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If I am allowed one pet peeve related to the Everyday Carry (EDC) industry it would be the so-called pocket dumps splashed across gear sites and on social media. There has to be a segment of our community, albeit small, where three $500 knives, two pistols, two flashlights, a fire starter and a pocket saw is required kit for a daily routine. But like most flashy product layouts, those type of pocket dumps are mostly unrealistic for us mere mortals. I’d love to see a series where real-world EDC aficionados pull out a set of banged up keys, loose change, a S&W 642 no lock wheelgun and a mini Maglight littered with half-wrapped sticks of peppermint gum. But owning proper knives, tools and related gear is an important requirement for even the most casual shooter.
Listed below are some of the items I have bought, used and tested in 2018. If I missed something, please feel free to fill us all in down in the comments section.
TFB’s 12 Days Of Christmas: Knives, Tools And EDC
SMRT Gadget Dart – $75
A series of micro pocket knives made in titanium. Opens conveniently with one hand, handles tough tasks hassle-free. Unlike most metals, titanium is hypoallergenic and corrosion resistant, these nano blades won’t leave your hands with metallic smell or rashes.
Gerber Flatiron ~$40
(I just picked this Gerber up for $38. It is sharp and locks up solidly.)
This pocket knife is built for utility with a cleaver blade in a folding application. The FlatIron pocket folder features a robust 3.6 inch blade, a textured G-10 composite handle, and a sturdy frame lock design. The reverse curvature of the knife’s spine keeps knuckles away from the cutting surface, allowing the use to cut and chop with precision.
CRKT Woods Chogan Tomahawk Axe
(Spyderco has a new hatchet out that looks very useful, but the CRKT is about 1/3 the cost and has an old school hickory handle.)
This two-handed camp axe with a hickory handle, hot forged blade, and hammerhead will make your life easier when you’re off the grid. Ryan Johnson of RMJ Tactical in Chattanooga, TN designed The Woods Chogan™ T-Hawk. A specialist in applying modern engineering to centuries old tool and weapon concepts, he is upping the ante once again with a new outdoor line of tomahawks that swing as big as the open wilderness where they’re found.
Bondhus T-Handle Wrenches
(I bought a full set of Bondhus T-Handle wrenches from Brownells earlier this year and have used them nearly every day since. I can’t believe I waited so long.)
Solid steel handles, Welded handle/blade connection. Ergonomic handle design. Flywheel effect saves time. Smooth, non-porous handle coating. Handle coating extends along blade.
Brownells Brass Punch Set
(Brass punches are way underrated and are one of my most frequently used tools.)
Precision machined, non-marring brass punches drift sights and drive pins without risk of damage to the sight, pin, or firearm. We combined 20 of our most popular non-marring brass punches, added a compact bench block and came up with a great addition for the work bench. Features (4) starter punches, (8) roll pin punches, and (8) standard punches for a variety of different jobs. Delrin® bench block holds and organizes all 20 punches for easy access, plus is resistant to most solvents. Starter punches are used to start the removal of steel or aluminum pins. Short, tapered shaft is extra stiff to prevent bending and twisting. Roll Pin punches feature a special tip that centers inside the hollow pin to help prevent slippage when driving roll pins and spring pins. Standard punches are non-tapered with a flathead tip surface that works great for drifting front and rear dovetail sights.
Geissele AR15 Reaction Rod
(Don’t skimp, like I did initially, and get a no-name brand reaction rod. Get a Geissele)
Sturdy steel rod slips into the upper receiver to give needed support for barrel changes and parts installation. Makes removal and installation of barrels, flash suppressors, gas blocks, and handguards much easier. Designed to be gripped in a bench vise so that the rod is either horizontal or vertical. The upper receiver is then slid onto the rod and the rod’s integral splines enter the barrel extension and secure the barrel extension from turning, allowing all the torque from barrel nut wrenches to go directly into the barrel extension. Unique design can’t mar the barrel’s exterior finish and eliminates the need to remove sights or optics when installing the barrel on the upper receiver.
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