I can’t remember where or when I first stumbled on Wingard Wearables. I wish I could, so I could thank the source properly. Zac Wingard knows his stuff when it comes to designing multi-function tools that can also serve as defense weapons.
I’ll admit that I’m a sucker for offbeat stuff like his. I’m always on the hunt for unique EDC tools, and the Quill ticks several boxes for me.
Quill Specs
This Wingard Wearables product is simplicity itself. It consists of just one piece of steel that’s curved into a shape that’s rather reminiscent of one-half of a drawn heart. He uses 303 stainless steel for the Quill. It has a diamond cross-section that comes to a sharp pyramidal point at the trailing end.
It’s sharp but not needle-sharp. The other end has a flat wedge shape at the tip. The inner surface of the Quill is left just slightly rough, while the outer surface is smooth.
Wingard Wearables offers the Quill in three sizes. To determine which model to order, put your middle and ring fingers together. Measure the circumference around the widest portion of these two fingers. If it’s less than four inches, order the Slim Quill. If it’s between four and five inches, get the Original Quill. If it’s more than five inches, go with the Quill XL. Each of these is available in a black version as well as stainless.
They also have a couple of different trainers available, which is a nice bonus. They come as a pair, one blue and one red. The Quill trainers are the size of the Original Quill. The blue trainer is rigid and used for practicing full-speed movements against body opponent bags or similar targets. The red trainer is flexible and has internal voids at the tips so as to cushion impacts when you’re sparring with a partner.
Quill Uses
As a tool, the Quill can be used as a light pry bar as well as for picking and scraping jobs. The curve in the tool packs a lot of leverage into a small size. Slip the wedge at the end of the short side, and you’re good to go.
If someone starts to get squirrely, the Quill can be used as a spike or as a percussive instrument, depending on how it’s held. While it’s a fairly intuitive tool, they’ve created a short video showcasing some of these grips.
Why Carry the Quill?
Admittedly, it looks a little strange as far as a tool or weapon goes. But that’s one of the appeals. Carrying it isn’t likely to raise an eyebrow or cause a trip to see the HR Department at work. That said, I think I’d still hesitate to be a test case with TSA.
No sheath is provided, nor is one truly necessary. The Quill can be carried on the belt, with the long side tucked behind the leather and the short side on the front. You could also just dump it in a pocket, though deploying it in a hurry might be problematic.
The Quill is a unique EDC option and one that’s definitely worth adding to the rotation. Find it at Wingard Wearables. While you’re there, check out some of their other products. The Empress is next on my list.
