EDC Essentials Under $20
Everyday carry isn’t random. It is your personal selection of pocket-friendly gear tailored specifically to your daily needs. And while building a respectable everyday carry collection can take a bit of time and forethought, it doesn’t necessarily require spending insane amounts of cash. For those on a budget, we’ve compiled this ever-changing list of EDC Essentials under $20. If you’re on the verge of flat broke, then skip ahead to these EDC essentials under $10.
Spyderco Grasshopper
Spyderco’s Grasshopper folding knife is just at home on your keychain as it is in your pocket thanks to a built-in lanyard hole, a super compact 2-inch stainless steel blade, and 5-inch overall length. You may not be able to fend of an attacker with it, but for completing those everyday tasks, the Grasshopper is truly a winner. – $15
Gerber GDC Money Clip
Gerber has nearly perfected the art of everyday carry with their GDC Money Clip. True to the Gerber way, the GDC money clip houses a 1.75-inch stainless steel blade inside its 3.6-inch Titanium nitride coated steel body, complete with a safe thumb grip and enough room for 5 cards and some cash. – $17
Field Notes
Just as common as the minimalist wallet these days are Field Notes pocket notebooks. They’re sturdier than any standard notebook available and feature 48 pages of your choice of graph, ruled, or plain paper on which to doodle your to-do lists, school notes, or your greatest ideas that you might otherwise forget. They’re also available in a variety of colors and designs, with new designs being released every so often. – $10
Streamlight Microstream Flashlight
Streamlight’s Microstream Flashlight has become an EDC favorite over the years thanks to it’s compact, pocket-friendly size and super bright, 1/2-watt LED bulb. It’s waterproof, virtually unbreakable, and has a shelf life of up to 30,000 hours. – $15
Omega Pacific Carabiner
A carabiner is the foundation on which a really awesome set of keychain tools sit. The D Screw-Lok by Omega Pacific is super strong and very secure thanks to a screw-lock locking mechanism and a lightweight aluminum construction. – $18
Self Defense Money Clip
The Self Defense Money Clip ($12) is small, easily concealable, weighs only one ounce, and features an aluminum design with an integrated finger hole that also renders it a last ditch effort self defense weapon. – $10
Kershaw Swerve Folding Knife
For less than 20 bucks, you’re really getting a sweet deal here. Kershaw’s Swerve folding knife features a steel drop point blade, a handsome stonewashed frame, a contoured handle with the brand’s K-Texture for a secure grip, and Kershaw’s SpeedSafe assisted-opening technology. – $16
Fenix E01 Flashlight
Don’t let it’s relatively cheap price fool you. For less than one andrew Jackson, the Fenix E01 Flashlight is a very capable EDC flashlight. First, it’s aircraft-grade aluminum construction is both durable as hell and IPX-8 waterproof. Secondly, it can put out 13 lumens for up to 21 hours on a single AAA battery. – $12
Mad Rock Ultra Tech Carabiner
Another carabiner we can personally vouch for is the Mad Rock Ultra Tech Carabiner. Even if you’ve never climbed a mountain in your life, this rather large carabiner will keep your keys and keychain tools safe and secure thanks to a screw locking mechanism and a construction designed to hold on to loads that are much heavier than your entire EDC kit. – $10
Cold Steel Pocket Shark
This isn’t your normal sharpie. Cold Steel’s Pocket Shark is part tactical pen and part defense weapon. It’s built from a thick, high impact plastic material that can withstand drops, impacts, assaults on your attacker, and even being run over by a car. A built-in clip allows for easy carry in your shirt or pants pocket. – $8
SOG Micron 2.0
Unless you have the need to overcompensate for any shortcomings with a large fixed blade knife, the SOG Micron 2.0 Folding knife should have no problem satisfying your everyday carry cutting needs. An overall length of 5 inches means its keychain friendly, while a 2.25 inch stainless steel blade and a hardcase black finish throughout rounds out the knife’s design. – $18
Stanley Classic Flask
Built to last more than a generation, The Classic Flask’s vintage design compliments the rustproof-finished stainless steel construction, while its slim profile is perfect for discreetly stowing away in your pocket for that much-deserved sip of whiskey on your lunch break. – $18
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