Biker's EDC

H

Halvors

Joined
Jul 23, 2011
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33
I bike as a way to commute (it's healthy for you, traffic is [mostly] a non-issue, and you don't have to pay for/worry about keeping the tank full).
I was recently wondering what I should EDC in addition to my watch/wallet/keys.
I recently acquired a secondhand delica that I EDC for utility purposes, but was considering a compact blade (boot knife? push dagger?) for self defense purposes, preferably one that is light enough to not bother me while biking. [It would also be great if it didn't look intimidating/tacticool so that I don't take shit for not being PC.]
I was considering either a boot knife by Steingass or the Mercworx Seraphym.
Also considering an impact weapon/non lethal alternatives (I own a cheap stungun that's lying around here somewhere).

Any suggestions?
 
Halvors said:
traffic is [mostly] a non-issue,
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Are you the type of biker I see all the time in Portland that doesn't obey traffic laws? That drives me nuts.

As for defensive blades. Try asking in the practical tactical. My advice would be to stear clear of push daggers and the like. They're generally illegal. I would say something like an Izula or similar sized fixed blade if they're legal or a bigger folder like the spydie military.
 
IF you are really concerned about safety on your commute then I suggest you find a safer route. Beyond that I think a person riding a bike should have a multi-tool. Leatherman Wave is good. Some people prefer gerbers or a few others, check out he mutli-tool section of our forum. If you prefer something a bit smaller maybe a swissarmy knife will do you. And if you want something for defense maybe carry mace on a key chain so you could just spray and ride away. (Be cautious of spray back though)
 
Pretty much any nice sized pocket knife that has a sturdy clip so it won't fall out of your pocket. Boot knives, IMO, are overrated and uncomfortable. Chains or strings for neck knives get caught on things or rub against your neck. As for a N-LA, maybe a keychain pepper spray?

IMO, the Delica is a good knife. For SD purposes, maybe something bigger, like a Recon 1 or Military.
 
I carry a Cold Steel Gunsite with the 5" blade. Whatever you choose you want it to be light, and if it's primarily for last ditch defensive weapon it ought to be at least 4" of blade length. Knives that come to mind are the Spyderco Endura line, Cold Steel Recon 1, any of the older Voyagers etc.
 
If possible, try to snag a disco'd Cold Steel Recon 1. Big enoughfor gloved hands (if you were them while riding), has a plastic piece on the handle's end for impacts, and has a wave feature.

Others: Eskabar, Spyderco Endura, Spyderco Military
 
I got myself an ASP baton, added a mushroom butt cap, and rigged up a mount in place of my water bottle holder. I modified a Bell water bottle holder by adding a rubber microphone clip. It added weight to the bike, but came in very handy when my dog was attacked by two Pitbulls. I didn't even extend it, and it was in my hand before I was off the bike. Over a year later, and only one person ever asked me what it was. On the bike it's not concealed, and it's not a deadly weapon. I even put a black rubber walking stick tip over the part that extends to keep it clean, and silent, it rattled a bit otherwise.
Keep the knife on you what ever you get, and make sure the sheath is strong so if you wreck it won't cut through. You could have the baton in hand before, during, or after you dismount, and with the knife on you, it's your back-up weapon.
PS, get a real baton, and don't hit solid objects with it. People and animals have enough give to absorb shock, trees do not.
 
foxx said:
I got myself an ASP baton, added a mushroom butt cap, and rigged up a mount in place of my water bottle holder. I modified a Bell water bottle holder by adding a rubber microphone clip. It added weight to the bike, but came in very handy when my dog was attacked by two Pitbulls. I didn't even extend it, and it was in my hand before I was off the bike. Over a year later, and only one person ever asked me what it was. On the bike it's not concealed, and it's not a deadly weapon. I even put a black rubber walking stick tip over the part that extends to keep it clean, and silent, it rattled a bit otherwise.
Keep the knife on you what ever you get, and make sure the sheath is strong so if you wreck it won't cut through. You could have the baton in hand before, during, or after you dismount, and with the knife on you, it's your back-up weapon.
PS, get a real baton, and don't hit solid objects with it. People and animals have enough give to absorb shock, trees do not.
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Careful, baton's may be illegal in some places. Where I live I know if they're on your person they're illegal. Not sure if there's a distinction between concealed or not.
 
I had an ASP baton years ago when I rode, I could never find a way to comfortably carry it, and in PA I believe they are illegal. I traded it to a BF member for a Carbon V SRK. I agree that would be a great defensive weapon if it can be carried well.
 
The old Zefal HP pumps were pretty sturdy. A couple of dogs that thought about chasing me thought different when they was me reach down and grab the pump. Once they saw the pump in my hand, they backed down :D. i suppose they would work on people if need be.

I've also heard of someone using their bike lock on a case hardened chain as a weapon. Sounds like something CharlieMike would use.
 
Never felt the need to carry a "weapon" while siting on top of 20+ lbs of steel. Point is I try to stay away from the temptation of using a knife as a weapon and firmly believe they are not the best choice. So if the SHTF then pick your bike up and swing for the fences plain and simple but in reality you should never have the need. The only issue I ever ran into was someone on foot trying to rob me of my bike "ey yo gib me yo bike" to which I respond simply by speeding up and laughing as they run themselves out of breath.*

Get yourself a spare tube, mini pump, Park tools Alan keys and spoke wrench, a camel pack, and a good lock IMHO.
 
An impact tool is way better for SD, especially if you're biking (I also am a cyclist/bike commuter, and live in a rough part of town). A Kryptonite Evo u-lock is your best bet. It's like a huge pair of knucks, you can stick it through your belt to carry it (and this provides for a quick draw), and it's TOTALLY legal.
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(In addition, it is THE most secure bike lock available.)
 
i'm the other kind of biker, the kind i thought you were talking about when i opened this thread, the kind that edc's a ESEE 5 :D

BUT, a long time ago, i had to ride a mountain bike to and from work, through the city. so, i've been in a situation comparable to yours. i carried a KelTec P11 in a fanny pack. i think my knife, at the time, was a mini Benchmade Auto. but why i really chimed in was to say - whatever knife you get, that's fine, make sure to carry pepper spray because i rode through a lot of really bad neighborhoods (had to, that's where i worked), but the only time i every had to actually USE a weapon (not just exhibit) was to get rid of a chow that was trying to bit me. i liked the pepper spray i had better than anything, never even thought about my 9mm or a knife, just gave it a quirt and rode on.
 
Didn't I just send you a knife?
 
Hacked, recently in my part of the world bikers have been the targets of assault by groups of young teenage kids. One guy was beaten into a coma, all they did was take his wallet. With all due respect, I'll take my chances with a knife before I try swinging my bike at a group of attackers. A U lock is a good alternative to a knife as another suggested.
 
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