Perhaps you should consider a lifestyle/career/hometown change. It seems to me that this is your biggest problem. Only the foolish believe constantly patting down law-abiding citizens has a positive effect on terrorism, or crime in general.

I understand that you probably don't go along with that nonsense, but you condone it to some degree by going along with it... it should be your RIGHT to carry a Leatherman if you want, without feeling like its a burden or an extra hassle.

I think that the problem you have doesn't really have anything to do with equipment.

BTW, I don't carry all that stuff on my person either... but I certainly could if I foresaw the need at some point.

Very nicely stated.

J.T.:

Yours is a thoughtful post, in spite of the limitations of the written word on a cathode ray tube and the difficulties in undstanding tone and intent. You addressed my point: before blindly putting together a shirt-and-tie PSK, one should think about one really needs. Secondary, was my concern about the "I carry more" or "I carry less" viewpoints that miss the point of this website and preparedness in general.

I'm reminded of a well-known gun writer (no name mentioned) who was at a convention in Las Vegas. He was seen at the hotel pool with a gas mask bag and fanny pack. (Hell, I know that the commies have got some good missiles, but I didn't know that they could drop chem/bio on Vegas!) Even post-9/11, his preparedness was beyond what is appropriate, but he sure let everyone know that he was ready for anything, anytime, anywhere. <img src="images/graemlins/smirk.gif" alt="" />

Being unprepared is also wrong. The question is what is the right level of preparedness. My work "world" is between the Potomac and the Capitol. If I can't get to my gear in my office or at my home or a government shelter . . . . well, absent a pocket time machine in an Altoids tin, I'm f****d. <img src="images/graemlins/frown.gif" alt="" /> If I can get to my gear or government shelter, I'm good-to-go. <img src="images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" /> These are my realistic expectations and I've made a decision not to carry a PSK with me everywhere I go every day I'm at work. So, thank you for rising to my challenge to explain why a shirt-and-tie PSK is necessary, if at all.

One other thing: Paramedic Pete's advice was outstanding. I neglected to mention that I do cary a photon or ASP with me. I've thought about keeping a whistle on me as well. But not for assaults or robberies. . . . It's fight or flight, depending upon circumstances. No whistles! As well, I do occasionally carry a pocket knife too, when appropriate. . . .

The key concept is "appropriate for the circumstances." Over the years, I find I feel comfortable carrying at least some sort of pocket knife (either SAK or L-tool), a small flashlight (mini-mag or photon), and varying amounts of first aid - I always carry a few bandaids in my wallet and scale up from there depending upon circumstances. When carrying minimal FAK,I always like to know where the big kit is. Sooner or later, you will need to know - case in point - I was at a big archeo meeting (in DC, as a matter of fact) presenting years of research at a big symposium. I heard a dull thud and there was my assistant and best friend in the troes of a grand mal seizure. Other less dramatic situations have occurred over the years, hence I always at least have a bandaid on me. The SAK came in handy because it saved steps and time in a wide variety of situations tightening screws and the like - often outdoors but useful even in office environments. Knowledge and skills are fortunately very lightweight and compact, but some tools are handy. My keychain has a SA Classic, a Photon II, and a whistle, my belt (usually) has a Leatherman. My wallet w/bandaids and a bandana stuffed in the other pocket make me ready for many of life's minor challenges. Scale up from there depending on the situation. But, no, you certainly don't have to cart the "approved stuff" everywhere you go. We all face different situations.

I don't know about good money, but I know I'm a good editor.

The spectacle case idea is a very good one. I'll have to look into it.

According to the long-timers here, yes. But what you carry depends on your personal comfort level and environment, too.

Computer programmer? Nice work if you can get it. That's what I used to do before I was laid off more than one year ago.

Poland already grabbed/snatched/secured road and factory rebuilding contracts. Which means there's gonna be a lot of wavy roads in Iraq.

Matt

Do you carry your SAK or Leatherman in Washingon, D.C? Do The Powers That Be allow you to do that?