Finally! A guy reviewing EDCs with dirty hands and working on stuff. I’m sick of EDC collectors with soft, doughy clean hands with toolbox box drawers full of over priced trinkets reviewing them having never really used them. Thanks, that was useful.

My EDC changes base on the tasks of the day. For work as a firefighter, I carry a leather man surge in a pouch on my belt. When I’m doing side work as an electrician, I have an old original leather man super tool. When I’m going to dinner or date night with the wife, I have an old victorinox that I found in my grandfathers attic. I suggest finding a smaller multi tool like the compact for your first one to carry in your pocket EVERY DAY. When you carry it every day you will find what you use most often and what you wish that tool had. Then it is easier to find a tool that is most suited for you. Maybe you love the scissors but wish it had pliers. Might want to look at the leather man wave. Maybe you don’t need pliers but wish you had a dedicated bit driver. The cyber tool from victorinox may be looking into. I found that this method lets you focus on what you want out of a tool you carry everyday. At the end of the day you find what you like best and what works for you.

I cannot recommend the Knipex pliers wrench enough. It's a perfect companion to the cobra pliers and superior to a traditional crescent wrench IMO. It's pricey, but definitely worth it.

I love your philosophy on this. So many people ask me why I don't carry this or that. I'm not mechanically inclined, and I really only require a knife, phone and lighter. Even when I hopefully beat the cigarette habit in a few weeks the butane torch lighter opens the frozen gate lock at work during winter.

You're right, you should carry what you need and need what you carry. I've found a flashlight to be the most important part of the EDC, because if you can't see anything, you can't use anything.

Multitools are what got me into EDC. A multipurpose tool that can tackle different tasks that life throws at you is what I love so much about carrying them. I've went from a Victorinox Classic SD to a Leatherman Wingman, to a Leatherman Free P2, and now I currently EDC a Leatherman 40th anniversary tool. I've found that, when I switched up to a tool that has a bigger toolset, I've found new ways to solve problems and I don't want to go back to a tool that has a smaller toolset. I never thought I'd need to carry pliers, until I carried my first Leatherman tool, and now pliers have been one of the best problem solving tools I have in my pocket!

My phone has been my most useful tool that I carry. Having the know how is just as important as having the tools.

I carry a 28 pound pack a thousand plus miles a year. Half that weight is water for me and the dog. Much of it I have used, the other stuff, I've used it to help other people in town on my daily walks. Recently a family was preparing to have a party at a picnic shelter the dog and I had stopped in. As it was cold, damp and windy I helped the grandfather (the sensible family member) tie down tarps on the north side of the shelter. They were going to have a wood fire so I prepped tinder, magnesium slivers and kindling for them. I've done bicycle adjustments, tightened deck screws, and come home with fifteen pounds of yard sale stuff tied to and in my pack. I've given a bandaid to a lady at the park for her kid. I've stopped to put on my ankle wrap and knee wrap (66 years old, I carry stuff I may need) I've written down names and contact info, lit cigarettes for people, stitched a fraying seam on my pack, So looking back at it all, I've used everything I carry EXCEPT my sidearm and spare magazine, mylar "blanket", compass and fresnel lens in 2,900 miles of walking the dog in town. Now a few years ago I was the first person on the scene of a motor vehicle accident and wrapped my coat around a person going into shock. If I had a mylar blanket then I would have rather used that. The load out is in the pack: pliers, adjustable wrench, screwdriver with six bits, snowflake wrench, poncho, 20 foot extra leash, 20 feet paracord, 20 feet mason's twine, spare folding knife, mechanics gloves, scarf or bandana, socks, knee and ankle wraps, pen, paper, lighter, magnesium and ferro rod combo, fresnel lens, mylar blanket, 2 cheap carabiners, needle, thread, buttons, safety pins, bandaids, spare dog crap bags, up to 5 liters of water, dog bowl, dog treats, raisins and nuts, spare 6 foot leash, compass, flashlight, half roll of electrical tape, two four foot polyester straps and 450 grit diamond knife sharpener. On my person, cell phone, folding knife, sidearm, spare mag, kubotan, wallet, cash, credit, ID and insurance. I pull stuff out of that pack and people are just amazed. My pack has been called Santa's bag of goodies. It is not only good exercise, but it is good practice. This is how I keep my old man tough card.

So I am working currently on my master electrician through my employer. On the side I am a handyman/landscaping contractor. I just hired a one of my sons friends for seasonal employment shoveling snow, ect. I brought him out with me this evening to do a cut along with my son. I was stringing up the trimmer, and my last question was "do you have a knife?" He pulled out a small knife and cut the string for me. As soon as he did, I told him welcome to the team. This kids 15 years old, and already resourceful. I want people like that on my team, because not only do they have tools, they have knowledge on using the tools.

Of all the EDC video’s I’ve watched over the years, I think this is the most down to earth and realistic description concerning the topic. “Carry what you need and need what you carry” is spot on.

Good video. For many years I've carried an EDC tool kit. Even being retired I've not been comfortable separating myself from it. My basic components are a Leatherman Charge with a pretty comprehensive bit kit, the Leatherman ratcheting extension tool with a 5/16 nut driver socket, (lots of sheetmetal shrouds are held on with either 1/4 or 5/16 tec screws), a small Crescent wrench, and a flashlight that has a belt/hat clip. Also a sturdy pen with a Fisher pressurized cartridge. This is just in the tool pouch. I also carry a good quality folding knife separately. Once in awhile if I think in advance it might be handy I'll grab a small channel lock or equally small vice grip. I can't count how many jobs I've accomplished with my basic combination. Here's a bonus tip, carry ChapStick. It's a lubricant, o-ring grease, screw starter, fire tinder (when rubbed into tissue and rolled into a candle), zipper smoother, finger split relief, and etc.

Back when I was on tanks in the 90s and 00s we all bought Leatherman tools with our own money and every tanker had one in a pouch on his hip. Yes, we repaired certain things on the M1-series of Main Battle Tanks with a multitool. Now when Gerber launched their competitor to Leatherman, some of us bought a few - again with our own money - and the pliers were breaking left and right and thus Tankers swore off Gerbers and swore by Leathermans. Now I'm back from 4 different wars and in the civilian world and I carry a Swiss Tool X w/ratchet & bits on my hip and a Victorinox Alox Bantam in my watch pocket. The Bantam is for opening boxes and the Swiss Tool is for everything else from installing/removing things in server racks to complete CPU replacements in Dell servers - they require a TORX 30 bit and I keep one in my Swiss Tool X ratchet bit kit just for that purpose. Oh, and because I can I also carry a Glock 19 Gen 5 w/RMR in a Safariland GLS holster on my other hip. Also have an Olight on their magnet loop ring because I can plant the olight on the top or side inside a server rack and light it all up, something one has to do on black colored racks versus the newer beige colored racks which tend to reflect datacenter overhead lighting much better inside the rack.

As someone who lives right next to the city of Solingen (Known for their blades, Böker is from Solingen as are many other knife manufacturers), I can't fathom how many people don't carry pocket knives, they're super light and useful in so many ways. Definitely the backbone of every EDC and something I couldn't live without. That feeling of superiority when someone has an uncut apple, wants to open a parcel or asks for a beer opener is truly non replaceable, and it's all from one tool

Miluwaukee 1505 can take a 1/4” drive adapter making you able to use sockets. And the knipex 125 is surprising on what it can do. I rely on those.

Dude that micarta on the compact is looking so gorgeous!!!

Personally work in industrial maintenance and carry 7" knipex everyday definitely the most useful thing in my pocket

I try to carry a multi tool with me as much as I can. Backstory, I used to work evenings. My mother called me around 10:00 am (I was asleep as I worked 2:30-11) freaking out because she was trying to fix her hot and cold water hookups for her washer, and didn’t realize she needed to shut her water off. Water was going all over the place, the house was soaked. I hurried over there. Her water shut off was down in the basement (which was really just a tiny dirt hole under the house without steps). I crawled down there, the lever was rusted and snapped off. Thankfully I had my Gerber suspension with me. Was able to shut it off with that, the pliers were shot afterwards but they were only like $30 at the time, so no big deal. Love having a multi tool.

This video inspired me to go figure out where my old 99 King was leaking gas from and to actually disconnect everything and take the tank off instead of just letting it sit! Looks like I’m gonna need a new tank but there are always swap meets going on around here. Your channel is the only one that ever convinces me to go and DO something instead of just going and BUYING something and I really appreciate that about you and your content. Stay Wild!

Absolutely nailed it with the multitool speal. It is difficult to get that "perfect" set of tools. Its a never ending journey.

The most sensible discussion of edc tools that I have heard. Carry what you need, need what you carry, 1st class!!! As a recently retired service tech, I have run the cycle of edc, from my first pocket knife at 7 yrs, through a wide variety of multitools and back to a capable pocket knife. What a journey...

This was a super chill, but super enjoyable episode. Well done guys. Basically made my Monday better.

Great video Zac ive been trying different tools in my edc over the last few months im a journeyman painter and ive been trying to lighten my pockets so my current edc tool set is mostly my benchmade bugout a pocket flashlight a leatherman squirt p4 and a bic lighter with a couple of my wifes old hair ties this gets me through most days but i started a new job and like most guys who work for this company i now carry a full size multitool which model varies day to day

Great video. couple things to think over also, headlamps are amazing to have in your car and EDC kit/bag, and a SAK customed to have the things you know you prefer and need on it. Just ideas I found very useful.

Fantastic video, and i totally agree! It's hard liking so many gadgets and tools and only being able to carry just a few! I like to keep my EDC really slim. But I've got pretty extensive car and backpack kits

❤ your videos, you treat me the audience with great respect and you don’t come off with a huge ego. You’re passionate and informative and your energy is super positive. Only wish that more KZfaqrs were like you.

This is such a good video. Such a nice level of polish on everything you work on! Thanks Zac!

Zac I gotta tell you man you got me into EDC.. I really like your take on the topic! Thank you brotha

I'm in my 40's and I still have and carry my red Victorinox that you showed at the beginning of the video. I got it when I was in the scouts more than 30 years ago. Wouldn't be without it. You're spot on about the pliers though - my dog walking bag also has a Motrax leatherman copy in it, and it's useful for pulling thorns out of my dog's foot etc.

Enjoyed your video. Lots of sensible advice. Alternative to phone charger is an emergency radio that has a hand crank and USB ports. Makes for no worries if charger missed being recharged.

Great video. I've gotten away from "everyday" and more into "what am I doing today" carry. Office- knifeless MP 600. Camping/hunting/barbeque/food prep - Buck 110. Garden/landscaping/household chores/tinkering with engines- Leatherman wave and knipex combo. Day off sitting on porch- victorinox bantam to crack a beer. Holiday- used to be victorinox rally to put batteries in kids toys, but kids are grown up and so I carry a fancy Case knife that they have gifted me. 😁

I’ve been carrying the 1505 and a pair of 6in needle nose Irwin vice grips for a few months now and don’t miss my leatherman at all, add some common bits, a couple sockets cobra style pliers and chisel knife in my day bag. I’m fairly confident that I can tune up whatever isn’t completely broken

I like to base my edc off 2 things. Firstly the 10 c's of survival as a base line for what I carry and tailor my items to fit my personal needs. Thanks to your channel I recently got a hide and drink pocket organizer. I carry a stainless ballpoint pen, gerber armbar drive slim, olight i3t my phone slides into the notebook pouch and I have my survival style money clip with my cash and cards emergency blanket and zippo. It really has made a difference in keeping up with my edc when it's all packed together.

Great demonstration and encouragement to make your EDC fit your needs. Love always having my compact on me everyday.

“Carry what you need and need what you carry” True words bro… but sometimes it’s nice to carry something you don’t need but just enjoy. I don’t need to carry a coin but it gives me a smile to do so!

Great video and I love the real world aspect of working on the bike. Knipex pliers, Leatherman wave, olight and bugout can solve most problems for me.

Yess been waiting for this! Thanks for another great video

The way this video is structured and edited, explaining the utility and general mindset of EDC tools while using the bike as an example: it's masterful! Clear, concise, entertaining, and useful. This is extremelly impressive. It's the kind of video that only a practical handy person that also happens to be a master at KZfaq could do. Zac and Jaimie are showing everyone how it's done.

I could relate to having the EDC tools to help others. My true EDC items are a ultralight Gerber knife and a tiny 150 lumin flashlight. Before that, it was a small multi-tool that I am starting to carry again.

Just great info. Very thought provoking. Thank you.

I highly recommend the ratched driver for your leatherman! This thing proofed well through one year of construction site. And backpacking

This is the first video of yours I have seen. Awesome. Great job.

Regarding the flash light: Consider climbing flash lights. They usually take 2-3 AAA batteries and strap to your head, have three or more light settings, and most importantly, they keep your hands free! As a climber, I never understood the EDC guys obsession with handeld flash lights. You are 70% there with your glasses mounted flash light. Look at Black Diamond climbing head lights, e.g.

The best explanation so far! 👊🏾

I’ve found that just a knife and knipex is the way to go! A multi tool just does a lot of things half assed

Check out the pocket wrench 2. If you ever broke a knife blade prying on something it is a must have. The best part about the wrench option is that it doesn’t effect the prying and shimming functions.

The boker Atlas with the blade and scissors is close to EDC perfection because of the super high quality of the scissors.

I carried the Wave+ with the bit kit for a long time and used the bits regularly but then over the course of being a industrial mechanic apprentice I started putting together a tool kit for my backpack which included the Wera Tool check. Never used the Leatherman bits again and always went straight for the backpack kit. So eventually I ended up carrying the Nextool flagship because I didn't need the bit holder anymore and otherwise the tool set of the nextool suited me better than the wave

Great video! Wave, pocket knife, and flashlight go with me everyday to work.

One of your best videos ever Zac, required watching imo 👌.

Leatherman tread is my go to Allen wrench. Easy to carry, more durable than I expected.

Thank you for the tip of strapping your flashlight to your glass. I never thought of that before. One stretched heat sink wrap later and now i can tap my Lumintop EDC1 to my glass. Genius idea !

County Comm has Titanium Adjustable wrenches from time to time. One lives with my other edc carry items,. Super handy for those quick adjustments (like motorcycle mirror stem nuts) especially when combined with my Knipex channel lock pliers. Leatherman Surge with the driver attachment.👍 Side note, my gal always gives me guff about carrying what I carry, sometimes my coworkers used to give me guff about it as well (I'm retired now) but it makes believers out of them for a short period of time when you help them out of a jam. Then they forget and give me guff again. lol

Good philosophy on EDC. I’ve found it to be a situationally based evolution as my job or activities require. I will occasionally edit my pocket carry and tool bag based on the utility I find in the items I’ve collected. It’s a good way to reevaluate your true needs.

I always carry a Leatherman Rebar. It's small, light and has everything I need besides the scissors. There where the Victorinox Minichamp comes in which lives on the keychain which also has a few hygiene tools on it (like a nail cleaner, nail file.) I'd argue that this setup is better than even more luxurious multitools like the Arc or Victorinox multitool offerings.

Nice opening with the Boker Atlas! I have two - the copper handle slipjoint and the lockback clip point in D2. Love them both as slim carry knives.

I carry a bugout and a leatherman style PS (modded to hold bits) every day. it’s the perfect setup for all the random menial tasks that pop up throughout the day, and takes up barely any space at all in my pockets. I can also take the style PS with me on flights since it doesn’t have a blade. looking to try the leatherman arc as a substitute for both when it comes out.

Your channel is so awesome 👏 Zach. Thank You 🙏

Great vid man- looking fwd to the bike up n runnin

The more videos I see on multi tools, the less I bother with multi-tools. My truck is finally set up with full size tools that I think I would need. Maybe if I got around on a Motorcycle, I would carry a multi-tool. I do however carry a knife everywhere. Thanx for the video my Bladed Brother 👍 ⚔️ ✝️ 🇺🇲

Great to see the channel continuing to grow. Congrats guys!

I carry the smaller cobra, it is fantastic in the pocket

I live in the UK and fixed blades or locking are illegal but I do carry a victorinox cadet plus a Leatherman bladeless and this covers most with and olight. When I used to work on the railway I used to Carry a wave which covered many minor tasks that the bigger tools didn't. Love the videos keep it up.

I carry my Leatherman Signal everywhere. I'm a hiker/ explorer so it's gotten a ton of use from me. The mini fire starter works way better than it should.

I agree I've yet to find a multi tool I'm totally happy with. I have Wave + and Surge. My EDC is a SAK Ranger and a set of belt pliers that predate multi tools by generations. Mine are Snap On 7"slipjoints. Better pliers then any multi tool I ever used. Daily fixed is a ESSE Izula II rip corded appendix. I carry a multitool when I can't carry my pliers. Lights, I carry an Elzetta Charley left front pocket, mini mag left rear (exam light), but I always keep a head lamp around.

First time discovering your channel! Love the “need what you carry, carry what you need” mantra - I always just fall back to a Gerber multi tool and a flashlight on my belt. Is that light on your glasses a Fenix?

Years ago I worked as a landscaper. At that time I paired a six inch crescent wrench with my leaterman. Makes a good combination, when tightening some thing alot of times there are two nuts or a srew head opposite of a nut. Just MHO Love the videos

Awesome video! I would love to see one about how you carry your gear daily in conjunction with your other daily gear like wallet and phone.

I have been carrying some form of an EDC since I was very young. At first just a Victorinox classic, then a Leatherman Micra, then a Gerber. These days I hang security cameras and my work conditions vary wildly day to day. I have a full backpack of supplies, but my pocket EDC is also incredibly dense. I carry a leatherman and a gerber, a knife, a stubby screw driver with bits, a flash light, and a ton of other doodads and pry tools. Everything in my EDC at been used at least once on the job, and multiple times a week it ends up saving the day, or at least several hours of travel. Its heavy to carry, but its so satisfying to always have the tool than can get the job done and engage my brain on how things interact with other things.

“Carry what you need, ned what you carry.” For me, even at nearly 70, it is a continuing experiment. I’ve carried a Leatherman for as long as they’ve existed, the WAVE since it came out. But currently a Victorinox Ranger (was a Huntsman but I wanted the file) is also part of the EDC. Knipex Cobra pliers and Proto 704 (I know, you can no longer get that 4” crescent with 6” size jaws) in another pocket. The experiment is to see which tools get used for more jobs, and which aren’t necessary. Not everyone has a Fluke non-contact voltage detector, but I use mine. Tailor that EDC to your needs. Some EDC you hope never to need (gun, trauma kit), but you still carry it.

Great video. Lots of things to think about. I 2 am thinking of getting away Leatherman wave. I already have knipex 5" cobras and ploer wrench in edc bag, but thinking of pairing cobras with sac explorer. Inline Phillips driver is reason. Great vid, thanks for your time.

Those knipex cobra pliers fit perfectly in a case knives large scout carry leather sheath.

I use my flashlight daily, pen at least every 2nd day. Multitool is the victorinox huntsman, the various functions also get used almost daily. I recently replaced my leatherman rebar with a knipex cobra 125. Most of the tools on the leatherman were already covered by the victorinox anyways and the cobra works better for my few pliers tasks than the needlenose leatherman

Great video,Zack & Jamie.

love your videos Zac, things that DO MATTER IN REAL LIFE... ❤❤❤

having such tools with you may be practical but if i could access big normal tools where im working i would definitely prefer those

Man that Boker Atlas is nice, nice that you can get a sheepfoot, drop point, or a clip point version with the lock back. Thanks for your points and tips for a useful EDC. The Plus Atlas Black Stonewash Brass Slipjoint is sweet as well.

Really like these types of videos 🤙

Good video. The core of my pocket tool kit is a Channellock 4” plier. I like the Knipex, but even the smallest one takes up a bit of space, while the ChannelLock disappears and does about 90% of what the knipex does. These days I carry an SAK. The Alox electrician has the tools I need most often. I also carry a small Opinel. A No.6 takes up almost no room in the pocket, weighs nothing, and cuts like the dickens. These three items are lighter and take up less space than any full sized multitool. My LFP always has a Leatherman Micra, mostly for the scissors, but also as a key fob. I have gone on too long, so I’ll just say that the selection of tools for EDC or for motorbikes is endlessly fascinating.

For me, SOG Power Access Deluxe, Knipex pliers wrench XS and small, cheap AAA flashlight i can treat as disposable. After lots of tweaking over time, this is what suits me. Great video, thanks.

As usual, great video!

My EDC is unusual. Like most, I carry a pocketknife, since knives are always useful. Aside from that, I carry a small shoulder bag containing a camera, a few lenses, and a lightmeter. For almost 30 years I have been working on a project documenting life in northeast Indiana. I always have a camera because I often see interesting things when I am out doing non-photography related stuff. That bag of photo gear is always with me no matter where I am going.

The Victorinox Rambler I find is invaluable. Has a #1 Phillips. Would adjust your carb just fine.

So agree with the carry what you need....... Put the hairtie on my flashlight and it works great with my glasses. Great tip.

You just made me buy that knipex pliers haha, it will make my victorinox farmer + knipex a good competitor to the leatherman wave :)

Thank You for this! 🎉

If you're on the fence about edc pliers go with the 4.5 inch crescent straight jaws for $10. Not as good as the knipex but it's less of an investment if, like me, you end up not adding it to your edc.

I don't know if anyone else has this problem, but just when I think I have my EDC dialed in, something happens to make me re-think it. 😂 Love the content. Thanks.

Great video, thankyou.

I love watching your videos...respect from Algeria Mr Zak❤

Awesome video again 🤘🏼 When are we hitting the road for a proper bike tour in the US? 😁

My EDC thus far is a Leatherman Super Tool 300 in a pocket pouch which also contains the Leatherman bit driver accessory and a handful of bits, a small jeweler's screwdriver with interchangeable bits, a driver extension, and a pair of tweezers (I unfortunately live in an area that has ticks). I also carry a separate pouch with a Cree E07 rechargeable flashlight. In my jeans pocket I have a Zippo, a nice Parker Pen, and a pair of earplugs at all times. As to phones: Mine is a CAT S61and I basically consider it an electric multi tool. It has an air quality sensor, a laser tape measure, a flashlight with a dedicated button, a sapphire screen, headphone jack, stupidly OP 5800mah battery, and most importantly built-in FLIR! I'm pretty happy with my setup for now, but I might get a Knipex tho for those occasions when I need another set of pliers to hold a nut while I tighten a bolt

I once met a Comanche Indian man named LaFonzo Fontaine that carried a golden bowie knife and danced a fancy jig.

If you are looking for a perfect mix of EDC kit, that has saved my bacon more times than I can count, SAK Compact, Skeletool CX, flashlight. There is minimal overlap, you have a proper blade, pliers, and a total package weight that can easlity be stashed over your body without any problems.

Great vid thanks Guys! My everyday edc is a victorinox tinker, gerber dime, olight I5t, Hank and whatever knife or knives I feel like carrying lol

Thanks for share, from Brazil.

The wee torch trick is quite smart

love your videos keep it up!

I carry a knife and a pair of Knipex pliers every day and use one just about as much as the other on daily basis. As a farmer if I can’t do the job with either of those, I probably need to get the tool truck.

This is A+ stuff right here 👍🏻

Super cool video, love when you guys do stuff like this, I don't know shit about working on cars or engines of any kind but love when you guys do stuff like this it feels like a type of video only you guys make.