New Chapter in my EDC

[Gerhard Gerber]

Once you get used to having what you need on you, the search for the perfect EDC becomes real 

I've gone through all the phases, it started out bushcraft/survivalist orientated......then you admit the ferro rod has no use in the office environment. It tried to live in my pocket along with a Skeletool.....simply to bulky and heavy.

Next was a more tactical & self defense period, during which time a CS Voyager XL was purchased. 

I've calmed down now, examined what I really use and have needed, looked at the limitations namely my right pocket, and this is what I've come up with:

Spyderco Salt 1 - perfect size and weight, perfect steel and construction for the application.  FFG plain edge would've been better, but SpyderEdge will do.

LM Squirt PS4 ordered - I often need pliers to fish something from somewhere my fat fingers don't fit, other tools are a bonus.

Light........I need light! Just yesterday I was digging around in a cabinet using my phone as a light source, and that just sucks.....
The limitation is all of the above needs to fit in my pocket along with my car keys, small, tough and USB rechargeable would be great.....

 

[Poncho65]

The journey is part of the fun in finding an EDC

Sounds like a good office carry, GG As far as a light goes I carry an Olight IE3 EOS  but to meet your requirements you would need anther light that I have and do carrt some If the price isn't too high (it is cheaper than many other high end brands) then I will suggest the Olight H1R Very bright little light and USB chargeable

[ThePeacent]

I enjoyed following you progress and reading your "chapters" Gerhard   

it seems that I've also found the ideal size for an EDC folder in something like the Salt I, but I haven't left the XL Voyager away and it's still my secondary carry. One for the office, one for outside   



as for the light, I see it as an absolute basic of any EDC gear, especially in winter time or darker countries, and for some jobs it's a godsend.
Mine is very tiny, weighs nothing and costs $20 or less, it's the Lumintop AAA. I like the easy to find batteries and three modes, very basic.
let's tell us what you finally get to light your way! 

[Gerhard Gerber]

I carry an Olight IE3 EOS 

That looks like the right size and price, next option costs 3x as much! 

No local resellers, but there is one is South Africa so maybe......

I have a Maglight Solitaire, fortunately didn't pay for it because it just doesn't do it for me....also waiting for a few suggestions and prices.

One for the office, one for outside   

I take the XL along on our Sunday morning hikes on the occasion where I hope somebody tries to mug us 

as for the light, I see it as an absolute basic of any EDC gear,

That is a fact, and a fact that poked it's finger in my eye for the last time yesterday 


Just had a thought, will carry the Solitaire from tomorrow since I have it.....get a feeling for what works.

 

[magentus]

Is it an LED Solitaire GG?

I have had one for a few years and though I have nothing else to compare it with, it does its job ok. Good luck in your quest! 

[Aloha]

For a little light I am partial to the Fenix LD02.  Its AAA and is tail click on/off.  The light is more than enough for everyday city dwellers 8/25/100 lumen.   I would strongly suggest getting a button light.  They can be had most anywhere cheap.  I have a Photon X but any of the cheap ones will do IMO.  Keep one on your keys and forget about it till you need just a bit of light. 

I like lights that aren't fussy about what cell they take.  I can highly suggest the Zebralight SC52L2 for this reason. This is by far my most favorite light.  The modes are programmable and IMO this light while $65 US is incredibly versatile.   I run Li rechargeable 14500s which help this light pack a bigger punch.  I can also run Eneloops or Alkaline.

Lastly, since you mention USB I'll offer up the UltraTak K18 v2017 AAA.  I don't have this light but the review are really favorable.  You can run a wide array of cells and it comes with a USB charge module.   I certainly think this light is worth a look.     

   

[Kev D]

+1 for the Olight i3E EOS, I carry one daily and it's a great little torch

[Breezy12]

+1 for the Olight i3E EOS, I carry one daily and it's a great little torch

+2

I carry one as well. I ditched the keyring and just use the pocket clip. great little torch for the price!

[Gerhard Gerber]

The Solitaire is old, incandescent bulb and not very bright.

I think there's a Fenix reseller in town will check those out as well.

The Solitaire and NiteIze Doohickey is riding in my left pocket with my wallet and that  seems to work

[pfrsantos]

 

[Blackbeard]

you dont necessarily need the charging port on the light, you can buy batteries from fenix, klarus and others that have the micro usb port built into the battery.

[watchandknife]

The Fenix UC01 is an awesome light I love it! Super affordable only 12$ I got mine from blade hq.

45 lumens And rechargeable. UI super simple only two modes high and low.

What I like most about it is that it has a clip which makes taking it on and off to switch between edc or car keys easy.

Here is a picture of it next to my SAK tinker

[gerleatherberman]

The Solitaire is old, incandescent bulb and not very bright.

I think there's a Fenix reseller in town will check those out as well.

The Solitaire and NiteIze Doohickey is riding in my left pocket with my wallet and that  seems to work

The newer LED solitaire is so much brighter, it is freaky. 45 lumens I believe and the same size as the old one. The old incandescent one may be 1 or 2 lumens. I use my led solitaire  quite often and own several. If I need more light, I keep the 2xAAA LED maglite as well that puts out 111 lumens. Both are fantastic lights for the money.
I am biased though, as I really don't  care much for multi-mode "tactical" lights. Maglites also don't have any sharp edges, so they pocket well on keys, lanyard, or on their own.

[Gerhard Gerber]

Like the say, don't knock it before you try it.....

Not very bright indeed, but it's been in my pocket a few days with no hassles, and it would've worked where I needed light recently.

I'll posy some pics when the Squirt arrives, but since that will be before payday, I should stop looking at lights NOW

Thanks for the suggestions! 

Just FYI.........firmly in love with the Salt 1 

[Zed]

Mines shrunk recently as home alot due to my Ankle, 

[lister]

I think personal EDC threads shouldn't have gone out of fashion as much as they have. I miss them. Nice to see at least some are keeping up the tradition.  :cheer

[ThePeacent]

I think personal EDC threads shouldn't have gone out of fashion as much as they have. I miss them. Nice to see at least some are keeping up the tradition.  :cheer

I agree, I love these type of threads and usually follow with interest and contrast with my EDC system     

[Gerhard Gerber]

I think personal EDC threads shouldn't have gone out of fashion as much as they have. I miss them. Nice to see at least some are keeping up the tradition.  :cheer

I've learnt from those threads, that's why this is costing me money! 

[Fuzzbucket]

Mines shrunk recently as home alot due to my Ankle, 

I'll see your pristine E01 Zed... and raise you my E05 which is.... am... not so... pristine...

[ThePeacent]

Mines shrunk recently as home alot due to my Ankle, 

I'll see your pristine E01 Zed... and raise you my E05 which is.... am... not so... pristine...

those scales are 

 

[pfrsantos]

I think personal EDC threads shouldn't have gone out of fashion as much as they have. I miss them. Nice to see at least some are keeping up the tradition.  :cheer

Miss Them!

[Gerhard Gerber]

+1
 

I've been thinking about making micarta scales for one of my Enlan's to see how that goes........that Spydie is motivating! 

[Fuzzbucket]

Thanks Chaps! although i can't take the credit for making the scales - these were from Luke at Cuscadi!

[Gerhard Gerber]

Squirt PS4 in black will be here in 5 working days........how did they know when I'd have money again? 
 

There's a shop on my way home called LAS.......Light and Security.......been avoiding them because the little Solitaire has been somewhat of a revelation...... 

Truth is, having light has been somewhat of a.....wait for it......revelation 

 

[Zed]

Mines shrunk recently as home alot due to my Ankle, 

I'll see your pristine E01 Zed... and raise you my E05 which is.... am... not so... pristine...

This replaced the one i lost ,that wasn't so shiny, ok ill see your shinny spydie ,and raise you a very old Camco    and a powerful Pete thrown in for good measure 

[raistlin65]

Mines shrunk recently as home alot due to my Ankle, 

I'll see your pristine E01 Zed... and raise you my E05 which is.... am... not so... pristine...

About a year ago, I graduated from the E05 to the E15. 450 lumens of goodness in turbo mode, and still fits on my keyring!

[Gerhard Gerber]

The journey is part of the fun in finding an EDC

Sounds like a good office carry, GG As far as a light goes I carry an Olight IE3 EOS  but to meet your requirements you would need anther light that I have and do carrt some If the price isn't too high (it is cheaper than many other high end brands) then I will suggest the Olight H1R Very bright little light and USB chargeable

I had monday to wednesday off, finally stopped at a local shop that I've been avoiding since they opened 

Lo and behold, they sell Olight 

I now have a iE3 EOS in my pocket as well, xmas discount so the price felt like robbery    Smaller, lighter, brighter 

Problem being now I've seen the S20R 

Shipment was delayed so still no Squirt PS4 

[Poncho65]

I think that you will get great service from Olight

[Gerhard Gerber]

 

Of course, there has to be a smurf-up 

When you order something from a very good friend that just did you a HUGE favour and the supplier messes up.......

The OCD FOS smurf living inside me pushing the buttons cannot make peace with a BLACK Salt 1, a BLACK OLight and a BLUE Squirt PS4 

NO NO NO NO NO NO NO!
 

[Etherealicer]

The limitation is all of the above needs to fit in my pocket along with my car keys, small, tough and USB rechargeable would be great.....

Obviously, you need to change pants...
I for example had to change them, so my phone fits into the pocket

Always interesting to learn the journey others take