Hitman Arthur Bishop (Jason Statham) stays stacked with EDC carabiners, as illustrated here before he carries out a next-level assignment in Mechanic: Resurrection (2016).
Hitman Arthur Bishop (Jason Statham) stays stacked with EDC carabiners, as illustrated here before he carries out a next-level assignment in Mechanic: Resurrection (2016).THE CARABINER: AN INTRODUCTION
One of the coolest aspects of everyday carry culture is that the sky is the limit in terms where any concept can go. Take the carabiner, an incredibly popular EDC product.
Though it was originally designed to be a mountain climbing device, the carabiner functions impeccably as a handy keychain that organizes your keys without getting them all bunched up in your pocket.
So how did the ‘biner evolve to where it is today? It’s a fascinating story, really. You see,
before there was the carabiner, there was the “carabineer,” a device with metal spring hooks and slings that French cavalry troops used to carry their carbines on horseback in the 1800’s.
Flash forward to the second decade of the 20th century. Iconic German climber Otto Herzog goes right ahead and adds a springloaded gate (the gate is the part that opens and closes) and decides to simplify “carabineer” to just “carabiner”.
Today, the offerings in the everyday carry carabiner space are just unbelievable in terms of their design, capability, materials, resilience, construction - you name it.
Whether you’re a rock climber a la Sylvester Stallone in Cliffhanger or just looking for a sweet basic EDC coupling link with a safety closure, carabiners are a superb addition to any EDC enthusiast’s collection.
CHOOSING THE RIGHT CARABINER KEYCHAIN FOR YOU
We’re pretty sure “Must! Use! My! Carabiners!” was the original line that Peter Garrett (Chris O’Donnell) was supposed to say here in Martin Campbell’s 2000 American survival thriller Vertical Limit.
We’re pretty sure “Must! Use! My! Carabiners!” was the original line that Peter Garrett (Chris O’Donnell) was supposed to say here in Martin Campbell’s 2000 American survival thriller Vertical Limit.Once you understand how all the carabiner elements affect performance, you’ll be able to better pull the trigger on your next legendary Gallantry EDC purchase.
Per usual, what makes one carabiner keychain great for one Gallantry Man, might make it a less-than-stellar fit for another. It all comes down to your individual needs and wants.
Keep these following components in mind as your fire up your carabiner synapses…
THE SHAPE
Carabiners come in four main shape types. The first, asymmetric-d, is the most popular design type, strong and light with large gate openings. The second, pear, is designed specifically for belaying and rapelling and have large gate openings. The third, d, is the strongest by far, perfect for most kinds of climbing. The fourth, oval (the “OG” shape), is not as strong as the other shapes, but it can hold more gear and it is endlessly versatile and affordable.
THE GATE
The gate of any carabiner is crucial. It’s the part that opens to connect to another item and then closes in order to ensure that the connection remains.
The three types of gates are straight (easy-to-use, strong, versatile, and durable), bent (durable with a concave shape that makes it great for clipping rope), and wire (the most lightweight, it allows for large openings and is less likely to freeze shut).
Lastly, gates can be either locking (heavier, can be locked in closed position to provide additional protection) or non-locking.
SIZE
Small carabiners are lighter (huge plus) and take up a very minimal amount of space (though they can be tougher to clip). Large carabiners are obviously easier to handle and clip (not to mention the fact that they also hold more gear), but, of course, they are heavier.
WEIGHT
As a general rule of thumb, size and weight are often highly correlated when it comes to carabiners. The smaller the carabiner, usually the lighter the carabiner.
STRENGTH
‘Biners are tested for strength lengthwise (the major axis), sideways (the minor axis), and while completely open (this is also known as “gate open”). You can always check these rating on the spine of a carabiner.
In the heavy-duty mountain climbing carabiner space, any carabiner that passes UIAA and CE standards is a carabiner that is good to go for any climb.
MATERIAL
The usual suspects are steel (least expensive, heaviest), titanium (lightest, strongest), stainless steel, and aluminum.
FUNCTION
You’d be amazed at what some carabiners out there can double as today. Some can serve as multitools (with built-in screwdrivers, wrenches, knives, bottle openers). Others can be used as a temporary tourniquet (when coupled with a cord), a striking tool, a link your EDC bags, or even as a shelter rigging device.
There are so many awesome carabiners out there just waiting for you. So whether you’ve decided you need one for their original intended purpose (climbing, rappelling, caving) or you just want to look cool as hell while keeping your keys put, check out the money everyday carry carabiners we’ve currently got stocked at Gallantry.
THE H1 TITANIUM CARABINER FROM HANDGREY
Designed as a counterpoint to the brand's Bauhaus line, the Handgrey line of carabiners were designed with pure functionality in mind. The H1 is a 2-piece quick release key-capturing elongated version intended to be slim, streamlined, and compact. The entire carabiner is EDM (Electrical Discharge Machining) wire cut and is the first of its kind to be crafted in this manner. And, since it is built from sturdy TI6A-4V grade 5-squared titanium, it'll likely outlast any of the keys or tools you might hang from it.
SPECIFICATIONS
- Two piece configuration
- EDM wire cut
- TI6A-4V grade 5 squared titanium
- Elongated carabiner shape
- 2.56" L x .96" W x 0.22" D/0.37" D including gate
Available in Stone Tumbled Titanium
H1 Titanium Carabiner
$85.00
[tab-section data-sc-active-background="#ffffff" data-sc-other-background="#ffffff" data-sc-color="#555555"][tab title="Details"] Designed as a counterpoint to the brand's Bauhaus line, the Handgrey line of carabiners were designed with pure functionality in mind. The H1 is a 2-piece quick release key-capturing elongated version intended to be slim,… read more
THE HG TITANIUM CARABINER FROM HANDGREY
Designed as a counterpoint to the brand's Bauhaus line, the Handgrey line of carabiners were built with pure functionality in mind. The HG is a 2-piece version with an integrated bottle opener in its construction, featuring a separate closed key loop. The entire carabiner is EDM (Electrical Discharge Machining) wire cut. And since it is built from sturdy TI6A-4V grade 5-squared titanium, it'll likely outlast any of the keys or other tools you might hang from it.
SPECIFICATIONS
- Two piece configuration
- EDM wire cut
- TI6A-4V grade 5 squared titanium
- Traditional carabiner clip
- Integrated bottle opener
- Weighs 0.8 ounces
- 3.15" L x 1.22" W x 0.22" D/0.37" D including gate
HG Titanium Carabiner
$90.00
[tab-section data-sc-active-background="#ffffff" data-sc-other-background="#ffffff" data-sc-color="#555555"][tab title="Details"] Designed as a counterpoint to the brand's Bauhaus line, the Handgrey line of carabiners were built with pure functionality in mind. The HG is a 2-piece version with an integrated bottle opener in its construction, featuring… read more
THE HOLCOMBE CARABINER FROM THE JAMES BRAND
When you’re out in the field, you don’t want to be dragged down by a lanyard or beefy carabiner. The lightweight Holcombe is built to be precisely one belt-loop wide, giving you a slim, easy-to-carry primary option that can secure all your essential keys without swaying them. The stainless steel multi-functional accessory has a PVD-coated black finish and a dual compartment design. Thanks to an unfailing spring-loaded wire gate, you can keep it on your person securely. The carabiner also features a flat-head screwdriver and The James Brand’s All Things scraper just in case life on the road gets a little bumpy.
SPECIFICATIONS
- Stainless steel construction
- PVD-coated black finish
- Dual compartment structure
- Spring-loaded bent wire gate
- Screwdriver
- Pry-bar
- 3” L x 0.875” W
- 0.25” thick
- 0.3 oz
Available in Black/Stainless
The Holcombe Carabiner
$35.00
[tab-section data-sc-active-background="#ffffff" data-sc-other-background="#ffffff" data-sc-color="#555555"][tab title="Details"] When you’re out in the field, you don’t want to be dragged down by a lanyard or beefy carabiner. The lightweight Holcombe is built to be precisely one belt-loop wide, giving you a slim, easy-to-carry… read more
THE MEHLVILLE CARABINER FROM THE JAMES BRAND
The latest iteration of The James Brand’s Mehlville Carabiner, this revised variant of the popular keychain alternative replaces its predecessor’s anodized aluminum material with full precision-machined titanium construction. The Mehlville Ti sports raw titanium that's been tumbled to give it a lightly textured, near-matte finish, similar to The James Brand's Chapter knife. A unique harmony of form and function, the Mehlville Titanium retains the aluminum-spec’s dual-compartment key-capturing design, spring-loaded gate, and integrated bottle opener. Unlike the aluminum model, however, the titanium edition is a Gallantry exclusive item and is not available anywhere else. Step up your keychain game today with the Mehlville Titanium.
SPECIFICATIONS
- Full titanium construction
- CNC-machined
- Raw tumbled finish
- Dual-compartment key-capturing design
- Spring-loaded gate
- Integrated stainless steel bottle opener
- 3.125" L x 1.625" W x 0.25" D
- 26 g
The Mehlville Carabiner
$59.00
[tab-section data-sc-active-background="#ffffff" data-sc-other-background="#ffffff" data-sc-color="#555555"][tab title="Details"] Designed from the ground-up to be one of the most iconic, well-built keychain alternatives out there, The James Brand's Mehlville carabiner is a truly superb everyday carry accessory with a number of subtle and handy… read more
THE LAST WORD ON YOUR NEW CARABINER
We get it, Tom Cruise. You do all your own stunts (like here, where you don’t even need a friggin’ EDC carabiner in John Woo’s 2000 action-packed sequel, Mission: Impossible 2)
We get it, Tom Cruise. You do all your own stunts (like here, where you don’t even need a friggin’ EDC carabiner in John Woo’s 2000 action-packed sequel, Mission: Impossible 2)
It all comes back to your lifestyle. Nobody knows yours better than you.
Once you’ve found the perfect balance of features in the carabiner that’s perfect for you (like something that’s large enough to handle daily needs, bur small enough not to be a pain-in-the-arse), you’re well on your way to continuing to be frickin’ awesome.
The bottom line is this. You don’t need to be a mountain climber to appreciate the bad boys known as carabiners. You just need to be a Gallantry Man who knows what he wants and goes for it.
Plus, whether you’re mountain climbing, biking, adventuring, hiking, or walking down a city street in the middle of the day, it’s always good to have a solid EDC carabiner on your person.
It’s time to say goodbye to the days of forgetting where you left your keys and say hello to the days of always carrying your keys in style.
Stay safe. Stay ready. Stay Gallantry.
STREAMING THE EDC CARABINER
Gabe Walker (Sylvester Stallone) is carabiner-ed up the ying-yang as he scales the Rocky Mountains in Renny Harlin’s legendary 1993 American Action-Thriller Cliffhanger.
Gabe Walker (Sylvester Stallone) is carabiner-ed up the ying-yang as he scales the Rocky Mountains in Renny Harlin’s legendary 1993 American Action-Thriller Cliffhanger.
What better way to enjoy a night-in with your everyday carry carabiner from Gallantry than by popping on some Cliffhanger? With a killer performance from Sly and John Lithgow delivering the goods and then some as the psychotic bad guy, it’s a winner through-and-through.
Stream Cliffhanger on Netflix and let’s go climbing!
