running weddings/functions. Over time, I have found a carry set that can cater to all my needs daily, and although the brand of some gear may change, the core of my carry is consistent.
I've always loved pocket knives, but it wasn't until a couple of years ago that I needed one for work that I truly found my love for all things EDC. The very first knife that I purchased was a CRKT M16, and I used it until it was blunt and almost broken.
After carrying and using it for a little while, I quickly began to build a sense of self-pride and appreciate the convenience in carrying certain items every day. Since then, my enjoyment and search for knowledge in the EDC community have continued to grow.
I spend as much time as I can with Melissa and my boys, but in my free time, I enjoy collecting, tinkering, sharpening, and modding my knives. I purchased a KME sharpening system about 6 months ago, and since then I have found such enjoyment in perfecting the edge on my knives.
Something I never thought I'd enjoy is taking pictures. But since joining the EDC community, especially on Instagram, it's become one of my favorite things to do. It has been a gateway to meeting and building friendships with so many people that have the same interests as I, which is hard to come by in Australia.
Favorite EDC Tool:
My favorite piece of gear is my Shirogorov F95R19. Not only is it the most beautiful knife I've ever handled and used, but it was also a surprise 30th birthday present from my wife earlier this year.
What's On Your Gear Radar:
The next piece of gear I'm going to get is a Hinderer XM-18 non-flipper with the Tri-Way pivot. I already own a flipper with the Tri-Way and love it so I can't wait to get my hands on one.