John's 2025 EDC Update

Now that we're a few months into the new year, it’s time for another EDC update.  Backpacks, firearms, knives, flashlights, medical, and everything you need to be a diligent protector.  Here we go! 

The Standard Fare

We all carry the same usual stuff: a phone, wallet, keys, etc.  I like a streamlined and tapered wallet that allows me to carry some cash to help get me out of trouble.  I love the wallets we carry on our website, and they meet all my criteria, so check them out here.

For my keys, I like to use our WPS Belt Lanyard, which gives me the flexibility to hook them to a belt loop and then tuck it into my back pocket so that it doesn’t turn into an uncomfortable monkey fist in my front pocket. 

I wear a Garmin Fenix watch.  I love that it has color maps and a touch screen, and though the battery will drain quickly, it provides a lot of value.  

Now, with all the standard fare out of the way, let’s move on to the cool stuff!

Knives: WPS Fox Folder & The Nero

I carry the WPS Fox Folder as part of my daily carry.  I love how I’m able to deploy the blade quickly and use it as a push dagger.  The blade aligns with the bones of my forearm allowing me to have the support and stability to literally punch through a car door.

If I have to use this against somebody who is threatening my life or that of my family or others, the force of my punch would depress their abdomen (just for example) allowing me deeper penetration to increase the likelihood of incapacitation and end the threat.  In short, proper use gives me more penetration than just the blade length, so I really like that.

Other times, I’ll carry our Nero folder.  It’s got a long blade surface which really aids in creating deep slashing and stabbing wounds.  I go back and forth between both these knives, maybe using the Nero 40% of the time.  I really dig both of these knives, and I know you will too, so go ahead and get yourself one or both. 

Flashlight: Surefire Stiletto 

I usually don’t keep this in my pocket unless I’m doing something out at night, otherwise it stays in my vehicle’s center console.  One exception is if I’m going to the movie theater with my family, but that was back when they made good movies.  There aren’t many good movies anymore, but I’ve got hope for the future as I think of Top Gun: Maverick and Dune 2.  

Back to the light. 

I like this one because it’s got this flatter body that allows it to sit in my pocket a bit more comfortably.  It’s rechargeable and has buttons that allow me to use both a reverse “ice pick” grip and a more standard forward grip.  I like options. 

Firearms: Shadow Systems CR920P WarPoet & CR920 WarPoet

I go back and forth between two EDC guns.  One is the Shadow Systems CR920P, which has this compensator on the end of the barrel that allows for a more controllable shooting experience (remember though, it's not the gear, it’s the training, so make sure to check out our suite of classes and build your skill.  No piece of kit is going to make you a good gunfighter, only training.)  

With its comp and its 13+1 capacity, it feels like I’m shooting a larger handgun and getting all the recoil control benefits of the greater mass.  Because of these advantages, I can fight with a sub-combat gun as if it were a compact-sized Glock 19 or MR920.  It’s a definite win.  

The CR920 WarPoet is pretty much the same gun but without the compensator.  It’s still got a red dot sight on it (which comes with the WarPoet package) and makes for a perfect little gun that’s comfortable to carry, which leads us to talk about holsters. 

Holster: Tier 1 Concealed Axis Elite & Tier 1 Concealed T1-M

I love the Axis Elite as it allows me to carry in the appendix position (right where my belt buckle would normally be), and it allows me to carry an extra magazine. It’s got a wing attachment that really pushes the grip of my handgun into deeper concealment which leverages the flex in the center of the holster between the gun and the magazine to mold it to the shape of my waist. 

When I’m with my family, I virtually always choose the Axis Elite for the extra magazine.  However, if I’m going to the office or somewhere without my family, I’ll sometimes use the T1-M holster, which is a more traditional, inside-the-waistband holster for the pistol only.  It’s still got the wing that pushes the pistol’s grip more in line with the curve of my abdomen. 

The T1-M is easier to put on and take off, and it’s not taking up as much room on my belt line as the Axis Elite.  This holster is really just reserved for the smaller non-compensated version of the CR920 WarPoet pistol.  So, for just a day at the office, I’m carrying this pistol/holster combo.

The Tier 1 holsters on our website are cut for either Glocks or our War Poet pistols. If you carry something else, you can browse the full lineup of options over at Tier 1's website.

Ammo: Defiant Munitions 9mm 115gr +P

Don’t carry range ammo in your gun, you need to be using a good manufactured jacketed hollow point cartridge.  I like Defiant Munitions, your mileage may vary, but make sure you’re using high-quality, bad-guy-stopping rounds.  If you’ve got a red dot on your pistol, make sure it’s sighted to your defensive ammunition.  

Belt: WPS Supreme Appendix Carry Gun Belt - Nexbelt

Okay, so we’ve got the gun and the holster taken care of, but we can’t neglect a good belt. My favorite belt has this great ratcheting system that allows the belt to cinch in for better concealment and loosen with just the click of a button.  

Because when I sit down to eat, I don’t want my holster and pistol crushed up against my guts, I want to eat!  So, the flexibility provided here without having to undo a buckle is a huge plus for me.  I can tighten and loosen the belt discretely and be on my way. 

Backpack: Vertx Gamut 

I nearly always have my backpack on me.  It allows me to carry supporting equipment so my belt and pockets are not weighed down.  Look, as cool as Batman is, I don’t want to be encumbered by a bulky utility belt all the time.  I’ve done it, it’s not a good idea.

Let’s jump into a few things I keep in my backpack - the Vertx Gamut.  I won’t go over everything, but a few items of note.  I’ve got a CPR mask in here in case you’re doing the kickin’ chicken and I need to revive you, I can do so without making out with you and getting all your funk.  

In the concealed carry pocket along the back of the bag, I carry a silenced .22LR pistol with an extra mag ready to go.  Been carrying it for years because I like having a silenced weapon on me at all times. 

I also carry a power bank, my Bible (all soldiers need their swords), a silent sleeve (for EMP protection for my phone or if I want to go dark and off grid),  and medical.  I use one of our Packy Sack Medical Kits.

If I don’t have my backpack, I still want to have medical on me.  Enter the WPS Ankle Medical Kit.

Medical: WPS Ankle Medical Kit

This thing is great.  I will admit that I did ditch the trauma sheers (which I hate that I did) but I weighed the need versus the convenience factor and made the call that works best for me.  

I also replaced the tried and true Combat Application Tourniquet (CAT) with the Snakestaff Everyday Carry Tourniquet.  It’s far more trim, and with these two downsizes, our Ankle Medical Kit is much less bulky — though I do miss my trauma sheers, but hey, they can live in the backpack!  Yay for that!

I also carry another Vertx bag in my vehicle just in case a mass casualty event, a really bad car wreck, or something else terrible happens on my watch.  In there, I’ve got an AED, glucose paste, five mass-hemorrhaging trauma kits, and extra tourniquets. 

Conclusion

The most important things you carry on a daily basis are your attitude, mindset, and skill.  A lot of people think if you get all the right equipment then that equals something, but it really doesn’t.  What matters is your ability to use all this stuff.  

Having the skills means I can avoid or respond to threats in the best way to ensure my survival and the survival of those around me.  The trainer in me urges you to get training, get your attitude right with overcoming fear, and make sure you have the skills to win the day. 

Remember, Train Hard.  Train Smart.  And prioritize skills over gear.