Black-Out EDC Challenge - January 2026

[Antti Lammi]

Day 16 of 30

Today using MXBS scissors to shorten my fingernails.
Carried MXBS and Crater

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[LoopCutter]

Day 16
Beyond half way mark.  Continue forward…

My MXBS is carried daily into the urban world for adventure in the crossbody bag. Yes, a touch heavy, but comforting to know a full complement of utensils is near.

Today before the frigid air returns, I am patrolling the yard picking up debris from the winds and stacking freefall from the trees to the “PILE”.

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BO REBAR and my CR 2.5 (fixie) via neck cork) are at my side.


PS: the picture represents the chilly world I imagine I am venturing into this morning. 😏

[fullbreakfast]

Thanks to all who participated in the Day 15 mini challenge. A fine array of Winter gear!

[fullbreakfast]

Day 15
Today’s carry with my wool hoody that is my consolation for when it gets cold.

That looks extremely cosy!

Also, fine choice of flashlight in the Reylight Pineapple Mini. I have one similar, and one slightly different. My favourite light for EDC.

[fullbreakfast]

Day 16

Junghans Mega 1000:



Or as I sometimes think of it, the Robocop watch:

[ElevenBlade]

Day 16

I’m going to try something new for a couple of days. I bought a new Kershaw folding knife last summer, when it was all over the internet. I think the Kershaw Bel Air had won an award the year before.

So I bought one to give it a shot. Luckily for this challenge I bought a black and grey version.

So last summer I got it in the mail  and promptly put it back in the box and shoved it in a drawer.  It immediately seemed too big and bold.

This week I saw that they released new versions because it’s been so popular.

So I figured that I would just give it a shot for a few days to see how we get along 

[ReamerPunch]

Day 16

[ReamerPunch]

Are those lined or of very heavy weight?

No, why would they be? It's summer down here.

[ReamerPunch]

Day 15

Think I have to throw in the towel.

Doing a blacked out carry for a month has so far been easier than expected, so that part of it is pretty much under control.

Finding an interesting way to photograph (mostly) the same gear every day is much harder.

It doesn't have to be interesting to qualify. Any picture will do. You're already halfway there.

[WECSOG]

Nice pairing!

I've been considering a M-65 back and forth for a god while. I think it was only yesterday or the day before I did my last round of searching.
Not long ago one of the large online sports stores here had the Alpha Industries M-65, which I believe is the OG. I hesitated too long and now there is no domestic retailer. Which is a bit of a bummer, as I want a good return policy.
I have a sizing issue too, but different. I'm very slim for my height, so to get something that isn't too wide I usually have to go down to Small, but very often jackets, shirts and sweaters in small will be too short in the arms and torso.

Actually I've considered the SRK many times as well. It's affordable and I know it's good value, but I already have too many knives

Except, there's no such thing as too many knives! 

[WECSOG]

I went through a similar evolution.
Years ago, when still in my early teens, I read a positive review about Photon LED keychain lights in a Norwegian gun magazine.
I bought one and it was on my keychain for at least a decade. It wasn't powerful, but at the time it was almost magical to get so much light from such a small unit. And it proved to be so so useful.

(Image removed from quote.)

I'm not certain about the timeline, but I guess that around the time my Photon gave up its ghost, mobile phones with a flashlight feature were starting to come around. Or maybe not quite.. I have some vague memories of creatively using light from a mobile screen with bright background to illuminate something. Oh well.
However inferior, the mobile option gave me an excuse not to find a replacement for my photon light, and slowly I got accustomed to it. It was cumbersome at times, but better than nothing. Often that's enough.

After some more years (around 2016) I stumbled upon the concept of EDC, the community around it and all of that.
After years of not paying attention to lights - to see what was available was like being a kid on Christmas eve/day. But it was also overwhelming.
The kid buried inside got the better of me and I gave into the temptation of prioritizing power over practicality, eventually deciding on a 26650 based Olight R50 Seeker. 
As it turns out the days of roaming the streets and close by forests with a flashlight in the evenings, checking how far my flashlight would throw... well those days were behind me. And for most else the R50 was just too big and didn't see much use.
Together with the R50, my dealer had thrown in an Olight i3e, AAA light as a giveaway. It wasn't the item I had ordered and didn't have an exciting spec sheet so I didn't pay much attention to it at first, but at some point I decided I should give it a try for EDC.
That was it. I was back to dedicated flashlights again.

While flashlights on phones also has come a long way, there are some stand out benefits with dedicated lights that makes it worthwhile.
In my line of work I often have to take photos in dark spaces for documentation purposes. Being able to illuminate my subject from a different angle with a flashlight and take the picture with my phone makes this much easier. The flashlight is also more robust, more affordable, provides power source redundancy and better acuity (using higher quality LEDs with better CRI.

Still, no matter how often my flashlight comes to the rescue of those around me, I'm still the weird one 

That's interesting because I also have to take photos in dark spaces sometimes. Occasionally, big dark spaces. I take these photos through an app on my smartphone. Usually the light on the phone is sufficient, maybe with some added light from my C cell LED Maglite that I bring along. But I recently had to get interior photos of a large, closed department store that had no electrical service. I managed to get it done (barely) with my Maglite, but after that one I decided that I needed some better options for such situations. I bought (on ebay) two sealed beam lanterns made in the 1950s or '60s by a company called "Big Beam." They use the square 6 volt lantern batteries, carried in a built in steel box with a hinged top. Problem is, the sealed beams are spotlights and not really very powerful. So I'm converting them to 12V floodlights so I can set them on the floor and illuminate a large area.

[WECSOG]

Day 16

Here are some items that have been discussed today, some black and some not. Someone mentioned Carhartt. I have several pieces of Carhartt gear; here's probably my favorite although there's one thing about it I don't like. It's OD green btw, not black. When I was a kid, my Dad had a big old barn coat that he would throw on to go out and get firewood, feed the animals etc. When I got into my teen years I used it too, for the same chores. It was big on me, but that meant I could wear additional layers underneath when it was really cold.
Probably 20 years ago I decided I would like my own barn coat. It needed to be rugged, warm, and large enough that I could wear it for the rest of my life. Being very familiar with Carhartt, that was the first place I looked. Here's what I came up with. It has the typical canvas shell, big pockets and a blanket material liner. Heavy duty brass zipper plus snaps. That zipper is the thing I don't like about it because Carhartt succumbed to the temptation of adding an unnecessary "feature" that rendered the zipper unusable: two zipper pulls so you can open it from either end. It basically makes it impossible to get the zipper started while wearing it. I have bought a replacement zipper that only has a single pull, but haven't gotten around to sewing it on. So I continue to only use the snaps.

The second non-black item is one of my Big Beam lanterns I described in the post above.

Now, to the black items. My SRK and SRK Compact knives, and a knife I just got: an OTF automatic that takes No. 23 scalpel blades.

[ElevenBlade]

Day 15

Think I have to throw in the towel.

Doing a blacked out carry for a month has so far been easier than expected, so that part of it is pretty much under control.

Finding an interesting way to photograph (mostly) the same gear every day is much harder.

A mini challenge helps, so today was easier.
This is cold season around here, so it's only appropriate to include my warmest down jacket. The Mountain equipment K7. I've had puffy jackets that have looked more impressive on the spec sheet, but this is just so well made. It's invaluable when needed, but easily too much in normal winter temps, so it's not one I use often.
(Image removed from quote.)

Day 14 - reconstructed
Yesterday was 4WD day. Not because it was necessary, but the EV was already taken.
The just in case items I have stashed in my 4WD very incidentally follows a blacked out color scheme.
(Image removed from quote.)
You can be forgiven for thinking the K7 made a reappearance here, but I have quite a selection of puffy jackets. This is the Mountain Equipment Kryos. A lighter down jacket that sees much more use than the K7.
Also from the car; Hultafors OK4 knife, Supertool 300 and a Astrolux FT03. Also keep a black Olight S3 Baton headlamp in there, but forgot to include it in the photoshoot.
I can also see my EDC backpack made a cameo up in the right corner. Black Mystery ranch Urban assault.

You don’t have to be interesting. Posting becomes easy if you keep it honest. On days when you honestly don’t use your multitool you can post a picture of it, and maybe make the picture artistic.  You can also write a couple of sentences about your thoughts on the tool in general.

For example, on the day I did not use my pocketknife I commented about appreciating the half stop on it.

[aicolainen]

Day 16

Thank you all for the encouraging words.
I didn't intend to leave the thread entirely, I just wasn't sure I could put up a new pic every day. Lets just see how it goes.

My headlamp gets me safely to work every day when I'm not driving, which is most days.

I should have taken this photo earlier in the challenge. Even though it's still quite dark in the morning and evening when I leave/return, there's noticeable more of that dim blue early morning light than we had just two weeks ago.
Now I don't really need my headlamp to see unless walking conditions are very difficult and I have to watch my step. I mostly use it for others to see me. On the last 30% of my walk I pass through an area with some traffic and want to make sure I'm visible in the dark.


Kit is mostly the same, but I switched my headlamp from HS10 to a HS05 today. Forgot to charge my HS10 and wasn't sure it would make it all the way.
Also switched backpack from my black Urban assault to the not so black Evergoods CTB26. I've been meaning to do it for a while as the extra space is convenient for this season. Not black, but makes a nice contrasting background for the black tools.

[nate j]

That's interesting because I also have to take photos in dark spaces sometimes. Occasionally, big dark spaces. I take these photos through an app on my smartphone. Usually the light on the phone is sufficient, maybe with some added light from my C cell LED Maglite that I bring along. But I recently had to get interior photos of a large, closed department store that had no electrical service. I managed to get it done (barely) with my Maglite, but after that one I decided that I needed some better options for such situations. I bought (on ebay) two sealed beam lanterns made in the 1950s or '60s by a company called "Big Beam." They use the square 6 volt lantern batteries, carried in a built in steel box with a hinged top. Problem is, the sealed beams are spotlights and not really very powerful. So I'm converting them to 12V floodlights so I can set them on the floor and illuminate a large area.

I’ve found situations like this to be a great application for some of the modern handheld flashlights that have a turbo mode, i.e. 2000 - 3000+ lumens for 20 - 30 seconds (until the thermal regulation kicks in).  Plenty of time to take a few photos.  Indoors, pointing the light at the ceiling can often result in a somewhat even, usable light throughout the space.

[cody6268]

Day 12

Can’t recall the name of this Gerber; they made so many variations that were similar.  Handle is too short though…

Reminds me a lot of my Strongarm--but a different sheath (and straight edge).

I think the family is based on the LMFII, which was originally introduced as a modern replacement for the old Jet Pilot's Survival Knife--called the ASEK (Aircrew Survival and Escape Knife, IIRC)

[cody6268]

I fell a bit behind. Took photos, just didn't upload or post them.

Day 11:

Spyderco Saver Salt--yep, yet another I bought from here years back. If I recall correctly, it was bought not long after a family friend showed me his old Spyderco Clip-It Delica saying it was the best knife he ever had for twine and net wrap.

When we had sheep, this was mostly my twine knife due to being designed for rescue use and full SE. These days, it's mostly a box cutter.

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[cody6268]

Day 12:

SOG Vulcan.

I picked this one out of a box of cheap Frost junk knives for $10 at a local flea market. It was rusted (VG-10 doesn't rust THAT easily!), nasty, and had a pretty bent up clip (not to mention blunt).   

I cleaned it, swapped and straightened the clip, and a year and a half later (after finally figuring out the Worksharp Guided Field Sharpener and sharpening in general) finally got it sharpened a couple weeks back. It was about a $150 knife new.

I like the feel of it, and personally, ARC LOCK is better than the AXIS Lock of Benchmade. I have recently started carrying it as a bigger knife is easier to use in the winter. Also--AXIS-type locks are the only ones I've found that work well for a southpaw like myself.

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[cody6268]

Day 13:



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[cody6268]

Day 14:

Started on another stage of basement organization.

Found my box of big taps--which I have never had a use for--but it's close to like half a grand in taps, large bits, and mills.  I got these in a box of machinist's stuff--and they go up to like 2". I've only had to tap a few smaller screws.

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[cody6268]

Day 15:

I've been repurposing some furniture that was stored in a above-garage apartment/storage building ahead of fully cleaning it out, standardizing all storage of the remaining stuff in 27-gallon totes, and using it as a hobby room.

We had purchased a pretty nice farmhouse-style table from Kmart years before they closed (early '10s--store closed in '16), but it wasn't used that long before my folks got a good deal on an antique table (that was a pedestal that constantly wobbled). Ahead of potentially moving it upstairs again, I set it up in the basement to replace a 70 year old Samsonite card table that was my dining table down here.

Also: got my black Classic SD back out. One advantage of owning a dozen+ Classic SDs and similar is that they're quickly replaced. I paid a dollar for this one at a local antiques store. The Classic SD does most of what I need to do, while weighing nothing. It's so lightweight and unnoticeable--I don't even take it out of my pocket when I go to bed.

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[cody6268]

Day 16:

I went back to my "old" toolbox--which was bought new for my Granddad as an anniversary gift 60 years ago. It's been my portable box for about 10.

I've swapped back and forth between a 24" Waterloo Mechanic's Box, a large cantilever tacklebox (Old Pal PF4000), and an unbranded (and probably cheap--not to mention with a small pinhole from rust at one corner) cantilever box.

The Craftsman has always been just the right size, tough as nails, and laid out to where I can access everything easily (PS: always put small tools in zipper bags--I get the dollar ones from Hobby Lobby).

I also gathered up a bunch of tools that were strewn everywhere.

Had to remove a larger Sawzall blade in a Stanley folding saw (which takes Sawzall-type blades) so I could fold it with a blade in.

Used my Classic SD to swap blades. The Stanley has always felt cheap, and is soon to be replaced with a Milwaukee I can change the blades in without a screwdriver. Mostly, it's when I'm doing small stuff and I need something that can cut metal--I also keep a folding camp saw in this box for wood.

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[Farmer X]

That coat isn’t worn daily, but is over 20 years old and still going strong.

BO REBAR and my CR 2.5 (fixie) via neck cork) are at my side.

Or as I sometimes think of it, the Robocop watch:

A fitting moniker!

So I figured that I would just give it a shot for a few days to see how we get along 

Hopefully you'll like it okay. At the very least, you got a pretty cool photo of it!

No, why would they be? It's summer down here.

I forgot all about that. Hell, I visited Darwin in February of 2004 (we drank the town out of Jägermeister the day we pulled in, but that's a different story). Strike my previous from the record.

AXIS-type locks are the only ones I've found that work well for a southpaw like myself.

I know a lot of people aren't too fond of the "lefty" liner lock found on 111mm SAKs. What are your thoughts on that subject?

Day 16

Yes, my wallet is Carhartt. The knife is a walnut Opinel No. 8.

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[Sos24]

Day 16

Thank you all for the encouraging words.
I didn't intend to leave the thread entirely, I just wasn't sure I could put up a new pic every day. Lets just see how it goes.

My headlamp gets me safely to work every day when I'm not driving, which is most days.
(Image removed from quote.)
I should have taken this photo earlier in the challenge. Even though it's still quite dark in the morning and evening when I leave/return, there's noticeable more of that dim blue early morning light than we had just two weeks ago.
Now I don't really need my headlamp to see unless walking conditions are very difficult and I have to watch my step. I mostly use it for others to see me. On the last 30% of my walk I pass through an area with some traffic and want to make sure I'm visible in the dark.

(Image removed from quote.)
Kit is mostly the same, but I switched my headlamp from HS10 to a HS05 today. Forgot to charge my HS10 and wasn't sure it would make it all the way.
Also switched backpack from my black Urban assault to the not so black Evergoods CTB26. I've been meaning to do it for a while as the extra space is convenient for this season. Not black, but makes a nice contrasting background for the black tools.

I like the backpack.  Sofirn makes some nice flashlights

I’ve found situations like this to be a great application for some of the modern handheld flashlights that have a turbo mode, i.e. 2000 - 3000+ lumens for 20 - 30 seconds (until the thermal regulation kicks in).  Plenty of time to take a few photos.  Indoors, pointing the light at the ceiling can often result in a somewhat even, usable light throughout the space.

Another way flashlights can be used is with a diffuser or a wide angle flood beam.

[Sos24]

Day 16
Really switched things up today, except kept the ATK.  Added an HDS Rotary and Zippo

[ReamerPunch]

Day 17

[fullbreakfast]

Day 17



I keep this small Nebo head torch (Mycro 250) in my tool bag for those times when you need light and both hands free. It is not the most powerful, or longest-lasting, but the big advantage of it is that it is very small and light (I think 34g including the headband) which makes it comfortable to use. You can pretty much forget you are wearing it.  Battery is good for a couple of hours on high setting.

They are also cheap. I paid £30 for a pack of two. Keep the other in the car.

[LoopCutter]

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. 

[Farmer X]

Really switched things up today, except kept the ATK.

I like the wrap!

Day 17

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!

I keep this small Nebo head torch (Mycro 250) in my tool bag for those times when you need light and both hands free.

I like having a headlamp. It's a great way to have light when you need both hands free and moving a tripod work light around is too much hassle.

Both are display knives. 

I'd consider carrying a Vantage, but display seems like the best option for the Quickfire. That handle looks like Hotspot City!

Day 17

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

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[LoopCutter]

~
-
I'd consider carrying a Vantage, but display seems like the best option for the Quickfire. That handle looks like Hotspot City!

Actually, it is the other way around!

The vantage requires you to position your hand one way to open and then adjust it for use, and then adjust your hand again to close.  It also can cause you to drop the knife during these adjustments.

The Quickfire, opens naturally, with a thumb stud push, then return its natural position.

Closing is a bit more intentional, has I would use my other hand to release the midlockback.  Plus the handle is a tad shorter, so once your hand is in position there is no need to adjust your grip.  Very natural even with my XXL PAWS. YET, right hand use can be a draw back as I frequently use either hand with majority of my cutters. 😀