EDC setup question

[Erik88]

I notice that many guys on here carry other tools beside a gun including a flashlight, pepper spray, and knife etc. I noticed a few trends. I currently carry just my gun and my Gerber.

And here lies my question. I kept noticing that a lot of guys are carrying a Spyderco or Benchmade knife as apposed to a Gerber like myself. I know nothing about knives so I wasn't familiar with these 2 brands. Is there a reason for this choice? Are these 2 brands better for self defense or just better quality, or is it just a preference? I carry a knife as both a tool and a last line of defense but to be honest I don't know if my Gerber is the right choice.

I will also start carrying a personal defense flashlight(their term) similar to this one.

Thoughts and suggestions will be appreciated.

http://www.night-gear.com/stores/n/nightgear/catalog/5110.250.jpg

[creeky]

I carry a gerber EVO Jr. Don't really think of it as a self defense knife. just an easy to get to pocket knife.

Don't carry a flashlight or pepper spray.

Most times don't carry an extra magazine on me either. I may against the norm though. (Just feel like I carry enough crap.)

[Shima]

I only carry a multitool because I find myself using the pliers or screwdriver in my line of work. I also carry the little black flashlight for work. It's dark up in the ass-end of an airplane where I work often. I carry a pocket knife all the time and use it for opening boxes or plastic parts bags and that type of thing. Everybody carries a cell phone and most on here carry a handgun of some sort. We all carry keys. And some or most carry extra ammo or a spare magazine. Anything more seems a little overkill. Some guys carry OC spray, 2 or 3 knives, and a 3rd gun. I just think that's borderline silly, but that's just my opinion. Talk amongst yourselves and I'll sit back and read.

[MacGyver]

Here's my EDC. It has changed over the years, but these items have remained consistent.

"]

Left front pocket

• Gerber Crucial Multitool
  
• NAA 22Mag Mini-Revolver
  
• Both in a "prototype" pocket holster that was really a proof of concept, but has lasted for about 2.5 years now.
  

Right front pocket

• Keys + mini prybar
  
• Lip blam
  
• Space Pen
  
• Lighter
  
• Flashlight - Maratac AAA
  
• Spyderco Paramilitary - plain edge
  

4-5 o'clock - Walther PPS in a DM Bullard Tuckable

Right Rear Pocket - iPhone

Left Rear Pocket - Wallet

Marathon GSAR Watch

To the OP question. I think you see a lot of Gerber's because of their overall bargin price point. I just moved the Gerber into my setup about 6 months ago - replacing a Leatherman Skeletool CSx which was clunky and heavy. To me, Spyderco is one of the best blades made today. They are fast, and my paramilitary is SPM S30V steel, which holds a great edge. I've been less than impressed by the last few manual Benchmade's I've owned. Mind you, they've been out of the "bargin" line, but neither has made it past the trial stage in my carry setup. It will be a while before I buy another.

As to lights, I find one invaluable, but as a forensic specialist, I am often in dark places. The Maratac AAA that I carry right now is the brightest, toughest light in the single AA or AAA platform that I've found to date. If I know I am going to be in the dark, I'll bring a bigger light, but this one is great when you find yourself there unexpectedly.

Edited February 5, 2010 by MacGyver

[peejman]

.... I currently carry just my gun and my Gerber. ...

Me too, though mine is a Leatherman. I use the pliers and scissors more than anything else.

I ponder getting a generic pouch to carry a spare mag and small flashlight (dig the Maratac!), but haven't convinced myself yet.

[Alpha7]

I carry a buck knife ranger 10 or a cobalt tools serrated edge knife that came with a cobalt cutter I bought.

[MacGyver]

Here's a link to the Maratac AAA.

AAA Maratac Flashlight

I never thought I would replace my Streamlight Microstream, as I thought that was the pinnacle of pocket flashlight design. I ordered this thing to put in a survival kit. I thought, it only weighs 20 grams - I'll give it shot.

Fast forward. I received it, tried out it's 3 different brightness levels and suddenly the Streamlight got relegated to the survival kit. The light is awesome.

[Erik88]

While these have been interesting guys, I was wondering why so many people carry Spyderco and Benchmade, and if I should invest in one of these

[Guest FiddleDog]

I like the Kershaw Chive. It's a good knife (I wish I could afford it's cousins for cutlery (Shun), and it's an automatic. Everytime I've needed to cut something, I've usually only got one hand occupied. It is very slippery though. Probably not a good choice for SD, but then that's what my 26 is for.

[Jack]

While these have been interesting guys, I was wondering why so many people carry Spyderco and Benchmade, and if I should invest in one of these

Here is an honest answer, MANY carry a spyderco or benchmade to be in the "IT" crowd.

Orrrrrrrrrrrrrrr....... they are just like you and I, they picked out a knife that serves their purpose. They just so happen to prefere those brands. I prefere the Kershaw Ken Onion folders, I have several, and do not believe that my prefered knife can do any more or any less task than their spyderco,benchmades,or your gerber.

If it works for you then carry it.

[MacGyver]

If you're happy with the Geber, keep it. It's a fine blade. I love my Spyderco's (rescue, military, paramilitary), but it's just personal preference at the end of the day. They hold a good edge, fit my hand and method of carry well, and I really like the g10 scales.

Notice though that on my edc setup, I've also got a Gerbet multitool.

I can't reccomend benchmade from my last couple experiences with them. I think their quality control is suffering a bit.

[Erik88]

We are finally getting somewhere, thanks guys...

[daddyo]

I like the Kershaw Chive. It's a good knife (I wish I could afford it's cousins for cutlery (Shun), and it's an automatic. Everytime I've needed to cut something, I've usually only got one hand occupied. It is very slippery though. Probably not a good choice for SD, but then that's what my 26 is for.

I have the Chive as well and I carry it daily. I also have the Vapor that I carry on the weekends when I want a little extra security.

[rentalguy1]

I must not be in the "IT" crowd, because I've never heard of either of those brands. I carry the same old Case Trapper that I've had for several years. Before that I carried a Leatherman. I don't carry a flashlight on my person or attached to my EDC, but I have a few MagLights scattered about the house and two in the Jeep. Come to think of it, I should start carrying my mini-Mag and Leatherman again, cause you just never know...

[Jack]

I have the Chive as well and I carry it daily. I also have the Vapor that I carry on the weekends when I want a little extra security.

Looks to me like we are the 'IT" crowd.lol

everyone loves there kershaws.

I failed to mention on some occasions I will carry my KaBar TDI small size if Im in the mood for a fixed blade.

[setsdw]

I carry a Spyderco Delica just because I can get great deals on them. Otherwise my criteria for a pocket/defense knife is that it has a clip to clip in the front of my pocket and an assisted opening system. Usually needs to be about 3" blade. I also have had great luck with a CRKT M16 knife. I don't really use them that much as I carry a little old folding Boker pocket knife for utilitarian purposes.

[Guest 10mm4me]

Spyderco pretty much perfected serrated blades. They are well made and razor sharp. Most Gerbers are not as well made as a Spyderco or Benchmade. Gerbers are lower end but serviceable knives. Just like a Glock is lower end compared to a USP or Dan Wesson Valor. But there is nothing wrong w/a Glock.

[Guest bkelm18]

When it comes to self defense, a knife is a knife really. A $3 knife can stab someone just as well as a $300 knife. Now if you're actually going to be using it for whatever on a daily basis, then that's a different story. You want a quality knife that will hold it's edge in that case.

[Wingshooter]

Spyderco pretty much perfected serrated blades. They are well made and razor sharp. Most Gerbers are not as well made as a Spyderco or Benchmade. Gerbers are lower end but serviceable knives. Just like a Glock is lower end compared to a USP or Dan Wesson Valor. But there is nothing wrong w/a Glock.

[Jack]

Spyderco pretty much perfected serrated blades. They are well made and razor sharp. Most Gerbers are not as well made as a Spyderco or Benchmade. Gerbers are lower end but serviceable knives. Just like a Glock is lower end compared to a USP or Dan Wesson Valor. But there is nothing wrong w/a Glock.

HEY!

I carry a Glock,kershaw, and get my under wear from dollar general.

[Links2k]

I carry a g19 with extra mag, surefire light, S&W knife, wallet and keys.

[Mike]

I carry a benchmade because it is one piece of gear that has done everything I've asked it to do and has not failed me yet. I've carried a lot of knives, gerber, crkt, sog, microtech, etc. I've found tha most of them are lacking in one area or another. Be it blade design, steel type, ability to take and hold an edge, or overall sturdiness.

I am very hard on my knives and I have found that benchmade makes a knife that works well for my needs.

Mike

[Guest Bonedaddy]

9mm & .22 autos, spare mags, LED flashlight, green laser pen (to distract or blind'm),folding knife, leatherman multi tool and the most important, a paper hangers slim, 3" snap off blade, sliding razer knife. This has already saved my life once when I came to under water and the seat belt wouldn't release. Plus, in a really desparate situation it will lay that ass open or with a punch, slide, snap, they now have 3" of snap off razer cuttin' their insides everytime they move and they won't get it out without the doc. I use it for everyday chores, too, in case you were wonderin'.

[Mike]

I can't reccomend benchmade from my last couple experiences with them. I think their quality control is suffering a bit.

Black class, I'm not the biggest fan of the red class knives or most of the blue class knives. If you do decide to try one I highly reccomend picking from thier black class extreme duty knives.

[nightrunner]

carrry a CD subcompact 1911, surefire backup, wallet, keys, phone, and a blackhawk folding knife (approx. 3.5" blade)(impulse buy).

you guys must not use your knives much because my blade looks like hell compared to the ones ive seen pictured, but I use my knife for everything, cutting, prying, for a flathead screwdriver, to deburr soft metal pipes, stab and make holes, you name it I have done it.