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Black-Out EDC Challenge - January 2026

gb Offline fullbreakfast

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Re: Black-Out EDC Challenge - January 2026
Reply #330 on: January 17, 2026, 05:03:18 PM

Day 17

Here's a G-Shock that is rarely worn, as its sentimental value is way to high.

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Classic, a beaut.


au Online ReamerPunch

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Re: Black-Out EDC Challenge - January 2026
Reply #331 on: January 17, 2026, 05:59:33 PM

My research led me to believe the Coast G19 has one brightness level and runs on a single AAA. Sounds like my kind of flashlight!


It does, but keep in mind, this is an inspection light. Not the best or brightest, but perfect for my small edc pouch and bright enough to find your way around a dark place. I bought three over ten years ago, and they still work perfectly fine.


us Offline WECSOG

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Re: Black-Out EDC Challenge - January 2026
Reply #332 on: January 17, 2026, 07:30:39 PM
Day 17

I have a couple of Sofirn work/headlights. This one is 4000k and I use it at least once most days. The other one is 2700k, lives on a hat near the door, and I use it multiple times every night.

Also shown here is my newest Boker automatic, and my new OTF automatic that uses disposable scalpel blades.


us Offline ElevenBlade

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Re: Black-Out EDC Challenge - January 2026
Reply #333 on: January 17, 2026, 08:23:33 PM
Day 17

From my tacticool curiosity days and being a BUCK FAN, I had to try these two one hand opening models.

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The VANTAGE, a flipper.

The QUICKFIRE , a spring assisted mid lockback.

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Both are sharp from the package, BUCK SHARP.

THE VANTAGE, is a flipper only with well timed wrist action.  This was the low in version, next step up has bearings and maybe more certain to open with just finger action.
This is a good pocket carry, with deep pocket clip, and a liner lock.   To be honest, I tried to like this but the liner lock and the less than functional flip action side lined this after a month of carry.

The QUICKFIRE, is spring assisted, locking mechanism present to prevent accidents. This did not disappoint, opened quickly each and everytime. Deep pocket carry, and a mid lockback design like my BANTAMS, required little adjustment.  I did carry this regularly. But, as I matured my needs changed and this model was discontinued, so replacement could be a problem. 

Both are display knives.

 :like:

I liked Bucks tactical offerings. I had a Tac Lite a couple decades ago that I lost. I still regret losing it, and Im quite sure that it would be better than the folding knives I have now.


no Offline aicolainen

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Re: Black-Out EDC Challenge - January 2026
Reply #334 on: January 17, 2026, 10:47:52 PM
Day 17

The black Cadet isn't blacked out by my definition, but it'll have to suffice today. It did get used to tighten a loose quick mount plate on my photo light, and I'm getting a bit bored of just taking pictures of the few truly blacked out items I have - even if I use them too, every day.

Oh, and the photo light is blacked out (except for the diffuser, but that's add on and doesn't count  ::) ). I can't claim it's part of my EDC, but I'm sure these things are for some.



us Offline nate j

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Re: Black-Out EDC Challenge - January 2026
Reply #335 on: January 17, 2026, 11:45:14 PM
Day 16

Climber on cigar duty again…


us Offline ElevenBlade

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Re: Black-Out EDC Challenge - January 2026
Reply #336 on: January 17, 2026, 11:55:14 PM
Day 17

No usage today. Just a picture


us Offline Sos24

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Re: Black-Out EDC Challenge - January 2026
Reply #337 on: January 18, 2026, 12:47:36 AM
Day 17
Dog walk carry.  I haven’t shown it before, but the sting ring is a common carry when walking.  It is mainly in case of an aggressive loose dog or goose.  The sound alone has been sufficient the few times I had a concern.


us Offline BPRoberts

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Re: Black-Out EDC Challenge - January 2026
Reply #338 on: January 18, 2026, 05:44:19 AM
Busy busy

Day 16 (Late)

It's a really good bottle opener, guys.

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Day 17
Casio CA53W-1, the modern version of the Back to the Future calculator watch, with a NATO band from the surprise box.

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Re: Black-Out EDC Challenge - January 2026
Reply #339 on: January 18, 2026, 06:29:40 AM
PM me if you want to book a date and host a Mini Challenge. Available dates: 20th, 25th, 30th.


au Online ReamerPunch

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Re: Black-Out EDC Challenge - January 2026
Reply #340 on: January 18, 2026, 12:06:47 PM
Day 18

Yes, that is a Cobra in my pocket, but I am also happy to see you.


us Offline WECSOG

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Re: Black-Out EDC Challenge - January 2026
Reply #341 on: January 18, 2026, 03:38:28 PM
Day 18

Used my SRK to lop some twigs off a stick of firewood prior to splitting it. Illumination duty by Sofirn headlamp.


us Offline LoopCutter

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Re: Black-Out EDC Challenge - January 2026
Reply #342 on: January 18, 2026, 04:30:04 PM
Day 18

I bought an Emerson CQC - 7 at a flea market for about $100 bundled with a new SAK CLIMBER for around $100 in early 2000s.

Used the “7” has part of my work kit, as it was great for cutting a variety of materials with its chisel grind.   About 2016, the “7” disappeared from a job site. Just grew legs and walked off.

It was then when I looked for a replacement on line did I learn the EMERSON STORY.  Also, learned that I could not afford a new CQC7 new, from Emerson or even a dealer at a gun show. I was sick.

A little while later, learned that Emerson and Kershaw collaborated to make a line of knives designed like the first CQC models.

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Starting at the top
CQC5 - great pocket carry, and easy blade deployment via Wave blade feature.
CQC7 - Tanto blade, very close to my missing original
Except does have the grippy handle and chisel grind blade.
CQC8 - the other model of a 7, modified clip/drop blade.
(CQC -=.  CloseQuarterCombat)
It is my understanding that the Emerson line was designed for combat purposes with input from Elite Special Forces operators in the 90s. Quiet blade deployment via the wave feature, chisel grind for ease of field sharpening. And handles that were non slip.

These knives pictures are nice, but really copies of the originals at a very reasonable cost.
If I start and end the day above ground, it is a good day!

Hope yours is as good!

A SMART man always knows what to say!
   A WISE man knows whether or not to say it!!!


no Offline aicolainen

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Re: Black-Out EDC Challenge - January 2026
Reply #343 on: January 18, 2026, 05:08:17 PM
Day 18

I bought an Emerson CQC - 7 at a flea market for about $100 bundled with a new SAK CLIMBER for around $100 in early 2000s.

Used the “7” has part of my work kit, as it was great for cutting a variety of materials with its chisel grind.   About 2016, the “7” disappeared from a job site. Just grew legs and walked off.

It was then when I looked for a replacement on line did I learn the EMERSON STORY.  Also, learned that I could not afford a new CQC7 new, from Emerson or even a dealer at a gun show. I was sick.

A little while later, learned that Emerson and Kershaw collaborated to make a line of knives designed like the first CQC models.

  [ Quoting of attachment images from other messages is not allowed ]  
Starting at the top
CQC5 - great pocket carry, and easy blade deployment via Wave blade feature.
CQC7 - Tanto blade, very close to my missing original
Except does have the grippy handle and chisel grind blade.
CQC8 - the other model of a 7, modified clip/drop blade.
(CQC -=.  CloseQuarterCombat)
It is my understanding that the Emerson line was designed for combat purposes with input from Elite Special Forces operators in the 90s. Quiet blade deployment via the wave feature, chisel grind for ease of field sharpening. And handles that were non slip.

These knives pictures are nice, but really copies of the originals at a very reasonable cost.

Interesting story and mini collection.

Emerson has an interesting story, but the knives hasn't really appealed to me for the most part.
The only one I've ever really wanted to give a try is the Mini A-100.
For a brief minute we actually had a store here in Norway that sold Emerson. Didn't have a wide selection of models. Don't remember if they had the Mini A-100, it was before I had it in my sight. Still kind of regret not getting one while they were easier and somewhat cheaper to get hold of.

Your post has initiated quite a dilemma for me. The Mini A-100 used to be forever out of stock. I've signed up for the "notify me when back in stock" multiple times, and with nothing but crickets in return I've come to terms with it probably just being silently discontinued.
Now I want to make that claim without checking his page, and whatdoyaknow... there's one version in stock.
2026 is suppose to be my successful attempt at trimming the herd.



gb Offline fullbreakfast

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Re: Black-Out EDC Challenge - January 2026
Reply #344 on: January 18, 2026, 05:39:02 PM
Day 18



I couldn’t let the month pass without getting this little beauty out.


fi Offline Antti Lammi

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Re: Black-Out EDC Challenge - January 2026
Reply #345 on: January 18, 2026, 08:35:46 PM
Seems that i forgot to yesterday

Day 17 of 30
No use for MXBS

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Day 18 of 30

Today some beard trimming with MXBS

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« Last Edit: January 18, 2026, 08:41:10 PM by Antti Lammi »


us Offline BPRoberts

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Re: Black-Out EDC Challenge - January 2026
Reply #346 on: January 19, 2026, 02:43:46 AM
Day 18

My wife got me a new trimmer for Christmas after my old one bit the dust. The blade (black!) pops out nicely for cleaning. Unfortunately, today it fell down the sink and got wedged about halfway down the pipe. I wasn't too worried, since there's no way it could make it through the p-trap, but I wanted to try to fish it out rather than crawl under the sink to take it apart. The magnet tipped ruler from my Roxon Flex worked great. Easily reached far enough down to grab it, and the magnet got a nice strong hold. Got it out in a jiff.


us Offline ElevenBlade

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Re: Black-Out EDC Challenge - January 2026
Reply #347 on: January 19, 2026, 03:31:59 AM
Day 18

If you’re wondering if this can fit into an Altoids tin, it can’t.

I hiad this in mind because I am thinking of making an Altoids tin “survival kit” and wondering if theres a tiny fixed blade that can fit in it.


us Offline nate j

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Re: Black-Out EDC Challenge - January 2026
Reply #348 on: January 19, 2026, 03:40:45 AM
Day 17

Shameless repost from a discussion on the flashlight subforum…


us Offline Farmer X

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Re: Black-Out EDC Challenge - January 2026
Reply #349 on: January 19, 2026, 03:52:07 AM
Actually, it is the other way around!
I never would have guessed that!

My new OTF automatic that uses disposable scalpel blades.
That's pretty cool!

I couldn’t let the month pass without getting this little beauty out.
That sure is a good-looking little blade! :like:

I am thinking of making an Altoids tin “survival kit” and wondering if theres a tiny fixed blade that can fit in it.
I am certainly not aware of one. But for whatever it's worth, I know Rough Ryder makes some tiny fixed blades.

Day 18

Just a coin wallet for today. But I'll have an action shot for tomorrow.

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USN 2000-2006

Culling of the knife and multi herds in progress...

If I pay five figures for something, it better have wings or a foundation!


us Offline nate j

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Re: Black-Out EDC Challenge - January 2026
Reply #350 on: January 19, 2026, 04:37:57 AM
I am thinking of making an Altoids tin “survival kit” and wondering if theres a tiny fixed blade that can fit in it.
Doug Ritter RSK Mk5 might fit.  I can’t check because I don’t own one.

I think the smallest fixed blades I own, KA-BAR Becker Remora and Cold Steel Super Edge, are still too big to fit in an Altoids tin.

Personally though, if I were I set on using an Altoids tin (and not something a bit larger), I would rather have a folder like a Vic Swiss Army 7 than a teeny tiny fixie.



us Offline Sos24

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Re: Black-Out EDC Challenge - January 2026
Reply #351 on: January 19, 2026, 05:46:43 AM
Day 18
Bought some flowers today as a surprise for the wife.  Hopefully some colorful flowers make up for the ugly weather.  The ATK cut covering and trimmed ends.


gb Offline fullbreakfast

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Re: Black-Out EDC Challenge - January 2026
Reply #352 on: January 19, 2026, 11:29:40 AM
Day 19

My only American traditional style knife:





When I got this twenty-odd years ago I think the Hen and Rooster brand had changed hands at least once. It came out of the box with all four blades so blunt you would be lucky to cut sausage with them.



gb Offline fullbreakfast

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Re: Black-Out EDC Challenge - January 2026
Reply #353 on: January 19, 2026, 11:45:41 AM
Personally though, if I were I set on using an Altoids tin (and not something a bit larger), I would rather have a folder like a Vic Swiss Army 7 than a teeny tiny fixie.

Yeah a 93mm SAK will fit snugly in an Altoids tin, though will limit what else you can put in there. Alox Cadet, plus the scissors out of a Swiss Card, would be a space-saving alternative.

My personal tip for building a kit like this is don’t buy the Wintergreen flavour. They taste disgusting, and the unpleasant medicinal smell will linger in your tin even after you throw the mints away.


au Online ReamerPunch

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Re: Black-Out EDC Challenge - January 2026
Reply #354 on: January 19, 2026, 12:45:56 PM
Day 19

Sanrenmu 6040. Excellent little folder.


au Online ReamerPunch

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Re: Black-Out EDC Challenge - January 2026
Reply #355 on: January 19, 2026, 12:47:27 PM
Mini Challenge for the 20th.

Ebony and Ivory. Post a black item and a white item. Stainless counts for white.


fi Offline Antti Lammi

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Re: Black-Out EDC Challenge - January 2026
Reply #356 on: January 19, 2026, 01:23:00 PM
Day 19 of 30

Today some box opening with MP600

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us Offline ElevenBlade

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Re: Black-Out EDC Challenge - January 2026
Reply #357 on: January 19, 2026, 02:18:16 PM
Doug Ritter RSK Mk5 might fit.  I can’t check because I don’t own one.

I think the smallest fixed blades I own, KA-BAR Becker Remora and Cold Steel Super Edge, are still too big to fit in an Altoids tin.

Personally though, if I were I set on using an Altoids tin (and not something a bit larger), I would rather have a folder like a Vic Swiss Army 7 than a teeny tiny fixie.

I’m going to look at the Becker Remora :tu:


us Offline LoopCutter

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Re: Black-Out EDC Challenge - January 2026
Reply #358 on: January 19, 2026, 05:46:30 PM
Interesting story and mini collection.

Emerson has an interesting story, but the knives hasn't really appealed to me for the most part.
The only one I've ever really wanted to give a try is the Mini A-100.
~
Your post has initiated quite a dilemma for me. The Mini A-100 used to be forever out of stock. I've signed up for the "notify me when back in stock" multiple times, and with nothing but crickets ~€€

Your reply is my experience as well.  And, Mini A100 was and still stirs a bit of excitement for me too!

An email recently arrived and was introducing a new presence.

And seeing A100 and mini ignited a spark.

Ernie Emerson is an interesting man, and is very particular regarding his knives and passion

Enough so, he shuts down if materials are not available or staff can deliver expected outcomes.

The new online store - https://www.emersonknives.com/?utm_source=Klaviyo&utm_medium=email&_kx=WcRfknd8sQrIezKq1Sm05gT7QcFQB2ysCjZz8Qf-a6I.Tc8zqC

Mini100 and A100 both listed. 😎
If I start and end the day above ground, it is a good day!

Hope yours is as good!

A SMART man always knows what to say!
   A WISE man knows whether or not to say it!!!


us Offline nate j

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Re: Black-Out EDC Challenge - January 2026
Reply #359 on: January 19, 2026, 05:52:16 PM
Yeah a 93mm SAK will fit snugly in an Altoids tin, though will limit what else you can put in there. Alox Cadet, plus the scissors out of a Swiss Card, would be a space-saving alternative.

My personal tip for building a kit like this is don’t buy the Wintergreen flavour. They taste disgusting, and the unpleasant medicinal smell will linger in your tin even after you throw the mints away.
I guess some of it depends on how we define “survival” kit.  I usually think of being in the woods, and there a Swiss Army 7 would be far more useful than a Cadet + Swiss Card scissors.

I like peppermint too, but wintergreen is my favorite! :dunno:


 

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