Building the perfect keychain for 2023

Welcome to my video on how to make your keychain as minimal as possible, while still having everything you need. In this video, I'll be outlining my 5 guiding principles for a minimalist keychain and reviewing some of the best keychain EDC (everyday carry) items I've tried this year.

Minimalism is all about simplifying your life and getting rid of unnecessary clutter. When it comes to your keychain, it can be easy to end up with a bunch of random items attached to it that you never actually use. But by following my guiding principles and choosing the right EDC items, you can have a keychain that's both functional and minimal.

My 5 guiding principles are:

1. Attach to me somehow
2. Tracker to find them
3. Easily Extendable
4. Knife & Flashlight
5. Make everything as awesome as possible

I'll go into detail on each of these principles in the video and show you how to apply them to your own keychain.

I'll also be reviewing some of the best keychain EDC items I've tried this year. From handy tools and gadgets to stylish accessories, I'll show you what works and what doesn't when it comes to creating a minimalist keychain.

So join me in this video as I help you streamline your keychain and simplify your life.

Thanks for watching!

_____________ Content Time Markers _____________
00:00 Intro
00:30 5 Guiding Principles
00:53 1. Connectors
02:46 2. Trackers
03:53 3. Flashlight & Multitool
06:00 4. Compact but Extendable
10:06 5. Awesome Everything!

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[hellangel]

as a lockpicker i can confirm that keys can (often quite easily) be recreated from photos/videos, so it's indeed always good to mask your keys!

[brennonoverton]

This was far and away the most useful EDC video I have ever seen.

[kirk]

The Smartkey Mini is really great! I've been using it for 6 months or so, and its design makes it easy to fan out the keys with one hand to use the one you need. It's also nice that keys aren't jangly and making lots of noise, but are snugly secured. Thanks for sharing! EDIT: A small tritium fob also makes a HUGE difference for locating your keychain in the dark - no batteries and 10-15 years of light.

[shawnlizeleatherdale]

being in a wheelchair, I can barely access my front pockets, so I went hunting. I discovered the Victorinox keychain, bought one, and used it for a year. Went out and bought 2 more as the first one was perfect for me in Hong Kong. I also live in the Philippines, and my EDC is different there. I am actually surprised that I have never seen anyone recommend their keychains, because they have so many to choose from.

[jkarandy]

Olight Mini has been such a great little flashlight for me. I travel full-time and have a special "rental key ring" for all of my short term rentals. The Olight Mini was the perfect addition for when I just need a little bit of light to figure out some strange lock or door in a dark hallway. I was amazed how often I use it in just the first week. It's not like I don't have flashlights collecting in all corners of my bag, they are just never that convenient to use. This little guy is perfect, I would love if it was rechargeable but honestly I just keep a set of tiny spare batteries in my tech kit and have yet to use them.

[stantheman]

Nice analysis of your philosophy of use. I ended up with the titanium carabiner from Olight, a Leatherman Squirt mini-multitool, a Photon Micro-light and my house and car keys on a plain ring. The Photon and Squirt are together on the Photon's micro-mini carabiner clip so they are easily detached when needed. I also carry a Kershaw Leek ultra sleek pocket knife to supplement. Very minimalist, useful, and it works for me. I've got lights and tool kits in my house and car so I don't need any more than that within arm's reach and I use my set-up on almost a daily basis without feeling short-changed. After viewing your video I'm going to remove my El Camino keys from my daily carry as I never drive it (I need to put it back together). Thanks!

[billlaird]

I'm not a fan of the Tile locators. I live in a rural area, and there just aren't enough Tile users to make the system robust and reliable.

[MattTathamis]

My only complaint with the olight mini is how magnetized it is. Which is wonderful. Except if you have anything next to it. I switch out the split ring to a non magnetic one and now it’s perfect

[C_Hart]

Thank You Marcus, I thought I was the only one whom understood that these things are silly to not have at all times. Some may call this getting a little carried away with the keychain as mine is now roughly the size of a watermelon... I have it broken into 3 seperate keychains all connected by a Giriaitus carbiner, I can quickly break into their own per the purpose I need the items for, , , held together with Giriatus carb 3 different types of batteries, mace, (Nextool small)multitool w scissors, pill bottle, small folding Karambit knife, Tracker, skull candy earbuds, Measuring tape, fire starter, spare folding karambit knife, a chargeable glowstick thing, metal toothpick, extendable pen, and my safe key, oh and last but not least a red cross crank powered flashlight and cellphone charger ... If you really want to know why I did this youd have to understand I am new to where I live and am a single 42 year old, , the keychain may be a little much but its a conversation piece for in the elevator that imho lets a potential cool neighbor i can trust i am down to earth as well as on another level. Some may say that level is a mad keychain innovator

[ihatevott]

Loved this breakdown, I've been using the Orbit Key clip for a few weeks now and I've been loving it. I have multiple vehicles and each key gets its own Kappa quick release shackle which has been incredibly valuable in keeping everything squared away without being too bulky

[p.d]

Cheers Marcus, great content as ever, great ideas, pros and cons! Keep safe. P

[dragonshadow]

I've carried a keyport pivot 2 for about four years now, I only have 2 keys I carry for the house, my vehicles both use a fob . Keyport has several tools that can be added or removed as needed, like knife, flash light and multifunction blades. I also added a key smart plyers best tweezer I've ever had.

[LateNightCyber]

Keyport does good job nailing all these components in their slide keychain and and add a small light that attaches to them.

[alimfuzzy]

Keysmart has an organiser (max) that has all that, built in tile tracker, torch...accessories include scissors, file, package opener etc.

[CharlesStevens-viky]

As a mechanic, and having replaced more than a few ignition tumblers (not that expensive on early 90’s and older cars, but damn pricy on newer ones) I do not recommend a wad of keys and other junk hanging from your ignition. Invest in a key ring separator if you do. I have an old snap on one, two key rings separated/connected buy a 1/4” universal socket and my old cottage on each end ( just like my dad, also a mechanic).

[morningbeachsunshine]

Well f-king done. Love it! Quality is everything...

[benjaminw]

This man's keychain trinkets are worth more than my monthly mortgage payments.

[LiterateDuck]

Top notch content as always Marcus! I love your use of the male/female connectors on keys to make things a bit more mobile. I also started out with a KeyBar but it’s just too large and I realized I didn’t need those keys on me. I now only carry my truck key on its own, and the KeyBar is used to hold all my keys for padlocks and tool boxes.

Secondly! I think come 2023 we need a “Who is Marcus?” video. Silicone valley, gear guy, etc.- people would love to know more about you and how you came to be!

[jeanvictor.]

Great video Marcus 👍 it's very interesting and very nicely done

[AlzahraniSammy]

Exactly the type of video I was looking for. Great one, thanks!