Budget EDC Gear That Doesn't Suck

[@mcrb1776]

Vic Solo is 93mm Pioneer sized, not 84mm Cadet.

[@NotoriousEDC]

You're right! My mistake!

[@mcrb1776]

@@NotoriousEDC great video btw 👍

[@_Mel_00]

Was going to say the same thing

[@KopperRook]

"Budget EDC" is just EDC; the people spending a hundred bucks for a titanium OTF nail file don't do EDC, they do gadgets.

[@rocketdog5310]

$100 is cheap for something you use and carry everyday

[@NutSAK955]

​@@rocketdog5310 sure but you could also purchase something for a quarter of the price that serves the same purpose, works exactly the same and is still easy to carry.

[@rocketdog5310]

@@NutSAK955 Its like riding a bike, would you rather ride a bike you bought off temu or a bike from a good proven brand? The temu bike probably works, but there are all sorts of issues and weak points and things that could go wrong. Now I know that its not a super good comparison for knives, but just in general it is better to buy something that you know won't have issues, or that you know will hold up and not break if you need to be hard on it.

[@NutSAK955]

​@@rocketdog5310 I tend to see it more like buying a watch. If I buy a $15 Casio watch from Walmart I'll be a lot less upset if it gets stolen, lost or broken than I would be if the same happened to a $5000 Rolex. The Casio still tells time like the Rolex and even has a few extra features. All that to say, why buy a $100+ knife when most people, who are likely only opening boxes most of the time, would be happy with that $10 Gordon knife from Harbor Freight?

[@Donnie_JackWolfKnives]

Love this! It needs to be a series. I wanna see a high budget carry that DOES suck 😂

[@NotoriousEDC]

😂😂

[@Dracomies]

James Brand. Expensive. Not as good as EVERYTHING in its price tier. Choose ANY knife, many knives better at the same price tier.

[@NotoriousEDC]

@@Dracomies only James brand can get hate on a video that's not even about them 😂 I think they happen to make some really nice stuff and it is in fact in the same price tier as others, but to each their own!

[@FlintandSteelSurvival]

I insist this happens. Best idea ever! Haha

[@TheRealDoctorBreezy]

What Ben said 😅

[@BobBesco]

I've found a lot of joy in delving into budget EDC and have several of the items you list here. Great video!

[@NotoriousEDC]

Awesome! Thank you!

[@maxlvledc]

I'm down for the whole concept, but Ontario Rat model 1/2 are both over $35 on their own atm even in AUS8. Under $30 your best bet is likely the Civivi Mini-Praxis...not sure about a large knife though. If your ok with Ganzo they have tons of great options under $30.

[@NotoriousEDC]

gotcha! just going off gear that I have experience with here 🤘🏻

[@rolgolding]

Civivi Praxis and Mini Praxis are just phenomenal.

[@yoinky]

Rat1 aus8 use to be $20-25. Good times

[@Aaronrjasso]

My top 2 favorite edc Victorinox knives are currently the compact and alox pioneer x. My wife and I always edc a rambler on our key chains as well.

[@NotoriousEDC]

Compact and Rambler are two of my faves!

[@jonlouis2582]

Me too!​@@NotoriousEDC

[@dnorthington]

Nice video. Muji also sells the great pocket notebooks. They call them Passport Memos (because the the size and covers are similar to passport. They have 3 versions: graph, plain, and dot grid. And, they’re only $1.90 each.

[@NotoriousEDC]

Good call! Muji is awesome 🙌🏻

[@gregtomamichel973]

Also recommend the Gerber Mullet as a simple little pry / multitool. I use it to hang my keys off a belt loop, as i hate having keys in my pocket.

[@its_just_sock]

really good to see budget EDC videos, helping folk get into this! GGWP!

[@NotoriousEDC]

Thanks for watching! What's GGWP mean?

[@its_just_sock]

@@NotoriousEDC Good Game, Well Played

[@Philhellene1]

I enjoyed your video, thank you. I use a Fisher Space Pen refill in my Zebra -701 to give me that write anywhere versatility; also I work in a hospital and the stainless steel pen is easy to wipe down to keep clean.

[@oflofl7177]

victorinox waiter offers more utility for the same price over the solo, floral, or cadet with the waiter being only $18 some places. between the waiter and bantam it's all personal preference but I personally love having the corkscrew (with mini driver), toothpick, tweezers, and ofc the combo tool.

[@StevanOutdoor]

I do carry a small titanium pry bar on my keychain. It's 4mm thick titanium, very lightweight and strong. Not even 8 dollars in China and some are as cheap as 5 dollars. Also EDC flashlights are crazy cheap there. I EDC also a SAK and a Gerber mino multitool.

[@danielcluley870]

Vic Rambler, iR2 Eos and Pico Pen are fairly budget and have been my solid EDC for about a decade now. Still under $65 for a great "main 3" keychain edc combo that is very compact and lightweight.

[@Krixxxl]

Cool video sir, I'm from europe and I would just like to say this, a opinel number 10 is a good option also when it comes to budget knives. Keep up the good work!

[@RogerRabbitt]

I've got an old proto brand keychain flat head that I can pry with, haven't really used it but it looks cool

[@Dracomies]

I can vouch for those Muji pens. I've been maining them recently and they're fantastic!

[@diogomes26]

Same, 10/10 pen!

[@george.kevlar]

Great video! I have the same mindset on many things that you said! I'd love to find a budget alternative of the civivi elementum with button lock. Good luck for your next videos 🔥

[@dennishenderson4226]

Super recent video here on YT for a $10 D2 button lock from Walmart.

[@george.kevlar]

@@dennishenderson4226 thanks man

[@NotoriousEDC]

thank you!!

[@carbonsteeleheart]

victorinox executive woodscales, that is like a classic (w/o screwdriver) that one is attached with a simple sturdy keyring to your very same prybar, or as alternative the alox minichamp, mine is in a particularly worn black through some time. For the knife alox bantam, alternated with a medium trapper or stockman. But for the weekends or events I. enjoy adding a small sebenza, an elementum or civ-inox, or even a brazen or bigger like the. rat 1, depending of the occasion. But to be honest the medium traditional patterns most always fit any time any way with the least pocket real state. Light pineapple mini Ti, pen brass space pen all the way up to tturn ti bolt action pen. Great vid nEDC ! any thoughts on edc small pliers? is it something you need often? or is just the hype?

[@NotoriousEDC]

I have used small pliers probably less than 5 times in my life, but man when you need em and you can actually use them, it feels good 😆

[@Wilma5532]

The i3e has a pretty awesome beam. Love to use it.

[@jonlouis2582]

Your video appeared in my feed and I was curious. I actually carry a bunch of these items, the light, the s.s. zebra pen, and the alox pioneer sak. My expensive items usually stay at home. I actually bought that o-light in bulk to give away as gifts. Who doesn't love a handy little light? Also, a pry bar is a must for me, I sell wine and open wooden crates on the regular. Mine is larger though, I think I'll try the one you have. The Gerber Shard didn't work for me. Thanks for great content, subbed.

[@NotoriousEDC]

you can also try the pry bars from CountyComm, they have a few sizes as well and not too much more money. I have a 10% off coupon if you spend >$50 'notoriousedc'. Thanks for checking out the video!

[@jonlouis2582]

@@NotoriousEDC Thanks!

[@mujadaddy]

Found my "Grail Pry" -- comparable to the Nightize DooHicKey, larger carabiner clip, in Chi-tanium, for $10. Unfortunately, they want shipping costs, but I just bought five of them for gifting. Brand is RIYI, Titanium EDC Pry Bar with Bottle Opener Function Portable Multi Tool, Key chain outdoor tool wrench

[@Austin_180]

I know we are all here for the cool looking stuff to carry, but I bought a pack of clicking pens from Amazon (their brand) and they’re badass. All black with a metal pocket clip and just the Amazon logo on them. I like the 1.0 for writing and they had them. Worth a look. I really want a clear muji though

[@NotoriousEDC]

Amazon despite their many issues does make some very good stuff

[@pepperread1184]

I have that Nite Ize Doohickey and I am shocked at how many times it comes in handy. Bought it on a whim when it was on clearance at Dicks. So glad I did. TFS. ☮️

[@NotoriousEDC]

it's so worth it imo!

[@oddsavage]

Cool gear. The Alox models doesn't have the toothpick and tweezers. That kills it for me. Gotta have those two with my Swiss.

[@NotoriousEDC]

There is a cellidor bantam with tweezers and a toothpick 🤙🏻

[@karsten_m]

I usually carry a Jetsetter or other 58 mm on my keychain for these two (and the scissors). Gives some freedom for the choice of the "big" knife.

[@chaddamron3877]

Solid vid my man -- alox is def a staple

[@davidnassal306]

I knew there was a word for the way a click pen should sound! “Positive click” 👌

[@mzoongu]

Luv my Rat 1 with camo scales. Great vid dude. I should get the Rat 2 in D2 as a lighter EDC option.

[@michaelfuxeklint4909]

I just bought a Spyderco Ladybug K390 (👊👊). Black is the most basic and can never go wrong, you can match a lot of stuff with style for MUCH LESS, good luck.

[@NotoriousEDC]

its a great knife!

[@erikramaekers63]

My favorite pen is the Lamy Safari.Fenix EO5 ( 90 lumen) my favorite flashlight.Victorinox Classic SD my favorite miltitool.Boker Urban Trapper Petite ( VG10 titanium and cocobolo handle) my favorite knife

[@FlintandSteelSurvival]

I carried a RAT1 for somewhere in the ballpark of 100 years. Hahaha i suggest getting the uncoated version though for sure. Especially if you end up using it for food. Haha best value for money in my opinion. And are you even an EDC collector if you haven't owned about 30 microstreams and given all of them out? Haha very good video Tom!

[@NotoriousEDC]

😂 yeah I wouldn't use the coated one for food, I think I've eaten enough paint chips in my life haha. thanks for watching bud!

[@Frogs859]

Rovyvon A3 is another great small flashlight. USB-C rechargeable, it has 3 modes and it hits 700 lumens. It's around $35 so it's not super cheap, but it's tiny and very powerful. I have one that lives on my keys

[@NotoriousEDC]

$35 for all that seems like a great value imo. I've been meaning to check them out forever. maybe now is the time!

[@knghtbrd]

Suggested upgrades over your $35 if you're willing to spend more… I like the Zebra F-301 Compact. it's the half-size alternative to the F-301 which the less premium-feeling than the F-701 (it's not all metal), but for $4 it's got Fisher Bullet size, with a pocket clip that's decent. The plastic body of the short does not feel cheap, but it is still plastic. And it won't take a gel ink or Fisher cartridge, until you widen the metal tip a hair with a needle file. Want to use the original ballpoint cartridge after doing the mod? Single layer of scotch tape around the tip, under the spring, just behind the metal ballpoint tip improves the feel. You can still get an Olight i3t which is like the i3e but with the fancy features, clip, etc. Still AAA, no USB-C or anything, about $18 on Amazon. The i2r pro is $22 and has the USB C charging. No pocket clip, it's the one that looks like the i3e but is rechargeable. Much more than that you start getting into kits which bundle the i3t/i2r pro for under $30 if that's the direction you want to go, but I'm not counting bundle prices here. Wear glasses? Fabric hair tie. It'll turn any of these lights into a glasses-mounted headlamp. Don't wear glasses? Double loop of shock cord round your head stuffed into a cord lock. RAT-II, currently $40-40 for AUS-8 or $42 for D2. They'll both rust if you don't hit 'em with some mineral oil where I live. That 4-way clip is NICE for a southpaw. Only way it could be better for me would be if it was a flipper. Why? Because I AM a southpaw and finding a 🤬 left-side pocket clip is usually like pulling teeth, so I've gotten used to not having room for my thumb on a stud. Still, it's fine, I like it. CIVIVI Mini-Praxis for $30 withOUT the four way clip (but has the flipper) in D2. Defiitely consider the Victorinox Floral, Solo, and Bantam especially if you live in some commie country (😉) that doesn't allow locking knives because they hate your safety. Victorinox is pretty solid for a slipjoint.

[@unclecow]

Great video Tom in no knife land I carry a pry bar every day

[@JonCross]

Yeah the pry bar agree a cheap one is great as you said you can eat the crap out of it.

[@highwindsedc]

Just now watching and I think this video is the new standard for entry level EDC

[@NotoriousEDC]

thanks! there are so many great options out there! these are just from my personal experience!

[@wooddavid8293]

+1 for Victorinox Floral knife. I don't have a sheep's foot and this looks like a good value.

[@NotoriousEDC]

its a classic! you'll love it.

[@BigBadBert]

The Shard is probably my most used piece of edc besides my leatherman.

[@wallyfrogmore]

I don't know if the Milwaukee 1505 is counted as budget in this regard but that is one of my mains. since they dropped I use the civivi element utility at work. I can't join this for my pen tho being team fountie lol

[@oflofl7177]

kershaw pt2 over the shard because the shard is 3cr and the kershaw is 8cr and has room to hold a ferro rod or hex bit in the hole if u add 2 o rings

[@NotoriousEDC]

thanks, I'll check it out!

[@RenatoG1848]

I have a F-701 and an elementum and I approve this video

[@NotoriousEDC]

🫡

[@micahjohnson9184]

Awesome video! Just somethings to point out. The refills on the Zebra F- 701 can be something special. If you want a smooth writing experience you can get the gel refills from the Z Mulsion line with slight mods. If you want a more versatile refill to write in any condition, always get ink, and is compatible with no modification. You can get the Fisher Space Pen SPR4 pen refills. Other than that great pen as is. Also on the Alox I know you tried to explain it but for those that don't know that combo tool is slightly different because it is a flat head, bottle opener, wire stripper and can opener in one. It seems to be a bit longer as well. My main carry so far is the F-701, Victorinox Super Tinker use it a ton especially for the scissors, Keyport Flashlight that thing is dope, and a knife from CJRB not the one I ordered but it performs great. I wanted the Pyrite light so I'll try and get it from their main site. Also, Knipex Cobra XS not everyday but everyday I go to work slip it in my back pocket and I hardly know it's there. It's usually in my bag or near me when I'm home. Although, when i feel like going lighter, It's primarily just the Super Tinker, Keyport, and F-701. Carries all the bases and then some for me. 👍

[@NotoriousEDC]

Thank you, Micah for the thoughtful comment! I appreciate the info 🙌🏻

[@micahjohnson9184]

@NotoriousEDC Anytime, keep up the great work!

[@LouisLuzuka]

😮

[@kichwatembo6551]

I like the rat knife a lot, hate the logo change Esee Avispa is also a good knife

[@JonCross]

Nice video always loved zebra pens and mechanical pencils.

[@NotoriousEDC]

thanks for checking it out!

[@ek-nz]

I have all those knives and the doohickey. All good EDC items. Nice video!

[@dannypenning3088]

Nice video. Did you see my edc… I Have the Ontario 2, gerber shard, Victorinox compact, olight i3e. Keep up the nice videos.

[@olivermead415]

For those like me that like a mechanical pencil, one that's pretty nice and safe for the pocket is the Uni Shift

[@NotoriousEDC]

awesome I will peep it for sure!

[@GodsGunsGlory777]

Imagine the muji pen came in that infamous vtech clear green

[@NotoriousEDC]

!!! need!

[@germanicus5066]

RAT 1 is substantially bigger. RAT 2 is a great buy. Have had one for 10+ years still going strong.

[@Blazini1980]

I have that civivi elementum. I don't speak for the rest of the dessert series but the paint on the blade and the clip is chipping away. The paint on the scales are also chipping and fading away. I've had it since Dec '22 and it's part of my summer rotation edc. It's a great sharp lightweight knife but I'm now disappointed in the paint quality.

[@NotoriousEDC]

that's good to know! the Rat is solid. my money's on that!

[@Yurihoodjr1975]

Subscribed cause of the pen gag!

[@NotoriousEDC]

haha buckle up because it's downhill from here 😂

[@michaelcurtis5040]

As a maintenance technician who works on machinery on a daily basis, there are a few essential things to keep in your pockets and a pry bar is not one of them.

[@StevanOutdoor]

I don't work on machinery on a daily basis but when I do I bring a toolbox appropriate for the job and don't use what's in my pockets.

[@tdmeskimomobile6618]

0.5 refers to the thickness of the ink writing. So that pen is 0.5 mm, some worlds of pens that is a fine, were there is Fine/Med/Bold. It is like your mechanical pencil lead thickness too. Most of the time you don't see or hear the 0. (point) part, we usually say 7 mm or 5 mm and really there is a 0. part.

[@stujo718]

Shard silver and black. 👍. Use a zebra every day in uk at work NHS with a SAK. Many a surgeon has tried to thief that pen. 🤣. 👍.

[@NotoriousEDC]

😂😂 love it! Cheers from the other side of the pond

[@jooky5]

5:01 fisher refills also fit the zebra

[@NotoriousEDC]

thanks for the info! I personally can't stand fisher refills. they are goopy and write awful in my experience. I love the compact form factor of the pens, though!

[@jooky5]

@@NotoriousEDC yeah not the smoothest refills but more versatile/fit in more pens than the zebra refills and guaranteed not to leak on a plane!

[@AboutThings_byTarif]

I'm 40 and I've never ever been in a situation where I was like, I wish I had a pry bar right now. I always had a multi tool so I opened paint cans with the flathead screwdriver (which can also tighten a camera mount just fine). Also, I've opened like ten paint cans ever Maybe I don't have enough paint in my life.

[@AboutThings_byTarif]

Oh, and love the video by the way :-). Subscribed.

[@NotoriousEDC]

Like I said, pry bars can be controversial 😅 thanks for the sub! More to come 🤘🏻

[@mariusmarius4832]

Cool video,budget is best.

[@cesarc.s.1119]

Love the hand tattoos...

[@NotoriousEDC]

thanks! my mom hates em!

[@ghozt9119]

If I’m traveling with friends, I carry my budget , with my family I edc all tough and reliable gear.

[@MB_EDC]

Great video... Love budget stuff. I recommend the Bantam Alox...fits in your wallet....

[@NotoriousEDC]

a knife in a wallet is a different kind of EDC that hurts my back just thinking about it! but it's true, it's a thin knife!

[@MB_EDC]

@@NotoriousEDC It even fits in my minimalist wallet that goes in a front pocket.

[@EDCREVIEWS]

Acebeam Pokelit AA, 500 Lumen, Rechargeable battery $20 best edc light. I use it EVERY single day.

[@Aaronwaynemack]

i had a rat 2 in D2 used it for about a year before i gifted it to my cousin. Rat2 has been my favourite edc knife to this day. waiting to buy a new one with some cool handle or something

[@NotoriousEDC]

it's a classic imo!

[@jamielahugh8316]

You need a wireless hole puncher

[@pebbleinyoshoe532]

Love the simpsons donut style

[@dezarioquiruz6977]

Now my favorite pen is Going to be impossible to find

[@NotoriousEDC]

haha nah these are both gunna be around for a long time!

[@earlelzy9975]

You should have shown how the pens write.

[@internetusername9593]

👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍

[@Kromunos]

0:35 Bold of you to assume it's only 1...

[@JustineWiniker]

$18 for 10 Muji pens

[@rolgolding]

Lol bro. I just liked and subscribed because of that silly joke hahaha.

[@NotoriousEDC]

I am comprised of mainly silly jokes and worry

[@LouisLuzuka]

😮

[@4002corbe]

At last something sensible …

[@CombatBanana]

The Ontario Rat knives really need to die already... or be updated. If you like them that's cool but the value is flat out bad compared to Civivi and similar brands. You can get better steel, g10 handles, and bearings all for less money.

[@danielcluley870]

R2D2 still kicks ass for a user, although it has crept up in price. I still use my R2D2 for a beater knife very often.

[@NotoriousEDC]

I agree that the market has come a long way! some steel upgrades would be great, but I dont think this knife needs bearings at all. it fires like a rocket. perfect geometry.

[@danielcluley870]

@@NotoriousEDC The fact that it's on washers and just works is a plus for me.

[@Mayank_Maximum]

Still I need a ar15 for my edc but I am in india

[@vercingetorix444]

What if I told you that neck tattoos look like shit

[@NotoriousEDC]

then you'd sound like someones mom bro 😂

[@virtualxi6591]

Mini praxis is a much better knife than the elementum. Same steel but $20 cheaper and is better in every way.

[@NotoriousEDC]

I'll have to check it out! this video was stuff based off my personal experience