Showcase #218: Surgeon from Manila, Philippines

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.

For Elliot, his everyday carry is a necessity because he believes in being self-reliant and self-sufficient in all areas of his life. Working as a surgeon in Manila has given him a different perspective on life (and also the reason why he chose to remain somewhat anonymous). Read on to learn all about Elliot's pointed and poignant take on life and how that translates to his EDC choices. 

What's in your carry?

• Knife: Fallkniven U2
  I learned about the Fallkniven U2 through reading the Everyday Commentary blog. I love how simple and unfussy it is. Signature Swedish practicality. It's designed to cut and cut well, nothing more and nothing less. Except if you subscribe to the 'less is more' approach, then there's really something more to this little guy. Intriguing to say the least.  
  
  
• SAK: Victorinox Mini Champ
  Mini Champ is a great name for this tool. It's mini and it's a champion. It has the same DNA as the Victorinox Classic but with the added function of a tiny retractable ballpoint pen. In this little tool, you get a knife, scissors, tweezers, screwdrivers, nail file and... a pen. So I repeat. Champ.
  
  
• Flashlight: Muji
  I used to love pocket rockets. I used to love compact flashlights. I used to love boutique flashlights. I used to love boutique compact flashlights. Until I don't. 
  
  Living in the city and working in an office, I hardly ever needed a flashlight. Having a fancy flashlight is fun and all, but they are a waste of space and dollars for me. So I sold it all and got the cheapest, coolest little light I could find at Muji. It's bright, almost weightless and tiny. It's all I truly need. 
  
  
• Earphones: Airpods Pro
  Did you know that Apple has made over 8 billion bucks from the sale of Airpods alone? But you know what, they deserve every cent because the Airpods Pro are amazing.
  
  If you're an audiophile snob, you will definitely find something to complain and nitpick about the Airpod Pro's audio quality. But if you're a normal person going about their daily life who enjoys ease of use, convenience and intuitive design, you'll love the Airpods Pro. It's compact, in-ear and makes my life better. Highly recommended, even though they cost a pretty penny. 
  
  
• Deodorant: Aesop
  Aesop from Australia makes some of the best stuff around, for guys and girls alike. Not to mention that they have some of the best in-store experiences around. In a humid country like mine, it's important to use a deodorant. But you want to avoid anything with traces of aluminium in them. And that's why I use this natural Deodorant from Aesop, among other products.
  
  
• Keychain: Niteize
  Keep it simple, stupid. I wanted the lightest and most low-profile way to carry my keys, and this tiny plastic Niteize carabiner combined with a paracord does the trick. Weights nothing. Nothing to break. Get it done every time. 
  
  
• Carving: Elephant 
  I'm an animal advocate because I believe that we all have a right to this planet. And what we're doing to the environment and how we are exploiting and endangering every other species on Earth is appalling. I carry this to remind myself that there's a lot more to life than just the shiny things and immediate gains. It gives me perspective and encourages me to do the right thing. 

What's your story?

I work as a surgeon in Manila. Without going into the gory details, you need to have a will of steel and iron stomach to thrive in this environment. I enjoy my work and find it rewarding, however, I consciously try to find other avenues for my attention to avoid burnout and disillusionment. 

EDC came about as a necessity. You can never be over-prepared. Having basic tools at the ready - a knife, a pen, a light - gets you out of many binds. Being self-sufficient is crucial, whether it's economically, physically, emotionally, and of course, when it comes to everyday carry. Relying on oneself is always more reliable than waiting for others. And as a bonus, you'd be in a position to help others when they are ill-prepared. Win-win.

On the flip side, you don't want to be overly bogged down by tools like a fool too. I always try to remind myself to keep it simple. Getting lost in weeds and losing sight of the true reason you carry is a slippery slope. 

Favorite EDC Tool?

The Mini Champ because it's evergreen and timeless. I would still find a use for it 10 years into the future. As much as I adore the Airpods Pro, it literally has built-in obsolescence. 

What's On Your Gear Radar?

Right now? Absolutely nothing. I used to collect guitars and associated gear, and there's this saying among guitarists called G.A.S (Gear Acquisition Syndrome). It's the same with EDC. Acquiring gear is not the driver for me. Using gear is. Living life is.

Whenever I find myself yearning for new gear and trawling IG for new ways to spend my money, I know that I'm too free and idle. So I get back to living life to the fullest with the gear I already own.