“I always have a Glock and a large flipper knife on my person as part of my everyday carry so defense is very important to me. But I’m ready to follow in your footsteps and vagabond the world for a while. I know I can “get away” with carrying a knife in some countries but guns are essentially impossible as a traveler. So what do you recommend as the most effective defense weapon I can carry in all environments, especially the non-permissives like airports and government buildings?”
-User 00368
Texas, USA
RESPONSE ///
This is why I don’t cover guns on Vinjatek (at least until I stop vagabonding), because as a constant international traveler, properly transporting, possessing and carrying firearms is all but impossible.
As for large flipper knives (>4 inches), they may be deemed too menacing and you may catch a severe weapons charge. When I do carry a blade, I opt for sub-3 inch cutting edge knives, currently the Exilis Knife. While not official, 3 inches is generally the legal limit for civilian carry in many countries.
A decent tactical pen is the most situationally effective and legally safe defense weapon for non-permissive environments – including the most sensitive of places like airports and government buildings.
A tactical pen is circumstantially tactical, civilian legal, carry practical and write capable. A perfectly inconspicuous and permissive defense tool.
When deciding on a tactical pen, stay away from overly aggressive and obviously weapon-looking models – these defeat the whole purpose of openly permissive carry.
My long-time favorite and regularly EDC’ed is the Tuff-Writer Operator Pen (pictured), available here.
