A Carpenter’s Everyday Carry: Essential Craftsman’s EDC 

Sometimes in the morning when I’m checking my pockets it seams like I’m doing the Macarena.

Ha! Had to get my wife to watch this because she thinks I’m crazy for what I have in my pockets - exactly what you have! Except my flashlight is also made by Leatherman and I carry it in a custom made leather sheath on my belt. Also carry a lighter, because, as my BIL’s grandma used to say, “A man’s not dressed unless he has a knife and a way to make fire!” Words I live by. Thanks Scott!

Great video as always. My wife started calling these my "Saturday morning cartoons". I look forward to every video. Keep up the good work.

Hi Scott. I’d only add one other everyday carry…a bandana/handkerchief. I’ve used it as a first aid tool, a sweatband, and a rag to clean up spilled coffee. Great video. Thx

Once I started carrying a flashlight in my pocket, I wondered how I ever got along without one.

...very interesting. For me, I have never gotten used to the feeling of things in my pockets and so, I do what would be ridiculous to some. My backpack goes most everywhere with me. In it, I have versions of everything that you covered and, in addition, a pad for notes, a paper-pocket-calendar for my appointments and keeping track of work hours, a small adjustable wrench, and a first aid kit. The great benefit, is that I then have a bag in which to throw sundries as the need arises: groceries, lunch, mail, etc. I think that this is a hangover from my bicycle messenger days when I cycled everywhere, all day, with a messenger bag slung over one shoulder. I became so used to it being over my back, that that position felt more normal than any other. P.S. For anything else that I might need, it's in my work truck, which also goes, most every day, with me to work. Cheers and God Bless!

Here in the midwest, a lot of us wear an open leather holster with pliers; often used for cutting baling wire while feeding cattle or working on equipment. The usefulness of having full-size pliers is nice over the leatherman pliers. Some of us also weld a 1/2" and 9/16" wrench closed end to the end of the pliers to make them 3x more useful. I also make sure I have tape measures in every vehicle. Lastly, the cell phone goes in the pocket as well.

I have carried a Fisher Space Pen in my right pocket for nearly fifty years. Even though the chrome nearly all gone, I consider it as a trusted old friend. I enjoy all of your EC videos and learn something every time ... thank you Scott !-)

Who knew Essential Craftsman would be dishing out grooming tips (using a Leatherman to remove nose hairs.). Yet another reason I love this channel. I do agree having a flashlight is an essential EDC item. I have the double whammy of cataracts and glaucoma so I use a flashlight quite a bit.

Scott doing a pocket dump is exactly the kind of content I didn’t realize I needed 👌🏻👌🏻👌🏻

I am a woman and I don’t go anywhere without my purse. In my purse I have my wallet, cell phone, asthma inhaler, Chapstick, comb, earplugs in a case, lens cleaning cloth, and a little bit of lotion for when my hands dry out. I really should add a Leatherman and a flashlight. I think I will. Thanks for this.

When I was a senior student the joke in the x-ray department was 'If you need anything just ask Dale, she's got it in her pocket'. My lab coat was loaded.

Not an EDC, but would it be possible to make a video about books read, or book recommendations. It's clear Scott has a lot of experience, wisdom and well read individual from the videos over time. Always interesting to watch.

I always consider my cell phone as a must have. The ability to research and reach out allow a person to solve any problem a day might throw them. I like my Fenix PD25 light due to the rechargeable battery and multiple brightness settings. I keep my letherman in its factory holster on my belt to keep it from wearing my pockets out. I do the same for the flashlight. Every time I leave a place I conduct the “keys, wallet, phone” pat down to keep from forgetting something.

I’ve daily carried a Leatherman Wave nearly everyday for well over a decade; though I carry mine in a belt holster. The belt holster holds the Wave, a slimline screwdriver bit case with Allen and Torx bits, a small AAA flashlight, and a Fisher pen. I never fail to be amazed at just how often I turn to the tools I carry as they’re right there, even when better tools aren’t too far away.

I've been carrying the Victorinox Swiss Army knife different variations for about 17 years. It's small it has round edges stainless steel doesn't rust you can easily sharpen it once a week if needed toothpick tweezers and many more hundred percent MacGyver

That's a good start😊. I retired from a multi-craft repair and maintenance position. My initial training was as a machinist/heavy mechanic to which I added an industrial electrical degree. Just for walking around my Leatherman Charge isn't quite enough. I also carry the Leatherman bit set and ratchet extension tool. Of course, with a 5/16 nut driver socket in the Leatherman extension I have the option of tackling screws with either 1/4 or 5/16 heads. (Most sheetmetal shrouds and equipment covers can be removed with this combination.) But, you have to have a little crescent wrench to hold nuts if you want to get them tight. These basics do a ton of small work. If traveling I also take a no contact voltage tester w/infrared thermometer. How else to tell if an outlet or my charger is the defective component? I can also tell if the hotel HVAC is a problem or if I just haven't pushed the right buttons. Yah, there's more, like a great quality folding knife, flashlight, decent tactical pen, and whatever. I'm retired, but doubt I'll ever be without some basic tools.

I started with multi tools as a combat engineer with a SOG blasters tool for the tools and the non-reflective non-sparking coating. I was quickly realized that while the tools aren't as good as their full size cousins, they're 100% better than cold wet fingers. I now own 5 Leatherman tools for the same reason and their high quality. After 20 years of jail work my EDC is wallet and cash, a similarly worn Streamlight (we've been to the floor hundreds of times, the light works better than I do) a Benchmade knife, a full size handgun and a spare mag.

I cannot more highly recommend carrying the Milwaukee fastback razor knife. It’s super inexpensive and so useful. I carry that and a leatherman, and it gets the job done for so many things that I’d otherwise grab another tool.

I had the pleasure of meeting Scott in Roseberg, Oregon. I was with my dad (also huge fan) and my son (future fan). Scott was as gracious as a human can be. As genuine in person as he comes across in the videos! Anyways, I carry an almost identical set up. Minor differences. Leatherman Wave with pocket clip so I don’t have to dig in my pockets and I’ve added a super small, Lufkin tape measure 6’. It’s so small it fits in the coin pocket in jeans. Flashlight is a must. Carry same one. Saddleback makes great products. I carry a wallet made by a leather worker on Etsy. “One Star leather” Parksloper model

Milwaukee’s Fastback utility knife, has a screwdriver and 1/4” bit, spare blade, bottle opener, wire stripper, metal pocket clip. Solid built. Clips on pocket comfortably. Hard to beat for $15.

About 20 years ago my wife gave me a Leatherman Skeletool, and I absolutely love it. It's everything I need and nothing I don't. It's fairly slim, has an easily accessible, one-handed knife, pliers, wire cutters, screwdriver with 2 double-headed bits on-board, and a bottle opener. The only improvement I can think of would be to make the blades of the wire-cutters replaceable like they are on some of their other tools. It's always clipped to my right front pocket. Awesome tool.

I EDC quite a few things, as a heavy equipment operator/somewhat mechanic. The current list includes: Two, yes, two, streamlight pro usb's, a metal rite-in-the-rain pen, a snap-on flat blade pocket screwdriver with magnet on handle, snap-on straight pocket prybar, leatherman supertool300 in a kydex sheath, knipex cobras (87 01 180), and a crkt m16-10S. Honestly I wish I could feasibly carry even more, and what I carry seems overkill (you should see my truck), but I'm an Eagle Scout and I try to be prepared for what I can for where I'll be.

As an engineer, a light is an absolute must have. And I have carried a streamlight for years. But recently switched to a rechargeable Olight. More over than that, it is rechargeable the fact that the base is magnetic and can be stuck on under or just about anywhere on a locomotive is worth its weight to me. Thanks again for all the great content.

Carried flashlights for years at this point and the best one I've found is a Fenix PD36R. It looks a little more bulky than the streamlight that was presented but has all the same features plus a couple of bonuses I don't think I could live without. The Fenix is 1700 some lumens, bright enough to reveal everything I've needed to. It has a clip that fits good into a pocket, but it also doubles back to fit on the brim of a ballcap, freeing your hands to work. It's rechargeable with the same plug that my phone uses and lasts forever, (something like two weeks solid on low) there was a time out backpacking when I was hiking at night and all the flashlights I had died, wish I had this one back then and that wouldn't have happened. One more story that speaks to the build quality; I was out on the farm in winter riding around on a quad and found when I got off that my flashlight was missing, wrote it off as lost in the snow after spending time looking for it, picked it up several months later in the springtime in a puddle, clicked the button and it turned on! I've since strapped it to my belt loop with a carabiner. It's a quality light and I usually regret it if I leave it behind. Like the leatherman its versatile and infinity useful, and when they make a better one (if they can) I'll have to get it.

A 4” Channellock brand (irega manufactured) adjustable wrench is the one tool I carry with my leatherman every day. It opens up to 9/16” and has perfectly parallel jaws that when used with its etched measurements on the jaws, it works great for a caliper in a pinch. I’ve used it to tighten battery cables, open a Chevrolet differential cover, pull staples extremely efficiently, open bottles and it has saved countless trips to the truck when I needed another wrench. They are reminiscent of the quality of tools made 50 years ago, and they are light weight and disappear in your pocket and you forget it’s there until you need it. I use it almost as much as my leatherman.. sometimes more. Great video as always

My EDC flashlight is a Streamlight Microstream. It uses a single AAA battery. This size is wonderful for holding in my mouth - usually between teath and cheek. It's also very unbulky in the pocket, hand, etc.

Single AAA battery flashlight w/push button switch,small tape measure, multi-tool, mini sharpie, butane lighter with duct tape and electrical tape wrapped around it. Truck keys clipped to belt loop. Bi- fold wallet. Carry flashlight and sharpie in breast pocket. I stage similar kits in each of the jackets I wear also together with a small crescent wrench and a pair of scissors.

A fine selection of EDC 😊 Personally I use a smaller flashlight that would probably not be good for bopping anyone on the nose but is quite a bit brighter and that is a RovyVon Aurora A8 (4th Gen). I opted for the Red/White/UV one. I've never carried something so small and light but so useful, definitely worth a look 👍

I carry a 500 lumen stream light 2LX Dualfuel and use stream light brand rechargeable 18650 batteries. The light is about $55 and a battery two pack around $30. I’ve been carrying it daily for almost 5 years with not one problem. I definitely recommend it.

My daily EDC is a Trayvax Accent wallet, a pocket organizer purchased on Etsy. In it a mini Swiss Champ, Fisher Space Pen, Olight I3T EOS pen light, Cold Steel Tuff Lite folder. Left pocket a small fixed blade (e.g. ESEE Candiru ) Jacket my keys in a KeyBar. Attached to it another Olight mini, and a Fox Whistle.

Work has changed what I carry over the years. A Sharpie, pen, folding box cutter, and wireless headphones are my current essentials.

Im 28 and have carried a Leatherman and flashlight for no less than 5 years. I wish I could get more people to see the practical, everyday use cases for these items.

I carry a leatherman, but I also carry a small 5" or so pair of Knipex cobras and their small pliers wrench. Needle nose are great, but there's so many more applications that the Knipex pliers really excel at. Also, a handkerchief is a must carry. It's sweat rag, protection from hot/cold parts, an emergency bandage, a cleaning cloth, or a binding tool in a pinch. Plus it adds just a little padding to my left butt cheek. Haha.

Leatherman Wave. In a sheath on my belt for nearly 20 years, every day, even on days off.but now that I’m retired all I carry is gentleman’s pocket knife. The Kershaw Leek. A flipper with carbon fibre scales, its light, classy, small and the action is very satisfying. It was a retirement gift I thought I’d never use but cant imagine being without it now.

Scott, I Totally agree with what you carry. Each day when I get dressed, I have a Leatherman or a Swiss Tool in a belt pouch, my car and house keys with a micro LED high intensity torch on the key ring, my leather wallet and a pencil tucked in one or more pockets. Like you I use the micro torch to see into those difficult places. I am 71 years old and eyesight is certainly failing. I use the knife on the Leatherman almost every day, for breaking down cardboard boxes, opening parcels, etc. the pliers are my go to when I don’t have my various hand tools and need to undo a tight nut, grab hold of a small screw or cut a small wire. I enjoy your RU-vid articles.

Yes!!!!! Thank you for this video! I have been thinking and obsessing over switching up my EDC for a bit now. I am 23, and ever since I graduated high school, and during the summers in high school, I would carry my phone in my RF pocket, keys (with nail clipper, my hands can’t stand a broken and protruding nail!) and a Leatherman Sidekick multi tool in my LF pocket, a wallet (with bandaids) in my LB pocket and a handkerchief in my RB pocket. I would use my multi tool a lot because I worked on a grounds crew at my college, but now I am a pastor at a church in rural Kansas, and I want to keep the functionality of my set up, actually increase it more, but I want it to still be every day carry, including Sunday, including when I am preaching! So, I have been thinking. A multi tool is a jack of all trades, but master of none. I am thinking of switching to the basic elements of the 3 tools I regularly use. A knife, screwdriver and pliers. I am going to try out Fix it Sticks but drivers as a screwdriver substitute, Knipex 4 in water pump pliers as a pliers substitute and am toying with the idea of forging a blacksmith’s knife for a knife. This channel is what got me into blacksmithing! I am not the best, but it is so much fun to build and create and see what you guys create! I hope you, Scott or Nate, read this because I really, really appreciate all that you guys do and have taught me! Keep up the good work!

I found a leather holster that holds my multi tool and my flashlight on my hip I can also tuck a sharpie in it, I’m a fabricator so I prefer a sharpie over a pencil. It’s more comfortable and saves my pockets!

I always carry a guitar pick. It really is a multi-tasker. Yes you can play a guitar with it, but you can use it as a tool for caulking (it has two different radius edges), a scraper to remove different gunk from different finishes, you can open packages that you may not want to use a sharp edge to open. Not to mention other things I've forgotten.

Wallet, pocket knife, flashlight, Swiss army knife, Leatherman and watch. I also have a pocket protector with a pocket screwdriver, pocket pry bar, tire gauge, a pickup magnet and a pocket air blowgun. I'm in the automotive field.

When I get up to go to work as a cabinetmaker (soon to retire) I have every thing I need at hand at my bench. The only EDC I have had for the past 15 years has been my Buck Squire pocket knife. Can’t live without the beauty of its quality, practicality and simplicity. I look after it and it looks after me.

Great video! I have replaced my Leatherman with a Swiss Army knife, which has everything but the pliers. It also has a small ballpoint pen which is useful in a pinch. As a corporate pilot, I’ve switched to a Royvon A8 flashlight. Even in broad daylight, there all kinds of nooks and crannies you need to see into on preflight. It’s not much bigger than a AA battery and is very bright. My keychain contains a very loud whistle. Occasionally I have to wing walk an aircraft under tow and it’s a good way to get someone to STOP.

Only three items go into my pockets every morning. Truck keys in the left front pocket, money clip/credit card holder and my mini Swiss army knife in the right front pocket. I had to give on wallets in my rear pocket years ago. Too hard on the rear end😀.

If you're a dad with small kids the scissors on that P4 or a K4 work great for cutting down straws at restaurants! I figured it out real quick since so many places bring you a small little kids cup with a lid and a straw that sticks out of the top nearly 8 inches. Little kid arms tend to be too short and wind up tipping the cup over and spilling out the straw hole

One of the grey Stanley nail set. I carry one all the time. I would say I use it to set nails only around 10% of the time I pull it out. Great little pry bar and poker. Everything you would use a pocket knife blade for, except cutting, can be done with the nail set, and you don't have to worry about breaking your blade.

For me a combination of 2 things has been a game changer. First, the Milwaukee Fastback razor knife with a spare blade slot, 1/4" drive holding a #2 and flat screwdriver bit, and bottle opener has changed my mind about pocket knives. With a razor blade I do things I wouldn't dare do with a conventional knife. The Fastback now lives in my right hip pocket I sewed into my work jeans. Second, the hip pocket. It sits just aft of the pant's side seam, but above and outboard of the regular seat pocket. This placement prevents the knife from being sat on, and consequently keeps my sciatic nerve unpinched

Finger nail clippers are pretty darn handy for nail cutting and splinter removal. I carry them everyday and a piece of soap stone has been in my pocket for years.

I have a Maxpedition pouch that is forever evolving as a EDC. As with anything in life we should assimilate to our new days. Thanks for videos and life lessons ❤

I carry a lot of the same things with two exceptions: I carry a set of Bluetooth earbuds, not just to listen to music, but also because of their ability to aid me in taking a call when my hands are full or it’s noisy. Also in addition to a Leatherman, I carry a BenchMade folding knife that is one-handed operation. I store it clipped to the edge of the pocket of my dominant hand. I can’t even begin to tell you how useful it is to be able to grab your knife with one hand, open it, make the cut, and then fold and re-stow it while your other hand is holding something. I rarely ever use the blade on my Leatherman

Thanks for the tour, Scott. I usually add a small measuring tape to my kit. There’s something satisfying about walking out the door, knowing there’s a lot you can handle of what life throws at you, just with your head and what’s in your pockets.

I’m a painter. I carry a flip open razor, a flat razor, and a sharpie. Also I live in Breckenridge, Colorado so chapstick is non-negotiable! 6:41

I am a retired carpenter that had to retire because of arthritis issues, and I'm the same age as you! Every day I still carry a stick rule, a carpenter's pencil, a regular pencil, and a utility {sheetrock} knife! my keys stay in my truck, always! my wife makes fun of me for being "old school!!! Love your videos, it keeps me from going insane!!

Milwaukee Fastback utility-knife/screwdriver and a pair of 180mm Knipex Cobra pliers can fix an amazing amount of problems. I find this combo more useful for most things I get up to than a traditional multi tool. I carry various Veto Pro Pac loadouts at work, but those former are the ones I like to keep in my pockets at all times for little surprises that randomly pop up when I don't have a bag on me.

Being a heavy equipment mechanic for well over 45 years I seldom carried a knife, flashlight, pencil, etc. I was always within reach of something at any one given time. My background as a field mechanic seemed to bring the creativity to the surface for making do with anything available, such as anything sharp or a stick to scribe, make a mark, etc.. I started carrying a clipped pocket flip out knife about 5 years ago. Use it occasionally but now I feel naked if it's not with me. Just recently I started carrying a long rechargeable streamlight I carry in my lower side pocket. This taking time to getting use to as I will often forget to transfer it to clean pair of britches, but again, as you say, the eye sight is weaker and thus this extra light does at times come in handy. I also carry a sharpening rod in a case on my belt. I think I've had this for close to 50 years yet never wore it until I started carrying the knife. Can't say I would take on a Leatherman though. I believe them to be useful, yet my resourcefulness of making do has always kept that at bay. Try to keep a finger nail clipper with me or nearby. Always keep them nails trimmed up. The wife got me one of those battery operated nose and ear hair trimmers a few years back and I actually use them, that and them stand out extra eye brows that go rogue.

I have a Leatherman bought in England 15 years ago and carried in the belt pouch it came with. Going through airport security meant it had to be packed into the hold luggage. Had one confiscated when I’d left one in a side pocket of a backpack. Now living in Japan where carrying a knife with a blade bigger than a half penny coin is illegal unless it is securely packed means the usefulness is taken away. Now the leatherman stays on a shelf at home and another in a tool case at work. I enjoy listening to the words of wisdom to live by, and watching a master craftsman at work. Thank you for the enjoyment they bring.

I have recently swapped my Leatherman EDC out in place of a much lighter and possibly better combination of Knipex Cobra pilers along with Milwaukees 6 in 1 utility knife with the built in screwdriver…. It has served me well so far, I don’t much miss the Leatherman after using this set up… I shed a lot of extra weight on tools I never used that came with the Leatherman. As far as scissors go, I have put a small Victronix Swiss army knife on a mini carabiner for fast access on my keyring. Also much lighter and superior to the Leatherman scissors in my humble opinion. Thank you sir for sharing. I throughly enjoy your videos.

I carry two Leathermans, a crunch (the folding vise grips) and a squirt PS4, which is the mini tool with regular pliers. The crunch rides in a custom belt holster from Tale of Knives along with a pen light and a bolt action pen from olight. I also carry a folding utility knife (Gerber EAB) for "dirty" knife tasks since it's easy to swap blades. I also carry a folding Purdy painters tool. Besides using it for painting, it's very handy to have a scraper/putty knife/pry tool on hand always. I also carry a bandana in my cargo pocket, along with a small bit holder with torx bits and a 10mm socket. These I use with my Leathermans built in bit driver. Also carry a lighter even though I don't smoke. I value preparedness and this setup allows me to conquer most tasks without having to go find a tool! Highly recommend the Leatherman Crunch. I think it's the ultimate tool for any tradesman.

Great video. I carry my dad’s pocket knife since he passed in January, a tri fold wallet given to me by my uncle who has also passed, a flashlight, a multi tool, my phone, keys, pen or pencil and a Taurus G3C.

My dad would carry a small cresent wrench in his pocket every day, I always saw him using it growing up and i have carried one off and on over the last 5 years or so. It is another handy tool that I find my self using more often than id think.

Cary a small fixed blade knife for years and use it everyday. I also own the leatherman wave I keep handy on me when hiking or camping, also cary a small flashlight.

I am a building, maintenance guy and I do all types of work. The Leatherman wave comes in very handy with all the extra bits. I also carry a mini flashlight and a sharpie to write install dates and flow of direction on items.

Nice selections! I've been carrying a leatherman in a hip holster for 20 years now. The Fuse model has been my favorite. Also carry a fingernail clipper at all times as a secondary multi-tool. Use my phone as a flashlight all the time but keep a Nova flashlight in each vehicle for situations that need a little more power. I'll have to check out the saddleback wallets as an upgrade to the cheap versus I've been wearing out

Lately I’ve been carrying a handkerchief in my back left pocket, cell phone in back right pocket, a match safe with strike anywhere matches in my front left, and a Swiss Army knife in my right front pocket. A leatherman could certainly be interchangeable with the Swiss Army knife though. Keep up the great work Scott and Nate!

Building in the woods a quick flip utility knife , rifle in the truck and a sidearm are pretty necessary .

Thanks for the video EC. There is a lot of overlap for me in what I carry every day, even as a computer guy i find myself needing the same basic tools for all sorts of situations. Two things to consider, and they're both on my key ring. 1) i have a small rectangular piece of laser cut sheet metal that was a vendor SWAG item. I have found it extremely good at opening boxes without damaging the contents and it keeps my knife from getting gummed up from all the tape. 2) (now this is a bit of a nerdy one but hear me out) a Yubi Key. This is my hardware token for accessing my online accounts that MUST stay secure. I recommend them to everyone as an excellent way to keep yourself safe in the ever changing online world.

I have carried different Streamlights for many years now. Best thing about them, is the button that is a simple on/off, unlike so many others. Never got the hang of the Leatherman, so I just carried a Spyderco or Benchmade knife for the longest time, but then I found a brand calle Civivi, great products at half the price of Benchmade.

I keep a loop of paracord with a cord lock on my key ring. The cord lock sits just outside the pocket and makes it easy to fish the keys out. And I always have an adjustable loop of cord ready to tie something up when on a ladder or when I need both hands.

I'm a weekend warrior tool guy, but a computer desk jockey by profession. As such, I sit far too much, though now I try to work part of my day standing. But decades of this have not done favors to my back and sciatic nerve. So while I agree with all that you suggest, I find that I rarely put ANYTHING in my pockets. Instead, as situations allow, I put it in some form of fanny pack, much to the embarrassment of my (now adult) kids. One thing I'm a bit surprised isn't in your pocket (maybe it's on your belt?) is a phone.

Streamlight really makes a good product. I haven’t tried that particular model but my EDC contains a streamlight Microstream. Powered by a single AAA battery with surprising photon output. Their ingenious pocket clip design allows it to double as a headlamp when coupled with a baseball cap making it useful for just about any application. Besides the difference in flashlight my EDC is almost identical. Just add a rite in the rain book. From one carpenter to another, thank you

I'm a ship mechanic by trade, and I've grown to really love my ladies' wallet. It has a mirror in it; presumably for makeup. It's incredibly handy to have an inspection mirror on my person at all times, if you can get over that little bit of extra bulk in your pocket

Milwaukee fastback razor blade. Carries 5 additional blades. With a press of the side release button and light flick of the wrist, it's open and cutting. Great for keeping my pencils sharp. O'light flashlight is a must, and I'd say keep some Burts beeswax on you. Not only for the obvious but using it to fill screw heads so the bit sticks when needed, or to help light the morning fire. It's great to coat a piece of tender in. Keeps it burning longer. Other than my keys and a small change purse, you're on top of it.

Great video topic. I have been wearing the original Leatherman pretty much since they came out and I’m 71. I never cared for the factory holster, but rather a custom holster. I prefer the small size of the original. I have lost a few over the years, but I have replaced them from eBay. I can’t tell you how many jams they have gotten me out of. I feel naked when I don’t wear one such as when I go to church. One of my mentors was not a carpenter, but rather a farmer mechanic and his every day go to carry in his back pocket was a shorty box-end wrench 1/2 by 9/16.

Long time watcher, first time commenter. Thank you for some sound advice over the last couple years. I tend to think we're all making too much of this EDC stuff. That said, after phone, keys, and wallet, I do sometimes carry a flashlight, a multitool or knife, and a writing implement - similar stuff. And I often have a small vial for pills like ibuprofen (back pain). But after those keys, wallet and phone are sorted out, the absolute first thing I make sure to have on me (and I think it's often an omission in these EDC setups) is a simple ol' bandana. I use it far more often than a multitool. Firstly, it folds nearly flat, and takes up little space. It weighs nearly nothing. And they're cheap. Between those attributes, it'd be worth it's weight as a brow wiper, hand, glasses, phone, and blade cleaner, and a nose blower alone. But it's real value is as an emergency item. It's a tourniquet, a compression bandage, sling, regular bandage, face mask, and emergency cordage for a splint or anything else (you can cut it into strips too). It can be tied to form a small bag. It's days worth of kindling. It's an emergency hose patch. It'll temporarily cinch up or patch up a damaged bag, shoe, or piece of clothing (there's ways without pins or thread even). It's emergency sun protection (more relevant for the bald like yours truly). It's even emergency TP if the going is just that bad. Bang for buck, a bandana is the handiest thing I carry. I haven't turned a wrench for a living in more than a year, but I wouldn't show up on a job site without one. I wouldn't hike, camp, or travel without at least two. And I don't leave home without one, nearly ever.

The Leatherman Free is the first Leatherman that I thought worthy of being part of my EDC. I've carried a multi tool as part of my EDC for the last 20 years or so but I've always insisted that one handed opening is a must so when Leatherman came out with the Free it replaced the Gerber that I've owned for more than 30 years.

Just like you i carry these things with me! over 35 years the old trusty letherman and a few years ago a flashlight fund a place in my pocket. THX and greatings from germany

My EDC as an HVAC tech is very similar. Wallet with just essentials, an led flashlight, a Gerber multi tool in a sheath. Keys on a carabiner. A mechanical pencil and my favorite ball point pen in my shirt pocket. And a 9mm appendix carry. Nowdays you got to protect your tools and truck. Once I settle in to work, a Klein 11/1 driver, a Knipex Gator pliers and Fieldpiece multi meter.

Fantastic video as always! You’ve inspired me in a lot of your videos, but just wanted to note how much more engaging this edc display was. So many other edc pocket dumps feel more like watching QVC than sitting in for a good show ‘n’ tell.

The thin (original) Leatherman was a game changer in the Army. My only complaint was I wish they made a matte black one. The shiny metal downrange was forbidden. But sometimes, I sneaked it in because it was so damn useful.

I love watching an old master. So many tricks if the trade learned the hard way. Thank you boss

I carry my Leatherman in a canvas pouch on my belt. It has two elastic pen holders on each side. There's a black Milwaukee marker on one side and mini Cresent Channellock pliers on the other. I use them all several times a day. It's like having a toolbox with you all the time. The Leatherman pouch rides a bit too high on the belt to comfortably accommodate the extra tonnage I carry on my waist, so I put what I call a gunslinger extension so that the pouch rides a bit lower and easily reachable. That upgrade eliminates any rubbing on the potomus overhang. LOL I also carry a LED light like yours but it's in a separate belt holster. Carrying a perpetual match or lighter is a good idea. Fire is one of the biggies to being prepared,. I don't smoke but I can make anything else smoke should it become necessary. My dad used to carry a pocket protector in his shirt pocket, and I have adopted that habit as well. It contains a scribe, a mechanical carpenter's pencil, red and blue Milwaulkee pen markers, and an ink pen. That's me and my EDC. PS. A measuring tape is never far from me as well. If I don't have one on my person, there's one nearby. Great video, by the way.

I have to strongly second what you say about the flashlight! People severely underestimate how often they'd benefit from a bit more light on a situation. Or they think they'll pull out their bulky phone and navigate to the flashlight: they never do. Just try having a proper flashlight on you for a month (even small ones are quite good these days thanks to LEDs) and see how often it comes in handy.

I'm a proud subscriber. You're a magnificent human being, Scott. You really light up the place known as You Tube, and the whole world as well. Shine On!

After watching your channel from the beginning, my EDC is YOU. The world goes crazy and we need to be fully prepared, I’m picking you up sir 😎. Thank you for the time, effort and knowledge sir. Be Safe Out there

that multitool and flashlight are some of the best of the best. Specifically that Protac 1L-1AA has fuel versatility (even AAA is usable!)

Until you start carrying a flashlight you don’t realize how important they are

As a fellow who works on ships. A flashlight is one of the first things I put in my front left pocket. The next is my multi tool. Sometimes, it's a Leatherman. Sometimes, it's a knockoff, I have both. Also, I use a pen These three things are essential for me to do my job. This is not to exclude my tool bag, which varies from job to job.

I love EDC pocket dumps. Thanks for sharing! My loadout: Left front: 1. Travelambo minimalist wallet stocked with cash, cards and bandaids. $9.99 on amazon. (front pocket/minimalist wallets are far superior in my opinion) 2. Fenix E12 flashlight. (I like your streamlight better though) 3. (Optional) Anker Soundcore Liberty Air wireless ear buds. (I switch my flashlight to right front to avoid damaging the case.) Right front: 1. Leatherman Free P4 (best multitool ever built.) 2. Keys Back left: Phone. (Probably the most important component of modern EDC, next to the wallet.)

I always carry a Fisher space pen-the same one for over 20 years. At work I use a Schrade fixed blade knife in a cross draw position. Before I leave the house I think “phone/wallet/keys/eyes & ears” (glasses & hearing aids). I keep a kit in my lunchbox with other useful items that I don’t urgently need, but help me out a lot-led headlamp, tape measure, advil, phone charger, camping spork. I typically have access to my truck 24/7 so my Leatherman lives in there with a bunch of other handy tools. Off- work I always have my pen and a folding knife-probably a spyderco or SAK. For my needs I’ve found the SAK Compact to be the most practical pocket knife ever. For years I carried a “write in the rain” notebook because I needed a number of door codes and passwords that constantly changed. It was a great item then, but the need for it has passed.

Every morning I don't leave house without wallet, keys, pocket knive, and small flash light.

I always carry a knife that is capable of stabbing through human skull and of course a firearm.

As a generator tech, I carry a folding box knife for opening maintenance kits and other cutting needs, a small, bright flashlight, ink pens, keys, business cards, and of course my wallet. Around the farm, I typically carry the same knife for cutting open hay and feed bags, but I also carry a pair of pruners for cleaning up fence lines and other quick cutting jobs.

THAT IS MY MAIN FLASHLIGHT I CARRY AND HAVE BEEN USING FOR I THINK OVER A YEAR NOW. I CARRY 4 OR 5 LIGHTS BUT THATS THE GO TO. I ALSO CARRY A LEATHERMAN WAVE PLUS WITH BIT KIT AND BIT EXTENDER. I ALSO CARRY A PEN, KNIPEX POCKET PLIERS AND MANY OTHER THINGS. NO GUNS. GREAT VIDEO!

Real men pull their nose hair with a Leatherman! Lol

Where is your handgun?

Love your videos, here's what I've determined to be the best flashlight you can carry, the d4v2 sold by intl-outdoor, its a similar form factor to the light you already carry but is capable of around 4000lms for about a minute on turbo, before ramping down to around 2k lumens, there's not much out there like it and it can be ordered in solid brass, copper, or titanium, personally my favorite is the brass for the little bit of extra weight. Oh and you can light paper on fire with it for a fun party trick.

Yes on the flashlight! I started carrying a keychain flashlight 4 or 5 years ago and now can't imagine not having it I have a rechargeable RovyVon A3 on every keychain and a few other places. Tiny little flashlight but puts out a whopping 650 lumens on high. I will warn anyone who buys based on my endorsement that sadly they don't last as long as they used to nor are they as reliable. They have always replaced my lights that broke including my beloved original one that fell into water too deeply and didn;t work right afterward despite that it was past warranty

I have been looking for a small flash light for a while now. I just paused this video and ordered that one. You are one of the few youtubers that could influence me to do that! My stepdaughter gave me a Swiss army knife years ago that I carry, or I, too, would carry a Leatherman. Thanks for the video.

It will be a good Saturday now that I can watch EC this morning..KUTGW

Glad I saw your show today. My evolution of knives started with my Boy Scout( blade, punch, bottle, can openers), Case my Granddad gave me for around the farm, Victorinox because everybody goes through that phase, right, seriously, they are great and so many functions. Now I carry a Leatherman in a belt pouch AND a very small Victorinox on my key chain. A small but bright keychain flashlight. And the only pen I have never lost, a front jean pocket Space Pen. I confess, I'm still loyal to Walmart for my wallets.

Watch (Luminox), wallet (small single slot wallet), phone (iPhone), pocket tool (victorinox compact), lighter (bic micro), handkerchief (any basic cotton one will do). I’m a battalion chief for a fire dept so I always have access to other tools if I need them (I also have tools in my truck for off duty work). This super simple small set up seems to work for me way more often than not. Not much bulk but packs a lot of punch.