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 Louisiana, we chat with TJ (@thegrimpocket) who's a land agent for large pipeline projects. Due to the wide-ranging nature of his job, TJ can either be in the office or roughing it out miles away from any civilisation. As such, his EDC is configured to change and adapt to the situation. Read on for the full story, and find out what's next on TJ's gear radar.
Featured tools:
- Folder: McNees PM Mac2
This knife is exactly what I look for in a folder. Perfect size for office carry but easily withstands use in the field, straightforward design with incredible action.
- Fixed blade: Missier Bladeworks
When I saw the work this 15-year-old was doing, I knew I needed to add one of his knives to my rotation. I don’t like to carry my fixed blades on my belt, so I asked Oak City Leather Supply to make a matching pocket sheath.
- SAK & Pry: Victorinox & Vero Engineering
Along with a knife I almost always have a Victorinox Swiss Army Knife or a Vero Engineering Fulcrum in my pocket. The functionally those two tools add is hard to beat.
- Notebook: Redeemed Creations Co
Pocket notebook cover from Redeemed Creations Co. Easiest way for me to take notes when away from my office or computer. Pokka Pen, light and always writes.
- Watch: Apple
I have a collection of watches but my Apple watch with leather band from Redeemed Creations Co ends up on my wrist more often than any other.
- Wallet: Fail Safe Goods
My wallet is from Fail Safe Goods. I know the trend is minimalist for wallets but I still prefer a few more pockets so this simple bifold is perfect for me.
- Coin slip: High Grain Designs
Leather coin slip by High Grain Designs. Designed to protect your coin while giving you a peek at what’s inside.
- Token: Courag3
Each of my family members has a token made with the same materials but different designs.
- Hank: Bear Hanks
Living in Louisiana a hank is a necessity especially during summer. One of my favorites is this world map by Bear Hanks.
- Coin: “Still Time” coins
I wanted to design a coin that represented some of the principles I try to live my life by. My faith in God and allowing myself to be led by his will for my life. SISU is having grit, bravery, resilience, perseverance in a task that others might call hopeless. I believe that it is our responsibility to be a beacon of light, shining into the darkness of this world. Do good deeds with intention not for attention.
My story:
I am TJ from Louisiana and have been married for 15 years with two incredible children. I am a Land Agent for large pipeline projects. My job ranges from sitting in an office to being miles away from civilization, so my E.D.C. varies from day to day.
When not traveling for work my life consists of helping with our church youth group, conquering escape rooms, sports and video games with my kids, and chasing whitetail during the fall.
My first knife was given to me by my mom on a weekend camping trip as a young kid. I whittled every stick I could find that weekend into a spear. From then on, if I wasn’t in school (and sometimes “accidentally” there too), I had a knife in my pocket or close by.
About a year ago, a childhood friend (@matts_edc) convinced me to explore the wide world of E.D.C. and sold me a Spyderco Lil Native. My eyes were opened, and my wife probably still hasn’t forgiven him.
Favorite EDC tool:
I tend to be drawn to clean lines and functionality in my E.D.C. My favorite part of joining the community is the people that I have developed friendships with over the last year. Second is discovering all of the makers and designers. I really enjoy seeing the passion that people put into their projects.
What's on my gear radar:
Still being a relative newbie to the depths of E.D.C., I am still learning what is out there. I love trying new things and there are so many interesting designs that I can’t wait to get my hands on next.
Was lucky enough to preorder a Lukas P from Wehr Knives and I can’t wait for it to arrive. I am happy with my current collection but always looking for something new to try.