For What Are You Preparing?

[shockwave]

I like the way Possum thinks. Martial arts training is essential - you want to be skilled at hand-to-hand. We've all seen the videos. A guy with a knife charging at you will get you and cut you before your weapon clears the holster.

A weapon will not protect you nearly as much as your mind. The warrior ethos means being prepared for anything to the best of your ability. Daily training is essential. Skills are only skills when they are automatic.

 

[Mainsail]

Wow, this has suffered from some serious thread drift. I'm primarily interested in what you actually carry day to day when you're out and about, not how you've hardened your home for WW3. The second part is how does the current daily threat, as you see it, relate to the items you carry. This was keeping in mind that the vast majority of people who use firearms to fend off an attack have little or no training, and carry little other then the gun itself.

 

[rrruuunnn]

Restaurant owner =
fear of robbery/kidnapping/burlary/disgruntled employee.

I carry taser, CHL, cellphone, pepperspray.

 

[jon_in_wv]

I usually carry either my M&P 9C or my HK P7 PSP. I also carry a spare mag, a clip on S&W knife, cell phone, and a flashlight. I really hope the only ones I'll ever have to use are my cell phone and the flashlight!

I also keep a spare 17rd mag in my console. I can't imagine why 24rds wouldn't be enough but if the unimaginable happens, I'll be really happy that extra mag is there!

 

[benEzra]

But even then, what does a tactical flashlight do for me, or a knife, or a pocket tool?

Nice bright, reliable, shockproof flashlight? Well, my car has broken down in the dark before, once along I-20 in rural Georgia after midnight. Darn glad I had a flashlight. Power failure at work a few months ago, I was one of the few able to see much of anything.

Basically, if an injury, mechanical failure, or some other incident occurs in anything other than ideal lighting, a flashlight is a must-have. It can be small, it just needs to bright, reliable, and have decent runtime.

Knife, I use almost daily. You never have to open boxes? Cut stuff?

Multi-tool---I have lost count of the times my Swiss Army knife has saved me from major expense and/or embarassment.

If someone has no need of such things, I suspect they must live in a more brightly lit part of the world than I do, must be able to afford much newer vehicles than me, and must be able to afford to pay someone else to fix everything of theirs that breaks.

 

[rrruuunnn]

Cont. of my list: minimag w/terralux, swisstech 19in1, sog accesscard.

 

[545days]

Every Day:

Cash - (I'm suprised how many people don't list this most useful tool)
Tiny Swiss Army Knife
Single LED flashlight
combination pen / mechanical pencil
Personal cell phone
Company Blackberry

When I can, I dump the Blackberry and add a Ruger LCP.

 

[agent slice]

what I like to to carey is my:

kersaw needs work (pocket knife)
dakota cutlery utility knife
keys (with small swiss army knife)
PDA
wallet
pen

 

[The Tennessean]

For what am I preparing? Unforeseen circumstances.

But even then, what does a tactical flashlight do for me, or a knife, or a pocket tool?

Flashlights illuminate, knives cut and tools work.

 

[Erik M]

my usual edc setup

Walther PK380 or Taurus PT99
CREE Flashlight
CRKT M16 or CRKT Lake Sentinel
Cellular
Key chain w/ laser pointer, Swiss Tech wrench/screwdriver tool, functional caribiner

 

[content]

Hello friends and neighbors // For what are you preparing? \\\ Any number of things.


That is the best thing about carrying my:
1) FFL's business card
2) Cell phone/camera/voice recorder/weather radar.....
3) Swiss Army knife with a saw. Used many times each day.
4) Solar Force Flash light with Tactical Strope/ SOS / 3 strength settings beam. If you are going to carry one why not a versatile tool.
5) Gerber 3" folder under my wallet is a personal choice and admitted extra.
6) Cash,licenses,debit card, extra key for car and house , finger tip and regular bandaid and 1 antihistamine in wallet.
7) 442

The phone and flash light are on my belt over the IWB 442 at 10:00.
The Swiss is in left front pocket with laynard sticking out.
The Gerber and wallet in right rear pocket
Right front and left rear are empty....humm lol

I work using costly tools, in sometimes less than bright places. I travel to many different (unfamiliar) cities, often getting fuel, food or lodging late at night, sometimes in downtown areas. I drive for miles with no phone signal on rural highways. I like it and I like to be prepared for it.

Being a Boy Scout (as described in my profile), I have always felt the need to be prepared.
Being handy, folks always ask me to take a look at this or that.

These things simply help with my life, living it and possibly protecting it.

 

[HOV]

The threat I counter most every day is the multitude of hermetically sealed, blast-proof product packaging. A sharp pocketknife is indispensible to counter this threat.

I used to be a believer in not using a "defensive" knife for anything but defense, but I realized four things:

1. I was carrying a very useful tool that I was not using even when I needed it. Not a good use of pocket space.

2. I will most likely never use a knife for self defense. I'm not even sure how that's possible.

3. If I'm wrong about #2, surely a knife of any caliber will do. Just think of those improvised shivs you see in the prison shows.

4. Kershaw will resharpen any of their knives for free.

Flashlights are also pretty indispensible, so I usually make sure I have one near, but I don't carry one around.

 

[John Matrix]

Cash - (I'm suprised how many people don't list this most useful tool)

+1 on the mention of carrying cash. I learned this lesson during the blackout in Manhattan a few years ago. My credit cards were useless since there was no power. Fortunately, I was able to bum enough money off of my boss to get me home. I never leave home with less than $50 cash now.

 

[Ashcons]

What I'm preparing for...

The next American Revolutionary War at the rate we're going (politically)...

I have had fun stressing myself out reading survivalist-type web-blogs lately to learn some skills that'll transfer to camping and also might come in handy sometime (emergency during a hike). Working on my camping gear right now along with emergency kits for the car and home.

For EDC items, I think the wallet/cash, phone, knife/multi-tool, and flashlight would keep you covered in the majority of situations in addition to your CC gun of course. Throwing a backpack containing your Estwing camp axe, fixed-blade knife, Gerber folding shovel, fire-starter (petrol-jelly & firesteel), a tarp, and some paracord would serve as a bare-bones emergency kit/camping kit.

 

[SSN Vet]

I spend most of my mental energy considering these two scenarios, which I consider viable threats...

1. Home invasion with malicious intent.

2. Wrong place at the wrong time events (i.e. mall shooter, armed robbery, someone going postal at the P.O. etc..., while I and or my family members are present).

In both scenarios, the key to a secure outcome (as I see it) is being able to get a gun in my hand fast and being proficient with that gun.

So at home it's quick access gun vaults in strategic places, and out in town it's concealed carry. Add to that logging as much range time as I can.... which frankly is never enough.

Much more removed is the possibility of the breakdown of civil society (i.e. Katrina). Contingency planning for that includes a high cap semi-auto rifle and an reasonable ammo. stash.... but mostly involves more practical logistics problems, like fuel, cash, food, water, etc...

 

[PovertyIsNoFun]

Golf pencil, small notebook, iPhone, p220, pocket knife, wits. If i can't deal with it with those then it is what it is.

This prepares me for what Im most likely to deal with if my brain stops working - a random hassle that could get ugly.

The iPhone is a lot more practical than most people give it credit for. The flashlight app has replaced my pen light and you can also do novel things like look up hazmat codes or photograph suspicious people.

As an absolute last resort your phone can be the world's most expensive firestarter with a narrow wire or steel wool. Remember this video the next time you crashland on a deserted island.

http://www.backpacker.com/start_a_fire_with_your_cellphone/videos/82

 

[shenandoah]

On a typical day, On my left belt, a four inch folding Kabar in a pouch, another pouch with cellphone and small multitool. On my right, some species of six shot .38 spec revolver, Colt or S&W.in a Don Hume JIT holster. That's the list on my person, I generally have my truck nearby with 100 rounds in the console, extra prescription/patent meds, flashlight,and in the truck, tool box, gymbag with a change of clothes, seasonal rain proof jacket,, first aid kit and a small folded tarp, paracord. in the sidepockets of the doors I have different size batteries, maps, and whatever. Poor old truck is my manpurse.

 

[ironvic]

The main threat I envision is a lone attacker, or two, looking for drug money on the street. Maybe a robbery attempt in the same store I happen to be in. Woe to the fella who tries to rob my coffee spigot down the street. So I carry a S&W 642 or Model-60 Chief's Special. My tactical knife consists of a jack knife, custom made with bone handles, and it only has two utility blades, but gets just about every job done that I've asked it to do over the years--and does it in metal-crafted style. These items and a cell phone are all I need, along with street sense to see and avoid trouble before it comes calling.

I also carry health insurance by Blue Cross in case things don't turn out so good for me.

 

[308win]

I also carry health insurance by Blue Cross in case things don't turn out so good for me.

How about final expense insurance in case things go really south?

 

[huntsman]

For example, I’m going to run to the grocery store, then the home center store, and then stop for a coffee; some average errands one might do on a weekend or after work. What is the threat to me on such a day;

getting run over by a Mack truck.

Yet I often read (and there’s a new “equipment” thread almost every week) people recommending what seems to me a ridiculous gear load-out for the average person.

In case you haven't noticed personal defense is THE growth industry now.

So my question is; for what are you preparing, and how have you equipped yourself for the threat?

I carry cash so I also carry a gun to guarantee I'm the one who decides where it gets spent.

 

[meef]

Roving meat salesmen and door to door salesmen.

 

[Coyote3855]

EDC on person: Kahr .380/Kahr P9. Spyderco Endura. Leatherman. Bic lighter. Billfold with cash and credit card. Chapstick. Keyring with Nanolight, SAK classic, tweezers, nailclippers. Since I live in a remote area, my Xterra is fully equipped to get me home (chains, jumper cables, snatch strap, shovel, handyman jack, water, Glock .40, Carhartt artic coat with hood, Sorrel boots), and with the basic stuff I would need to go overland on foot (internal frame pack with rain gear, extra winter clothes, more water, food, pack stove/pot, first aid kit, lightweight tarp, mummy bag.)

BTW, the last time I used my pocket flashlight was when the lights went out in the men's room at work whilst I was enthroned. Came in very handy.

Fortune favors those who prepare.

 

[ferretray]

I won't snicker at others who percieve their needs as different than mine. Each to their own, I reckon'.
I normally carry the following on my person:
Pistol
Extra mag. and Surefire 6P in a combo. pouch.
Knife (Need to get another multi-tool)
Kerchief
Cell. phone
Lighter
Keys
Wallet
Pen
I have a manbag for any other goodies I feel are necessary. The guy who wrote "Stay out of the dark" must seal himself inside a lighted bubble of an evening. I prefer to go about life with some semblance of self-sufficiency.

 

[btg3]

To each his own...


semblance definition sem·blance (sem′bləns)/noun

1.outward form or appearance; aspect
2.seeming likeness; resemblance
3.a likeness, image, or representation
4.false, assumed, or deceiving form or appearance
5.mere empty show; pretense

 

[ferretray]

To each his own...


semblance definition sem·blance (sem′bləns)/noun

1.outward form or appearance; aspect
2.seeming likeness; resemblance
3.a likeness, image, or representation
4.false, assumed, or deceiving form or appearance
5.mere empty show; pretense

Wow! I used the wrong word.
You win a zillion internet man-points.