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As the immense hype and popularity surrounding limited edition releases have shown, there’s something undeniably special about owning an item that’s possessed by very few others. When it comes to contemporary EDC gear, there are two general routes one can take to ensure that their daily kit is uniquely their own, with the first being to custom-order your own creation using an online configurator, and the other being to opt for gear that’s crafted from a material that will slowly but steadily develop its own unique patina over time. To demonstrate this point, we’ve hand-selected an idiosyncratic array of curated and custom-configured pieces of EDC gear that will only become more unique over time, resulting in this week’s everyday carry spread; pre-patina.
Gerber Fastball Custom
Made in America, the Gerber Fastball is an excellent EDC flipper knife that punches well above its weight. Through Gerber Custom, the Fastball is offered with a myriad of different handle constructions (including the copper-scaled version seen here), and in the buyer’s choice of either a CPM S30V Wharncliffe or cleaver-style blade (the latter of which can be upgraded to CPM 20CV). The Gerber brand also allows EDC enthusiasts to further personalize the Fastball on its online configurator with a wide range of handle and blade finishes, both of which can be decorated with custom or preselected images or patterns. What’s more, the PDX-based brand even lets user select the finishes for the Fastball’s more minor details like its pocket clip, fasteners, axle, liner, and back-spacer.
Classic Solid Copper Zippo
The Zippo Lighter has been a bonafide outdoor and EDC gear staple since it was first introduced approximately 90 years ago. In 1969, the Bradford brand would develop a copper-bodied lighter prototype that, despite never seeing mass production, has recently been reintroduced for the modern world. Sold in a special gift box, this limited edition pre-production lighter sports a hand-finished, solid-copper case that will form its own unique patina over time with regular use. Decorated with a special bottom stamp, the copper body also houses Zippo’s first-ever black-coated steel insert, further distinguishing this Zippo from regular models and making this already special lighter all the more unique. And, like all Zippo lighters, this copper-cased configuration is made in America and backed by the brand’s lifetime guarantee.
Big Idea Design Dual Side Click Pen
The idea of a side click EDC pen is by no means a new concept, however, the team at Big Idea Design has managed to put its own unique spin on the item by bestowing it with its own patented dual side click mechanism, as well as an auto-adjusting collet that mitigates tip-wiggle. Backed by a lifetime warranty, this Dual Side Click Pen model features a solid copper body that will slowly achieve a unique patina on the areas that most frequently come into contact with its carrier’s fingers. Able to accept a huge variety of different ink refills, the pen is also produced in titanium and brass-bodied versions — all of which sport a titanium pocket clip that can be upgraded to a Timascus item.
Bell & Ross BR 05 Automatic
Featuring the brand’s signature hexagonal case and overlying round-edged square-shaped bezel design, this version of the Bell & Ross BR 05 Automatic (Ref. No. BR05A-BR-ST/SST) is a fantastic everyday watch that sees a 40mm stainless steel case complemented via a copper-colored dial with a sunray effect, a date window at 3 o’clock, and a white Super-LumiNova-coated handset. Keeping this GADA watch ticking is a Swiss-made 25-jewel calibre BR-CAL.321 automatic movement with a 42-hour reserve. With its light brown dial, steel case and bracelet, and general combination of vintage and contemporary design elements, the BR 05 Automatic undoubtedly makes for one of the most unique luxury everyday watches currently available.
