Ensuring that you are intentional with what you have on your keychain, it’s important to think through the types of tools and gear you put on it. The free keychain you got when you bought your car offers no value and just takes up space.
As one of your most important and used pieces of kit, have you optimized your keys for weight, utility, and size? Is your current keychain setup working for you?
- Utility: Keys (for your vehicle, house, work, storage, etc.), a back-up cutting tool to your EDC knife (like the Porter Keychain we’re featuring here), etc. all add utility to your keychain. Ensuring that you put thought to what you’re carrying and why prevents you from leaving critical EDC gear off
- Weight: Evaluating aluminum or titanium against the heavier metals such as copper and brass can make sure you don’t regret a possibly expensive gear purchase
- Size: Bigger is not necessarily always better, especially when your keys budge in your pocket, making an uncomfortable mess
Let’s take a closer look at the gear you need in order to build a functional EDC keychain that is lightweight, small, and offers the utility you need.
Have the ability to cut
Everyman Porter EDC Keychain Multitool + Keyring
Everyman was founded on the idea of solving everyday problems. Since the ability to cut is a critical part of any intentional EDC, it’s important to always have a knife with you.
A small knife, like the Porter EDC Multitool, is a good option to ensure you always have the ability to cut as part of your Primary EDC. Reasons include:
- If a larger fixed or folding blade won’t work for your EDC, either due to limited pocket space, type of clothing you’re wearing, regulations at the place you are going, etc.
- Having a redundant EDC is something we always advocate for. Have multiple cutting tools with you so you are never without, and a small knife pairs well with your larger blade
- Save the edge of your primary blade by using your secondary knife for opening boxes, cutting through package material, etc.
- You’re in a situation where you need a more permissive blade. Opening up a small keychain knife can draw less attention than a larger pocket knife
Launched on Kickstarter back in 2015, the Porter multitool weighs less than an ounce and gives you a 3CR13 surgical-grade, drop point click-block blade, a dual-layer bottle opener, an automotive-grade Torx T3 fortified star bolt–all on a reinforced key ring.
There is plenty of room to maneuver and get access to your tools when they are stored on a steel cable ring. It’s a great way to upgrade your EDC keychain.
Have the ability to make fire
MARATAC Split Pea Lighter, Stainless Steel
MARATAC’S Split Pea Lighter is the world’s smallest stainless steel production lighter at only 1.25″ long. Constructed of 300-series stainless steel, it uses standard lighter fluid and can be carried right on your keychain.
The bottom of the lighter is flat, allowing it to stand up so it can easily serve as a hands-free source of light in a pinch.
You can also remove the lighter insert and use the Split Pea as a small, water-tight container to hold medication or other small items.
Bring some basic tools
CountyComm Screw Key 2-Piece Set
Made out of heat-treated blackened steel, the Screw Key Set by CountyComm is as basic as it can get. It’s the simple idea of a screwdriver on your keyring and includes a standard and Phillips screwdriver, both attached to a 1″ diameter satin keyring (not shown here).
Having screwdrivers easily accessible on your keychain (or kept in your Secondary EDC Pocket Organizer) can come in handy if you’re opening up battery covers, assembling basic furniture, tightening a loose door nob and even just to scrape or pry, which saves your blade. It’s a great inexpensive upgrade for your keychain tools.
Take basic first aid with you
Sliver Gripper Tweezers in Stainless Steel with Clip
Crafted from a single piece of spring-tempered stainless steel and precise in their point of contact, you can grab fine hairs, splinters, stingers, stitches, thorns and more with these tweezers. These are stainless steel, but they are also available in black oxide or titanium.
Especially if you’re out with your family, having tweezers available to provide some basic first aid is a great way to be prepared. They come with a clip that allows them to be put on your keyring. Just squeeze to pull out the tweezers to remove them from the clip. To replace them, just squeeze and push the pointed end into the clip’s slot until it clicks into place.
Most of the time the business of life results in things that can become messy. Even the little things, like your keychain, can have an impact on daily life. It is something you carry and use every single day. With that in mind, spend a few minutes and get it organized. I promise you will notice a difference.