I carry a 3-blade Buck knife my dad gave me 25+ years ago. It's sharp as a razor, but it's more of a tool than something for self-defense. I've carried a pocket knife since I was 8 years old and I swear my balance would be off kilter if I didn't have one.

I mistakenly had that knife as I was about to go through the TSA line at Sacramento airport. I ran down to the baggage check-in and paid someone $5 to find my bag and put it in there. Never thought I'd see it again. Lo and behold, that sucker was in my bag when I got to Seattle.