EDC: Is That Your Obama Protection Or Are You Just Happy To See Me?
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EDC: Is That Your Obama Protection Or Are You Just Happy To See Me?
EDC is the abbreviation for Everyday Carry. It’s a term that has been around for at least a decade but has reached a fever pitch with the convergence of survivalist mistrust of secret Muslim president Barack Obama, the related rise of the Tea Party, and tech-influenced fashion — all predictably trendified by the Internet.
Typically, everyone has some form of EDC whether it’s just a wallet, pack of Marlboroughs and a smartphone. The movement has become so widespread, however, it has spawned several websites dedicated to the trend resembling a fashion statement for your inner GI Joe.
Ideally, the elements of well-crafted EDC is based on three principles: miniaturization to the extent you don’t think much about what your carrying; multi-tool devices that cover your every need during unexpected disasters and offer preparedness not only with style but the ability to fight back any zombie influx. The key areas include:
CardSharp: A credit card that will save your life,
A pocket knife. As the old rural southern saying goes “a gentleman should always carry a lighter, a handkerchief and a pocketknife; and he should always be willing to load them out on a moment’s notice”. In a tradition that started during the World Wars where GIs were given knives as standard fare, the EDC goal here is to own a beautiful object for simple chores like cutting tags, boxes or just slicing apples. Some of the popular brands include Gerber, Kershaw, France-based Opinel and Cardsharp, a utility knife that folds up into the size of two credit cards.
Wallets. While wallets (and smartphones) tend to be the biggest objects in the space-obsessed EDC world, minimalist designs offer a stylish yet small footprint that most money clips have yet to achieve. Models range from RFID-blocking Titanium to Italian lambskin. Obstructures, Belroy and the Kickstarter-funded TGT are among the highest regarded minimalist wallet makers.
A money case even thieves won’t notice.
Tiny Tools. Like a scene from James Bond, there are several miniature tools to cover the preppers needs of EDC including flashlights, pens, cash capsules, med containers and lighters. The key players in this tiny space include Infora True Utility, Carchet and Streamlight. The great thing is that many of these objects fit on a keychain without adding any noticeable weight to your pocket or purse.
Multitools. An essential for EDC kits are one-piece, tools that have a dozen or so uses. The Infora True Utility Key ($13.25 Amazon), for instance, include a bottle opener, nail file, three screwdrivers, a thread cutter and tweezers — in a form factor that literally wraps around a standard key. For traditionalists, there’s the Victorinox Deluxe Tinker ($66.81 Amazon),: a kind of Swiss Army knife on steroids offering no less than 27 tools that range from a metal saw to four different screwdrivers.
A notebook. Although not as swashbuckling as other aspects of EDC, a good notebook is a must-have for the complete package. While digital devices have become de rigueur for note keeping, “I prefer paper. It has more soul” as one reddit.com EDC fan aptly posted. Tapping into the tactile nature of EDC, the most popular notebook is arguably the category’s plainest: the military-used Green Notebook. On first look these notebooks are nothing special but are known as rugged and dependable enough to have developed a significant cult following, particularly from former servicemen and law enforcement officers. For EDCers who prefer their notebooks to have space for pens and pencils, zippered pockets (for business cards) and some protection, there’s the Spartan Army Book cover ($19.95 Amazon).
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