EDC Preferences: Personal Choices between Blade Firearms and Multiple Tools

Everyday carry (EDC) involves a range of tools and considerations. In this piece, we explore the personal landscape of EDC, particularly focusing on the contrasting choices between carrying a blade firearm, a pliers folding knife, and a small flashlight alongside a multi-tool and a centrefire firearm.

EDC Toolkit Essentials

My EDC toolkit is not limited to just a blade firearm or a gun. A farmer by profession, my primary tools include a multitool, a folding knife, and a small flashlight. These items streamline my tasks and provide effective assistance in various scenarios. Let's break down my essential tools and why they are indispensable.

Multi-Tool and Everyday Tasks

For anyone involved in the agricultural field, a multitool is an invaluable asset. A multitool contains a collection of tools such as pliers, a knife, and scissors, among others. My multitool, for instance, comprises pliers, a folding knife, and a bright flashlight. These tools are used frequently in my work.

Pliers: This tool is probably the most used. I rely on it almost daily for various tasks including bending wire, cutting tags, and removing rust. It is a versatile tool that quickly becomes a necessity in any work environment.

Folding Knife: Although not used as frequently, the knife plays a crucial role in tasks like cutting strings on bales of hay to feed the calves, or opening bags of corn seed during planting. It serves as an all-purpose utility tool.

Flashlight: In dark conditions or when working late into the night, a small but reliable flashlight is a lifesaver. It illuminates areas that need bright and focused light, aiding in tasks like reading maps or examining machinery.

Firearm and Practicality

While these tools serve me well, I also carry a small .22 caliber varmint handgun on the farm. However, I do not carry it every day due to the nature of the work. On particularly dirty or physically demanding days, such as stacking hay bales or cleaning soybean bins, the weapon is more burdensome to carry.

Why Not Every Day? In some work environments, particularly ones involving heavy physical labor or working in adverse conditions, carrying a firearm can be impractical. The heat, dirt, and potential for sweat can make the firearm uncomfortable and burdensome to carry. Thus, on days with less physical strain, I opt for the firearm.

Public Carry and Optimal Tools

When I step out of the farm and into public, my EDC set changes slightly. I often carry a centerfire bullet for protection. For instance, my wife and I frequently go out in public together, and for CCW (concealed carry) situations, I prefer a firearm with a centerfire cartridge for added reliability. I switch from my pliers to a Leatherman multitool, which is more compact and easier to carry in a pocket.

Practical Considerations: A multidimensional approach is necessary in EDC. The multitool offers a compact alternative, taking up less space in a pocket, and I do not need a separate holster for it. I carry a gun, spare magazine holster, and a flashlight, all of which fit comfortably on my belt. Hence, I do not need a fourth holster for the pliers.

Personal Philosophies on Carrying Tools and Firearms

Whether it's a knife, a firearm, or a multitool, I always prioritize tools that meet my current needs. A knife is not a weapon but a tool I use daily, whether in administrative tasks, farming activities, or other daily chores. My firearm, on the other hand, is carried with the understanding that the probability of needing it is low, but its presence ensures comfort in knowing it is there should the need arise.

How Each Tool Serves Its Purpose: For me, each item in my EDC has a unique function and intent. A firearm in self-defense is specific, while a blade can be used in a self-defense scenario if necessary, but it is primarily an all-purpose tool for daily tasks. This balance ensures that my EDC setup is both practical and versatile, tailored to the multifaceted nature of my daily tasks.

Ultimately, the choice of carrying a blade firearm, a multitool, and other utility items stems from the recognition that each tool serves its own unique and specific purpose. By carrying a combination of these tools, I ensure that I am prepared for a broad range of scenarios, whether on the farm, in public, or at home.