Dan-e-boy,

With my EDC, I should be able to:

Start a fire (lighter, matches, mag bar, tinder tabs, trick candle)
Sew on a button (needles, dental floss)
Get drinking water (Potable Aqua, aluminum foil, oven bag)
Pay for a cab ride (cash)
Order off of the internet (credit card)
Get cash from an ATM (ATM card)
Tighten a screw (Wave)
Cut paper (Wave)
Shelter from a rainstorm (garbage bag, paracord)
Open a can (P38)
Signal for help (featherweight mirror)
Keep dust out of face (dust mask)
Light my way in a movie theater (flashlight)
Dress appropriately for a Sex Pistols concert (safety pins)
Pay a bill (checks)
Post a letter (stamps)
Read fine print (fresnel lens)
Write in the rain (rite in the rain paper, pencil stub)
Trim nails (nail clipper)
Take out a splinter (tweezers)
Do expedient repairs (duct tape)

I'm sure I could do more, but that's a start.