Carrying the code: Your guide to Templar-inspired everyday carry
Templar EDC: The modern knight’s essentials
In the modern world, the concept of a knight clad in mail and carrying a longsword seems like a relic of a distant past. Yet, the principles that guided the Knights Templar—faith, discipline, brotherhood, and an unwavering commitment to a higher cause—resonate as strongly today as they did centuries ago. For those who admire this legendary order, the question often arises: how does one carry that spirit forward in a contemporary setting? The answer may lie in a modern ritual known as Everyday Carry, or EDC.
Everyday Carry is the collection of useful items a person carries with them on a daily basis. For many, this includes a wallet, keys, a phone, and perhaps a pocketknife. But for an enthusiast of chivalrous history, an EDC can be much more. It can be a curated selection of items that are not only practical but also deeply symbolic, serving as a constant, tangible reminder of the values one strives to live by. It’s about being prepared, not just for the mundane tasks of the day, but for the moral and spiritual challenges as well.
You don’t need a surcoat and shield to feel a connection to the Templar legacy. By thoughtfully selecting small, personal accessories, you can create a Templar-inspired EDC that is both discreet and meaningful. These items—keychains, coins, and patches—transform from simple objects into personal standards, modern-day relics that carry the weight of history and the power of personal conviction. This guide will explore how to choose these items and understand the profound symbolism they carry, allowing you to infuse the noble spirit of the Templars into every single day.
The symbolism of the Templar keychain: More than just holding keys
The keychain is arguably the most ubiquitous and practical component of any EDC. It’s the one item most of us grab without a second thought as we head out the door. Because of this constant presence, it offers the perfect opportunity to carry a piece of Templar symbolism with you. A Templar keychain is a subtle yet powerful statement, a personal nod to the history and virtues of the order that only those who share the interest might recognize.
When selecting a keychain, consider the powerful symbols associated with the Knights Templar. The most iconic, of course, is the Cross Pattée—the distinct red cross with arms that are narrow at the center and flare out at the ends. This was the emblem granted to the Templars by Pope Eugenius III in 1147 and worn on their white mantles. In an EDC context, this cross serves as a daily reminder of faith and the ultimate sacrifice, a symbol of a warrior’s devotion. Holding a keychain bearing this cross can be a grounding experience, a small moment of reflection amidst the chaos of a busy day.
Another profound symbol often found on Templar accessories is the seal of two knights sharing a single horse. Historically, this image represented the vow of poverty and the brotherhood of the order. It was a visual declaration that their mission was not for personal gain but for a shared, divine purpose. Carrying this seal on your keys can be a reminder of humility, camaraderie, and the importance of supporting your brethren, whether in your family, community, or circle of friends.
The materials used in these keychains also add to their character. A rugged piece of forged steel or pewter speaks to the martial nature of the order, while a keychain featuring a leather fob might evoke the harness and tack of a knight’s warhorse. These tactile elements are important. The cool weight of metal or the worn texture of leather in your hand can create a stronger connection to the history these items represent. A Templar keychain is far more than a tool for organizing keys; it is a personal sigil, a small piece of heraldry that declares your affinity for the chivalrous code.
The challenge coin tradition: A Templar’s pocket creed
While keychains are for outward utility, the challenge coin is a more personal and private affair. Originating in military tradition, a challenge coin is a small medallion or coin that bears an organization’s insignia or emblem and is carried by its members. It signifies membership, honors a specific achievement, and builds morale. This tradition aligns perfectly with the ethos of the Knights Templar, a historic military order bound by a shared creed. For a modern enthusiast, a Templar-themed coin is the ultimate pocket-sized testament to these ideals.
A Templar coin in your EDC serves as a private, tactile reminder of your principles. Unlike a keychain, which is often visible, a coin is typically kept in a pocket or pouch, meant for its owner’s eyes only. When you feel its weighted presence, you are reminded of the Templar motto often inscribed upon such items: “Non Nobis Domine, Non Nobis, Sed Nomini Tuo Da Gloriam” (Not unto us, O Lord, not unto us, but unto thy Name give glory). This powerful phrase encapsulates the Templar vow of humility, serving as a check against pride and a reminder that one’s actions should be in service of a cause greater than oneself.
The designs on these coins are rich with history. Beyond the famous motto, many feature the Sigillum Militum Xpisti (Seal of the Soldiers of Christ) or the Baucent, the Templar battle standard. The Baucent, with its black and white fields, symbolized that the Templars were fierce to their enemies but fair and kind to their allies. Running your thumb over this design can be a meditative act, a moment to reflect on the dual nature of the peaceful warrior: possessing strength and discipline, yet exercising them with wisdom and compassion.
In a practical sense, a high-quality coin made of bronze, copper, or antique-finished silver can also serve as a ‘worry stone’—a fidget item to ease anxiety or help with focus. The act of handling the coin, feeling its intricate details and heft, can be calming. It’s a way to channel nervous energy into a moment of quiet contemplation on the very virtues embossed on its surface. As part of your everyday carry, the Templar coin is not currency for goods, but currency for the soul—a personal investment in the timeless code of chivalry.
Wearing your values: The power of the Templar patch
If the keychain is for utility and the coin is for personal reflection, the patch is for public declaration. Morale patches, especially those with hook-and-loop backing, have become a staple in modern EDC culture. They allow individuals to customize their gear—be it a backpack, a jacket, or a cap—with symbols that represent their identity, beliefs, and affiliations. For the admirer of Templar history, a patch is the modern equivalent of a knight’s surcoat; it is a way to wear your allegiance on your sleeve, quite literally.
The versatility of the morale patch makes it an ideal addition to a Templar-themed EDC. A simple red Cross Pattée on a white or black background is instantly recognizable and powerfully evocative. Placed on a go-bag or laptop case, it transforms a mundane item into a piece of personal gear that speaks volumes about its owner’s interests. It’s a quiet signal to others in the know, a way of finding community and kinship in a crowded world, much like the Templar cross identified brother knights on the battlefield.
Beyond the classic cross, many patches feature other key Templar symbols. The Baucent standard is a popular choice, representing the balance of ferocity and fairness. Other patches might bear Templar mottos or phrases like “Deus Vult” (God wills it). While this phrase is historically potent, it’s important to understand its modern context and use it as a symbol of personal conviction rather than aggression. A well-chosen patch is a conversation starter and a clear statement of the values you hold dear.
The act of choosing and placing a patch is a deliberate one. It’s a commitment to being identified with the symbol you display. A Templar patch on your everyday gear serves as a constant external reminder of the internal code you aim to follow. It encourages you to act with honor, integrity, and courage, knowing that you are representing a legacy far older and greater than yourself. In a world of fleeting trends, a Templar patch is a way to anchor your identity in the enduring principles of chivalry, discipline, and unwavering faith. It’s a small piece of fabric that carries the weight of a warrior’s vow, ready to accompany you on your daily quests.
Ultimately, a Templar-inspired EDC is about more than just collecting cool accessories. It’s a conscious choice to surround yourself with symbols that inspire you to be a better person. Whether it’s the quiet jingle of a keychain, the solid feel of a coin in your palm, or the bold statement of a patch on your bag, each item is a piece of a larger narrative. They tell a story of a timeless code of conduct, reminding you that the heart of the knight lies not in the sword he carries, but in the unwavering principles he upholds every single day.