Disclaimer:
I've already posted pics of my carry guns, so I won't repeat them here. Suffice to say that if it's legal for me to carry a gun someplace - then I'm packing in one form or another. If I can't legally carry on my person and my destination is someplace that I really want or need to go to, its a pretty safe bet that I have a gun locked up but accessible to me in my vehicle.
The pic above shows what I carry every day at a minimum. The details may change over time as to specifics, but I'll have the basics of what you see above - if not more.
In the pic is my cellphone, in a 5.11 tactical cell phone holster. Who the F- needs a "tactical cell phone holster"? Anyone who has occasion to work in tight spaces and doesn't want their phone to pop off a belt clip and land in a storm sewer - that's who.
I can't just carry a cell phone in my pocket. I work for a living, and it would last about a day before it got jacked up. I need the protection that a dedicated case gives it. I used to carry my phone in a case with a rigid belt clip/hook - but after almost losing the phone down a storm drain - TWICE - I knew I had to do something better. My current 5.11 model has molle compatible straps on the back and an adjustable quick release buckle that holds the phone in. This means the phone stays securely on my belt. It's easy on/off by way of the molle strap snaps on the back, without having to unfasten my belt.
Next is my Gerber Suspension multitool. Next time I order molle stuff from somewhere, I'm picking up some Quickclips or Maliceclips so I can take the case on/off without removing my belt like I can my cell phone. Its either that, or just get a molle pouch that it will fit in. Besides that, the Gerber Suspension is the PERFECT multitool for me. Large and rugged enough to be useful, and small enough to avoid bulkiness. The tools, other than the pliers/cutters, can all be accessed without having to unfold the unit, and they all LOCK securely in the open position. Leatherman makes some great tools too - but for my money you can't beat the value of Gerber's stuff.
The knife is a CRKT M16-10kz. It has a "Carson Flipper" which allows me to open it extremely fast with one hand- without skirting the legal edges of being an "illegal switchblade". It also has the AUTOLAWKS feature that is pretty cool once you get the hang of disengaging the liner lock one handed for closure. I like the tanto blade profile and it's a pretty rugged knife considering it's size. I'm not going to chop wood with it - but it's crazy sharp and in a pinch it will be better in a defensive situation than pointing my finger at a bad guy and saying "PEW! PEW!"
That brings us to my Keychain which has... keys.
I have my Truck key on an Sbiner for quick release if I have to give my vehicle key to someone (garage, valet, etc.). That way my house keys stay with me, and no one else. Also present is a pico pen, which is a really cool little ball point pen. Uses standard refills that you can get at office stores. I'm always making notes to myself and it drives me nuts to not have a pen handy when I need one.
The flashlight is a Streamlight Led light. It's much brighter than the cheapo drugstore keychain lights you see, and didn't cost that much more. I think I paid about $10 plus shipping from a seller on Amazon.
Tucked in with the keys is a Swisstech "Utilikey" . Looks pretty much like a regular key to the casual observer, but it opens up into a standard knife blade, serrated knife blade, philips screwdriver, small flat screwdriver, and tiny eyeglass screwdriver. Oh.. it also has a bottle opener.
What can I say.. I'm a gadget dork :)
Not shown in the picture is my wallet, and the handkerchief/bandana that I always have tucked in a back pocket.
Grandpas are expected to carry handkerchiefs, you know ;)
5 comments:
great post. great gear. i am a self-confessed gear whore. i love the knife. does it hasve a clip on it? i am looking for a quick open bra knife. i have a schrade simon that i can open faster than any auto knife, but it's a pocket carry, and i don't always have pockets.
Hiya Kate -
The M16 has a clip, and it's pretty sturdy. I've seen some newer models that have extra holes in the handle scales pre-tapped so that you can move the clip to a different position (left/right, pointup/pointdown). Gives you more carry options that way. Mine doesn't have that option though.
Ever thought about a smaller, fixed blade neck knife? I've known people to carry that way - inverted vertical carry in a kydex sheath suspended by a lanyard (paracord,leather, etc.)around the neck.
Depending upon the model/size of knife and your... uh... "personal configuration", it could nestle right in there :)
I keep pretty much the same stuff around. I have three lights, one a compact one similar in size to yours, one slightly bigger one and a tiny Inova Microlight stuck in one of the pouches on my cell phone pouch. I also keep an old Spyderco Dragonfly on my keychain.
well, last week in desperation i stuck my mora knife in betweenst the cleavage, and after awhile it got pushed back up so that the hilt stuck up above the v-neck of my shirt. for awhile i thought that my not-that-spectacular figure was drawing alot of admirable glances. i was disappointed to find out they were more alarmed glances...
anyhow, i think i saw that sort of knife in the cold steel catalog....the knives are friction fit into the sheath upside down and you draw down to release them? that would probably be a good idea...i've never been able to draw effectively from my bra....definitely not quickly or discreetly. i bet i could do so from one of those neck knives by reaching up under my shirt....
what i really need to be doing is concentrating on another handgun. i sold my taurus 617 and have not decided what to replace it with. my loaner glock is soon to return to my brother. got any advice?
Kate -
That's a "loaded" question (insert rimshot here)...
You'll get a million different opinions on "best gun" for self defense - and probably more than one of the opinions would be mine :)
Best advice I can give you:
The "best" gun for self defense is the one that you'll have with you. In other words, carry ALL THE TIME when it's legal to do so. A gun in a drawer is no where near as effective as a gun on your person - regardless of the respective calibers, makes, or models.
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