Welcome to the Urban EDC Showcase! Each week, we feature a member of the EDC community and the gear they rely on every day. Want to be featured? Submit your gear photo.
From the rugged land down under, we chat with Chris (@cray_edc) who’s been working as a Water and Wastewater Operator for the last 20 years. Naturally, his EDC comes in handy in the line of duty, so he knows a thing or two about selecting the right tool for the job. Read on for Chris’ full rig rundown and learn how he puts his gear to the best use – day in and day out.
Featured Tools:
- Knife: Benchmade Anthem
The Benchmade Anthem is my latest acquisition. I have a passion for Benchmade knives. I guess I fell in love with their designs and the Axis-lock. The Anthem has a unique design using the integral one-piece titanium handle, bearings on the pivot, and a re-engineered Axis-lock to fit the single piece handle. With the 20cv blade steel and the smooth action that the bearings and upgraded axis lock provide, this is the best Benchmade I have had the pleasure to use and own. I love it!
- Pen: Fellhoelter TiBolt
The Fellhoelter TiBolt pen is my go-to pen for all writing tasks. The smooth bolt-action mechanism and robust design make this pen stand out from the rest. After hearing all the great feedback on social media about the TiBolt, I knew it was the pen I had to have. No regrets whatsoever with this purchase.
- Prybar: Zach Wood
The Zach Wood prybar is a work of hard-used art. I obtained one of Zach's pieces a few years back and instantly became a big supporter of his work. His attention to detail and perfect grind work makes his bars sit at the top of the pocket prybar list. Not to mention they are built tough enough to withstand any abuse. I carry this bar with full confidence, knowing it will handle anything I throw at it. With Zach's full lifetime warranty on his prybars, makes it a worthy purchase every time.
- SAK: Victorinox Pioneer Alox Limited Edition Nespresso
The Swiss Army Knife has always been a favorite of mine. I owned one before I even knew what EDC was. My father first introduced me to SAKs when I was 12 years old, and I always carried one in my backpack when we were fishing or camping. Today I still find myself having one very close by. Such a great design and built to last. Nowadays with all the different colors that the Pioneer model comes out with, I find it hard not to want them all. Being a budget-friendly blade and tool makes it easy to have more than one.
- Flashlight: Olight i3t EOS
The Olight i3t EOS is a great pocket size flashlight for me. On the high mode, it puts out plenty of light for most applications, and the low mode is great for up close work. The pocket clip is also very functional. I have owned quite a few different pocket-sized flashlights in my time, but I find the Olight brand gets it right every time. A very inexpensive flashlight and built to last, I must say.
- Hank: Kingdom Hanks
It's only been a year or so since I've gotten into carrying a hank. They do come in handy for wiping down my blades after use and protecting my carry from scratches when placing them down on rough or dusty surfaces. Kingdom Hanks is a small local company providing great quality hanks in all different designs to the Australian EDC market. They sure do make a great backdrop for pocket dump photos too.
Background:
My name is Chris, and I live in a small coastal town called Pambula, on the far south coast of NSW Australia. I currently work as a Water and Wastewater operator for the local water authority. I have been in this position for the last 20 years. My EDC comes in very handy on the job. I use my flashlight for inspecting pits and manholes, prybar for opening valve covers, and a knife for general utility use.
I first got into EDC in my younger years, with the influence of my father. Camping and fishing where the two hobbies at that time that gave me the need to carry a pocket knife and a flashlight. I thought I was pretty cool. Today the EDC passion has grown on me, and I now find the need to carry every day. I now find myself with quite a large collection of all sorts of EDC items, which has now turned into a hobby itself.
Today my hobbies and interests are fishing, camping, bushcraft, hiking, photography, playing the guitar, and collecting EDC gear. I have a love for the great outdoors.
Favorite EDC Tool:
My favorite EDC tool would have to be the Zach Wood pocket pry bar, because of the quality workmanship and need for little to no maintenance. A rub of oil now and then to prevent rust and it’s good to go. There is no need to worry about scratches or dropping it on concrete, as it was designed to be tough. 3V steel is exceptional for this application. this is a hard use tool ready for anything to be thrown at it.
What's On Your Gear Radar:
For my next EDC purchase, I would like it to be a Strider SMF or SNG. I have been on the hunt for a while now. I know they are getting harder to find as they are discontinued, but I still keep my hopes up that one will become available to me soon.
