my Grendel P-10 has a plastic frame and has vbeen in my pocket for 0ver 2 decades.

And for me, the Victorinox SAK in my right pocket has been riding there since 1982. The gold embossing of the logo, I must admit, has worn off (Should I complain? ) . Otherwise, its in better shape than I am.

Yeah, I haven't found a pocket compass yet that can stand up to long-term pocket duty. On the few that I have tried, the face gets so scratched up that the dial is almost unreadable through the face, or else they develop an annoying bubble (not from freezing temps), or it just doesn't turn freely anymore (not sure why that happens).

I suppose using them as zipper pulls would be gentler, but then I wouldn't be able to easily toss it into my pocket, regardless of what clothes I choose to wear that day.

For flash drives, try the Case Logic two drive case. I'm currently using one to carry a Victorinox classic w/ flash drives and a mini Bic in the other side. They're made of a neoprene exterior with clear plastic and velcro between.

For the 1 AA light, try the Gerber Infinity Ultra. Absolutely bulletproof and a lifetime warranty.

The Infinity Ultra is a great light, legendary for its bulletproof reliability, but it is a bit big for EDC. I like AAA lights. I have had good experience with a Peak Matterhorn and more recently, a Fenix LD01, which is absolutely superb. Mine has worked flawlessly for about two years and is still going strong.

Another happy Maratac flashlight owner here. The first one I bought, about 3 years ago, has ridden on my keyring since day 1. I use a fishing swivel between the flashlight and the keyring, and this seems to avoid any problems with the weak-looking attachment point.

Victorinox SAK Compact also on the same keyring, about the same time.

I also carry a Fenix PD30 clipped to my front pocket, and a Ken Onion Leek clipped to my rear pocket with my wallet.

The first iPhone I bought, at least 3 years ago, still works fine, in spite of the cracked glass. I gave it to my son when I got an iPhone 4, he took off the case and later dropped it. I've dropped my iPhone 4 onto concrete several times with no case, it shows no ill effects (other than a few rough spots on the trim). Before the iPhone I never had a cell phone last 2 years.

That's all I got. There's other gear I carry in my bag and sometimes I mix things up, but the above items are always in my pockets.

Anybody have a good/reliable/compact firestarter for EDC? I sometimes carry a bic lighter but am always nervous they will go dry before I need them or break/bleed fuel into my pocket.

split pea lighter from county comm. I have had one on my keychain for over six months so far. I have also had good success with mini-Bics. I need to get some more and sprinkle them liberally in all my packs. I also keep goode old matches in all my cook kits. They have always worked for me in a pinch.

mattmayhem...the most compact non liquid fueled firestarter I can come up with is an 1/8" firesteel and a petroleum coated cotton ball compressed into about a 3" section of plastic straw sealed at the ends... they fit into a utility tool pouch along with a Leatherman Juice S2 and single CR123 flashlight and section of hacksaw blade, needle, and tweezers....they ride just behind my cell phone holster, and at my age, don't worry about what it looks like...P38, pill fob, whistle, E01 on the key ring... water transport bag, hemostatic gauze, telfa 2x2,knuckle bandage,chlorine dioxide tabs, and a couple of feet of duct tape in the wallet