If you’re looking for some positive news, it could be argued that the on-going coronavirus pandemic has resulted to a decrease in violent crimes. According to the Federal Bureau of Investigation, there were less violent crimes and property crimes reported during the first six months of 2020 compared to the same period last year. Cases of rape and non-negligent manslaughter were down by 17.8% and 14.8%, respectively. Burglaries and larceny theft also decreased. Still, that’s one crime too much. Everyone should still be prepared to defend themselves from such crimes. That is why non-lethal self-defense weapons are a must. We’ve listed down some self-defense tools you can use to protect yourself at home or when you’re out.
TASER
The farther you are from the threat, the better your chances of escaping or preparing for the attack. That is if you’re aware that danger is approaching. You need to develop your situational awareness to recognize possible threats before they get too close.
A TASER, which stands for Tom A. Swift Electric Rifle, is the best non-lethal self-defense weapon to use at a distance. It deploys probes that incapacitate a target up to 15 feet from you. The electric shock momentarily disrupts muscle functions though the perpetrator should be fine later on.
Stun Gun
While a Taser shoots projectiles that delivers electric shock to the perpetrator, stun guns temporarily incapacitates via direct contact. Yep, despite its name, stun guns don’t shoot projectiles.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=agNyyqSHmOg&ab_channel=marketing48emmotferron
The LifeShield Self Defense Kit by Frog & CO comes with a stun gun, pepper spray, and personal alarm. If you’re just thinking of getting non-lethal self-defense weapons for your everyday carry kit, this is a good place to start.
The stun gun is 2.2 million volts of stopping power. Anyone who is unlucky enough to be on the receiving end of a stun gun will definitely have the shock of their life. To fully take advantage of these non-lethal weapons, you should keep them in your bag or pocket at all times. Ideally, you should have any of the items in the kit in your hand while walking alone.
Pepper Spray
Two things I love about pepper sprays – they are effective and legal. Some of the non-lethal self-defense weapons on this list are not available to everyone since they are banned in flights and in some states.
The pepper spray that comes with the LifeShield Self Defense Kit uses a formula composed of 10% red pepper, 5% to 30% Polysorbate 80, 2% to 10% Ethanol, and 40% to 70% water. It is capable of up to 25 bursts with a range of 10 feet. This self-defense tool has a shelf life of 3 years.
Pepper Gel
Pepper gels address some of the issues with pepper sprays. They don’t have airborne particles that can be blown away by the wind. This prevents you from spraying yourself or other people near you aside from the target.
Sabre Red is another popular company that makes such self-defense tools. It is, in fact, considered the top pepper spray brand worldwide and is used by majority of police forces. The Sabre Red Maximum Strength Tactical Pepper Gel uses professional-grade OC Spray made in their in-house HPLC laboratory. Its 4-year shelf life is twice more than most pepper sprays in the market.
Kubotan Keychain
A Kubotan is a self-defense tool named after Sōke Takayuki Kubota, the Japanese martial artist who developed and popularized it. It looks like a marker pen though it is usually made of durable plastic that can withstand impact. Others are made of aluminum like the Kaiyuan Dynasty’s Self Defense Kubotan Keychain Tactical Tool.
Kaiyuan Dynasty put a little twist to the traditional kubotan by adding a couple of metal spikes on one side. These protrusions on the portable 5-inch tool give you a better grip and striking power. The keychain handle with the metal key ring can be removed and reinstalled.
Tactical Flashlight
If you think about it, any flashlight that is large enough can be used as a weapon for self-defense. That is, if you successfully put down the culprit with just one solid blow. Otherwise, you’ll be left vulnerable and with a broken flashlight.
Make sure you knock the offender down or at least hurt him enough by taking a tactical flashlight with you all the time. Aside from giving you light to see your way, you can use a tactical flashlight as a non-lethal weapon.
The indestructible GearLight S1000 LED Tactical Flashlight produces light that is ten times brighter than an incandescent bulb. That much brightness should temporarily blind your attacker if you point the light directly at their eyes. Don’t depend on just that, though. You should also be able to handle the flashlight well. Use it to hit perpetrators on their weak spots such as their arms, legs or collar bone. Get proper training on how to use such tactical weapons to defend yourself without killing anyone.
Tactical Pen
Tactical pens are one of the most discreet non-lethal self-defense weapons around. To the untrained eye, it’s just a simple pen. But a closer look will tell you that it’s something more badass. Tactical pens are actual writing materials that double as a weapon for defending oneself. They’re also survival tools for emergencies.
The StatGear TriTac Tactical Pen, for example, features a tungsten carbide window punch used for breaking glass. With proper training, you’ll also know how to effectively fight off an attacker using a tactical pen. Since it’s made of aircraft grade aluminum with an ergonomic grip, the TriTac Tactical Pen will definitely hurt. Additionally, the tactical pen hides a 440c stainless steel blade.
Baseball Bat
Harley Quinn was pretty handy with a baseball bat in Suicide Squad and Birds of Prey. In The Walking Dead, Negan showed how deadly Lucille can be while Merrill swung away at an alien in Signs.
Brandishing a baseball bat should be enough to scare bad people away even if you’re no slugger. If you plan to get a bat for protection, you need to practice how to use it. You need to know how to hold, aim and swing it properly.
It’s also a good idea to get a sturdy yet light baseball bat. The Cold Steel 92BSTZ Brooklyn Shorty Mini Bat is made of high-impact polypropylene, which is a lot stronger and durable than most traditional bats. The Brooklyn Shorty measures 20 inches and weighs only 1.18 pounds. A longer bat allows you to defend yourself from a few feet away. This one will do some damage from close range.
The IMSHI Stainless Steel Multi-Functional Baseball Bat is slightly different from your traditional baseball bat. In fact it’s also referred to as a car emergency stick. As such, it is a good less-lethal self-defense weapon to have when you’re on the road or at home. The multi-function baseball bat is made of stainless steel with a non-slip grip made of PP cotton. It measures 20 inches and weighs 1.35 pounds.
Tactical Shovel
You should always have a folding shovel in your car. It’s useful when your car gets stuck in mud or snow. Other than digging, tactical shovels also serve a number of purposes such as a glass breaker, hammer, and saw. It can also be used as a self-defense weapon.
The WF Wu Fang Folding Multi-tool Shovel comes with 16 features some of which are an axe, pick, magnesium rod, compass, screwdriver, wrench, scoop, snow excavator, bottle opener, nail pullover, ruler, and a rescue whistle. Then there’s the fish knife, which is can be lethal. This survival tool has an aluminum alloy body and alloy steel handle.
Everyday Items
When it comes to it, anything can be used as a weapon. If an intruder is about to attack you, you need to think and act fast. Find something that you can use to defend yourself. Kitchen knives are perfect but since we’re talking about non-lethal self-defense weapons, we’ll discuss more about knives in another post.
Blunt instruments are the next best less-lethal weapon. Aside from baseball bats and lead pipes, you can find lots of other possible blunt weapons at home. You probably just don’t know it yet. Meat tenderizers, rolling pins, and frying pans are just some of the possible non-lethal weapons found in the kitchen. Cast iron skillets may be a bit heavy but they sure pack a wallop when swung correctly.
Your hand tools like hammers and pry bars will work great, too. The Steel Multi-Function Pry Bar from Redfora is a good tool to have in your bug out bag or car emergency kit. When push comes to shove you can use it as a weapon to defend yourself.
Your wife will probably get mad if you leave your tools lying around the house but they would come in handy during a home invasion. It would be a good idea to keep a tool box in your safe room. Aside from using them for self-defense, you may need them for other emergencies.
Hands and Feet
Unlike the Once Upon A Time version of Bruce Lee, your hands and feet are not registered as lethal weapons. But they can definitely be used for self-defense. Make everyone in the family take classes in martial arts and self-defense training. It’s always a good idea to know how to defend yourself when you have to.
Inflict more less-lethal damage with every punch by wearing brass knuckles or knuckledusters. One good punch while wearing knuckles should be enough to take down the baddie. However, brass knuckles are banned in some states since it can be deadly if used excessively. If it is allowed where you are, be responsible and use it only when really necessary.
The Viper Tec OTF Knuckle Knife is a multi-purpose self-defense tool. It’s a knuckle hiding a knife blade, which makes it a little more lethal. The 3.5-inch double edge spear point blade is made of 440C stainless steel while the handle is durable zinc alloy. The knuckle knife measures a total of 9 inches with the blade out and weighs only 15 ounces. The Viper Tec Knuckle Knife also comes with a glass breaker, pocket clip, and nylon sheath.
When your life is on the line, you’d do anything to escape the threat. If the threat comes in the form of a human or wild animal, you may need to defend yourself. Increase your chances of taking down the threat and surviving by having non-lethal self-defense weapons in your possession at all times. As we always say here on Check out Gentleman Pirate Club, we value your safety. So go to the website and see more tips on surviving life-threatening scenarios.
