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 Kevin (@kd_edc), EDC is all about family. Having first discovered a shared passion for knives with his Dad on a camping trip, he now regularly discusses and shares a wide array of EDC gear with his father and brother. Read on for the full and juicy deeds on Kevin’s admirable collection and find out which piece of gear he treasures the most.
Featured Tools:
- Knife: Spyderco Paramilitary 2
The Spyderco Paramilitary 2 is my most collected and carried knife. This sprint run in grey G10 and CPM CRU-WEAR is my go-to. I consider the PM2 an great all around knife. Despite being on the larger size, I EDC this blade regularly.
The design is simple, clean, and timeless, something I look for in all my EDC items. I use a PM2 for everyday tasks, as well as more demanding chores. Being a collector, I naturally love all of the blade steels and colored G10 and other materials used in the various sprint runs and exclusives.
All of my PM2s are outfitted with a deep carry clip from the reputable Lynch Northwest and a Scoopyloops lanyard bead. This knife is rocking a blue anodized titanium Lynch clip and a sapphire turboglow Scoopy. Doesn’t get much better.
- Bottle Opener: Nick Swan Knives Pull Tab V2
Nick Swan is a maker that I love and deeply respect. This Swan pull tab V2 in blue G10 and titanium is one item I’d consider a grail. I don’t typically buy gear on the secondary market (because I can’t afford to), but this was one exception. I just had to have it. The fit and finish are next level and the function is superb. The PT will rival any bottle opener out there, and the pull tab slit on the V2 is a nice added bonus.
- SAK: Victorinox Alox Cadet
The Victorinox Alox Cadet was an early purchase that contributed to where my collection is today. In 2015, I purchased the limited edition Alox Cadet in dark blue. This instantly became my favorite SAK and I knew I had to have it in other colorways, including this stunning bright blue.
I love the look and feel of the Alox scales. For me, the Cadet is the perfect size and the tool options are all I need. I carry a SAK as a backup in most situations. Whether I’m hiking, snowboarding, or just out on the town, I most likely have a Cadet hiding on me just in case.
I never like to be without a knife and a bottle opener, so at its size, it’s a no brainer; though, I may use the nail file most of all. Not to mention it’s a much less intimidating pocket knife than say my PM2, so depending on the crowd and situation, this might be the only knife that makes a public appearance.
- Hank: Fox Hanx + Swan Collab Hanx
Admittedly, my Hanx is mostly for show. I am not really one to carry a handkerchief for traditional purposes, other than to wipe down blades or roll a tool in for safe-keeping during pocket time.
Fox Hanx is another company I learned about through social media outlets. I now have a corresponding collab Hanx for several of my higher end collectables.
At home, these pieces are displayed on the Hanx and I most often use Hanx as backdrops for my photos. My Fox Hanx Collab Hanx collection includes Swan Knives, Zach Wood, Scoopyloops, JBB, and Koch Tools. Pictured is one of my Swan Hanx, the first one I scored. I love the monochromatic color scheme. The quality, personalized care that goes into each Hanx, and collaboration with my favorite makers are what keeps me coming back for more.
- Pen: Fellhoelter Tibolt
My Fellhoelter pens are by far my most used EDC items. Working in an inpatient psychiatric hospital, I am forced to leave the majority of my gear in my car for safety concerns, but my Fellhoelter is one item that stays on me every moment of the workday.
Writing up assessments, taking notes, and completing documentation are just more enjoyable with this beast of a writing instrument. I also carry a Field Notes notebook for my own personal reminders and to-dos, therefore a solid pen is a must-have.
Titanium is my all-time favorite material, so to find a pen made of 100% titanium was something I had to check out. Out of the three Ti-bolts I have acquired, this one with full flutes and satin finish is my favorite. The build quality is in a league of its own, and the bolt action is as smooth as butter. These pens are as gorgeous as they are functional and just feel right in the hand.
- Utility tool: Koch Tools Kap Lifter
The Kap Lifter was one of the first pieces of gear that I really sought after. Also, one of the first times that I failed to score an item and realized how cutthroat the world of EDC can be when items are first come, first serve.
I remained committed and figured out my strategy to buy fast and eventually landed my first Kap Lifter. From there, Justin gave people more of what they wanted and I have been able to acquire a few Kap Lifters in various finishes and sizes.
This is my most recent and my favorite in the rotation. It’s all about preference, but I found that 3/8” is the perfect size for most of the pocket tools I collect. This 3/8” Kap Lifter in stonewashed titanium, with a blue G10 inlay, was made for me. The Kap Lifter remains a contender for my most carried bottle opener/ pocket tool, despite a growing collection of ZW and Lynch NW pry bars/openers.
- Beads: Scoopyloops Lanyard Beads
In my opinion, Jon Brown of Scoopyloops makes the best lanyard beads available, but in many ways, it’s more about the Scoopyloops community than the actual beads.
It’s just fun to be a part of. I enjoy the thrill of trying to score on drops and have made many connections in the EDC world, constantly learning of new makers through this avenue.
As mentioned, I love titanium and titanium lanyard beads are what Jon does best. His machining is flawless and he is an anodizing master, making each of these beads a mini-masterpiece.
Since starting my collection, I have acquired upwards of 30 Scoopys, not including the numerous beads that my Dad and brother own. More recently, I have gravitated towards composite materials such as Micarta, G10, and turboglow since they are more gear friendly.
I find it useful to have lanyards on my gear, also adding extra style and personality. Pictured are four types of Scoopyloops: an OG in blue G10, two stacked LB’s in titanium and G10, and a large in turboglow.
- Slips: Greg Stevens Design Leather Slips
Greg Stevens Design is my go-to for leather goods to protect my gear. Pictured are my GSD pen and pull tab sleeves in Horween Coffee leather.
I admire the craftsmanship and attention to detail in every piece I receive from GSD. These goods are built to last and you can feel it in each unique piece. They just get better with time as the leather molds and forms to your gear, developing unique patinas and markings.
Greg continues to impress me, as another member of the EDC community that consistently provides the highest level of customer service and quality gear.
Background:
Originally from Albany NY, I currently live in Raleigh, NC with my wife, Melissa and our two dogs Bailey & Stella. I’ve lived in Raleigh since 2013, after spending my college years at East Carolina University in Greenville, NC. I work as a Recreational Therapy Manager at a psychiatric residential treatment facility for adolescents.
Growing up, I always enjoyed owning a Swiss Army Knife or a Leatherman for camping trips and everyday tasks, but that was really the extent of it. About 5 years ago I finally decided to pull the trigger on my first folder; a full-sized Benchmade Griptilian with black scales and DLC blade. I carried this knife every day, used and abused it, and loved it more and more over time.
The following summer, my wife and I met my parents in Maine for a camping trip where I proudly showed my Dad my beloved Griptilian. He then showed me his new Spyderco Salt Series knife and we further discussed our appreciation for these great tools.
From there I had the itch and picked up a couple more knives throughout the year, including a gift for my wife: her first Spyderco, a foliage green G10 Dragonfly, which she still carries daily. That year for Christmas, my Dad generously gifted my twin brother and I a few of the coveted Spydercos from our wish list and from there, the collection was off and running.
After following knife companies and a few EDC accounts on Instagram, I stumbled upon Scoopyloops lanyard beads and Koch Tools. Eventually, I scored my first pocket tool (Koch Tools Solo) and lanyard bead, which was a thrill all its own.
I began to follow more makers, found more people who loved gear and became more connected in the EDC community through Facebook groups. I frequently discuss and share various EDC items with my Dad and brother, and between the three of us, we slowly started to acquire an assortment of knives, pocket tools, lanyard beads, pens, pry bars, flashlights, wallets, etc. It continues to be a family affair as our relationships and EDC collections continue to grow.
When I’m not buying, selling & trading EDC items, I find happiness spending quality time with my wife, pups, family, and friends. We love to take advantage of the great food and beer scene here in Raleigh, frequenting local restaurants and breweries, and attending events to support our community.
We love to travel to the North East to visit family and vacation at our favorite New England spots. I also try to visit my twin brother and sister-in-law in Charlotte as much as possible and enjoy the beautiful North Carolina Mountains in both summer and winter.
I love to snowboard, camp, hike, attend concerts, and just be outdoors. At home, I like to work in the yard, relax in the hammocks, drink craft beer, and enjoy good conversation around the fire pit.
Favorite EDC Tool:
My favorite featured piece is my Nick Swan Pull Tab V2. This is a relatively rare item and I’m proud to own it. Not pictured is a blue G10 Swan Slip Joint, and together these two pieces sit atop my collection as my pride and joy.
What's On Your Gear Radar:
A few items that have captured my attention recently are the newly designed Nick Swan/Todd Kern bottle cap and a Barrel flashlight, both in titanium of course.
Another grail for me is a Burnley Cypop. I have a couple of Burnley contras, but scoring a custom Cypop from Lucas and Maddie would make my year.
Lastly, I hope to someday acquire a few more custom knives, to include, but not limited to blades from Swan, Burnley, Efros, JBB, Curry, Laconico, and J.Oeser Knives.
These items are a bit outside of my price range, but with some selling and saving, anything is possible. At the end of the day, I’ve learned that EDC is about patience, timing, and connections. I’m in no rush and I’m confident these items will find their way into my life someday.
