Tools & Everyday Carry
Standard stuff first, then defensive tools that earn their place.
Steven's 'standard stuff' and defensive tools, Dan's self-defense tool, currency and identification, and Jared's equipment bullet all converge: carry a small set of items you can actually reach, use, and justify. The knife, the light, the phone, cash, and ID do more real work than anything exotic.
Key points
- Standard stuff: keys, light, phone, cash, ID — the boring items solve most real problems.
- A defensive tool you can't reach with either hand, under stress, isn't a tool.
- Currency matters: cash gets you a ride, a room, or out of a bad place.
- Identification matters: it tells responders who you are when you can't.
- Every tool carries a legal footprint — know your local law before you carry it.
Where this comes from in the book
“Standard stuff (everyday carry basics)”
Steven Johnson · Chapter Three
“Defensive tools”
Steven Johnson · Chapter Three
“Self-defense tool”
Dan Spagone · Chapter Four
“Currency”
Dan Spagone · Chapter Four
“Identification”
Dan Spagone · Chapter Four
“Equipment”
Jared Grant · Chapter Two
Put it to work
- Empty your pockets and ask of each item: what problem does this solve, and can I reach it with either hand?
- Add cash and ID if they're missing — they're two of the cheapest bullets on the list.
- Read your local law on every tool you carry before you carry it.
Local law and qualified in-person instruction come first on anything involving force, weapons or medical care.
1. Steven's “standard stuff” refers to:
2. What disqualifies an item from being a usable defensive tool?
3. Why does Dan include currency in his six?
4. The purpose of carrying identification is primarily:
5. Before adding any tool to your carry, the book says to:
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If you're ready to move beyond information and start developing your skills with experienced instructors, we'd like to learn a little about you, where you are today, and where you'd like to go.