Tonight, I was attending a formal ball. While getting dressed, I realized that my "normal at home" EDC would not be appropriate.

I pulled the following together as EDC for this formal in-town event:

Small zippo lighter (with enough fluid for 1 night)
Money clip w/2" knife, 2" nail file, and very small scissors
White handkerchief
Cell phone w/all of it's bells & whistles

The hint of the day: Always get the suspenders for the tux so your pants won't slip downward.

So you couldnt carry an ALICE or duffel bag? just kidding

A small flashlight or two are a must in such a case, especially at night. At least there should be one with your keys.

I think a flashlight is the primairy tool you'd want to have with you on a event.

Perfect place for a nice gent's knife - say a William Henry Lancet, a Mnandi, or something like this (which was bought back when I EDW a suit)

kc2ixe, that's a fine-looking knife. What is it?

I thought guys wore suspenders so all the stuff in their pockets didn't pull their pants down....

Sue

Naw, we only wear suspenders after the six-pack becomes a keg. Belts don't work on a reversed inclined plane.

That's a Jeff Hall Gent's folder. Jeff does mainly tactical stuff ( www.nemesis-knives.com ) but used to do Gent's folders too. I happened to email him the other day (Mostly to wish him Happy New Year - as I had carried his knife the other day) - and he said he had found the parts to make up 4-5 of them, so if you give him an email, you MIGHT get lucky - Hint - the production knives (even the Mnandi) will cost you less

I wear a suit to work and knives aren't really allowed so this is all I carry (and it kills me!):

• Gerber EAB pocket folder as a money clip
• Ronson jet lighter or zippo
• Gerber Infinity Ultra
• Cotton bandanna
• Personal pocket kit in jacket pocket (It's in my winter coat if I'm just doing the shirt and tie thing without a jacket)

Plus the EDC stuff I keep in my winter coat:

• Lanyard (clipped to key clip inside pocket)
  • MEC accessory biner
  • Firesteel
  • Suunto compass/thermometer
  • Matches in waterproof case
  • Fox40 whistle
  • Gerber LST knife
  • Lanyard cord with clip (sinnet braided)
• Sunglasses
• Rite in the rain notepad
• Space pen
• 2 hand warmers
• Gloves, mits, toques, etc.

I'd include a small light, eg a Photon Freedom, and a whistle. Upgrade the handkerchief to a silk bandanna. If space is short I'd ditch the lighter.