There’s a website called Everyday Carry where people document the stuff they carry, well, everyday. Sort of seems silly when you think about it, but for me it is a pretty cool concept into “gear” (aka material things) and also into the psyche of the minds of men. Some people would brand the photos and contributions on EDC as leaning more toward “mall ninja” than modern gentlemen, but at the end of the day who knows what these people do. The site could be read by half of the staff of Blackwater (or whatever name those scary dudes are operating under now) which would make all of the guns and knives completely plausible. Or not. Either way, I don’t care much. If you have a gun permit and carry concealed I suppose that is your right (if it is legal of course).
Carrying a pocket knife is something I have done nearly all of my life. My dad always carries a pocket knife and it is something that I embraced as soon as he let me. This concept (carrying a knife) is something that was slightly lost on the readers of Boing Boing, which sort of surprised me. I don’t see the big deal with carrying a pocket knife, even in NYC or whatever big city.
- IWC Portuguese Automatic (And if you are wondering I paid for it.)
- Money with a Superior Titanium money clip
- Keys + Scout Original ACL key chain
- Benchmade knife
- County Comm LA Wallet
- Parker Jotter
- Vintage notebook
- Motorola Droid Pro
- Canon 5D MKII (not pictured)
When I read the comments on Boing Boing it made me laugh to see people from one community that totally don’t understand people from another community. It happens from time to time with ACL when a certain post will seep into a random corner of the internets and then people freak out. Pretty funny to see it happen to a site I often read and enjoy. But I guess that is what makes these internets go round. Respect to the guy from EDC for doing his thing. [Everyday Carry]
What do you actually use the knife for? I don’t feel like I’d use a knife more than once every two weeks at very most, hence why would I carry one?
I use it to cut stuff.
“I use it to cut stuff.”
Odd… me too ;)
I’d use it to stab people who ask dumb questions!
i keep a similar knife on me always and use it multiple times everyday for random stuff, handy tool to carry.
EDC is a fantastic concept. Fill your pockets with PREPAREDNESS!
Your carry is nice, but be careful with that grip in NYC – anything that locks or opens with one hand is touchy.
I’ve downgraded my Manhattan knife to a Case Sod Buster Jr., but will carry something more substantial if I’m just slumming it in the outer boroughs or will be in a car.
How often do you cut stuff? I honestly do that (in a manner outside of eating of course) about once every two week, and usually have scissors nearby when I need to do that. That said, maybe I would do it more if I carried a knife…
I carry a Swiss Army knife I bought in Zürich (after incidentally having my other Swiss Army knife confiscated on the way too Zürich). I went to art school, and it was extremely helpful to have day-to-day.
It is a bit of a nuisance in the summer though when you have to keep it in your pocket.
When I took the Metra train to work in Chicago a lot of the old guys would use a pen knife to cut their newspaper down the spine. Then, as they finished a page, they’d let it drop to the floor. I loved that and have been carrying a Case Peanut ever since.
cool idea!
just took a photo of what i carried to work today
http://theeastpole.com/daily_carry.jpg
I have collected knives since I was a kid. I often carry them, but then never really use them. In contrast, I use my Leatherman (simple 90’s version with leather pouch) several times a day, but never intentionally carry it. My wife would kill me if I started putting the Leatherman on my belt.
Adam – I think you’ve established that you probably shouldn’t carry a knife. No one’s trying to convince you otherwise
MW – I really like the tone of that notebook
I use my swiss army knife for trimming nails, opening the occasional box, peeling oranges, use the tweezers for whatever, tightening down screws, and all kinds of every day uses. My dad carried a knife, usually a two bladed pocket knife. I gave him a little swiss army knife one day (not the smallest one, but at that time, mine and his was called “the executive”) and he carried it the rest of his life. I still have it in my dresser drawer. I am now on my third in about 30 years or so.
Feels like 2 worlds colliding for me, haha. I’ve been following ACL and everyday carry for a while now. It’s interesting to see what people have in their pockets on a daily basis, I’ve gotten a bit of inspiration to add more things to my own EDC.
I don’t use everything I carry all the time, but I do like being prepared for different situations, peace of mind I guess. Plus it’s possible to fit a good amount of things in your pocket without having to wear cargo pants, just make use of all 5 of your jean pockets.
Thanks for the post Michael.
The boinboing conversation reminds me of this old reddit thread. Some good discussion there. :
http://www.reddit.com/r/AskReddit/comments/ag419/i_gave_my_dutch_friend_a_pocketknife_for/
I normally carry a leatherman micra, folding knife, zippo, keys, phone, slim wallet. I’m feel like I’m on the cusp of carrying too much junk in my pocket. I carry a knife separately from my leatherman because I don’t really like multitool knives. In fact, I’d like to ditch the knife blade on my micra and maybe try to fit some keys into it, like so : http://edcforums.com/showthread.php/45162 http://www.flickr.com/photos/everyday-carry/4509330514/
“How often do you need a knife?” I use mine fairly often. I just used mine to peel and eat some fruit after lunch. I also use it to open packages and cut string / rope. The multitool does not get as much day to day use, but I’m always thankful for it when I do need it.
However, I do agree that some of those EDC type posts are super corny mall ninja type stuff.
for years, i used my small keychain swiss army knife every day. the scissors, nail file, and blade were quite handy. after it was confiscated at the airport i looked for a replacement knife for carry. i purchased a single blade swiss army for pocket carry. oddly, it doesn’t get carried or used nearly as much as the little keychain knife. perhaps the usefulness lies in the two diferentiating componenets (# of tools, and always having it on you (attached to your keys) as opposed to consciously having to put it in your pocket every morning.
I’ve followed Everyday Carry for some time. The author likes to make a difference between a true every day carry and a pocket dump. I guess the main difference is one usually contains non-concealable knives and firearms which are carried by professionals in the field and one contains what he refers to as a “pocket dump”. While guns and knives are cool and all that, I like the “pocket dump”s better, as seen in your post. More insight to the person who carries the things.
Thanks.
As an Brit I am slightly curious/concerned as to the amount of people who carry handguns as an everyday item….perhaps it shows something about the psyche of the ‘macho’ American….hope im not generalising too much here. All I can say is Im glad Handguns are banned in the Uk!
This is an interesting post at it reveals the inner workings of the psyche of individuals. I’m sure much could be gleaned from just examining the contents of someone’s pockets, or backpack, etc.
Personally, I really like go to lean & mean. I hate hauling around a bunch of stuff in my pockets, particularly when I can’t remember exactly what the heck all the crap is that’s floating around there. Same goes with my backpack.
Just two hours ago, I cleared everything out of my backpack & put everything back where they’re normally found in my house.
I like to get rid of S**t I don’t need.
I have a Victorinox Champ that I purchased, or actually my uncle in Switzerland purchased & my dad paid him back, after I was robbed of my backpack (which had my Swiss folding “Camper”), on a 1st Class night train w/couchette from Monaco to Port Bou, near the French/Spanish border, just after I graduated from college. I don’t really carry it because of the substantial width & weight, & I’d also be pretty bummed if I lost it, etc.
Victorinox, freakishly makes a knife that is about 5″ in diameter now. I can’t see the practical use in such a thing & it seems like a bit of a waste & a gimmick.
After perusing the “American list”, I thought of purchasing a Buck blade that locks & isn’t ridiculously big or heavy. Any recommendations would be appreciated.
Hi Michael, the Parker Jotter is reputed to be a pretty good pen. I’m a big fountain pen user, & it would be interesting if you did something on the Parker Pen Co., particularly any of their vintage Parker 51’s, Parker Duofold, or the Parker Vacumatics that they’ve previously made. They’re so well made, & it with very little servicing, work beautifully!
As for my contents, I normally just carry a Coach wallet (when they made stuff in the USA), key to my house & car, watch, pedometer & that’s about it. I’m not really into cell phones that much which I’m sure will surprise some!
Cheers.
Best comment on BoeingBoeing was about the reason nobody was carrying condoms
Great site. I read the boinboing comments, too. Amazing how judgmental people can get about the contents of someone’s pockets. Personally, I’d still carry a knife, even if I didn’t use it every day: it’s just a pleasant thing.
Re: Macho Americans
Recently we took a police officer friend who was visiting up to Canada. He forgot he had a gun in his car and we ended up in a tight situation at the border. When they asked him if he had a gun with him he stated he didn’t know. After the guard got angry, I secretly hoped he would have said “my gun is like my chapstick, I never know for sure if I remembered to put it in my pocket.” To be honest we were all in shock he had the gun in the car. We were lucky they just made him return to the US side and drop it with the US Guards there.
No more comments on this post I promise.
I was eating an apple while I was writing the above comment. I hate to admit this but after I was done I reached into my office drawer and used the toothpick on the keychain Victorinox. I also have a Twinox nail clipper in there. If anyone is OCD about their nails you should pick one up.
I carry a pocket knife.
http://sportinglifemag.blogspot.com/2009/03/be-man-19-carry-pocket-knife.html
Carrying a small knife is perfectly reasonable, even in a major metropolitan area. Some of us who read this blog are actually working class and regularly open boxes/break them down as part of our jobs. And even if you are living in some baller loft and your most strenuous work moment is a tweet or ‘business drinks’ you should at least be opening your checks with something besides an uncapped bic pen.
I love reading ACL. I also read BoingBoing maybe once a week because they often have a few interesting things. I should like to point out something about their readership and comments though…..and how can I put this delicately and in a suitably subtle fashion? Ah yes, they’re a bunch of stupid fucking idiots.
Carry on, gents.
Only an American would carry around a f***ing Knife. @Adam totally agree bro.
Oh yeah.. I’m really going to need to cut a few things up on the way to the office. Get real, pfff
Leatherman micra is all I need.
I actually belong to your community but don’t understand the logic of the knife. Good in Wyoming. Childish in Manhattan.
Here is my favorite comment from BoingBoing post (#32):
“EDC is not about philosophy or preparedness. It is clearly a desperate attempt to appear masculine while graving to explore one’s feminine urge to carry a purse full of useless items.
If you are a male and the number of your every day carry items exceeds half the number of pockets on you clothe, you are eligible for gender reassignment.
:-)”
I rest my case…
I meant: *the* BoingBoing post.
And btw, seems to me that it’s a chicken and egg case: Many see the knives on EDC and so they feel bad to submit a photo without one… They want to be like everybody else there.
@ HunterS. I carry a Laguiole pocket knife. Which is a French pocket knife…you know, the kind the French carry in their pockets.
Today is used my knife to open two boxes, four or five envelopes and to slice the apple I had for lunch today. I’m a lawyer.
Also, ITT: little girls afraid of sharp things.
This, or I dare say, America, is not about what one needs – It’s about what one wants.
I can’t stand when the Nanny Staters ( and that’s putting it as politely as humanly possible ) try to tell me what I don’t need or what I shouldn’t want.
WTF ever happened to personal liberty ?
And why is that anybody that carries a gun and or a knife is a mall ninja ? What do you know about their lives ?
Seems to me that the Hipsters, Fashionistas and the Politically Correct are bigger fascists than the gun and knife toters that they love to hate.
The point isn’t how useful carrying a knife is, but it’s the comfort of knowing how useful it might be throughout the course of the day!
Aside from that, some knives can even be works of art!
My dad handed his Swiss Army Knife down to me when I was only 8 years old; I’ve carried a knife ever since. It drives me nuts when people are scandalized by a simple folding pocket knife as if it were a weapon! It’s not a weapon! It’s a tool! used by mankind since the beginning of time!
Wow! Aside from the knife (I do have a Leatherman, but rarely carry it.), that could be the contents of my pockets. Hilarious! Money clip, front-pocket wallet, pen and notebook, same phone, etc. Wish I had the watch though. :-)
My EDC. Check out the Persona series on flickr as well. Along the same lines and beautifully done.
I carry an Opinel in my pocket. Its cheap and light.
I work in an office, but spend at least an hour a day in the wilderness, where carrying the means to perform some basic physical tasks is a reasonable precaution. I don’t necessarily need a knife at work, but I prefer to not waste time trying to predict what I will need on given outing and adjusting the contents of my pockets accordingly. It still comes in handy for opening packages.
I do find the ultra-stealth, matte-black on matte-black knife trend a little puzzling. Unless you are conducting some kind of covert operation, don’t you want to be able to easily see your tools?
I carry the exact same knife, but with a black handle and silver blade. In addition, I usually have a fisher bullet space pen and my phone, keys, and wallet.
Adam, knives can be used for much more than cutting.
Several years ago when faced with a recalcitrant toner cartridge box, I turned to my male co-workers and asked if anybody could lend me a pocket knife (At the time I was carrying a pocket watch only, thank you very much.) Because my father always carried a pocket knife, I assumed this was still the norm. It’s hard to know who was more surprised; my co-workers at my asking, or me at finding that this was very much *not* the norm for the early 21st century.
Two important things to remember about a pocket knife: 1. It’s used for cutting things (like string or envelopes or apples), not levering things (like oyster shells or radiator caps.) 2. You need to learn how to keep it sharp and then *keep* it sharp.
Glad guns are banned in the UK? You shouldn’t be glad anything is banned. That’s government control, and if that makes you feel safe, that’s fine, but I would rather not be herded like a sheep. Some folks sure can be naive, I’m not trying to offend anyone, but come on man, really? Carrying a knife isn’t dumb by any means either, you can’t walk through life thinking nothing can happen to you, or that someone or something’s always going to be there to help/protect you. As long as some people have routine… food on the table, transportation… they become completely oblivious to life and reality. If guns are banned, the criminals for sure won’t be giving them up, or the high and mighty world leaders you look up to, don’t be so trusting and idealistic.
Also, my last two cents, the, “macho American”, that’s ridiculous, some guys, (from all countries/places, around the world), are machoistic, and show-off… but it’s also pretty naive to believe that’s a predominantly, or singularly, an American thing, and also, if I lived in a city, I would have to say, it would seem just as important, to carry a knife there, as it would in Wyoming, it would be extremely childish, and simple minded, not to… just because you have a nice cozy job, and apartment/house, dosen’t mean a cruel world, or even small everyday problems, where a knife is needed, dosen’t exist around you, are you living in a bubble? A fantasy world? Wake up buddy.
Fuck all the haters of knives out there. Men have been carrying them for hundreds of years, and of course you may not use it everyday, but when you need it, its there. It shouldn’t matter what city or county you live in. In the long run, I would wager that the pocketknife will be far more useful then my fucking iphone 4. And yes I still wear a goddamn watch too. I hate stupid fucks. Michael, your site rocks, and keep up the good work.
Sorry but this shiz just pisses me off.
If you don’t want to carry one, then don’t.
I have mine ~Swiss Army on my keyring, with me all the time. To open letters, packages/break down boxes, to clean-tearing a library book page that I need for an assignment (esp. if I don’t have enough change to make copies…don’t worry, I do glue/tape it back up ;), cut coupons, cut-up stick sausages, clean my fingernails, cut off those pain-in-the a** tags, when I’m walking to my car -late at night …I have that and my keys ready…I know theres more…
and I’m a girl!! lol…unlike my sister, shes license to carry a gun which she carries all the time!! :D
Love the concept. Did a whole photo series documenting people and what they carry.
http://dylanpriest.com/photos/projects/pocket-contents/
Just saw the link back from EDC to here. Was surprised that it’s mentioned on a fashion blog.
You’d be right that many of the EDC’s represent LEO’s, security contractors, military, etc. And maybe some are also just well-prepared individuals. Shouldn’t be a discussion, but knives and pistols are allowed to be carried in most states and some countries. The percentages of peaceful, legal carriers dwarf those who commit crimes illegally. It might seem strange to some people to carry some emergency gear. Even in a large city, anyone who’s been trained knows things can break down fast in 36 hours. Look at New Orleans. So maybe some feel safe in a city’s cocoon, but to each man (and woman), there own. Agree there’s a line between preparedness and paranoia, but the overwhelming majority of the featured EDC’s are within the realm of practicality and usefulness.
Either way, it’s not a very dandy crowd, but it is mixed enough as you can tell by the posts.
Great Zamboni carries only the last tooth of a streetwalker named Skillba, a rabbit’s foot, two kugerands, a granola bar, and a compass,
My EDC
http://lumbercock.tumblr.com/post/1261055930
I wasn’t actually referring to knives, I can see the point in carrying them as they come in hand every know and again. I would normally carry one if I am going out cycling or on a motorbike or car trip.
Also, if you carry a handgun because you’re job warrants doing so (security contractor, police officer, etc) then of course that’s legitimate as well. and that’s not to say I think all guns should be banned, as they have there purposes.
As a student in one of the crappiest parts of London I don’t walk around expecting someone to be around to protect me all the time. I just accept that sometimes you’re going to encounter unexpected issues.
This whole Post has got ridiculous. Michael is very good at knowing which subjects will cause a stir.
You all sound like Crocodile Dundee
sometimes i just want to stab my problems away.
Hey Michael, great post! I enjoy the banter by something as simple as what someone carries in their pockets!!! Long live ACL.
Love the wristwatch choice. The IWC 5001 is a classic watch that can be worn casual or dressy.
I carry some type of knife with me everywhere I go. I am somewhat of a collecter, but I am also into the Self-Defense field as well. when I go out, I usually carry something that I can get out and open pretty quick if need be.
I fundamentally don’t believe that many people carry a knife everywhere. I live in Oklahoma for Christ’s sake, amongst the proletariat, and the portion of people I know who carry knives is far fewer than on the EDC blog.
I think people whip out their cool stuff for the photo.
Robert, yes your comments have been deleted.
Just stumbled on to your site, and I gotta say I really enjoy it. I love those old memo books. I used to get them given to me all the time when I was in the Marine Corps, but I have a hell of a time finding them now, even on google.
bullshit. people aren’t carrying guns around, gimme a fucking break. this says more about what people want other people to think about them than what they actually carry. I have 4 guns and would NEVER pretend to be someone who carried one around as comfortably as I carry a set of keys.
I call bullshit.
You should also have a Piaget Altiplano 43 mm in rose gold. Maybe you already own one.
I’m a 46 year old woman and I’ve carried a proper pocket knife since I was allowed to. Both my parents did. It comes in handy for all sorts of things (I’m an historian/archivist– you’d be surprised!), from opening boxes and mail to peeling and cutting fruit to snipping threads. My current one is Norwegian silver and belonged to my great-grandfather. I live and work in NYC. The oddest things I carry, I suppose, are a compass and a small deck of cards, but they also come in handy (particularly when you’re in Venice).
I recently dug through a box of old stuff and came up with my Official Boy Scout knife from a trip to Philmont. I’ve been carrying it since then – the bottle opener comes in handy more than you’d think, and the leatherpunch is great – sharp enough for several different tasks that don’t quite call for a blade. Before than I kept a 3-blade Case my dad gave me – it kept an edge better, but I don’t always need all the blades, so the trade-off was worth it.
I love people who say something along the lines of “i rarely cut stuff”. Yeah well how often to you open something with your teeth or retardedly stab at some sort of packaging with your keys. You should always have a knife, If you dont check out the Spyderco Ladybug.
Great post Michael, cool site with new watches, new flashlights and new pens to lust after. Glad I live in Idaho where carrying a pocket knife doesn’t scare anyone. I had to see this on the week I lost my Benchmade. Be prepared… and do a good turn daily. Words to live by.
You all can keep talking about who should or shouldn’t carry a knife; I will keep staring at that gorgeous watch. Whewwwww
Thank you for a good post, Michael, and all of the commentary that followed.
Does anyone have any information on the legality of carrying a knife in NYC?
I used to carry mine until the office building’s doormen (retired detectives) told me that I couldn’t carry one on the streets. They also told me how one of them was arrested and held for 48 hours for having a box-cutter knife on him (after breaking down all of the boxes that came in that day).
Thanks!
My EDC looks exactly like what’s pictured above — variations on the exact same items. Two things blew me away on the EDC tumblr — the incredible redundancy of what people carry (four flashlights?), and the condescending attitude that runs through the editor’s comments (EDC should be about what works for YOU not for HIM).
What I don’t get is why so many people need to tell the world every last detail about themselves these days. Who cares what you have in your pocket? To me it’s no different than the kind of person who uses twitter to tell the world what they are doing at all times. Maybe it makes people feel important, who knows? I just can’t imagine my grandfather going around tooting his own horn about what kind of pocketknife he carried.
What tool should every man own?
“A pocketknife. When I say pocketknife, I don’t mean a multi-tool with a blade made of stainless steel. Look at that guy Aron Ralston who had to cut off his arm. He had a terrible time. If you’re going to cut your arm off, you’d better have a good knife. Boker makes one. Carbon steel.”
– Yvon Chouinard
via Men’s Journal (http://bit.ly/9Rpd9j)
Re: Stevil
“four flashlights?”
Some subscribe to the adage “two is one, one is none” and occasionally showcase a pocket dump with a primary light and a backup light (usually small and unobstructive, such as a keychain light). If you see photos with four flashlights or more those are usually collections or rotations of gear, not necessarily what is carried at all times every day.
“the condescending attitude that runs through the editor’s comments (EDC should be about what works for YOU not for HIM).”
Condescending attitude? My primary goal in publishing submitted content is to help spread some ideas — the commentary I provide is there to offer my personal suggestions for increasing utility while streamlining a carry. I really am not trying to be condescending (if I have nothing nice or helpful to say, I don’t publish the picture.) if it seems that way to you. You mention that EDC should be what works for the user and not for me. I agree with this, but the majority of the submissions I get are from people seeking ways to improve their EDC. Even when I try to help, it’s impossible for me to know their background, environment, daily tasks, situation and other factors that would lead me in the right direction to truly get what ‘works for them.’ I can only offer what I know from my side of the computer.
I hope that clarifies some things…
I know someone who was involved in a horrific accident in the Lehigh Valley area in Pennsylvania, their car had careened off the road and landed in a deep ravine. Somehow, his girlfriends seat belt got wrapped around her neck and was choking her to death. He had a pocket knife (I think it was more of a multitool like a Leatherman, can’t remember) that he used to cut the belt and free her to breathe. Never-the-less, carrying a cutting tool may save your life.
After my wife was victimized and stabbed she carries a knife for protection, along with mace, everyday. I can’t believe the bubble most people live in. I know she seems like a case of the obvious for someone who would carry defenses now, but she was just as much a advocator to not need something like that before…
My father always told me there are two things you should never show someone unless you intend to use them. Your gun and your dick.
Re: Bernard
I’m thrilled to have found your blog — I’ve been following EDC threads on knife forums for the past 10 years so to find a dedicated discussion is exciting even if I don’t agree with much of what people post (or some of your reactions).
It’s pretty clear when someone is putting forth a group of objects and labeling it “EDC” vs someone putting up a picture of a collection.
Some redundancy makes sense to me, but there’s a point of diminishing returns that get’s ridiculous when you see someone is supposedly EDCing 3 similar framelocks. I hope everyone has a backup car that they leave at the office in case their primary ride doesn’t start at the end of the day….
Wallet, watch, smart phone, folding knife, drafting pencil (on person)
Fixed blade, misc kit in Altoids box, and whatever strikes my fancy (in briefcase)
I like the watch, I love the notebook, and don’t ever think about taking my knife!
I can’t help but feel uncomfortable at the number of guns and knives on display here, having lived in a small town in Scotland where 16 primary school children and their teacher were shot and killed, and also currently living in Glasgow where knife crime results in more than 2000 hospitalisations each year.
Maybe that makes me over-sensitive, but perhaps it just makes me acutely aware of the threat of these items becoming ‘Everyday Carry’.
Android!!!
I enjoy both ACL and EDC. Great sites.
I’ve carried a knife for most of my life, a habit my father introduced me to. He always said “The time you’ll need a knife the most is the time you don’t have it.”
Glad to know you paid for your watch.
Love this site and EDC. I think until one carries a knife (or pen & paper or flashlight), s/he has no idea how often that tool might come in handy. Like many others, I carry a Swiss Army Knife. I keep the blades sharp, use the smaller one for cutting threads, boxes, stuff and the larger one for cutting food items. The bottle opener is handy occasionally, as is the screwdriver. The corkscrew may not be the most elegant but it does the job when necessary.
In case I haven’t mentioned it before, I love this site. Thanks for sharing!
There is a reason a certain type of knife is called a “pocket” knife, because it is meant to be carried around in a pocket.
@benjamin carrying a knife aint gonna help you out! you need to need to find a new place to live dude fast!
boo lilnelie9, if you needed the page then we very likely did to
Michael-
Is the knife a Mini-Griptilian?
Yes it is mike: http://www.cabelas.com/field-care-benchmade-griptilian-mini-griptilian-series-knives-2.shtml
Alasdair –
Your note about knife crime in Glasgow piqued my interest. I found this article describing the problem – http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/crime/glasgow-is-britains-murder-capital-as-knife-crime-spirals-737329.html
“Scotland’s soaring murder rate is blamed on a “booze and blade” culture among the young. According to the statistics, there were 127 homicide victims in Scotland in 2002, 11 more than in 2001 and the highest annual total since 1996. In more than half of those murders a sharp instrument was used and in at least 44 per cent of cases the accused was drunk. In 10 per cent of cases, the accused was on drugs and in 15 per cent of cases, drunk and on drugs.”
. . .
“For years Glasgow has tried to live down the “No Mean City” reputation of 1930s when gangs armed with razors fought pitched battles in the streets. But authorities now fear that the gangland culture is making a comeback.
Groups of youngsters, with names such as the Young Southside Cumbie and the Royston Shamrock, wander the city centre at night armed with knives and heavy leather belts, often high on drink or drugs.”
That was in 2003. It sounds like the problem persists – http://www.theglaswegian.co.uk/glasgow-news/news/2010/07/01/shock-figures-reveal-true-scale-of-knife-crime-problem-in-glasgow-102692-22374138/
“The party said the figures backed the need for their proposals for mandatory six-month jail sentences for carrying a knife, which will come before MSPs next week.”
Sounds like a very bad situation indeed. That said, its it the knives that are scary, or the number of people motivated to use them?
I live in an American state with very lax handgun laws. They recently “corrected” a restriction on carrying guns near schools (to accommodate passers-by, you see). Personally, I have no use for guns, especially in public in a crowded city. IMO, it is a ongoing series of unfortunate events waiting to happen (if they haven’t happened already).
Of course, we know that people kill people — its just that guns makes it easier. I suppose that same logic could be applied to knives, though they require much closer quarters to be dangerous. Regardless, its the people committing violence who are the ultimate problem to be solved. It could turn out that harsh sentences for knife carrying are as big a failure for Scotland as drug laws are for the US.
Re: Stevil
Excellent points, thanks for elaborating a bit. I’m a general urban EDCer and more of a minimalist myself, so I agree with you there. I have no real interest in the self defense and tactical aspects of (a lot of) EDCs that get posted on the site, but nevertheless people are carrying them and want to be a part of the blog. What commentary I do offer is my last effort to be more connected to the blog, as opposed to a voiceless curator posting to a site without context (I hope that makes sense…) Anyway, thanks for checking out the site. ^_^
ah so cute you guys carry pocket knives… now go open a box.
Look, I’m a Brit and i get freaked out by the idea of the guns being carried by the general public. The knives I can just about understand, but try carrying them in London and see how quickly you get arrested.
The argument for carrying a knife for protection in the US is slightly weakened when everyone seems to be carrying a gun.
And yes @John Winter I’m glad my government are controlling the populations access to guns here. It does make me feel safe. The level of gun ownership is directly related to murder and suicide rates. Thats why the US has the highest deaths by gunfire in the world. Do you feel safe?
Saying all this I loved the EDC site.
So basically,
They took the “His Basics” contest/photo thing from The Urban Gent blog and just made it into an entire website?
Very original. <— sarcasm.
Not but seriously, The Urban Gentleman blog (http://www.theurbangent.com) has been doing this since 2009. I think they stopped though. Either its still cool to look.
Here is my EDC – http://bit.ly/hLJyUV
Holy Shit! MW just made a reference to all that is Nascar, camouflage and as garish as any Williamsburg resident could stomach – Cabela’s!
Nice choice in a knife though, I carry the Doug Ritter version myself.
Hey Ghost – better stay on your side of the pond where it’s “safe”…then again, we already kicked your ass once.
I don’t view my knife as a weapon, but as a tool.
I use my knife everyday, I work at a game company doing mocap. I lend my knife to at least one person a day. When I am home I can use it instead of my kitchen knives to open things. I can open bottles with it and wine, which I do daily. I don’t go around amazed that people carry lighters even though I have no daily use for one… “All these people able to burn down things!!!” I would argue one person with a lighter can do much more damage than one with a knife. Please stop being ridiculous.
I have a bubblegum wrapper, 3 condoms, a credit card (not mine, but I have it for legitimate reasons), my mailbox key, and a prepaid Nokia.
I’ve experienced my fair share of seedy places, and I don’t think a knife is really all that handy. I’d opt for a quick brain and a decent sprint.
Oh, and I usually open boxes with a key. It’s its own little serrated blade.
Big bills on the outside, huh.
AMOK !
If you want a great American knife, get on eBay and look for a vintage Camillus Cutlery Knife; specifically the Boy Scouts of America knife that the company supplied for a number of years.
Example: (do not know seller)
http://cgi.ebay.com/OFFICIAL-BOY-SCOUTS-AMERICA-KNIFE-CAMILLUS-NEW-YORK-/250795411915?pt=Collectible_Knives&hash=item3a649249cb
I grew up in Camillus, and it is sad to have seen a once oroud and great company disappear due to global economic development. I have a few Camillus knives, including my father’s Boy Scout knife. They are small and incredibly durable. You’re not going to find a better vintage knife that is convenient to carry each day in your pocket.
I carry a big knife for cutting big things, a little knife for cutting little things, and there is a blade on my multi-tool that I only use for food. I carry all of these along with a flashlight and lighter every day. And, I use at least some of them most days. The days that I need them, I REALLY need them. This justifies carrying them the days that I don’t need them at all.
I cut boxes, packing tape and the other day I popped
a lock with my case knife. (a Xmas gift in 79) Men
carry pocket knives. Period.
Carrying around a pocket knife all the time is just like carrying around a condom everywhere you go (unless either is a required tool for your job). Any sensible person can always find one of either if you really need it. Is it that hard to get a box open without a pocket knife? Men carry common sense.
I used to carry a knife as a kid then the habit faded. A couple of years ago my brother opened a knife store (http://www.bladeops.com) and since then I’ve picked up my old habit. I feel like I’ve been re-introduced to an old friend and wouldn’t miss a day without carrying a knife now.
Re: Macho Americans OR, Shut UP, foreigners:
First of all, I carry a knife because I like/want to, that’s all the reason I need, so piss off. I carry a knife every day, and whether or not I use it 17 times a day, it’s not about lugging a piece of rarified equipment around in the off chance that you might need to bolster your machismo and pull it out once every blue moon, it’s about carrying a small and useful tool around and having it when you do need it. If you can’t fit a knife in the pocket of your skinny jeans, I’m sorry. It doesn’t give me any trouble at all to carry one. I wear a watch every day too, but probably 6 of 10 times, I’ll check the time using my phone; should watches be considered useless as well?
Secondly, in answer to several of the commentors, you can’t carry a policeman in your pocket. I’m tired of hearing/seeing people from other countries, or perhaps self-loathing americans, run down America and Americans for any manner of things. If you live here, and don’t like the way we do things, I invite you to leave, and/or shut up. If you don’t live here, I invite you to stay where you are so as not to further puss-ify my great nation, and/or shut up. Good luck without a gun OR a knife in the one in a million(and that’s HIGHLY optimistic) situation you might need either one. Tell me how your fists/feet of fury work out for you. I don’t personally carry a gun on me every day, but I travel a lot for my job and I am usually within reach of one in my vehicle. A gun or knife isn’t for brandishing to feel ‘cool’ or ‘macho’, they are tools to be used in the eventuality you really need them; I would rather have a gun and never need to use it, than need one and and not have one. The idea that stupid, macho Americans are the only ones who feel the need for guns is just ridiculous, and in fact shows how stupid you are. Ask the Swiss how they feel about guns. Or knives, for that matter. I am an American, and proud to be one, and if the smallest price I ever have to pay for that privilege is to see pretentious douchebags run me down through generalities on the internet, I guess I’ll consider myself lucky indeed.
Love the site, follow it faithfully. Keep up the good work.
Reading these comments is like being transported directly and forcibly to 4chan. (In other words, stay classy.)
My random carry dump: http://dl.dropbox.com/u/556718/carry.jpg
Clockwise from top left: Seiko Japanese-English electronic dictionary / Roberu ‘Pray for Japan’ leather wristband / Circa replica ’50s watch / MUCU schedule 2011/ Pilot mechanical pencil / A Continuous Lean motel keychain / Whitehouse & Cox wallet / MUCU pocket ring notebook / personal seal
Thanks Michael for this post on EDC – am adding a link to my blog, its a fricking awesome!! I don’t really care what the majority of EDC contributors do for a job. If they need to carry a gun, they need to carry a gun. Ditto on the knives. Its voyeuristic though to see what people actually carry around with them on a daily basis. Reminds me of the mystery of what Queen Elizabeth II actually carries in her black handbag ;)
Love the simple money clip, and I’d recommend the voigtlander ultron 40mm for the 5D. Great sharp pancake lens, therefore makes the whole set up a lot more compact.
hahaha, if we had access to guns here in the UK as easily as the US it would be like Mad Max x 10. I dread to think what would happen, especially mixed with the rampant, mindless drinking across every small town at the weekend and the feral youths that roam the streets. Sorry, but you really can’t trust us with anything like that…
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1196941/The-violent-country-Europe-Britain-worse-South-Africa-U-S.html
I like the people who get all sketched out at me when they find out I carry a knife or a gun. I like when they ask to borrow my knife or flashlight and I say no because they never should have judged me for carrying them. I carry a pistol hoping to never need to defend myself and a knife because it is a possibility that I may have to cut something and a flashlight for when I’m in a dark area at night or going into a room without light. If your just bragging to everyone about your expensive money clip, wallet, pen or whatever you are not a true EDCer.
Some folks on here sound like they were born and raised in the suburbs of connecticut and ohio and can’t fathom why on earth someone would need to carry anything for self-defense. Look, I’m not saying people should be armed to the teeth like a tactical mall ninja. But there is nothing wrong carrying a knife OR pepperspray OR even a handgun (if you are trained and licensed to carry it) just in case – for that .01% chance that someone threatens your life. Odds are against it, yes, but I don’t want to die either. I don’t carry a handgun because I don’t live in a particularly dangerous area. But having grown up in Newark NJ, where I know of 3 people who have been killed and where I have been assaulted numerous times, I can surely understand why some civilians carry self-defense weapons. Again, you may not understand. Just happy you don’t have that reference point and can shop for designer jeans in peace.
to mrbutter: using your keys as a “little serated blade” is basically carrying an extremely dull knife. be a man and get a proper blade.
to justin: totally agree… whether knife or gun, it’s better to have it and not need it than need it and not have it.
but pjharv – its just sounds so much manlier to say you stabbed a man into submission with your mailbox key (the smallest of all keys on your keyring) than whipping out a bowie knife…
oh shit i was also raised in NJ. thus, in addition to a gun and knife, i need a flashlight on me AT ALL TIMES
Justin on Apr 2nd, 2011 @ 7:42 PM stated it best.
You can close the comments now.
no, jbjones on Apr 5th, 2011 @ 10:35 AM stated it best.
You can touch my balls now.
mrbutter: true true. i see your point (pun intended) and can respect anyone who takes their opponent down with a mailbox key.
my approach was from the other side, reference Crocodile Dundee:
Crocodile Dundee: [chuckles] That’s not a knife.
[he pulls out a large bowie knife]
Crocodile Dundee: Now THAT’s a knife.
[Dundee slashes the teen mugger’s jacket and maintains eyeball to eyeball stare]
the american dream … sorry all that violence presented as “normal” isnt!
I agree with the usefulness that comes with carrying a small Swiss Army multi-knife on one’s keychain. It’s amazing how often I’ll reach for mine. Larger knives are cumbersome to carry, though I’ll grab one when I’m going out on the bicycle or barhopping to rock shows.
Duncan poses a good idea re: Parker pen. Though I don’t find them particularly useful in day-to-day life, I’ve always enjoyed the aesthetics of the 51s and Vacuumatics (preferably the Blue Diamond models). Even though they do write quite nicely in the modern world we live in, you must be mindful of the paper you choose. And they are effing useless if you are remotely active, as excessive movement and heat will cause them to make a mess inside themselves.
No dandy is complete, however, without a vintage fountain pen.
Im late to the comment thread, but I feel I must post.
City Vs. Country…Bah. I think it boils down to self-reliance. For me, it was taught to me by my father, and then again in the boy scouts. Be prepared. A knife is only a tool. Just like a pair of pliers or a screw driver. I have carried a knife ever since I earned my “totin chip”. Some days I use it all day long. Sometimes I go a couple of days without using it. However, when I forget my knife at home, it bugs me all day long. Like when you forget your cell phone at the house.
Thanks for the great conversation.
Long time fan of the site, I rarely if ever comment on websites but just felt I should mention that I got arrested in the East Village in 2007 for carrying that exact same Benchmade. I’d hate to see that happen to you!
CJC — Thanks for the warning. What came of it?
In the short term I spent a couple of months cleaning up hypodermic needles in Tompkins Square Park, in the long term I moved and started carrying a Kershaw Double Cross. It’s worth noting that there’s a class action lawsuit being leveled against the NYPD for the “stop and frisk” policy on the basis of which I got picked up, which I suppose is nice. Incidentally the very fact that you replied to this makes me feel a bit like I’m talking to the Great and Powerful Oz (from behind a waxed cotton curtain).
Nice Watch! I had planned on getting the 5001-07 (white face, blue hands and then would change out the blue croc strap) but after seeing yours I might convert! Looks great!
It wouldn’t even _occur_ to me to regard a commonplace pocket knife as some kind of concealed weapon. If it seems that way to you, then you’re the one with the weird fetish.