I think there's too much fear of "weapons" in the minds of most decent citizens. I carry a knife daily and feel really wrong without one. But I have only ever used it as a tool.

Anyone who has been involved in an altercation knows that a confident demeanor goes a long way toward defusing things. I've been in two and didn't have to use a knife either time. I pray I never do. But what ended both episodes was my willingness to be involved and not back down. Nobody ended up hurt, no blows thrown. The other guys responded to my confidence. I'm not that intimidating a figure, actually. I suspect that Newkilt could not have bluffed it without a show of force on some level, but having both the visual aid of a sock knife in the table and a confident demeanor was enough to end the incident without problems.

I was not kilted at either time, or it might have been over even sooner.

Good people should never have to be afraid to walk alone in public places. Ever.

Jamie- I like you. And you dress well. But I have to ask: how is anyone going to take a knife out of Newkilt's hand and use it against him? The only part he can grab is sharp!

Respectfully,

Patrick