EDCs are the living embodiment of “big things come in small packages”. EDCs are the kind of smart little tools that are always great to have in your backpack or tool kit. You never know when one of them could come to your rescue, helping you out of the trickiest situation, or to even pop open a bottle of beer, when you need to unwind after work. These little superheroes can make a world of difference while completing tasks – whether big or small. And, we’ve curated the best EDC designs we’ve seen in a while! From a fully-functioning balisong-style pocket knife to a unique bottle opener inspired by Chinese architecture – these are the EDC designs you definitely need by your side.
1. The Invictus Bali-Ti
The fully-functional Invictus Bali-Ti is a knife that deserves to be a part of your EDC arsenal! What makes this knife distinctive are its Terrain 365 branding and of course its construction. The sleek pocket knife features 6AL-4V titanium handles & a pocket clip and has a blade made from rustproof Terravantium. The Invictus Bali-Ti is a beautifully crafted, high-performance tool built to last in the wilderness!
Why is it noteworthy?
A Balisong aka a butterfly knife is a type of folding knife that originated in the Philippines. It has penetrated into other markets, including the US, where Terrain 365 is perfecting its design for everyday use. The Balisong has the potential to be used as a threatening weapon, which means its use is illegal in certain countries. Thankfully, there is nothing so illegal about the Invictus Bali-Ti, which draws its design cues from the Invictus folder. It measures 8.125-inches when fully deployed and folds down to roughly half that size to 4.125-inches when closed.
What we like
- Made from rustproof terravantium blade
What we dislike
- Hefty price tag
2. The Screwpop
The Screwpop idea stands out to me for the versatility and exceptional simplicity with which it is presented to the end user. So, whether you need a screwdriver, a file, a wrench, a serrated edge, or a bottle opener, the Toolkey in your pocket will never leave you wanting.
Why is it noteworthy?
Of course, it is not for the coarse tasks of hardcore adventure junkies and their crazy escapades. For every day quick and simple jobs, this multitool with an array of functional tools will be a go-to solution. With 15 different functional options, the Toolkey offers a great variety in an unprecedented footprint: which is also the biggest USP.
What we like
- Incorporates a neodymium magnet so that it can stick to the refrigerator or your toolbox
- Weighs only 18g
What we dislike
- No complaints!
3. The Bolt Carabiner V-II
How often have you found yourself running late to work or school only to notice, you don’t have the keys on you? Struggling at the last minute, in and out of the rooms, you realize the keys were hiding deep within your pant or jacket’s pocket. This is essentially why carabiners make attractive keychains to let you hang the keys at home and carry them safely in the loop of your plants.
Why is it noteworthy?
For the benefit of Gen Z, which fancies modern and trendy equipment, the new version of the Bolt Carabiner V-II begs gawk. Designed by EDC Apparatus, the Bolt is not an ordinary auto-locking or twist-locking carabiner; this one instead has a trigger on the opening side, which you slide down to open the gate. The rugged carabiner also sways from the regular D shape carabiners, it features a Question mark form factor, with an opening in the bottom to hold the keys for you.
What we like
- Capable of hanging various accessories, the carabiner is wear- and rust-resistant
What we dislike
- We are not sure of its load-bearing capacity
4. The Thumby
Smaller than the display on your Apple Watch, the Thumby holds the title of the smallest gaming console to be publicly available to consumers. It’s a little over an inch in length, and 0.7 inches in width, and weighs a paltry 4.8 grams, or about as much as an individual AirPod. Armed with a 72×40 Monochrome OLED display and 2MB of onboard storage, the Thumby comes with 5 games pre-loaded and allows you to add more using a MicroUSB cable. And in case you’re wondering, yes it runs Doom… or a version of it.
Why is it noteworthy?
It’s roughly the same size and shape as a Chiclet and even comes with a lanyard hole that lets you string the gaming console to your keychain, making it the world’s first gaming console that also doubles as EDC.
What we like
- The port also allows you to connect two consoles together for multiplayer gaming
What we dislike
- No complaints!
5. The Tekto Romeo
With its super-slim design, carbon fiber handle, and uniquely maneuverable lightweight build, the Tekto Romeo is an incredibly handy piece of gear that needs to be on everyone’s EDC list.
Why is it noteworthy?
At just 41 grams (0.09 lbs), the Romeo is ridiculously lightweight and boasts of a profile that’s volumes slimmer than most knives. However, its slick profile and lightweight design don’t make it less of a knife, no, my good sir. Romeo’s handle is fabricated from durable carbon fiber, and its Tanto-style blade forged from M390 “Super Steel” blade goes above and beyond to resist wear and tear, even with regular, rough use.
What we like
- Super slim and lightweight build
What we dislike
- No complaints!
6. The Jurassic Croc
A reptile-inspired EDC? Hell yeah! Called, the Jurassic Croc, this badass EDC is equipped with 8 tools and performs flawlessly in indoors and outdoors. It has been designed to look like a crocodile head and comes in the option of two materials – stainless steel or titanium. It’s been power-packed with a Phillips head screw-bit, two hex bits, a flathead screwdriver, a prybar, a tape-cutter, two O-rings, and a unique bottle opener integrated into the croc’s toothy jaw.
Why is it noteworthy?
Each Jurassic Croc is small enough to fit in your palm, weighing a mere couple of grams and measuring 3.2 inches x 1.5 inches in size. The croc comes outfitted with a DeWalt America #2 Phillips head bit located in its ‘cheek’, held in place by 2 O rings that can be removed and used too. You can slide the croc right into your pants, or secure it around your bag or belt using the lanyard provided. Each croc is rated TSA-safe, and is designed to last a lifetime… like those fossils from millions of years ago!
What we like
- Designed to last a lifetime
- Creative form as compared to the usual EDCs
What we dislike
- No complaints!
7. The Viuu Bottle Opener
Bottle openers are probably the only EDCs to have undergone the least amount of innovation – a handle and a head are what you usually get. But YUUE Design Studio decided to revamp the age-old bottle opener. This one looks almost like a decorative piece, but without compromising on any of the functionality. You can now get your drinks ready in a really unique + effective manner with the Viuu Bottle Opener.
Why is it noteworthy?
The design is inspired by window grill patterns, specifically those from classic Chinese architecture. There are three shapes featured: one hexagonal, one rectangular, and one with a semi-circular design. All of them have these patterns that may remind you of windows in old houses if you live in such a place influenced by this kind of architecture. While there are no handles to grip while opening a bottle, the grill design can help you with the grip problem.
What we like
- Inspired by classic Chinese architecture
What we dislike
- No complaints!
8. The A10 Holster Backplate
This is the A10 Holster Backplate with Dango MT05 to add tactical functions to your lifestyle. The EDC can be hooked onto the A10 Chassis. The accessory is made for individuals who love the modular A10 Adapt Series wallet – virtually turning anyone of them into a technical tool.
Why is it noteworthy?
The 18-function multi-tool is designed keeping in mind the most unpredictable emergency situations. That’s why it has got heat-treated stainless steel making that’s high in carbon content. Some of the functions included here are a seat belt cutter, 2 paracord tensioners, an O2 oxygen wrench, a bottle opener, a hammerhead, and a chisel.
What we like
- The compact size and the ease of usability of this accessory sets it apart from other EDCs
What we dislike
- No complaints!
9. The Grouper Utility Knife
Looking like a prop from a sci-fi movie, the Grouper utility knife comes with a stunning design featuring a titanium construction, a parallel-linkage opening mechanism with ball-bearing pivots, and should you choose, an absolutely breathtaking rainbow finish.
Why is it noteworthy?
The knife, which measures a mere 4.3 inches (110mm) when closed, comes with a carabiner clip on one end, and a tungsten carbide glass breaker on the other end. Open it out, and the now 6.2-inch-long knife reveals its TAJIMA V-REX II blade on the inside, perfect for opening boxes, slicing envelopes, or doing more rogue cyberpunk-worthy stuff like slicing wires and cutting seatbelts.
What we like
- The Grouper sports a titanium alloy body that’s more than impervious to rough use
- A nifty locking clip on the top keeps the knife’s blade intact until you’re done and ready to close your Grouper
What we dislike
- No complaints!
10. The Gerber Stake Out
The Gerber Stake Out is a nifty multitool that’s perfect for all the outdoor adventures you undertake! It measures just 4.5-inch in the closed position and a maximum of 6.6-inches when the knife is being used. The super cool multi-tool conceals 11 tools and helps you with almost everything – from setting up a campfire to cooking a meal in the wilderness. The Scandi grind blade features a bottle opener, awl, Ferro rod striker, saw, file, and a pair of scissors.
Why is it noteworthy?
There’s a tent stake puller for packing and getting the gear ready after setting camp during the nighttime. This is a very useful tool for campers as they can pack up tents in a way quicker time than normal. So, in a way, this utility is the USP of this multitool without any question. Add to the mix a ruler and pop-out tweezers, and you’ve got an all-purpose multitool convenient enough to carry with you all the time.
What we like
- 11 tools concealed in 1 multi-tool
- Economically priced
What we dislike
- No complaints!
