How to Build a Matching Themed Everyday Carry (EDC) Setup

Choosing a Cohesive EDC Theme

A matching EDC theme isn’t just about making everything the same color—it’s about selecting materials, finishes, and design language that complement each other. Here’s how you can define your aesthetic:

1. Material Selection

• Metallic EDC: Titanium, brass, copper, and stainless steel are popular choices. Brass and copper age with a patina, giving a timeless, rugged look.

• Leather & Natural Materials: Leather wallets, key organizers, and notebook covers paired with wood-handled knives or metal pens create a classic, vintage feel.

• Modern Tactical: If you prefer a sleek, high-performance setup, opt for carbon fiber, G-10, or aerospace-grade aluminum.

• Hybrid Approach: Combining materials like brass and leather or titanium and micarta can balance rugged durability with refinement.

2. Color Coordination

• Monochrome (All Black Everything): Black-coated blades, black pens, and black leather or nylon wallets make for a stealthy, tactical look.

• Earth Tones (Brown, Olive, Tan): Inspired by nature, earth-toned gear blends well with leather, brass, and canvas materials.

• Metallics (Brass, Copper, Titanium): If you love the aging patina of metals, stick with these hues and complement them with brown or natural leather.

• Custom Anodization: Some titanium gear offers customizable anodization for vibrant blues, purples, and greens.

3. Trends & Styles in EDC

• Minimalist Carry: Slim wallets, small key organizers, and lightweight knives.

• Vintage & Heritage Style: Leather goods, brass accents, and hand-tooled craftsmanship.

• Tactical & Utility: Rugged and functional designs with durability in mind (think G-10 handles, MOLLE-compatible pouches, and pry bars).

• Luxury & Executive EDC: High-end fountain pens, premium knives, and finely stitched leather goods.

Example EDC Setups with Affiliate-Friendly Items

Below are some complete EDC loadouts based on different styles. These are great starting points for a well-matched carry setup:

Classic Gentleman’s EDC

• Pocket Knife: Böker Barlow (Slipjoint, Micarta Handle)

• Pen: Fisher Space Pen Bullet Brass

• Wallet: Craft & Lore Port Wallet (Brown Leather)

• Notebook: Field Notes Leather Cover

• Key Organizer: KeyBar Aluminum or Titanium

Tactical & Rugged EDC

• Pocket Knife: Spyderco Paramilitary 2 (Black G-10)

• Pen: Tactile Turn Bolt Action Pen (Titanium)

• Wallet: Dango Slim Minimalist Wallet (Aluminum/Leather)

• Multitool: Leatherman Charge+ TTi

• Flashlight: Olight Warrior Mini 2 (Black)

Minimalist & Urban Carry

• Pocket Knife: The James Brand Elko (Small & Sleek)

• Pen: Big Idea Design Ti Pocket Pro

• Wallet: Ridge Wallet (Aluminum)

• Notebook: Moleskine Cahier Journal

• Key Organizer: Orbitkey Leather Key Organizer

Brass & Bourbon Inspired EDC

• Pocket Knife: CIVIVI Elementum (Brass Scales, Black Blade)

• Pen: Karas Kustoms Retrakt Brass Pen

• Wallet: Craft & Lore Enfold Wallet

• Notebook: Craft & Lore Northwestward Field Notes

• Lighter: Zippo Brass Lighter

Brands to Watch in EDC

There are plenty of fantastic brands in the EDC world that cater to different styles. Here are some worth exploring:

• Craft & Lore – Handmade leather goods with a rugged, heirloom feel.

• Tactile Turn – Precision-machined metal pens made in the USA.

• Dango Products – Hybrid tactical and minimalist wallets.

• Big Idea Design – Adjustable and unique titanium EDC tools.

• James Brand – Sleek, modern, and minimalist knives.

• Karas Kustoms – Hand-machined metal pens for industrial aesthetics.

• Orbitkey – Elegant key organizers that keep bulk to a minimum.

• Leatherman – Classic, industry-leading multi-tools.

• Spyderco & Benchmade – Two of the most respected knife brands in EDC.

Final Thoughts

Building a themed EDC setup is a fun and rewarding process that allows you to express yourself through gear. Whether you’re curating a rugged brass-and-leather collection or a sleek titanium and carbon fiber loadout, the key is choosing quality items that fit your lifestyle.

Ready to start curating your perfect EDC? Check out our recommended gear and find the right tools to fit your everyday needs.

What’s in your EDC? Let us know, tag us on Instagram with your setup!