EDC: The Not-So-Average Female Gun Blogger

By Ashley Young

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My everyday carry items, like any good arsenal of tools, can meet any challenge. It is possible I may have other things in my purse or on my person, but these are as standard as my wallet and keys. I’m sentimentally attached to these items. They make me feel more safe, at times, and  keep me prepared.

The pistol I carry is a GLOCK 42 .380 ACP. I truly love this gun. It took some searching and research to find the perfect subcompact pistol for my needs, but I finally found it in the G42. Its size makes it perfect for on or off-body carry, though it spends most of its time in my purse, particularly in the summertime when women’s clothing doesn’t easily lend itself to on-body carry.

I always carry a spare magazine in my purse. The only drawback to the G42 is the  6+1 capacity. I have a small frame and the G42 offers a balance between low-profile and complete control. It is big enough to use effectively, and small enough to conceal.

Here is a link to a review of the GLOCK 42: /blog/glock-42-single-stack-380-micro-pistol-new-gun-review/

And here is a link to purchase the GLOCK 42: /GLOCK 42.htm

My holster is a Black Rhino Concealment CCS pink carbon fiber, left-handed, in the waistband holster, which does allow for “8 o’clock carry” (I am left-handed, so think of it as 4 o’clock carry modified for lefties) when I so choose. This holster makes me feel very secure in placing a loaded firearm so close to my body, because it is made of very durable Kydex material, and I can trust that it will protect me and my firearm.

Black Rhino CCS Holster: https://blackrhinoconcealment.com/product/ccs-concealed-carry-system-2/

I typically carry two knives, a Kershaw Shuffle and a retired Gerber Contrast AO, Fine Edge. The Gerber is larger and perfect for big jobs or even a daring approach self-defense, however the Kershaw is my favorite knife because of it’s size and curved grip. If I am carrying a knife in my pocket, then I opt for the Kershaw. I’m a collector of knives so the Gerber is interchangeable with whatever new knife I pick up.

Kershaw Shuffle: https://kershaw.kaiusaltd.com/shuffle

Gerber Contrast: https://www.gerbergear.com/Contrast/

The Leatherman Squirt PS4 is something I recommend everyone carry. This multi-tool was a gift from my boyfriend and has done everything from switch my holsters to be left-hand-friendly to fix the ice maker in my house. I would be lost without the Squirt. It is like having an entire (small) tool box at the ready.

Leatherman Squirt PS4: https://www.leatherman.com/squirt.html

The flashlight is a Streamlight Microstream and offers as much light as many larger flashlights but none of the extra bulk. In my opinion, iPhone flashlights are just not bright enough for real use, so I carry my Streamlight flashlight. It has a sturdy clip which helps it to stay put nicely in a pocket.

Streamlight Microstream (you cannot buy directly from this website, but it will guide you toward the right place to purchase for you): https://www.streamlight.com/.html

And of course, I never leave home without lipstick, so I also carry my go-to plumping gloss by Urban Decay in “Jilted” because it goes with everything. Urban Decay Lip Gloss: https://www.urbandecay.com/lips/lipgloss.