iCall it a trend, a lifestyle or a hobby, but one thing is certain; Everyday carry has become a hot discussion amongst men around the world.
When Bernard Capulong started his blog about what he liked to carry, little did he realize that the site would rapidly grow and soon he’d have an entire staff working to bring fresh content to their site.
I sat down with Bernard to get an idea of what’s trending and what EDC essentials are being carried by well-dressed men.
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
What’s interesting, is that a vast majority of the men who frequent Capulong’s site are looking for tactical items such as the kind soldiers and police officers might carry. Matte black knives and multi-tools tend to be some of the most popular, followed by tactical flashlights and backpacks with military webbing.
Not exactly what we think of when we discuss the men who read Gentleman’s Gazette. So I probed and soon we began talking about the essentials that might apply to a more discerning and dapper gentleman who wears a suit to the office and a blazer and bow tie at home.
The EDC Essentials
There are three essential items that almost every man carries.
Cellphone
Wallet
Keys
After that, it tends to be a mix. Whatever they happen to need that day or items that serve them well in their job or their lifestyle.
Some men might opt to carry a little and others a lot. So where do they store them? We know that filling out suit pockets with heavy items can harm the suit and stretch the fabric. So here are a few bags that you might find can help keep all of your EDC gear in an organized fashion.
Briefcases & Messengers
The distinguished gentleman has traditionally carried an attache case or another briefcase. The modern gentleman often uses the messenger bag. If you wear a suit during the day, a pack like the one listed below isn’t going to cut it. However, a nice leather messenger bag or briefcase certainly will.
Must Have EDC Essentials
There are three essential items every modern gentleman should have with him at all times.
A good wallet
A reliable cell phone
A handsome keychain
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
Wallet
The wallet has long been used as a method of carrying cheques, bills, coins and credit cards. Today, men are using their wallets as fashionable accessories. Whether you prefer a classic billfold, a slim sleeve or a coat wallet that slides neatly into your breast pocket, there is an extensive range of wallets available for the discerning gentleman. Here are two wallets we recommend based on their quality, heritage and our personal experience using them firsthand.
Ettinger Sterling Collection Purple Billfold – $273
My personal choice for daily carry, the Ettinger Sterling Collection has a selection of boldly-conservative billfolds for even the most dapper gentleman. All of the wallets are available in various formats and options. Handmade in London, Ettinger is globally recognized as one of the leading wallet manufacturers since 1934 and holds a Royal Warrant for its exquisite leather goods. Click here to get the same wallet I carry.
Bellroy Leather Card Sleeve Wallet- $54
Bellroy is another leading name in the world of men’s wallets. Known especially for their slim wallets, Bellroy is an excellent choice for men seeking a less expensive wallet, but one that will last years to come. Click here to buy one.
1
2
3
4
5
6
Phone
A cell phone has become a staple of everyday life. The most used item in EDC, the smartphone is a lifeline for emergencies, a camera for memories and a database of information. We can check email, send instant messages and even do our banking with it. With millions of apps, there is no limit to what can be achieved via cell phone. Of course, the only limit is what we place upon ourselves. For that, take a look at our cell phone etiquette guide. Here are the two cellphones we recommend:
Apple iPhone 6
As an Apple user, I carry an iPhone, iPad, and a Macbook. It’s all I use. The Apple iPhone needs no introduction. It’s a leading, tech-driven device that’s consistently ranked at the top of its market since inception. This is one phone worth your consideration. Visit your local mobile store to get the best possible price.
The HTC One Smartphone
HTC One (M8)
There’re Apple fans, and then there are Android fans. Our editor-in-chief Sven Raphael Schneider is a big fan of pure Android (he uses the Nexus 6P) but if you want to spend less, the HTC One (M8) may be a good compromise. It’s sturdy construction, combined with good battery life and lack of bloatware (useless, preinstalled apps) make it a good choice.
Keys
Keys are a necessity. We use them to drive our cars, enter and lock our homes and gain access to a variety of other things like offices, boats, cabins, even bicycles. What a gentleman hangs his keys on is often a direct reflection of who he is. Is the keychain a plastic beer can? Perhaps a rubber Homer Simpson? Maybe it’s a simple rhodium key ring. A lot can be told by the accessories a man chooses. Here are two key holders we recommend for very different gents.
Keyport Slide – $59.95
Discreet, packable and easy to slip into a pocket or a bag, the Keyport Slide Pro is a sleek little device that’s roughly the same size as a box of Tic Tacs. It holds six of your most important keys (standard, high-security, chipped auto) and comes with a built-in flashlight and pen. No more bulges, jingling as you walk or keys scratching you or your clothing. For the modern gentleman, this handy tool is perfect if you’re a guy on the go. Click here to get one.
Dunhill key case
Dunhill Key Case – $191
For the more distinguished gentleman, we recommend a key hanger like this one from Dunhill. Similar to a leather wallet, it opens up to reveal hooks that hold your keys. It too protects your pockets and limits the jingles and poking. Easy to slide into a coat pocket or a briefcase, it’s the perfect accessory to carry your keys in when you wear a suit to work. Click here to get one for yourself.
Recommended EDC Essentials
Aside from the basics, there is a small selection of EDC essentials that we highly recommend all gentlemen carry with them in addition to the keys, wallet, and phone.
A wristwatch
A business card case
A handkerchief
A fine writing instrument
If you don’t plan to carry any of the items listed below, at the very least, pack the following in your EDC kit.
1
2
Wrist Watch
Every gentleman should have a wrist watch. It doesn’t matter if it’s a $30 watch or a $30,000 watch, having one on your wrist is not just an accessory to your attire, but it means you can quickly check the time without having to take out your phone. In restaurants, meetings and on dates, taking out your phone is catastrophically rude. However, a quick glance at the watch is far more discreet and in many cases, even considered appropriate. Especially if you have somewhere else to be. For a detailed look at our top recommend watches check out the following guides:
Inexpensive Watch Guide
Low budget watch guide
Medium budget guide
Big budget watch guide
Highest budget watch guide
Business Card Case
If you work in any professional capacity, chances are you have a business card. Heck, my grandfather who has been retired for the last thirty years even has a calling card. The business card deserves respect, and so does the person you’re giving it to. If you’ve ever traveled to Asia for work, you know that when someone presents you with a business card, it’s done so formally. The least we can do is slide it out of a beautiful case instead of scrounging around for it in the depths of our wallet, or worse, our pockets.
1
2
3
Fort Belvedere Business Card Case – $150
For many years, I’ve collected calling card cases. I probably have 15 or 20 of them, but for the most part, they sit in a drawer in my office, untouched. Today, the only case I carry is this one from Fort Belvedere. I promise you, that if it’s in your budget, you won’t regret getting it. It is, all things considered, the most beautiful card case I have ever seen and I often receive compliments from business associates and strangers when they see me pull it out. Take a look here.
Handkerchief
You don’t see them very often anymore. Perhaps that’s why I am often complimented when people see mine. See, although handkerchiefs have a longstanding history of being used to blow your nose, mine rarely – if ever – comes out for that purpose. Usually, it’s for my kids noses. I’m partially joking. A handkerchief is useful for many things.
It can help quickly rub a scuff off your shoe.
It can quickly dry a spill when there’re no napkins around.
It can be used as a napkin.
It can be used to open the door of a public restroom when the man in front of you neglected to wash his hands.
Or to dry your hands when that restroom is out of paper towel.
It can dab the sweat from your forehead or your hands.
To apply pressure to a wound or as a small tourniquet during an emergency.
But most importantly, it can be given to a lady or your child when she’s crying.
Of course, it also helps when you have a wicked cold and run out of tissue in a public place. Sure, it’s icky, but it’s better than accidentally blowing a snot bubble while introducing yourself to a new client.
I’m often asked what the difference between a handkerchief and a pocket square is. The general rule of thumb is a handkerchief will be solid white and made of cotton or Irish linen. A pocket square is anything else. Even if you prefer one-time use kleenex to blow your nose, a handkerchief in your back pocket may come in handy at time.
1
2
3
4
5
Fine Writing Instrument
Why carry a pen? Because they’re useful daily and in the event of an emergency. Here are just some of the uses for carrying a pen:
Signing checks
Filling out forms
Taking the phone number of someone you fancy
Punching out a car window in an emergency
Writing down particulars after a car accident
Taking notes at a meeting
Or just signing the credit card slip from dinner
There are numerous reasons to carry a pen, but only two reasons for carrying a fine writing instrument.
They are a beautiful accessory that will match your attire and personality.
They are more comfortable to write with and work far more consistently.
As far as what types of pens to carry, we recommend you have two. A fountain pen for you to use and a ballpoint or rollerball pen that you can lend out when someone asks if you have a pen they can borrow. This way they won’t damage the nib on your fountain pen. Click here to read our in-depth guide on fountain pens.
Pelikan Souveran M800 Fountain Pen
Pelikan Souveran M800 Fountain Pen – $519
An exquisitely beautiful fountain pen that performs flawlessly, this is our top pick because it compares equally to the Montblanc Meisterstuck and yet it costs significantly less money. Pelikan has long been a favorite brand of the editors and staff at Gentleman’s Gazette, and it’s because of the quality, the craftsmanship, and the aesthetic appeal. Click here to get one.
Waterman Expert Fountain Pen in Taupe
Waterman Expert – $94
I love Pelikan pens and own a few, but I carry the Waterman Expert in my EDC kit because it’s less expensive and I don’t have to worry as much if it gets misplaced or stolen. Still a stunning writing instrument, I find it very comfortable to use, and it works consistently every time I pull it out. Click here to buy one for yourself.
Kaweco Sport – $25
The Kaweco Sport is a tiny little thing, but when posted, it’s sizeable enough that even those with larger hands can comfortably write with it. Intended as a pocket pen, this is what I carry with me when I’m running out in a pair of chinos and a polo shirt. It slips effortlessly into your pant pocket and doesn’t bulge or poke you. It really is a neat little pen for quick outings without a bag or a proper pen pocket. The best part is, it consistently works. Click here to get one.
The Montblanc Starwalker Ballpoint Pen
Montblanc Starwalker Ballpoint Pen – $890
Even though I rarely write with it, since it’s my only ballpoint, I want it to be a statement piece. Ballpoint pens are ideal for people who are left-handed over a rollerball because the ink dries far quicker and you won’t be left with a stain on the palm of your hand and a smudge on the paper. Obviously, you don’t need to spend $890 on a pen, but if you want a beautiful pen to lend out that matches the rest of your accessories, this one is well worth using. I also particularly like this pen because it writes smoother than any other ballpoint I’ve tried and it looks great on my desk. I should note that I did not buy this pen. It was sent to me by the wonderful people at Darakjian Jewelers to review for our guide on ballpoint pens which you can read by clicking here. That or click here to get the pen.
Cross Townsend Rollerball pen
Cross Townsend Rolling Ball Pen – $94
Favored by the White House and the official signing pen for the President of the United States, the Cross Townsend is a beautiful writing instrument that’s also quite reasonably priced. A consistent ink flow and its stunning looks are the two reasons we choose to recommend it. Not to mention that it’s a favorite of many pen collectors around the world. Click here to get one.
Popular EDC Essentials
On the advice of Bernard Capulong from EverydayCarry.com and after thoroughly perusing his website and checking other sources, we’ve curated this list of EDC essentials that men from around the world are clearly adopting as part of their kit. Whether you choose to carry any of them, or all of them is completely up to you. We think many of them have their uses.
Pocket Knife
The pocket knife is something your grandfather probably carried with him. It has many uses, both indoors and out.
Opinel No 9 Carbon Steel Knife
Opinel Pocket Knife – $13
I carry an Opinel No 9 Carbon Steel knife in my EDC kit. I’ve used it for everything from opening parcels to cutting rope at the cabin. I taught my eldest son to whittle wood with it, cut an apple on a picnic for my daughter and shortened a tensor bandage when it was too long. There is no shortage of things that can be done with a pocket knife. During our research, it was evident most men prefer a more tactical, military-grade knife that’s serrated, but if you just want to keep it at the bottom of the bag for the odd use and don’t plan to be fighting off bears and terrorists with it, this $13 knife from France will surely do the trick. Click here to get the same knife I use.
Baladéo Laguiole Folding Pocket Knife with Corkscrew
Baladéo Laguiole Folding Pocket Knife w/ Corkscrew – $20
Another inexpensive, yet lovely French pocket knife with a wooden handle, this handcrafted Laguiole knife comes with a handy corkscrew. That’s certainly a perk if you ask us. Click here to buy it.
Battery Charger
A battery charger can be a lifesaver when your cellphone or tablet is on its final bar, and you’re expecting an urgent email or call. If you’ve ever had your cell phone die before you got home or to the office to charge it, you know how important a power bank can be.
Xoopar Squid Mini Power Bank – $54
The Squid is the power bank I carry in my own EDC kit. It fits both Android and Apple devices and has two ports which allow me to charge two devices at the same time. Pure genius. It’s small and compact and comes with a fabric sleeve that neatly holds the device and the cord. To recharge the bank, simply plug it into the USB port on your computer. Click here to get one.
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
Anker Astro 2nd Gen
This is the top pick from EverydayCarry.com, and although we haven’t personally tested it, we trust the guys on their team. Not only that, but it has very positive reviews online. According to our research, it’s the most cutting edge power bank on the market, with various features other chargers don’t have. Depending on your phone, you can get multiple charges out of it, and Anker claims it’s the fastest working charger available. Click here to get one.
Lighter
Even if you don’t smoke, having a quality torch lighter in your EDC is a very good idea. It can be used to light a fire while camping, toast a cigar for your boss, make a smoke signal if your plane crashes or just loan to someone who needs to light their cigarette. Not only that, but I can’t tell you how many birthdays I’ve been to where they couldn’t find a lighter or match for the cake.
S.T. Dupont Ligne 2 Lacquer Lighter in Black and Gold – $1,555
If you are an avid cigar smoker, or just view the lighter as a wardrobe accessory, this exquisite lighter from the renowned French company S.T. Dupont is fit for a king. Of course, you can find less expensive lighters from S.T. Dupont, but why would you bother? This lighter is gorgeous. Click here to buy one.
Xikar Executive II Lighter
Xikar Executive – $29
Since I’m not an executive, and I need to eat and pay my mortgage, I can’t afford to spend $1500 on a lighter. Instead, I carry the far more reasonable, but still quite attractive Executive II lighter from Xikar, which I received as a gift awhile back from the good folks at CheapHumidors.com. As far as lighters go, I have many. This one is simply my favorite because it always works. The flame is adjustable, the lighter is masculine, and it’s slim enough that it slips into my pocket without bulging. I highly recommend it. Click here to buy one.
Lip Balm
Almost a requirement if you live in a colder climate, lip balm helps to protect and heal your lips when chapped. If you reside in a cold climate, it’s an essential part of your EDC during the winter months.
DR Harris Lipbalm
D.R. Harris Lip Balm – $39.99
I am often asked why I spend $40 on my lip balm. The only answer I can give people is “try it”. Then they see for themselves. If you care abo