Simple Living

October 2024 Everyday Carry (EDC) I've successfully streamlined my Everyday Carry (EDC) setup, fitting all my items into my front pockets by reducing weight. I opted for the 1-ounce lighter iPhone 16 (compared to my previous 7-ounce iPhone 14 Pro) and a slim Coach wallet , making it more comfortable to carry daily. I enjoy swapping between my various Victorinox models, with the Huntsman being a favorite for its utility. I also rotate between my Casio G-Shock 5600 and A168 watches, depending on my mood and the occasion. Current EDC Items Apple iPhone 16 Casio G-Shock 5600 Victorinox Manager (not pictured, on my car key ring) Victorinox Huntsman Coach Leather Card Wallet This combination offers a balance of functionality and style, ensuring I’m well-equipped for everyday tasks. First Aid For convenience, I also carry 2 band-aids and a wet wipe inside one of the card pockets of my wallet.  

Updated Everyday Carry (EDC) I've updated my everyday carry (EDC) over the years and have settled on some basic brand names. Card Wallet Concerns For the longest time, I’ve owned a Coach card wallet but always felt nervous using it, as I found it falling out of my pockets at home. I finally figured out how to clip it to my inner pocket and weigh it down next to my keys. I may explore other attachment options to clip it to my phone as well. Another reason for downsizing to a slim wallet is to keep my back pockets empty. It’s painful during long drives and a nuisance to constantly relocate my larger wallet. March 2024 EDC: Apple iPhone 14 Pro Casio A168WG Victorinox Manager Victorinox Huntsman Coach Leather Card Wallet

Growing Affection for the Huntsman Victorinox I'm increasingly drawn to the Victorinox Huntsman 4-layer model. Initially, I thought I'd prefer the Deluxe Climber or Tinker , but the added height from the pliers makes that preference debatable. Surprisingly, I’m also enjoying the Champion Plus for everyday carry (EDC); it’s even larger than any of my 4-layer models! What’s really swaying my preference towards the Huntsman is the inclusion of the wood saw . It makes it an ideal choice for true EDC functionality. In addition to the Huntsman, I have most of the common 4-layer options available, except the Mountaineer , Angler , Fisherman , and Deluxe Tinker . However, I doubt I would carry the Fisherman or Angler in a practical sense; they seem more suited for collectors. The Mountaineer sounds appealing, but I’d rather seek out a discontinued Passenger or Ranger for my collection.

New Addition: Deluxe Climber Victorinox I recently picked up a Deluxe Climber , a discontinued model that’s a bit more uncommon. It’s almost identical to the current Deluxe Tinker , but with one key difference: it features a corkscrew instead of a Phillips screwdriver. I'm currently debating whether to sell this model in favor of the Deluxe Tinker, but for now, I plan to pocket EDC it since I do appreciate the inclusion of the pliers. I got this for a fair price of $26 , which feels reasonable. In all honesty, this model only needs a bit driver and it's the Cybertool M . If a Phillips is what I’m after, I might as well splurge for the Cybertool instead!

New Addition: Champion Plus Victorinox I recently added a Champion Plus to my collection. This discontinued Victorinox Swiss Army knife model is the predecessor to the current Swiss Champ , but it notably lacks the pliers. I have to say, I find this 6-layer tool set quite appealing, although it does feel a bit impractical for pocket EDC. Nevertheless, I’m going to give it a try and see how it performs. If it doesn't work out, I’ll likely stick with my Huntsman or Deluxe Climber . As opportunities arise, I plan to pick up more discontinued models in good condition to enhance my collection. I paid only $45 for this one, a decent price!

First Experience with Victorinox Repair Service I tried the Victorinox repair service for the first time and sent my knives to their Monroe Center in Connecticut. Here’s a quick summary of the process: Day 1: Created a repair order online. Day 1: Mailed my knives to Victorinox, paying $5.85 for USPS. Day 6: USPS delivered the package to Victorinox. Day 11: Received an email from Victorinox confirming they had my knives. Day 17: Victorinox emailed me shipping details with UPS tracking. Day 18: I was charged $5.41 per knife for the repair. Day 21: Received my knives back. Total Cost: $16.67 The total time for the repair was three weeks from printing the form to receiving my knives back. Out of this, two weeks (11 days) were for shipping transit time, so the actual repair took about one week (10 days) . Overall, the experience was quite good. The Huntsman is spectacular, and the Explorer is functional again, but considering its age, it might be better to buy a new one rathe

Getting Back into Knife Maintenance It’s been a while, and I’m getting back into the habit of cleaning my knife collection. I’ll need to gather some oil, sharpeners, and other tools to do this properly. For now, it’s simply about cleaning off any residue on the knives and implements, as I often use them to open packages and end up with tape gunk on the blades and scissors. My Trekker sees the most action, and I’m finding the Phillips head quite useful. I’ll need to consider adding a Deluxe Tinker or Handyman to my collection to include a set of pliers. With a good maintenance routine, I can keep my collection in top shape and ready for any task.

Swiss Army Knife Haul & Collection Update Just added eight pristine Swiss Army Knives to the collection! This haul included essentials like the Fieldmaster and Huntsman, which I’ve now fully stocked for my car and backpacks. Here’s a quick rundown of what I picked up: Fieldmaster x2 Huntsman x2 Tinker Delemont Evo Junior 9 - Sold Pruning Knife - Sold Bantam - Keeping; it’s a unique piece. Champion Plus Deluxe Climber With these new additions, my collection now totals 35 knives, spanning various models and sizes. After selling the Delemont and Pruning Knife, I’ve optimized the collection to feature versatile favorites. Here's the latest inventory: Current Collection (35 Knives) 111mm (1) Trekker Black // 2011 91mm (18) Swiss Champ Red // 2011 Champion Plus Red // 2009 - 2016 Huntsman Silver Tech // 2009 - 2011 Black // 1979 - 1985 Red x2 // 2011 Camo // 2011 Fieldmaster Red x2 // 2011 Explorer Red // 1991 - 1992 Deluxe Climber Red // 1992 - 1998 Climber Red // 1979 - 1985 T

The Utility of a Simple Pair of Scissors It’s the utility of a simple pair of scissors that makes a 58mm Classic Swiss Army Knife probably one of the best options for urban EDC. While a knife can work, the scissors just work better in most situations. Bottles, bottles… The one drawback of a Classic is the lack of a bottle opener, which is remedied with the similarly sized Rambler or Manager. For me, a Manager—which is essentially a Rambler with a retractable ballpoint pen—is my ideal urban EDC. Size and weight are also factors in dubbing the 58mm Swiss Army Knife one of the most convenient and practical EDC tools. It also simplifies my choice of complementing the Classic with a separate knife folder; I find a 91mm Camper or my 111mm Trekker to be ideal. But the awl… The only additional tool I could find useful on a 91mm SAK is maybe the awl. It’s surprising how valuable it is to make a hole in a plastic lid using an awl. That said, the Cellidor 91mm awl is in an inconvenient location a

I got a chance to visit the Surplus Store in Austin and it lived up to its name in finding cheap Victorinox Swiss Army knives. They had them arranged in several set of bins ranging in price from $1 for basic 58mm Classics to $3-4 for 91mm and specialty scales 58mm Classics. Most were in rough shape and had seen better days, but there are a few hidden gems and for $9, scored 6 58mm Swiss Army Knives: Memory Signature Rambler Classic x3 The Memory, Signature and Ramblers go for $15-20 each online and the Classics at least $3 a piece so overall a $69 value for $9. This is the price point that makes this hobby fun. Update - 7/1/22 - Cleaning 🧼  Finally got around to cleaning the knives I bought.  Most were surprisingly already clean with no dust or debries between the scales. I’m liking the Rambler and may use that for my EDC.

Exciting Find: 1991-1992 Swiss Army Knife Explorer I found a nice example of a 1991-1992 Swiss Army Knife Explorer model. I dated it based on the tang stamp on the main blade, which indicates it’s from 1986-1992. It has to be from after 1991 since it includes the carrier hook on the bottom tools. The old-style grey magnifying lens confirms it’s an older model Explorer, as those were produced from 1973-2004. Overall, it's a good find for $20! This piece will complete my collection as a counterpoint to the similar four-layer Huntsman. The choice of Phillips screwdriver and magnifying lens makes this a useful addition to my gear.

My Simplified Pocket EDC Lately, I’ve simplified my Pocket Everyday Carry (EDC) and generally carry seven core items with an additional four optional items. Core Items: iPhone 11 Wallet Keys Wristwatch USB thumb drive (on keychain) Swiss Army Knife (on keychain) Bandaids (in wallet) Optional Items: AirPods Pro Pen LED flashlight BIC Lighter More often than not, I include only the optional AirPods with my core EDC. The rest I find more convenient to leave in my messenger bag or backpack that I have near me.

My Experience with a Daiso Foldable Backpack I’ve been on the lookout for a foldable backpack, considering brands like Osprey , but I wasn’t ready to spend $30 or more. Instead, I found a Foldable Backpack from Daiso for just $4 . I needed something lightweight to carry a water bottle and some snacks while out and about, and this bag seemed perfect for that! Pros and Cons of the Daiso Backpack Initial Impressions For $4 , you definitely get an ultralight bag made of thin material with weaker zippers. It’s crucial to treat it gently; if you do, it’ll serve its purpose. However, the instruction tag warns against moisture, so it’s not water-resistant and could easily soak through. Plenty of Pockets The bag features: A main compartment A smaller compartment that it folds back into Two side mesh pouches for small water bottles A small hanging pocket within the main compartment The pockets are quite useful, although I wouldn’t risk putting anything valuable in the side mesh pockets; I ju

Alox vs. Cellidor: My Experience with Victorinox Swiss Army Knives Having owned and used both Alox and Cellidor Victorinox Swiss Army knives, I've come to appreciate the unique characteristics of each. These materials define the handles, or scales, of the knives, leading to differences in durability, weight, and aesthetics. Understanding Alox and Cellidor Alox Material : Alox stands for Aluminum Oxide , a metal finish that has been used in military-issued Soldier knives for the Swiss Army since the 1960s, continuing until around 2008. Victorinox has also produced civilian versions, such as the Pioneer Alox , which is a near-exact replica of the Soldier with the addition of a keyring. Durability : The metallic scales offer increased resistance to impact and chemicals compared to plastic, making them a robust choice for rugged use. Cellidor Material : Cellidor refers to the plastic scales used on many Victorinox civilian knife models, most famously recognized by their iconic red co

Excited to Welcome My First Limited Edition Swiss Army Knife I’ve finally taken the plunge and picked up my first Limited Edition Swiss Army Knife : the Aqua Blue Alox Pioneer . Released as part of the 2020 annual colors edition, I found it at a particularly good price, and I couldn't resist. Shifting Focus in My Collection I’ve decided to halt my collecting for the remainder of 2021 , with the exception of possibly picking up another Limited Edition, such as the 2021 Alox Pioneer X . With over half a billion Swiss Army Knives produced as of 2017, there’s really no need to chase after common models. Instead, I want to focus on the uniqueness of Limited Editions that stand out in my collection. Impressions of the Main Blade The main blade on the Alox Pioneer is the most substantial one I've yet to experience among my Swiss Army Knives. I own several models, from the svelte 58mm Classic to the 111mm Trekker , but the 93mm Alox stands out as a beefy contender. The blade features

Reflecting on a Decade with the Victorinox Swiss Army Knife - One Hand Trekker I recently realized that I purchased my Victorinox Swiss Army Knife - One Hand Trekker from Amazon back in 2011 , making it a decade old! Despite the time that has passed, it still looks and feels brand new, as I’ve barely used it. The Need for a Locking Blade The Trekker was an essential purchase for me, especially after a nasty accident with a regular 91mm Swiss Army Knife. While multitasking on a hike, I accidentally sliced my hand quite badly. Fortunately, I managed to apply first aid and avoid a trip to the hospital, but it definitely highlighted the need for a safer option. The 111mm Trekker not only offers a locking blade for added safety but also maintains the trusted quality of the Victorinox brand. In hindsight, I wish I had gone for the non-serrated version . However, I’m satisfied with the standard serrated option, especially since I picked it up for just $31 back in 2011. Nowadays, the Trekk

Finding the Ideal Urban EDC: The Victorinox Climber After experimenting with various Swiss Army Knife models, I've concluded that the Victorinox Climber is the ideal choice for my urban EDC needs. Portability, weight, and a good pair of scissors are the three key factors I consider when selecting a Swiss Army Knife for everyday carry. Here are a few other contenders I considered: Compact : Lacks an awl and a second blade. Super Tinker : Features a Phillips head instead of a corkscrew. Pioneer X : Has no bottom-side tools and an awl instead of a second blade. Tools of the Climber Large Blade Small Blade Can Opener Bottle Opener Scissors Awl/Reamer Corkscrew Tweezers Toothpick Weight and Portability Considerations While models like the Huntsman and Explorer offer a wide array of tools, the extra weight—about half an ounce more for the Huntsman—can make a noticeable difference in pocket carry. In an urban setting, I’ve found that the wood saw, while handy, isn't essential for m

Restarting My Victorinox Swiss Army Knife Collection for 2021 I'm excited to restart my Victorinox Swiss Army Knife collection for 2021! I've recently acquired an Alox Cadet and have a Huntsman and Climber on the way. My focus will be on a few select models, emphasizing Alox for its durability and aesthetics, while the plastic scale models will serve utility roles, stored at the office, home, and in various bags. Current Collection Swiss Champ Red // 2011 // Collectible Trekker Black // 2011 // BOB bag Huntsman Silver Tech // 2016 // EDC rotation Black // 1979-1985 // Hiking Bag Cadet Alox Silver // EDC rotation Climber Black // 1979-1985 // Collectible Traveler // 1979-1985 // Collectible Hoffritz // 1985-1990 // Collectible Ruby // 1992-2005 // EDC rotation Camper Red // 1999-2005 // Collectible Spartan Red // 2009-2011 // Car Red // 2009-2011 // Office Ruby/Sapphire // 2009-2011 // Messenger Bag Classic Classic // First Aid Classic Lite // Collectible With the Huntsman a

EDC Essentials for March 2021 I’m usually with my messenger bag that includes more items, like first aid, bottled water, and some snacks. But if I’m on foot around town, this is usually what I have in my pockets along with my keys and a Kingston 8GB USB drive. I’ll likely add a Bic lighter to make for a more complete basic tool set. Possibly a small bit of paracord wrapped in a keychain. Current Items iPhone 11 Ballpoint pen Victorinox Cadet Swiss Army Knife Leather wallet  

Commemorating the Wild Year with a Victorinox Alox Cadet A Wild Year The past 12 months have been the wildest of my life, and even that is an understatement. To commemorate the COVID-19 years and remind myself of how crazy it’s been, I picked up a Victorinox Swiss Army Knife - Alox - Cadet. A Design That Captivates I've always wanted an Alox model ever since I purchased the Alox 8GB USB drive and found the all-metal design truly breathtaking. There is a certain feeling of assurance in its durability when you hold it in your hands, and while it’s smaller than my Spartan, it weighs about the same. Trusty Companion - Spartan My trusty Spartan has been by my side for several years, and unfortunately, it has begun to show its age, with the plastic scales warping and coming undone. While I have several other Spartans, I wanted to opt for an Alox as my everyday carry, as I anticipate this will last longer and not require more regular replacement, although my Spartan has been with me for a