So happy to see a revision of your kit! The original video really made me think about what I carry and thin out my pockets a bit. Love the channel and the way you produce your videos too! Super high quality and a great watch
i used to carry a bag with a knipex, victorinox ranger, a husky ratchet, 6ft tape measure, sofirn iff23, and a ryobi kit with 30 bits + extender. now, i just carry around a victorinox midnight manager and knipex. i still have all the other stuff in my car for when someone asks for help, or when someone needs me to check something out at their house, but the midnight manager is so much easier to carry around. It can handle 90% of my needs.
The first installment of this series was my favorite EDC video, but this one has surpassed it in amazement. I carry almost every item from the set with me, like the scissors in the Swisscard, Knipex pliers, and RovyVon flashlight. I've stuck with the Topeak ratchet, but I'm really eyeing the Steinwhale bit set. However, shipping to Hungary poses a challenge. Regarding the pen, I initially thought it would be too small for my liking, but I've been using the Zebra F-301 Compact model with a slight tweak. By filing widen the tip of the pen, you can fit a Fisher Space Pen refill inside. It's mini, compact, and mighty. PS: I use a CRKT CEO thumb stud for my daily carry, it's not for heavy duty, but it's perfect for everyday tasks, it's elegant and doesn't take up much space.
This video is incredible. Been looking for so long for a useful tool or set of tools to just keep in my backpack that won't even be noticable and this is exactly what I was looking for!
Already had the cobra xs and actually use them a lot. But had been frustrated by not finding a pocketable screwdriver. Now I’ve just ordered the 711L mini ratchet! Thanks that’s brilliant! 😎👍😍
Great ratchet / double bits solution. I definitely use the Cobra XS frequently and therefore keep it in my EDC. As for my daily knife I simultaneously upgraded and downgraded to a Victorinox Mini Champ. It is all I need in my urban kit. The tool mix seems odd at first, but once you start using the blades like the cuticle pusher for other things then the name designation suggests, the Mini Champ lives up to the name. And of course it includes scissors, tweezers and a pen. I have used the alox version as well but after a while went back to the normal version with scales.
I recently picked up a Manager which is the little cousin of that and I really like it. Definitely going to be my summer carry because it’s so light and has mini versions of the tools I need
@@todd.parker I went back to the Alox Mini Champ version which is even slightly slimmer than the Manager. I have got other EDC pens like the Pilot Birdie. I carry the Vic tweezers and toothpick separetly, like yourself. Heck - because I sometimes really like a cork screw of a 91mm, I bought a super minimalist Ali Express one in case I need to untie knots. No need for my urban EDC to carry a much heavier 91mm Victorinox. Those have become options for longer bike trips. For convenience, I never take out things of my EDC kit, I only add tools even if some features may become redundant.
This is amazing, huge thanks! Some things I did for my own carry: - The SOG hex set comes with the tighest packed bit holder I've seen; cutting off the end of it leaves space for two extra bits, which I fill with two LTT short bits which aren't covered by the Steinwhale toolkit (H2 and T5). I haven't cut the loop off because I find it's a great place to grab it out and I don't really need more bits but if you did you may even be able to fit two more. - I still carry my Leatherman Style. Like you it's probably not necessary but I find I can fit it and my hoarder self doesn't want to replace it. - Leatherman 711l ratchet: realistically I should probably just carry the normal one with the screwdriver end, but I like to pretend I'll use it with my modded free p2. I'd suspect it's lighter but that's probably not meaningful. Would absolutely love to have a mini flat bit extender and couple it to make something akin to what you have but haven't found anything like that yet. Maybe will try producing some with shapeways and see how that goes. Some possible additions: - The clutch battery bank: Has saved me on several occassions. Admittedly I have cut it since I'm trying out the wallet you suggested, but would like to find something I can fit it in. Admittedly quite heavy, though, at 73g. - Victorinox nail clippers (red plastic handle): love these, they're useful for flush cutting things and the occasional hangnail. - Rolling Square InCharge X: I think this is actually my most used item, super handy to have around, and I always have a cable on hand when my friends' phones die and they need one.
✌️😜 Very eye-opening for those of us who don't carry items such as these, makes you seriously consider doing so 🤔 Nicely done Brother ⚔️ God Bless us All 🇺🇸🙏✝️
I also stopped edcing my knipex because I didn’t use it enough. Same with a full bit set (only needed basics and a couple torx) or a secondary flashlight instead of phone light. Those new tweezers in your set look great!
I've never been much of a pocket knife kind of guy but about a year ago wanted to start carrying one. I saw a picture of the ranger green bugout and I was sold immediately. I basically skipped all the entry level ones and went straight for the nicest I could find and now I don't have a reason to buy another one. There's nothing I'd change about it, though I do admit it's not the sturdiest one.
3 месяца назад
It feels like a Victorinox Compact would make your weight drop even more. It’s a very compact tool that’s hard to beat. 😄
Great Update Todd. I like a mini toolkit - but doesn't have to be ultralight. I carry the Midnite manager which includes a mini flashlight, scissors, a combi tool and a pen. I ried the OHTO pen and found it too thin to use comfortably. I would not change out my topeak ratchet - but I did get the Steinwhale bit kit after seeing in on @Dracomies channel. This mini double ended bits are awesome. I like the way you cut off the holder for the extender. I will do that with mine to make it more compact...
I just love your videos. I learn so much. Thank you!! I also wanted to tell you that the same guy who designed the Lander made the Civivi Sendy. I have it in drop point (68g) but it also comes in a spey blade (74g). It's super satisfying with a back flipper, liner lock, Nitro V steel and deep carry clip. It also comes with tweezers and a toothpick! It pairs great with a 58mm Victorinox with the retractable pen, nail file, scissors and cap lifter/Phillips (the Manager) or even the 91mm Companion.
@@todd.parker This may be too large for your kit and/or you may have moved on to Pen-based scewdrivers, but I really like the aluminum 4" Titan swivel ratchet 1/4 hex bit driver paired with the Steinwhale stubby bit extender & kit. The additional torque, reach and adjustability earn its additional size for me. YMMV. FWIW Titan does make a steel version that is even smaller called the Nano. It's 2.25" long if you are willing to sacrifice some reach and torque.
This is a really great follow up! I’m thinking of building a “wallet kit” of my own around your scissor/tweezer combo, that pen, and a Victorinox Pioneer. I don’t interact with screws frequently enough to justify having a ratchet and bits in my pocket everyday, but I do have that same 711L and mini bit set in a Maxpedition Mini as my smallest portable tool kit. It lives alongside a Roxon KS2 Elite that has very sturdy overbuilt mini scissors, D2 knife, and a few other tools (along with mini bit driver and bits for precision tasks), and a Gerber Dime. It’s not light by any means, but it’s great to keep in the glove box, take on trips, and can go in a pocket in a pinch.
I saw the carbon fibre scales and had to watch, I also bought a one from a well rated seller, at nearly 1/10th of the price, it was cheap enough to also get a basic 535 model and swap over to a black blade and black thumbstud with my carbon scales… looks great, also the carbon fibre model has bearings instead of washers.
If you don't need to work with high torques 4mm bits are also an option. The weight is much less, but the functionality is there. I carry 4mm bits + 4 to 6 mm adapter (can be also used as a screwdriver) and a 6mm small wrench to apply more torque if needed.
Yeah, me too. It’s a great tool but if I don’t use it weekly at a minimum, it’s hard to justify the weight. It’s half the weight of the rest of this kit and I use the bits, knife, and scissors constantly
Im currently just carrying a Ruike Ld51-b. It does everything I need. If Victorinox would make a one handed SAK Workchamp I'd switch to that. I bought this one specifically because they don't.
One oddball suggestion would be different shapes for your zipper pulls so you can easily ID them by feel in your pocket. Also, Flytanium sells G-10, carbon fiber, or titanium grip panels for the Mini Bugout. I think the G-10 are $29 on sale right now too!
I recently got the 711L mini ratchet and I love it! I've been using it with the Leatherman bit kit and I have had success with putting it in the bit driver as well as the ratchet but these bits you have look awesome. After watching your previous video on this and several other videos the tools in this video are almost exactly what I decided I want in my EDC. The only difference is the knife. I bought the olitans T025 and I love it and definitely would recommend.
Todd, I'm glad that you took my recommendation on the 711L. You can get an aluminum extension from Harbor Freight to reduce a little more weight. Thank you for the double-side bits which I've been looking for.
This is very nice! Inspired me to put together a kit which is the modern carry slip, ohto pen, A8 torch, leatherman style cs (might replace with ps when I find it) victorinox bit driver since I don't need the ratchet and the bits weren't available right now. I always struggle to juggle both wallet and edc gear since I don't like carrying anything in my back pocket so very neat solution! Since I'm in the UK I'll carry it with the spyderco urban of kizer zipslip, depending on my mood.
Great quality video and awesome ideas. You even made me reconsider my pocket EDC (4mm bits + flat circular driver + Swiss Card Classic with glued mirror + jeweler pliers + short fixed blade in kydex sheath + uni Power Tank Ballpoint Pen + BIC lighter + one-mode AAA flashlight + whistle) as I lack a 90 degree bit driver and extension for my 4mm bits.
@@todd.parker Thank you. Love your new setup but I still want to try to carry 4mm bits rather than the bigger and heavier 1/4" bits. The lack of ratchet drivers for 4mm bits is a problem. Forgot to mention my RESQME Car Escape Tool (glass breaker and seat belt cutter), always on me as well.
Todd you’re a legend. I’ve been eyeing the 711L to replace my topeak for a while now, but it seems to sell out on amazon (canadian amazon anyway). Those bits are a great find, thank you for that! though i do wonder if there is a better bitholder solution out there, as the included one seems a little bulky. I think you’d find a victorinox manager to be more convenient than the pen/scissors/tweezers the way you carry them, plus you get a few bonus tools and a backup blade that you can use anywhere without worrying anyone. Might be a little heavier, but mine lives on my keys with a keysmart pocket clip that makes it easily accessible and i barely know its there. I think your foray into larger pocket knives makes a lot of sense, I tend to rotate mine based on mood and type of pants pockets available. Quick one-handed access is such a huge plus, that at this point anytime I'm in jeans i have a leatherman Arc in my front pocket, weight be damned 😂
Yeah, I noticed the Topek kit was out of stock, I like the 711L one better anyway. I actually tried creating an organizer for the bits but the one that came with it was easier to get the bits in and out. I agree it would be nice to find something nicer.
I continue to think the Icon mini locking bit ratchet is one of the most versatile things out there. It’ll be better when there’s sockets I wish the Bugout had an Emerson Wave on it. Also, it really should be more rigid through the handles. Knockoffs are great for test drives. I’ve done it with odd optic heights to decide which I prefer
I have the CRKT CEO with carbon fibre scales and it does not have any issues like you described due to the nature of the materials. I would really recommend it. I really like the form factor - it is quite pen-like and I can carry it in a pouch or a pencil case and it doesn't scream "knife" in an urban environment. It's a great knife. Great video and some useful recommendations, thanks! I have the OHTO micro pen, but would not recommend it. Kind of useless. There are better small pen options. I got it because it came with a credit card size holder so you could put it on your card wallet but found because of the location of the pen it snagged on everything. Was really painful. Not having a specific place to put it basically means it is not useful in my opinion.
C'est bien la première vidéo vraiment interessante sur les EDC... Je me balade avec des tas de trucs dans les poches depuis des années, et en regardant ta vidéo, je vais tout changer pour ton stuff. Thank you guy !!
I'm a little surprised that the Victorinox Compact isn't even discussed as an option in the video. It just seems like such an obvious addition for someone who wants to carry a knife, scissors, emergency pen, and tweezers. I also think the standard Bantam is an underrated option, and the superior knife to the alox version due to the thicker handle. I guess yet another video about Victorinox knives isn't exactly fantastic content, but I'd be hard pressed to build an EDC without one or the other. Cool ratchet though.
That's because this is a follow-up from an earlier video where I talked about Victorinox options and, yes, everyone said I should check out the Compact. It's *fine* but I don't like the opener layer (vs. a combo tool), don't need the corkscrew, and think it's overpriced at $60 for the toolset. I do plan on doing a SAK video where I talk about a bunch of models I tried and even some custom ones I had built. Stay tuned.
@@todd.parker The compact only has two layers... the blade/combo tool + scissors and weighs only 66 grams. The scissors are larger and better than the swisscard, while also being easier to use. I think the reason why so many people recommended the compact is that given your goals, it's the ideal centerpiece of a compact EDC loadout for you. Now, if you've decided that you want a larger blade like the benchmade, that's another story completely, but if you HAVEN'T tried the compact yet, I encourage you to pick one up. I'm guessing we would expect a third video shortly after. Either you will discover that you've found your new EDC knife, or you can explain why you think the benchmade/scissors/tweezers grouping is better for you.
@@ratsalat4968 Ha, you're right, I get my SAKs mixed up. I do have a compact and it's good but I don't find myself carrying it much. Maybe I'll give it another go, perhaps combined with my bit/rachet setup. Generally, the idea with this kit is you can mix and match the tools you really need to dial it in and unfortunately there isn't a SAK that's perfect for my needs (unless I build a custom one) and I like the idea of having a bigger knife or leaving my blade at home and still having other tools.
@@todd.parker Can't complain about the price of a Victorinox compact if you paid for a benchmade mini bugout in white which commands a hefty price tag of 162$ when at best the bugout is worth 110$ or less on a good day.
@@Horde334 Ha, fair. That's why I was showing a $19 clone I picked up to test the size and features to decide if it's worth the investment (still unsure).
You are the one i have to blame for my heart long edc obsession! Still, clicked on this video very fast despite it being 4am in the uk. Excellent changes to the kit. Unfortunately, my kit is nowhere near that light!
LOVE that mini ratchet! You don’t need much torque/leverage for that size of fasteners anyway. Excellent substitution. I also carry a rovy von that’s similar to yours and I carry the cadet instead of the bantam. Most days I just carry the cadet and flashlight. Perfect EDC.
Love the Victorinox scissors but mine are on a Huntsman currently. Want to get the Ranger next. Was debating whether to get the Handyman as it has the pliers but I don't think it's worth the extra money for what you're getting just extra pliers and the Handyman isn't much cheaper than the Swisschamp that has pretty much everything. I remember wanting to get one of those Topeak ratchets about 5 years ago. Never did get a mini ratchet. I have an olight torch too and a couple of Spyderco knifes. Nice interesting video thanks.
I've been a big fan of the Nite Ize Doohickey keychain knife. For the size, cost, and locking style blade, it's hard to beat if you just want something small!
Awesome stuff again! I'm going to have to get that Steinwhale set. I think the only thing I'd change would be to swap that Bantom with a Compact. Then you gain a pin and have the scissors and pen integrated in the SAK. But of course it would be a little puffier with the celidor scales vs the alox. I'm curious if it'd gain weight though.
Those little bits are super interesting. I replaced a bunch of stuff with the Victorinox Cybertool M. It has a small bit set and small pliers with good blade and scissors. Has their pen built in too. I didn't find I used a ratchet much and the pliers fill in for most situations. My bigger kit still has the Topeak Ratchet Stick with bits in the handle. Or I often just go Leatherman Wave+ with the bit kit and 711 ratchet and extender. So many great options out there. For knives, there are a ton of options under $70 with better steel than D2. If you want to save on size and weight, a Baby Banter from Civivi or Mini Pyrite or Mica from CJRB might work for you too.
Well done ! You have pushed the limits of ultra compact EDC to a new level :) I have similar set ups but just couldn't get them light enough to pocket. Some items that have to stay are 4" Crescent pliers, folding Fiskar scissors, Pilot mini pencil, Swiss Card, Orbit key organizer and Spartan SAK. Other knife options are the Civivi Mini Praxis, Buck Bantam, and Milwaukee fastback ( a little heavy ). The flashlight remains the Coast G10 because it has the best lens spot for inspecting small spaces. The wallet is a minimal Buffway which has proven more durable than others. Watches are an area that can blow the budget so I'll recommend the best budget watch as the Casio F-91W with a 19mm nylon Roma velcro strap.
Fun fact for Canadians the Steinwhale bits are basically the same price in Canadian $13.99cad on sale as of April/19/2024. The top peak is a wee bit more.
Love the list! Just an fyi on that RovyVon (I carry the same light), there are little holes in the end for tritium inserts making it easy to find in the dark! Also cool part about the bugout (and presumably the clone knives) the modding community is huge and there's a bunch of aftermarket parts, everything from scales to bearings to screws!
In fairness to olight, their current i3c flashlight is also charged via usb-c. It doesn’t have the side lantern lights, and it’s made of aluminum. But it also doesn’t bother running at all blinding 600 lumens. Its dimmer setting is at 15 lumens, which is almost always good enough for me.
This is very similar to my EDC. I keep trying to find a way to get replace my Victorinox climber, but I can't, though. Maybe making a custom swiss army knife will be the answer. I am using a super handy EDC wallet from an Etsy store called FoxEDC that uses elastic bands for everything. Unfortunately, I haven't been able to find something similar from anywhere else.
The Benchmade Bugout is a “buy once, cry once” purchase. Basic models are about $160ish on bladeHQ. The only other knife I would buy over the Benchmade is the Kershaw Iridium, it is $58 on Amazon. Equally good, but the only reason, I would buy the Iridium over the Bugout, is strictly cost. Bugout: s30v steel, 1.85oz, USA made, XIS lock, plastic scales, after market scales out the wazoo, $160+ on BladeHQ Iridium: D2 steel, 3.35oz, made in China, axis lock, aluminum scales, no aftermarket scales available, $58 on Amazon.
Ooh interesting!! You know what's funny? I had a knockoff Benchmade and I wasn't even trying to get a knockoff. A RU-vidr pointed out it was a possible fake. Turns out it's a hell of a knife. They're DAMN GOOD! Those knockoffs are scary-good. I remember actually going to an official store and the only difference came down to the darkness of the butterfly. Everything else was identical! Yes, it's D2 steel vs S35vn but the overall function was the same. I do have some ideas if you were open to it! You can swap out the pen for a Fisher Space pen refill. To clarify, I'm just talking about the refill. Those refills make awesome emergency pens and they write on everything, ie upside down, underwater, on grease. Another thing to check out is the Westcott 13867 scissors. These are only 0.1 ounces more than the Victorinox but these cut right through zipties, 550 paracord much quicker than the Card scissors. I find your videos inspiring as it makes me think of how to cut down on weight and volume and bringing only what I need to. Genius kit!
Fyi: those are Uncle Bill's "SLIVER" Gripper tweezers, (as in a wood "sliver" stuck in your finger) and Not "Silver" as you had pronounced it (even though they are a silver color). 😉👍🏼 BTW excellent job on this EDC kit! 😁
I wish I could go ultra light and compact with my EDC. But with what I run into and end up needing at least four times a week, I have to carry a backpack with a lot of stuff. It sucks, but I have to do it unless I want to keep having to purchase things that I already have over and over in a pinch. If I could even just get it down to a fanny pack sized EDC, I would be happy.
For the money you spent on the two mini buyout clones, you were more almost halfway to an actual benchmade mini bugout. When they discontinue colors they go on sale and you can save a few more dollars. Personally, I think the path forward on the scissors and tweezers and pen is a victorinox signature. You can swap the pen scale onto a jet setter if you want the mini Philips/bottle opener/wire stripper. I did that with a signature lite. That and a leatherman curl are my EDC, but if I am wearing lightweight pants or shorts, I grab one of my benchmades. I have a bug out and two mini buyouts, but I find I prefer a 940 or 945 even though they weigh slightly more. I personally can’t tell the difference in my pocket between the mini bugout and bugout except for size. They both feel like they weigh nothing.
You're right about the Benchmade - I don't recommend anyone buy 2 clones like I did. Technically daughter had basic Bugout so I only bought the carbon fiber one for me to test drive with but if you're doing it to just see if the size and weight carries well for you the basic clone is enough to get the idea, then move on to buying the real thing. I'll checkout the signature, thanks!
I think you might like Giriaitus’ precision pocket knife + tweezers combo multitool if you ever need to slim down your edc kit even more. Very slim knife that has built in tweezers.
I belive the wrench is too bulky and expensive. you could ge away with just a thinner bit driver and the knipex grabing its end to act as a wrench or a extender. also, the unconfortable pen, I just sawed the rear end of a regular bic ball point, now I'm using it every single day.
I do like 711L stuff, been looking at that bit driver... the Wera extension is now nearly $12 Uncle Bills SLIVER (NOT Silver) Grippers and they're NOT as good as they used to be! my Victorinox Bantam had BLADE COLLISION with the combo tool, damaged the blade, sent it back for a refund this is apparently a common issue, it's sad Victorinox quality is slipping right now I carry a Victorinox Deluxe Tinker and that's it for tools, it's in my EDC bag/purse
I tend to have an heavier EDC but my own needs improvements anyways. The thing is I NEED some of my current stuff. However your videos are quite interesting as there is things I plan to get and others I'm trying to consider in terms of format.
Everyone needs different things, that's the fun. I just think it's good to pay attention to what you really use and only carry those items, optimized for the best quality and lightest weight you can.
@@todd.parker Yes but the cool part is your videos are helpful in the sense of the fact there is items I wasn't always considering and also the fact there is new stuff being made. I actually use dakoyu scissors. And I'm considering an SK5 knife. It's very hard to see multitools with a more "professional" approach to things
I really like the Idea of kits like yours but the problem I have is that I feel like I would be loosing things all the time so I prefer just carring a leatherman and a flashlight even if I belive a kit like yours are better and lighter
That's fair. Always a tradeoff between one tool that may not be quite as optimized and separate tool that are but maybe more fiddly. Making a video on that now...
Check out the Kershaw Bel-Air for a mini Bugout competitor. I was able to handle one at a knife show and it amazed me. Magnacut steel which is the best all around steel out there combined with an all aluminum milled handle. You will love it.
That does seem like a way better option. It's closer to 3oz which is heavy for my needs, maybe they will come out with a mini version with a 2.5" blade...
This was a really well done video! Does the spring retention in the 711L loosen over time? It really holds on the sharp shoulders of the steinwhale bits and makes the smaller bits (especially the t6/t8) really difficult to insert and remove.