This is my current setup, all contained within the crossbody bag on the left. I've had more or less the same stuff, in the same bag, for about three years before, but the zipper on the bag was breaking, so I replaced it. I decided that would be a good time to rethink what I'm carrying.
Currently, that is (clockwise from top left):
- wallet
- some spare cash, just in case
- a microfiber cloth
- lockpicks and a small box of lock pins (I have a practice lock that I often carry around in case I get bored)
- bandaids
- the bag is a Pacsafe GO Crossbody
- glasses cleaning swabs
- USB sticks (two with data, one with Ventoy and Linux ISOs)
- USB C-to-C cable to charge my phone
- a mechanical pencil
- keys, on a chain
Now, I'm looking for suggestions as to what else to put in the bag. Its gotta be thin and flat if possible.
My ideas so far are an appropriately sized notebook and a thin pocketknife.
What do you think? Have you got any ideas/suggestions?
Things that proved useful in my edc:
For the knife also consider a fixed blade without handlescales. These can be more versatile and thinner than folding knifes. Check your local laws before buying anything.
Notebook wise I carry a moleskine A6 and a pilot g2 pen, its nothing fancy but works for me.
Edit: Can't believe I forgot this: Flashlight! Probably the most used item of them all.
UK laws here so knives must be folding and must NOT have a safety lock, also under 7.62cm.
Which is a shame because a lot of knives like that are kinda shit or extremely expensive. I don't want to spend more then a Mora on a worse knife. But with the mora I would need to convince a court that I have a good reason to carry it - just in case is not a good reason, self defence is even worse.
Look at Opinel knives. Cheap and super sharp.
Got one and agree they are sharp. Handle feels so tiny though. Tempted to just get a Swiss army knife again, plus the other tools can be useful too. Still cheaper than the higher end Moras and other tools can help justify it.
i love opinels but they're bulky
It'll be hard finding a folder without a lock on it that is super sharp for the Mora price tag.
most of my "folder without a lock on it that is super sharp" knives that are accessibly priced (or were accessible when i bought them years ago (with the exception of the moing on right top))
Take a look at the real steel Luna lite. That should check all boxes and can be found for under 30€ regularly.
I don't own this specific knife but others from real steel and I have handled the original luna, which is more of a premium offer. My experience is that their knifes are good value for the money.
Tbh leaning towards Swiss army knife. More tools on it make it more useful for an every day tool anyway.
Then when I do know I need a proper knife I can take the Mora. At that point I should have a good reason.
SAKs are awesome. I generally prefer standalone knifes but the SAK scissors are super useful and if the blade fits your usecase its a nice choice. Also surprisingly customisable!
For daily general use the knife on them should be good enough. Anything that needs a better knife isn't EDC legal here anyway.