But I'm with the OP, if I'm going somewhere that is a gun free zone I'll be packing a folding knife. Most folks don't balk at a knife on a guy, and it is easy to slip further into your pocket. For me, I'm kind of partial to Spyderco.
This is just a temporary thing.. A few weeks and I will/should/pray/hope be back to normal. I don't want to invest a lot of money into a temporary solution. If this was (or ends up being) a more permanent thing, then the focus will shift.
As mentioned previously: A micro or smaller sub compact is in the cards, but not in the next few weeks. A shoulder holster is also not in the cards because of my work attire. I don't plan on using the knife as a stand-off device, it's for if I get on the ground. The cane is my main stand-off.
Of course, I will be continuing to follow my mantra of not doing stupid things in stupid places with stupid people (Sorry Dan360, I have to cancel our date) so I am not expecting or looking for trouble. If anything, with my recent handicapped, I am avoiding a lot of places where trouble could be since I can't walk very far.
I will say though, Costco and Haggen have some very nice electric cart.....