self defense weapons

[fionabell]

I will agree to disagree.

[Andris]

Strength is extremely important in violence.

Not really. Stamina is. I mean, running away till you reach a safe place is the best.
I know a full-muscle security guard who is quite strong, yeah, but not quick enough. He can smash somebody's face so easily or his hands are like chain handcuffs but if somebody can get behind him, in a half-second, he fails...

Sorry for being nosy in this topic, but I was reading this and that, and... I don't recommend carrying a knife. As you talked about it, on the 2nd page.
Or what is not a common stuff in your hand you don't know it well. I mean, you can hurt yourself so easily. Anyway, if interested, a good aikido trainer/sensei can teach couple of techniques with a wooden dagger called "tanto", how to take it from somebody etc. However our sensei told us all the time that the best way to avoid a knife-attack is... running.)

BUT! We all have not-special, everyday stuff in our handbags, pockets which can help a bit. If you have a lit cigarette or a pin/needle/badge etc. - these are simple, useful for a blink of an eye till you take a breath and run away.

IDK if your country/state give permission of having a small pepper-spray in your handbag... but I truly recommend that. I carry one since I've been hit. (Well it's difficult to put it in mind that if you pull it out you HAVE to use it inmediately. Or the attacker'll take advantage if you hesitate. Or if you're standing mute like I did, as a complete idiot. )

Take care y'all!
(Sorry for punk English, not slept for a day...  )

[fionabell]

Not really. Stamina is. I mean, running away till you reach a safe place is the best.

I agree

I know a full-muscle security guard who is quite strong, yeah, but not quick enough. He can smash somebody's face so easily or his hands are like chain handcuffs but if somebody can get behind him, in a half-second, he fails...

Sorry for being nosy in this topic, but I was reading this and that, and... I don't recommend carrying a knife. As you talked about it, on the 2nd page.

I don't want anything to do with knives

Or what is not a common stuff in your hand you don't know it well. I mean, you can hurt yourself so easily. Anyway, if interested, a good aikido trainer/sensei can teach couple of techniques with a wooden dagger called "tanto", how to take it from somebody etc. However our sensei told us all the time that the best way to avoid a knife-attack is... running.)

BUT! We all have not-special, everyday stuff in our handbags, pockets which can help a bit. If you have a lit cigarette or a pin/needle/badge etc. - these are simple, useful for a blink of an eye till you take a breath and run away.

IDK if your country/state give permission of having a small pepper-spray in your handbag... but I truly recommend that. I carry one since I've been hit. (Well it's difficult to put it in mind that if you pull it out you HAVE to use it inmediately. Or the attacker'll take advantage if you hesitate. Or if you're standing mute like I did, as a complete idiot. )

Take care y'all!
(Sorry for punk English, not slept for a day...  )

thanks for dropping in.

[Inanna]

For threats unrelated to me being female or trans, first I use my brain to avoid situations; knowing that isn't always going to work, I try to carry some cash to satisfy potential muggers or thieves.  My life isn't worth $100.  So far, I've avoided situations like this.

As for the much more dangerous threats based on me being female or trans, I would run fast as I could toward a place with people while screaming for help.  If this simply isn't an option, it comes down to what their apparent motivation is.  If it is rape and they have the means to kill me, I suppose I would accept my fate so I might at least remain alive.  If they want to kill me outright for being trans, I would put up whatever meager resistance I could... I'm not a fighter in any sense.  I could also try to manipulate them into believing I'm not trans somehow, who knows.  Too many unknowns.

[tgirljuliewilson]

Just a couple of quick points, as I've made in the past when this topic has come up:

1, owning a gun does not make you a marksman (or markswoman).

2, having taken a martial arts class for a few months (or even a year) several years ago does not make you a fighter.

The key to any ability at self defense is proficiency--you have to practice, and practice often, what it is you believe you will be called upon to do.

Every woman faces a risk of harm, even in the most "civilized" of nations.  The important thing is how well you are equiped to deal with those threats, in terms of both hardware (weapons) and hand-to-gland combat, as well as how readily you are, mentally, to use force that you know (or should know) will cause harm--even significant harm--to those confronting you.

If you don't go to the range regularly, or the dojo, then you are fooling yourself if you think you're ready to face an attack--especially from multiple attackers.

Get all the training you can, as often as you can--and then be smart enough to avoid being in situations where you may need that training!

Just my 2 cents...

[stldrmgrl]

I cannot imagine anyone carrying a firearm and not regularly practicing with it, however, unfortunately it probably is so.

Certain styles of martial arts are worth knowing, but unfortunately I also find many of them to be utterly worthless.

As for knowing what harm I will cause the assailant; I do not care.  I am fully aware of Florida laws depicting my legal rights in using each level of force.  I have no compassion for someone attempting to attack me.

[Karla]

When you're on the wrong side of the hood, it is pretty important. Transness non-withstanding.

.45 is what I say, proceed to the nearest range and ask about the laws in your town if you can legally carry. If not then do so at your own discretion or get some mace at least.

I know the basics on how to defend myself and the legs to run when I can't, but I have also not been hesitant about carrying various weapons around.
If the (other) thugs are packin why shouldn't I? 

[Torn1990]

i don't always carry my knife but that's because i don't always bring my purse around with me unless i'm going somewhere far. I probs will start bringing it around with me when i begin wearing make up more.
Carrying a knife is stupid and i completely agree with that, it's just an item i have with me I don't know why it makes me feel safer other then that it is sharp and is something next to nothing. I'm thinking i may switch to pepper spray or something.
I'm not a violent person at all but i hope if I'm ever faced with some sort of violent resistance in my life that I am able to defend myself in some way to where i can either get away from the attacker, or not allow myself to get hurt.
I used to identify as a pacifist, but I will admit that I do not want to be defenseless in the face of transphobia or some kind of hate.

[xxUltraModLadyxx]

i don't always carry my knife but that's because i don't always bring my purse around with me unless i'm going somewhere far. I probs will start bringing it around with me when i begin wearing make up more.
Carrying a knife is stupid and i completely agree with that, it's just an item i have with me I don't know why it makes me feel safer other then that it is sharp and is something next to nothing. I'm thinking i may switch to pepper spray or something.
I'm not a violent person at all but i hope if I'm ever faced with some sort of violent resistance in my life that I am able to defend myself in some way to where i can either get away from the attacker, or not allow myself to get hurt.
I used to identify as a pacifist, but I will admit that I do not want to be defenseless in the face of transphobia or some kind of hate.

i read years ago in some magazine that there's such thing as lipstick that you turn and a bullet shoots out. i'd take that around with me. it has the element of surprise 

[nickikim]

i read years ago in some magazine that there's such thing as lipstick that you turn and a bullet shoots out. i'd take that around with me. it has the element of surprise 

I could make one of those, but what if I get mixed up

[V M]

The police use to (and maybe still do) have trouble with people making single shot guns out of writing pens 

[Emily Ray]

I have a service dog that goes with me everywhere. she isn't trained to do anything special SD wise other then to warn me when men are approaching me from behind. I think she would get aggresive if someone actually was attacking me but that hasn't been proved yet and I hope it never is. Besides Chestnut, I am a marine and pretty capable of handling a violent situation.

[Jen61]

It does have quiet the kick, lol! But I like it! I like that is small its easier to conceal, in my opinion. I agree with you on the S&W. I switch off between a glock 22 and a Colt 1911. Full size when on duty. Broken wrist haha .. have you tried shooting a 44mag revolver or a snub nose. Ouch!

I am currently reading my American handgunner magazine by the way! Lol

I carry a colt 1911

[pretty]

Honestly... weapons scare me and I am allergic to confrontation. If I were really concerned I might get pepper spray or something.

[Minhuit]

Hey guys I work in a medium custody male prison around convicted felons. Murderers, rapists, druggies etc etc...you name it he is in there. We correctional officers only get a 5 ounce can of pepper spray to defend ourselves. There are basic classes such as ground defense, close quarters, and knife tactics that you can take but really that is not enough to get a huge man that has nothing to do but work out all day off of you. They teach us to defend until we can get away or help arrives. If you can, the best solution is to run away. Don't try to be a super hero because you will most likely get hurt or killed. If you are forced into a confrontation go for the more vital spots or other areas good to stun/subdue/knockdown the offender and get away. Vital spots include solar plexus, groin, brachial nerve(outside of neck), collar bone, nose, knees, elbows, ribs, and pressure points. I'm sure there are a few more but these are good starters. Also, a loud yell will sometimes startle the offender.

Here is a video that is super popular but is an example of what happens when the brachial nerve is hit. The force does not need to be great, try it on yourself for example. Very little force can will be effective.


Vital points: http://www.barrel.net/vital_points.php

Someone mentioned carrying some pepper spray, and like I said that is the only thing we get against these convicts. Let me say this: pepper spray is effective if you get them in the face. Their eyes will close up, they will start to cough, sneeze, and have a generally hard time breathing. It will also burn a lot especially if the person is sweating(pors open). Since I work around the stuff all the time pepper spray has lost the effectiveness but I can still feel it burning a day later.

I've been taking taekwondo for the past 5 years and have taken all of the training courses the state provides correctional officers and still I would be no match against one of these guys. Just a little bit from a correctional officer with 3 yrs experience. 

[stldrmgrl]

Hey guys I work in a medium custody male prison around convicted felons. Murderers, rapists, druggies etc etc...you name it he is in there. We correctional officers only get a 5 ounce can of pepper spray to defend ourselves. There are basic classes such as ground defense, close quarters, and knife tactics that you can take but really that is not enough to get a huge man that has nothing to do but work out all day off of you. They teach us to defend until we can get away or help arrives. If you can, the best solution is to run away. Don't try to be a super hero because you will most likely get hurt or killed. If you are forced into a confrontation go for the more vital spots or other areas good to stun/subdue/knockdown the offender and get away. Vital spots include solar plexus, groin, brachial nerve(outside of neck), collar bone, nose, knees, elbows, ribs, and pressure points. I'm sure there are a few more but these are good starters. Also, a loud yell will sometimes startle the offender.

Here is a video that is super popular but is an example of what happens when the brachial nerve is hit. The force does not need to be great, try it on yourself for example. Very little force can will be effective.


Vital points: http://www.barrel.net/vital_points.php

Someone mentioned carrying some pepper spray, and like I said that is the only thing we get against these convicts. Let me say this: pepper spray is effective if you get them in the face. Their eyes will close up, they will start to cough, sneeze, and have a generally hard time breathing. It will also burn a lot especially if the person is sweating(pors open). Since I work around the stuff all the time pepper spray has lost the effectiveness but I can still feel it burning a day later.

I've been taking taekwondo for the past 5 years and have taken all of the training courses the state provides correctional officers and still I would be no match against one of these guys. Just a little bit from a correctional officer with 3 yrs experience. 

Very informational and truthful.  Awesome post    Thanks.

[Devlyn]

If you're not in your home and shoot or stab someone, you're going to have a tough time proving self defense. Carving someone up with a knife will land you in prison every time, if you advance close enough for a knife strike, self defense is out the window. People who murder other people are called murderers and go to jail. Planning your "Rambo" moment is a fun diversion, but avoiding conflict is more important. Hugs, Devlyn

[stldrmgrl]

If you're not in your home and shoot or stab someone, you're going to have a tough time proving self defense. Carving someone up with a knife will land you in prison every time, if you advance close enough for a knife strike, self defense is out the window.

There are so many factors that come into play with this, but in general it's quite the opposite.  First, yes, it is best to avoid/run away.  But honestly, I feel this is overrated as it's not always feasible.  Regardless if one thinks they can avoid confrontation and/or these types of situations, you need to be prepared for the worst, because it's not always going to play out so nicely.

Here in Florida, use of force is permitted if you genuinely believe your life is in danger and/or are in fear of great bodily harm.  Plain and simple.  Yes, you're going to need to prove it, but Florida law tends to side with the apparent victim unless suspicions are raised otherwise.  Furthermore, typically there will be witnesses to verify the incident or at least corroborate the victims statement (unknown to the victim, obviously).

To elaborate on my above comment of "quite the opposite"; if I am being attacked, it will be more believable that I was in fear for my life and genuinely wanted to get out of that situation, if the bad guy is carved up or shot in vital areas.  The law will look at precise non-lethal stab wounds or precise non-lethal gun shot wounds as "time to think"; in that if one has the time to aim for a leg or a specific area of the body to inflict injury but non-lethal in nature, then one cannot possibly truly be in fear for his/her life.  It is advised with a firearm to aim for center mass.  Why?  Because that is the area that contains the most vitals and is most likely to stop the attacker.  As well with a knife, if I am pinned, I will slash and slash as much as I can to get away; otherwise if the opportunity to stab a vital area is made available, I will most certainly take it.  As well, Florida law states that if the attacker is [legally] killed during the crime by the victim, the family of the attacker cannot sue the victim.  Even further, any unfortunate injury [unintentionally] caused to a bystander during the attack, will result in further legal ramifications for the suspect (as well as the victim if it was the victim who caused the injury to the bystander, but nonetheless).

Planning your "Rambo" moment is a fun diversion, but avoiding conflict is more important.

It's not about having that "Rambo" moment.  It's about being realistic and preparing for the unexpected.  I would not want to find myself being the target of an attack, and having had the mentality of "if I avoid it, it won't happen" in my mind my whole life.  Attacks happen.  They can happen in areas you'd never expect.  They can happen by and to people you'd never expect.  They can happen at any and all hours of the morning, day and night.  Victims are not always chosen with sufficient thought put in by the attacker; there are random, spontaneous attacks.  In either case, running away is most definitely the best choice, I agree.  But again, it's not always an option and I feel it is vital (literally) to know how to handle yourself in situations where running away is not applicable.  I hate to say it, but it sometimes takes being the victim in such attacks to have that "slap in the face" realization.  Being prepared is never a bad thing, but certainly being unprepared can cost you your life.

Oh, and by the way, Florida law states that the Castle Doctrine as well applies to a vehicle, not only a residence/dwelling ("a" used because the victim does not need to be the legal owner/resident/employee of the residence/dwelling or owner/driver of the vehicle); and with the Castle Doctrine, lethal force is granted without question.

[Devlyn]

All that law stuff you just mentioned happens....at your murder trial. If you are arrested for shooting someone, you will be able to post bail and be free IF you have a good lawyer and lots of money. As for the slap in the face, I've taken plenty of knuckles! I also sport a wide, unstitched slice about three and a half inches long across the small of my back from a fellow soldier with a knife. So I do walk the walk, I'm no stranger to violence, both directions. Hugs, Devlyn

[stldrmgrl]

Incorrect in terms of Florida law.  In matters of self-defense, the victim is never placed under arrest unless, again, the officer(s) become suspicious.  The weapon is temporarily confiscated for evidence and logging, but that's typically it.

Florida State Statute 790.25

(5)  POSSESSION IN PRIVATE CONVEYANCE.—Notwithstanding subsection (2), it is lawful and is not a violation of s. 790.01 for a person 18 years of age or older to possess a concealed firearm or other weapon for self-defense or other lawful purpose within the interior of a private conveyance, without a license, if the firearm or other weapon is securely encased or is otherwise not readily accessible for immediate use. Nothing herein contained prohibits the carrying of a legal firearm other than a handgun anywhere in a private conveyance when such firearm is being carried for a lawful use. Nothing herein contained shall be construed to authorize the carrying of a concealed firearm or other weapon on the person. This subsection shall be liberally construed in favor of the lawful use, ownership, and possession of firearms and other weapons, including lawful self-defense as provided in s. 776.012.

Florida State Statute 776.012

Use of force in defense of person.—A person is justified in using force, except deadly force, against another when and to the extent that the person reasonably believes that such conduct is necessary to defend himself or herself or another against the other's imminent use of unlawful force. However, a person is justified in the use of deadly force and does not have a duty to retreat if:
(1) He or she reasonably believes that such force is necessary to prevent imminent death or great bodily harm to himself or herself or another or to prevent the imminent commission of a forcible felony; or
(2) Under those circumstances permitted pursuant to s. 776.013.

(776.013 depicts the Castle Doctrine)

I hate to say it, but it sometimes takes being the victim in such attacks to have that "slap in the face" realization.

As for the slap in the face, I've taken plenty of knuckles! I also sport a wide, unstitched slice about three and a half inches long across the small of my back from a fellow soldier with a knife. So I do walk the walk, I'm no stranger to violence, both directions.

I apologize for any misinterpretation my comment may have presented.  It was intended in a general sense, perhaps rhetorical in nature, but most certainly not specific to anyone.