Showcase #64: Photographer, Writer and Operations Manager from Long Island, New York

Welcome to the Urban EDC Showcase! Each week, we feature one member from the EDC community and the gear they rely on every day. Want to be featured? Submit your gear photo.

For the last feature of the year, we are elated to catch up with Ed (@edjelley) from Long Island, NY. Ed is a man of many talents and a true renaissance man. Aside from being the Operations Manager of his family’s business, he is also a photographer and a staff writer on everydaycarry.com. Read on for the full rig rundown of Ed’s thoughtfully assembled everyday carry!

Featured Tools:

• Knife: Benchmade Mini Griptilian
  This was my first “expensive” knife purchase that really opened my eyes to quality gear. I bought this knife back in 2010 and it was a HUGE step up from the junky no-name knives I used to carry. The Axis Lock system is great for one handed use. It’s held up to years of use requiring minimal maintenance. It’s hard not to recommend the Mini Grip.

• Light: Foursevens Preon P1
  My favorite EDC light by a long shot. I was looking for a AAA light with a tail click and multiple modes, and the Foursevens Preon P1 checks all the boxes. The small form factor and ease of use ensure that I carry it every day. It’s one of my most used pieces of EDC gear for sure.

• Watch: Timex x Redwing Waterbury
  I’m super impressed by the Timex Waterbury series, especially this collaboration with Red Wing Shoes. The watch comes with a Red Wing leather strap (not shown, using a camo NATO right now). For just under $130, this watch is a great daily driver. Indiglo backlight, great legibility, and a slightly domed crystal result in a vintage, yet timeless look.
  
  
• Pen: Steel & Flint
  I always carry a pen, but not always paper. I’ve found that it’s easier to find something to write on than to write with. This pen is a prototype for a new Kickstarter campaign. I’ve been carrying it daily for a month or so now, and I really like it. It’s a great size for a pocket pen and the magnetic / pneumatic closure of the cap is fun to play with.

• Camera: Fuji X100T
  The camera that goes with me everywhere. The Fuji X100T is the perfect blend of image quality and portability. It’s small, yet comfortable to use. The large APS-C sensor and 25mm equivalent lens and awesome straight-out-of-camera JPEG quality pump out great photos that barely need to be edited.
  
  
• Wallet: Bellroy Card Sleeve
  The wallet I keep going back to again and again. It’s very slim, made from premium leather, and just plain works for what I need. I rarely carry cash, so the quick access cards on the outside are very convenient. I like the pull tab on the wallet that lets you get at the cards quickly and easily in the middle slot as well.
  
  
• Phone: iPhone 7 in Matte Black 128GB
  I’m honestly not blown away by this phone, I could have stayed with the 6S and been completely fine. I think I got suckered into the matte black (which I then put a case over anyway). The case in question is the Peel Black Case, which is one of the thinnest cases out there. It gives the phone just enough protection and a little bit of tactile feel so it’s not quite so slippery.
  
  
• Keychain: Corter Leather Bottlehook + Keys
  My primary method of keeping keys attached to my belt. I don’t like a bulky key setup. This usually rides on my belt loop, then tucked into my back right pocket. I found the “Life in the Fast Lane” keychain in a thrift store back in high school.

Background:

My name is Ed and I’m from Long Island, NY. I wear a lot of hats. I’m the Operations Manager for my family’s business, run my own photography business, a staff writer over at everydaycarry.com, and I have my own blog about fountain pens and stationery at edjelley.com.

I was introduced to EDC as it is now in 2009, by the “EDC Saved My Life” thread on a forum called Superfuture. I’ve always liked gear and EDC really just put a name to it.

My hobbies have pretty much turned into “jobbies”, which is great for me. Self-sustaining hobbies (writing, photography) are just that much more satisfying for me. I’m also SUPER into coffee, with a pretty extensive home espresso setup.

Favorite EDC Tool:

It’s really hard to pick, but I’m really enjoying the Preon P1. It’s the only flashlight I’ve owned that’s been easy to carry and powerful enough to justify carrying.