Best Flashlight/Knife Combo EDC

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Sep 5, 2005
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I took a S&W Powerglide knife, threw the knife in a box and put a Cold Steel Voyager 5-inch folder in the S&W case, put in on my belt with a Fenix L2D (2 AA)), and that's been my EDC setup now for several years. But what is your setup? And do you have an EDC flashlight?

Now that lights are shrinking in size, I could downsize my light, but not my knife. I've become very fond of my CS Voyager, especially my 5-inch VG-1 plain edge. Now CS has gone back to AUS8 (bummer!), I'm right where I want to be on that. I could dump the case and carry the knife in my back or side pocket, but that would be depending on what I do with the light. Most modern lights are exceptionally bright with outstanding runtimes.

I saw a documentary the other day about a highway accident. The victims were trapped in their vehicle by their safety belts and it wasn't until someone with a knife showed up that the would be helpers could stop sawing at the belts with screwdrivers and other ill-suited tools! I didn't begin carrying flashlights until I began to (unofficially) maintain computers in a public relations job I held a few years ago. (Also, as a bicycler, I found that sometimes it would be raining or dark when I left work -- so a bright strobe kept me well lit when I rode back home!) Once I found that a light could come in as handy as a knife, I was sold.

Are flashlights as important to you as good carry knives? If not, why not? And if yes, what made you decide to carry a light?
 
I don't carry a flashlight because I already have enough in my pockets. Also, my phone has a bright dual LED flash that works well enough for me.
 
I only carry a light when it's dark. Got a Surefire C3 and a Maratac AAA and figured that these two should cover all of my illumination needs. With knives, however, I have a much larger variety.
 
My setup: Spyderco Delica 4 saber grind (RB pocket, alone) + HDS Systems Ra Clicky 140E (FL pocket, with phone) The knurling of the light abrades the phone, so I made a phone pouch out of some heavyweight denim and paracord.

Actually, I find I need a light far more often than I do my knife. But then again, I live in AZ, and get a lot of nasty critters out and about (even inside the house!). That's what prompted me to get a light in the first place. I used to carry a Nitecore D10 (1st gen R2), but wanted something more durable, so I bought the Clicky. I couldn't be happier with it.

I actually haven't felt the need to buy more EDC-type lights since I bought it. Now, high-output monsters, on the other hand...

Regarding importance of carry, let me put it this way. If I'm wearing pants, I have my light with me; if I'm taking my wallet, I take my knife.
 
This is part of the reason i carry 4-6 knives, ill have my large and small edc rotation but keep my leatherman wave, Bm42 and a Photon Proton single AA on person at all times for emergencies
 
My cell phone has a bright LED flash that can be switched on for flashlight mode, but a dedicated flashlight will be so much easier to access in an emergency and brighter as well.

I rotate out my EDC knives, but I do have very few EDC flashlights mainly because of weight issues. They all have to be 1AAA or 1AA or 1 CR123 battery to keep weight down since it will be inside my pocket, not clipped to it.

I have a Coast p2 and a Fenix E01. Both 10 lumens. I'm looking for a good multi-function (high, low, strobe, SOS), but hasn't been a priority for me.
 
My current combo is a ZT 0551 and a milky modded Surefire L2. Can't remember what made me want a carry light but when I started looking the SF L2 was just the one I had to have. It's been at least 6 years now and its been carried nearly every day, I have several other lights but the L2 simply works for me.
 
My favorite combo is a S90V Para-military 2 and Zebralight SC51 (up to 200lumens on 1xAA or a 16day runtime on low)
 
I usually always have a 4sevens Quark Mini AA S2 in my pocket at work, along with a beater knife. Outside of work, Sunwayman V10R and usually something with CF or CPM-M4, so a Gayle Bradley or Benchmade 950BK-1001.
 
Basic set-up always includes a light. Getting ready for work right now and I'll have a Milkyspit/Leef Gotham with an SST50 led upgrade, an Emerson Horseman and a Rekat Fang in my pocket. I'll probably add another folder on my way out the door.
 
I have a 3LED Peak Matterhorn on my car keys and a Peak Pacific with a CR2 body in my watch pocket. I edc a smaller knife - today it is a Spyderco Michael Walker. At times, it is a Spyderco Rookie.
 
I've been carrying a 4sevens preon on my keychain and a Sage 2 lately. At night, thats augmented with a Zebralight sc60w. The neutral tint on the zebralight is really pleasing to the eyes.
 
Lately, I carry both a Quark Mini CR2 titanium and a Quark Preon Revo SS. The Revo is on my keychain and is one fine AAA light.

As far as knives usually my Vic Explorer Plus tags along with me. Or my Schrade Walden 787 single spring Muskrat. On occasion, I carry both knives.

Flashlight, Seiko Monster, knife, Leatherman Kick, Smith 442, Split Pea lighter, Zippo tape measure......always with me when out and about. Lately been better about carrying the cell phone along but I hate those things. :D

Those Quarks have low-med-high and disco modes (SOS, flash, beacon) and I use them all of the time.
 
My edc includes a large sebenza and a traditional slip joint. I have a flashlight in my pack (quark 2 aa 4seven) and use it as my bikes flashlight and for camping etc. I dont edc it because I just dont find it very useful for every day use. Too much bulk for very little action. More of a specialty tool for me much like a multitool. I keep em close and around but rarely have them on my person unless in use.
 
Case peanut or Schrade 34 OT in the front pocket, and a Mag solitaire on my keychain. This setup seems to be more than enough to get me through the day.
 
this combo works well for me:
Spyderco Delica 4 FFG
4Sevens Preon2.
i started carrying a light because i needed something to carry for SD when i couldnt carry a knife, such as at school.
 
My edc is hanging on my keys. The Spyderco Bug and a Fauxton keychain LED. I used to carry a Fenix EO1, but replaced it with the Fauxton as it put out nearly the same light.

In the car ive got a Surefire G2L and a SAK.

At work i carry a BM Triage, Surefire Z2L + Malkoff drop-in and a Surefire E1B Backup.
 
i carry a Maglite xl100. great little flashlight, runs on 3 AAA's and easily lights up a dark room. it can be dimmed, and has many features like strobe, SOS ETC. plus you can lock it so it won't click on in your pocket! i've used mine in everything from ~20 degree weather taking a motor out of a truck in the snow to 80 degrees looking around in cupboards. it's been a wonderful little light and runs forever on it's 3 AAA's. undoubtedly worth every penny. especially when it's only $40!
 
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