2 EDC Items Everyone Should Own and Carry Daily
There are two specific EDC items everyone should own, and I consider them non-negotiable for daily preparedness.
It doesn’t matter if you are male or female, these two everyday carry essentials will serve you well. The first is a powerful flashlight, and the second is a quality knife. These two EDC items are critical for both simple utility tasks and, if necessary, for self-defense.
In my career as a fitness and conditioning coach, I focus on preparing the body for challenges. But being truly prepared also means having the right tools. This guide will help you choose the right ones to make your daily activities easier and give you practical options for personal protection.
Disclaimer: It is recommended that you check your state and local laws before buying the two EDC items listed below. Some states regulate the type and length of knife you may own and carry.
Table of contents
Key Takeaways
- A dedicated flashlight is superior to a smartphone light for safety and utility, offering greater brightness (lumens) and beam distance (candela) for true situational awareness.
- A quality knife is primarily a utility tool for daily tasks like opening packages. Its self-defense application is a last resort.
- Key features to look for in an EDC flashlight include at least 500-1000 lumens, a durable body, and a reliable power source like rechargeable 18650 batteries.
- When choosing a knife, consider the blade steel (like S30V for performance or D2 for budget) and a secure locking mechanism like a compression or frame lock.
What EDC Items Should You Have on Your Person Everyday?
Below are the two foundational EDC items that should always be on your person or in an everyday carry bag that you keep with you.
1. Flashlight
Your smartphone light is not a substitute for a real flashlight. While it’s fine for finding your keys, it lacks the power needed for safety and true utility. If you need to identify a potential threat from a distance in a dark parking lot, your phone’s weak beam is simply not up to the task.
Related Article: Surprising Ways Everyday Carry Hanks Improve Your Daily Routine
A high-quality tactical flashlight provides the power to see clearly and act decisively. For defensive purposes, a beam of 1,000 lumens or more can temporarily disorient an attacker, giving you precious seconds to create distance or escape. Many EDC users also look at a light’s candela rating, which measures beam intensity. A high-candela light creates a focused “hotspot” that can reach farther than a high-lumen “flood” light.
A proper EDC flashlight should also be built for durability, often from aircraft-grade aluminum, and designed to serve as an impact tool if needed. The body should extend slightly from your palm when held in a fist, creating a more effective striking surface.
One of my go-to EDC items is the Streamlight HL-X. It boasts a powerful 1,000-lumen beam that effectively turns night into day. It’s programmable, so you can set it to your preference, though I keep mine on the high-only setting for maximum defensive output. It’s one of the most powerful and reliable EDC flashlights available. Other excellent brands to consider are Fenix, known for its rugged construction, and Olight, which often features convenient magnetic charging systems.
Related Article: Streamlight Microstream: The Perfect Rechargeable EDC Flashlight?
To improve handling, I pair my flashlights with a Thyrm Switchback 2.0. This accessory adds a large finger ring, making it much faster to draw the light from a pocket and secure your grip, especially under stress. It’s a small addition that makes a huge difference in deployment speed and retention.
2. Knife
The second of the EDC items everyone should own is a modern folding knife. Before you buy, you must check your local laws to ensure you comply with blade length, lock type, and opening mechanism regulations. A knife is an incredibly versatile utility tool for daily life.
Using a knife for self-defense should only happen if your life is in immediate danger and you cannot escape the threat. Be aware that even a justified use can lead to legal complications while the situation is investigated.
While it can be used for self-defense, that is its secondary function and an absolute last resort. A survey of EDC users on Reddit revealed the most common use of a pocketknife is opening boxes. Other frequent uses include cutting rope, preparing food, and handling minor daily cutting tasks.
Related Article: Self-Defense EDC Recommendations for Vacation or Business Trips
A knife I frequently carry is the Spyderco Yojimbo 2. You can see a full breakdown in my review of this knife.
Designed by self-defense expert Michael Janich, the Yojimbo 2 is built for performance. Its Wharncliffe blade shape is excellent for utility cuts and provides significant defensive capability. The G-10 handle scales offer a secure grip, while the compression lock is incredibly strong and safe to use. This model uses high-quality S30V blade steel, which provides a great balance of edge retention and corrosion resistance. When the blade is open, there is absolutely no play, which speaks to its solid construction.
Related Article: The Best EDC Knives on Amazon [Top 10 Edition]
Of course, my EDC knife rotation changes based on my needs for the day. Sometimes I carry the Spyderco Sage for a different feel or another knife entirely. Your choice of everyday carry items should always be tailored to your environment and expected tasks.
EDC Items Everyone Should Own — It’s Very Personal
This article highlights my two favorite EDC items everyone should own. Your personal preferences and local laws will shape your final choices. While other items like a firearm, a medical kit with a tourniquet, or pepper spray are also excellent additions, I believe a quality flashlight and knife form the essential foundation for any everyday carry system.
Related Article: Ink and Impact — Exploring the Versatility of Tactical Pens
Tying preparedness into a healthy lifestyle is a passion of mine, which I cover in my book on the subject. I’m always curious to know what you carry. What do you consider the most vital EDC items? Let me know your thoughts on my social media platforms!
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FAQs About EDC Items
What’s more important for a flashlight, lumens or candela?
It depends on the primary use. Lumens measure the total amount of light output, creating a bright, wide “spill.” This is great for lighting up a whole room. Candela measures the beam’s intensity and distance, creating a focused “hotspot.” For identifying things far away or cutting through fog, high candela is more important. For self-defense, a light with high lumens and a focused high-candela beam is ideal.
Is expensive knife steel really worth it?
For many users, a good budget steel like D2 or a mid-range steel like S30V is more than enough. These offer great performance for daily tasks. Premium steels like M390 offer superior edge retention and corrosion resistance, but they come at a much higher price and can be more difficult to sharpen. The upgrade is worth it for enthusiasts or those who are very hard on their knives.
What should I do before carrying a knife for self-defense?
First, get professional training. A knife is a lethal weapon that requires skill to use safely and effectively under pressure. Second, know your local laws inside and out, including the legal justification for using lethal force. A knife should always be your last resort when you cannot escape a situation that threatens your life.
Besides a knife and flashlight, what’s a good third EDC item to add?
A small medical kit is an excellent third item. You are far more likely to encounter a situation requiring first aid, like a cut or scrape, than a self-defense scenario. A basic kit can include bandages, antiseptic wipes, and potentially a tourniquet if you have the training to use one.
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