I use my EDC stuff whenever I need to. That's why it's EVERYDAY stuff for me.
Most of the stuff I have for EDC and in my Get Home Bag are thoughtfull purchases. Like most here I am constantly re-evaluating/tinkering with the stuff that I need/want. Some things were expensive some were reasonalbe in price. Some of the stuff I use/carry was even free. All of my stuff has been used and in some cases abused by me. Many times I've had to "make do" with a less expensive item until I have enough put away to buy my "man I really want that" item.
It may not be pretty and shiny any more but it all serves a purpose.
If you are into being a collector then I can see worrying about scratching/dinging something up. You just need to make sure that you have covered your EDC with things that work for you.

You should always test your gear before you are placed in a situation where you need to use it. That said my primary EDC folder does not see all that much action on a daily basis. I like to save that blade.

What sees a lot of use in my Vic super tinker. I'm not afraid of using, abusing or loosing that knife. I think most of us carry a couple knives for that purpose alone.

Adam

Two is one. When I find a piece of EDC gear I like I normally buy a second and sometimes a third (identical). I'll EDC one and the others are in kits -- knives, flashlights, lots of small gear falls into this protocol.

Just a few random thoughts from reading through the posts. You can buy decent, very serviceable EDC items without spending a lot of money. For example a SAK or a mora knife, very good quality for little money. A more expensive knife will not necessarily perform better in the field. Same thing with many lights, mag lights are relatively inexpensive given the quality. I've bought several princeton tec lights for under $20 on clearance and they work great. All that said, I do appreciate better made items, even if the quality difference is only in the finishing and appearance and not in actual field performance.

It's easy to convince yourself that the $200 knife is better than the $10 mora, and afterall your life may be on the line, but in a tight spot the $10 mora will be more than adequate for your needs.

Woolens - spot on regarding the quality of vintage Woolrich clothing. Older stuff is better than what they sell now. I'm a thrift store addict and recently found a vintage (1960's perhaps) Woolrich jacket that is a far cut above what Woolrich currently offers. To find similar clothing today you need to buy Filson or something on that line. I paid about $10 for the Woolrich jacket at the thrift store.

My problem is different. Instead of buying expensive stuff and trying to keep it pristine, I just keep adding to the pile. I tell myself that is how to build up a good store.

A few $10 Mora or $50 (or less) KaBar knives are ideal. I'll have much less remorse or worry about damaging such a knife, if and when there comes a time to pound on the blade mercilessly while trying to use it to split a log for a fire or when I decide to use it as a shovel, hammer, chisel or whatever. When I use it more, I become more comfortable using that tool. When it a time comes to rely on it, I'll know what it can do and what I can do with it.

All of my equipment was obtained in order to be abused and I don't feel right until it has acquired a few scratches and/or dings.

If you don't use it, how do you know that it will actually work? Use your stuff. If you wear it out, replace it, and use that...

+1

I agree whole heartedly on the lowering of everyday quality. But the more I look though, the more I realize I can make a lot better stuff then I can afford to buy. I can put a handle on a $10 mora blade and boost the quality from a $10 knife to a $100 knife, mostly cosmetic but still a much nicer blade to carry. I also have a leather field bag which is roughly equivalent to a Filson field bag. I can't afford to carry a $200 dollar satchel, but I can spend a week making something as nice or nicer. If I have to buy something I try to buy something good I can afford, but if I can make something I'd much rather do that.

I agree with the "use it and abuse it" camp. Get your stuff out and use when you don't need to. Test drive it like mad so wou will know if it will of use in a "must" situation.

On the watch front I ask this: Why would you have a watch that requires batteries? I have an automatic that is great. Just a hand motions keep it wound up. Also, look at the solar options by some of the manufacturers. I am not particularly concerned about timing, day/date or any of the other things. Actually, the time of day is almost irrelevant. When its dark I sleep; when its light I work.

Thanks for the responses guys, it's good to know I'm not the only one! I will have to force myself to use the stuff. That first nick and scratch REALLY hurts - but usually after this I'm cool with it.

At work, my company encourages me to procure the best tools. I don't use $5 Chinese screwdrivers, I use $10 Kleins (and yes, there are better out there, but Klein makes the grade), because the metal, machining, and ergonomics are better, and I am less likely to break one or strip a screw at a crucial moment (thereby costing me more time and money in the long run). It is harder when it's your own cash, but the lesson is the same, don't use CHEAP gear, especially, when the "job", is keeping your butt alive in an emergency situation. Cheap is of course not always the least expensive, nor is the best or adequate the most expensive. If you are purchasing gear that you feel is too expensive to use or abuse training, it's probably not gear, it's art. Don't buy Lamborghini's when you want a Hummer. I too am in the "Use it, Use it, Use it" category. You want it to be dead simple and familiar to use in an emergency situation. If you have a trophy piece, that's fine, just realize that it is art, not gear, and purchase something functional , useable, and trainable for gear. A Mora that you've trained extensively with is infinitely more valuable in a survival situation than a Strider that you haven't.

my .02

C. Rowe