So off to Japan for a month and it appears that my EDC is going to suffer as Japanese law prohibits people carrying any sort of edged tool unless they need it for their work. Kinda sucks for a country known around the world for crafting sharp blades.
Apparently any sort of run-in with law enforcement pretty much guarantees a bad time if you have so much as a Swiss Army knife with you. Keeping in your hotel is fine, but walking around with it is not.
Makes me a bit (lot) sad. I’ve EDCed a small Kershaw or Benchy with me for the better part of the last 5 years or so.
Backup plan is going to be a flashlight or two. Those aren’t prohibited. Probably a Hank light and a tiny rechargeable I can keep in my pocket.
It’s pricy, but have you considered a Big Idea Design Pocket Tool? There is a flat head screwdriver side that is not sharp at all, but can still work as a pry bar or a scraper in a pinch. If you are ok with it, it also comes with a dull insert that is good enough to open packages. The other side is kind of a camp fork that looks a lot less aggressive. Otherwise, just leave the insert at home. You’ll still have a flat head screwdriver and a wrench at least. It’s designed to take any old notched utility knife blade.
I started carrying mines regularly in places I can’t carry around a pocket knife or a multitool with a blade.