I have decided to make a very simple/mini EDC for my wife. My basic choices thus far...mini biner or something to hold it all, with photon freedom led light and fox 40 for starters. Would like some recommendations on
-knife-smaller/simpler the better/something like SAK just for the scissors she'd probably like
-fire, do or don't ? She is really never is a remote enviorment on a daily basis.
Any suggestions would be of great help in deciding. Like i said, this is for the bare essentials....nothing advanced what so ever.
-i also considered kuboton and or mini mace for basic safety/protection

Figtree,

Instead of the Photon, consider an Arc AAA light with an Energizer Lithium AAA (L92) battery. It is a much more robust light, very small and light and the battery capacity of the AAA is much higher. Oh, and the Arc is regulated as well.

As for SAK, I like the Leatherman Juice line. I think the S2 model is one of their lighter ones that still has scissors. However, the main advantage of the Juice is the pliers which I think are a good thing to have. This means the weight is 4.4oz, which is a bit much unless she is already carrying a full size SAK. For a step down in size, the Leatherman Squirt is popular.

In regards to OC spray, I think the 2oz, "flip top" spray from Fox Labs is a good choice. I think the "cone" stream is a good for general purpose.

-john

Emergency cash, both paper and coins.

Went through same exercise few months ago, putting together keychain EDC for wife:

• Quickly learned…her willingness to actually carry dropped dramatically as bulk and weight increased. So, had to overcome my tendency to overload (like I do my own). The axiom “best equipment is what you have with you” figured prominently in final version.

• Since size/weight ruled, some utility was sacrificed.

• Ended up with: Photon Freedom; Bison small-cylinder whistle; Leatherman Micra (decent scissors her requirement); Fox keychain pepper spray ½-oz. An aside: I actually bought two of the pepper spray units, and had her discharge one to give her better feel for how it functions, what to expect from spray pattern, range etc. (been told that smaller/keychain units should be replaced annually due to unavoidable leakage of propellant over time; no firsthand experience yet).

• On plus side, she religiously carries her cell phone (and equally diligent about keeping charged). So, I wedged a folded-up $20 bill in bottom of cell phone case (and check occasionally to ensure she hasn’t “borrowed” it).

A bit beyond your scope, but I’ll also mention that hand-in-hand with this project, I undertook a campaign (training, as it were) to improve her situational awareness.

Before that, she’d been pretty much of the “that wouldn’t happen to me” school of thought. So, I started calling her attention to newspaper articles and TV news stories anytime a woman in our metro area was carjacked, assaulted, approached in a shopping center or parking garage etc. (yes, blatant scare tactics). It worked. She’s more tuned-in to her surroundings, and has a clearer idea of how she should react in a given situation.

A whistle. You can blow a whistle louder than you can shout, and you can blow a whistle longer than you can shout.

Phil

Good thinking here. Especially about "testing" your pepper spray.

I find spouses will come around slowly and especially in their edc is practical --band-aids, ibuprofin, scissors are more likely to be carried than a glock.

Our family awareness has taken a huge leap since Katrina -- and started discussing what if scenarios.

TRO

I'd go with a small SAK or Leatherman for the moment. Maybe add some duct tape, it's always useful. A needle and some thread or dental floss, a couple safety pins. Will she look askance at a "survival" Kit? If so present it as a collection of handy tools for daily repair, etc. Maybe a lighter and something to carry water in, if you can get her to.

Agreed. As far as My Better Half is concerned, bulk + weight = left behind. Why? There's not enough room for her cosmetics. Simple question. Simple answer. Plus, if there's a potential for a broken nail, forget it. She'd really rather have beautiful nails. Seriously.

She is much more ruthless than I am. If it is even slightly gimmicky -- the stuff most guys live for -- it doesn't stand a chance. She won't make the time for it.

I have managed to sell her on carrying a RES-Q-ME, a Photon II, and a SureFire E2e I gave her. She already carries an old Wenger SAK her aunt gave her. Her house keys are on a lightweight polymer kubotan. I believe she has the minimum basics. Any more would be pushing it.

-- Craig

You are on the ETS website and you are not going to get her the ETS PSP?

Craig_phx -

Point well-taken, but Craig (in PA) said it all:


As I said in a post few months ago, my wife's idea of PSK is nail-repair equipment: super glue, polish remover, nail polish, spare acrylic nails.

But, as I think about it...myriad uses for super glue and polish remover...including fire-starting <img src="/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" /> Wonder if the acrylic nails have any nutritional value?