Showcase #316: Product Photographer and Nurse from Brisbane, Australia

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.

A builder and handyman at heart, Jake (@edc_monster) used to be a product photographer (it shows!) before dedicating himself to the nursing. When Jake first started showcasing his gear on Instagram, he shot exclusively with his iPhone for a year and encourages everyone to make the most of the gear they already have. Read on to find out the philosophy behind Jake's carry, and what he has his eye on next!

What's in your carry?

• Knife: Medford 187 DP
  This has custom brass scales from a local maker here in Australia, this knife was my first taste at a truly American knife showcasing their quality and attention to detail. I love the Medford for its ruggedness and the overall bold statement it creates.
  
  
• Flashlight: Olight S2R Baton II
  My first serious EDC flashlight was an Olight, and as I continue to grow my collection, I jumped at the opportunity to buy this copper light as soon as it was available in Australia. I love how the flashlight takes on a character and patina of its own.
  
  
• Multi-tool: Leatherman P4
  When Leatherman announced the new Free series, I was hesitant to buy it, due to the lack of interchangeable bits. But I discovered with a bit of online research that Shapeways had spare parts for the P4. So it made my leatherman P4 a lot more versatile and user-friendly.
  
  
• Pen: Fisher Space Pen
  My pen of choice is the Fisher Space Pen; this variant is the brass version with a custom patina done by myself. I love this pen for its practicality and size, it fits perfectly into my rotation and takes up little to no room in my pockets.
  
  
• Holster: RMK Leatherwork
  This EDC compact holster was made by RMK Leatherwork which is based in Australia. I constantly look for more ways to carry my gear effectively and providing me with ease of access when needed. This holster was modified to fit a Fisher Space Pen and Olight S2R and the Leatherman Free. I have other holsters from RMK to fit my bigger gear like the Leatherman Surge and OHT.

What's your story?

I am based in Brisbane, Australia. Before changing professions to nursing, I used to be a commercial food and product photographer based in Australia shooting for many different companies.

Over the years, I managed to acquire gear that helped me to do my job. But when I started this Instagram, I shot for a year just on the iPhone. And I encourage anyone new or who’s just starting that you can do a lot with the tools you have. Don’t be fooled into thinking you cannot take a great photo with just your phone.

I first got into EDC about 5 years ago, never actually realizing I was even in it. I carried gear in my pockets and on my hip. But I never fully dialed my style in till I discovered a Facebook group based in Australia showcasing gear, knives, and custom made stuff. That’s when the addiction truly began. I’m still growing and trying and selling things to find the perfect mix of style and practicality.

In my spare time, I’m a builder at heart, I love to work with my hands, build, fix, and restore. I think that’s where my style of vintage and rustic comes into my gear and photos.

I love things that tell a story, create an emotion that someone can relate to. I build things to last through generations and I hope some of my favorite gear will be passed on as well.

Favorite EDC Tool?

My favorite piece of gear in this photo would have to be my Medford 187 DP, it really speaks to my style and it’s a piece that no one has.

I love pushing boundaries and limits. Using tools for what they are. The Medford is a knife that has seen variations in scales, colour over its lifetime, but it’s a knife I would have a hard time passing on.

What's On Your Gear Radar?

The gear that I would love to acquire next would have to be a grail of mine the ZT302, ever since watching “Gibbs” in NCIS use that knife it’s been a goal to finally have one in my collection.

I'm blessed enough to have the ZT300, ZT301TS but would love to get the 302 and 303. With the restriction on assisted knives in Australia, finding one proves near impossible as no one will sell them. But the hunt will continue and eventually I will acquire one!