What to keep with you at all times? (good, light, oil)

[Ghengis]

Given the impending social and economic collapse around the corner, and being a bit new to this preparedness thing, I was wondering what would be advisable to keep immediately at hand that would help me get by. I don't want to have to carry anything as it tends to slow me down when I'm running so these would be things that I could either wear or put in my pockets. So far I have...

• macaroni
• a book of matches
• my ipod
• a swiss army knife
• a mini-mag light
• my hat
• Pamela Anderson's address

[lifelongMOgal]

I always have at least a knife, flashlight, cellphone, cash & credit card on my person. When I go to bed these things remain at the bedside alongside other emergency tools.

[Wilson513]

I think the OP was making a sarcastic remark.

[Ghengis]

Originally Posted by wilson1010

I think the OP was making a sarcastic remark.

Not at all. Well maybe the macaroni part, but I figure you have to be able to eat and I could use the macaroni to catch small mammals or birds and such.

[MissingAll4Seasons]

multi-tool/knife, flashlight, steel & flint (more reliable than matches) -- on keychain; cash, ATM card, ID -- in wallet "sleeve"

that's what's always on my person... what's in my vehicle and various packs is a whole lot more involved.

(note: if I lived somewhere that had cell reception, then I carry that too)

[Mac_Muz]

Probably just for you, only this Pamela Anderson's address

She probably won't eat macaroni , so you won't need matches.

If the hat is made of tinfoil keep it, if not it won't matter.

On the swiss knife just keep the tooth pick, and what use is a flash light of anyway?

.

[Grandpa Pipes]

I carry 4 or 5 knives everywhere I go. There is a 6" blade close at hand when I sleep.

Of all the tools man has ever invented the knife is the most useful which I've found to be 110% true.

[Mac_Muz]

Originally Posted by Tightwad

I carry 4 or 5 knives everywhere I go. There is a 6" blade close at hand when I sleep.

Of all the tools man has ever invented the knife is the most useful which I've found to be 110% true.

That seems excessive. Why so many?

In the modern life I lead i carry either a half decent folder, or a swiss knife, but just one or the other at a time.

In my 18th century life I may have more, since my powder horn strap contains a patch knife, my haversacks contain a folder each, and on my belt is a larger than 6 inch butcher knife common the the 18th cent.

Then added to that on a trek I may have a old Bowie, like a old bowie I found in a celllar hole i rebuilt. This weighs 1 and 1/2 pounds and is 15.5 inches long.

Assuming you don't live in the 18th like i do, why some many at one time?

[Happy in Wyoming]

I carry a Swiss Army Knife at all times. But I have a backup.

Amazon.com: Victorinox Swiss Army Swiss Card Translucent: Sports & Outdoors

The one problem with these is that they tend to crack after having been sat upon for a while. so I now place it next to this one in my wallet.

Amazon.com: SE 11 Function Credit Card Size Survival Pocket Tool: hobbytoolsupply

This one is virtually indestuctible. but lacks some features of the Swiss Card. Additionally, it requires something to protect the sharp edge. I use a small piece of plastic binder material. If I didn't do this, the tool would slice my wallet fairly quickly. I know this to be a fact.

[Mac_Muz]

Oh I forgot one Once building a blade from a file in the heat treating it cracked in several places. This happens from time to time, since stress can build in carbon steel that can't be seen by the eye.

I was a little upset never the less, and threw the ruined blade. When it landed the tip broke off, and i recovered that and the rest of the pieces. That tip was glass hard, and just long enough to reforge for a 2 finger grip. I use it for sewwing and to cut some very think elk hide when sewwing. It lives in the hem of a Balmora hat i made. So anytime I have that hat on I have that little knife. I have other items in that hat, like a coil of linen thread, needles, brass fish hooks and other assorted items that I deem handy.