The world of EDC has many entry points, and for Vanessa it was knives. EDC – everyday carry – is the art of refining what’s in your pockets, with an emphasis minimalism and practicality. Please read a fun interview with Instagram’s own @ValleygirlVan.
Hi Van, is that your full name? Please tell us a little about yourself.
V: Hello everyone! Van is short for Vanessa, but everyone calls me Van. In high school, I moved a lot, and everyone would always ask if I was from California because I talk like a Valley Girl, so that’s where my nickname ValleyGirl came from. I grew up in Texas but currently reside in Arizona. I love to watch scary movies and listen to music.
The EDC community, especially the knives community is growing and gaining some momentum as of late. What attracts you to this movement and what made you want to start collecting knives?
V: I got my first knife which was a Spyderco Squeak a few years ago and used it every day. I got a few other knives and caught the bug. I was on Instagram and saw there was a community that would post their photos of knives and I decided to do the same. Social media is often a toxic place, but I have found the EDC community to be a very positive and bright place.
How big is your collection? What are the key features you look for in a good knife?
V: My collection is growing every day, but I currently have around 20 knives. I prefer smaller knives that carry easily. The knives spend the majority of the time in my pocket, so that’s why I like smaller knives.
You can never have too many knives. So when it comes to knives and the brands behind these beautiful pieces of work, how do you decide what to get next and what should be part of your collection? Are there certain things you’re always on the lookout for when it comes to knives?
V: There are diminishing returns when it comes to knife quality. Nowadays there are so many companies that produce excellent quality at great attainable prices for example, Civivi and Artisan Cutlery. What they’re doing at their price point you didn’t see 10 years ago. My favorite brands are Benchmade and Spyderco. I think they are the best bang for your buck, and I LOVE their designs.
Why do you EDC?
V: I run a catering company and I am always in need of a knife to cut boxes or open bags. Plus carrying a knife makes me feel like a badass.
Do you have any recent accomplishments or projects that we should be on the lookout for?
V: There are several companies I collaborate with. You can check out the different products on my Instagram account at ValleyGirlVan and be sure to follow. I have also started an Amazon Influencer store so everyone can check out the products I recommend.
When you’re not collecting knives or sunbathing on a beautiful beach, what are you doing?
V: In my spare time I love to travel, my favorite places to vacation are New Zealand and Australia. I also love to attend sporting events and comedy shows. I’m an Arizona girl so I love my Cardinals and Phoenix Suns. Some of my favorite comedians include Bill Burr, Joe Rogan, Dave Chappelle, and Louis C.K.
What is your most favorite knife in your collection, and what is it about that specific knife that brings it so much meaning to you?
V: Right now, I would say my favorite knife is the Benchmade Mini Griptilian. It is a recent purchase and I had custom pink scales put on there. It is a beautiful well-made knife that I have carried nearly every day since I purchased it.
Van, which are your favorite knife brands? Do you always buy American made knives or are you open to knives produced overseas in places like China?
V: Quality knives are not about where they are made but the effort put into making them. I have knives from all over the world but my favorite knife brand, Benchmade, is American made. Spyderco has factories all over the world, but their best quality knives usually come from their Taichung factory in Taiwan.
Anything else you’d like to share with our readers?
V: “A woman’s eyes cut deeper than a knife.” – Robert Jordan
