E. D. C.

As a parent, every time I hear “Dad, have do you know where my ___ is?” My chiding response is, “Why would I know where Your ___ is.” Strong emphasis on the possessive pronoun. I try to convey the importance of properly accounting for Your stuff. It’s just part of being prepared. And organized. You don’t waste time looking for stuff when it is properly put away. Keep it simple stupid (KISS) and put it away the first time.

If you don’t have time to do it right now, when will you have time to fix it?

I am by no means an organizational expert, but I keep close track of the important basics and put them in the same place everyday so that I always know where they are. These items are my everyday carry – EDC. Everyone has an EDC – you just may not have thought about it: cell phone, keys, ID … your daily essentials.

There are websites that make a fetish of EDC gear – and they are fun to review.

But having a thoughtful EDC program is important. If you don’t like the ‘prepper’ connotation, then think about a well-managed kitchen – mise en place – everything in its place and a purpose for everything.

I would encourage considering adding to your EDC essentials those items that will easily improve your preparedness and self-reliance. There are a great many good web pages devoted to exploring the topic of EDCs including those with prepackaged selections based on your lifestyle aspirations to the more realistic compiled list by those who have been there and done that.

My minimal EDC has to fit comfortably in either dress slacks or jeans: cell phone / keys / wallet / flashlight / pocket knife / pen / automatic watch.

Cell phone. Smartphones are a regrettable business necessity – constant contact, but with the benefit of instant access to information, directions, entertainment, and a flashlight.

Keys. Keeping keys low profile and organized – I prefer a KeySmart system with a metal flash drive to store and transfer information.[1] You may want to consider keeping your house keys separate from your car keys for what should be obvious reasons.

Wallet. Given credit card copying technology, I suggest a metal or carbon fiber low-profile RFID blocking wallet. Ridge used to corner the market, but now there is a good variety of choices.

Flashlight. I use my flashlight almost daily. My favorite light is the Streamlight Stylus because it is lightweight, slim, bright, and uses common batteries. It carries easily in the pocket, doesn’t ruin the lines of dress slacks, but is plenty bright for self-defense (target identification and momentary blinding) and can be used as a mini-impact device.

Pocket knife. As an EDC I like the Kershaw Leek. Again, it is lightweight and slim and doesn’t add bulk. The blade length is legal almost everywhere, as is the opening mechanism, and it is inexpensive. (I own several more expensive knives but would hate to break or lose them.) The blade geometry provides a needle sharp tip on a near Wharncliffe design. Why Wharncliffe? Review Michael Janich‘s material on defensive folders. Why a needle point? Sometimes it has to be point over the edge.

Pen. I love fountain pens. I own a nice one but never use it because it is simply too much trouble to maintain. (Sean Connery well exploits a fountain pen in Indian Jones and the Last Crusade.) I used to have a decent tactical pen. Going through TSA I had to play the ‘good guy’ card to prevent it from being confiscated. I gave up on the tactical pen – they draw attention, are bulky and, when you know how to use one, over-designed. If you are trying to punch through body armor with a pen, you got the wrong tool son. Now I carry whatever rigid ballpoint I got from the last swag vendor give away, they work just fine on soft targets. If you want more upscale ideas >here< are some good recommendations.

Automatic watch. In addition to telling time, an analog watch can be used as a rudimentary compass. I allow myself the vanity of an automatic movement because it is a complication I enjoy (and I justify it because it will work after the EMP pulse). There are more practical choices.

Bandanna. Most recently I have considered adding a bandanna –  and specifically the Comtech Bandana.  James Keating has specifically designed this bandanna as an ultimate concealed carry life-preservation tool. It can readily be adapted as a flexible weapon (think Charles Bronson in the first Death Wish movie) and defensive tool (think FMA). A simple piece of cloth can be an invaluable survival device. A belt, tie, or scarf could substitute for a bandanna, but why not have several options!

Sap Cap. I do not habitually wear a cap (or hat) but this may become part of my kit.

Notable recommended absences:

Fire source. I don’t smoke and therefore never think to carry a fire source. Because I am almost always in a city environment, I do not feel the need to carry a fire source daily. As soon as I leave town, I add a lighter.

Note book. The Moleskine notebook is a convenient carry size, plenty of paper for notes, sketches or as a fuel source for fire. Muji has some interesting pocket-sized and reasonably priced alternatives.

[1] Preserving information.  Paper will always be a more durable format.

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