From Gaming to Gear: Meet Maxlvledc!

In the world of everyday carry, there's an unspoken art to curating the tools that not only serve us but also tell our story. For Dominic, known within the community as Maxlvledc, what began as a creative outlet has transformed into a full-time passion.

From gaming days to gear reviews, their journey is one of exploration, problem-solving, and connecting with a like-minded community. We hope you learn something from this feature and walk away inspired! 

What inspired you to get into EDC?

I used to be an obsessive gamer. After I quit cold turkey, I found myself desperate for a creative outlet that used problem-solving. To make a very long story short, this eventually led me down the EDC rabbit hole and I'm 2 miles deep at this point.

What did your first setup look like? 

How far back are we going? I spent most of my teenage years outdoors with a Leatherman wave on my hip and little else. I think I spent more time fishing than basically anything else during those years. 

How have the items in your EDC changed over the years?

My goodness… my EDC changes daily! Scratch that… sometimes multiple times a day. If I didn’t change EDC regularly I’d never get enough time with any of the gear I get sent. However, some items have been constant. I’d never leave home without a pen and paper at the bare minimum (which is why our new wallet collab is so sweet). 

Do you have a favorite item or accessory from your everyday carry? 

I change things far too often to have a true favorite. That being said, I carry a 58mm victorinox on my keys (The Manager) about 90% of the time these days. 

Sometimes, leaving one passion behind opens the door to another, leading to unexpected adventures. For Dominic, this led to a lifelong journey with EDC that started out simply enough but has now become something more. 

Speaking of our collab wallet, we're excited to launch the Sidekick soon. Stay tuned! 

Was there a turning point that made you realize this was something you wanted to pursue in life through social media? 

Growing up I learned from my parents how important it was to “think on paper”. I fought that concept as a young adult, but now I am a complete convert. I’ve literally tried every digital writing experience out there, and NOTHING beats pen and paper. 

What has been the most rewarding part of sharing your journey on social media?

Two things: Meeting new people (especially the makers of the gear I love), and being able to find the right item to complete the EDC of others. Super satisfying. 

There’s something timeless about the act of putting pen to paper. It’s a ritual that transcends trends! 

Combine it with EDC, which at its core, is about connection—both with the tools we use and the people we meet along the way—and no wonder it's both satisfying and rewarding. 

What's a fun fact about you that your followers might not know?

I got my degree In Chemistry with a focus on biochemistry. I wanted to be a scientist my whole life. I was able to have some amazing experiences in toxicology, pharma, and precious metal refining. It’s bizarre that I ended up doing what I do now. However, the research skills I developed in Chemistry have been essential.

Do you have a day job, and if so, what is it?

Maxlvledc has been my full time job since March of 2023.  

Life has a way of weaving unexpected threads into our story, enriching the journey. In Dominic's case, he's turned a passion into a profession, which is a milestone many dream of achieving.

How do you balance your passion with other aspects of your life?

What is this “balance” you speak of? Joking aside, preparation (aka gear research) is worthless without both a journey and a destination. Get out and use your shit, help others, and teach self reliance. 

How has your journey with everyday carry evolved over time?

Oh boy, where do I even start? I now have over 1100 videos on YT and before that I was voraciously posting on IG relating to the subject. 

Simplification:
1. Focus on perfecting my EDC setup.

2. Help people find their perfect EDC setup.

3. Design gear that I need for my perfect EDC that also can be shared with everyone else.

EDC isn’t just about tools—it’s about how those tools empower us to live with purpose!

It may take time, but simplification comes after years of exploration and refinement. Until then, don't be afraid to look around for gear that you know you'll use and will work for you.

This is what EDC is about!

How did you discover LOCHBY?

I tend to be very particular about the companies I work with. Lochby has a great reputation with their customers, and was one of the first companies to send gear for me to review on the channel. 

What is your favorite LOCHBY product and why?

The Venture Pouch, the way it opens on both sides is genius!

Do you have any tips for making the most out of LOCHBY products?

Absolutely! Be 100% sure of the color! Once you fall in love with one item, you are definitely going to want to match it with everything else you buy. 

We're glad Dominic found us and that our gear is part of his ever rotating everyday carry!

We believe innovation in design turns good gear into great gear and are definitely proud of the Venture Pouch!

What advice would you give to someone just starting to get into EDC? 

You are not strange for wanting to perfect your everyday carry. After all, the tools we have on us contribute to how we experience the world. Enjoy the journey! If things are not working, try something different (and do not listen to the haters).

Are there any common mistakes beginners should avoid?

Never carry items that give you anxiety…(aka: Too expensive, too pristine, too delicate, too rare, etc) leave it at home. Some of my favorite gear is well under $50, no need to spend a lot.

Embrace the journey with the mindset that it’s as much about discovery as it is about the tools themselves. But don't forget to be practical, too—when it comes to EDC, the best tools are the ones you actually use.

How do you stay motivated to continue your passion and share your EDC journey online?

I’m actually solving problems, that simple fact keeps me moving forward. 

What are your future plans or goals related to this passion? 

Design gear that everyone can enjoy and afford. Plus, create a repository of resources to save people time on researching these topics. 

Do you have a favorite quote or mantra that inspires you?

“Fill the cup” - When you spend time with others, you can either take energy from them, or build them up. Fill their cup, and if possible, find others that do the same. Choose to enjoy the success of others, and root for them. 

Sharing knowledge is a legacy that extends far beyond the gear itself and working with Dominic to create the Sidekick, we know first hand that success lies in lifting others as you climb! Through him, we also emphasize that EDC is more than a hobby: it’s a lifestyle that fosters self-reliance, creativity, and connection.

His journey inspires us to embrace the tools that shape our experiences and to find joy in the process of perfecting our everyday carry. Whether you're just starting out or miles deep in your own EDC journey, the message is clear: enjoy the ride, learn from the community, and always keep improving.

Don't forget to follow Dominic on Youtube and Instagram where he goes by the handle Maxlvledc!