Showcase #368: Caretaker and grandson from California, USA

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 California, we sit down with Adriel (@gr8conejoedc) who has been the primary caretaker for his grandfather who was diagnosed with alzheimer's and dementia. Having just acquired his grandparents' home in California, Adriel has been making full use of this EDC and putting them through their paces. Read on to learn how Adriel's first got into EDC, and how he deploys his minimal but highly functional daily carry.

Featured Tools:

• Knife: Urban EDC F5.5
  Today's carry is the Urban edc supply F5.5 blacked out with G10 scales. This is one of my four F5.5 and I can't get enough of it. I always like to carry a secondary knife which is generally some type of slipjoint.
  
  
• Knife 2: Lionsteel Thrill
  Today's second knife is the Lionsteel Thrill. It's built with quality materials and innovative with its retractable pocket clip.
  
  
• Watch: Seiko Prospex SNJ025 "Arnie"
  For the watch, nothing compliments the F5.5 more than a Seiko Arnie. A grail watch of mine that brings a modern and nostalgic vibe to my carry.
  
  
• Wallet: Dango D03
  I love a minimalist wallets and the Dango D03 is my go to today. Easy card access with its rail system. The wallet stays thin and slides right into my front pocket.

What's your story:

Hello! My Name is Adriel, I'm 44 years old and it's been two years since I dove into the rabbit hole we call EDC. I just remember my father always having a watch on his wrist and a folding knife in his pocket and it always intrigued me.

My wife and I recently purchased my grandparents home in California. From working on our new home, and going on outdoor adventures, EDC fits into my life more so now than ever before.

I was a caretaker for last seven years to my grandfather. He had been diagnosed with alzheimer's and dementia and required 24/7 supervision. My wife and I decided it was best I stayed home to care and assist him with his day to day needs, such as cooking and cleaning. 

Above all, I tried giving my Grandfather the best quality of life. We went out frequently for walks and adventures. Assembling a pack with basic first aid, a watch with an alarm for his medications, and pocket knife for good measure. He loved the outdoors and seeing new locations and the familiar ones brightened up his day.

Sadly, we lost him to the disease at the young age of 95 years. Shortly after his passing my wife and I decided to purchase his home with all the memories we had created with him. We are now creating new memories while remodeling and starting a new chapter in a home that has been in my family for 45 years.

My father is the one who instilled the basics of EDC from watches, pocket knives and outdoors gear in me. Ever since I could remember my father would take me hiking, camping and hunting at a young age.

I learned first hand how important it was to be prepared and to have the right tools for the job. While caring for my Grandfather and living in the city, my EDC evolved but the basics remained the same. I never knew there was community of makers, artists, and people who shared the same passions I did.

Joining online groups and social media platforms allowed me to make friends with people around the world, this has been one of the most enriching parts of this journey. Planning a carry for the day before is always exciting.

Tomorrow's task and duties can affect the type of knife I carry in my pocket, the watch I place on my wrist, which multi-tool to bring. From there my passion for collecting has grown and continues to this day.

Favorite EDC Tool:

Right now my favorite EDC tool would have to be a folder. I'm currently obsessed with the Urban EDC Supply and Voxnaes F5.5. Wow!! This knife is just quality from the size, ergos, blade design, and materials. It's a workers knife with some sass and class!

What's On Your Gear Radar:

I'm very excited to see what the GiantMouse team is coming out with this year.