Multitool.org Forum
Non Tool Forum => Gadget Freak and EDC Forum => Topic started by: SirVicaLot on March 13, 2019, 02:03:25 AM
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Hi all,
I love building, upgrading and working on my EDC and it is constantly in evolution. This morning I had the idea to start a thread were we would build the "perfect" Minimalist EDC together. I know that everyone has their own unique items,
and that not one EDC is the same because everyone has different needs. But I would like to develop a baseline that the majority of the people could agree on. I would split it in the baseline part and a personal additions part for everything that is specific for your needs.
The goal is to make it as minimalist as possible, without sacrificing too much utility, for an urban environment.
For example: A multitool with metal file and wood saw is great, but this is not something most people use every day. If you use these items at work they would be part of the personal additions.
I also don't think we need a survival kit. If I go some place I mostly take the car, and I have one in there. So i would only have to reach my car.
Let's start by making a list of the items that should be part of such an EDC before we decide which product gets the spot.
For me the absolute minimum is this:
- Multitool (of course :multi:)
- Pen
- Wallet
- Flashlight
I also carry the following that are essential for me, but I would like to hear your thoughts on them. Should they be part of a minimal carry?
- Handkerchief (Personally i use it all the time)
- Lip Balm (also used all the time because of the dry air around here)
- First Aid Kit
- Notepad
- Buff/Bandana
I am looking forward to hear your thoughts on this!
:hatsoff:
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Mine depends entirely on the day/event.
If I'm leaving the house, then I'll have my keys, and the default setting on there is a Gerber Dime, Nitecore Tube, and Utilikey. (pic 1)
Today, I stayed at home and aside from a traditional slippie in my pocket, I had a tool lanyard round my neck. That gives me a light, pen, tweezers, magnifier, whistle, and alox Rambler (pic 2)
Sometimes I'll go for a small pocket carried combo instead, and slim my keys down accordingly. (pic 3)
Everything else is variable too, with the only real exception being my phone - I only have one of those. Pen, notepad and wallet are optional. Handkerchief depends on the weather, health, and what nicotine delivery system I'm going to be using (pic 4). If it's the snuffbox, then a hanky is mandatory. If it's the pipe or rollies, then I need a baccy pouch, lighter, and pipe tool maybe. A spare battery or vape juice bottle will be needed if i'm going electronic. If I'm liable to be eating or having a drink while I'm out, then a second clean hanky as moustache towel is required.
Hat/buff and watch will vary, sunglasses or regular specs depends on the weather and how long I'll be out. Gloves are a possible addition too. What kind of pen, if any? Fountain, gel, or pressurised? Will I need a notepad, or will I be liable to be writing on something I'm given when I'm there?
A folding hairbrush is a frequent carry item for me, but folks with shorter hair might prefer a comb. Meds won't be needed unless I'm stopping out, in which case there'll be a toothbrush and travel razor in a pocket too.
There's a couple of other items I need that most folks won't. A walking stick to keep me upright, and let people know I'm not a drunk or smackhead if I start to stagger, and an eye patch in case my brainstem decides my eyes don't need to both point in the same direction, or scramble the signals from one of them. Also, as I have long hair, an elastic band to tying it back is needed, particularly if it's windy. Being flailed alive by your own hair, or trying to see where you're going while looking like Cousin It on a bad hair day, is no fun.
Five years ago, I'd have needed two phones, house keys, parent's keys, car keys, boatyard keys, boat keys, and work keys - at all times! Boat and boatyard keys both needed floatation devices, and car keys needed a Res-Q-Me. I'd need a light that could throw 100m instead of 10m, and a back up light too. I'd also need a full size multitool in case I was called out to work or the boatyard for an emergency.
Some days I need a bag or plenty of pockets, on others just my house keys and a little cash.
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For me, I think the minimum would be:
- SAK
- wallet
- keys (including flashlight)
- phone
- lighter
- bandanna
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@ AimlessWanderer
Thanks for your post, some good information here. You change your carry depending on your needs, but your baseline seems go be Multitool of some sort, light and pen. Looks like you always got on of those on you.
If you would have to pick one multitool, and one only, which one would you pick?
@ Nate J
Your baseline looks similar than mine, besides the lighter. Do you prefer any SAK or do you switch depending on mood?
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I switch a bit depending on what I will be doing, but for the last few years, anyway, it's pretty much been:
Hiking/Camping - Huntsman
Work - Mountaineer
Everything Else - Climber
I sometimes carry other knives and or MTs in addition, but I guess since
Huntsman = Climber + Wood Saw
Mountaineer = Climber + Metal Saw/File
it could be said that the basic Climber tool set is my minimum.
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These are some of my favorite things to discuss. There are so many options with so many individual needs/wants.
Base line huh? :think:
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If you would have to pick one multitool, and one only, which one would you pick?
I wouldn't. It would almost always be a combo of some description, as per the examples above. Even the combo that's just a copper light and TiNi pliers is incomplete, I just haven't built the mating knife with scissors yet.
The only tools I carry "solo" are Gerber Balance or Cybertool 34 / 41. I am planning doing a Swiss knife mod later in the year, which would give me a lighter or more minimalist "solo" option though. My essential tools are knife, scissors and pliers, and always try to incorporate a Phillips, awl and flat driver in there somehow too. A Juice CS4 would be absolutely perfect if they built them properly, but sorely lacking in their current form
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My essential tools are knife, scissors and pliers, and always try to incorporate a Phillips, awl and flat driver in there somehow too.
Deluxe Tinker?
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Deluxe Tinker?
My thought too, but he might not consider the pliers on these SAKs real pliers. They are more like enlarged tweezers, and a lot of people use them like that. Would be interested in your thoughts about that SAK though Aimless Wanderer.
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These are some of my favorite things to discuss. There are so many options with so many individual needs/wants.
Base line huh? :think:
I like that as well. I know that there is not the perfect answer, but with this thread i try to boil it down to a few options that most people would be happy with. With a size factor that is as small as possible.
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I believe the minimum for me for my days off would be SAK ( 84mm Salesman & 58mm Manager ), light, Squirt P4, PW2. I've discussed my thoughts in a thread I did a while ago. I will carry personal first aid ( boo boo ) kit but only when I am leaving the house for an extended period. A quick jaunt to the grocery store or to a home improvement store and it'll stay home. Like many I have a pretty well stocked kit in my vehicle.
I carry the Salesman and Squirt in a pocket sheath. The Manager and AAA Light are on my house keychain and have been there for a while. The Pocket Wrench 2 I've been trying a few carry options.
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Deluxe Tinker?
My thought too, but he might not consider the pliers on these SAKs real pliers. They are more like enlarged tweezers, and a lot of people use them like that. Would be interested in your thoughts about that SAK though Aimless Wanderer.
Funny you should both mention that! :D
One of my earliest posts on the forum was a head to head comparison between the Juice CS4 and Deluxe Tinker, the second Swiss knife I ever owned. The Victorinox won.
After that, I moved away from the Vic pliers, as I needed something more substantial, and moved away from the backspring Phillips in favour of the corkscrew too. The Deluxe Tinker got traded away. Now I'm no longer in marine or heavy engineering environments, I'm somewhat looping back to where I started.
The minimalist mod I mentioned, will be a DofE with pliers, a Deluxe Tinker Slim of sorts, but with the full plus scale tool compliment of pin and pen.
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Ok, so for the multitool part we have the following listed so far: Vic Climber, Squirt P4, Juice CS4 and Vic Deluxe Tinker.
We mentioned some more, but remember we are trying to build a minimalist EDC, so only one mt is allowed :D
Let‘s see who comes up with other ideas :popcorn:
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We mentioned some more, but remember we are trying to build a minimalist EDC, so only one mt is allowed :D
So does minimalist specifically mean quantity to you? Personally, I'd consider a Squirt P4 and Classic, or Style PS and Micra, more minimalist that a Deluxe Tinker, even though it's two tools instead of one.
As to pocket pens, my default choices are OHTO Tasche, Fisher Stowaway, and Tombow Airpress. A regular Parker ballpoint and Zebra F-301 included for size comparison.
For notepads, I'm currently using a Rhodia 7.5x12 for grocery shopping lists, and a Rhodia No. 10 or pocket diary if I want pad and pen when not shopping.
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Minimalist for me means I get maximum utility out of an item that is as small as possible without sacrificing too much manageability. For example: I found an EDC pen that you can put on your key chain. It is about half the size of a regular pen. I would still not consider it because a) you cannot use regular refills and b) it is a pain to hold and write with it.
I listed those tools above because i think they are a good compromise between size, utility and manageability.
When it comes to a minimal EDC as a "package", i would consider minimal as maximum utility out of a minimal number of items. For example: I could carry a buff and use it as a handkerchief too. That way i can eliminate the handkerchief. Now for me personally i use the handkerchief too often on nose duty, so it makes sense to carry it. I would still put in the personal addition section and not in the baseline.
I like the first two pens you posted :like:, they look really slim but still usable. I would like to have a pen that can also double as a glass breaker and for certain self-defense techniques. Unfortunately i never had the chance to test such pens on a real car window, so it would be interesting so see how they would perform. I wonder if a Ti pen with a tungsten carbide tip would fit that description :think:
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Baseline that I could get away with or baseline what do I want on me? I've been working on streamlining my EDC for years now but I'm in no way trying to say that I couldn't get by with less. I'll show an example.
Here is today's EDC straight out of my pockets. My current 'want on me' baseline.
(http://www.timelessjewishart.com/EDC_zx/edc_11.jpg)
What can I get away with? To be honest, this. I could even lose the mini flashlight if my phone had one.
(http://www.timelessjewishart.com/EDC_zx/edc_12.jpg)
But, I use all of my EDC on a daily basis. Often right through the day. I can live without some of it but I would be inconvenienced as a result.
Truth be told my on body EDC is what I have concluded is the perfect compromise between utility and convenience for my personal daily uses. I've had the same EDC for a good long while now and it's unlikely to change.
Don't get me started on my bag contents. :D To be honest the majority is again stuff I use or want with me at all times and it's already very streamlined. I keep the SHTF/GHB/BoB/Fantasy Armageddon stuff in a bag in the car. :D I could get by without most of the stuff in my EDC bag by making sure I kept stuff at work, kept more in the car, etc. I'm perfectly happy to go out without it, my pocket EDC is sufficient. I've been playing with the idea of a major cull of the bag contents (again!) for a while in fact. :D
One thing I will say. If I didn't loathe the things due to how they are used by the masses, a smartphone is one of the best EDC items you can buy to reduce bulk in carry. In my case it could replace my phone, flashlight, timepiece, GPS watch (bag), E-Book reader (bag) and camera (bag). That's a whole lot of carry reduced to a tiny size.
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For example: I found an EDC pen that you can put on your key chain. It is about half the size of a regular pen. I would still not consider it because a) you cannot use regular refills and b) it is a pain to hold and write with it.<snip>
I like the first two pens you posted :like:, they look really slim but still usable.
As well as the pens I showed before, another of my favourites is the sadly discontinued Inka pen, from before they added the clip. This is even smaller than the Stowaway and Tasche, but can be used as either a pull out pen for a quick note, or disassembled and rebuilt as a full pen. It might still be possible to track one down somewhere.
The True Utility Telepen I carry on the neck lanyard in the earlier pics, has also been reconfigured with a clip now. The one I have becomes a usable length pen, just by pulling it from its holder. I'm not sure if the newer version works the same way
The Zebra Xpandz is another excellent pocket pen, but sadly mine has been lost. I must get another at some point.
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So does minimalist specifically mean quantity to you? Personally, I'd consider a Squirt P4 and Classic, or Style PS and Micra, more minimalist that a Deluxe Tinker, even though it's two tools instead of one.
IMO, it's a bit of a sliding scale. Obviously, fewer items are easier to keep track of than more items. But at some point, if two items instead of one saves a significant amount of weight and or bulk, then it should be considered. For example, (tool sets aside) I would probably consider the extra weight of the Deluxe Tinker a worthwhile trade off over the P4 and Classic, just to have one less item to worry about. Now, if it becomes a question (again, tool sets aside) of P4 and Classic vs. Swisstool, then the nod goes to the P4 and Classic.
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My normal EDC is pretty basic. It consists of my phone, keys and wallet, a bandana that comes in surprisingly useful, Classic and E01 flashlight on my keys, and a comb in my back pocket if it has been a couple weeks since I last buzzed my head. If too short, I leave it in my sock drawer. If at work, I'll stick a pen in my pocket, at present a chrome affair from Cross, and a small field notes book.
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I've been trimming down my EDC for a few years now. Full sized and loaded out MTs are great and all, but since I stopped working in building maintenance I don't feel the need to have one on me all the time.
So for me my minimum has been;
Scissors
Small pliers
Blade (~3")
Torch (flashlight)
Handkerchief, pen, notebook etc. are all useful but I don't feel naked if I leave the house without them.
Some examples show below.
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Scissors
Small pliers
Blade (~3")
So are you carrying a SAK or MT with these features?
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Sorry guys for the late reply, we were in a Blizzard today and the power is just back on. Thanks to all the hardworking service technicians that have been out all day in up to 85mph wind gusts. If you guys read that or one of our forum members here works in that field, a big thank you from my side! :hatsoff:
@pomsbz
Baseline that you could get away with. The additional items in your first pick would be in the personal condition category.
Your EDC looks pretty streamlined already, i like it!
@Aimless Wanderer
Nice pens indeed, might have to track one down!
@Nate J
That is a good example, and exactly what i was going for :tu:
@ getahl
Sounds like a good ssytem. Pics please :D
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I've been trimming down my EDC for a few years now. Full sized and loaded out MTs are great and all, but since I stopped working in building maintenance I don't feel the need to have one on me all the time.
So for me my minimum has been;
Scissors
Small pliers
Blade (~3")
Torch (flashlight)
Handkerchief, pen, notebook etc. are all useful but I don't feel naked if I leave the house without them.
Some examples show below.
I like your edc tools, but there seems to be some redundancy that could be streamlined unless that was done on purpose.
That is no criticism i just try to enforce the idea of this topic. :D
Would there be one multitool for you that could be used instead of the 3 in the first photo without sacrificing utility?
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I like your edc tools, but there seems to be some redundancy that could be streamlined unless that was done on purpose.
That is no criticism i just try to enforce the idea of this topic. :D
Would there be one multitool for you that could be used instead of the 3 in the first photo without sacrificing utility?
Certainly too many blades for my taste. :D The thing about carrying two or three smaller tools is that I think they feel more pocket friendly than one full sized MT. However if I want larger pliers then I tend towards old LM designs like the Sideclip and PST and then add a 58mm SAK to my keys. My old favourite LM Pulse basically does all I want and manages it in a very neat package.
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That sounds good! So the pulse or the pst plus small sak it is :like:
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Unfortunately having a few blades seems to come with the territory.
I like my Manger because it sits on my keychain till needed. The pen, tweezers, small phillips, and scissors are what I use most. The file is great and I have used it so I'd miss it if it weren't there. I can do without the blade on this tool.
Squirt P4 is my plier tool. I do have a Deluxe Tinker but the pliers don't stack up to the Squirt IMO. The "wire" cutters have come in handy more that a few times. The very fine tip flat driver is used on my glasses and others. Who doesn't love an awl? Mine isn't used that much but I wont use a blade tip so having an awl makes a lot of sense. The blade is useful. I see my Squirt as a "dirty tool" to be used for whatever whenever. The file isn't super aggressive but I will take down a metal burr. I've used it to radius a wood edge as well as round a plastic sharp corner. The other drivers while short make easy work of both phillips and flat screws.
Pocket Wrench 2. It has limitations but that being said, I do like a pry tool. Seems every time I've tried to stop carrying one I need one. I tend to make a decision to carry or not carry something if there are enough times I can recall would have really liked ( such and such ) on me.
AAA Light. I like a light with modes and disco modes too. My go to light is a Fenix LD02. Its been hanging off my keychain now for a while with my manager. I do tend to carry 2 lights tho.
84mm Salesman. Whats a SAK without scissors? This SAK is so far my perfect simple carry tool. I like the clip point small blade as opposed to another spear point. The can opener is the only opener I use in my kitchen. The larger blade is perfect size for most every thing is need pocket knife for. I could get away with no ball tools but the larger phillips and awl are fine.
I am blade heavy which just seems to happen. I used to be very sensitive to all that redundancy but no more. Each blade has a purpose and I am not too keen on a one blade life. The Squirt is my dirty do all blade. My Manager is rarely used. My Salesman is my clean blade and while there is that small clip point, I dont use enough to worry about it. Its there and not bothering me.
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:like:
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:hatsoff:. I didn't show my Fenix instead showed my Ti Thrunite. Its the Christmas Edition which I now I realize I should have picked up a few. The head is a little loose which is why I don't carry it on my keychain. I like to keep this light in my coin pocket. 2 lights might be over kill :dunno:.
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:hatsoff:. I didn't show my Fenix instead showed my Ti Thrunite. Its the Christmas Edition which I now I realize I should have picked up a few. The head is a little loose which is why I don't carry it on my keychain. I like to keep this light in my coin pocket. 2 lights might be over kill :dunno:.
Happens that I picked up my Ti3 for the fist time in ages this morning. Cracking compact light.
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Ok i would like to make a decision on the multitool at this point. Here is the list of the tools multiple people mentioned. I looked up their specific loadout, since i do not own all of them, if i missed something please let me know!
First category medium tools (9-10cm closed):
Leatherman Pulse (10cm)
Blade
Ruler
Bottle Opener
Can Opener
Diamond-coated File
Extra-small Screwdriver
Hard-wire Cutters
Large Screwdriver
Medium Screwdriver
Needlenose Pliers
Phillips Screwdriver
Regular Pliers
Spring-action Scissors
Wire Cutters
Wood/Metal File
Leatherman PST (10cm)
Blade
Ruler (8 in | 19 cm)
Awl
Bottle Opener
Can Opener
Hard-wire Cutters
Large Screwdriver
Medium Screwdriver
Needlenose Pliers
Phillips Screwdriver
Regular Pliers
Small Screwdriver
Wire Cutters
Wood/Metal File
Climber (9cm)
large blade
small blade
can opener
screwdriver 3 mm
bottle opener
screwdriver 6 mm
wire stripper
reamer, punch and sewing awl
corkscrew
scissors
multipurpose hook
toothpick
tweezers
Deluxe Tinker (9cm)
large blade
small blade
can opener
screwdriver 3 mm
bottle opener
screwdriver 6 mm
wire stripper
reamer, punch and sewing awl
Phillips screwdriver 1/2
scissors
pliers
wire cutter
wire crimping tool
Which one of these tools would you pick? And remember, we need only one of these tools!
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Second Category is smaller tools (5-8cm)
Squirt P4 (5.75cm)
Spring-action Needlenose Pliers
Spring-action Regular Pliers
Spring-action Wire Cutters
Blade
Spring-action Scissors
Flat/Phillips Screwdriver
Bottle Opener
Wood/Metal File
Medium Screwdriver
Manager (5.8cm)
toothpick
tweezers
pressurized ballpoint pen
small blade
bottle opener
Phillips screwdriver 0/1, magnetic
wire stripper
nail file
screwdriver 2.5 mm
scissors
multipurpose hook
toothpick
tweezers
Juice CS4 (8.3cm)
Blade
Awl
Saw blade
Scissors
Corkscrew
Medium flathead screwdriver
Small flathead screwdriver
Eyeglass screwdriver
Phillips screwdriver
The CS4 is larger than the other ones, but it still seemed fair to put it in this category. Please choose one, and only one! :D
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And.............. this is where :ahhh .............. its so hard to decide.
Thinking out loud, I have all the tool mentioned. I carry my Deluxe Tinker for work. I have carried and have my Juice CS4 and while the flat drivers are a pain ( literally ) its a good tool. The Squirt I like is a P4 the one you listed with scissors is a PS4, I have both and carry both. My PST is in my camp cook kit because its slim and is a great tool. My Manger is always on my keychain.
:ahhh man this is hard. Ok, from the first group I pick Pulse and from the second group Manager.
I think thats a lot of bases covered :think:
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If I can have one from BOTH categories to carry at the same time, it would be Climber and Squirt P4. If I can only carry one, it would be the Deluxe Tinker.
Both these choices are based on non-specific urban carry. In different circumstances, I might change my mind.
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Climber and Squirt P4
:iagree:
I've carried this very combo on occasion, though I'm not sure I get enough regular use out of the P4 to justify carrying it in addition to the Climber.
FWIW, I prefer the retired P4 to the current PS4. The small flat driver on the P4 is great; giving it up (along with the awl) for a "meh" pair of scissors on the PS4 is not a good trade-off IMO.
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:iagree:
I've carried this very combo on occasion, though I'm not sure I get enough regular use out of the P4 to justify carrying it in addition to the Climber.
FWIW, I prefer the retired P4 to the current PS4. The small flat driver on the P4 is great; giving it up (along with the awl) for a "meh" pair of scissors on the PS4 is not a good trade-off IMO.
Totally agree. If I was designing the PS4 I'd have ditched the rather "meh" file before the small screwdriver and awl. Oh, and I'd have made the scissors better too. :D
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Totally agree. If I was designing the PS4 I'd have ditched the rather "meh" file before the small screwdriver and awl. Oh, and I'd have made the scissors better too. :D
:iagree:
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It's obvious that you'll have to buy all of them.
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Of the 10cm options, and if I really could only have one, then the Pulse is the MT for me.
Of the three smaller tools it a tougher choice. I THINK if I could only have one I'd have to have the Manager with it's scissors, but I'm not 100% happy with that. I actually carry a P4 and Rambler as a combo very often so picking just one feels like I'm missing out.
Oddly it just now occurs to me that my Juice SC2 (https://wiki.multitool.org/tiki-index.php?page=SC2) fulfils all of my wants in a very neat package, and yet I don't carry it very often.
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The manager is by far my favorite multi-tool ever. The excellent pen frees up an entire slot of space in my pocket. It also has the best nail care and electronic maintenance setup of any tool I've used. The small Philips is just incredible. Basically anything on the Rambler platform is amazing, but the pen addition is just too good to give up.
Cheers,
H.G.
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:iagree:
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While I very much like the P4 and PS4 I think most would lean towards a larger MT plier which is why I chose the Pulse. I personally find my Squirt to be very capable but yes it has limits due to its size.
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This is my favorite minimal selection
(https://i.imgur.com/dCHbqnF.jpg)
Leatherman Style PS 1.5 oz - 44 g
Maglite Solitaire (including AAA battery) 0.8 oz - 24 g
SOG ultra c-ti 1.3 oz - 37 g
Total weight 3.7 oz - 105 g
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Just got the Anti-Wallet Holster from anti-gear. You guys have to see this thing...
(https://i-h2.pinimg.com/564x/f6/7e/56/f67e56fe658c20e148a5e32f2888b3f0.jpg)
(https://i-h2.pinimg.com/564x/65/41/f0/6541f04371ee21a246c197a1baee3124.jpg)
(https://i-h2.pinimg.com/564x/a8/87/59/a88759e5ac8d4ccfa424a85e76e771e8.jpg)
(https://i-h2.pinimg.com/564x/c4/ee/f9/c4eef93c353fe240a637d9819b2ce1d2.jpg)
Cheers,
H.G.
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That's very neat H.G. :tu:
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There have been some very interesting wallets that have come out over that last several years. This is a new one to me. I'm not sure it can get any simpler than this unless you just use a rubber band :tu:.
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What's clever is how it slots into their wallet, which also can organise keys as well.
https://pin.it/6ibvoeycj2cvoz
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Ok, looks like we got our winners for the multitool slots in our minimalist EDC:
From the larger category it is clearly the Pulse.
For the smaller category we have, i would say, two winners. One for the Victorinox Lovers and one for the Leatherman Enthusiast: The Manager and the Squirt P4
Now, let's move on to the next items. Let's talk about wallets and pens, since we started on those already. I personally do not like these extreme minimalist wallets like Happy Gilmore posted, because i carry more items in my wallet than just card sized objects. For example hand cleaner, tweezers, tooth pick and so on. But i am open to all kinds of designs, so let's bring 'em on! :cheers:
I would also like to hear your thoughts about pens. Do you have any preferred manufacturers, material, or cartridges? Are there any pens you would like to carry, but they are so expensive that your better half would kill you if you would buy one? For example: I really would like to try a bolt action pen like this one https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/refyne/refyne-ep1-the-essential-edc-titanium-bolt-action?ref=discovery&term=Edc (https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/refyne/refyne-ep1-the-essential-edc-titanium-bolt-action?ref=discovery&term=Edc) but i do not want to spend over $65 on a pen.
I also prefer a pen that i can use as a glass breaker/self defense tool. I never had the chance to use my Schrade Tactical Pen as a glass breaker, so i am not sure if it would work. My favorite cartridge right now is the Fischer Space Pen one. Does not smear and writes on all papers/plastics i ever tried on.
Let's hear your thoughts! :hatsoff:
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For a minimalist pen, I have to say the Fisher Stowaway, which does actually take the standard Fisher cartridge. Depending on your choice of wallet, it may well fit inside.
(See reply #13 in this thread)
But...
If you've already chosen the Victorinox Manager, do you really need one? If you want a glass breaker, get a Res-Q-Me. Much better than anything on a pen.
As to wallets, I tend to stick to simple leather ones. Never gone for specific brands, just looked around shops and markets till I see something I like.
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Have to check out that pen :tu:
Yes i would carry a dedicated pen even though i had the manager. There is just something nice about a real pen :hatsoff:
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Ok, looks like we got our winners for the multitool slots in our minimalist EDC:
From the larger category it is clearly the Pulse.
For the smaller category we have, i would say, two winners. One for the Victorinox Lovers and one for the Leatherman Enthusiast: The Manager and the Squirt P4
Now, let's move on to the next items. Let's talk about wallets and pens, since we started on those already. I personally do not like these extreme minimalist wallets like Happy Gilmore posted, because i carry more items in my wallet than just card sized objects. For example hand cleaner, tweezers, tooth pick and so on. But i am open to all kinds of designs, so let's bring 'em on! :cheers:
I would also like to hear your thoughts about pens. Do you have any preferred manufacturers, material, or cartridges? Are there any pens you would like to carry, but they are so expensive that your better half would kill you if you would buy one? For example: I really would like to try a bolt action pen like this one https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/refyne/refyne-ep1-the-essential-edc-titanium-bolt-action?ref=discovery&term=Edc (https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/refyne/refyne-ep1-the-essential-edc-titanium-bolt-action?ref=discovery&term=Edc) but i do not want to spend over $65 on a pen.
I also prefer a pen that i can use as a glass breaker/self defense tool. I never had the chance to use my Schrade Tactical Pen as a glass breaker, so i am not sure if it would work. My favorite cartridge right now is the Fischer Space Pen one. Does not smear and writes on all papers/plastics i ever tried on.
Let's hear your thoughts! :hatsoff:
If we're going with the Pulse as the large MT, then I move we select the Manager over the P4 as the small MT, since the tool set better complements the Pulse.
With regard to wallets, it may not be minimalist, but I've carried one of these for many years, and it's still going strong: https://www.foxcreekleather.com/leather-credit-card-wallet/
Finally, while I don't consider a pen to be a required part of a truly minimalist EDC (especially if we already have the Manager), I have two that I like and sometimes carry:
- Fisher Bullet - I prefer this one: https://www.spacepen.com/goldtitaniumnitridebulletpen.aspx
- Parker Jotter - also takes standard Fisher refills, and I prefer this one: http://www.parkerpen.com/en-US/shop-online/jotter-stainless-steel-retractable-ballpoint-pen-with-gold-trim-medium-point-1953182--1
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The pen I like is my Zebra 701. Its a sturdy pen and is still on the Zebra .7mm cartridge. I've carried G2s and really like how they write. I carry a Maxpedition 3.5 note book cover for work. I like to write notes and transfer them to my phone and later sync with my computer. My Zebra 701 has rode in the notebook since 2012. I have no issues or failures with that pen. I use a cheap Wally World note book tho then pen works just was well on everything I've written on.
Fisher pen cartridge. I got a knock off and a real bullet pen. My Fisher cartridge sucked. I may have got a dud but my dud leaked and was gloppy when I wrote. I was told to send it in but honestly I just threw it in the trash. I replaced it with a Zebra .7mm insert and its good to go. The knock off had some basic insert that was fine. A simple stick ink pen insert that comes with darn near every cheap pen out. Once it ran out I inserted a Zebra .7mm cartridge and its good to go. I like the small form factor of the Bullets BUT I carry my Manager so I really never worry if I remember to carry a pen. The Manager writes and when I need a pen its serves me well enough.
I also use Zebra 301 and Pilot Precise V7 for note pads I use around the house i.e. grocery lists, to do's, random things . Lastly, I like plus scales on my SAKs. Having a pen on my SAK means I am rarely without something to write with. No its not the best writing or perfect pen tho it good and I would prefer to have a pen than not have one. Its super easy to carry and super convenient if you carry a SAK.
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Wallets. I carried a simple leather wallet for years ( 10 plus ). I cannot recall when or where I got it or how much I paid for it. I got a new wallet one year so I switched out my things from the old one to the new one. I carried the new wallet for years ( 10 plus ) till I wanted to try a thinner wallet. I don't know where the old wallet is but I still have the new one. I got a Wenger wallet used so I tried it for a bit. Its good but I dislike is the plastic id window thing. They seem to be the weakest link. I don't need it since you'll always have to remove your id anyway. The Wenger wallet is ok but IMO both the old and new wallet are better.
All the wallets I mentioned are bifold. All are leather. I don't carry many cards, actually I carry 2 debit cards. I carry cash up to about 20 bills. Rarely large bills but I like to pay in cash when I can. I carry a few photos of my kids. I carry my id and insurance card. I don't like the metal wallets nor the newer really neat options now a days. I like leather. I love the look of a well worn wallet. I also carry my wallet in my front pocket every since I've carried a wallet.
I am currently trying out a Tumi Key wallet. I've taken out the key thingies and attached the carabiner to a chain which I suspend from my belt. Over the years I realized I like my wallet tethered to me. Not so much for theft prevention moreso for absent mindedness on my part. I keep the chain short so it doesn't dangle like the trucker/biker wallets. So far its "ok".
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If we're going with the Pulse as the large MT, then I move we select the Manager over the P4 as the small MT, since the tool set better complements the Pulse.
With regard to wallets, it may not be minimalist, but I've carried one of these for many years, and it's still going strong: https://www.foxcreekleather.com/leather-credit-card-wallet/
Finally, while I don't consider a pen to be a required part of a truly minimalist EDC (especially if we already have the Manager), I have two that I like and sometimes carry:
- Fisher Bullet - I prefer this one: https://www.spacepen.com/goldtitaniumnitridebulletpen.aspx
- Parker Jotter - also takes standard Fisher refills, and I prefer this one: http://www.parkerpen.com/en-US/shop-online/jotter-stainless-steel-retractable-ballpoint-pen-with-gold-trim-medium-point-1953182--1
I agree that an additional pen might not be needed while carrying the manager, but if someone wanted to carry the pulse only, then they would have need for an additional pen. In the end we might come up with a true minimalist EDC, without the extra pen and the manager only, and then a bit more extended minimalist EDC with some personal preferences. Will see where this goes :tu:
Some nice pens there :like:
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Thanks for your thoughts Aloha!
I have heard lot of good things about the Zebra pens whenever i looked into EDC, so i might have to try one myself :tu:
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:salute: They might not get the attention from the "nicer" pens out there but in the years I've had mine they've been flawless. The 701 IMO also looks great.
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The biggest issue I have with most small pens is they tend to be two pieces, I would love if they made a fisher pen about the same size as it collapsed with a push button. I
I just love the Manager, especially when i learned how to hold it properly (with the file extended).
https://www.instagram.com/p/Bto6GfGAv5k/?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet
Because I have been so satisfied with that tool I base my other tool choices around it.
I really think the Leatherman Crunch is probably the best complement to the manager. It has a true plier capable of adjusting any size nut up to 1" and it has a FULL 1/4 inch bit driver which makes it's functionality explode. The other reason I suggest the crunch is that it has a Serrated blade which makes sense when you also carry a dedicated knife.
As for wallet..I have the Anti-gear solo wallet sitting in my locked mailbox right now grr...Can't wait till wife gets home with the key. Its basically the modular wallet of my dreams lol.
Cheers,
H.G.
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I slimmed down to a front pocket wallet some time last year, and never looked back.
I posted this pic elsewhere before, but it fits to post it here.
(https://i.imgur.com/dlDLqkU.jpg)
It fits a Swiss Card Lite perfect :)
(And it contains an emergency minimal pen!)
I prefer a normal sized pen if I need to write. Parker pens, like a Jotter or a Vector rollerball are great basic options. I do have an Inventery M bolt action pen, and prefer it over the Parkers. But my favorites pens are old Rotring pens. I recently came in possession of this one, and it's my current favorite.
(https://i.imgur.com/ziwq1jJ.jpg)
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I slimmed down to a front pocket wallet some time last year, and never looked back.
I posted this pic elsewhere before, but it fits to post it here.
(https://i.imgur.com/dlDLqkU.jpg)
It fits a Swiss Card Lite perfect :)
(And it contains an emergency minimal pen!)
I prefer a normal sized pen if I need to write. Parker pens, like a Jotter or a Vector rollerball are great basic options. I do have an Inventery M bolt action pen, and prefer it over the Parkers. But my favorites pens are old Rotring pens. I recently came in possession of this one, and it's my current favorite.
(https://i.imgur.com/ziwq1jJ.jpg)
That looks sweet, I tried something similar as well, but I still ended up having to carry a pen..and a flashlight separately. I eventually made myself a wallet that fit my needs but really looking forward to the wallet that I am getting tomorrow. Cant wait to show u guys, very different.
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That looks sweet, I tried something similar as well, but I still ended up having to carry a pen..and a flashlight separately. I eventually made myself a wallet that fit my needs but really looking forward to the wallet that I am getting tomorrow. Cant wait to show u guys, very different.
:popcorn:
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My favourite pens to carry are either a Paper Mate Flex Grip;
(https://www.cultpens.com/imgs/products/cp/950_constW/PP12494-BK-ZZZ~Paper-Mate-Flexgrip-Ultra-Stick-Pen-Medium-Black_P1.jpg)
or a good old Parker Jotter.
(https://www.parkershop.eu/files/zdjecia/galeria/g_S0705580_b.jpg)
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Nice pens all :tu:
I am not a big fan of push button pens though. For some reason i always click them while in my pocket and then „write“ on my pants when retrieving it from the pocket. So i normally use twist mechanism or the once with a screw–on cap.
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The biggest issue I have with most small pens is they tend to be two pieces, I would love if they made a fisher pen about the same size as it collapsed with a push button. I
I just love the Manager, especially when i learned how to hold it properly (with the file extended).
https://www.instagram.com/p/Bto6GfGAv5k/?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet
Because I have been so satisfied with that tool I base my other tool choices around it.
I really think the Leatherman Crunch is probably the best complement to the manager. It has a true plier capable of adjusting any size nut up to 1" and it has a FULL 1/4 inch bit driver which makes it's functionality explode. The other reason I suggest the crunch is that it has a Serrated blade which makes sense when you also carry a dedicated knife.
As for wallet..I have the Anti-gear solo wallet sitting in my locked mailbox right now grr...Can't wait till wife gets home with the key. Its basically the modular wallet of my dreams lol.
Cheers,
H.G.
You're still learning... You should hold it rotated 180º, so the file doesn't close when you press it against the space between your index and thmb.
:pok: :pok:
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You're still learning... You should hold it rotated 180º, so the file doesn't close when you press it against the space between your index and thmb.
:pok: :pok:
Thanks for the tip Sensei! :hatsoff:
also, beat this!
Cash
Cards
House keys
key (car 1)
Key Fab (car 2)
AAA Flashlight
Victorinox Manager
Leatherman PS4
Leatherman Charge Knife
Pen
Moleskin Volant Notebook
all in a super compact package Anti-Gear Wallet FTW!
https://www.instagram.com/p/BvUG2RshUr7/?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet
https://www.instagram.com/p/BvUG4QWBUM-/?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet
https://www.instagram.com/p/BvUG5cPhq-H/?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet
Cheers,
H.G.
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Pretty nice setup!
:tu: :tu: :salute:
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Pretty nice setup!
:tu: :tu: :salute:
:iagree:
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I think we can move on from pens and wallets. We had some really nice ones posted, and i don‘t think we need to make a decision on these items as they are all about personal preference.
Let‘s move to flashlights! What lumen do you think is needed? What activation mechanism do you prefer? Size factor: small enough to fit on a key chain or slightly larger for better handling?
Let‘s hear it! :popcorn:
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Let‘s move to flashlights! What lumen do you think is needed? What activation mechanism do you prefer? Size factor: small enough to fit on a key chain or slightly larger for better handling?
Let‘s hear it! :popcorn:
I tend to have AA or CR123 lights as my primary in the darker months. However for minimal carry configurations, it often tends to be single cell AAA lights. I do however, have a Nitecore Tube on my keys.
I actually had a count up only a few days ago, as to how many lights I have and what batteries they take. Here's the numbers...
AA - 3
AAA - 7
CR123 - 6
9V - 2
Button cells (Photon/Headlamps) - 8
Rechargeable (Nitecore Tube) - 3
Multiple Source (Gerber Omnivore) - 1
So I actually have the largest number in AAA and button cells. The button cells are 2 back-up headlamps, and 6 Photon/fauxton lights. This only counts dedicated lights, and does not include the light on a Voyager Lite for example. While many may consider them outdated, I consider the little Photon style lights as forgotten gems. I've gotten by with just one of those several times when the batteries in my primary light have died. A AAA light would be my preference though, as it can be fastened to keys, or carried separately.
For general carry, the comfortable minimum lumens is 10 for me, but I don't mind lights that have a lower mode as well. I don't have need of more than 100 lumens these days. I prefer clicky, but don't mind twisty.
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Let‘s move to flashlights! What lumen do you think is needed? What activation mechanism do you prefer? Size factor: small enough to fit on a key chain or slightly larger for better handling?
Let‘s hear it! :popcorn:
For a minimalist EDC, I think a single AAA light is the way to go for easy pocket or key chain carry. AAA batteries are more readily available than coin cells, but of course smaller than AA or CR123.
I prefer two (high and low) or three (high, medium, and low) mode lights, since it gives the flexibility to choose between more light and longer run time on the fly. Somewhere around 80 - 100 lumens is a pretty respectable high mode output for a single AAA light. Low mode should be 10 lumens or less.
I like a twisty switch over a clicky switch on this type of light. My experience is that the push buttons have an annoying habit of getting accidentally activated in pocket, resulting in a dead flashlight battery. With a twist switch, an extra half rotation when turning off the light effectively prevents any inadvertent activation.
Something like an Olight I3S or Fenix E05 would be a good choice.
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My Fenix LD02 and Photon X have both been on my keys for a while. They have been flawless and have batteries easily found. I use Eneloops as my primary cell for AAA and AA. My Olight S1R and Zebralight are my go to when winter is here and the time changes. I also like to bring either of these when I'm going out and wont be home till evening. My ZL is running a 14500 rechargeable and my Olight has a proprietary cell thats also rechargeable tho it will accept CR123s. The lights I carry at home are a Thrunite Ti AAA or a Fenix EO5 SS. I like to have a light in my pocket at home so AAA lights are easiest for me. I'm not terribly picky about how a light is turned on. I do appreciate a push button light tho.
I like a pocket clip on my lights so they can be used as a head lamp when attached to the bill of a cap.
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I think we can move on from pens and wallets. We had some really nice ones posted, and i don‘t think we need to make a decision on these items as they are all about personal preference.
Let‘s move to flashlights! What lumen do you think is needed? What activation mechanism do you prefer? Size factor: small enough to fit on a key chain or slightly larger for better handling?
Let‘s hear it! :popcorn:
Been thinking about this one a lot and as a result am about to retire my 18650 light from my bag and sticking with my keychain light as my sole on person EDC light solution, I'll keep the 18650's for home, car and bike.
My criteria for years has been: AA or AAA (due to availability), high of 130+ lumen (max I ever really need for EDC), rear clicky only (the only switch I really like), rear standing, good reliability and warranty and Nichia 90+ CRI (I'm a pro photographer, I see differences in CRI for real).
For the past 3 years my solution has been the Eagtac D25A clicky which has admirably answered all my criteria above. I just found out that there is a mkII but I'm not all that desperate to upgrade. I don't want memory in a light this size, the 14500 specs are not advertised anywhere and I'm still not sure I need more lumens.
I've used smaller lights, I had the Eagtac D25AAA Nichia, an excellent bombproof light, the only real problem was the twisty, I have finger problems and a twisty = 2 hands for me, a rear clicky is also faster to cycle. My wife has it now. I had an L3 illumination L11c but it was (very) unreliable. I had a Prometheus Beta QR and although it was an excellent light, the lumen count was low, it was a twisty and I lost it due to the QR mechanism. I had a tiny Astrolux M01 which died within a week and the warranty process was a nightmare. I know my Eagtac is expensive but it's the only one I know of that really answers my criteria above. Well, it and its successor. What I would like is USB charging but you can't have everything right? :)
(http://www.timelessjewishart.com/EDC_zx/keychain_2.jpg)
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I have a range of flashlights from small button ones like on the swisscardlite to 18650. If I go out at night I take a larger one, but for general EDC I just stick to smaller button/AAA/10440/cr123 and the flashlight on my mobile. My most carried one has to be the Maglite LED Solitaire. It's not the brightest AAA out there, but the very minimal form factor is a win for me.
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I will never ever leave the house without my phone and watch. Funny, almost no one mentions a phone.
In spring/summer, this is what I carry all the time. I also carry a purse with much more stuff in it, like my notebook, little (boo boo)FAK and EDC Pouch. That pouch is stuffed with a Leatherman, screwdrivers, cables etc.
But minimal, this…
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20190324/8657ad9eb237c1636d36945e88008787.jpg)
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Very very nice EDC!
I just got a pair of Ultra-Tac A7s with a dispersal cap. The Pair was $25 from amazon. I love the 3 modes, 180lumen super bright for AAA flashlight.
I would never ever get a flashlight that didn’t have a reversable clip that would let you put it on a hat.
My vote is for the Ultra Tac A7 (really cheap, small and powerful)
https://www.instagram.com/p/BvZzOrUgKeg/?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet
Or the Nitecore TiP (rechargable)
Something like that would work great. But I definitly recomend an AAA flashlight, much easier to deal with. Also I just got the Amazon basics high capacity AAA rechargables, so I am really happy about that.
Cheers
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Some really nice lights here folks :like:
I have to agree with push buttons. If they are not somewhat countersunk, they always seem to accidentally activate in my pockets. On the other hand, I also had a head-twisty flashlight once where i lost the head, because it was mounted too loose. Do not have that issue with my Ti3 though :tu:
I made a preliminary list for comparison. I did not want to make it too extensive, so it only covers the (for me) essential information: Lumens, Battery type, Protection Rating, Size and Activation Method.
Fenix LD02
8-100 lumens
AAA
IPX8
15mm x 76mm
Pushbutton (tail, countersunk)
Olight S1R
0.5-900 lumens
RCR123 (USB Chargeable)
IPX8
21mm x 66mm
Pushbutton (side, flush)
Thrunite Ti3
0.08-130 lumens
AAA
IPX8
14mm x 70mm
Twist Switch
Fenix EO5
8-85lumens
AAA
IPX8
15mm x 66.5mm
Twist Switch
Eagtac D25A
2-405 lumens
AA or 14500 li-ion
IPX8
17.5mm-87mm
Programmable Click Switch
Eagtac D25AAA
13-155 lumens
AAA
IPX8
14mm-70mm
Twist Switch
Maglite LED Solitaire
47 lumens
AAA
IPX7
12.7mm-81mm
Twist Switch
Nitecore TiP
1-360 lumens
built-in li-ion battery (500 mAh), USB rechargeable
IP54
24.5mm-60.8mm
Push Buttons
If you can find some time, please check them out if you do not own them already. I will wait a little bit longer before putting them up for a vote :hatsoff:
Personally i prefer a AAA flashlight because easily available batteries, Eneloops being my favorites. Not a big fan of USB chargeable flashlights. They always seem to be out of juice when i need them, without being able to exchange the battery.
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Personally, I would narrow that list pretty quickly to the Fenix E05 or Thrunite Ti3.
I'm definitely curious about the firefly mode on the Thrunite. Really 115 hours? Is 0.04 lumens enough light to actually be useful for anything?
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Not really sure if that is useful. I have an older version were the lowest mode is 12 lumens. Could be enough to see close range in a pitch black room :think:
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I'm definitely curious about the firefly mode on the Thrunite. Really 115 hours? Is 0.04 lumens enough light to actually be useful for anything?
Yes. Firefly modes are good for finding your torch in the darkness. Not bright enough to stop you getting some shut eye, but if you do wake in the night, and need the torch to see by, it gives off enough light so you can see it in the dark. The tricky part is remembering to turn it off again in the morning, as you might not notice its on.
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Yes. Firefly modes are good for finding your torch in the darkness. Not bright enough to stop you getting some shut eye, but if you do wake in the night, and need the torch to see by, it gives off enough light so you can see it in the dark. The tricky part is remembering to turn it off again in the morning, as you might not notice its on.
Interesting. I hadn't thought about that.
Wouldn't it make more sense to incorporate a glow-in-the-dark button or ring into the flashlight, so that it could be located in the dark by a means that doesn't run down the battery? I'm actually surprised more manufacturers don't do this. I put lanyards with glow-in-the-dark beads on several of my flashlights, and it works like a charm.
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Good point, but i for example hate glow in the dark stuff. I like my bedroom completely dark at night. Even small LEDs drive me crazy. I have two flashlights next to my bed, always in the exact same spot. That way i know exactly where to reach for a light :tu:
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Interesting. I hadn't thought about that.
Wouldn't it make more sense to incorporate a glow-in-the-dark button or ring into the flashlight, so that it could be located in the dark by a means that doesn't run down the battery? I'm actually surprised more manufacturers don't do this. I put lanyards with glow-in-the-dark beads on several of my flashlights, and it works like a charm.
With a firefly mode, you can choose to have it on or off, and it won't fade during the night like glow in the dark stuff does. I'm not saying it's for everyone, nor there are no other alternatives, just that firefly mode can and does serve a purpose if you need it. I've found it useful when away from home, when I'd need a torch just to find a lightswitch.
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Don't think we are getting more flashlight recommendations here, so let's make a decision. Here is the list again. Pick one and only one flashlight :cheers:
Fenix LD02
8-100 lumens
AAA
IPX8
15mm x 76mm
Pushbutton (tail, countersunk)
Olight S1R
0.5-900 lumens
RCR123 (USB Chargeable)
IPX8
21mm x 66mm
Pushbutton (side, flush)
Thrunite Ti3
0.08-130 lumens
AAA
IPX8
14mm x 70mm
Twist Switch
Fenix EO5
8-85lumens
AAA
IPX8
15mm x 66.5mm
Twist Switch
Eagtac D25A
2-405 lumens
AA or 14500 li-ion
IPX8
17.5mm-87mm
Programmable Click Switch
Eagtac D25AAA
13-155 lumens
AAA
IPX8
14mm-70mm
Twist Switch
Maglite LED Solitaire
47 lumens
AAA
IPX7
12.7mm-81mm
Twist Switch
Nitecore TiP
1-360 lumens
built-in li-ion battery (500 mAh), USB rechargeable
IP54
24.5mm-60.8mm
Push Buttons
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I have the S1R and being able to be charged USB and take 123s is nice but if I'm not able to charge the 123s aren't that accessible. Bases solely off specs since I don't have one, D25A.
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Fenix E05
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:iagree: with Aloha, based on the specs I want one!
Sent fra min FRD-L09 via Tapatalk
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I'm a huge fan of the D25A Clicky. Bright enough, compact enough and versatile enough for it to be the only light I think I'd ever need.
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D25A clicky, the new mkII version is very very nice.
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Granted, the D25A does look like a neat little light.
As a 1xAA light, I would certainly expect it to outperform the 1xAAA lights.
However, if we are building a minimalist EDC, I think we need to go with a 1xAAA light, as I believe it's fair to consider AAA to be the smallest readily available battery size.
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Fair point :salute:. I try to separate out size with minimal when thinking EDC. Yes AAA would certainly fit the category of minimalist but for my way of thinking I consider features. Can I pack a feature rich tool rather than a selection of tools? The D25A has quite a range and using a variety of cells this made sense to me. I don't have one so I don't know the actual size but my S1R is pretty reasonable considering what you get. I didn't choose it solely based on cells.
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That is always the tricky question. Do you use the smaller tool and loose some utility, or do you use the larger tool and end up witha not so minimal EDC.
I do not own the D25A yet, but looking at the specs it is almost the same size as most of the other flashlight, if slightly larger. I would still put it in the same size category as the others. Thoughts? :hatsoff:
I also decided that once we finished building our EDC in this thread, i will make a 30day challenge with it! Would be great if some of you fine people would join me :cheers: It might take a while though, as i have to get most of the tools first :facepalm:
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That is always the tricky question. Do you use the smaller tool and loose some utility, or do you use the larger tool and end up witha not so minimal EDC.
Part of this comes down to the individual's definition of minimalist. Take a ridiculous example of a full size folder, and a small keyring tool. The keyring tool has a much smaller knife blade, but offers more functionality. Not everyone will agree which is the more minimal. A less ridiculous comparison would be a Spartan and a Minichamp. One is minimal in size, the other in function/versatility.
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That is true. That makes it so hard to find a common ground, but i think we have done pretty good so far :tu:
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I would argue the D25A Clicky is the best, most minimal, 1xAA light that packs a bundle of features into a really compact body but I take the point that's not what everyone is thinking of. A Fenix E01 is genuinely as minimal as a 1xAAA can get but it's nowhere near as versatile.
Personally I prefer a bit of versatility from my pocket lights so something like the LD02 sounds OK to me and I'm also a big fan of my Nitecore TIP.
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This can also be seen as two different schools of thought; genuine minimalism and maximum minimalism.
To my way of thinking this topic has gone down a far more "max-minimal" train of thought i.e. the most bang for your size buck. Given that's what I aim most of the time I'm perfectly OK with that. :D
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I guess you are right :rofl: Maximum Minimalism. Love it :tu: :cheers:
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I guess you are right :rofl: Maximum Minimalism. Love it :tu: :cheers:
I can't take any credit for the phrase though as I read it on here before. :)
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So to whoever invented it: :cheers: :hatsoff:
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I've carried the D25AAA (a year) and D25A Clicky (years). Forget the features, AA is far more readily available if you're thinking battery shortage situation. In addition it's nicer in hand due to the size and even if the lumens are not important (as I'd argue once you get past 100 lumen for a pocket life) the runtime is a real factor. In addition a clicky is considerably easier and quicker to use one handed and I'm almost always using a pocket flashlight one handed while the other is busy doing other stuff like holding a tool.
Stay with me while I try to make sense of a novel idea. I would advance the suggestion that USB charging in this day and age is the correct option for a minimalist solution. No need to carry extra spares or chargers. Use whatever charging solution or cables you are already carrying for your phone. If you have power then a USB outlet adaptor is considerably smaller and easier than a battery charger. In addition it is easy to use with portable chargers and portable solar chargers. The combination of USB charging and AA would of course be perfect but I've not seen or heard of any as yet. I'd hoped for the addition to the mkII version of the D25A but it didn't happen, they decided instead on running usb charging on a new line with a very different form factor.
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Minimalism - Getting by with the absolute least or smallest possible.
Maximum Minimalism - The term goes back at least to the SOSAK days, though I am unsure who first coined it. As I understand it, it means we're really looking to maximize the utility to size/weight ratio. So, larger/heavier items could be considered, as long as the increase in actual utility truly justified the trade-off. But, it's sort of related to the Pareto Principle in the sense that if we can handle say 90% of the problems we encounter with a tool that is 50% the size, then that is what we are going to do; we aren't going to choose the tool that is twice the size to get to that last 10% of the problems.
Maximalism - Go ahead and carry that Swisschamp, Work Champ, Swisstool, or Surge. You'll be sure to have everything you might need.
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The combination of USB charging and AA would of course be perfect but I've not seen or heard of any as yet.
Check out the Fenix RC05:
https://www.fenix-store.com/fenix-rc05-led-flashlight/
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Minimalism - Getting by with the absolute least or smallest possible.
Maximum Minimalism - The term goes back at least to the SOSAK days, though I am unsure who first coined it. As I understand it, it means we're really looking to maximize the utility to size/weight ratio. So, larger/heavier items could be considered, as long as the increase in actual utility truly justified the trade-off. But, it's sort of related to the Pareto Principle in the sense that if we can handle say 90% of the problems we encounter with a tool that is 50% the size, then that is what we are going to do; we aren't going to choose the tool that is twice the size to get to that last 10% of the problems.
Maximalism - Go ahead and carry that Swisschamp, Work Champ, Swisstool, or Surge. You'll be sure to have everything you might need.
Good explanation!
I have a vague recollection of Carl (jackknife/cbl51) and maybe UnknownVT (?) using the term on sosak. Don't know if either of them coined it, though.
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Good explanation!
I have a vague recollection of Carl (jackknife/cbl51) and maybe UnknownVT (?) using the term on sosak. Don't know if either of them coined it, though.
I don't know if he coined it either, but I'm sure it a phrase I first heard from Carl. :)
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Minimalism - Getting by with the absolute least or smallest possible.
Maximum Minimalism - The term goes back at least to the SOSAK days, though I am unsure who first coined it. As I understand it, it means we're really looking to maximize the utility to size/weight ratio. So, larger/heavier items could be considered, as long as the increase in actual utility truly justified the trade-off. But, it's sort of related to the Pareto Principle in the sense that if we can handle say 90% of the problems we encounter with a tool that is 50% the size, then that is what we are going to do; we aren't going to choose the tool that is twice the size to get to that last 10% of the problems.
Maximalism - Go ahead and carry that Swisschamp, Work Champ, Swisstool, or Surge. You'll be sure to have everything you might need.
Makes sense and I think this explanation covers pretty well what we are trying to built. Thanks Nate! :cheers:
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I've carried the D25AAA (a year) and D25A Clicky (years). Forget the features, AA is far more readily available if you're thinking battery shortage situation. In addition it's nicer in hand due to the size and even if the lumens are not important (as I'd argue once you get past 100 lumen for a pocket life) the runtime is a real factor. In addition a clicky is considerably easier and quicker to use one handed and I'm almost always using a pocket flashlight one handed while the other is busy doing other stuff like holding a tool.
Stay with me while I try to make sense of a novel idea. I would advance the suggestion that USB charging in this day and age is the correct option for a minimalist solution. No need to carry extra spares or chargers. Use whatever charging solution or cables you are already carrying for your phone. If you have power then a USB outlet adaptor is considerably smaller and easier than a battery charger. In addition it is easy to use with portable chargers and portable solar chargers. The combination of USB charging and AA would of course be perfect but I've not seen or heard of any as yet. I'd hoped for the addition to the mkII version of the D25A but it didn't happen, they decided instead on running usb charging on a new line with a very different form factor.
I would agree with the USB charging IF you can still replace the batteries. In my experience all USB charged devices are always out of juice when i need them. And when I need them, recharging - even fast charging - is not an option.
Concerning the battery shortage situation i am not sure though if USB charging would still be an option. That seems more like a SHTF scenario.
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Check out the Fenix RC05:
https://www.fenix-store.com/fenix-rc05-led-flashlight/
That does look really interesting! Does anyone have experiences with it yet?
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No experience here with the RC05 yet, though I did have an RC11 at my last job. The magnetic charging is pretty neat, and addresses one of my dislikes about many USB rechargeable lights: namely that they have basically a standard mini or micro USB port with some type of cover, which could get smurfed up if it got water, dirt, or other crud in it. The only downside, of course, is that it requires that special Fenix cable.
For a number of reasons (the most important of which are probably cold weather performance, shelf life, and leak resistance), I prefer to run my pocket, outdoor, and emergency kit lights on non-rechargeable lithium AAAs or AAs (but of course could use alkalines or whatever was available in a pinch).
When I said AAA was the smallest readily available battery size, I wasn't so much thinking SHTF or shortage scenario. Rather, I was thinking that every gas station, convenience store, mom-and-pop shop, etc. that sells batteries generally stocks at least AAA, AA, C, and D size alkaline batteries. Other battery types and sizes are less of a sure thing. On the topic of battery shortages, though, I do recall a few years ago when a "major storm" was predicted for my area, and the C and D cells disappeared from store shelves almost instantly, while the AAA and AA batteries remained available. Fortunately, the storm was nowhere near as severe as predicted. While I won't be giving up my D-cell-powered lanterns any time soon, it certainly gave me peace of mind to know that I had a good supply of AAA- and AA-powered lights (and corresponding batteries).
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No experience here with the RC05 yet, though I did have an RC11 at my last job. The magnetic charging is pretty neat, and addresses one of my dislikes about many USB rechargeable lights: namely that they have basically a standard mini or micro USB port with some type of cover, which could get smurfed up if it got water, dirt, or other crud in it. The only downside, of course, is that it requires that special Fenix cable.
For a number of reasons (the most important of which are probably cold weather performance, shelf life, and leak resistance), I prefer to run my pocket, outdoor, and emergency kit lights on non-rechargeable lithium AAAs or AAs (but of course could use alkalines or whatever was available in a pinch).
When I said AAA was the smallest readily available battery size, I wasn't so much thinking SHTF or shortage scenario. Rather, I was thinking that every gas station, convenience store, mom-and-pop shop, etc. that sells batteries generally stocks at least AAA, AA, C, and D size alkaline batteries. Other battery types and sizes are less of a sure thing. On the topic of battery shortages, though, I do recall a few years ago when a "major storm" was predicted for my area, and the C and D cells disappeared from store shelves almost instantly, while the AAA and AA batteries remained available. Fortunately, the storm was nowhere near as severe as predicted. While I won't be giving up my D-cell-powered lanterns any time soon, it certainly gave me peace of mind to know that I had a good supply of AAA- and AA-powered lights (and corresponding batteries).
Anything but AAA and AA are hard to find here. AAA itself harder than AA. Even in a store that sells both, you'll find triple the amount of AA than AAA.
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Anything but AAA and AA are hard to find here. AAA itself harder than AA. Even in a store that sells both, you'll find triple the amount of AA than AAA.
Interesting. Perhaps we should consider AA to be the smallest readily available battery worldwide... :think:
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Interesting. Perhaps we should consider AA to be the smallest readily available battery worldwide... :think:
That is interesting. I have to pay attention next time i go to a hardware store, and make a quick count. Wonder what the ratio AA to AAA in the states is :think:
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Over here (Norway) it seems AAA:AA is about 50:50, and it seems the AAA share is growing.
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Today's minimal carry is under 100gr for a knife, light, and multi.
(https://i.imgur.com/6C1Xeal.jpg)
I took of the clip of the knife to save 5gr. :salute:
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Both are what I consider my minimal carry.
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Great minimal carries! Can you tell us more about the flashlights (brand/id)?
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Thrunite Ti on the left.
AAA cell.
Lumens:
Low: 0.5 Lumens (115hrs)
Medium: 12 Lumens (6.3hrs)
High: 162lumens (1hrs)
HIdden Strobe.
XP-L V4 emitter.
The light on the Right is Foursevens Preon P0 SS
AAA cel
Lumens
Low 0.24 (120 hrs )
Medium 24Lm ( 2 hrs )
The beam is all flood.
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Thanks Aloha :tu:
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I think there was enough time to vote, so the winner in the category flashlight is: Eagtac D25A :woohoo:
We have talked about MTs, Pens, Wallets and Flashlights. For most of us that covers their minimal bases, but is there anything else we need to add? :think:
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Phone? :dunno:
I think to myself, what would I turn around and go home for? Since I carry my light and SAK on my keys I'm covered. Wallet has to come along however I have forgot it a couple times and I don't always go home for it.
If I left my phone on a work day I will go home to get it, however this has rarely ever happened. I have left it on non work days and never thought to go home for it.
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I agree with the phone. Just the question if there is something like a minimal phone. At least for me it would still be a smart phone, i just use internet features too often.
I would not consider the phone i have a minimal one at all...it is a damn brick that you cannot even carry in your pockets. Did not think about that though when i bought it :facepalm:
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Minimal is going to be relative. I have gone thru a few smart phones and stuck with the iphne5. Small enough to shirt pocket carry yet has enough features I like and use.
I use the internet often enough while out and I can bill on the spot and collect money ( CC, DC ) on the spot too. I use my calendar, camera, notes, maps, pdf documents, invoicing app, compass, pandora and a few others every day while at work.
I cannot be without my phone for work. Off day I just bs mostly with it.
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My next phone will not be a smart phone, unless one of the manufacturers decides to offer something with privacy and security in mind. I used to use Blackberry, but they're infested with Android now.
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I am afraid that is not going to happen anytime soon. There is too much money in big data, and a smartphone is a huge data provider. All companies and startups that have tried to offer privacy and security-centered devices have failed. Which is no surprise, because the majority of people doesn't give a smurf about that. Just look at Facebook where everybody tells the world where they go, when they go, what they do and so on :facepalm:
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I am afraid that is not going to happen anytime soon. There is too much money in big data, and a smartphone is a huge data provider. All companies and startups that have tried to offer privacy and security-centered devices have failed. Which is no surprise, because the majority of people doesn't give a smurf about that. Just look at Facebook where everybody tells the world where they go, when they go, what they do and so on :facepalm:
Agreed!
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I agree with the phone. Just the question if there is something like a minimal phone. At least for me it would still be a smart phone, i just use internet features too often.
I would not consider the phone i have a minimal one at all...it is a damn brick that you cannot even carry in your pockets. Did not think about that though when i bought it :facepalm:
iPhone 8 (NOT Plus) should fit the bill.
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iPhone 8 (NOT Plus) should fit the bill.
No Apple for me. Just too restrictive in what i can do. Not a big fan of Android either, but at least i can do more adjustments and tweaks. It's really a shame that the phone OS market ends with basically 2 options :facepalm:
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I suspect there is just too many very, very similar smartphones out there to narrow it down to just one. Frankly if we got people to agree on Android or Apple I would be utterly amazed! :D
What have we decided on so far?
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I'm using a Nokia C2-01, great little phone, costs about $25 on aliexpress and does everything I want and nothing I don't. Spare batteries are tiny and cost very little, the thing is bomb proof and I have internet disabled by the provider. Not because I'm unaware of big brother, if I was I wouldn't be typing this now, simply because I don't want to be connected when I'm away from the computer. I do miss out on a bunch of stuff I would like (Google Maps above all) but nothing I care enough about to (re)join the smartphone world. I've had a look at the 'dumb' phone options available on the market today and nothing comes close to those older Nokia's. Including new Nokia which is a travesty of their past (I bought their new 8110 'banana' phone, played with it for ten minutes and then, well, anyone want it as a freebie? I'm almost embarrassed to offer it)
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Its hard to imagine big brother not all up our business :dunno:. As far as which phone? Phone. Most of us have them and carry them daily. Which is not terribly important IMO. I'm no fan boy of apple its just the phone I have. I'd love a phone that is a lot simpler and less big brother friendly.