Trending Gear: April 2018

Avatar photo

Every day, readers like you proudly share photos of their everyday carry on the site.

Not only is looking through their pockets this way super interesting, but it’s also a great way to find really cool gear you never even knew existed (yet somehow, suddenly need…).

When you hover over an item you like and click on it in these photos, you’re also letting other EDCers know you find that gear interesting. Each click gets recorded to create a data-driven ranking of the most popular gear, which you can find in our Gear section of the site found in the top menu bar.

Gear with the most views and clicks climbs its way to the top of this feed and lets the EDC community know what’s trending right this second.

In April, it looks like you’re all getting your writing game on, picking up some unique knives, and more. Let’s get into it…



10. Scorch Torch Lighter

Fire is one of the things humans can’t naturally produce, so it’s not uncommon to pack a lighter into one’s EDC. But with all the hundreds of thousands of choices out there, standout lighters are few and far between. That’s why it’s interesting to see one as last month’s 10th most viewed item with the Scorch Torch lighter. In addition to its sci-fi, gunmetal stylings, the Scorch Torch features a double barrel of adjustable output for twice the fire power. Handling it is ergonomic thanks to its angled head, while EDC retrieval is convenient with its lanyard hole and included strap.

View on Amazon


9. Streamlight Microstream USB

The new MicroStream USB model bumps up the original’s levels fivefold, with a High output of 250 lumens for 1.5 hours, and a Low of 50 lumens for up to 3.5 hours. Output is controlled via the familiar tail clicky switch, which now doubles as a charge indicator when topping up. Charging is accessed by unscrewing a sleeve built into the USB’s head to reveal the micro USB port underneath, letting you charge the internal lithium ion battery with your power bank or wall plug. The old faithful learns some new tricks with last month’s 9th most popular item.

View on Amazon


8. Kaweco Liliput Copper

Kaweco have taken the fine writing experience and scaled it down into one of the smallest fountain pens you can carry. With its barrel measuring in at just 3.8” (96 mm) long when closed, the Liliput simply disappears in your pocket while managing to fit standard ink cartridges. Its threaded cap can post onto the back of the pen, adding length for better balance and comfort when writing with its stainless steel nib. Its copper construction also ensures a unique patina for your Liliput over its lifetime in your carry.

View on Amazon


7. Cool Hand Bolt Action Pen

Whether as a solid writing instrument, a self-defense tool, a fidget device, or just a nice replica of your favorite ordnance, the Cool Hand Bolt Action Pen certainly has the looks to back up its beefy construction. The pen’s components are machined from 303 stainless steel and coated in titanium and color finishes, with its bolt action lever its prominent external feature that deploys its Schmidt refill. It’s a standout addition to any EDC while still compact enough to be easy to carry.

View on Amazon


6. Ruike P801

If you’ve been looking for a sleek slicer to complete your silver-themed carry, then the Ruike P801 has what you need and so much more. Last month’s 6th most popular item is made almost completely from stainless steel, with its 3.39” blade made from Sandvik 14C28N steel known for its edge sharpness and stability, and its slim handles made from 3Cr14N stonewashed steel that features a very high standard of toughness and resistance. The drop point blade shape gives it a long belly for smooth slicing, while an included pocket clip and 4.23-ounce weight lets you comfortably carry the knife in your EDC.

View on Amazon


5. Moonster Leather Journal

There’s something about the rustic charm and tactile feel of writing on a proper leather journal, which explains why the Moonster Leather journal hits the 5th spot on last month’s most-viewed items. But while there are many imitation leather journals the are mass produced to just emulate the look, Moonster put some handcrafted care into literally every page of their product. From the genuine water buffalo leather of its cover to its recycled cotton pages, it captures the look, feel, and performance of a true handmade journal without the environmental cost.

View on Amazon


4. TOPS Knives Bartender Defender

This mini knife’s intimidating name comes from sworn duty to protect you from crippling thirst. With a bottle opener built into its blade design, the Bartender Defender cuts and pops as needed, when needed. Of course it helps that it’s a tough knife made of 1095 high-carbon steel, and comes with nice touches like spine jimping and a smooth finger choil for a comfortable grip. An included custom Kydex sheath makes EDCing this made-in-the-USA knife even easier.

View on Amazon


3. Mercator K55K “Black Cat”

The Mercator Black Cat looks as sleek as its namesake, with its slim, 3 and a half inch carbon blade that folds into its equally slim metal handles. It’s a classic pocketknife design that dates back to the late 1800s, proving that a great design never goes out of style. With a versatile blade that secures with a lockback mechanism, compact size, and timeless style, it’s a great traditional knife to add to any EDC.

View on Amazon


2. Kershaw Launch 4

Automatic knives offer a quick way to get to the cutting, but they’re not always allowed in all locales. Kershaw designed the Launch 4 specifically for use in California, which allows for automatic knives under 2”. But don’t let the Launch 4’s 1.9” blade fool you. It comes in high-performance CPM154 steel, offering a robust combination of corrosion and wear resistance while maintaining respectable toughness and edge retention. Per its namesake, the Launch 4’s blade deploys and retracts at the push of a button, resting within its anodized aluminum handles when not in use. With its unique features and striking look in a compact size, the made-in-the-USA Launch 4 was last month’s 2nd most popular item.

Learn More


1. Leatherman Wingman

What more is there to say about this iconic multi-tool? For over 7 years, this EDCer’s best friend has been a mainstay in hundreds of loadouts. The Wingman packs 14 essentials to solve all your everyday problems. Front and center are Leatherman’s signature spring-action pliers, bolstered by two stainless steel handles on each side. A 420HC (high-carbon) stainless steel serrated blade tucks into one side, with a pair of scissors on the other. You also get a hefty complement of drivers and utility tools like a package/bottle opener and wire cutters. All 14 tools fold into a compact package under 10 inches and weighing 7 ounces or about 200 grams. It’s last month’s most viewed item, and we won’t be surprised to see it again and again in the months and years to come.

View on Amazon

For more trending gear, be sure to check out the round-ups from our archives.

Previous Post

Kershaw Method

Next Post

MSTRMND LINX Titanium Carabiner

Related Posts