Before we go any further, I want to start out with a disclaimer: BEFORE YOU BUY ANYTHING, CONFIRM WITH YOUR LOCAL LAWS THAT THESE ARE LEGALLY PERMITTED TO OWN. I also want to suggest that one of the finest methods to defend yourself is to take up mixed martial arts in some capacity. Having said that, I have always been a supporter of concealed carry and home defence firearms, but I do recognise that these activities are not always permitted, that not everyone wants to obtain a licence, and that some individuals simply dislike using fatal force. Don’t worry; I do have some self-defense tools that might be useful to you.
Sabre MK-3 Red Pepper Gel
I still remember the day I had to be sprayed as part of graduating the academy. I’m telling you, it was the worst thing I’ve ever experienced. People will always ask me, would you rather get tasered or sprayed? TASER ALWAYS. Pepper Spray is basically Oleoresin of Capsicum (OC) which is an oily substance of hot peppers. It causes a great deal of discomfort through the inflammation of mucous membranes such as nose, mouth, lungs and skin. The MK-3 Red Pepper Gel is a solid choice as it keeps the OC in a solid stream so even if there is blowback from the wind (another reason I hate OC) you won’t eat it. This can be deployed easily and quickly, with a distance of 10-12 feet being ideal but you can be up to 18 feet away and still be effective with the MK-3.
A Folding Knife
I’ve talked about the importance of an EDC folder and one of the reasons they are so great is because they can be used for self defense. Now I understand it can be a lethal weapon too but generally speaking due to the blade length, you are more likely to cause serious injury rather than death to an attacker. As far as what knife to go with, I recommend you check out our guide on folding knives here as it honestly hard to pick just one here.
TASER Pulse Plus
Tasers are a fantastic non-lethal tool, especially when using them for self defence! With an experience in law enforcement, I can attest to how well they work at immobilising persons that would otherwise require fatal force (I have also been tasered myself). In essence, the TASER Plus Plus is a civilian version of the device used by law enforcement. This taser functions similarly to other point-and-shoot tasers, but it also has a Noonlight application that lets you pair your TASER Plus Plus with your smartphone. Once you activate the taser, it will connect to your phone and call the cops to come get you.
Flashlight
Flashlights are a great EDC item for many reasons, including self defense. Some flashlights have a “tactical edge” on one side that can be used as a blunt force weapon or to smash windows. There are many flashlights out there that will have these properties and it honestly just comes down to personal choice. If you need recommendations check out our list here.
Blunt Force Weapon
These are basically your bats of the world. They aren’t terrible, in fact they can be very effective however most of them are very bulky. You aren’t going to walk around downtown with a bat or a crowbar in your hands. However, having one in your vehicle is not a bad idea and will still be accessible should a situation arise near it.
Stay safe!
Ben