Awkard moments or negative responses while using your EDC!

[CipherNameRaVeN]

I think those people who know what I carry in my EDC bag either think I am some sort of boyscout, or better yet, a SERIAL KILLER. I bet if something would happen to someone they would probably point their fingers at me: "I know he is a nice guy, but I always knew there is something very strange about him. Why else would he carry in his bag a knife, a rope, and duct tape?!"

[squinty]

I think those people who know what I carry in my EDC bag either think I am some sort of boyscout, or better yet, a SERIAL KILLER. I bet if something would happen to someone they would probably point their fingers at me: "I know he is a nice guy, but I always knew there is something very strange about him. Why else would he carry in his bag a knife, a rope, and duct tape?!"

People misunderstanding the contents of your BoB or EDC bag is actually, IMO, a serious concern. We joke about negative or prejudicial reactions to our tools and preps, but stumble into the wrong place wrong time (walk home from work late at night, get stopped because you fit some vague description, get asked "What's this knife in your pocket for? WTF do you need a knife, flashlight, twine and duct tape for just to walk home?") and there's no more joking.
viewtopic.php?f=33&t=66619&hilit=+widgy

The fact that a B&E guy or rapist might carry a toolkit very similar to some of our EDC gear should give us pause. It wouldn't actually be funny to get mistaken for, or suspected of being, a serial killer. However unfounded.

[CipherNameRaVeN]

I think those people who know what I carry in my EDC bag either think I am some sort of boyscout, or better yet, a SERIAL KILLER. I bet if something would happen to someone they would probably point their fingers at me: "I know he is a nice guy, but I always knew there is something very strange about him. Why else would he carry in his bag a knife, a rope, and duct tape?!"

People misunderstanding the contents of your BoB or EDC bag is actually, IMO, a serious concern. We joke about negative or prejudicial reactions to our tools and preps, but stumble into the wrong place wrong time (walk home from work late at night, get stopped because you fit some vague description, get asked "What's this knife in your pocket for? WTF do you need a knife, flashlight, twine and duct tape for just to walk home?") and there's no more joking.
viewtopic.php?f=33&t=66619&hilit=+widgy

The fact that a B&E guy or rapist might carry a toolkit very similar to some of our EDC gear should give us pause. It wouldn't actually be funny to get mistaken for, or suspected of being, a serial killer. However unfounded.

Believe me, though I said it jokingly, it is always on the back of my mind. I often hear on TV that goes something like this: "A local man was arrested today in connection with {fill in blank} kidnapping, murder, rape, burglary, terrorist plot. Officials discovered the following items in his car/residence: duct tape, rope, several knives, maps of local roads, an axe, combustible liquids, etc." Everybody who hears that shake their heads and say: "Man, he is definitely guilty!" I think to myself: "Man, I hope they don't look in my bag!"

[squinty]

I think those people who know what I carry in my EDC bag either think I am some sort of boyscout, or better yet, a SERIAL KILLER. I bet if something would happen to someone they would probably point their fingers at me: "I know he is a nice guy, but I always knew there is something very strange about him. Why else would he carry in his bag a knife, a rope, and duct tape?!"

People misunderstanding the contents of your BoB or EDC bag is actually, IMO, a serious concern. We joke about negative or prejudicial reactions to our tools and preps, but stumble into the wrong place wrong time (walk home from work late at night, get stopped because you fit some vague description, get asked "What's this knife in your pocket for? WTF do you need a knife, flashlight, twine and duct tape for just to walk home?") and there's no more joking.
viewtopic.php?f=33&t=66619&hilit=+widgy

The fact that a B&E guy or rapist might carry a toolkit very similar to some of our EDC gear should give us pause. It wouldn't actually be funny to get mistaken for, or suspected of being, a serial killer. However unfounded.

Believe me, though I said it jokingly, it is always on the back of my mind. I often hear on TV that goes something like this: "A local man was arrested today in connection with {fill in blank} kidnapping, murder, rape, burglary, terrorist plot. Officials discovered the following items in his car/residence: duct tape, rope, several knives, maps of local roads, an axe, combustible liquids, etc." Everybody who hears that shake their heads and say: "Man, he is definitely guilty!" I think to myself: "Man, I hope they don't look in my bag!"

My favorite is the mention of "thousands of rounds of ammunition" in a basement or safe or workroom. How many avid shooters and reloaders have that much ammunition? A lot. I've probably got that much .22 lr at least. D'oh! I mean...I'm sure some people have that much ammo...(whistles)

[CipherNameRaVeN]

I think those people who know what I carry in my EDC bag either think I am some sort of boyscout, or better yet, a SERIAL KILLER. I bet if something would happen to someone they would probably point their fingers at me: "I know he is a nice guy, but I always knew there is something very strange about him. Why else would he carry in his bag a knife, a rope, and duct tape?!"

People misunderstanding the contents of your BoB or EDC bag is actually, IMO, a serious concern. We joke about negative or prejudicial reactions to our tools and preps, but stumble into the wrong place wrong time (walk home from work late at night, get stopped because you fit some vague description, get asked "What's this knife in your pocket for? WTF do you need a knife, flashlight, twine and duct tape for just to walk home?") and there's no more joking.
viewtopic.php?f=33&t=66619&hilit=+widgy

The fact that a B&E guy or rapist might carry a toolkit very similar to some of our EDC gear should give us pause. It wouldn't actually be funny to get mistaken for, or suspected of being, a serial killer. However unfounded.

Believe me, though I said it jokingly, it is always on the back of my mind. I often hear on TV that goes something like this: "A local man was arrested today in connection with {fill in blank} kidnapping, murder, rape, burglary, terrorist plot. Officials discovered the following items in his car/residence: duct tape, rope, several knives, maps of local roads, an axe, combustible liquids, etc." Everybody who hears that shake their heads and say: "Man, he is definitely guilty!" I think to myself: "Man, I hope they don't look in my bag!"

My favorite is the mention of "thousands of rounds of ammunition" in a basement or safe or workroom. How many avid shooters and reloaders have that much ammunition? A lot. I've probably got that much .22 lr at least. D'oh! I mean...I'm sure some people have that much ammo...(whistles)

If you think about it, 1000 rounds of ammunition is 20 boxes. It's not all that much. I have seen some pictures of people's preps here, they have way more than 20 boxes of ammo. But when you say it 1000 rounds, it sounds a lot.

[tarman42]

The best was the day I had my AR in the office at work with several loaded mags. It was in a case, but they had to see what it was. That was the day everyone realized I was "weird". Now when I do something that doesn't make sense to them and they ask about it, I just say "this seems strange to you?" Their usual reply is "oh, yeah, I forgot who I was talking to"

So I know this is ZS, but I must hear your explanation for anAR with loaded mags in the office.

Sorry if this has been brought up allready but I scanned a few pages and saw no mention of it.

[JTNieman]

The best was the day I had my AR in the office at work with several loaded mags. It was in a case, but they had to see what it was. That was the day everyone realized I was "weird". Now when I do something that doesn't make sense to them and they ask about it, I just say "this seems strange to you?" Their usual reply is "oh, yeah, I forgot who I was talking to"

So I know this is ZS, but I must hear your explanation for anAR with loaded mags in the office.

Sorry if this has been brought up allready but I scanned a few pages and saw no mention of it.

I've had my AK in the office with several loaded mags. Loaded mags because unloaded mags are useless, and in the office, because I just got back from shooting, and didnt want to leave it in my truck. There are practical reasons to have it in the office at times.

[Browning 35]

Whenever I have someone make some sort of rude and negative comment about my knife, EDC or what's in my Versipack I always turn it around on them. I just stop everything and look at them directly with a slightly disgusted and astonished look on my face : 'Wait....seriously, YOU don't carry a knife....you mean EVER???' 'How do you cut things?' 'Wow, you must have grown up in a really sheltered environment where nothing ever happened'. 'Did you have your man-servant do those kind of things for you?'

After doing that whole routine I've never had a problem with the same guy twice as it makes them feel kinda foolish. That's for people that are rude though. If someone just has a question about whatever tool/item I'm using or that I've just pulled out that's completely different and I'll generally do my best to answer it in a helpful way if I can.

For everyone else (the guys I work with or family) they just kind of naturally figure that I have whatever they're looking for (bandaids, batteries, knife sharpener, ibuprofen, tape, flashlight, screwdriver, lighter, crescent wrench etc).

[knight_308]

Whenever I have someone make some sort of rude and negative comment about my knife, EDC or what's in my Versipack I always turn it around on them. ... 'Did you have your man-servant do those kind of things for you?'

*That* is awesome, right there. Bravo.

[Power Fail]

I don't know whether any of you are of an age that would 'get it', but the guys used to flirt with the line 'Because I'm the Handyman' if a girl asked them why they carried a tool like that.
The girl would usually giggle and that would be the end of it.

Or you could always say 'My grandmother (or grandfather) gave it to me.'

In the case of a knife, many people today wouldn't even think of it as a tool. After all, knives are nothing but sharp, scary weapons for beheading people.

[Hammer31]

At my final divorce hearing, I left my Letherman and my CCW in my car but forgot my EDC knife. As I emptied my pockets, the two deputies manning the checkpoint perked their ears when my Gerber Fast hit the bin. Seeing it one grabbed it and then secured it in the "dangerous weapons locker". They handed me a claim check and I thought I was going to have to talk fast to get it back.

After my hearing I went back to get my knife and had a 5 minute discussion with both deputies about which is better, folders or fixed blades. My new ex just got even more pissed since she had to wait until they had finished with me for her to be processed out. I count that as a win.

[Dr Jekell]

Believe me, though I said it jokingly, it is always on the back of my mind. I often hear on TV that goes something like this: "A local man was arrested today in connection with {fill in blank} kidnapping, murder, rape, burglary, terrorist plot. Officials discovered the following items in his car/residence: duct tape, rope, several knives, maps of local roads, an axe, combustible liquids, etc." Everybody who hears that shake their heads and say: "Man, he is definitely guilty!" I think to myself: "Man, I hope they don't look in my bag!"

And they forget to mention that these items are usually found in peoples homes.

[TafkanX]

I carry a few pieces of kit in one of those Nite-Ize Clip Pock-Its pouches to facilitate dealing with day-to-day nuisances. Nothing extravagant: a mini-maglite, a Gerber multi-tool, a CRKT M16-10KZ pocket knife, an ink pen and my keys. On more than one occasion I've been asked if it was a gun. Apparently it resembles a firearm holster

*I should note that I live in California and carrying (openly or otherwise) is not common at all.

[Toro Azul]

I'm kinda laughing at everyone who is getting reactions from using a knife as a tool. I live in Dixie and it is pretty much the norm to carry some sort of blade.

For fuck's sake we have guys who wear fish hooks in their hunting caps.

[TripwireC91]

So I go to walmart the other day to pick up my wifes order --- site-to-store. So I go to the back area where you pick that crap up and it came in a box way bigger than what was needed. Being it was in a standard brown shipping box, I asked the girl to open it so I could make sure it was what my wife ordered. After watching her struggle with it for a couple minutes I just said "may I open it please." she said sure. I flipped open my knife, cut the tape, put it away.

She stood there for a few seconds just looking at me, and then she asked me what the other one was for. I carry my grandfathers folder in its sheath on my belt, it rarely gets used. I just told her "Moral support."

People don't look at me like they're scared of me very often..... I just felt a little sorry for her.

[Vulcan]

So I go to walmart the other day to pick up my wifes order --- site-to-store. So I go to the back area where you pick that crap up and it came in a box way bigger than what was needed. Being it was in a standard brown shipping box, I asked the girl to open it so I could make sure it was what my wife ordered. After watching her struggle with it for a couple minutes I just said "may I open it please." she said sure. I flipped open my knife, cut the tape, put it away.

She stood there for a few seconds just looking at me, and then she asked me what the other one was for. I carry my grandfathers folder in its sheath on my belt, it rarely gets used. I just told her "Moral support."

People don't look at me like they're scared of me very often..... I just felt a little sorry for her.

Wal*Mart policy is you can't use your own personal knife (just the awesome box cutters that have in the back) for opening anything when working or on the clock. If a manager sees you using your own knife, you instantly get 'coached'. You can't get a raise or transfer stores if you have a coaching on record.

[Ad'lan]

So, I'm currently working in a lab. I'm carrying my EDC Swiss Army Knife, and I got my bosses permission to carry a locking blade multitool for work (which means I get to bring it with me on my commute). However, everytime I go to use it rather than spend 5 minutes hunting for scissors or pliers in the lab, I get some comment.

However, my Boss has got used to it, and now asks to borrow it reasonably often. Yesterday I joked with him that when I leave (I'm on a 12 month contract), I should get him one to replace me.

He quite adamantly told me no. That he was scared of getting done by the police. Insufficient Legal information about knife law in the UK has made him unwilling to carry a knife. I actually asked him if there were no legal issues and he said he'd carry a knife because he could see how useful it was. So, not so much negative towards me, it's just one of the conversations about knives I have at work. Usually explaining why I have one while lending it to someone, and then defending having an EDC from their shock.

[JTNieman]

I'm kinda laughing at everyone who is getting reactions from using a knife as a tool. I live in Dixie and it is pretty much the norm to carry some sort of blade.

For fuck's sake we have guys who wear fish hooks in their hunting caps.

South Louisiana here.
Dude was walking around asking if anybody had a knife he could use. Everyone was laughing at him like "You don't have one on you?"


I felt bad because I didn't - the clip on my leatherman got caught and bent outward enough that made it super annoying to put in my pocket. Didn't have time to fix it before leaving for work so I went bare. :\

Got a temp replacement though.

[knight_308]

Insufficient Legal information about knife law in the UK has made him unwilling to carry a knife. I actually asked him if there were no legal issues and he said he'd carry a knife because he could see how useful it was. So, not so much negative towards me, it's just one of the conversations about knives I have at work. Usually explaining why I have one while lending it to someone, and then defending having an EDC from their shock.

It's funny, I lived in the UK during my formative years (call it age 8-16). I *always* carried a pocket knife, and even in the 80s and 90s I got strange looks sometimes.

Of course, during that time I realized how ridiculous some of the UK's laws against objects (or anyone's laws against objects) were. I think it was a news report about someone getting stabbed a bunch of times and killed with a screwdriver that made me realize that *anything* can be used as a weapon by someone meaning to do harm.

If I didn't have anything better to do I think it would be entertaining to carry my EDC in London just to see how long I could get away with it before Johnny Law started hassling me. Probably wouldn't be too long with the 1911 on my hip .

[Ad'lan]

It's funny, I lived in the UK during my formative years (call it age 8-16). I *always* carried a pocket knife, and even in the 80s and 90s I got strange looks sometimes.

Of course, during that time I realized how ridiculous some of the UK's laws against objects (or anyone's laws against objects) were. I think it was a news report about someone getting stabbed a bunch of times and killed with a screwdriver that made me realize that *anything* can be used as a weapon by someone meaning to do harm.

But fear not citizen, screwdrivers are now illegal to carry and those caught with such offensive weapons will be punished with at least 5 years in prision. Hang on, thats not true....

Will be sentenced too at least 5 years in prision.... Nope, still not accurate.....

....Will be Reprimanded by Police Officer, and have their weapon conviscated....

.....Will be chased by a PCSO.

If I didn't have anything better to do I think it would be entertaining to carry my EDC in London just to see how long I could get away with it before Johnny Law started hassling me. Probably wouldn't be too long with the 1911 on my hip .

I think twice before carrying my pen knife on my belt in London.

[Lynxian]

I think twice before carrying my pen knife on my belt in London.

I had my SAK in my backpack at all times when I was in London. What worried me more were the odd looks I was afraid of getting when wearing a backpack in the tube. Thankfully, other Brits were also carrying them.

[meatshieldChris]

F all them that think I'm a danger to them. I'm way more selfish than that. This isn't about them, this stuff I carry is about me for me.

besides, if I get searched I think I'm redeemed by the other shit in my bag.

rope, knife, duct tape

electrical tape
first aid kit
a pile of USB sync/charge cables
cell phone
two lighters
sewing kit
notepad, pen, sharpie
GPS
camera
pez dispensor
diabetes medication and supplies

I'm not just going to murder you, I'm going to treat your diabetes, give you a band aid, light you on fire, fix your clothes, call you a pizza, get you lost then un-lost, feed you candy, take a picture, and charge your cellphone.

Or I'm prepared for my car breaking down.

[Zoltan]

After working in the same place almost 4 years, people have become used to me always carrying a folder and having my EDC bag with me.

Hell, I'm the first one that people come to when they have a booboo or need to open a box or whatever. I like that it doesn't really make anyone that uncomfortable, being as I work in a dress shirt & slscks office.

[urthshu]

No EDC in the standard sense here, just stuff in my pockets, whatev.
But every once in awhile I'll use, say, a pleather ECW mask and everybody will say "why the Hell do have something like that?"
Of course I get asked the same about my guns, too. I usually answer "How come you don't?" I'm pretty surprised by the outrage and umbrage, honestly.