Do this, right now.

Close your eyes.
Count to 27.

Now, put your hands on the following objects, while your eyes are still closed.

a. Flashlight
b. Whistle
c. Pocket Knife
d. Bandanna

This is a drill that I have done with some co-workers in NYC. It's thought provoking.

Could you do it?

Yep. Flashlight and whistle are on keychain in my front left pocket. LM Kick is in sheath on belt, bandana is in back right pocket.

Lighter and cell phone are in front right pocket and there's a compass built into my Timex Expedition watch on my right wrist. Also on my keychain is a P-38 can opener, a pocket screwdriver and a metal waterproof pill container.

And if I could find my Altoids EDK I'd really be prepared!
-Blast

-

Flashlight: In my left front pocket

Whistle: Also in my left front pocket on my keychain.

Knife: Clipped to my right front pocket.

Bandanna: Back right pocket.

I could have also reached into the closet next to my computer desk and pulled out my little BOB, where I could have gotten all those objects out with the eyes closed.

All in all, pretty good if I do say so myself.

back in the Day i could take apart and put back together a M60 in the dark..now i can't find my keys if i wear cargo pants!!!

Done. Close eyes, stand up -- Benchmade 940 is in right-hand thigh pocket, Mission wallet (w/ 1xAAA LED, SAK Pioneer and LM Squirt) is in left hand front pocket. Keys with SAK Classic and whistle were found by braille right where I left them. (However, having the flashlight in my pocket, I should have been allowed to open my eyes.) Walking a bit farther (continuing past my keys eyes closed) and I had my hands on a 4xAA LED and a mini-RSK. Every tool should have its place

BTW, I didn't go for my EDC backpack because that was too easy -- it was by my leg at the desk. Another knife (Vic Rucksack), another flashlight (2xAA Fenix), whistle, compass, spare batteries and FAK. I don't have a bandanna as EDC, but there are two N-95 masks & gloves w/ the FAK.

+2 seconds: LM micra & photon light on key ring, sitting on desk next to mouse. Spyderco Endura inside the waistband of my pants.

+10 seconds: opened EDC backpack next to desk. Opened EDC kit touched bandanna...whew just put new whistle in kit last night, its on top.

Streamlight Stylus: left breast pocket,
Whistle: left front pants pocket,
Pocketknife: left front pants pocket,
Bandanna: right rear pants pocket.

I was surprised at how many of you had a Whistle immediately at hand.
I assume that most of you were at a home or office computer when responding to this thread. So, I have to ask, what is your theory on the "day to day" importance of a whistle?

I guess that I always thought of a whistle as something to take along if you're going "into the wild", and potentially might need the "signaling" capabilities.
I'm not knocking anyone that has a need to carry a Whistle; I just think that for me, (related to EDC) a whistle would just be an extra piece of clutter in my pockets or bag.

So, what are your reasons for carrying one?... I could very well need to be enlightened.

Well, a few times a month I tend to use it for large meetings of our employees to get there attention that the quick break is over and we need to get back on track. It is ostensibly in my EDC kit which I port to other packs for off trail hiking or desert running. As a father I make my son carry one on his backpack for a variety of reasons and he will call me out to check if I have one with me.

Interesting exercise. 01 seconds for the whistle. 10 for 3 phones. No flashlight in arms reach. will fix.