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.
In one of our most heartfelt showcase, we talk to Gem (@night.sky.edc) from the Philippines who's a self-professed insomniac. An old soul at heart, Gem enjoys the tangible allure of mechanical watches, knives and putting pen to paper. Read on to learn all about his gem of carry, along with the stories, meaning and significance behind each and every piece of gear.
Featured tools:
- Knife 01: Jared Oeser Coatl
This slipjoint knife is also gifted to me by my wife last year before she gave birth to our first born son, Paris. I have always pictured myself using this knife sitting on the porch peeling and slicing apples for my son (sadly though I can only do this for my daughter now). Its blade profile screams to be used as a fruit knife.
- Knife 02: Jared Oeser Zirc MagLock
This particular knife is very meaningful and special to me. In its scales, the name of my son together with his birth and death date is engraved. This one was made to commemorate the memory of my first born son, Paris.
Since I received it from Jared, it has always been with me and been a constant carry. This one will definitely stay with me and my family, something that will be passed down to my children and their children for years to come.
- Watch: Tudor Black Bay
I always wear a watch even if all of our smartphones have clocks in them. There is a feeling of satisfaction whenever I wear my watch. From choosing on which watch to wear, to simply putting it on the wrist.
Call me old-fashioned but the romance in admiring an automatic watch, how each and every gear and little pieces work in harmony to deliver a specific purpose, no smartphone can ever beat that. Plus this watch is special because it’s a wedding present by my wife to me last year.
- Notebook: Pete’s Pirate Life NoteBook
It’s as straightforward as it’s slogan says “ Write it or Lose it”. I have always carried with me a notebook to write stuff, from ideas that I need to draw, for the daily business tasks that I need to do, and anything that needs to be jotted down. Plus it’s easier to carry than “post-it notes" whenever I need to leave notes at the office.
- Pen: Tactile Turn Zirc Mini SideClick
Since I carry a notebook all the time, it needs a trusty pen with it. And this one from Tactile Turn is a bad ass. It uses a Pilot mini G2 refill, which writes well and clear.
Though I have to admit that I have lots of pens and the carry tend to differ everyday. I also love the pens of Big Idea Design, but this one is still in its honeymoon phase lol, and the fidget factor of this is quite addictive.
- Wallet: Custom Cornelius Shell Cordovan Walle
I have been in search for a long time of a minimalist stitch-less wallet with a slim/small profile that can accommodate 5-10 cards with cash. I can’t seem to find one that suits me personally so I designed and made one.
So far, I have only made them for friends and family, since it’s more of a hobby than a business. And I do have to apologize for those who are inquiring and ordering in IG about the wallet, this will be available soon, I hope. ;)
- Ring: 13LuckyMonkey Night Sky
This ring is the rendition of my logo by the genius and awesome craftsmen behind the 13LM. They had it made after my wife gave birth to our son, in it is the name of my son, carved in one of its nooks. They are definitely the best bespoke jewelry makers that I know of. The details in this ring are phenomenal.
My story:
My name is Gem, I’m 34, married, and from the Philippines. I am a businessman and an insomniac lol. The plus side of being an insomniac is I tend to use my night time crafting leather stuff for my EDC gears. And no, it’s not the reason why my handle name is @night.sky.edc, lol.
Though I believe that great things are made under the night sky.
My story? I guess most of my story is told by my EDC gears. I carry them not only because they are tools to be used, but also because they hold a great sentimental value for me, each items that I bring with me everyday is sort of a reminder of how we faced the pain and hardships that me and my family went through last year.
I was supposed to be a father of two beautiful children. But as life happens, our first born son, Paris, died last year, he only lived for three months due to his congenital heart disease.
Four months after that we were blessed with another baby, this time a baby girl named Venice. This is not to bring sad vibes to the reader, but to share the reason why I do what I do. It is to honor the memory of my son and to strive harder for the future of my daughter. They both are my greatest joy.
Favorite EDC tool:
My favorite EDC tool is a knife. I always carry a couple with me, one for utility use and one for food. Or so I say to myself, but man! I just love knives haha.
What's on my gear radar:
So far my collection is almost complete. I already own knives from the makers that I look up to and support. But a Custom Boson knife by Michael Burch will be an awesome addition.