Having helped shape the country into what it is today, Japan’s Samurai era and the surrounding culture is one of the most fascinating historical periods in human history. And, much like the Old West (to which it is often compared, both literally and metaphorically), there’s a timelessness and everlasting fascination regarding this time of katana-wielding warriors. For instance, the concept of a ronin — a wandering samurai with no lord or master — has transcended Japanese culture and made its way into fables and pop culture around the world. Take, for instance, the Mad Max films, The Magnificent Seven, Leon: The Professional, and even the recent John Wick movies all have themes that could be directly connected to Japan’s ronin. In fact, its this very concept that has inspired this week’s everyday carry pocket dump. You needn’t be a wandering warrior to carry this collection of gear, but it might help if you had an appreciation for them.
Gerber Ayako Folding Knife
Inspired directly by Japanese design and the friction folders of the past, Gerber’s Ayako looks a lot like a miniaturized samurai sword, albeit with a more modern industrial aesthetic. It boasts a 7Cr17MoV blade, sturdy-yet-lightweight aluminum scales, and it has a frame lock for extra security in operation.
Neighborhood Billfold Wallet
Crafted from PVC tarpaulin — the same waterproof material used to cover military trucks — this ultra-durable wallet is resistant to water, dust, heat, and more. It also features a simple-yet-secure velcro closure, has dual internal bill sleeves, and it’s got plenty of room for all your cash and cards.
Pilot Vanishing Point Fountain Pen
Though not everyone knows how to write with one, fountain pens are quite elegant and can add a bit of fitness to otherwise middling writing experiences. This one, from Japanese brand Pilot, has the added bonus of a retractable clicker — making this perhaps the most pocket-friendly fountain pen we’ve ever seen. It certainly helps that the ink cartridge is refillable, too.
Seiko Prospex SRPE03 Dive Watch
A beautiful and modern take on one of Seiko’s most recognizable watch silhouettes, this watch can be manually wound but also boasts an automatic movement with a 41-hour power reserve. It also boasts a one-way rotating ceramic dive timer bezel, LumiBrite hands and markers, an anti-reflective sapphire crystal, and a stainless steel case with a matching link band.
