WoW that's terrible! I carry mase on my keychain and I also carry a pocket knife. Although I don't catch the subway when going out with my girls I get home rather late. Sometimes my SO will meet me at my apartment door or the parking lot, if not I'll take my knife out of clutch my mase in my hand....
I'm a big advocate of knowing your surroundings! I don't wear headphones or fiddle around with things when I use public transportation. I don't know maybe it's cause of where I grew up but I never put anything past anyone! I never let my guard down esp. when I'm traveling at night shhhhiittt not even in the day time...