I do. I have since I was a scout (like Girl Scout/Boy Scout, not Kit Carson’s or U.S. Army type). It’s small (3" blade), opens one-handed and comes in handy for everything from opening boxes and letters to cleaning my fingernails. However, it was also selected out of paranoia, able to be used in self-defense should that ever be necessary.
A psychologist recently was talking with me and spouted: “Ah, I see you, too, carry a knife that can be quickly opened with one hand but which is unobtrusive enough to be explained away as a tool should anyone ask. It’s OK, lots of people do.” I was impressed that he mirrored my own thinking back to me and I started to question him, but he just smiled and said, “I’m a psychologist…” Though it felt like he was reading my mind.
Anyway, to the poll: Do you or don’t you, and why or why not?
I carried a Swiss Army knife in my purse/backpack for 30 years. Used it for all kinds of stuff, from camping to picnicking to opening wine to repair jobs etc.
Made the mistake of forgetting to take it out of my stuff when we traveled to Santa Barbara last summer. Left it in the airport.
The knife was getting on in years, and I haven’t replaced it yet. Self defense never occurred to me, it wasn’t an easy-open knife.
I carry a multitool as well. A Leatherman micro on my keychain. That one causes me no end of problems when I go to the airport. I carry my super Swiss army knife in my backpack. Neither is for self-defense as I’d have to ask my assailant to kindly pause a minute while I unfolded the blade. Although the scissors on the micro are probably sharper than the knife.
No, but it wouldn’t be a good idea to carry a foot-long dagger around here anyways. Not that I would if I could, but it’s the only knife I own. I’ve thought about getting a pocketknife, in case I might need one, but such occasions come up too rarely to bother.
I know my father carries one, but it’s actually a work tool for him. He gets cheap knives, since he tends to lose them. A lot.
I carry one of the mid-sized Wenger Swiss Army knives. I find it indespensible for day -to-day living. I feel really disturbed if I forget it or an nor allowed to bring it somewhere.