If you’ve only ever carried a standard steel split-circle keyring, you may be under the impression there isn’t much complexity to the EDC keychain or keyring segments, however, there are actually numerous finer points that are crucial to be privy to when shopping — the most important of which we’ll be breaking down directly below. Materials:The material or materials used to make it will play a pivotal role in any EDC item’s overall quality and durability, and EDC-style keyrings and keychains are no exception in this regard. As such, it’s crucial to pay close attention to the materials used to make each product, as well as the construction technique (or techniques) used to piece those materials together. In this space, the most common constructions tend to be alloys such as aluminum, stainless steel, brass, and titanium, though it’s also not uncommon to see metal constructions supplemented with materials like Paracord, or leather. Selecting the best EDC keychains may seem like a fairly straight forward process, though the reality is that a great deal of thought goes into the design and manufacturing of these items, and as such a great deal of thought I’d required when sussing out the best models currently on the market. We started by first making a broader list of everyday carry keychains that we suspected of comprising the best there currently is, primarily based on each model’s design, features and utility, material selection, bud quality, and appearance. Style & Finish: Justlike with most pieces of everyday carry gear, EDC keychains and keyrings are produced in a huge range of different shapes, sizes, and styles, including everything from super contemporary designs to unmistakably old-school offerings. The wealth of available options on the market does mean there are a lot of choices to sort through, however, it also practically guarantees that there will be one or more EDC keyrings and keychains that jive with your personal style and aesthetic taste — an area furthered by the fact that a great many of our favorite models are offered in more than one material option or colorway.