i usually have a 3.25in folder on me;; obviously taking out the thing would not be like my iaido training but still secure for a person like me;; and since i cant legally run around with a pistol; thats my secondary defense other than my fists and my running skills;; and true; normal u would never be caught running around with a katana in plain view;; but my years of kendo and iaido have gotten me used to using anything from a pipe to a stick like a katana