12 Brass EDC Essentials For Oxidized Everyday Carry

Brass has this undeniable allure in the EDC world. Sure, it’s heavier than aluminum and requires more care than stainless steel, but there’s something about that warm, golden patina that develops over time that makes brass gear feel personal in a way other materials just can’t match.

Unlike titanium’s clinical perfection or carbon fiber’s high-tech flash, brass tells a story. Every scratch, every tarnish mark, every subtle color shift becomes part of your gear’s unique character. It’s the difference between carrying a tool and carrying an heirloom.

With that in mind, we’ve rounded up some of our favorite brass EDC gear. These are working tools that’ll just happen to look better with age. 

How We Tested

Brass isn’t necessarily the most common material in the EDC space but those who work with the material do so on a notable level. When selecting the gear for this guide, we paid attention to the brands with brass proclivities and admittedly leaned on them a bit. That’s not to say we didn’t also look at items from other companies as well. For our short list, we looked all over, focusing on items that blend form and function.

After sourcing our units for testing, we spend considerable amounts of time with each piece of EDC gear. We looked at the individual operation of the product and how it stood up to other similar pieces. The results are detailed below.

PICHI G9 Utility Knife

Best Utility Knife: Calgary-based Pichi Design hit a nerve with their G9 utility knife on Kickstarter, blowing past their funding goal by $75k. And honestly, we get it. This thing does something we’ve never seen a utility knife do before: it functions like a gravity knife.

Separate the brass handles and let physics do the work as the standard utility blade drops into position with a satisfying click. And, if the gravity action isn’t quite your thing, you can also deploy your blade like a standard flipper knife as well, which is equally enticing.

This G9 is ridiculously fidgety in the best way possible, and at just 3.14″ closed, it’s perfect for keychain carry or slipping into a coin pocket.

The real genius is in the simplicity of the design here. That three-position lever on the back controls everything: lock, swap, and activate. Changing blades is dead simple thanks to a magnetic mechanism that holds standard utility blades in place. No springs, no pivots, just solid brass construction that’ll develop a killer patina over time.

At 3.88oz, it’s got some heft compared to the titanium version, but that weight also helps it feel a bit more reassuring in hand. Plus, the textured grip zones keep things secure even with sweaty hands. 

CW&T Pen Type B Brass

Best Pen: Brooklyn design duo Che-Wei Wang and Taylor Levy are the creative minds behind one of our favorite EDC brands, Charlie, Whiskey, Tango (aka CW&T). With backgrounds in architecture, film and computer science, the couple brings something really refreshing to the space, and the Type B pen puts that creativity on full display.

What makes the Type B so interesting is that it’s a pen that somehow manages to be both minimal and completely extra at the same time. The magic happens in the machining tolerances between the stainless steel barrel and brass sleeve, creating an airtight seal that produces the most satisfying “pop” when you pull the pen out.

But here’s the really cool part. Thanks to that precision fit, the pen will slowly sink back into its sleeve like a piston if you open it partway. It’s fidgety as hell and oddly mesmerizing during long meetings. The brass sleeve is left uncoated intentionally, so it’ll develop its own unique patina as you handle it daily.

Made in a multi-generation Vermont machine shop, it takes over 20 operations to craft each pen. The flat side keeps it from rolling off your desk, and refill swaps are simple. You just unscrew the back end with a coin. Each pen ships with a Pilot Hi-Tec-C 0.3mm cartridge, but accepts dozens of refill types with different spacers.

At around 3.2oz, it’s got serious heft, but that weight feels intentional and confidence-inspiring in hand.

Craighill Victory Key Blank

Best Keyring Accessory: Another creative team hailing from Brooklyn, the crew at Craighill once again prove that the best solutions often hide in plain sight. The Victory Key Blank does exactly what great design should do — it makes you smile every time you use it. It’s a fully functional house key shaped like a foam finger that declares “I’m your #1 key” without ever saying a word.

The genius is in the practicality. Sure, that oversized finger design will bring enjoyment to such a mundane activity, but it also makes this key impossible to miss on a crowded keyring. No more fumbling through a dozen similar-looking keys in the dark. At 2.8″ long, it’s the first thing your fingers find.

Cut from solid brass and available in both KW1 and SC1 varieties, any hardware store can cut it to your specs. At just 0.6oz, it’s not going to weigh you down anymore than a standard key, and like all of the gear on this guide, it’ll definitely to develop a nice patina over time.

Sure, it’s a conversation starter, but it’s also legitimately useful. The best part? It actually works better than a regular key because of that distinctive shape. We’d highly recommend this guy as a thoughtful housewarming gift as well — one that’ll actually get used.

Tsubota Pearl Hard Edge Latitude Lighter

Best Lighter: Let’s be honest, this is more about form than function, but sometimes that’s exactly the point. Tokyo-based Tsubota Pearl has been crafting distinctive lighters since 1952, and the Hard Edge Latitude might be their most conversation-starting piece yet.

The magic happens in the manufacturing. That geometric pattern isn’t just molded into the clear polycarbonate case — it’s actually diamond-cut, using the same technique jewelers use for precious metals. Tsubota Pearl basically took this luxury approach and applied it to one of our favorite utilitarian objects.

At 2.36″ x 1.38″, it’s compact enough for pocket carry, and the clear case exposes the beautiful brass, Zippo-inspired internals. These brass internals house a traditional flint-wheel mechanism that should work with any standard lighter fluid. We opt for Zippo lighter fluid in ours.

Sure, you could grab a disposable Bic for a buck, but where’s the story in that? This thing gets handcrafted in Tokyo’s Asakusa district and makes every light feel like a small ceremony. 

Prometheus Beta QRV3

Best Keychain Flashlight: Jason from Prometheus Lights cracked the keychain flashlight code back in 2013 with a simple observation: when you need light, you don’t want it attached to a jangling mess of keys. The Beta QR was born from that insight and became the most funded flashlight on Kickstarter at the time. 

That proprietary canted coil spring mechanism is the heart of the system – push to engage, pull to release. It provides 10lbs of holding force, so accidental drops are virtually impossible, but deployment is instant when you need it. The current v3 edition here adds a slightly larger head for better one-handed operation and deeper grip grooves that really matter with brass.

Inside, the Nichia 519A LED pumps out 90 lumens of gorgeous high-CRI light across three modes (1/15/90 lumens). At 2.1oz and just 2.95″ long, it pretty much disappears in your pocket until you actually need it. The twisty interface is dead simple and bulletproof reliable.

And, that raw brass finish will develop its own unique patina with use, making each one a personal artifact. 

Tec Accessories Ti-Tape Retractable Mini Tape Measure

Best Tape Measure: Think about how often you need to measure something during the day, whether it’s checking if furniture will fit through a doorway or confirming dimensions on a project. TEC Accessories built their Ti-Tape around that exact problem, creating the world’s smallest functional tape measure at just slightly larger than a quarter.

This brass vintage edition takes their proven titanium design and swaps in C36000 brass for that old-world aesthetic. At 31.5mm in diameter and weighing just 1.06oz, it disappears on your keychain until you need those 3ft of measuring capability. Both imperial and metric markings are high-contrast black on white for easy reading.

And knowing that measuring tape gets beat up over years of abuse, Tec Accessories decided to future proof their system with some modular construction. When your tape gets worn or kinked from heavy use, just swap in a fresh one instead of buying an entire new tool. And, the removable stainless steel keychain clip lets you carry it however works best for your setup.

Aviator Slide ONE Brass Wallet + Brass Cash Clip

Best Wallet: German engineering meets old-world brass in this elevated take on the minimalist wallet. Aviator Wallet built their reputation on that signature pull-strap mechanism that fans your cards out in seconds, and this brass edition brings serious visual weight to the concept.

At 3.37″ x 2.13″ x 0.41″, it’s compact enough for front pocket carry but still holds up to 20 cards when you max out that adjustable elastic strap. The stonewashed brass finish starts with that golden sheen but develops its own character through daily handling.

That brass cash clip isn’t just for show either. It makes handling bills smoother while keeping the aesthetic consistent across the whole package. The acrylic frame keeps the weight down just a bit while also providing RFID protection, and those black stainless screws tie the design together nicely.

Made entirely in Germany, this thing does feel substantial at 3.99oz but it’s still not an imposition in your pocket and if you’re accustomed to carrying a metal wallet already, you’ll feel right at home here.

Griffin Pocket Tool

Best Pocket Tool: While we always advocate for carrying a full-sized multi-tool, it doesn’t hurt to have something a bit more compact and specialized. The Griffin Pocket Tool takes that approach, cramming 12 functions into a sleek, flat profile that’s designed to live on your keychain without adding bulk.

This brass version brings that warm patina potential to an already solid design (Griffin offers this tool in both stainless and titanium). You get the essentials covered: bottle opener, flathead screwdriver, scoring tool, pry bar, and four different metric wrenches (4-7mm). The deep pocket clip keeps your keys organized while also doubling as a functional tool itself.

Sure, Griffin’s Pocket Tool isn’t going to replace your full-sized multi-tool, but the streamlined execution and compact design still make it great for a minimalist EDC setup. Instead of folding pliers and tiny scissors that break after a month, Griffin focused on a pocketable tool with zero moving parts. And, that flat profile means it’s also comfortable to carry in a bag or your pockets.

Craighill Coachwhip Carabiner

Best Carabiner: Yeah, we’re featuring Craighill twice in this guide, but when a brand consistently nails the balance between form and function, why not? Hunter Craighill’s design philosophy of making everyday objects more thoughtful really shines through here.

Named after the coachwhip snake for its distinctive S-curve, this carabiner takes the familiar climbing hardware design and refines it for daily carry. The CNC-milled stainless steel body gets a brass PVD coating that brings some warmth to the mix. And that serpentine curve isn’t just for looks (although it does look good); it also creates a natural ergonomic grip point.

The springy wire gate hooks onto belt loops easily while preventing accidental opening, and the frame cleverly slims at the bottom so you can hook keys directly without needing split rings. Each carabiner measures in at 2.4″ x 1.6″ and weighs just 0.8oz, which is substantial enough to feel premium but won’t weigh down your carry.

Master & Dynamic ME05 Brass Earbuds

Best Earbuds: In a world obsessed with wireless everything, New York-based Master & Dynamic is making a case for going back to basics with their revived ME05 wired earbuds. Sometimes you just want audio gear that works without worrying about battery life or Bluetooth dropouts — an all too common occurrence in our daily lives.

The standout feature here is those solid brass acoustic enclosures housing 8mm biocellulose drivers. That’s not just for show —brass provides excellent acoustic damping properties that help deliver M&D’s signature warm, V-shaped sound. The lower mids are particularly rich, making vocals sound full-bodied whether you’re listening to thin ’90s recordings or modern compressed tracks.

Build quality feels solid across the board with milled brass shells, oxygen-free copper wiring, and a MEMS microphone with wind-rejection mesh for clear calls. You get seven different ear tip options to dial in the perfect fit, plus a USB-C adapter for modern devices.

At 0.81oz, they’re substantial enough to keep tabs on but still comfortable enough for extended listening. Sure, the fixed cable feels a bit dated compared to something like AirPods, but the overall package delivers that Master & Dynamic luxury experience at a more entry-level price point.

Giant Mouse Ace Clyde Brass EDC Knife

Best Knife: Named after a Portland watering hole, the Clyde has that slightly playful personality that Giant Mouse founders Jesper Voxnaes and Jens Ansø are known for. As the brand puts it, it’s more “goofus than gallant,” but don’t let all of that fool you. These Danish designers have serious knife credentials, and it shows in this legitimate EDC workhorse.

That 3″ Elmax blade takes clear inspiration from Scandinavian puukko design with its slim profile and slightly upswept tip. At 60 HRC, it holds an edge impressively well, slicing through daily tasks with ease. The saber grind keeps things sharp and nimble, while still giving you enough beef behind the edge for tougher work.

The brass scales add serious character, and a bit of weight as well. At 4.2oz, this definitely isn’t a featherweight folder. But, like the other EDC gear on this guide, that heft does feel reassuring in hand. Bronze washers provide smooth deployment, while the liner lock gives solid lockup for any EDC task.

Each knife is built in Maniago, Italy, and measures 6.94″ overall. Finished with a discreet wire clip, it carries comfortably in-pocket without ever screaming “tactical.” Which is certainly a hallmark for many of Giant Mouse’s EDC blades.

Baltic Aquascaphe

Best Watch: Okay, we’re cheating a bit here — this isn’t technically brass. But bronze is brass’s cooler, more corrosion-resistant cousin. And honestly, you won’t find many watchmakers using actual brass for cases since bronze’s copper-aluminum alloy just performs better in marine environments.

French microbrand Baltic nailed the vintage diver aesthetic with their Aquascaphe (it’s one of our favorites in the category), and this bronze version brings some serious warmth to the table. That CuAl8 bronze case will develop its own unique patina over time, making each watch genuinely one-of-a-kind. The glossy black dial creates striking contrast against the bronze, while those chunky Arabic numerals give it proper tool watch character.

At 39mm with a 47mm lug-to-lug, it wears perfectly on most wrists (seen on our wearer’s 6.75” wrist here). The Miyota 9039 movement provides reliable timekeeping with a 42-hour power reserve, while 200m water resistance means it’s ready for actual diving duties. Double-dome sapphire crystal and a 120-click unidirectional bezel complete the package.

For under $750, you’re getting legitimate dive watch functionality wrapped in a case material that tells its own story through daily wear.

Tested: The Best Titanium EDC Essentials

Brass gear has that unparalleled vintage look but for something more modern, check out our guide to the best titanium EDC essentials instead.