How to assemble Your Every Day Carry (EDC)

Every Day Carry - or EDC - is the collection of items you keep on your person day in, day out. Whether you're heading to the office, exploring the city, or spending a weekend outdoors, your EDC should be functional, reliable, and - if you're doing it right - beautifully made.

Here's how I think about building a considered EDC that stands the test of time.

1. A Quality Wallet

Your wallet is probably the most-used item in your whole EDC. I'd always point you toward vegetable-tanned leather - it develops a rich patina over time, so it only gets better the more you carry it. A slim, full-grain wallet keeps your cards and cash organised without adding bulk. Steer clear of synthetic materials that crack and peel - buy once, carry it for decades.

2. A Reliable Keychain

Keys are a daily necessity, but a tangled mess of metal never looks the part. A leather keychain or key fob keeps things tidy and adds a bit of craftsmanship to something you handle dozens of times a day. Look for one with a solid brass or stainless steel ring so it actually lasts.

3. A Pen Worth Writing With

In a world of screens, a good pen still earns its place. Whether you're signing documents, jotting notes, or leaving a handwritten message, a decent pen says something. Pair it with a slim leather notebook sleeve for a proper writing kit.

4. A Pocket Knife or Multi-Tool

A compact folding knife or multi-tool earns its keep on any given day - opening packages, cutting cord, tightening a loose screw. Go for one with a quality steel blade and a handle that actually feels good in the hand. A leather sheath or pouch keeps it protected and easy to reach.

5. Your Phone - Protected

Your smartphone is your camera, map, wallet, and communication hub rolled into one. A well-made leather phone case protects it without adding unnecessary bulk, and it develops its own character alongside the rest of your carry.

6. A Cardholder or Card Sleeve

If you prefer to travel light, a slim leather cardholder is the minimalist's answer to the traditional wallet - just the essentials, two or three cards and a folded note, nothing more.

7. A Watch

A watch is the one piece of jewellery most men wear every day. Whether mechanical or quartz, a well-chosen watch anchors your wrist and your look. A leather strap - especially vegetable-tanned - adds warmth and ages beautifully.

8. A Bag That Works Hard

For anyone who carries more - a laptop, a notebook, gym kit - a well-structured bag ties the whole EDC together. A leather tote, briefcase, or backpack in full-grain leather will outlast synthetic alternatives many times over, and it'll look better with every year of use.

The LW Leatherworking Approach

Every piece I make is meant to earn a permanent place in your EDC. I work in full-grain, vegetable-tanned leathers sourced from UK and EU tanneries, and I finish everything by hand in my own workshop. The aim is leather goods that don't just look good on day one - they get better with every bit of carry, developing a patina that becomes properly yours.

Have a browse through my range of wallets, keychains, cardholders, and accessories, and start building an EDC that's actually worth carrying.