I’ve been getting a few emails since posting my Every Day Carry kit in our newly created ITS Tactical EDC Flickr Group.
Most have been requesting more information about my secondary “giveaway” wallet.
I came up with this idea a few years ago, but have only recently gotten around to carrying it on a regular basis.
The premise is that in the event of a mugging, or the old “gimme your wallet” routine, I’d reach back to my left rear pocket and pull out the giveaway wallet (I’m right handed and carry my real wallet in my right rear pocket).
My theory is that the person “requesting” my wallet would most likely be doing so at gunpoint or using a knife, and is going to want to leave the area as soon as possible.
They’re not going to sit there and dig through it to see what the contents are. Even if they do, I have a few bucks in there just to make the illusion more plausible.
Don’t get me wrong, just like you I don’t want to ever be the victim, but if this simple diversionary technique can give me the upper hand or allow me to fight another day, then I feel it will be worth it.
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My secondary wallet is just a cheap black faux-leather wallet I picked up for a few bucks, nothing that I don’t mind loosing.
I’ve also been collecting those fake credit card offer cards for some time now, you know, the ones that say “your name here.”
My giveaway wallet is filled with about five of those cards, and as mentioned above, a few dollars in cash.
That’s just in case I wind up face to face with a Steve Miller Band mugger who just wants to take the money and run…
Let me know if you have any questions or comments, I’d love to hear your thoughts!
And if you haven’t joined our EDC Flickr Group, what are you waiting for?
{ 7 comments… read them below or add one }
I found it an excellent idea, and just this morning I added a fake wallet to my EDC.
Just a cheap wallet, 2 fake cards and some shopping receipts.
Why no money? 1.- if he just grabs the wallet and runs, it’s a win for me
2.- if he opens it looking for money, I think he will get distracted enough for me to try something, be it running, spraying him with OC or reaching for my knife (in that order)
3.- thieves around here are more interested in cell phones than in wallets
Ive seen these in the EDC Kits that got posted here on ITS/Flickr. what a great Idea dont know why I haven’t done this a long time ago. I’m going to work on getting one put together ASAP. Regardless of My Martial Arts Background. If Im with My Girlfriend or Loved ones when getting Mugged its easier just to hand over the “Ringer Wallet” & Like you said (spot on!)
“Don’t get me wrong, just like you I don’t want to ever be the victim, but if this simple diversionary technique can give me the upper hand or allow me to fight another day, then I feel it will be worth it.”
This trick is handy for anyone who cares a badge for a living. Last thing you want to reveal is your true idenity in situations mentioned above and no one wants there badge ending up in the hands of the bad guys.
What an awesome idea! I’m going to set one of these up for my wife and I. Not a bad idea at all.
Another great job guys. Thanks a metric ton for your efforts!
I’ve been carrying one of these 3-4 years now. I wait till a credit card expires and use the old one (after messing up the strip). Yes, my name is on it but better that than if he/she should take time to look at one and see “your name here.”
I’ve been carrying one of these for a while now with a couple of old ATM cards that are from closed accounts and luckily I haven’t had to use it yet, but it’s there.