I'm assuming he means the most likely kind I could get through security: one with a blunt tip. Even with those, a bailiff might say: "Well, you could cut someone's throat with that." I don't think they could say the same about the shears. Time will tell.

One with two blades, one blade normal, would definitely be out.

Writing emplements, I have boxes of my favorites: blue Pilot G-2 07mm. I grab a couple and some highlighters for my shirt pocket when going to court, but I don't EDC them. I'm considering EDC-ing one I just found out about: it's a G-2 mini. I grabbed what I thought was a G-2 and started writing, but it felt funny. I looked at it and saw it was a couple inches shorter than the usual ones. I guess my secretary picked one up somewhere. I don't know where it came from.

I am also considering a mont blanc pen. Very stylish writing and not bad as a piercing weapon if need be. I like that it is more deadly than my "keppo" but even less likely to draw attention as a potential weapon.

Lastly, I think I'll add a couple of mini sticky-notes. Those things are damn useful.

As for the duct tape, I have another maglite with duct tape rolled on it, and I do like that. There isn't enough room on it as it is, but if I move the keppo wrap up, there would be, and it would be easier to grip in my teeth when I need hands-free light, so I think I'll do that.

Oh, and one thing I forgot to list in my EDC: there is a small plastic bag in my treo holster to cover the treo when things get wet.

I'm examining my briefcase to see what can be done with it. There is a lot of wasted space in the briefcase due to these leather office-supply holders I never use. I'm considering doing some rather major modifications to it so it can better hold various EDC gear, like a poncho and a real FAK, for those situations I don't want to get the trauma bag out of the trunk. When / If I finish with it, I'll share some pics with you folks.

I just want to say, this is one of the most fascinating forums I visit. People would pay good money for the kind of advice you guys give. I find it inspirational, too. I don't know if I would be half as prepared as I am right now if I never found out about this site.

In fact, now that I think of it, I think I got the inspiration to join the fire department and study EMT from you guys! Man... I really do owe you guys a lot... <img src="/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />