EL PASO, Texas (KTSM) — As a journalist for more years than I really care to count, I have always had a “thing” for pens, pencils and notebooks.
Don’t get me wrong: I love my assortment of pocket knives and flashlights.
But I really do love pocket notebooks that help me get the job done but also let me travel without attracting a lot of attention.
Notebooks and a good pen or pencil may be the most essential part of my EDC loadout (I know, blasphemy).
For nearly a year, I was a subscriber to Log + Jotter, a monthly service where you get a unique pocket-sized notebook (3 1/2 inches by 5 1/2 inches) mailed to you every month. You can only get Log + Jotter notebooks for a $5 monthly subscription or on the secondary market.
That gives them a nice “discovered” treasure kind of feel when they arrive each month.
They are also super convenient, being mailed right to your door. And they make it simple to cancel anytime you want and to resubscribe, if you wish.
I am also a big fan of Field Notes and recently got an offer I couldn’t refuse — 25 percent off.
I ordered a three-pack of the “Flora” notebooks, which use original designs from Chicago artist and muralist Emmy Star Brown. I also ordered a three-pack with “red hot” covers. The total order came out to about $25.
You can throw a few in your car, a drawer at work and even give out a few for gifts. And of course, they fit perfectly in your pocket.
Another place I have picked up notebooks: With orders for other types of gear.
Last November, for instance, I got a free “Let’s Go” brand notebook included in my order when I bought my Wayfinder Flux wallet.
As for my pens and pencils, my usual carry is a Parker Jotter, the iconic pen that Pierce Brosnan used as a pen grenade in “Goldeneye.”
I also usually carry a No. 15 Ready to Work mechanical pencil from Rite in the Rain. In many ways, that Rite in the Rain pencil is my favorite piece of gear. Unlike mechanical pencils from my youth, it is very difficult to break the lead. You almost have to try to break the lead; that’s how durable this pencil is.
I tie everything together with a leather notebook cover that I bought from Galen Leather. It is big enough to carry two or three pocket-sized notebooks. It also has a loop where I stash an O’Pen Mini pen from flashlight company Olight.
I also carry my CRKT Viva one-piece multitool inside. It can be used as a prybar and has some built-in hex wrench slots but it’s real purpose is to serve as a bottle opener when I’m out and about.
This Galen leather notebook cover is big on functionality but small enough to slip into my back pocket.
I do have a few other pens that I really like but don’t carry on a day-to-day basis.
I bought an Everyman Grafton Mini about a year ago for $45. It is a gorgeous pen, but for me, it was a lot of money. I carried it around with me until I thought I lost it one day. I went through a huge panic attack and luckily, I finally found it. But since then, I usually just keep it stashed in my desk at home.
Probably do need to pull it out and put it to use again, though.
I also have a tactical pen that I got from Atomic Bear. It’s a fully functional pen, but it can be used to break glass in an emergency or as a self-defense tool if ever needed.
Again, I don’t find much need to care it around but do love the concept and the price (under $20).
Here are a few helpful links to help you build your EDC:
Here are some fun and informative YouTube channels devoted to EDC.
Note: Dave Burge is a digital reporter and web producer for KTSM.com. All items mentioned or reviewed he paid for out of his own pocket, otherwise noted.
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