The Case for Consistent Carry: Why Every Day Should Be an EDC Day

During self-defense classes, I often ask how frequently attendees intend to carry a self-defense tool like pepper spray, a stun gun, a pocket knife, or a firearm. The most popular answer, predictably, is “as often and wherever I can.” For many of us, the Every Day Carry (EDC) concept is so ingrained that it has become a part of our daily lives.

However, not everyone subscribes to this idea. Some cite work restrictions or low-crime neighborhoods as reasons not to carry consistently. Let’s unpack why these justifications fall short and why carrying a self-defense tool regularly offers more benefits than you might think.

Situational Factors: Work and Low-Crime Areas

Among the myriad of reasons people give for not consistently carrying self-defense tools, workplace policies stand out as a common obstacle. Various institutions, such as schools, hospitals, and some corporate environments, maintain strict prohibitions against possessing firearms on their premises. As a result, individuals who may otherwise arm themselves for personal protection often find themselves disarmed during working hours.

It’s worth noting that a subset of this demographic has developed a partial workaround: they continue to carry firearms during their commute, securely locking them in their vehicles when they reach their place of employment. This strategy offers a compromise but still leaves them unarmed for a significant portion of their day.

Another significant segment of the population opts to carry self-defense tools only when venturing into areas they consider high-risk, often based on crime statistics or reputation. They justify their lack of daily preparedness by claiming they reside in “low-crime” neighborhoods and, therefore, face a lower threat level. This mindset, while seemingly logical on the surface, is dangerously naïve.

Crime and violence, by their very nature, are unpredictable. A low-crime area is not a no-crime area. Moreover, the assumption that one can accurately predict when and where a violent incident will occur is precarious. It ignores the random, volatile factors that often contribute to crime, from economic desperation to personal vendettas.

These situational factors—workplace policies and the notion of ‘low-risk’ living—reveal a more significant issue: a gap in public understanding of the unpredictability of safety threats and the importance of constant preparedness. They also present opportunities for dialogue and education to bridge these gaps and encourage a more comprehensive approach to personal safety.

The Fallacy of the “Safe Zone”

The concept of a “safe zone,” or the belief that one’s immediate environment is largely insulated from crime or danger, is a psychological fallacy that can result in a dangerous complacency. This notion is often rooted in statistical data or a selective interpretation of local crime rates, leading people to mistakenly think they’re immune to adverse events. We’re all naturally inclined to assume that ‘it won’t happen to me,’ but reality paints a different picture: danger doesn’t discriminate by zip code or neighborhood ratings.

For instance, FBI data substantiates the unsettling fact that even small American cities with populations as modest as 30,000 can be hotbeds of criminal activity, including gang-related violence. The perception of safety can be further shattered when one considers that public spaces, often regarded as safe havens, have repeatedly been the venues for violent incidents. From places of worship like churches to seemingly benign environments like movie theaters and schools, tragedies have struck in areas previously considered “safe.”

Even more troubling are the ‘everyday’ situations where danger can abruptly manifest. Road rage incidents can escalate into violent confrontations in the blink of an eye, and domestic disputes can turn perilous without warning. These instances prove that danger is not always where one expects it to be; it can occur anywhere, at any time.

The fallacy of the “safe zone” underscores the need for continuous vigilance and preparedness, regardless of one’s surroundings. Leaning too heavily on statistics or the reputation of a given area can create a false sense of security, which might deter individuals from taking adequate precautions to ensure their own safety and that of their loved ones. Therefore, it is crucial to maintain a realistic view of the potential risks in any environment and be prepared rather than caught off guard.

The Legal Advantages of Consistent Carry

Carrying a self-defense tool such as a firearm, pepper spray, or stun gun consistently offers not just immediate safety advantages but also some lesser-mentioned but critical legal benefits. When carrying becomes a part of your daily routine, akin to having your wallet or keys, it demonstrates to any court that being armed is a standard precaution you take for your safety. This becomes particularly relevant if you are involved in a self-defense incident leading to legal proceedings.

In contrast, if you are found to be carrying a self-defense tool only on the specific day an incident occurs, your actions may come under increased scrutiny. A prosecutor might argue that you intentionally armed yourself because you had foreknowledge of the incident or because you were seeking to put yourself in a situation where you might have to use the weapon. This argument could cast doubt on your self-defense claims and potentially shift the legal narrative against you.

Furthermore, inconsistent carry habits could allow prosecutors to probe deeper into your mindset or perceived motivations for carrying a weapon on that particular day, which might detract from the central issue of whether you had a reasonable need for self-defense. These extra layers of legal complexity could be avoided by carrying a self-defense tool as part of your daily routine, thus reinforcing your lawful intent to protect yourself rather than seeking confrontation.

Consistent carry practices serve the immediate goal of personal protection and provide a more robust legal footing should you ever need to justify your actions in court. This dual benefit underscores the value of making self-defense a consistent part of daily life.

The Consistency Factor: Making EDC a Routine

Embedding the act of carrying a self-defense tool into your everyday life, often referred to as ‘Everyday Carry’ or EDC has multi-layered advantages that extend beyond immediate personal safety. First, it psychologically and physically prepares you for the unpredictability of life. When you carry consistently, you build muscle memory and situational awareness, honing your readiness for unexpected scenarios. This constant state of preparedness can be a lifesaver, quite literally, in the face of sudden danger.

By making carrying a self-defense tool part of your daily routine, you effectively disarm one avenue of prosecutorial inquiry, enabling the legal focus to remain squarely on the facts and circumstances surrounding the incident itself. With fewer questions about your carry habits, your legal team can more effectively build a case based on the actual events and your reasonable response to them. Consistent carrying is both a practical and a legal shield, reinforcing your commitment to personal safety and lawful behavior.

Practical Advantages

Carrying a self-defense tool regularly confers several practical advantages beyond mere possession. Chief among these is the development of a heightened level of familiarity and comfort with your chosen device—be it a firearm, pepper spray, or a stun gun. This familiarity extends from the mechanical aspects, such as how to draw, aim, and activate the device, to the psychological readiness required to use it under duress.

Being comfortable with your self-defense tool is more than just knowing how to use it; it’s about integrating it seamlessly into your daily activities so that it becomes an extension of yourself. The more you practice with it and train under different scenarios, the quicker and more instinctively you will react in a crisis. Simply put, you don’t want to be fumbling with safety catches or figuring out how to aim when seconds can mean the difference between life and death.

Ease of access is another crucial benefit. When carrying is a daily habit, you’re likely to have developed a carry system that allows for quick and unhindered access to your self-defense tool. Whether it’s a specific pocket, a holster, or a purse compartment, knowing exactly where your device is at all times eliminates the precious seconds lost in searching for it.

Finally, the mental preparedness from consistent carry cannot be overstated. Being ready and able to defend yourself is as much a mental state as a physical one. Consistency in carry instills a mindset of preparedness that further enhances your ability to react effectively when faced with imminent danger. In sum, the practical advantages of carrying a self-defense tool consistently are multi-faceted, contributing to your skill and readiness and your overall sense of security and empowerment.

Psychological Preparedness

Carrying a self-defense tool regularly provides a crucial but often underestimated psychological benefit—mental preparedness. This state of readiness is not solely reliant on the tool you carry but is deeply ingrained in your awareness, observation, and preparedness for any situation. By adopting the habit of carrying a self-defense tool, you essentially train your mind to be alert to nuances and irregularities in your environment. This heightened awareness allows you to assess risks better, avoid threats, and take decisive action if necessary.

Moreover, this sense of psychological preparedness fosters a mindset that goes beyond mere reactive thinking. It encourages you to engage in proactive behaviors that can help you avoid danger altogether. This could mean noticing suspicious activity in a parking lot, identifying exits when you enter a new place, or recognizing signs of escalation in people’s behavior around you.

Notably, mental readiness can serve as a powerful deterrent in itself. Criminals often rely on the element of surprise and look for easy targets—individuals who appear distracted or unaware of their surroundings. You are far less likely to be chosen as a target when you present yourself as alert and prepared.

Mental preparedness also equips you with the emotional resilience to handle stressful situations better. Whether it’s a confrontation, an unexpected emergency, or an imminent threat, being psychologically prepared enhances your ability to stay calm, think clearly, and make sound decisions. This stability can improve your chances of navigating a dangerous situation and make you a source of strength for others who might be present.

The psychological advantages of consistent carry are manifold and interrelated. They enhance your sensory awareness, boost your proactive risk assessment capabilities, and build emotional resilience, all while potentially deterring would-be attackers. Thus, the psychological readiness afforded by consistent carry is an invaluable layer of self-defense that complements the physical tool you carry.

Tips for Consistent Carry

1. Choose the Right Tool: Make sure you’re comfortable with your self-defense tool, whether it’s a pepper spray, a pocket knife, or a personal alarm.

2. Regular Training: Consistency is not just about carrying but also knowing how to use what you’re carrying. Regular practice ensures that you’re ready for action.

3. Keep it Accessible: Store your tool where it can be quickly and easily drawn. Time is of the essence in emergencies.

Conclusion

Making every day an EDC day is more than a routine; it’s a commitment to your personal safety and well-being. Just as you wouldn’t leave home without your keys or phone, your self-defense tool should be a non-negotiable part of your daily arsenal.

While no one wants to think about facing dangerous or life-threatening situations, the reality is that they can happen to anyone at any time. Being consistently prepared isn’t a sign of paranoia; it’s a proactive measure for safeguarding your well-being and those around you. 

While there might be legitimate reasons not to carry a self-defense tool in certain situations, consistency should be the goal whenever possible. After all, the idea is not just to prepare for the scenarios you can predict but also for the ones you can’t. Consistent carry is a practical decision and a prudent legal strategy. So, make every day an EDC day—stay prepared, vigilant, and safe.

See Also:

• No More Safe Spaces
• Pocket Knives for EDC and Self-Defense
• Speak Softly and Carry a Big Telescopic Steel Baton
• 30 Pretty in Pink (and purple) Self-Defense Options