Urban tool kit?

The street price of the impact-resistant ones I was seeing was more around $75. :D
 
Also any suggestion for PPE vs. two-legged predators, so to speak?

Edit: I should note that the above question is with regards to lightweight protection that would not become an encumbrance. The idea here is mobility--not confrontation! PracTac this ain't! :D
 
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I find a good utility knife with some spare blades to be very useful in an urban environment. Everything from opening plastic wrapped items, making cardboard into something useful, cutting cord, drywall, etc. I have one in a number of locations.

Spud
 
You can buy kevlar and or spectra lined neck warmers , hoodies , jackets gloves and tshirts , they are anti stab / slash only tho . The UK has the most sellers of this stuff it seems . Thats most of your upper body knife proofed more or less ...
You can buy normal spectra armored jeans for bike riding , they arent lined all over like the body armor above tho , just the impact zones where youd normally lose skin sliding around in a crash . Most good bike shops have them on the shelf , if not that online auction site has them .
Light armor as far as firearms tho ... no idea .. I dont know of anything light that will stop bullets . the cops here still pack heavy plates into their vests and are classed as bullet resistant ..
 
FortyTwoBlades said:
Also any suggestion for PPE vs. two-legged predators, so to speak?

Edit: I should note that the above question is with regards to lightweight protection that would not become an encumbrance. The idea here is mobility--not confrontation! PracTac this ain't! :D
Click to expand...

It's always a trade-off. The lighter versions that most law enforcement uses are not good protection from knives but there are some that will defend against knives but often cost more. The heavier stuff I wore was top of the line but extremely heavy and a big PITA. I would just plan to travel light and fast and maintain a high level of situational awareness to avoid getting in a position where armor was necessary. If you really feel the need you'll be paying a few C-Notes. I've thought long and hard about purchasing body armor for the family, but honestly, if you're not in a combat zone with 24/7 threat, you will never develop the habit of wearing it. I've thought about the lighter, concealable ones, but for reaslistic protection, most are just too heavy and chances are they wouldn't be worn all the time; and when you need it is when you least expect it.

They do have sales from time to time, so if you're interested do a little research and keep an eye on deals.

ETA:

I needed to add a quick chart showing ballistic protection levels. As you can see, most of the non-plate versions are really only rated or pistols calibers and up to 12 gauge rounds. Just about rifle round will put you down without heavier ballistic/ceramic plates…but let me tell you, front and side plates weigh a lot and will slow you down and make you less mobile.

BallisticProtection.gif


The only good news is that you’re more likely to be facing a pistol or shotgun if it’s just a domestic crisis where chaos and riots would be the biggest threat. Not too many thugs would be packing around a rifle following the immediate crisis.

ROCK6
 
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Knives and impact weapons would be more of the type of PPE I'd be thinking of here. Like you said, stuff for bullets is pretty damn heavy, quite often bulky, and generally enough of a pain in the butt that you aren't likely to be in the habit of wearing it. Stuff for cuts/stabs/blunt trauma would still be useful in the event of accidental contact with broken glass, sharp metal, or falling objects. I do own one of these--it's a light stainless maille garment with machine-welded rings designed for the meat cutting industry, and can be comfortably worn under a shirt without drawing attention.

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However, the HexArmor body protectors and sleeves might be a better option. Maille only provides impact protection if suitably tailored to take up excessive slack, and my vest isn't. It's saved me from the rare slip in the workshop, though! Under a leather apron it adds an extra degree of security when meddling with sharp things.
 
Another thought, but light-weight nomex gear is coming down in price, at the very least you can prevent getting quite as singed. Wool and cotton are alright too, better than having nylon or polyester melted on to you. I honestly don't know how big a concern fire is, realistically.
 
FortyTwoBlades said:
For chopping wood I've got a piece of my own design that ought to do quite nicely. :D

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I sniped your post a bit. I would like to see your design.
I think everyone here has a good list going. I am going to refer back to it latter. I really like the Knipex mini bolt cutters. Knipix's makes some nice tools.
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I've got a pair of Mechanix gloves, they are awesome, and durable, mine are still in great shape and I've had them for probably, oh...7 or 8 years?
 
I've occasionally read that people might use their bolt/chain cutters to take a short cut when bugging out on foot. I would be worried that they might run into trouble with nervous armed security guards.
 
How about a silcock key to turn public water systems on and off.
 
Hmm...makes me wonder if the needle-nose knipex cobras would work for that.
 
Thanks--I put 1.5 years of thought into it, in fact! I'd love to see a production version come to fruition--I submitted it to Condor and they're debating adding it to their 2013 line. A production version would have slightly thinner stock to reduce overall weight (2mm instead of 1/8"), a polypropylene handle, and leather sheath included. If you like it, do me a favor and let them know! :D
 
By the way, here's a pic of the Baryonyx Machete in hand. This is why it's able to handle just about anything I could want it to do--it's a freakin' MONSTER. :D

Photo on 2011-08-08 at 18.03 #2.jpg
 
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