EL PASO, Texas (KTSM) – Ever since the pandemic, customer service seems to be a lost art. Some companies give the impression that they don’t even care about this once critical part of doing business. So when you come across a company that wants to do things the right way, it is worth noting and shouting from the proverbial mountaintop. What is EDC? Here is a look at some daily carry items This week, I’d like to highlight Rite in the Rain, which makes all-weather paper, notebooks, pens and pencils. This company, based in the rainy Pacific Northwest (Washington state specifically), has been around for more than 100 years. With that kind of longevity, they must be doing something right. About a year and a half ago, I purchased one of the company’s mechanical pencils – its No. 15 Work-Ready Mechanical Pencil. Rite in the Rain No. 15 Work-Ready Mechanical Pencil with a Junkin Genius hank. Photos by Dave Burge/KTSM As a working journalist, this soon became my favorite piece of gear. I mean my very favorite, more so than any pocket knife or flashlight. There is something primal, authentic and soul-saving about writing in pencil, whether around the office, home or covering a high-school football game on a Friday night. The pencil is made of tough plastic and aluminum and the nice thing, the lead never seems to break, like it does with so many other mechanical pencils. Rough Edge EDC: Taking another detour on my knife journey Anyway, I used mine steadily for about a year and a half. Then, one night at a recent high-school game, it just stopped working. The mechanism that feeds lead down to the tip just stopped working. Boy, I was heart-broken. My favorite piece of gear, gone after just 18 months. What was I going to do? Take a leap of faith and buy another one? Or take a chance on another brand? Anyway, I went to the Rite in the Rain website and discovered its “all-weather guarantee.” “Rite in the Rain all-weather products are unconditionally guaranteed against defects. If failure occurs during normal use, let us….make it rite,” their website read. Anyway, I sent the company an email, explained my situation and the next thing I know, they answered back, saying that a new pencil would be on its way. Rough Edge EDC: Notebooks, pens help make EDC complete I am happy to report I have a new Rite in the Rain No. 15 pencil and I’m back to using it as my main writing instrument. Here is a link to Rite in the Rain. If you work outdoors or just want the peace of mind that your paper and writing instruments can work in bad weather, check this company out. Here is a link to their No. 15 pencil. Here is a link to Rite in the Rain's YouTube channel. Another favorite company of mine is also U.S. based – Log + Jotter in Ohio. This company makes pocket-sized notebooks (3.5 inches by 5.5 inches), the same exact size as Field Notes. They also feature rounded corners to avoid the “dog ear” effect that often comes from taking a notebook in and out of your pocket.  Log + Jotter notebooks and a Rite in the Rain No. 15 mechanical pencil with a Junkin Genius. Photos by Dave Burge/KTSM Anyway, they are perfect for taking notes on the go, whether on the job or in your off-time. Where can you get a Log + Jotter notebook? Not at your local Walmart or drugstore. They are only available on a subscription basis. For $5 a month, you get a unique, “made-in-America” notebook that shows up in your mailbox usually around the 10th to 14th of each month. I enjoy trying to guess what each month’s cover will be. Rough Edge EDC: Leatherman Micra packs wallop in small size In September, it was a homage to the National Park Service with a cover featuring Acadia National Park in Maine. In October, the cover was a retro Army green with a large pine tree, a full moon and a moose with the title “Made in America.” Each month, you get a nice surprise in the mail and a great addition to your EDC. Here is a link to learn about Log + Jotter. As for the hanks I use to display my gear, you can learn more about Junkin Genius by going to their Instagram page. Here are some YouTube channels on EDC that I enjoy and find informative:  Big Red EDC Pocket Razors Randy’s WSG Zach’s Stuff Knife Delights Bryan’s Knives Baxters Blades “Tired Tiger” J.O. Ventures Outdoors HT’s EDC Uncommon EDC Surviving the Daily Last Chance Knives Tar Heel Steel Southern Knife Life Slipjoint Sawyer