Your EDC for a lifetime

[Etherealicer]

The Farmer could easily last a lifetime

If you need more versatility then a Swisschamp is an amazing bit of kit, that is pretty much legal everywhere too.

Sent from the astropathic choir.

A Farmer is an excellent choice. But depending on the needs a Caded with a nail-file could be a winner too.
The SwissChamp is probably the largest SAK I would feel comfortable carrying and packs a lot of utility.

[Monrogue]

So now that I've had some time to think on this....it's still a hard choice.  If I wasn't hung up on the fact that I occasionally need pliers and prefer to have a pliers based MT on me as a result, I would be able to just go with a SAK, my Rogueneer naturally   That honestly handles pretty much everything I normally encounter.  The Minimalist challenge showed me that a Compact was sufficient for a month, with pliers only being needed once.  Still, if I have to choose one for the rest of my life, I think it would have to be a pliers based MT.  I would miss some of the exclusive implements of the SAK, like the scale tools and the sweet Vic scissors. 

Now of course, that means I have to choose, which is much harder than choosing a SAK for me.  As much of a fan as I am of my Rebar and Supertool, they lack scissors, and are the type of MT that is complemented really well by a SAK.  Still, I prefer the butterfly opening handles versus the Gerber flicky types as I sometimes have made use of extending the handles for extra reach.  This basically narrows it down between my ReCharge TTi and Spirit. 

This is tough, as both are great options.  I think I'd have to go with the Spirit though.  I'd miss the diamond file on the TTi, but I can't say that I need it all that much.  Same for the OHO blades.  The scissors being on the inside, and not being all that great don't help it either.  The Spirit's scissors aren't that great either, but only because they don't open much.  They work just fine for anything I've used them for, so I can't really complain.  The only other negatives for me are the wire cutters, which I don't use hardly ever, and the fact that it lacks a pocket clip. 

I think the Spirit overall is just more versatile with the various implements it contains, with a few of them having multiple functions designed into them.  Part of that choice may be due to the fact that I miss my Spirit and feel guilty for not carrying it much when I had it available.  Still, it's honestly probably the best option to feel like I have everything covered and then some. 

As for a flashlight, I have no preference as all I normally carry is a Photon Freedom Micro.  I have no preference for a knife either, as I only have a LM Crater c33, and never really carry that anymore. 

[glorn]

EDC since it came out has been the Rebar. Before that, the ST300. Before that the ST200.

I like the Rebar for the foreseeable future, so I suppose that makes it already my lifetime EDC.

However.. This sounds like it is some kind of extreme situation. How else would one be forced to make such a decision? We must be shipping out to parts unknown, and this lifetime EDC must last no matter what.

So, the Rebar must be replaced with its big brother ST300.

The Mora Companion gets replaced by the Bushcraft Black.

The light goes from Maratac hard anodized aluminum AA to Maratac stainless steel AA.


Those three items are as durable as I can imagine without being difficult to carry or too obscure to bother discussing. With care they would all easily last a lifetime I think.

[charlie fox]

Multitool - My trusty old LM Wave; all of what I would need, none of what I don't.
Flashlight - Pelican 2360; lots of light, common batteries. I'd modify it with a permanent pocket clip.
Folder - As much as I love all my high speed, low drag tacticals, I'd choose the Buck 110; big, but not too big, non-threatening, can be deployed with one hand, easy to care for, and classy looking.

Thank goodness this isn't a real scenario!

[firiki]

It's a good thing we don't have to choose like this, though. Every member here would lose their minds really quickly 

True.

I've been down that path  I'm not gonna answer right away as I need to ponder about my choices :

[Zed]

Swisschamp
Ledlenser p3
Sparky custom mini svord
Mora 746

 

[JAfromMn]

I can't.

I just can't decide 

[kkokkolis]

I lived without a Multi for 4 .4 decades but without a SAK just 1.7, so I'll choose a Swisschamp over the best Multi I know (Spirit). It would be an XLT but a plain Swisschamp would do.
Lights have very rare use. Since my Smartphone has a bright LED I would choose a red filtered MiniMag LED.
Knife, an Opinel #8 Jardin. Less fearsome than my Endura and more user friendly.

[Millhouse]

MT - Vic Spirit X

Light - Fenix PD32

[sir_mike]

That is a tough one!

I guess for me if I had to ONLY have these tools available to me, then I would go this route.  This is based on items I currently have in my possession!

MT/Sak= Spirit X
Folder= PM2 cts-204p
Light= Trustfire Cree

If I had access to other tools as needed and these were just for EDC (emphasis on Carry), then I would change the Surge to either an Explorer or maybe Swisschamp!

[Lichtbote]

My actual edc is indeed a every day carry, so i don´t really have any rotation in my equipment.

- Surge, a complete toolbox
- Fenix E05 (i change somtimes between the black and the stainless, but just for the different color, both have the same start low to high, 8 lumen -> 25 lumen -> 85 lumen), runs very long on a standard AAA
- Due to the Surge no additional Folder is needed
- If i would need a fixed ... i would grab my M-Tech xtreme, no fancy steel, but 5mm full tang sturdyness, not to big and not to small

[Goatlord666]

this one's easy for me:

Wenger Rescue 88
Streamlight 30 lumens
I need a fixed blade - Mora Classic 1

[Breezy12]

this one's pretty easy for me too... but that doesn't mean my answer wouldn't change at all in the near future.

MT: modded ReCharge
light: Olight s10
fixed blade: ESEE 4

[Sazabi]

Dang, such a difficult question: One choice, and that decision has to last for a lifetime. So many things a person does on their lifetime, so many unknowns. I suppose that if it boiled down to it, we'd have access to more specialized tools as situations require? A Mora if you went hiking or a second flashlight during inclement weather? Kinda along the lines of having a jacket or coat during winter, no?

For my 95%-of-the-time EDC, I would have to choose a Spirit X for my multitool, a Fenix E01 for my flashlight, and a Gerber EAB for my folding knife, which is very close to my current setup. An alternative setup would be Rebar, Infinity Ultra M, and a Case Sodbuster Jr or KK Brown Mule (different manufacturers, but basically the same knife).

[WWW]

Multi - Leatherman Micra
 
Light - Lumintop Tool

Knife - SanRenMu 605

[Corwyn]

1. SwissTool Spirit X - no discussion there
2. I don't know. My only proper full size Flashlight is an UltraFire XML-T6, but I prefer the lighting and the fit and finish of my Led Lenser K2L, so I guess a bigger Led Lenser would be my choice.
3. If I could cheat with a Leatherman SkeleTool, or One-Handed Sentinel or a German Army Knife, I'd take that.. if not... my only reasonably decent knife is a Tekut Fairy, so....

le edit: I forgot about Opiez. At point 3 I choose a stainless Opinel 8.

[TheDude]

Work
LM OHT, Spyderco H1 fine edge, No name torch.
Play
LM Squirt PS4, Spyderco H1, Photon light.

[Chako]

For me, a Leatherman Knifeless Fuse so that I can wear it at work. For a flashlight, I am going to stretch things a little...the older Schrade Navitool. It does have a flashlight on it...of sorts. If I can't have the Navitool, then it would be a Ventura 500. As for knives, I prefer a non folder...and I am partial to the Glock Field Knife 78.

[Etherealicer]

I think its really hard to enable you to buy a dozen MTs help you choose without knowing what you will be facing. I mean a Ferrari is nice, but its kinda difficult to transport a sheep herd with it, a Dodge RAM can carry a lot but is a nightmare to park downtown...

Also, I prefer to have several small SAK's I can combine rather than one big that has all functions. I don't need a wood saw in the office and I don't need a bit holder in the mountains.

[nate j]

It seems people are interpreting this question two different ways:

• In one interpretation, life continues pretty much as it is now, with ready access to dedicated tools (including kitchen knives, axes, saws, pliers, wrenches, etc.), warranty repairs, fresh batteries, etc., the only exception being that one must choose a single MT, single flashlight, and single non-MT knife for EDC.
• The other would be an extreme situation, e.g. TEOTWAWKI or stuck on a deserted island, with only the chosen tools to try to survive.

I think you meant #1, and in that case:

• I would be tempted to choose my longtime frequent EDC SG Climber, but suppose I would upgrade to a Huntsman, since I would no longer have the option of doing that selectively.  I rarely need pliers or wire cutters, and when I do, it isn't usually a major inconvenience for me to grab a dedicated pair.
• Choosing a single flashlight would actually be the most difficult of the three for me, as I use at least three different lights regularly.  I always have a single AAA key chain flashlight with me, even when I don't expect to need a flashlight.  If I expect to be out of the house after dark, I'll often add my Fenix LD22 G2 due to its greater brightness and longer run time.  I love my headlamp for working on things around the house, since it leaves both my hands free and ensures I always have light on whatever I'm looking at.  I suppose I would have to take the LD22 if I could only have one, but I would definitely miss the others.
• As for a non-MT knife, I would have to say my Spyderco Police, as it is the only non-SAK I regularly carry.  And since I wouldn't be spending any more money on other knives, flashlights, or MTs, I would definitely have it engraved by this guy:  http://www.windyridgedesigns.com/

If you actually meant #2, that would dictate the most capable and rugged tools available.

• Victorinox Swisstool
• Probably one of the forever-type flashlights, if I could find one that lives up to the hype.  Sure, they're not very bright, rather bulky, and generally a PITA to use, but anything else is only going to be useful as long as the batteries hold out.
• A large fixed blade/small machete sort of knife - I'm thinking a Bark River Bravo III

[tosh]

Off the top of my head......

Something like

Wenger S557 - pocketable and capable but not too bulky

LM Surge II B/O - in my view it's the strongest most versatile MT yet

Lenser P7 - takes readily available batteries, light output OK

Spyderco yellow pacific salt (serrated version) - if other blades failed, pretty certain this one wouldn't.

[zoidberg]

From what I have already:

ST300 (if hacks are allowed then Charge TTi)
Fenix LD20 (2 x AA)
Tramontina Machete (wooden handle with 20" carbon steel blade)

MT over SAK for the large pliers, easy find batteries for flashlight, fixed blade is a must so had to ditch the folder.

[Kampfer]

If you could only carry:

One Multitool OR One SAK
One flashlight
One folding knife or fixed

For the rest of your life (nothing else)- what would you carry and why?

Selfishly, this should help me figure out what I should be
carrying too.

My wife.

[AimlessWanderer]

It seems people are interpreting this question two different ways:

• In one interpretation, life continues pretty much as it is now, with ready access to dedicated tools (including kitchen knives, axes, saws, pliers, wrenches, etc.), warranty repairs, fresh batteries, etc., the only exception being that one must choose a single MT, single flashlight, and single non-MT knife for EDC.
• The other would be an extreme situation, e.g. TEOTWAWKI or stuck on a deserted island, with only the chosen tools to try to survive.

I think you meant #1, and in that case:

• I would be tempted to choose my longtime frequent EDC SG Climber, but suppose I would upgrade to a Huntsman, since I would no longer have the option of doing that selectively.  I rarely need pliers or wire cutters, and when I do, it isn't usually a major inconvenience for me to grab a dedicated pair.
• Choosing a single flashlight would actually be the most difficult of the three for me, as I use at least three different lights regularly.  I always have a single AAA key chain flashlight with me, even when I don't expect to need a flashlight.  If I expect to be out of the house after dark, I'll often add my Fenix LD22 G2 due to its greater brightness and longer run time.  I love my headlamp for working on things around the house, since it leaves both my hands free and ensures I always have light on whatever I'm looking at.  I suppose I would have to take the LD22 if I could only have one, but I would definitely miss the others.
• As for a non-MT knife, I would have to say my Spyderco Police, as it is the only non-SAK I regularly carry.  And since I wouldn't be spending any more money on other knives, flashlights, or MTs, I would definitely have it engraved by this guy:  http://www.windyridgedesigns.com/

If you actually meant #2, that would dictate the most capable and rugged tools available.

• Victorinox Swisstool
• Probably one of the forever-type flashlights, if I could find one that lives up to the hype.  Sure, they're not very bright, rather bulky, and generally a PITA to use, but anything else is only going to be useful as long as the batteries hold out.
• A large fixed blade/small machete sort of knife - I'm thinking a Bark River Bravo III

Interesting ...

For me, if it's interpretation number one, I'll stick with my diverse range of different tools which can be picked from depending on the circumstances and scenarios I am likely to find myself in. This allows for tool variations according to tasks at hand, legalities, onlooker perspectives, size/volume constrains, carry options ... but always ensuring I have a tool with which I am familiar and also comfortable.

For interpretaion number two, I'll take whatever the hell I can get my hands on

[tattoosteve99]

Easy answer for me anyway. HDS 120 lumen flashlight (best there is IMO) Modded gerber fisherman and my trusty modded alox

[cedricada]

MT is a Surge
Light is a Thrunite T10
Knife is a Mora Fireknife

[Yaesu Man]

Ahhhhh!!  ONE MT, ONE light, and ONE knife?!?!  I'm...starting...to...hyper...ventilate just THINKING about such FOOLISHNESS!

[HarleyXJGuy]

MT/SAK For me it has to be a MT, in this case a BO Wave with Rebar head and awl. Replace the SE and PE blades with S30V. Full bit kit, pocket clip and extension of course. Extras in a Skinth belt pouch and Wave clipped in the RFP doing double duty as MT and folding knife.

Flashlight Surefire 6P with Malkoff drop in. Love my Olight I3S but need something that can be used as a weapon light. Carried in the same pouch as the Wave extras.

Knife Got to have a fixed blade for a number of outdoor and work related duties. Since I will never spend money on another MT, knife or flashlight again I can finally justify my dream blade. Phil Wilson custom (10V, Desert Ironwood, Full Tang) or if on a budget a Spyderco Southfork. Couple of sheaths, one for concealment and one for regular belt duty in the field.

As a related matter this was very hard to type. "Since I will never spend money on another MT, knife or flashlight again"

[zimchaz]

Multi: New surge
Light: streamlight microstream
Knife: esee 3

Had a wave for years and just got a surge...I see it as an upgraded more capable option especially with the bit kit options and spare blades.
Been beating on my microstream for 3 years and it's going strong.
I chose the esee 3 because it is my grail knife, only got it a month ago but I love it.I was tempted to go for my mora companion for capability but I enjoy the esee more.
With those three choices I would be pretty well covered,  although I would miss the feel of my alox farmer and the precision of Vic scissors.

[bmot]

I've been thinking about this for a bit...


Considering you are talking EDC, Every Day Carry, I am going to assume that I can take an extra MT on special days I know I'm gonna need it.


In normal day to day life, I don't use MT's a lot, or am in situations I can't carry them (I'm an intern in a psychiatric nursing home, not gonna carry sharps there). So, for me, a SAK would be good enough. I think I'd choose the Vic Climber as my "MT"
For light, I don't need those much, but for if I do, I have my great little Veleno Designs Quantum D2 flashlight
For a knife, I won't carry one much, but I really like the look of the serrated Spyderco Salt 1