EDC wallet tools: reduced-to-the-max

[@todd.parker]

Nice video, I like the different ideas for the screwdriver - very cool. I like seeing other takes on my kit! Thanks for the shout out.

[@paulhorn24]

How about the solution for the pen? Todd, would you write with a Swiss Army Knife ?

[@todd.parker]

@@paulhorn24 I've tried that and find it's really uncomfortable because of the knife but it was a different SAK than yours. The mini ballpoint pen I carry is so small you can barely feel it in a wallet and doesn't have extra things hanging off it. I might just be extra picky about that kind of thing. Honestly, these little pens are only good in a pinch, none are very ergonomic

[@fastandcurious]

Thanks for your input and feedback. Your video was truly inspiring and stood out from many EDC related videos.

[@MrDkgio]

Most of the things we everyday carry are for getting the “job” done in a pinch, the Swiss army pens are for small tasks, reminders, phone numbers, short notes. But if a pen is one of your regular needs, you would carry a “real” pen.

[@MrDkgio]

Thought for the day, edc is for that in a pinch moment, let’s say we need to do a roadside repair, we know the correct tool is a wrench/socket, but the cobra xs gets the job done. Same can be said for many edc items, not ideal but they get the job done.

[@MADHIKER777]

Phenomenal reduction in Weight & volume while maintaining the most important functions. You & Todd are awe inspiring!!

[@MB_EDC]

Really interesting build on Todd Parker's video. Thanks for this. I am working on something similar myself to replace the Leatherman Rebar

[@stanfordx8864]

I too try to choose lightweight items since my days are usually spent on foot in a very urban environment and when you add a water bottle, some minimum meds/first aid items, snack, possible magazine or small book- it all adds up and I almost never want to fill the pockets of whatever I’m wearing. Especially in the summer months I’m even happy to keep my phone and wallet out of my lightweight summer clothes. As a result I’m almost always carrying some sort of bag. I have a large collection (I’m old) of Fanny packs, shoulder bags, slings and numerous backpacks- all sizes and weights-to choose from. And these days I’m using a very light-weight Muji backpack because no matter how lightweight the EDC gets it really does add up. Many EDC kits are (probably) from people that are never far from their vehicle and they often try to include very small tools that they say they could use on minor vehicle adjustments. I don’t understand why thaose “tools” are part of their EDC. They could just leave a few (relatively inexpensive-due to possible theft-) full size tools in the car. Full time. Makers of extremely compact/lightweight EDC kits almost never tell us if the almost always travel on foot/by car or by bike. Even needing to carry a very smal bag/backpack gives one a great deal of extra item choices. And, yes, I do prefer small, lightweight tools ( I use the Knipex cobra xs) but I also prefer a more comfortable (full size, within the ridiculous size constraints imposed by NYC) knife and find that having a few preferred items (somewhat larger, slightly heavier) do not cause a problem when placed in a comfortable backpack. Keeping most items out of my pockets makes my walking easier. Again, getting around without a car means that as I aquire even small items during the course of the day- and I almost always do - I have a place to stash them. (Obviously having a vehicle nearby solves that problem.) So, it would be helpful if such presentations- and I do enjoy them- would give us a fuller picture of how their lifestyle affects their choices. I apologize if some of the above has typos/problems- it’s difficult typing/correcting on the small box provided on the phone.

[@fastandcurious]

I agree with your observation. Also some people are "carrying" so many things that they must have a car for transporting all that gear. My preferred mode of transport is my restomod steel mountain bike. I have used "normal" 91mm Victorinox before, though with this "new" kit, the Bantam Alox is big enough for city "runs". So far I haven't missed a larger one. I do carry more tools especially for the bike and I didn't want to include everything into this video . I plan to make another video going though all essential items. I haven't stashed any tools in the car because we share it and I am using it for some errands 2-3 times a week max.

[@stanfordx8864]

Makes perfect sense for a bike. As for the car: even the most minimal kit could be extremely useful, cost very little (you probably have multiples of what’s needed) and fit in any unneeded bag. Eg screwdriver, plier, tape, zip ties, etc. I appreciate your having responded and enjoyed your reasoning in assembling the kit.

[@SurvivingtheDaily]

Great lightweight kit! Awesome video. Thank you for sharing!

[@paulhorn24]

Very good idea and a creatively styled video. Definitely an inspiration! Thanks

[@Flatability]

Clearly I'm not the only person who is concerned about EDC weight. Impressive! I might copy your ideas, particularly with respect to the Knipex. Thank you.

[@enriquediaz7547]

Microbits fit so well in the Lever BitVault.

[@fastandcurious]

Yes, I don't have it but they would. Use the 4mm 1/4" adapter and especially with the double sided precision bits you would use far less space in the vault than comparable 1/4" bits.

[@milesbrown8016]

Very light and practical 👌🏻

[@fastandcurious]

0:17 thanks to todd parker 0:38 core tools knife, pliers, scissors tweezers, pen Screwdriver kit 0:57 previous EDC Kit Victorinox Wrench Kit, Knipex Cobra XS altogether 270g 2:10 New pocket EDC 2:18 Knipex Cobra XS 60g the new darling of the EDC community 2:55 Victorinox Bantam Alox 29g 4:02 ✂️ tweezers pen Victorinox Signature 5:39 EDC Super lightweight Screwdriver kit 5:59 Hex 5 key Allen Key 6:23 Pb Swiss Tools Adapter PB460M 6:51 4mm precision bits including a 1/4precision bit adapter 7:38 double sided precision bits 7:52 two 1/4 inch bits Hex6 and Torx T25 8:25 weight 20g for the bits 9:09 54g all together 9:35 wallet carry 10:58 pliers carry

[@ecalzo]

yep ..i've hit the like button mainly for the idea .. very well done Sir ..

[@fastandcurious]

Thank you. Communicating the idea is the most important message. Does that mean the video has room for improvement? If so, I am always looking for advice and feedback.

[@ecalzo]

@@fastandcurious i think it has room for improvement or for specializing it into the owner area of interest.. but the goal was achieved ... using 2-3 specialized tool instead of only one multitool , in my opinion, will let you operate better and with more capable and ergonomic tool for the purpose .. 🙂

[@RSLtreecare]

Hi, this looks very interesting. A nice review. I have adjusted my EDC kit. But after watching your videos and a few other comments. I'll get rid of some more, and move to knipex cobra X's. Take care.

[@fastandcurious]

Thanks a lot. That's a big compliment.

[@MrDkgio]

Thought for the day, edc is for that in a pinch moment, let’s say we need to do a roadside repair, we know the correct tool is a wrench/socket, but the cobra xs gets the job done. Same can be said for many edc items, not ideal but they get the job done.

[@lalew2]

Should have a basic car kit

[@simonh6371]

@@lalew2 Definitely! If you have a car or other vehicle there's no real limitation on weight and space. Here in the UK everyone with a car has some basic tools in the boot (trunk) like pliers, screwdrivers, spanners (wrenches), even a hammer. I don't understand why I read so many comments from the USA saying they have a multitool in their glovebox as their only onboard tool kit.

[@mike_qbik]

Enjoying your content. I do like notebooks and never knew about Thailand base Zequence. Would definitelly like to see more. Subbed

[@dimmodddimmodd7199]

very interesting thanx

[@MrDkgio]

I’ve never found those 4mm bits very useful/usable in the 50 years I’ve owned them, except once and that one use could easily have be replicated or Mcgyver’d with other edc tools. I’ve tried 2d leatherman drivers, they are weak and break easily, pretty ineffective when any fastener is even moderately tight. With 1/4” bit’s nearly all everyday/normal tasks can easily be undertaken. I can easily strip and rebuild my Ebike with a Victorinox bit wrench with 10 bits and a pair of Knipex cobra’s. If weight is really an issue you can shorten 1/4” bits a little.

[@fastandcurious]

In my follow-up video I use short 1/4 inch bits for all bit sizes above 4mm hex as well as larger than t15. I didn't need to grind them off because they are sold as stubby 18mm 1/4 bis. For smaller screwdriver sizes, I believe that 4mm precision bits make a lot of sense. Small screws shouldn't be tightened with a lot of torque anyway.

[@MrDkgio]

I’ve never found the precision bits useful in everyday life, I think a better goal would be the lightest useful kit. For me that is the Knipex Cobra xs, Victorinox huntsman plus scales inc. Pen and Victorinox bit set (bar not ratchet) personalised the bit selection, lumitop edc01 torch, pre threaded needle, 1” gorilla tape and a lighter. Not a day goes by without something from kit being used.

[@bongboyz6468]

Very unique video presentation. I feel this channel could be big

[@fastandcurious]

Thank you. This means a lot 👍

[@fastandcurious]

👍Thank you . This means a lot.

[@latetodagame1892]

How about a flashlight? 🔦

[@fastandcurious]

I am using Petzl Bindi headlamps. Weighing a bit more than 30g, they are not as light as some mini torches, but the Bindi last 1.5 to 2 hours at 200lm and a couple of hours on 100lm. Because they are easy to wear, I use them very often. I usually take both of them when riding my bike in the city. One serves as red rear light, one on the handlebar.

[@kairitadano]

I'm using the rambler since it's screwdriver fits many size including my spectacles' but it left me with no pen. Manager is pretty much non existent and midnight manager's flashlight seems useless to me(of course, each people's opinion differs) but i like that yours seems more slim amd pocketable instead of using something akin a tool pouch

[@fastandcurious]

I suggest changing the scales of the Rambler. Buy the pen scales for 58mm Victorinox plus a Victorinox pen spare. Both scales and pen together shouldn't cost more than 5 € $ or £. And bang, there you have a Manager. I did this to all my 58mm Victorinox with scales. It really is easy and doesn't require fancy tools. Yes, well observed, my pouch is really thin. I now use a plastic one, punched 5 holes and use it with all the tools (except the Bantam Alox) in a mini sized Ringbinder including a mini fountain pen, a BIC Mini 4 multipen and a mini mechanical pencil. Lots of loveable and usable minis.

[@simonh6371]

I like your idea of using an Allen key/wrench as a bit driver, with the adaptors. I too looked at the Victorinox set but it's 10cm or more I think so too long, my objective was to be no longer than a 91mm SAK. Tried a couple of bike tools with flat & Phillips SDs on as well as Allens but they were either compact and not very cabable, or capable but too bulky, if the bit driver and bits is almost the size of a Swisschamp, just carry the Swisschamp instead. My latest solution is a 85mm long mini ratchet but one with a 1/4 in bit holder in the end of the handle, the brand is Sealey but Sabrecut also make them. As an inline bit driver it's unbreakable as it's machined stainless steel, and combined with Wera bit extender and bits it has a lot of different configurations eg. stubby inline, inline with extender, flat ratchet, L shaped ratchet with extender. I carry it in a Phillips leather iPod Nano case which I found very cheap on ebay. In another one of those cases I carry my Knipex Cobra XS. Both enable almost instant one handed draw access from my pocket, I carry the Sealey mini ratchet with a no. 2 Phillips bit in it ready to go as it's the most common. Paired up with a Vic Climber it's a great toolset. Other times I carry them with a Spyderco Urban, and a Vic Moneyclip for backup blade and all-important scissors.

[@fastandcurious]

I will check out the pouches and the ratchet - they are intriguing. The idea with the Hex5 Allen Key is from PB Swiss Tools. That is the core of their bike tool. I always liked that Bike Tool but long ago decided that bike tire levers are only for longer trips and not part of the EDC. I will never repair a flat tire within 10 km of my home - nobody does that. I walk home with the bike, call somebody or a taxi or use car sharing. A couple of months ago, a commenter on my Victorinox Cyber Tool Hack video mentioned the adapter and that it is worthwhile getting it just as a spare (as a potential hack) Using the precision bits in addition to the PB Swiss Tools adapter is derived from the magnetic hack for the Cyber Tool. I tested the Cyber Tool to up to 6 Nm torque, 5Nm is not problem. Only larger than 4 mm Hex size screwdriver tips are frequently used for screws that require more than 5Nm torque.

[@fastandcurious]

I have tried a few mini ratchets over the years, the latest and longest used one is the Victorinox Ratchet which you see on the left side of the table. The Vic ratchet weighs about 35g, the Topeak they Todd had chosen in his video weighs only 31g. Just like you I prefer using a ratchet with a bit extension / bit holder. The combined weight is 52g, just the tool. With the 10 bits and the red bit organizer it is about 120g. Light and small for a traditional ratchet and bit set, but to bulky for me. The last iteration of 13 1/4" bit sizes, the Allen Key and PB Swiss Tools Adapter is w weighing 92g. Incredible... Until I came up with the mix of 4mm bits and very few 1/4" bits after Todd's video. I have been using the wallet setup for a couple of weeks and it is just great.

[@simonh6371]

@@fastandcurious I would repair a flat tyre within 10km of my home, probably anything above 2km to be honest. I lived in the Netherlands for over a decade and worked on a bike taxi in Amsterdam for a couple of years so I can patch a puncture in under 10 minutes. I have patches and glue in my bike repair tool pouch together with a Topeak tool with chain breaker, and a pump. But sometimes I go out without a bag/pouch and then just put glue and patches in a pocket, in a tiny ziploc bag, and clip my pump on the frame. I can still fix a flat with that and my other EDC gear, I don't need dedicated tyre levers in a pinch, the handle of the Knipex and the bottle opener on my Vic will do that job.

[@simonh6371]

@@fastandcurious I like the Vic ratchet and would have bought it if it wasn't too long for pocket carry, Vic quality is always top. Likewise if the Wera mini ratchet had the inline bit holder capability - and all they would have had to do was machine one into the end of the handle - I'd have bought that too even if it cost 3x what my Sealey ratchet cost, because also Wera quality is excellent.

[@fastandcurious]

How much does the Sealey ratchet weigh? On Amazon it says 59g I didn't pick the Wera ratchet for the same reason and the weight. The Topeak ratchet (see Todd's video) might be a good choice for you. Shorter than the Vic, really light weight 31g and a bit holder in the handle. Also very good price for the smallest ratchet kit at a little above 20€.

[@Northanteus]

Victorinox Signature Lite, for LED light 🔦 included. 😉

[@fastandcurious]

Great choice. I personally prefer the normal Signature with tweezers as the Vic LED is a bit low in power and I rather have tweezers and a super lightweight cheap mini torch that also double as optional lights for the bike.

[@Northanteus]

@@fastandcurious I get that, about having another light, but I always like backup to my lights, so this is just one of a few. I don't have the Sig Lite yet, but was just suggesting it: if you are going to have a Signature, you might as well have one with a light on it. 😁 You can always take the tweezers from the other Signature and put them in your kit. 😉

[@The_Draque]

kinda crazy that both you and Todd Parker are completely overlooking the Victorinox Compact. his solution is to carry tweezers and scissors completely separate, and your solution is to carry TWO swiss army knives. why not just carry the Compact and do it all in one tool? My EDC solution that covers 95% of this same kit is simply a Victorinox Cybertool M (8 bits + 2 flatheads instead of your 14) and the Knipex XS pliers. if I know I will need wirecutters and/or larger bit selection I can grab my Skeletool + bit kit out of my truck

[@fastandcurious]

Well, the Vic Compact is heavier than the combination of the Bantam Alox and Signature. I recently bought a Mini Champ Alox (36g) and therefore pack the Tweezers and Toothpick similarly to Todd. I have used a Cyber Tool M for years. I have published a hack to use a Cyber Tool with other bits. I then did another mod with a magnet to use normal 4mm bits. With my old bike projects I often need quite a bit of torque. I tested the Cyber Tools to up to 5NM. But I wouldn't dare to use them to fasten the crank bolt with 15NM plus. No probs with that amount of torque however with my current setup described in the screwdriver hack in the video.

[@simonh6371]

I go a layer further and find it's worth it to carry the Climber. The secondary blade, and having two openers/drivers is worth the extra few grams and couple of millimetres thickness. The combotool is a bit thinner than the bottle opener on the standard 91mm SAKs and not as good for prying, furthermore trying to tackle Phillips screws with it is a pain in the bum, not so with the small driver on the can opener. Finally the reamer/awl is for me the most useful of the 3 backtools and it's lacking on the Compact. My Climber has the pen as it's retrofitted with plus scales, which I bought with a pocketclip on too. If I want to go for a more rugged tool I carry the Farmer X which I've fitted with a NiteIze Hipclip. The woodsaw isn't really neccessary but when I bought it it cost around the same as the Pioneer X. The awl on that functions as a package opener, instead of the small blade on the Climber. I tend to carry either of those together with the Knipex Cobra XS. Sometimes I add the small Wera bit driver handle (813) which is only the size of a Bic lighter and very light.

[@thevineclimber]

I don't know if i ever commented on this before, but obviously this is a great video! I've seen it several times. May I ask if you used flathead and Phillips bits in the 4mm nuts you used?

[@fastandcurious]

4mm Flathead 4 Phillips 3 and 4 Pozidrive 3 I will probably add Pozidrive PZ2 and PZ3. I have discovered that some of my furnitures use PZ screws. The Phillips and flathead could be covered with the Mini Champ and the Bantam Alox, though the weight of the double bits is so negligable, that I like to carry those bits.

[@thevineclimber]

@@fastandcurious this is excellent. Thank you!!!

[@enricomauri4573]

Nice video. Where did you find the double sided 4 mm precision bits? Thank you

[@fastandcurious]

This is the double sided bit kit I bought: 96 In 1 Mini screwdriver kit a.aliexpress.com/_Ez4TJPF Sorry for the late response.

[@ForeGeorgeman]

What's the brand of those double ended precision bits? I've had a hard time finding any. Glad to see more people making ultralight, actually pocketable edc tool kits.

[@fastandcurious]

It is one of those no name products sold on AliExpress (and maybe other similar services) a.aliexpress.com/_Exlw1rL I have no affiliation with AliExpress nor with the manufacturer or shop. I am posting this link as info.

[@dimmodddimmodd7199]

don't clear understand what double sided precision bits you use please explain

[@fastandcurious]

The double sided precision 4mm bits are of this mini screwdriver set 96 In 1 that I bought. I published this link also on my newer video. a.aliexpress.com/_EwBMf9J

[@lmbraga]

wouldn't a Victorinox Compact be less weight than the Bantam + Signature?

[@fastandcurious]

Great question, one would think so. But actually the Compact is 12g heavier than the combination of Bantam Alox and Signature. This question is actually worth a video. Fun fact: the scissors layer of all 91mm Victorinox weighs about 23g, which is the same as the whole Signature. Alox Bantam + Signature 29g + 23g = 52g 29€ + 27€ = 56€ Compact 64g 47€ official price The combination is lighter, but slightly more expensive. I can more easily carry the combo, as the Bantam is in the wallet and the Signature on my key ring. For me the base multi tool are actually the 58mm SAKs, as I always carry one: either the Signature, the Mini Champ or the Mini Champ first generation pre 90s. The latter one doesn't have the combo tool Philips/ bottle opener.

[@inLoopie]

Where did you get the wallet from?

[@fastandcurious]

I think it is this one globehope.com/products/aro-korttikotelo-messumatto-musta. I got it as a promotional gift.

[@inLoopie]

@@fastandcurious Thank you!

[@Rick-fz7tt]

What’s the name of the leather wallet you used?

[@fastandcurious]

It is a Finnish brand called Globe Hope, I think it should be the "card holder Aro". globehope.com/products/aro-korttikotelo-messumatto-musta. I am not sure about the name of this specific wallet because I got this as a promotional gift.

[@jasper5945]

can you check the RUIKE S11 Blade if its better than the bantam alox?

[@fastandcurious]

Why are you interested in the S11, do you hesitate which one to buy? You are right that the specs look similar at first. However the blade of the Bantam Alox is longer, the Bantam looks quite a bit thinner and for me therefore better for the wallet. Weight is about the same, the S11 has no additional tools - which for me disqualifies the S11 unless it is the best blade under the sun. For me the Bantam works better. I like the blade quality, therefore I can't find anything with the S11 that would appeal to me. Which one is the better "knife"? No idea, the Vic blades are relatively soft and can be sharpened quite easily. Even knife enthousiasts carry a Victorinox as their second or third knife. They just work great for a very good price. The S11 looks nice, Ruike is a good quality brand as far as I know. There are other channels which do a much better job with those kind of one to one comparisons 😉

[@jasper5945]

@@fastandcurious I see, thank you for this really good insight. Yes im still trying to build my own version and trying to look at different options at the moment

[@simonh6371]

It's a bit thicker and made from Sandvik 12C27. If you were considering this why not see if you can get hold of one of the Bokerplus Mini Techtools, there is one with added scissor layer, one with an added bottle opener/flat driver, and one with both. But they're pretty much impossible to find now here in the UK. They come from the same factory as the Ruike and are identical except for the scales.

[@mikeyfelley]

Knipex pliers a complete waste of a tool. They won’t loosen nor tighten anything properly. Great little tool for gripping but certainly shouldn’t be included in a small edc.

[@fastandcurious]

Well, I agree to disagree. Pliers are rarely great for tightening and loosening. More to hold on, grip like you say. I use them to pull bike cables but mostly to counter screws. But if needed you can do it. I used my Cobra XS once for tightening a water hose under a sink, because nothing else would be thin enough to get in that right space. If you regularly need pliers on bolts I would recommend the Knipex wrench pliers ( pliers wrench) XS or 125 (which I own).

[@mikeyfelley]

Fair play to you it’s not an argument nor a criticism. I actually have the full set of Knipex & i like them a lot however as stated earlier i don’t think they should be added to an EDC having said that you have found a need with your bikes and what ever suits the individual is the way forward. I have just seen far too many EDC kits with brand new news that no one uses. it like they are doing it for video purposes rather than getting the actual use of a website designed tool. If seen videos on here where people say they are good for slackening bolts & tightening which they are not used for unless it’s plastic drainage. Anyway keep up the good work

[@fastandcurious]

@@mikeyfelley Thank you! Will do, hopefully soon