Pocket knife or a multi-tool? A question I go through as I go about my day

We are still in ECQ, I have already done quite a number of things to keep myself busy and now getting a bit bored. So I thought of doing some cleaning of the already clean knives and multitools that I have.  And while my computer is here why don't I write about the question I ask myself every morning as I prepare myself for the day.

From top left to right - Spyderco Pro Grip, Kershaw Shuffle 2 (with a NiteIze pocket FL) Leatherman Wingman, SAK Classic, Swiss Tech Micro Plus 9-in-1 and Pocket Multi-tool 12-in-1 and the CRKT Folts Minimalist Bowie

1. Spyderco Progrip - this is my oldest knife, I don't remember when it was handed down to me, but I remember putting it in my very old toolbox for my then hobby Tamiya Mini 4WD back in the early 2000s.  It stayed inside toolboxes of about 3 different cars and about 2 years ago when I started carrying it in my bag.  I may carry it but perhaps on a few selected occasions when I know the possibility of it getting lost is very small.
2. Kershaw Shuffle 2 - this is my newest knife.  I bought this during the ECQ to match my blue NiteIze pocket flashlight.  And since I have started carrying a knife in my pocket every day, I decided to get a budget knife instead of the Spyderco so it wouldn't hurt as much if ever I lose it.  This is a nice knife with a bottle opener and a screw head that are practical tools to have aside from the knife.  This will be in the pocket every day.  
3. Leatherman Wingman - this has everything that I should need in situations that require quick fixes.  The scissors and the knife gets the most use.  This is a bit heavy to carry daily so I bring it on days where I know there's a higher chance of it being used.  As I bring it, I make myself extra aware that it is still in my pocket.  I am so scared of losing it that it becomes one of the reasons that I don't carry it as much.
4. Swiss Army Knife - I have 3 of these, 1 stays in my office drawer, 1 stays in the car
   
   and the other one in my pocket organizer.  I bring it when I have to do quick trips out of the office along with a power bank, a USB-C cable, business cards and of course, a flashlight.  I don't bring a folder as even with the pocket clip, I don't want to have any problems with authorities in my destination.
5. Swiss Techs - These just stay in my motorcycle EDC as I don't usually bring a knife when I ride.  Again, I don't want to have any problems should I run into anything while on the road.  Carrying a bladed weapon is still against the law.
6. CRKT Folts Minimalist Bowie - I used to carry this as a neck knife when I bought it in December, 2019.  I love it but hanging them on my neck in my office seems to be a bit too flagrant even if it's hidden.  I pocketed them but the folders with their pocket clips make them more practical than this.  I gave this to the wife for her to carry in her bag for "just in case" use.  I found her using it frequently for quick food preparation in the house.  She now knows why I always carry one in my pocket.

As you can see, this is not a review, as I am not that critical of these tools.  I simply like having them on me "just in case" and I don't push these too hard as I understand that there are the right tools for the right job.  Also, I work in corporate, there are very few instances where I can push these to their limits. 

So when you see me, don't hesitate to ask for help from me to do some cutting or screwing, I will be more than happy to help! Cheers! :)

These stay with me, always! :)

Motorcycle EDC

I practice the EDC or Everyday Carry lifestyle, umm - every day.  EDC basically means those that you carry with you that you need.  Every one of us has our own EDC as it depends on our lifestyle and minimum essentials.

Spyderco ProGrip and the
Niteize pocket flashlight

On a usual workday, I carry my car keys, wallet, mobile phone, my Spyderco folder and pocket flashlight as my bare essentials on my body.  If there's a short trip out of the office, my EDC expands with a MACG pocket organizer with a power bank, USB-C cable, bullpen, BlueTooth headset and for discrete carry, replace my Spyderco folder with a Swiss Army Knife Classic.  

My EDC bag

I also carry a backpack that's filled with goodies.  But we'll get to this in a separate article.

Similarly, during my bike days, I never leave home without my bike bare essentials.  This includes an emergency tire patch set, extra tube, tools, air pump, eyewear, along with cash and mobile phone.  I have been saved quite a lot by these tools.

So it makes sense to also have a bare essential carry for motorcycling.  Today's the 5th day of the enhanced quarantine so I have more than enough time to work on my kit.  I used to just use a bag for all of these that I just place under the seat.  And I bought about three of these Pelican 1040 cases from True Value which were on sale at the time.

Everything cased in a nice Pelican 1040

My Motorcycle EDC are as follows:

• Tire patch kit
• Hand tire pump
• Work gloves
• Screwdriver with electrical tape
• Spark plug remover
• Spring preload adjuster
• Allen wrench
• A couple of Swiss+Tech multitools
• Battery Tender USB charger
• Waterproof zip bag
• Zip ties

The list will definitely grow as I get to discover more tools and kits to prepare me for the worst.

Moving forward I hope I won't be able to use any of these tools!  Unlike the bike which has a straightforward, simple mechanism.  And I imagine being able to bring it home in a cab should I get any major problems.  A motorcycle is a complicated machine.  A simple flat tire I would expect is a very toxic situation to be in, more so engine trouble.  That is why maintenance is top priority to me than performance and visual upgrades.  I would rather pay up front to keep me from having any trouble, than paying for when I AM in trouble!  Ride Safe!