Help me build a man kit

PubBurgers wrote: That Kershaw does look nice. OK, i've got some researching to do.

If you are considering it for last ditch self defense, one thing to look for in any brand would be the assisted opening feature, as long as it stays legal (I think some federal agency was trying to redefine them as automatic knives at one point). It doesn't take much practice to get the thing to open about as fast a switchblade.
I just like having it since it makes it easier to open with one hand. Mine tends to get used for cutting boxes or packing tape when noone remembered to have a utility knife with them. Also did a little whittling at the LeMons at Nelson Ledges during a break in the action.

I have a butterfly knife which will give a person pause before they come at you.

I finally got one of these last year and while it's a nice knife - I'm pretty sure the blade firing out the end with a malevolent, mechanical "Schack!" sound would gain the attention of anyone you're ready to stick with it.

PubBurgers wrote: A couple weeks ago some psycho weirdo started yelling/chasing/stalking me on my route one morning. Called the cops but I don't think they found him. At that point i realized i had nothing to defend myself with if needed. I carry a tire iron now but it's a bit unwieldy for running around the neighborhood.

I would think an extendable baton would work well for this. It's easy to deploy while riding and it's pretty intimidating. Fits easily in most pockets and can be fairly lightweight.

digdug18 wrote: Jacques, a .22 rifle is a good choice for small game, but it lacks the stopping power to drop anything bigger then a squirrel really. Though you can live for months on squirrel meat if if in a forest. Like stated above I'd grab a .410 shotgun, you can drop most things, including deer(slugs), you just need to get really really close. The option for you might be a combination gun, their are various companies that make guns with 2 barrels, either side by side or the more common over and under. One being for either .22 or .22 mag, and the other for a .410 shotgun shell. They are pretty accurate out to 50 yards or so, which is about as far as you really want to shoot small game. As for comfort of the gun, you can make any gun you buy more comfortable for yourself, through scopes, iron sites, recoil pads to change the length of pull, etc. You could make a rifle lighter through use of a fiberglass stock, some rifle's are easier to find them for, such as the ruger 10/22. Versus other rifle's where you'd have to make one for, like the mossberg 22's. Andrew

I might disagree. Many a deer has been dropped by an Indian wielding .22. Why. "Bullets are cheaper" But they have to be well placed head shots. 410 are awesome, but have you checked the price of shells? Ho-lee-shnikies! There way more expensive, and rare, than a 20 or 12 gauge.

Savage M24 for those who can't make up their mind about weapons..

As for knife making, I started doing one out of an old file. I never finished it, but I will one day.

I carry a few different knives on me for different things..

yes there are newer better tools, but I have this one and it works great.

an opinel knife is a great knife. I like the carbon steel blade. I've not had a great deal of success with getting stainless bladed knives to hold the level of edge I want and prefer ease to sharpen over the shineness of stainless. This knife is kept sharp enough to shave my face at all times.

1. some junky buck folder I got from Cabelas. It was cheap and I wanted a very small knife, because I didn't want to get caught in a fight with a big pocket knife by the po po. The tiny little buck never raised an eyebrow.

2. The knife I really want now is a Cold Steel bushman. They aren't expensive or sophisticated, but are great camp knives. They are solid 1 pc steel and work well. Heavy though.

FWIW A couple of months ago I picked up a little stun gun at a gun show for $20. It came with a carrying case that attaches to your belt so it just looks like you have a cell phone. Haven't had a chance(need) to try it yet, but my kids don't whine about cleaning their rooms anymore! That sucker is LOUD! Sould be perfect for your paper route!......and I wish I had never sold my old 22/410!