Someone asked a while back about comments I made earlier about my every day “kit”. Some things should always be on your person. The idea of an every day “kit” I owe to my ol’ Grandpa Homer. Man, how I miss his wisdom – and how he cloaked it in that deep Appalachian humor. He taught me so much, and I never even knew he was teaching me at all until many years after he was gone. I found myself and a friend in a Winter storm and in need of shelter and warmth. Because of the things Grandpa made such a big deal about carrying every day we made it through just fine. Actually we were damned well off compared to others out in that storm. Thanks Grandpa! My “kit” has morphed over the years, but the basic “knife, fire, cordage” stays there always. It will continue to change as our times and needs change.
To most people my Daily Kit would be extreme to say the least. On average, I have on my person three knives at all times. I carry a Cold Steel 4 inch neck knife in a Concealex sheath, a 1 3/4 inch folder either clipped to a pocket or in my boot laces, and an ancient Case stockman folder that belonged to my Dad in my pocket. Depending on the day, and where I’m going, I may also carry a 9 1/2 inch Gurka Kukri made by Cold Steel on my belt. I also have a simple Zippo lighter on my belt or in a pocket, along with 12 – 15 feet of 1/8th inch diameter braided nylon cord. Add in a handy-dandy revolver and there isn’t much that come up that I’m not able to handle.
The idea of a daily kit is something that is highly personal in nature. What works for me might not work for you. The kit is also always in flux. I intend to retire my Dad’s old Case in favor of a Leatherman “Crunch” multitool. Upon arrival of a promised Tombstone Speed Rig sholder holster for the new Ruger Vaquero .45 Colt my current incarnation of the “Complete Daily Kit” will be complete.
Whether your idea of the Daily Kit matches mine or not, it pays to give a wee bit of thought to what you might need in the event of an unexpected occurance and prepare accordingly. Believe me, it can make the difference between a minor annoyance and a total disaster when the unexpected happens. Good luck!
Omar, out.
