Heh, I have been carrying a pocket knife since middle school... I haven't stabbed anyone yet, but I have still had it.
And yes, the best way to get someone's attention is beat the crap out of one of the toughest guys in school, people learn about that real quick, and don't want to mess with you after that.
Let them attack me when I go over there in March... I know many ways to inflict pain...
And contrary to my size, I am fairly fast...