Some ramblings about SAKs and EDC

[nate j]

My wife gave me this padded cotton pouch which I've found to be quite useful for carrying my EDC items. It snuggly sits in my front pocket and has individual inner pockets to separate my EDC items. after spending a few weeks with it in my pocket I've got to say it is extremely handy having most of my regular EDC items all in one place. At first I thought it would create too much weight having everything together but it actually works quite well. I know I've got everything with me, it's protected from dust/sand, I'm way less likely to lose/drop something and I can just grab the pouch and be good to go.

we will see if this method of carry will endure but so far I'm definitely a fan

I can see the attraction of having one thing to grab vs. multiple things.  Personally though, I like having at least one knife or MT either loose in pocket or clipped to pocket for quicker, more convenient access.

What are the items immediately above and below the flashlight?

[Barry Rowland]

I like that!  I find that carrying minimal is great until it isn't.  Tonight I made a trip upstairs to get the Swisschamp because I needed a pair of pliers for a project at home.  Typically, I'll be packing a 58mm and an Opener and my wife will ask me if I have pliers on me    On the other hand, she carries the same Classic SD she's had for 30+ years and a keychain screwdriver tool. 

[Rathbone]

I guess it's the individual's definition of "everyday". My work edc must have some form of illumination and the ability to open packages, break down cardboard boxes and deal with the odd loose screw.
I'm a minimal carry, pockets guy so it is my phone and SAK Mountaineer.
My personal edc is Gerber Dime, Photon torch, keyring flat and philips screwdrivers and homemade pry tool.

My definition doesn't really cater for emergencies, just what I think I'm most likely to encounter "everday".

[Explorer]

That pouch is pretty cool!

thanks Dan 

  Looks like a nice setup.

It seems fairly large, does it fit your pocket ok?

its not as large as it appears. fits great in front, back or cargo pocket.

[Explorer]

I can see the attraction of having one thing to grab vs. multiple things.  Personally though, I like having at least one knife or MT either loose in pocket or clipped to pocket for quicker, more convenient access.

What are the items immediately above and below the flashlight?

one item is a small titanium pen and the other is a titanium toothpick tool- although i don't use it as a toothpick more of a poking tool. its similar to the tip of a dart. 

[powernoodle]

Tonight I made a trip upstairs to get the Swisschamp

One of the greatest times of sadness for an MTO Legend is when the need for an MT or SAK arises, and he or she is unequipped for the calling.  It is one reason why I generally carry "too much", including 58mm and 91mm SAKs and an MT along with pepper spray and a firearm - which I hope and expect never to use.  The silent shame of a missed opportunity to save the day is highly motivational.

[IMR4198]

Barry is a tough old bird.  He don't give a quack.  Trip upstairs is good exercise.  Since he is retired, he probably has to sample donuts all day long now.  Hey, Barry.  Did you winterize your mower yet?  Just did mine the other day.  Best wishes.  Gary
 
 

leaves.jpg (Filesize: 367.18 KB)

Might as well post a fall photo.  Still lots of green here.  G

[nate j]

one item is a small titanium pen

The pen I recognized.  I was asking about the item between the flashlight and the minichamp.  Looks like maybe a dangler?

a titanium toothpick tool- although i don't use it as a toothpick more of a poking tool. its similar to the tip of a dart. 

Interesting.  Is it more for poking things, or people? 

[ThundahBeagle]

One of the greatest times of sadness for an MTO Legend is when the need for an MT or SAK arises, and he or she is unequipped for the calling.  It is one reason why I generally carry "too much", including 58mm and 91mm SAKs and an MT along with pepper spray and a firearm - which I hope and expect never to use.  The silent shame of a missed opportunity to save the day is highly motivational.

(Image removed from quote.)

You are oddly correct about this.  It is a missed opportunity to help someone else.


At my office, a young lady in her 20's came up to me and asked for help with her friend's car.  I was happy to, but was a little perplexed - we didn't work in the same office or even on the same floor.  As we walked to my truck and I got my volt-ohm meter, a charger.  My Leatherman Rebar was on my hip and my Vic Tinker Deluxe was in my pocket beside my whip.  I was prepared.  So I asked "how is it you came to ME for this?" She said that one of her office mates had seen me help someone else and knew and that I had reminded them of their father in that way... I was the person to go to for things like this.

Well, they were right.  I tested the battery and it was low.  I tightened the connections, and charged it until it would start.  Then I tested the battery again and saw there was not enough voltage reaching it.  Told them not to stop anywhere and shut off the car until they got home.  No radio, get home before dark.

Not to make it about me but I was very happy that is what I've become known for in that building.  I'd hate for someone to come to me for help and me say, Oh, my Swiss Army Knife is in my other pants, best of luck to ya.

[Farmer X]

When I read through this thread again this morning, I was struck by the following comment from Echotech:

For quite some time now my only must carry is my phone and my keychain

As he states later in that post, minimalism is due to strict laws in Sydney, and probably the situation with Australia as a whole. Things here are similar, though probably not as strict. For example, I have no problem carrying my ST300 if I'm going to or from work, even though it's not in compliance with local laws. I believe there is a provision allowing tools legitimately used for work to be carried in those situations. It's a good bet that a few Detroit cops have seen me use the ST300 while I was at work. So, while I carry the ST300 during the week, it'll stay at home when I make the weekend run to Meijer.

Though how you carry yourself is just as important as what you carry, staying within the law is always a good bet.

[nate j]

One of the greatest times of sadness for an MTO Legend is when the need for an MT or SAK arises, and he or she is unequipped for the calling…The silent shame of a missed opportunity to save the day is highly motivational.

Ain’t that the truth.

[Barry Rowland]

This weekend Gary!  We had our first frost today so it's time to put them away for the year  . I've got donuts and coffee waiting for you anytime!

Barry is a tough old bird.  He don't give a quack.  Trip upstairs is good exercise.  Since he is retired, he probably has to sample donuts all day long now.  Hey, Barry.  Did you winterize your mower yet?  Just did mine the other day.  Best wishes.  Gary
 
  [ Quoting of attachment images from other messages is not allowed ]  
Might as well post a fall photo.  Still lots of green here.  G

[Echotech]

When I read through this thread again this morning, I was struck by the following comment from Echotech:

As he states later in that post, minimalism is due to strict laws in Sydney, and probably the situation with Australia as a whole. Things here are similar, though probably not as strict. For example, I have no problem carrying my ST300 if I'm going to or from work, even though it's not in compliance with local laws. I believe there is a provision allowing tools legitimately used for work to be carried in those situations. It's a good bet that a few Detroit cops have seen me use the ST300 while I was at work. So, while I carry the ST300 during the week, it'll stay at home when I make the weekend run to Meijer.

Though how you carry yourself is just as important as what you carry, staying within the law is always a good bet.

It’s similar here FX, you’re allowed to carry a MT or knife if you have good reason. So a tradie on a building site won’t have any problem carrying a PBMT or if you go camping a knife should be fine.

But, there’s always a but! If you go to the pub after work still carrying your tool are you now allowed?

The law is very vague and allows good cause but doesn’t define it. As an office worker but one who does sometimes crawl under server racks and the like a MT is very useful, but the vagueness of the law concerns me. So I err on the side of safety

When I go bush I always take a knife, usually a SAK and on longer journeys a MT and if I know I’m going to be needing some tools for a work job , then a MT but otherwise just the keychain

As you say , how you conduct yourself helps but better not risk it here I feel

[Explorer]

The pen I recognized.  I was asking about the item between the flashlight and the minichamp.  Looks like maybe a dangler?
Interesting.  Is it more for poking things, or people? 

yes it's a titanium dangler clip.

the poker thing i've used for ejecting sim cards etc and making a small hole in things- but not people 

[ThundahBeagle]

When I read through this thread again this morning, I was struck by the following comment from Echotech:

As he states later in that post, minimalism is due to strict laws in Sydney, and probably the situation with Australia as a whole. Things here are similar, though probably not as strict. For example, I have no problem carrying my ST300 if I'm going to or from work, even though it's not in compliance with local laws. I believe there is a provision allowing tools legitimately used for work to be carried in those situations. It's a good bet that a few Detroit cops have seen me use the ST300 while I was at work. So, while I carry the ST300 during the week, it'll stay at home when I make the weekend run to Meijer.

Though how you carry yourself is just as important as what you carry, staying within the law is always a good bet.

Farmer?  Where in the United States is it illegal to carry an ST300?!?!  Theres no one-hand opening like is disallowed in NYC.  Are you guys in Motor City not allowed to have locking blades at all?

Staying within the law IS a good bet.

But sometimes the law's a azz.  Here in Massachusetts, the Supreme Judicial Court just overturned a 67 year old law that prohibited switchblades as unconstitutional based on -of all things - the Second Amendment.  Something not often championed in Massachusetts

[nate j]

Farmer?  Where in the United States is it illegal to carry an ST300?!?!  Theres no one-hand opening like is disallowed in NYC.  Are you guys in Motor City not allowed to have locking blades at all?

Staying within the law IS a good bet.

But sometimes the law's a azz.  Here in Massachusetts, the Supreme Judicial Court just overturned a 67 year old law that prohibited switchblades as unconstitutional based on -of all things - the Second Amendment.  Something not often championed in Massachusetts

Well, I’m not Farmer, but the city of Detroit has a 3” blade length limit (without “good cause”).

[dmattaponi]

I live in a rural are! But commute to work at a large liberal university.  I’m happy to say that the SAK is accepted in both places.  Fortunately the laws are pretty reasonable too so no one bats an eye at a traditional folder, or even more modern types.

[Farmer X]

But, there’s always a but! If you go to the pub after work still carrying your tool are you now allowed?

If I'm making a quick stop for groceries or other provisions before I go home, I'll chance it. Otherwise, it's best to take the ST300 off my belt before heading out.

Where in the United States is it illegal to carry an ST300?!?!

The city of Detroit has a 3” blade length limit (without “good cause”).

Nate beat me to it. The ordinance was tough to locate, but I do recall it said that a tool used in performance of one's trade was under the "good cause" umbrella. Some local laws are even more restrictive.

[nate j]

The ordinance was tough to locate, but I do recall it said that a tool used in performance of one's trade was under the "good cause" umbrella. Some local laws are even more restrictive.

Sec. 38-10-42. - Possession in public, etc., of knives having three-inch or longer blade prohibited; exception.   
It shall be unlawful for any person to be in possession of a knife with a blade more than three (3) inches in length in any of the streets, alleys, parks, boulevards or other public property or schools in the city, or in any dance hall, theater, amusement park, liquor establishment, store or other private property generally frequented by the public for purposes of education, recreation, amusement, entertainment, sport or shopping. This section shall not apply to any person in possession of any such knife when it is used or carried in good faith as a tool of honest work, trade, business, sport or recreation when the person in possession of such knife is actively engaged therein or actively engaged in going to or returning from such honest work, trade, business, sport or recreation.

https://library.municode.com/mi/detroit/codes/code_of_ordinances/304930?nodeId=DECO_CH38OFMIPR_ARTXWE_DIV1GE

I’ll put in another plug for Knife Rights LegalBlade app, which makes it easy to find this stuff.

[Farmer X]

That's the one I found. Might have to see about that Knife Rights app, even though I'm not generally a fan of such things.