EDCF'S RAOK

WOW.  I've got to say, I've never been so surprised in my life.  My family over at EDCF completely surprised me the other day with a package of pure joy.

A couple of days ago, I was heading out the door to work when I spied a package with my name on it. I'd found it odd because the only thing I'd ordered was a small phone charger to replace the one that was stolen at work, and this package was much too large!  Also, my charger was coming from NJ, whereas this package was from FL.

Anyway, I quickly opened up the box, only to find a card and a package with a note that read:  Do not open without a video camera!  I was already late for work, so I had to leave it be until after I came home (which wasn't until about 0100 the next morning!).

Well, here are the contents of said surprise package:

• EDCF velcro patch
• pink Izula + custom sheath
• TEC glow fob
• purple Fenix E01
• CUSTOM Mini Griptilian (purple + light blue handles, N680 steel, drop point, all silver components, silver clip, engraved with the forum logo and my username) AND custom sheath
• EDC forum buff
• and the card, signed by the Evil Minions of EDCF

Holy cow!  I was floored and at a complete loss for words.  It was only a week ago that I had announced that my Custom Griptilian fund was halted due to school finances.  The custom Griptilian takes nearly 4 weeks from production to your door.  That means these Minions had been planning this gift for at least a month now, and was able to keep it a huge secret until then.

If any of y'all are reading this, my sincerest thanks.  :)  I'm proud to be a part of this family.  Never have I thought that I would be on the receiving end of one of these plots.  I've always been more than happy to be on the other end and this had never crossed my mind.

Each and every time the Mini Grip is used, I can look down at that logo and know that I've got family allllllll around the world.  :D

The Mini Griptilian Seed Has Been Planted!

A couple of weeks ago, I embarked on a journey to save toward a custom Mini Griptilian.  Sure, it costs nearly twice as much a regular retail one, but I wanted purple handles, N680 steel, and possibly engrave it.  Possibly, only because their site doesn't have a preview of engraving, so I don't know what it looks like - might end up just taking it to the jeweler's and see if they can do anything about it.  :)  Not sure if they can handle N680.

This was the jar a few weeks ago.  I think about $7.00 was in there.

And here it is now a couple weeks later.  :)  $31.00 in to my goal of $130.00.

In a couple months, it'll transform and emerge, a beautiful Mini Griptilian.  :)  I'm excited!  :D  The family over at EDCF are fairly anxious to see its unveiling as well.  :P  Patience...!

Altoids Tin Update (02 July 2012)

After coming back from camp, I'd found out that one of the members of EDCF held a competition to see how many times I'd used my tin over the course of my 2 day/2night camping trip.  Turns out that within that short time frame, the tin was used 10 times (that I could recall):

1. needle/thread/threader to sew my team flag
2. bandage/alcohol swab for a camper's scraped knee
3. needle/thread/threader to sew team flag to a stick
4. bandage/alcohol/needle for a splinter
5. super glue for a broken phone case
6. super glue for a team competition
7. ibuprofen for a headache
8. lighter to seal paracord (used to tether down a tent)
9. needle (sterilized) for minor "surgery" to a foot (camper had a teeeeeeeeny pebble/fragments of rock lodged in there after stepping on one )
10. interdental brush for teeth cleaning

Upon reading about this, another member asked that I posted up a picture of said tin.  I figured with that, it was time for an update.  :)

Most of the contents are still the same.  I'd added a couple things here and there or replaced others with "better" items.

From left to right (somewhat):

• quarters, 4: Usually used to make copies and prints at school.
• Vic Classic: I'd found that even though I had another Vic Classic on a "tools" keychain, I didn't always grab it as I'd found it too bulky. The tin always stays on my person (or in my bag) and it was just easier to add one to the tin. I love its scissors. 
• 200 lb test, ~10 feet: Just in case I need to tie stuff together. I've yet to use it. It's done "donut" style around a small keyring.
• "fauxton": It comes in handy. Not quite as handy as the Tempo on my keychain, but again, I don't always grab that keychain.
• safety pins, 3: Just a quick fix for any torn clothing or missing buttons. I've used them plenty.
• alcohol prep pads, 2: I've used this as a quick firestarter, cleaning up small injuries (I've yet to get antiseptic wipes, so these will do for now, as I only use them on small scratches), and even disinfecting the needle for splinters (that's last minute. I normally carry sterilized needles for that reason).
• bandage, fabric: You know. For scratches and stuff. I also carry a couple in my wallet, so this is a backup to that.
• Bic mini: Usually used for paracord crafts though I've also offered it to anyone who has asked for a light.
• paper clip: I've only ever used this once at school when I couldn't find my stapler and had to turn in my homework.
• razor blade: multiple uses. The most recent use was to open up a blister pack for my friend. It was one of those packages from Costco and I didn't want the SRM to rip through it, as it had a camera inside (her graduation gift!).
• electrical tape, ~3 feet: I prefer this tape to most others. I used to carry duct tape in here but it now resides on the tool keychain as a fob (seen here)
• rubber bands, 2: just 'cause.
• interdental brush: I'll be honest... I'm only 22 but have had a root canal.  I'm kinda happy it wasn't really my fault? Turns out that the dentist actually chipped one of my back teeth during an exam. At the last checkup, they had to do the root canal. TMI, but these are brushes are great for cleaning out that tooth since the crown causes food to get stuck.  These get tossed after each use. This green one is there 'cause I couldn't find the ones that had the cover. I know it's around here somewhere...
• antacid chews, 2: After headaches, my second most symptom complaint is an upset tummy. These are Wally World's generic version of the Pepto chews. Works fine and I love that each tablet has the expiration date printed on it.
• Derma-Safe razor: Love this thing! Another backup blade. Great for tasks that need something as precise as a razor with the comfort of a folder. 
• super glue: 'cause I love it and it has come in handy SO. MANY. TIMES!
• ibuprofen, 3
• generic version of Zyrtec: for allergies. 
• sewing kit: thread wrapped around a small piece of cardboard, needle, and threader. Each are taped to the lid and each piece of tape has a "tab" so that I could easily put the items back in place after use.
• emergency contacts, (not shown): On a half-slip of post-it paper, I have my emergency contacts as well as a "If found, please return to..." message just in case. 

And this is how everything fits.  :)  There is absolutely no bulging and it stays shut without a problem. It's not overstuffed whatsoever. The items I'd chosen to put in here are things that I know I will use all the time and is not meant to be a "survival kit" of any kind. It changes from time to time, but a lot of the items in there stays static, as I've found that these items work best for me on a daily basis. 

As always, my little "disclaimer":

The items I'd chosen are also items that are easy to pack. As long as the 4 largest items are put in first (lighter, folding razor, fauxton, quarters) everything else can just be dumped in and I don't have to worry about have to strategically place anything in. I wouldn't want to spend any more time than necessary to place my items back into the tin after use.

And as always, if you're interested in making your own tin, please check out my blog post, which lists all the items I've gathered (after MUCH research) that could fit into an Altoids tin. Pick and choose what you please and feel best fits you.