Showcase #97: Knifemaker and Product Photographer from Chicago

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

If you thought the ‘Lundquist’ name sounds familiar, you’re right on the money. Today, we talk to knifemaker and professional product photographer, Justin Lundquist (@justinlundquist), the man behind the best-selling Kizer Lundquist Feist. Justin’s designs emphasize functionality and usability, and that is clearly reflected in his personal everyday carry. Read on to find out more!

Featured Tools:

• Framelock Knife: Kizer Lundquist Wanderer
  This knife is my Wanderer design manufactured by Kizer. It uses S35VN steel, titanium scales, has a milled pocket clip and runs on washers. Kizer did a great job on these. Everything is contoured and rounded off so that it melts in your hand very nicely. The 3D milled pocket functions great and the knife carries really well for a full sized folder. It has a highly utilitarian blade shape that functions well as an all around EDC blade.
  
  
• Slipjoint Knife: G.E.C #47
  This is the #47 Viper Swayback in OD Green linen micarta and 1095 steel. G.E.C makes a great knife for the money. I have carried this one for a few years and love it. Every once in awhile, I consider picking up a second #47 in OD just because I like it so much. These are great EDC knives alone or as a backup.
  
  
• Flashlight: Prometheus Beta-QR Copper
  This is a great little AAA flashlight that has a nice clean design. It has 3 levels and a clean, neutral tint. It’s also nice that you have the option of using a pocket clip or attaching it to a keychain with a magnetic quick release. I don’t carry it everywhere but I do use it often. I love the size and design of it.
  
  
• Pry Bar:
  This is a titanium pry bar/bottle opener that I handmade on my grinder and manual mill. I created this because a knife isn’t a pry bar, and should never be used as such! I wanted to make some Ti tools just for the fun of it and this is what I came up with.
  
  
• Keyhook: Custom
  I needed a new keychain, so I decided to make my own out of leather and solid brass.

Background:

My name is Justin Lundquist and I’m based just outside of Chicago. I make my living as a professional product photographer.

My hobby has been teaching myself knifemaking. I carried knives off and on when I was younger, either in the woods, hiking, or camping. I would carry an SAK or a Schrade LB7.

As I got older, I started carrying a SOG as an EDC while working as a freelance photo assistant. After losing the SOG, I accidentally stumbled into the world of custom handmade knives. I was instantly hooked.

I wound up ordering my first custom handmade slip joint knife rather than ordering another production knife. It was all downhill after that.

Favorite EDC Tool:

My favorite item in the pic is the two knives. I enjoy the design, aesthetics, and functionality of these tools. It's amazing to think that knives can be traced back millions of years as man’s earliest tool.

Next On Your Gear Radar:

A new belt grinder! I know it’s not EDC but it will help me make EDCs! I buy far fewer knives and EDC gear than I would like.