The very nature of EDC calls for rugged and hardwearing materials that can stand up to the rigors of daily use, and as a result, segments in this space routinely look to constructions that are low in weight and high in strength like titanium, aluminum, and high-grade stainless steels. And though these aforementioned metals can be color-anodized, they’re most often associated with their natural color, so this month we’re celebrating the organic shade of the materials that serve as the backbone of EDC gear.
Under this theme, we’ve compiled a dynamic load out of goods and gear in varying shades of grey, along with a few titanium and aluminum items dressed in the same hue for good measure in order to bring you this month’s guide to the best EDC gear on Gallantry. We’ve also rounded out this month’s gear selections with a few supplementary bags and everyday accessories to help inspire your next loadout.
Craig Hill Ripple Bottle Opener
While bottles can be opened using a lighter or your keys, they don’t offer anywhere near as convenient or dignified an experience as using a quality dedicated bottle opener, like Craighill’s beautiful Ripple opener. Made in America and constructed from solid stainless steel, this 0.5lb item is adorned in a nitro-carburized thermochemical treatment and features a unique wave design that affords it a distinctive appearance, as well as supplementary grip when cracking a cold one. And, at 7” in length, you’ll never have to worry about losing this item, either.
The James Brand The Mehlville Carabiner
While the rise in the EDC space in recent years has resulted in an admittedly oversaturated carabiner market that continues to be inundated with new offerings on a near-weekly basis, we still have yet to come across a carabiner that we’re more fond of than TJB’s The Mehlville. Insanely durable, this item is CNC-machined from 6063 aluminum billet with an anodized finish, though what really sets the Melville apart from other offerings on the market is its spring-loaded gate and clever dual compartment key-capturing design.
MecArmy PS16 2,000-Lumen EDC Flashlight
The idea of comfortably carrying 2,000 lumens in your pocket might have sounded ridiculous a decade ago, though rapid advancement in LED light emitters and Lithium-ion battery tech has given way to a variety of highly-potent beams that are particularly conducive to EDC. This hardwearing little light is equipped with a quad CREE XP-G2 S4 LED emitter arrangement that puts out a whopping 2,000 maximum lumens. Housing the LED EDC item is an all stainless steel body with a tail operation switch, pocket clip, and lanyard loop.
Scout Leather Co. Hex Bit Driver With Bits
The use of screws dates back to the first or second century BC, and though metallurgy and threading design have hugely evolved since the first wooden screws to appear on the historical record, the mighty little screw remains a mainstay for securing and fastening items in societies the world over today. And it’s the continued ubiquitous use of screws — be it a Phillips head, flathead, star, etc — that makes pocketable drivers so handy. This particular item features a titanium-constructed driver that accommodates any of the 13 included Wiha hardened steel bits.
Peak Design Everyday Sling 10L
Backpacks are obviously fantastic vessels for carrying around your garments, gadgets, and gear on a daily basis, however for those times when you only need to a handful of essential items, sling bags are hard to beat. Peak Design’s Everyday Sling features 10-liters of storage space divided via a FlexFold reconfigurable internal organization system, all secured inside a weatherproof 400D nylon canvas exterior. Outside, the bag boasts an expandable outer pocket, external carrying system, a quick-adjustment straps, too.
Tec Accessories Ko-Axis Ti Rail Pen
Though they may not see as much use as they did in decades past, writing utensils remain a crucial element of a complete and well-rounded EDC loadout. This pen from Tec Accessories puts an idiosyncratic and industrial-looking spin on traditional EDC pens, with a sliding magnetic retention and actuation system. The individualistic design sports a bead-basted aerospace-grade Ti-6AI-4V titanium body with 52 neodymium magnets and a pair of solid stainless steel rails guiding a QAI 9-4 aluminum bronze slider.
Dango M1 Maverick Bifold Spec-Ops Wallet
Rugged, compact, and heavy on utility, Dango’s M1 Maverick Bifold is built around a Cerakoted CNC-machined 6061 aluminum chassis, wrapped in a hardwearing DTEX fabric, and supplemented with a silicone cash strap. In addition to space for up to 16 cards, this tactical wallet also carries an integrated high-carbon heat-treated MT04 stainless steel multi-tool that offers a variety of cutting, driving, and prying applications. Furthermore, this wallet is RFID-blocking, water-resistant, made in America, and TSA-compliant (with the multitool removed).
AER Duffel Pack 2
Designed as something of a gym bag and work bag hybrid, AER’s Duffel Pack 2 is an incredibly versatile and well-built bag that’s well-equipped to accommodate just about anything you need to bring with you on a day-to-day basis. Built around a 900D eco-dyed polyester shell and offering nearly 25-liters of internal real estate, this EDC backpack features a padded laptop pouch, a ventilated shoe compartment, Duraflex plastic hardware, YKK Japanese zippers, and a bevy of internal and external storage compartments.
Jack Mason A102 Aviator Chronograph
Constructed around a 42mm brushed stainless steel case, this striking chronograph watch features a dial modeled after vintage analog aircraft instrumentation and Super Luminova-coated hands and date window underneath a mineral crystal lens. The Texan company’s A102 Aviator’s case is paired with a 22mm black Italian leather strap that’s secured via a matching stainless steel buckle. Backed by a three-year warranty, the timepiece is also water-resistant to 100 meters and kept ticking by a Japanese quartz movement.
The James Brand Duval Knife – Ti/Damascus
The James Brand’s Duval knife is without a doubt one of the finest modern interpretations of an EDC gentlemen’s blade, wonderfully blending timeless pocket knife aesthetics with contemporary materials. Measuring 6.375″ when open, the Duval features a minimalistic yet elegant design that packs a 2.65” sheepsfoot blade mated to the handles via stainless steel hardware and smoothly guided by ceramic ball bearings. And while the regular Duval models are admittedly outstanding knives, the company also produces a super exclusive, top-shelf Duval variant that boasts trick titanium handles and a stunning (Damasteel Rose DS93X) Damascus steel blade.
Scoured: The Best EDC Gear On Gallantry - May 2020
Looking for a more stealthy array of items for your everyday carry? Then be sure to check out last month’s guide to the best EDC gear on Gallantry, and you’ll be well on your way to a fully-blacked out kit.
