Home EDC

LighterBro turns a BIC lighter into a multi-tool


Here’s a cool and relatively inexpensive EDC accessory for those of you that already carry a BIC lighter. The LighterBro is a slide on sleeve for standard sized “BIC” lighters that adds multi-tool functionality. LighterBro has four tools that include a pair of spring-loaded scissors, a razor sharp knife blade, micro screwdriver/poker, and a bottle cap lifter.

The sheath is constructed of stainless steel and is available in several colors and styles.

LighterBro is priced from $9.73 to $19.49 depending on the style/color. Visit the LighterBro Amazon page for more info.

Filed in categories: News

Tagged: ,

LighterBro turns a BIC lighter into a multi-tool originally appeared on on May 23, 2017 at 11:49 am.

Note: If you are subscribed to this feed through FeedBurner, please switch to our native feed URL http://the-gadgeteer.com/feed/ in order to ensure continuous delivery.

Add more luxury to your EDC with the Connoisseur collection from This Is Ground


This Is Ground is known for leather carry accessories that are handmade in Los Angeles, California. The new Connoisseur collection introduces updated designs wrapped in a new series of luxurious Italian leathers.

This Is Ground’s product line offers a unique take on refined small-carry items and modular folios that can be customized based on your specific needs. As we have reviewed here at The Gadgeteer, their reputation is well-deserved for quality construction and beautiful materials. The new collection focuses on leathers from their Italian tannery in warm brown tones called Nutmeg (a medium brown), Mole (a dark brown), and Amaranth (a lighter tan). 

As with previous products, This Is Ground collections they exude high-end style, and should only look better with age.

The lineup includes the updated Mod folio for your tablet & essentials ($450), an Apple Watch band ($115), a basic zippered wallet ($99), a phone wallet ($130), and an assortment of cases for accessories ($20-$129, depending on the item). If you’re looking to add a bit of style to your carry collection, check out the Connoisseur collection here.

 

Filed in categories: News

Tagged: ,

Add more luxury to your EDC with the Connoisseur collection from This Is Ground originally appeared on on April 28, 2017 at 7:03 am.

Note: If you are subscribed to this feed through FeedBurner, please switch to our native feed URL http://the-gadgeteer.com/feed/ in order to ensure continuous delivery.

SOG introduces a pen-shaped multi-tool with pliers


The word “multi-tool” has become a household term since Leatherman marketed the original PST, Pocket Survival Tool, in 1983. I bought my first one in 1984 to replace a backpack full of tools that were required to bring to all of my engineering labs, making for a very heavy backpack. Since then, multi-tools have become ubiquitous, available virtually everywhere from big-box stores to the smallest gas station. 

The basic premise of the multi-tool has remained largely unchanged, compromising of a plier’s head and multiple implements that could be folded into parallel handles…. until now.

SOG Knives has now introduced a major innovation in multi-tools with their Baton Series. Currently, most multi-tools house the pliers in handle recesses, but not The Baton. This tool places the “parked” implements into a linear package, shaped like a bulky pen that pulls towards each end and folds, deploying the pliers (or scissors). This design should appeal to many who want the convenience, utility, and security of carrying of a multi-tool without the bulk. Clearly, an elegant solution when less tactical attire dictates.

SOG has been a major player in the multi-tool market since 1986. I’ve had the pleasure of owning and extensively using several of their tools over the past few decades and I look forward to getting my hands on a SOG Baton Q4 which will retail for $120. Anticipated release is June 2017.

Filed in categories: News

Tagged: ,

SOG introduces a pen-shaped multi-tool with pliers originally appeared on on April 27, 2017 at 6:39 am.

Note: If you are subscribed to this feed through FeedBurner, please switch to our native feed URL http://the-gadgeteer.com/feed/ in order to ensure continuous delivery.

The SOG Sync II multi-tool snaps on your belt buckle


The Sync II from SOG is a multi-tool that you don’t carry your pocket or dangle from your belt because it’s been designed to replace the belt buckle on your favorite belt.

The SOG Sync II folds up into a rectangular form that is not unlike the Swiss+Tech Mega-Max that I told you about a few days ago. But the Sync II snaps into a detachable base that can replace the buckle on a belt or it can be clipped to the strap of a gear bag.

The multi-tool features 12 tools that include a knife, bolt/nut gripper, bottle opener, crimpers, 3 sided file, 3 screwdrivers, pliers, ruler, scissors, and a wire cutter.

It unfolds into a full sized multi-tool with handles that fit your hand.

The SOG Sync II has an MSRP of $80. You can read more about it at sogknives.com and you can order one from Amazon for less than $60.

Filed in categories: News

Tagged: , ,

The SOG Sync II multi-tool snaps on your belt buckle originally appeared on on April 16, 2017 at 10:42 am.

Note: If you are subscribed to this feed through FeedBurner, please switch to our native feed URL http://the-gadgeteer.com/feed/ in order to ensure continuous delivery.

Gadgeteer team EDC updates – Bob Patterson

Hello, friends! Welcome to Bob’s EDC update. I am always on the go for work and I am obsessive about functional design, so I’m constantly tweaking my toolsets to optimize my daily carry. Here’s the go-to list of items that find their way into my daily EDC!

(Note: I’ve included links to all the items on my list where available f you would like to check them out yourself. In some cases, an item may be an older model, so I have linked to the latest product page where appropriate.)

The Bag.

I’m obsessive about bags. I have used more messengers, briefcases, and backpacks than I care to count. My current go-to is the Timbuk2 Command Backpack. It allows me to haul a whole day’s worth of work stuff (including lunch, gym gear, etc.), and it’s ridiculously comfortable to carry for extended periods. It looks good in a business-casual workplace, and it’s great for one-bag work travel for a short trip. I do have some issues with the accessibility and pocket design, but I have yet to beat it for day-to-day flexibility and capacity.

Having said that… we’re moving to an “open space” office design at work, and I’ll need to adapt to a more flexible, mobile office solution. I’m thinking that a bigger messenger bag may meet my needs, and I’m researching solutions at this time (I don’t mind taking suggestions!).

The Laptop. 

I work in digital marketing, so testing things across multiple devices is a key part of my job. I have a Thinkpad, but I much prefer my 13″ MacBook Air for daily use on the go. It’s smaller size and lighter weight is great for running about. Did you happen to notice that MacBook skin in the picture? Kinda cool, right? That’s a natural Stone Skin from Cover-Up, which I am currently evaluating for an upcoming review here on The Gadgeteer. More on that soon!

The Tablet.

I’m experimenting with switching to a tablet as a laptop replacement for day-to-day use. I have a work-issued iPad Air that I can use get 80% of my work done, but the current love of my life is the iPad Pro 12.9″. This is my personal tablet, and I have it tricked out with the iPad Pro Smart Keyboard and the Apple Pencil. With this combination, I can accomplish virtually any business, personal, or creative task that I need to get done.

If you’re wondering about the illustration on the iPad in the photo, that’s one of mine. I draw for fun, and to keep my creative muscles in working order. That piece was done in Sketchbook Pro, but I’m currently digging Proceate as my go-to drawing package. Its integration with the Apple Pencil is amazing.

The Phone. 

I’m an iPhone guy from the first generation, and I currently have the iPhone 6S. It’s got all the function and ease-of-use I need at this point, and I don’t see the need to upgrade any time soon. My phone case is also a Cover-Up product, called the Stone Explorer. It’s also a natural stone material like the MacBook skin. I’ll be posting pictures of this along with a detailed review with my evaluation of the MacBook Stone Skin soon!

The Headphones.

My headphones are the Yurbuds Signature Series Sport Earphones. I hit the gym almost every day and these buds are great for their durability, comfort, and water resistance. Sound quality is not exceptional, but more than good enough for playing tunes & drowning out background noise. The microphone is pretty good for personal and conference calls, with minimal background interference. The wire-wrapped chords minimize tangles, which is an added plus.

The Wallet. 

Last year I picked up a Harvey’s Seat Belt Wallet. I’m a fan. Not only is it a cool eco-friendly solution, but it’s indestructible and really well designed to carry all of your cards & cash without getting overly bulky.

The Coffee Gear.

Life without coffee is unthinkable. I’ve been using an Aerobie Aeropress Coffee Maker for years. As long as you have access to hot water, it makes the best brewing solution out there in a simple, portable package. I also use stainless steel mesh filters instead of paper filters (yes, it does make a difference in flavor!). There is an  endless variety of these filters available through Amazon, but these are the ones I currently use.

I grind my own beans fresh every morning and keep in a classic Ball jar for transport. You can’t beat Ball jars. They keep a tight seal, they’re compact, and they are virtually unbreakable.

The Beverage Mug.

The Force is strong with is my Tervis mug. I love that you can go from hot-to-cold in this double-walled beastie, it is easy to clean, and really tough. They also sell a variety of add-ons for lids and accessories. The only downside to this mug is that the lid is not completely sealable, so you do have to be careful about transport. I’ll probably need to switch to a watertight option if I switch to a messenger bag, but I’m a Star Wars guy. I’m kind of attached to my Stormtrooper mug at the moment.

Accessory Pouches.

I love Tom Bihn products and have owned a number of their bags over the years. Tom Bihn is legendary for the design and build quality of their bags and accessories, all made in Seattle. Pictured here are a set of their accessory pouches that I use to corral all the loose stuff in my bag. There’s a standard pouch (the blue one), a padded pouch that’s great for delicate items (the black one), and a cool little pouch that uses a cork material that I have never seen anywhere else. Every pouch also comes with a built-in clip, which allows me to keep them attached to a ring for easy access when dumped into the bottom of my pack. Check out the Tom Bihn web site for all of their products.

The Ukulele.

I’m an avid ukulele player, and I own several of them. I wouldn’t call myself good, but I compensate for a lack of skill with a ton of enthusiasm. I’ll confess that I normally don’t carry my ukulele… but it felt right to sneak one into the picture. 😉

That’s the rundown, my friends! If you have any specific questions or comments about my daily EDC, let me know!

Filed in categories: Articles

Tagged: ,

Gadgeteer team EDC updates – Bob Patterson originally appeared on on March 20, 2017 at 3:25 pm.

Note: If you are subscribed to this feed through FeedBurner, please switch to our native feed URL http://the-gadgeteer.com/feed/ in order to ensure continuous delivery.