self defense weapons

[El]

I heard that most victims of stabbings and shootings were from people having their own weapons turned against them, not sure how true that is lol because i dont recall when i heard it. Either way im from the UK and its illegal to carry any sort of concealed weapon. ive never even felt remotely like i needed a weapon anyway. I figure my best defence is to run away fast in that situation im no fighter, i would probably hurt myself if i stuck around and pulled a weapon. That said if i lived in the USA i would want to be carrying a weapon, sounds like a scary place by all acounts.

[A_Dresden_Doll]

Personally, I would deal with an assailant with a mighty shout. It seems to work great!

FOS RO DAHH!

[8888]

I heard that most victims of stabbings and shootings were from people having their own weapons turned against them.

Well carrying a knife for self-defence is pretty stupid. You're not likely to scare anyone off with it and the law will be against you for possession. It's lose/lose pretty much.

In the UK the best thing you can do is manufacture your own brass knuckles (easy), or have someone in the USA buy and dissassemble a stun gun (taser), shove it in a remote control car and ship it over for you to put back together. But brass knuckles can be VERY useful, especially if you're female, because the attacker would least suspect you to KO him like that.

[stldrmgrl]

Well carrying a knife for self-defence is pretty stupid.

I agree, partially.

It is quite easy to disarm someone wielding a knife, and at that point, well, you are likely to be dead.  This is to be mainly pointed at the scenario that the bad guy is not within arms reach.  If you are within arms reach, hand-to-hand combat is probably your best bet with the intent of getting the hell out of there.  If you are unable to elude the attacker, then I do find that a knife can certainly be an effective means within close quarters combat to stop the attacker.  BUT, do not hesitate.  See my first sentence to this paragraph as to what can happen if you hesitate with a knife.

I heard that most victims of stabbings and shootings were from people having their own weapons turned against them

Doubtful.  However, it is definitely an occurrence.  The problem is people hesitate, and in that simple measly little second they hesitate, it provides enough time for the bad guy to take action and counteract the good guys intention of preventing an attack.  If I draw my firearm, it is with the full and complete intention of pulling that trigger if the attacker does not stop advancing.  As for those who carry knives, see my above comments.

[V M]

I have a Mag-lite flashlight that I got years ago when I worked a security detail    It's not the big baton size that the police carry, it's the smaller size that takes two C-cell batteries but it is still blindingly bright and could do some damage if I were to bop someone with it

I don't carry it with me much anymore, but there have been a couple of times I've wished I would have had it with me 

[Flan]

it hurts even if you have a vagina!

Vag kick and cooter punch montage

[MyAlias]

Personally, I would deal with an assailant with a mighty shout. It seems to work great!

FOS RO DAHH!

do the roar!

[annette]

This sort of thread comes up every know and again. Of course it varies from country to country. In Australia you cannot carry weapons unless you are a crook or in a bikie gang. Then it's OK to carry and use any sort of weapon with impunity.

I think most threads end up with don't get into the situation. It is extremely difficult to defend yourself from some one who practices street violence on a daily basis. Best not to be near them.

Same for here, we're not allowed to carry weapons, no guns, no knifes.
Just try to avoid such a situation or run away from it.
Only the police can legally use armed force here.

[Carolina1983]

I got 2 knives on me almost all the time, and I will continue to carry them! I also have teargas.

Guns? yes at home. But we are not allowed to carry weapons here so they stay there! If I am not going to a very unsafe place that is. I plan to get hold of a stun-gun!


Other than that, I have recieved pretty good military training in unarming and disabling techniques.. Ok I will be less strong when on HRT but at least they will have some resistance .

[stldrmgrl]

Other than that, I have recieved pretty good military training in unarming and disabling techniques.. Ok I will be less strong when on HRT but at least they will have some resistance .

I am sure you know as well as I do that strength, in many cases, is irrelevant in the ability to subdue an attacker when speaking in terms of close quarters combat.

[Carolina1983]

I am sure you know as well as I do that strength, in many cases, is irrelevant in the ability to subdue an attacker when speaking in terms of close-quarter-combat.

Yes I do. But somehow it just feels a bit safer to have that extra strength in you, at least that is the case for me. What I mean is that it boosts my confidence a little

[melissa42013]

About a year ago I was carrying a .40 H&K P2000SK concealed as I was typically leaving my business at night with cash. In that situation I could carry legally without a permit and could be ready as I walked to my truck.

Now I carry a pocket knife all the time (Cold Steel Recon I Tanto is my current favorite) as both a tool and self defense weapon. Last week I was in New Orleans walking down Bourbon street with JessicaH and knew it was there if trouble appeared but ended up using it to cut a fine steak at dinner instead... lol.

I also sometimes carry a ASP 21" expandable baton (like the police carry) with the flashlight attachment. It looks like a Mag-Lite and is a great flashlight but can turn into a powerful defensive weapon fast.

I stopped carrying my handgun unless I travel as I felt like it was an accident waiting to happen with two young children. The problem with a gun is that if you pull it you better be prepared to use it and capable of justifying the use legally. And face it, as a Transwoman, I may not get fair treatment by the police. What I like about the baton is it fits in my pocket and looks innocent enough but gives me a non lethal but still very serious defense option. When walking through a dark parking lot you can also carry it in your hand and not draw any attention.

IMO your best weapon is to use your head, avoid dangerous situations and people when possible, ignore any provoking comments, use caution, and maintain an awareness of your surroundings.

[Mahsa Tezani]

I have brass knuckles and pepper spray.

[tekla]

I have a working brain, a trained mind and common sense.  I find that those three things alleviate the need to have a weapon.

[Cindy]

I agree with Tekla and I have to say the average woman using brass knuckles to hit a guy, who is intent on violence, will be as effective as pretending to be a duck and say quack. People who are experienced at violence are very good at it. Socio paths really don't care if you try to hurt them. It's part of the fun. You are far better off learning to read situations and avoid them.

When I was a presenting as a guy I had a 1st Dan in karate and specialised in free fighting. Even or because I was a light weight I was good.  I took a full round house kick to the face that I failed to completely block, it was full on, it dislocated my jaw, it didn't KO me. I won the fight. Never ever think that you can subdue an attacker, and if they are on drugs? Forget everything you ever thought off. Just get out.
Best weapons throw your high heels at it and run like hell.

Cindy

[justmeinoz]

After 30 years in the Police, I agree with Cindy.  Avoid the situations where you will need it, and otherwise, heels off and run until you can phone the Police.  Even the Police are asked to justify their actions if they shoot someone.
Karen.

[nickikim]

I have brass knuckles and pepper spray.

won't the brass knuckles clog the spray nozzle?

[stldrmgrl]

While I certainly feel running away is the best course of action, it doesn't always work.  If an attacker has you pinned as their target, they will follow right behind you.  I stand by carrying my firearm, and I'm fully aware of the legal aspect of use of force.  Find yourself in a situation where you are pinned as a target, where the attacker will go to any lengths to get/do what he/she wants, then tell me simply throwing a heal is going to ward them off.  I beg to differ.

Furthermore, not finding yourself in dangerous situations can only be achieved somewhat.  Sure, there are more dangerous areas than others, but crime can occur anywhere at anytime by anyone.  Never assume you are safe, because you aren't.  Always staying aware and using common sense surely are important, but I can promise you it will not be the reason you are never attacked.

[fionabell]

Strength is extremely important in violence. I'm not good at violence because I have a small torso and I literally can't move men when I hit them. I'm physically very strong and capable but I can't dent them and if they get a hold of me I'm finished.

[stldrmgrl]

Strength is extremely important in violence.

I will agree to disagree.