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.
Going postal in Sweden, Martin (@gnistedc) still remembers the moment he got his first Victorinox Classic at age 11 and his first Leatherman Wave at age 20 (which he still owns and uses). Like many of us, Martin has gone through countless iterations to finally arrive at his current state of carry. Read on to learn what works for Martin, and find out why the Torqbar will always have a special place in his carry.
What's in your carry?
- Key Organizer: KeyBar
Keys are unfortunately a must, so I keep my keys organized with my KeyBar. This is the titanium half-carved version and is fitted with a deep carry clip. I really like the way it sits in my pocket. For easy and quick pull-up, I’ve put on a paracord lanyard, which has a bead from UrbanCarvers. The bead is brass with an antique finish, which was custom.
- Wallet: Hitch and Timber
My wallet is an EDC organizer from Hitch and Timber, called the Mini Engineer. The leather is a beautiful English Tan. It holds all the cards I need on one side and the other side holds my Beta QR flashlight.
- Flashlight: Prometheus Lights
This is my Beta-QR in brass, from Prometheus Lights. It’s a AAA, small and powerful. The quick-release key-ring has been switched for a titanium pocket clip. The way this flashlight develops a patina is just amazing.
- SAK: Jack Spiggle Designs
Next to the flashlight sits my custom Swiss Army Knife from Jack Spiggle Designs. It’s a 58-mm Rambler with a Spyderco Blade. The tools are lightly acid stonewashed and the brass scales have a milled out cross. The lanyard bead on the SAK is also from UrbanCarvers.
- Pen: Urban Survival Gear TiScribe Mini
The pen is my absolute favorite EDC pen. I’ve tried a lot of pens before I found this one, the TiScribe Mini, in brass, from Urban Survival Gear. The fidget factor on this pen is just of the hook.
- Fidget Tool: Modusworks
Speaking of fidgeting, I always carry a fidget toy of some kind. This particular one is the Machinamathing Mini, from Modusworks. And it is also in brass.
- Knife: CRKT Squid
I have ordered a large Sebenza 21 and until it arrives, I carry the Squid by CRKT. Small but effective. It was actually the first EDC folder I bought. Still sharp.
What's your story?
Hi! My name is Martin and I’m from Sweden. I’m 39 years old and this is my everyday carry.
I’ve always been interested in cool gear like knives and flashlights. It all started in the '90s when I was 11 and got my first Victorinox Classic. When I was 20, I bought my first Leatherman Wave, which I use daily around the house.
The thing that really got me started on EDC was the hype of fidget spinners, like the Torqbar, back in 2017. I love the idea of carrying fidget toys in my pocket and that evolved into more useful gear such as pens, flashlights and pocket knives.
Like most in the EDC community, I’ve tried a LOT of different combinations before landing on where I am today. I’ve learned what my needs are and what I just like to collect without carrying.
I work for the Swedish postal service. And when I’m not working I love to spend time with my wife and two daughters, who are taking up most of my spare time at the moment.
Favorite EDC Tool?
My favorite, if I have to choose one, is the TiScribe Mini pen. It feels really good in the hand and I love the bolt action click and the brass patina.