imported post
I don't carry cheap knives, but I don't carry $500 custom knives either. I have quite a few folders in the $70-150 range and always carry one that's sharp, clean (not full of lint and gunk) and that I've handled enough to be very comfortable using. Mostly knives from Spyderco and Cold Steel. (A Cold Steel Voyager with tanto point as I write.) I also carry a more utility oriented knife such as a good Swiss Army model for opening boxes, envelopes, etc. Truly I use the scissors, magnifying glass and small blade more than anything else.
My Spyderco Civilian is a remarkable knife, but a bit specialized.
Regarding pepper spray, I was required to take a CCW class for my MN CCW license and the instructor advised against carrying a "less than lethal" weapon, e.g. pepper spray. The reason was if you shoot a person and you have a less lethal weapon available a prosecutor may try to make it look like you used more force than you needed to stop a threat. I'm not sure I agree entirely with that, but I understand the point and it's worth some thought. Knives are different, of course, because they're lethal when used correctly.