It’s been a while since my last EDC update, but today I’m bringing you the details of my current setup for August 2024. Spoiler alert: some things haven’t changed, but there have been some notable updates, especially around a certain theme. Let’s jump in.
My Everyday Pen
I’ve been carrying the Big Idea Design Mini Click Pen almost daily. Specifically, I’ve been using the collaboration version with Carry Commission. The stonewashed finish and blurple clip give it a unique look.
While this is my go-to, today I’ll be swapping it out for their limited-run OD Green Mini Click. These colors are hard to come by, and it complements the rest of the green setup I’m planning for this month.
Quick plug: if you want a discount on Big Idea Design gear, you can use the code CARRYON for 10% off. I stand by these pens, they’re incredibly practical, and they work with any theme—like this green one I’m currently obsessed with.
The BEST Everyday Carry Flashlight
For flashlights, lately, I've been carrying the CWF Mini Arc. Being a 14500 flashlight (basically AA sized), it's my preferred flashlight size. But the Mini Arc puts most other similar-sized flashlights to shame with its incredible brightness and simplicity. It just works.
But in keeping with my green theme for this month, I’m switching to the CWF Micro Arcadian. It's the same quality and a remarkably similar flashlight––just smaller, using a 10440 battery. Also another Carry Commission collaboration with Charles Wiggins, this one is OD green with an aluminum body.
This key setup literally can't get better
Nothing wild has changed with my keys over the years. All the favorites are here: my favorite key dangler, the JRW Gear Tough Clip, Glow Rhino Ember for finding my keys in the dark, and Urban Carvers Keyper Organizer for a magnetic quick release. These have all been mainstays in my key situation for years now.
One quirky addition is a UG Tools Titanium French Fry Fork. It’s a small, lightweight keychain fork, 3D printed in titanium. Do I need it? Probably not. But it’s fun, cool, and has proved itself useful a handful of times.
Lighter: Classic with a Twist
I don't really need a lighter every day, but I like to have one just in case. It's useful for burning or melting loose threads (to prevent runs) and lighting the occasional celebratory cigar, among a few other things. It's also a decent fidget that doesn't seem to draw too much attention.
For the lighter, I'm sticking with my classic brass Zippo that I force-patinaed myself. I also replaced the traditional Zippo insert with a soft-flame butane insert also from Zippo. It's nothing fancy--just a solid, dependable piece that’s been with me for years.
My favorite minimalist EDC wallet
I've been rocking the Rustic Heirloom Hitchhiker Wallet almost nonstop since before we launched the Carry Commission store in 2022. The leather has patinated beautifully over time. But following the green theme, I’m switching back to my old OD green Hitchhiker.
If you want to grab one of these wallets, I’ve heard there’s a restock happening soon, but the green might already be sold out.
Apple iPhone vs Pixel Fold
This one’s important. I made the switch to the Google Pixel Fold not too long ago and genuinely loved using it. It’s intuitive, fun, and I really liked how it worked for my daily needs. But there’s a catch: if you run a business, missing messages from brands and clients is a no-go.
That’s why I had to return to my iPhone 15 Pro Max temporarily. I missed too many messages with the Pixel Fold due to the Android-iPhone messaging divide. While I prefer the Pixel Fold, for now, I need to stay in the iPhone world until RCS (Rich Communication Services) rolls out for iMessage.
A SOLID Everyday Watch: Vaer G5 Meridian GMT
I often rotate between my few favorite watches, but the one that has found the most wrist time recently is the Vaer G5 Meridian GMT. It’s a solid, well-designed watch, and the quick-adjust bracelet is a lifesaver. Being able to make on-the-fly adjustments to the bracelet is especially helpful after hitting the gym or just going through wild temperature swings like we experience here in North Carolina.
While I usually rock the G5, I sometimes switch it up with the D5 Meridian, which is a standard dive watch. Both are great, but the GMT gets most of the wrist time.
A bulky yet well-rounded everyday multitool
I'd be lying if I said I carry a full-sized multitool every day. I did for a long while after the Leatherman Arc came out, as it really seemed like the perfect balance of tools and functionality. But I eventually grew tired of the additional weight, especially for how rare it was I needed some of the tools. So after a while, it became relegated to my backpack.
Lately, however, the Leatherman Arc has re-entered my carry––likely because I'm already carrying a bit more than I normally would with this carry or because I've started wearing pants with tool pockets on the side of the legs, which make something like a full-sized multitool far less noticeable.
One of the few complaints I had about the Leatherman Arc in the beginning was how slick the tool was. With no texturing on the handles, it was quite slippery. However, I eventually discovered Ripp's Garage Tech Leatherman Skins, which are effectively Cordura backed with 3M adhesive. Not only do they add much-needed grip to the Arc (and other supported Leatherman models), but they also improve the aesthetic of the tool, almost making it look like micarta scales. Even more, they'll patina with use.
A MASSIVE Everyday Fixed Blade
This one’s a big deal. For the month of August, I challenged myself to carry the Schwarz Knives Lost Trail 5 (use code BDEDC for 10% off) exclusively. This 10-inch fixed blade is an absolute beast. It comes with a huge Kydex sheath, which surprisingly fits in my pocket thanks to the DCC (Discrete Carry Concepts) clip I attached.
It’s overkill for day-to-day tasks, but that’s the point. I’m carrying this giant knife for everything—cutting food, opening packages, even the fine-detailed tasks. It’s going to be a long month, but it’s going to be an interesting experiment. Even though it’s absurd for 99% of my daily task list, I’m excited to document the process and see how it holds up.
A few more details for the knife nerds: it’s made with A2 Tool Steel, has an OD Green Cerakote finish, and features a black Richlite handle with a textured grip. It’s priced around $195, an absolute steal for a USA-made knife of this size and quality.
Final thoughts
As always, my carry will change and evolve, but this kit represents my daily essentials for this month. One thing’s certain: carrying a massive fixed blade every day is going to be an adventure.
