Fratello EDC: Thomas Shares His Everyday Carry Essentials From YStudio, Carl Friedrik, Fujifilm, And More

When I wrote my Fratello EDC (Everyday Carry) article three years ago, I never expected it to be popular among readers. As it turns out, the Fratelli love to sneak a peek into our bags and pockets. So, by popular demand, we are back with another series about our everyday carry essentials, the stuff we don’t leave the house without.

A lot can change in three years, and that includes the stuff we carry around. In this sense, it is quite funny to revisit this article after a few years. I don’t usually keep track of my EDC, so this offers me a chance to see what has changed. Let’s dive in!

What’s no longer part of my EDC

Let’s start with the items I no longer carry. For starters, there is my Montblanc Starwalker Ballpoint. Unfortunately, after about 17 years, the rubber exterior has started to disintegrate. I am quite sad about this, as the pen was a gift from a dear family friend. Of course, I still keep it, but I no longer write with it.

The book Letters from a Stoic by Seneca is also on my list. I still apply some of the Stoics’ teachings to my daily life, but I have since evolved in my views on life, making the book less relevant than it was when I first adopted the philosophy more integrally.

What has remained in place

Most of the other EDC gear I shared is still in full daily use. My Carl Friedrik Swanfield wallet has darkened a bit more, but not a single thread has snapped, and the leather is still in perfect condition. After another 1,000+ days in my pocket, I can attest to its durability.

My iPhone 13 Pro Max also still runs smoothly. I remember the days when I was eager to upgrade my phone relatively quickly, but those days are long gone. I now extend the life of my smartphone as long as I can, and it still works just fine.

My Ray-Ban Aviators also remain in rotation, although they have become my driving shades in the meantime. The high-quality large glass and thin frame make it a joy on the eyes, ideal for long drives. My daily sunglasses are now a pair of Ace & Tate Eleanor in Sepia.

The watch

I will not go into the watch in too much detail, as I have written plenty about it. Regular followers of the Fratello Talks podcast will know that I now have a true EDC watch, my VPC Type 37HW. Since I released this watch, I haven’t worn any other watch except during hands-on reviews for Fratello. Naturally, as a watch I conceived and developed, it feels like a part of me. It is the one EDC item that is closest to my heart.

I find myself wearing the Dove Grey version all the time, which I am happy to report is now sold out. My wrist may see more variation again soon, though, once I launch the Type 39VM later this year.

My new EDC camera: Fujifilm X100VI

Three years ago, I used a Fujifilm X-S10 for everything, from studio work with watches to family snapshots outdoors. The camera didn’t quite excel at either end of the photographic spectrum. For studio work, I wanted something larger and better suited to highly controlled work, so I traded the Fuji in for a Canon R5.

That left me with a camera-shaped hole in my EDC, though. I don’t enjoy carrying around a heavy camera and lens, so I went on the hunt for something compact. I landed on the Fujifilm X100VI. Today, I carry it everywhere and use it primarily for social media and casual photography. While I exclusively shoot RAW on my Canon, I have fallen for Fuji’s film recipes for casual photography. Most of my Instagram shots are straight out of the camera.

My EDC bag: Joseph Bonnie Maverick in Olive Drab

I carry my laptop and other EDC items in a bag from Joseph Bonnie. If that name rings a bell, that makes sense. After all, one of Joseph Bonnie’s owners also co-owns Serica. This canvas bag is inspired by 1950s helmet bags.

I like the bag’s casual style, compact size, and ability to hold all my stuff plus a laptop. Joseph Bonnie fashions the durably constructed exterior out of 100% cotton canvas. While mine developed some patina, it doesn’t show any signs of structural wear. The bright blue inside looks cool and makes it easy to find stuff.

The new pen: YStudio Classic Revolve Rollerball in brass

With my Montblanc disintegrating, I went on a hunt for a new EDC pen. I like writing with rollerball pens, so that was the first priority. Second, I wasn’t looking to purchase something super high-end for daily carrying around. As Lex painfully experienced with his serpent pen, you need to be prepared to lose the stuff you carry on your person.

I settled on a pen from the Taiwanese brand YStudio, which makes a beautiful hexagonal pen in machined brass. I like the material for the patina it develops, and the full-metal construction promises not to develop issues like my rubber Montblanc did.

My EDC knife: Fontenille Pataud Corsican L’Anto Amourette

Since my first EDC article in 2022, I started carrying a pocket knife. I enjoy having one on me to open packages and to cut my daily dose of fruit. I am not a huge fan of the aggressive aesthetic of modern, tactical-style knives. As a fan of more classical cutting tools, I landed on a French knife from Fontenille Pataud.

I settled on the Corsican L’Anto with a snakewood or amourette handle. Fontenille Pataud crafts these knives by hand, the old-school way. When handling one, you immediately feel the love and attention that went into it. These are knives of heirloom quality, further aided by the lovely hand-chiseled initials on the spring.

As much as I love this knife, I wouldn’t recommend it as an EDC knife. At 12cm folded, it is a bit too big for a daily carry knife, in my humble opinion. I would pick a slightly smaller model, like the Pradel, given the chance.

Closing thoughts

There you have it — my updated EDC for 2025. Quite a few things have changed, while some have stayed the same. I am quite fond of the little setup I carry daily now. These items feel like a good reflection of my (life)style, and I enjoy using them every day.

What are your EDC essentials? Let us know in the comments below!