I've seen the same items (except the knife) listed as being the most useful to have during 9/11, too. Where-as ability to start a fire isn't so important for that kind of scenario.

I have all 4 items in my pockets. In fact, I have two torches, two knives and two bandannas, and could find them all. I could switch on the torches and find the blades on the knives, and toot the whistle.

That's the reason for carry in an urban environment, too. I have a cut-down Fox, which is smallish and made of plastic, so it's very light.

i remembered how to make a whistle out of paper. haven't done that since grade school! the dogs think i'm nuts. maybe i am lol.