It's not practical and occasionally not even legal to carry a weapon. What is a weapon? A weapon is a specialised tool for projecting force. It serves no other actual purpose than extending force from one body to another. The handgun is a perfect example. Handguns are designed to do one thing - extend force outward, to another human. Yes, a human. Guns and knives are regarded as deadly weapons.Weapons are typically regulated, and here's what you've got to know - most jurisdictions in the U.S. Require a CCW (Concealed Carry - Weapon) permit to legally carry a handgun. Jurisdictions alter on knives, but most states permit folding blades at either a 3 or 4 in blade length. Here's another thing you really should know about carrying a gun - it's a pain in the ass. And the hip. And the low back.
That isn't always the 1st thought of the eager faces going into the police academy or civilians going to concealed carry class. It's a physical burden. Having a gun on you is serious business - it has got to be accounted for and secure at all times. I am getting a few stories every month about handguns being left in bogs by accident. Personally, I love the man who spends a couple of minutes understanding which pocket gun to take with him to the store to pick up milk.
It's a brief trip and he doesn't need his full carry rig, but has to take something, right? He's my kind of folks - but he isn't most people.Many folk exercise their second change rights for a very good reason. Many others choose not to carry guns, for good reason. Carrying a gun isn't invariably convenient, not always comfy, and in some places - not legal.What about places you can not carry a gun, or if you do not need to carry a gun at all? Is it either a gun or nothing? Naturally not. I always wear a safety harness. I haven't ever needed it, but it takes a half second to put on, and it really doesn't trouble me. It's there if I need it, and I don?t think about it. Its an element of my lorry, and does not require any thought or work on my part. The same logic is true for personal protection.
The everyday objects you carry with you are not exciting - but tiny decisions will give you a massive edge protecting yourself. There are superb reasons that cops and squaddies put so much thought into what they carry with them - their kit. And they are also nervous about what the Bad Guy might have on them. This is the first thing The Good Guys check for when arresting or capturing Bad Guys - checking in order to see if there's a threat because of a weapon or something that may be used as a weapon.We can only carry or keep track of so many things. Here are things I may have on me. This will be different for everyone.
THE PERHAPS LIST:
Water Bottle - I train and need to stay hydrated. If you purchase masses of bottled water, rethink it. Filtered water tastes better, is better for you, and doesn't put you in the most important branding trick ever - coughing up for a plastic bottle with a symbol sticker, again and again.
Laptop PC bag - 2 portables, full sound and video kit.
Folding Knife - Benchmade Stay Mountain Warrior. My chum Lee carried this when deployed in Afghanistan. Great knife, great guy, know he used it to do rather more than open letters from home. Have this with me 90% of the time, still one thing more to keep control of.
Handgun - Glock 19 with 2 spare mag. 45 rounds of 9mm. If I need more than this, I'll have to battle my way back to the truck. I?ll do a post in the near future on concealed carry options.
Notebook - Sometimes it's better simply to write it out. My notebook never interrupts me.
Training bag - When I'm training away from home
THE DEFINITELY LIST:
Now, here is what I always have on me - an Each Day Carry kit. Life gets to be routine. We don't even think about these things we carry with us all the time. This list will be the same 3 things for approximately everyone. It has nothing to do with self-defense, it is just life - we need communication (cellphone), access (keys), and ID/payment system (wallet). Women - and some males outside the Midwest - carry purses instead of wallets, but the logic holds:
Wallet - Mine's a Prada wallet. My wife purchased me a Prada wallet and Prada flip-flops. This is something that is difficult for a straight man to understand. I've come to realize she did not buy them for me. She acquired. Them for her. Each time she sees the Prada wallet on the table or the shoes by the door, she can think to herself - "I'm married to a successful man. "
I-Phone 6+ - I am not an Apple snob, but have 4 i-phones on plan. Each head of household and small enterprise owner has morphed into a Technical Support Manager. With the I-phones, they all work the same, backup is automated, and I can fix things easily. It is always possible to get the new one and talk someone into using my old one, becauseI always get the highest memory option. This is important. (Always get the most storage. Also , always get the larger engine option with an automobile or van - "keeps the family safer. "
I've attempted everything, had a great experience with Android, I just need something that can work for everybody and is easy on me. Cash Saver - I've attempted all of the U.S.-based suppliers (Verizon, AT&T, T-Mobile, Sprint) and I suggest switching and using promotions. All of the cell providers have had network and service highs and lows, and the landscape is generally changing. We most lately switched over to Sprint, and they really did cut the bill in half. You should look at this every year or so, and the companies will buy out your old contract and finance new cell phones for you.
Keys - Here is where it begins to get interesting.
Self-Defense Global EDC self-defense tool/bottle opener (a legal keyring self-defense tool and bottle operner), keys to 2 cars, two discount cards, Cold Steel Micro Recon knife (for opening boxes and a loaner, so others aren't using my good knife) and cheapie LED light. Know the sensation when you can't find your keys? If I have my keys with me, I have an improvised weapon with me all the time.
IMPROVISED WEAPONS - Improvised weapons are everyday objects that were not specially designed as lethal weapons, but can be employed in an emergency. Improvised weapons provide the following:
Reach - Classic civilian example is the tire iron. Military example is the entrenching tool
Mass to the Hand - Example is a brick.
Edge or Point - Example is a folding knife or kitchen knife. (90%+ of stabbings occur with kitchen knifes)
Common Explosive - Example is the Molotov cocktail. Not as helpful for private self-defense, unless you really want to make a statement.
Western army groups now train especially in the utilization of improvised weapons. Entrenching tools (called e-tools) have always been used, and now more infantrymen are carrying tactical tomahawks - which are also handy for other outside activities. These are Not weapons systems, but when all else fails, they are definitely a hell of a lot better than fist fighting.
I designed the EDC replying to the key ring self-defense jokes people put in front of me and asked about. Tiny stun guns that don?t wipe the grin off my face. Small pepper gas cans that would only be useful on Taco Night. Plastic cat heads with finger holes that build on the story that keys between your fingers would actually work. (Just try hitting something with mass with keys between your fingers) Are you thinking about self-defense all of the time? Not if you?re psychologically healthy.
Our first product, the EDC, is useful also to carry keys or open a bottle, and gives an immediate edge after a fifteen minute lesson, starting to learn Krav Maga online. I am not pondering an automobile accident every time I put a safety harness on. It's not difficult, and will most likely be there if I need it.Adding an EDC to your keyring is an Inexpensive, Simple, and Legal way to always be prepared - just like buckling up.
