A Fighting Knife – Is It Necessary Today?

What do you consider that is a “fighting Knife”?  Some people think that any knife that you have is considered a fighting knife.  My definition of a fighting knife is any sharp knife that is only used for self defense.  You don’t cut string, rope or cardboard with it, you keep it sharp enough to shave with but only use it to save your life.  The question is, do we need that type of knife in today’s society?  I think the answer to that question depends on where you live and the people you associate with.  Here are five fighting knives to consider.

MTech 664BK Tactical Karambit Knife

The MTech 664BK Tactical Karambit Knife is a nice self defense knife for the money.  This fixed blade knife is 7″ overall in length with a 3 1/4″ curved design karambit style blade. It is a one-piece stainless steel finish, using 440 stainless construction with an integrated finger ring. There are machined hole cutouts to give it a lightweight feel. It comes with a molded black sheath with belt/pocket clip.  This knife fits medium-sized hands and the finish is smooth.  It feels good in the hands and comes very sharp.

Cold Steel Tiger Karambit Knife

The Cold Steel Tiger Karambit knife is a thoroughly modern tactical interpretation of the Indonesian Karambit. A design collaboration between Lynn C. Thompson and the late custom knife maker Steven Likarich, the Steel Tiger was designed to possess all the best features of this iconic hooked blade and to integrate them seamlessly with modern materials and styling. The Steel Tiger’s deeply curved and needle sharp AUS 8A stainless steel blade is vacuum heat-treated and sub-zero quenched, taper ground and given a stone wash finish for maximum strength, cutting power, edge retention and performance. The 5″ durable Griv-Ex core handle fully encapsulates the tang, emerging to create the bolster, thumb-shelf and distinctive finger ring. This core is then injection over-molded with premium Kray-Ex, creating a superb, non-slip grip that won’t let you down even in when your hands are cold or wet. It has an overall length of 8 3/4″, blade length of 4 3/4″, the blade thickness is 5mm.  This is an awesome knife that is very sharp and ready for action.

Emerson Combat Folding Karambit Knife

The Emerson Combat Karambit is a fast, efficient, ergonomic design that has long stood the test of time.  Fashioned after a tiger’s claw for those that go into harm’s way, many use the knife as an offhand weapon retention tool, to protect their sidearm against a take-away attempt. This knife is proud to serve our warriors whose job it is to protect the rest of us.  The Emerson Karambit knife, aka the Combat Karambit, is the ultimate 21st Century folding knife by Emerson Knives, Inc. Along with the patented “Wave Feature”, the Combat Karambit is one of the finest personal defense weapons ever developed. Featuring black G-10 handles for a textured grip, and a beautifully designed Karambit blade- This is one of the best every day carries you can own.  The overall length is 6.8 “, the blade length is 2.6″, the blade thickness is 0.125” thick and the weight is 3.6 ounces.  The handle is made of G-10, and very comfortable.  This is considered the ultimate folding Karambit knife for self defense.

Fox 479/599 Folding Karambit Knives

The Fox 479 & 599 Black Folding Karambit is one of the best self-defense tool and utility knife available on the market. This tool has been field tested in the most extreme climates by some truly hardcore people, and has proven itself time and time again to be of the highest quality. If you need a reliable self-defense tool to protect yourself, the Fox karambits are a force to be reckoned with.  If you want the most reliability in any situation where a need arises for a good blade that works and works well, this is your knife.  These knives utilize the Emerson Wave, which is the most effective and efficient deployment option available in the knife industry. The patented Emerson Wave allows you to fully deploy your karambit effortlessly with just one hand.  It has a strong, consistent edge with high degree of sharpening receptivity.  It has a safety ring for a sure and secure grip, even in extreme environments, the safety ring allows you to utilize in less-than lethal situations by keeping the closed karambit in your hand.  The Fox 479 is for hand sizes measuring 3.6″ or over across the back of your knuckles.  The Fox 599 is used for hands smaller than 3.6″.  The tiger claw shaped blade has a thickness of .12″ and length of 3″, offering a total reach of 7.5″ when fully extended and 5″ when closed. The Fox Knives 479 utilizes a liner lock and weighs in at a mere 4.02oz. The adjustable pocket clip allows ambidextrous use. It designed for tip-up carry with the patented Emerson Wave feature for fast deployment in a reverse grip. 

Final Thoughts About Fighting Knives

The above mentioned knives are all great self defense knives, each unique in their own way.  The MTech and Cold Steel knives are both fixed blade knives, the MTech is extremely basic, low cost, lightweight, and conceals very well.  The Cold Steel knife is bigger, heavier and has a more comfortable handle, but does not conceal as well.  Then you look at the Emerson and Fox folding Karambit knives.  The Emerson is the Cadillac of folding karambit’s and utilizes their Emerson Wave technology that makes it possible to open this knife with one hand and deploys in seconds.  But these knives are a little on the expensive side.  Then you have the Fox Combat Karambit that is everything that the Emerson is, including the Emerson wave technology at a cheaper price.  Two different size handles depending on your hand width.  These are all wonderful knives that work extremely well for self defense.

One suggestion I have for anyone that is thinking of getting one of these knives, buy a training knife to help you understand how to use one of these knives without getting hurt.  That’s very important and can save any trips to the emergency room.

But what is the answer to my question?  The truth is I can not answer the question for you, it is a personal question that you need to answer your self.  My thoughts are, we all need to be prepared for whatever comes along.  If you feel a good self defense knife is necessary for you then but whatever works for you.  If you feel it is not necessary then put your efforts into other EDC gear.  The question is yours to answer!

If you have any questions about this post or anything else related to Everyday Carry (EDC), feel free to leave a comment below and I will be happy to get back to you.

All the best,

Larry

Founder of EDC Essentials

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    COVID-19 and EDC, Do They Work Together?

    A lot has been happening the last week to 10 days concerning the Coronavirus or now as it is called, the COVID-19 pandemic.  It seems like most states are doing similar things trying to keep us all safe.  Here in Colorado, our Colorado State University (CSU) is leading the charge with all face to face classes being cancelled and once Spring Break is finished, classes will continue in the online format for the rest of the year.  That seemed to trickle down to our high schools and elementary schools, they extended spring break one additional week so we will see what happens after Spring Break.  Then our Governor mandated a “Stay at Home” order to keep people from congragating together. Businesses have begun to do some things too: closing lobbies to sit-down meals to limit the number of customers at one time, then they went to Take Out only.  Finally they are recommending that all people wear masks to try to limit the spread of germs.

    COVID-19 News Seems To Be Everywhere

    No matter where you look these days, that’s all you see! More information, more possibilities about COVID-19.  Will it ever end?  Facebook is plastered with every joke, every funny picture, every nasty comment that you can find.  Is it just one big joke?  Absolutely not!  I feel it is real and rather than just joking about it, maybe we need to “think” for a moment about the truth.  At first it seemed as though everybody was going over-board.  Then you have the idiots that buy up all the toilet paper, facial tissues, hand sanitizer and sanitizing spray.  Then you have the real idiots that buy those things just to sell them on Amazon at super inflated prices – shame on you!  Not to mention the “HOARDERS” that buy up all the meats, vegetables, pastas so no one else can get them. 

    So what is the next step?  Naturally, having to regulate how much people can buy so the maximum number of people can buy more product.  Is this really necessary?  Yes unfortunately it is, and that is pretty sad!  It has been said by Colorado Disease Control that it’s not if you will get it but when you will get it.  The purpose of limiting the number of people that are in one specific area is the way to limit the number of people that are getting exposed to this virus.  That way it decreases the number of people that have the virus initially.  Whether you agree with these procedures or not it is the truth. 

    How Can You Prepare Yourself for the COVID-19?

    So here are the symptoms that experts say we will have if you obtain the Coronavirus: runny nose, sore throat, cough, fever, and possibly difficulty breathing,  only in severe cases.  That sounds about like any other flu-type virus that is going around.  When you read how to avoid getting the Coronavirus, the one thing they say to do is wash your hands, wash your hands, wash your hands! Before you eat, after you eat, if you touch your face, if you sneeze, if you cough, that means all the time!  If you can limit the germs going in you will decrease your chances of getting sick. 

    If you are near a bathroom or a kitchen sink or someplace with running water and soap, its easy.  But what do you do when you are in your car or walking about away from those thing?  Easy, you go get a bottle of hand sanitizer and keep it with you. Unless you live in an area when those idiots bought them all.  Now what? 

    Making your own Hand Sanitizer

    Well if it’s not available in your stores then we make some at home. It is pretty easy and will get you what you need. So here goes-what you will need to make your hand sanitizer:

    1. 3/4 cup of isopropyl or rubbing alcohol (99 percent).

    2. 1/4 cup of aloe vera gel (to help keep your hands smooth and to counteract the harshness of alcohol).

    3. 10 drops of essential oil, such as lavender oil, or you can use lemon juice instead.

    4. Pour all ingredients into a bowl, ideally one with a pouring spout like a glass measuring container.

    5. Mix with a spoon and then beat with a whisk to turn the sanitizer into a gel.

    6. Pour the ingredients into an empty squirt bottle for easy use, and label it “hand sanitizer.” And there you go, easy but useful.

    OK Enough About COVID-19!

    So we talked about COVID-19 and some things to think about, now where does everyday carry (EDC) fit in?  As I have said before, there are different ways to look at EDC, some people consider it to be only the few things that are carried on your person. In that case they are always with you and that is a good thing.  I like to go a little bit farther, in addition to the items on my belt and pockets, I like to have a backpack full of a few more items that can cover a little more on the emergency side.  As we progress in this pandemic, we do not know what is going to happen or what will be expected of each one of us, because of that we need to be prepared to act at a seconds notice.

    EDC Backpacks Come in all Shapes and Sizes

    Since I have been through a major emergency in my life,  (read – Why is Your Everyday Carry Gear So Important) I understand the importance of being prepared.  That’s why I always have a pack with a few clothes, socks, underware, tooth brush/toothpaste, and a few emergency items, just in case I need them.  It pays to do some research on the Internet, putting together your EDC list so you can be ready when you need it.  Once your list is made, then determine what pack those things will fit in.  My EDC Backpack section of my website has many to choose from, go there if you need so ideas.

    EDC For The Pandemic

    I have said this before so please hear me, your everyday carry items can change with your situations.  So during this pandemic, I will carry things that I may not carry otherwise.  Here are some items that I make sure I have with me, either on my person, in my EDC pack or in my car or at home: Disinfectant spray, wet wipes, hand sanitizer, water bottle, alcohol wipes and a mask. 

     

    • Disinfectant spray is very useful but may be an item that I keep at home and wipe down my gear as necessary.

     

     

    • Wet wipes are handy to help with any cleanups, hand sanitizer works to keep your hands clean, but is not a substitute for good old soap and water. 

     

    • A water bottle is very important as we all need to stay hydrated, but it can also be used to wash your hands in case you are out of hand sanitizer.

     

    • Some type of alcohol wipes work very well too.  I keep these for cleaning my glasses but they work fine on your hands as well. 

     

     

    • My last item is a mask, some may like them and some may not.  This item too is very difficult to find in stores.  I had to find someone who could make me one, see the picture, very cool! Some people may carry rubber gloves but I choose to wash my hands rather than  depend on rubber gloves.  If you are looking for other EDC gear, check out my website.

    Making Your Own Disinfectant Spray

    As I touched on hand sanitizer, the same thing is happening with disinfectant spray, it is being over-purchased to where it is hard to find sometimes. So let’s make our own!

    Here is an easy recipe to make your own disinfectant spray:   

    1. Place one gallon of water into a gallon container with a tight cap. 

    2. Pour 1/3 cup of bleach into that gallon of water.

    3. Add some lemon juice if bleach smell does not appeal to you.

    4. Pour mixture into a new sprayer or re-use an old spray bottle.

    Re-cap gallon container and store away. Use of spray: 

    Pre-clean the are first.

    1. Spray on disinfectant spray and leave on surface for 6 minutes. 

    2. Rinse area with plain water.

    There you go, very easy and fast to make!

    Everyday Carry Gear is Important

    I have said this many times and I will continue to say this, you need to carry EDC that is important to you!  Don’t carry what I carry or don’t carry what your friend carries, you need to carry what makes sense to you.  Think about it, read about it and make a decision for yourself as to what you shout carry.  Then buy it and carry it!  Items left at home will not do you any good in an emergency.  It needs to be on you, or with you, not in your car or on your nightstand or in your office desk.  Carry it with you all the time!

    If you have any questions about this review or anything related to Everyday Carry (EDC), feel free to leave a comment below and I will be happy to get back to you.

    All the best,

    Larry

    Founder of EDC Essentials

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      SWATOM 8 IN 1 MINI SCREWDRIVER

      Product Review

      Handy Little Screwdriver

      Product: Swatom 8 in 1 Mini Screwdriver

      Price: $8.99

      Durability: High

      Best Place To Buy This Product: Amazon.com

      My Overall Rating: 8.5

      Quick Product Overview:

      This screwdriver is a complete self-contained tool – all bits store inside handle 5″ length x 1/2″ diameter, 1.5 oz.  There are 8 screwdriver head kits: 1/16in,5/64in,3/32in,1/18in,00,0,1,2.  It is a professional portable hardware tools,lightweight,pact design.  This precision screwdriver set is a handy tool small large projects mini size and has a lifetime free delivery missing/broken screwdriver head kits

      Specifications Of This Product:

      What I Like About This Product:

      This screwdriver is very handy, it has 8 bits that can be very useful.  These bits are held in place by a magnetic holder that works very well.  

      What I Would Change About This Product:

      I do not have anything to change on this screwdriver.

      Final Remarks:

      This Swatom 8 in 1 Mini Screwdriver is a sweet little tool that is definately worth the money.  It might not hold up under daily long term use but for occational use it works great.

      If you are interested in this product, click here.  If you are interested in similar products, click on the link below and it will take you to my EDC Backpack page, Thanks for reading this product review.

      Go To EDC Backpack.

      If you have any questions about this post or anything else related to Everyday Carry (EDC), feel free to leave a comment below and I will be happy to get back to you.

      Thanks,

      Larry

      Founder of EDC Essentials

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        Appendix Carry – Is That A Wise Decision?

        If you look on YouTube these days, you find a lot of articles about appendix carry.  Some people love it and others do not, but lately it appears that the scale is falling more on the positive side.  I am left-handed and have been carrying my handgun in the 8 o’clock for the last 15 years.  Some days it feels good and other days its very uncomfortable.  So I thought I might try something different. 

        Why Do Some People Dislike Appendix Carry?

        For those of you that may not know, appendix carry is in the 11:00 to 1:00 position, right where your belt buckle would be.  That poses a problem for some guys that do not like the idea of having a loaded gun pointing at their crotch.  Especially handguns that do not have an external safety.  Whether your gun points at your crotch, or some place on your leg or your femoral artery, those are areas that you don’t want a bullet to enter.  Others object to the fact that it is uncomfortable to sit wearing a handgun in the appendix position.  And finally is seems that appendix carry does not work with all body types.

        Why Do Some People Like Appendix Carry?

        Those people that favor appendix carry will say that it offers good concealment, as it is in an area that most people do not readily check out on a regular basis.  It has also been documented that appendix carry brings about very fast presentation. Also with a good holster and the right body type it can be every bit as comfortable as other carry options. 

        What Gear Do You Need When Carrying Appendix?

        When I speak of appendix carry I am definately not talking about sliding your handgun down the front of your pants.  There is some special gear that is necessary to make it safe and effective.  1) A good holster is a necessity, it needs to fit your handgun securely,  have a slim design, it needs to have a neutral cant, and a secure belt attachment.  2) A wing or claw of some sort that helps to push the gun butt into your body for better concealment.  3) Some people like to have a wedge that also pushes the  gun barrel away from your leg which also pushes the gun butt into your waist.  4) A belt that has a small buckle that can be turned to the side so it does not get in the way of your holster.  Now put that all together and you are ready to carry appendix.

        My Appendix Carry Gear

        Since holsters are one of the most important pieces of equipment, I got two custom made appendix holsters.  One made by Tier One Concealment which is a holster and magazine holder combined.  These two are joined together using stretch cord which makes it flex with my movements.  They make it fit your gun perfectly thus giving it that “snap” fit and it has a neutral cant.  It also has a double belt attachment that snaps on your belt to let it ride securely on your belt.   It also has a claw which fits against your belt thus pushing the gun butt in toward your side.  This is a great idea having everything connected together

        The other one is made by Muddy Rivers Tactical where the holster and magazine holder is separate.  Muddy Rivers Tactical has to have the fastest turn around time of any holster company I have ever used.  My order was delivered to me in one week – now that’s fast!  This holster fit my Glock 30 perfectly, the cant is adjustable and it has my favorite belt loops for attachment to my belt.  The magazine holder fits my 45 auto magazine very securely too and it also has belt loops for a secure attachment.

        The belt that I use when I carry appendix is made by Blue Alpha Gear, its the Cobra EDC belt.  For being a nylon belt, it is extremely ridgid and holds it’s shape very well.  It is very easy to adjust the fit and it has a Cobra buckle that snaps together very well.  The nice thing about this belt is it slides to the side very easy thus keeping the buckle out of the way of your holster.  No matter what holster I wear it works well with this belt.

        Final Thoughts About Appendix Carry?

        So what is my true feeling about appendix carry?  I really like the idea of this method of carry, the quickness of draw, the great holsters, the fantastic belt, all that works well.  My problem is my body type, I am not thin, I am carrying about 25 pounds more than I should. So I have a gut and a pouch below my belt.  When I put all my gear together the gun felt good but the butt of the gun would not conceal very well.  It tips outward, not inward.  So I am not sure that appendix carry will work for me.

        Those that seem the most excited about appendix carry are of thin built, where they do not have uneven contours in their body type.  I have seen overweight people talk about wearing their handguns in the appendix position and they feel good about it.

        Am I done wearing appendix – NO!  But I may need to loose some weight before I can carry appendix effectively.  Or maybe I need get a different holster to fit my body type.  But one day I will carry in the appendix position, just not right now.

        If you have any questions about this post or anything else related to Everyday Carry (EDC), feel free to leave a comment below and I will be happy to get back to you.

        All the best,

        Larry

        Founder of EDC Essentials

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          CRKT HI JINX Z KNIFE

          Product Review

          Smoothest Folder Ever

          Product: CRKT Hi Jinx Z Knife

          Price: $47.97

          Durability: Very High

          Best Place To Buy This Product: Knivesplus.com

          My Overall Rating: 9.5

          Quick Product Overview:

          The Hi Jinx™ Z is a gentleman’s everyday carry blade with all the classical curves and subtle elegance that has become the anthem of a Ken On-ion knife. This gentleman’s knife has a shapely black glass-reinforced nylon handle with a “feel” that is just right. The satin drop point blade features a sleek flat grind, that will hold a good edge and it matches the handle’s good looks.  The Hi Jinx™ Z blade opens with a flipper and includes an IKBS™ ball bearing pivot system that facilitates fast and smooth opening and it has a stainless steel frame lock that holds this knife in the open position very securely. The pocket clip is reversible for left or right handed use and can be carried tip up or tip down and is designed to sit deep in the pocket. 

          Specifications Of This Product:

          Blade Length3.29″ (83.64 mm)
          Blade EdgePlain
          Blade Steel1.4116
          Blade FinishSatin
          Blade Thickness0.11″ (2.82 mm)
          Overall Length8.00″ (203.20 mm)
          Closed Length4.72″ (119.91 mm)
          Weight4.90 oz. (138.91g)
          HandleGlass Reinforced Nylon
          StyleFolding Knife w/Liner Lock

          What I Like About This Product:

          The first thing that comes to mind when I think of this knife is the smoothness of the IKBS™ Ball Bearing Pivot System.  It is unbelievable how smooth it really is.  The blade is equipped with a flipper that aids in deployment of this knife.  Right out of the box it works well but seems to get better the more you use it.  If we continue with the blade, it’s sharpness is excellent just out of the box.  There was no reason for me to touch it up with my ceramic stone, it was just that sharp.  The blade also locks up very well, which helps to make this knife very sturdy.  It’s a great little knife.

          What I Would Change About This Product:

          This knife fits my needs and is everything I wanted in a knife.  At this point I do not have anything I would change about this knife.

          Final Remarks:

          When I think of the CRKT Hi Jinx Z knife I think of a smooth, sharp knife that is very cool looking.  It fits very well in my pocket and does not feel like I have a 2 x 4 in there.  When deploying this knife it has the smoothest action of any knife I have owned and the blade was extremely sharp right out of the box.  The lock-up of the blade was very tight and it disengaged easily.  The pocket clip is shorter than I am used to but does the job and is reversable.  I highly recommend this knife for anyone that wants a really good knife.  

          If you are interested in this product, click here.  If you are interested in similar products, click on the link below and it will take you to my EDC Backpack page, Thanks for reading this product review.

          Go To EDC Folding Knife.

          If you have any questions about this post or anything else related to Everyday Carry (EDC), feel free to leave a comment below and I will be happy to get back to you.

          Thanks,

          Larry

          Founder of EDC Essentials

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            THE SWAT PEN BY ATOMIC BEAR

            Product Review

            A Great Writing Pen and More

            Product: The SWAT Pen by Atomic Bear 

            Price: $12.99

            Durability: High

            Best Place To Buy This Product: Amazon.com

            My Overall Rating: 9.0

            Quick Product Overview:

            This elegant pen is made for double-duty, use it daily as great pen and as a personal protection tool. The tungsten carbide tip can break a car window in 2 seconds or be used as a self defense tool.  The SWAT Pen by the Atomic Bear exhibit simple and solid construction and has a great feeling in your hand.  It has a remarkable grip that can deliver a devastating strike. The cap is solid and tight with an audible click on both ends when switching between pen and glass breaker/weapon functions. 

            Comes with a practical heavy duty nylon belt sheath for your EDC comfort, and has a lifetime warranty and a spare black ink cartridge. It is a plain and simple design but it won’t break either!  This pen is made of sturdy military grade aluminum machined to perfection and it will not rust. 

            Specifications Of This Product:

            Carrying pouch

            The exclusive one-action-grip pouch attaches to belts up to 3 inches wide and it quickly opens with a Velcro flap.  It is made of 300D nylon fabric using super strong nylon stitches. You can open the pouch and grasp the pen in one quick movement. 

            Smashing End

            This pen has an impact end that can break glass, ceramics and even certain metals. The tip is made from an extremely hard super alloy called tungsten carbide.

            Solid Grip

            The S.W.A.T. pen allows a thumb grip which is the only correct way to fully transfer your power to the target.

            Smart Cap

            Don’t waste your time to screw the cap on and off for writing. With this survival pen you simply clip the cap on either side. The cap belt/pocket clip is remarkably useful.

            What I Like About This Product:

            When I think of this pen, it does what it is supposed to do – write!  And it writes really well.  It is one of the smoothest writing pens I have ever had and it is a heavy-weight pen that is extremely sturdy.  They claim it can break glass and with the Tungston tip that comes on this pen,  I’m sure it can and that’s pretty cool!  Now the glass tip is also the self defense end of the pen, its a nasty point that could do some damage to whatever it comes in contact with.

            What I Would Change About This Product:

            Within the parameters that I have used this pen, I did not find anything that it did not do as claimed.  Therefore it does what I expected it to do so I do not have anything negative to say.

            Final Remarks:

            A pen is a pen, is a pen! Wrong!  This SWAT pen is a pen and more!  It writes like a dream but is sturdy enough to break glass and to use as a weapon.  So it’s a PEN and MORE!  Enough said!

            If you are interested in this product, click here.  If you are interested in similar products, click on the link below and it will take you to my EDC Backpack page, Thanks for reading this product review.

            Go To EDC Tactical Pens.

            If you have any questions about this post or anything else related to Everyday Carry (EDC), feel free to leave a comment below and I will be happy to get back to you.

            Thanks,

            Larry

            Founder of EDC Essentials

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              As 2020 Rolls In, More Changes Come Around

              OK I just wrote a post about some changes to my EDC at the end of 2019.  Well it is February 27, 2020 and I have added three more items.  Two were Christmas gifts and one was something I wanted to try out and review for this Website.  As I stated before I am not afraid to change my EDC as different situations occur, things change, situations occur, new items come out,  it keeps things interesting!

              Christmas Gift Number One

              I have always used generic multi-tools, not because I liked them but because I always seem to loose them; people seem to borrow them and not return them, similar to what happens to my pocket knives.  Why buy nice gear if you always loose it!  But my son wanted to change that way of thinking for me this year so he bought me a Leatherman Skeletool for Christmas.  I was both surprised and excited, finally a good multi-tool to use as my EDC.  The reviews on this have been really good and so many people like it.  Is it the largest of multi-tools – No!  Are there enough attachments on this tool to make it worth carrying – absolutely!  Am I going to cram my pants full of another item?  Or put it in a belt holder and put it on my belt?  No!  I carry the Vertx Dead Letter Sling Pack on a daily basis and I have a pouch that has the Leatherman Skeletool’s name on it.  Have I used it yet, yes I have and its great to have it with me at all times.  In the months to come I will review this product after I have had time to use it more.

              Christmas Present Number Two

              My other EDC item that I got for Christmas is the Swatom 8 in 1 Mini Screwdriver.  While I would not have purchased that for myself, it is really kinda cool and will definately come in handy.  As the name implies, it has eight mini screwdriver bits that come with this screwdriver, some of them will be quite useful.  It is something I will use everyday, probably not, but will come in handy now and then.  Because of that, is it really a piece of EDC gear?  Well let’s  discuss that for a minute.  I look at my EDC in terms of how often I will use something, daily use items are in my pockets or on my belt.  That way they are definitely with me at arms-reach.  Other items that I may not use daily, but will use a little less frequent are in my EDC backpack.  So I can get to them quickly.

              Tactical Pens - Are They Worth Having?

              How many of us use a pen on a daily basis to write our lists on a piece of paper or sign some important papers, probably most of us! Now how many of us think a pen can be a self-defense weapon or even break a window to save a person that is trapped inside, probably not too many of us.   That’s where I was and that’s how I felt until I purchased an Atomic Bear Tactical Pen.  This tactical pens went well beyond just being a simple writing instrument.  Are there other brands of tactical pens, of course, but I really like the feel and weight of this tactical pen and it is incredibly handy for every day tasks.  It happens to be one of the smoothest writing pens I have ever owned, my one gripe is that it only comes in black ink.  My preference for writing pens is blue ink and I am happy to say I can order a spare ink cartridge in blue ink, now it truely is my favorite writing utensil.

              Good Gear, They All Are Keepers!

              All three of those items, Leatherman Skeletool, Atomic Bear Tactical Pen and the Swatom 8 in 1 Mini Screwdriver are all keepers for me.  My favorite is the Leatherman Skeletool, it’s an awesome multi-tool that works well and does everything it says it will.  Since I do not use them all continually, I will not keep them on my belt or in my pockets, rather I have placed them in my EDC Vertx Dead Letter Sling Pack front pocket for easy access when needed.  

              If you have any questions about this post or anything else related to Everyday Carry (EDC), feel free to leave a comment below and I will be happy to get back to you.

              All the best,

              Larry

              Founder of EDC Essentials

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                SCHRADE SCH109 KNIFE

                Product Review

                Great Knife At A Nice Price

                Product: Schrade SCH109 Knife

                Price: $28.09

                Durability: High

                Best Place To Buy This Product: Amazon.com

                My Overall Rating: 9.0

                Quick Product Overview:

                The Schrade 109 folding knife features nicely textured, contoured G10 handles paired with a liner lock and a blade made from 9Cr18MoV high carbon stainless steel. This tactical design has an ergonomic, comfortable shape, and fast action thanks to the flipper mechanism. It has a non-reversible deep carry pocket clip set up for tip down carry and a finger choil that locks the knife into your hand. 

                Specifications Of This Product:

                • Blade Length: 3.5″ (8.9 cm)
                • Blade Steel: 9Cr18MoV High Carbon Stainless Steel
                • Closed Length: 4.7″ (11.9 cm)
                • Overall Length: 8.2″ (20.8 cm)
                • Handle Material: Textured G10
                • Weight: 5.9 oz. (167 g)
                • Made in China

                What I Like About This Product:

                This is an excellent knife at a very reasonable price.  It can be used as a flipper or you can utilize the thumb stud to deploy the blade.  This knife came very sharp right out of the box and with a few stokes on my ceramic steel was all it needed to be razor sharp.  A very good value for the money.

                What I Would Change About This Product:

                One thing I would like to see changed is the bead blast finish, I do not care for that!  As soon as I got the knife I removed the thumb-stud, so I could refinish the entire blade and sanded the blade with 400-800 grit sand paper.  With a little work it removed that bead blast finish and was closer to a satin finish that I like on my knives.  Then I replaced the thumbstud and I was back in business.

                Final Remarks:

                The Schrade SCH109 Folding Knife is a very good knife.  Does it compare to a $200 knife, not hardly!  But would I carry this knife for my EDC knife, absolutely!  Schrade makes some to best economical knives on the market.  If you have a thing against knives made in China, then you might not like this knife.  But I do not carry expensive knives because I tend to loose them now and then, so this knife does all I need it to do and a price I can stand to loose.  I do recommend this knife for a daily carry knife.

                If you are interested in this product, click here.  If you are interested in similar products, click on the link below and it will take you to my EDC Backpack page, Thanks for reading this product review.

                Go To EDC Folding Knives.

                If you have any questions about this post or anything else related to Everyday Carry (EDC), feel free to leave a comment below and I will be happy to get back to you.

                Thanks,

                Larry

                Founder of EDC Essentials

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                  LEATHERMAN SKELETOOL

                  Product Review

                  Excellent Multi-tool

                  Product: Leatherman Skeletool

                  Price: $ 64.95

                  Durability: Very High

                  Best Place To Buy This Product: Amazom.com

                  My Overall Rating: 9.5

                  Quick Product Overview

                  At a mere five ounces, the Leatherman Skeletool has a stainless steel combo blade, pliers, bit driver, removable pocket clip and carabiner/bottle opener. The Skeletool is just what you need in one good lookin’ package.

                  Specifications Of This Product:

                  Product TypeMulti-Tool

                  Blade Length2.6 in | 6.60 cm

                  Closed Length4 in | 10 cm

                  Weight5.0 oz | 142 g

                  Materials420HC Stainless Steel

                  Included Bits  – Square Drive #1 & #2
                  Phillips #1 & #2

                  Best Use
                  Camping
                  Knife Blade Type
                  Partially Serrated
                  Locking Blade
                  Yes
                  Number of Blades
                  1 Blade
                  Max Blade Length (in.)
                  2.6 inches
                  Closed Length
                  4 inches
                  Handle Material
                  Stainless steel
                  Blade Construction
                  Stainless steel
                  Phillips Screwdriver(s)
                  2
                  Standard Screwdriver(s)
                  2
                  Bottle Opener
                  Yes
                  Lanyard Ring
                  Yes
                  Pliers
                  Yes
                  Wire Cutter
                  Yes
                  Hard-Wire Cutters
                  Yes
                    
                  Features:
                   
                  • Features a stainless-steel blade, needlenose/regular pliers, wire cutters, four bits and universal bit driver and bottle opener
                  • Includes Phillips #1 and #2 bits and 3/16 in. and 1/4 in. flathead bits
                  • Removable pocket clip gives you the option of clipping onto belt, backpack or car’s visor; quick-release carabiner clip detaches easily
                  • Secure blade is easy to open and close using lock-release on the outside of the handle
                  • Stainless-steel construction will provide years of dependable service; each implement is heat-treated to optimal hardness for its function
                  • Sculpted handles protect the blade and implements; perforations minimize weight
                  • The Leatherman Skeletool multi-tool is compatible with the Leatherman Bit Kit, sold separately
                  • Assembled in the USA with domestic and imported parts

                  What I Like About This Product:

                  I like that the quality is extremely high when using a LEATHERMAN product.  I like the fact that this is a basic multi-tool, stripped-down to the bare essentials.  I do not like the multi-tools that have everything, including the kitchen sink.  Some people may like all the bells and whistles, and that’s fine, but I like things that are more simple in nature.  I also like the fact that it has a pocket hook on it so you do not need a case for it – like I said simple!

                  What I Would Change About This Product:

                  I thought long and hard about this question and honestly I cannot think of anything – it’s a great multi-tool just the way it is.

                  Final Remarks:

                  The Leatherman Skeletool is an awesome multi-tool that I highly recommend.  It is one of those tools that just work!  Is it perfect – Maybe – Almost for me that is.  I like this Multi-tool!

                  If you are interested in this product, click here.  If you are interested in similar products, click on the link below and it will take you to my EDC Backpack page, Thanks for reading this product review.

                  Go To EDC Multi-tool.

                  If you have any questions about this post or anything else related to Everyday Carry (EDC), feel free to leave a comment below and I will be happy to get back to you.

                  Thanks,

                  Larry

                  Founder of EDC Essentials

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                    VERTX DEAD LETTER SLING PACK

                    Product Review

                    An Awesome Backpack For Left or Right-Handed People

                    Product: Vertx Dead Letter Sling Pack

                    Price: $148.20

                    Durability: Very High

                    Best Place To Buy This Product: Amazon.com

                    My Overall Rating: 9.5

                    Quick Product Overview:

                    This mid-sized sling pack works and plays well because of the versatility built into this pack. The Dead Letter Sling’s appearance and functionality can be modified in seconds to adapt to your immediate needs. Multiple carry options lets you move discreetly on the street with the invisible CCW and ballistic panel capabilities as well as a full complement of office-friendly organization. 

                    Specifications Of This Product:

                    Gender:Unisex
                    Pack Volume:12 liters
                    Hydration Compatible:No
                    Fabric/Material:500 Denier Cordura Nylon
                    Dimensions:19.5 x 13.5 x 5 inches
                    Zipper Type:YKK
                      

                    Features of the pack:

                    • Convertible front flap stows behind loop-faced MOLLE webbing panel to provide ready access to items mounted there and to rapidly change the bag’s appearance.
                    • Snaps on front flap zipper pulls prevent accidental opening and G-hooks enable front flap to convert to a sling for larger items.
                    • Ambidextrous sling carry design has subtle color-coded stitching makes setup between right & left-handed carry easy.
                    • Adjustable padded shoulder strap with multiple web attachments for accessories.
                    • Padded breifcase-style carry handle enables messenger bag-style carry.
                    • Main compartment opens wide for access to a laptop sleeve, zippered abrasion-resistant mesh pocket with key lanyard, a large loop panel for Tactigami and other hook and loop-compatible accessories and two gear slots.
                    • 3-D molded back panel enhances airflow and comfort and has a pass-through for rolling luggage handles.
                    • Light-colored interior improves interior visibility.
                    • VELCRO Brand loop for top-of-the-line retention of Tactigami and other hook and loop-compatible accessories.
                    • Weapon-compatible concealed carry platform with loop lining, a sling attachment point and a Rapid Access Pull tab.
                    • Concealed carry platform has ballistic panels pocket.
                    • CCW compartment has two retention G-hooks to prevent unintended opening when accessing gear.
                    • YKK self-repairing nylon coil zippers.
                    • Quiet positive-grip zipper pull-tabs.
                    • Abrasion-resistant mesh used on internal pockets.

                    What I Like About This Backpack:

                    My top four “likes” about the Vertx Dead Letter Sling Pack: 

                    1. This pack works for left-handed people!  Many times it feels like we live in a right-handed world, and “we” left-handers have to learn to adapt.  But not this time!  Thank you Vertx for beginning to make your packs workable for lefties.
                    2. This 12 L capacity helps me to keep my capacity to just what I need.  It is necessary to think about my needs and thats a good thing. 
                    3. This pack is setup for concealed carry and has a ton of room to do it.  One quick pull on the “Rapid Access Tab” and the pack is pulled from your shoulder to the front of your body and the compartment is opened up, all in one motion.  Way Cool!  The easier you can get to your firearm, the faster it can be deployed.  Excellent design!  
                    4. This pack is so versatile!  I can carry it by the handle, or over my shoulder like a messenger bag, or I can carry it over my back like a sling pack, all in one backpack.  One pack that can be carried three different ways. 

                    This pack is great looking – especially the green color and it does not shout “gun”!

                    What I Would Change About This Backpack

                    I really like this backpack, it meets most all of my needs.  There is one little thing that I would change.  The bottom of this pack is not flat!  It is kind of rounded and if you set this pack down on your seat or floorboard, it rolls over and lays flat.  Mind you that is not at all a deal breaker, just something I might change.  The solution to that is to always plce the front of the backpack toward the seat-back, that way it does not roll forward.

                    Final Remarks:

                    The Vertx Dead Letter Sling Pack is an awesome pack that I highly recommend.  It is one of those packs that just work!  Is it perfect – No!  But there are so many more pluses to this pack that the couple of things you might change do not even count.  It carries 12 L of gear in a very organized manner.  It can be setup for left or right-handed people and it carries a concealed handgun in a fast to access but secure manner.  No matter how you carry it, it works well and that’s a good thing.  Keep up the good work Vertx and maybe you can work on some of your other packs to work for lefties.

                    If you are interested in this product, click here.  If you are interested in similar products, click on the link below and it will take you to my EDC Backpack page, Thanks for reading this product review.

                    Go To EDC Backpack.

                    If you have a question about this product review or anything else related to everyday carry (EDC), feel free to leave a comment below and I will be happy to get back to you.

                    All the best,

                    Larry

                    Founder of EDC Essentials

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