Taylor Stitch Raw Brass Key Hook
Keyed Up: The 25 Best EDC Key Rings
There are things that you use literally every day. Your morning coffee mug. The bag you take to work. Your keys. Sure, these everyday carry items are the definition of functional, but that doesn’t mean that they can’t look good while they’re performing their daily duty.
Luckily for us, there are a ton of designers out there that want to add good design to even the most mundane objects in our lives (we have Apple to thank for that, really), and your key ring is on the list.
Well designed, simply made, sturdy as all hell—we’ve rounded up 25 of our favorite EDC key rings that will make digging through your bag on your front steps a goddamned joy. If you’re using the keychain from the real estate broker when you got your first apartment in the city ten years ago, this list is for you.
FreeKey System
If you don’t have nails (or don’t want to break a nail), getting your keys off the key ring can be a complete pain in the butt. This system reimagines that old school design, letting you add or remove keys by simply pressing the ring itself.
Machine Era Key Clip
If you’re looking for something that’s simple yet still stylish, pick up Machine Era’s Key Clip (available in brass, stainless, and titanium), which is designed to hold securely to your belt loop.
Tec Accessories UFO
In this instance, UFO stands for Universal Flex Organizer, and we’re glad it does. The titanium ring has 8 equally-spaced holes around the perimeter to attach keys independently instead of having them hang in one large bunch, making it infinitely easier to swap keys in and out.
ButtonWorks Horseshoe Brass Key Ring
Shaped like a horseshoe, this shiny key ring is crafted from 100% brass and is made in Japan.
Smoky Sumi’s Fishhook Key Hook
This unique fishhook key hook is made in Japan and is available in nickel, antique gold, and matte black (our personal favorite).
Pendulum Key Hook
This solid brass key hook is uniquely designed, looking a bit like a nail that’s been put through the ringer. The hook will easily accommodate up to six keys.
Madewell Front Door Key Fob
Madewell has been crafting simple, high-quality, goods for years, so its not a surprise that everything—even down to their key fobs—is designed to be timeless. Made out of brass and leather (choose from black or brown), you’ll have it for years. Bonus: you can add a monogram for $10 so everyone will know it’s yours.
Smathers & Branson Gaucho Key Fob
Maryland-based Smathers & Branson specializes in creating hand-stitched needlepoint accessories, and the Gaucho Key Fob is one of its best offerings. The fob’s needlepoint intricate pattern is capped with brown leather and nickel-plated brass.
Sir Jack’s Ox Horn Key Fob
Likely the kind of key ring Ernest Hemingway would carry, this key fob from Sir Jack’s is made with ethically-sourced ox horn and polished to a shiny luster. If you want to look exotic, buy this one.
Owen & Fred Hey Handsome Leather Keychain
NYC-based Owen & Fred makes a ton of great small goods, and one of its best is its line of Hey Handsome products. Made out of high-quality leather, this keychain can is sure to give you a boost of confidence, day in and day out. It comes with a stainless steel cable for your keys and lies flatly in your pocket.
Maxx&Unicorn Co. Brass Pill Key Ring
Brooklyn-based Maxx&Unicorn Co. is relatively new, but that doesn’t mean they don’t know what they’re doing. This solid brass, pill-shaped Key Ring has a unique, hex-shaped closure and can accommodate more than a dozen keys, if you’ve got multiple homes all over the world (jerk).
Taylor Stitch Raw Brass Keyhook
You might be more familiar with Taylor Stitch’s high-quality jackets, but they also make some awesome accessories, like this Raw Brass Keyhook. Made from 100% raw brass, the keyhook will hook onto your belt loop to ensure security, and it comes with a brass key ring and circular ID plate that can be monogrammed with up to three letters.
Stanley & Sons Leather Key Fob
NYC-based Stanley & Sons was revived a few years ago by an industrious grandson of the brand’s original owner. The brand stays true to the simple, high-quality products it originally made, and this Leather Key Fob is evidence of that. Made from hand-dyed chocolate brown leather, the fob has a nickel-plated split key ring and a nickel snap closure.
Corter Leather Bottlehook
Massachusetts-based Corter Leather produces all of their products by hand, like this Bottlehook. You can choose your finish—dipped red or black, pewter, or brass, and each hook comes with a leather tab stamped with “if found contact.” Bonus: the hook also serves as a bottle opener (hence the name).
Apolis Transit Issue Keychain
If you want to carry a key chain that looks a little more high-tech, pick up this Transit Issue Keychain from Apolis. Crafted in Los Angles from MIL-SPEC hardware and high-quality leather (you can choose from a variety of colors), it’ll keep your keys secure while still looking good.
Billykirk No. 352 Braided Leather Keychain
Made out of braided leather, Billykirk’s Keychain adds a little design flair without overdoing it. Available in brown, tan, and orange, the leather keychain features a nickel-plated silver snap clip and split ring to keep your keys secure.
Miansai Brass Hooked Keychain
Miansai is known for its bracelets, but if you can get bracelets right, keychains aren’t much of a stretch. This Hooked Keychain is made from solid brass and features the brand’s signature fishhook design.
Will Leather Goods Keen Keychain
Based in Oregon, Will Leather Goods has been creating quality accessories out of leather for decades. Its Keen Keychain is crafted from Italian lambskin, features a metal clasp, rivet, and ring, and is available in a variety of color combinations.
Minimalist Key Shackle
If you’re looking for something unique to keep your keys in place, look no further than this solid brass Minimalist Key Shackle. It holds up to five keys, looks slick as hell, and the opening on the shackle doubles as a bottle opener. Drinks anyone?
Tanner Goods Leather Key Lanyard
Oregon-based Tanner Goods knows a thing or two about high-quality leather, which is why its so prominently on display in its Leather Key Lanyard. A classic design secured in place with double-cap rivets, you can add a monogram to the back for an extra $20.
Atelier de L’Armee Leather Key Fob
Handcrafted in the Netherlands, Atelier de L’Armee’s Leather Key Fob is a classic design that’s built to last, featuring a high-quality stamped leather fob and a silver-ton carabiner.
Grovemade Brass Key Ring
Grovemade typically works in wood and bamboo and not metal, but they do it with their Brass Key Ring, and they do it well. Virtually indestructible, the handsome circular solid brass ring can hook to your belt loop and features a bottle opener.
Parabellum Arrow Keychain
LA-based Parabellum specializes in creating unique leather goods, and they do it expertly with this Arrow Keychain. Crafted out of North American Bison leather and solid brass, the keychain is available in a variety of colors.
Octovo Leather Keychain
We can put a man on the moon, but we can’t figure out how to make adding and removing keys to our key rings easier? That’s where Octovo comes in. Its leather keychain features a titanium ring with an easy access opening that makes adding and removing keys a breeze. Add a high-quality leather fob (in black and brown), and it’s the only keychain you’ll ever need to own.
Miansai Sterling Silver Screw Cuff Keychain
If you’re going to spend over $100 on a keychain, it better be a good one, and this Sterling Silver Screw Cuff certainly qualifies, it’ll make you feel fancy, and it’ll last a lifetime.
