Originally posted on the street standards: Tactical pens, cleverly disguised saps, modified brass knuckles, and so on. There’s a whole industry out there selling hidden/disguised weapons to the self-defense crowd. I like none of them. I suppose I could be forced to make an argument for them if boxed into an intellectual and tactical corner,…
via Why I dislike gimmick weapons — Pahlawan Personal Security
Here are some points to ponder. I’m fully on board with prioritizing physical fitness and combatives as part of an overall defensive plan. However, I am all for force multipliers. By most standards my unarmed fighting skills are advanced. While I’ll go for a challenge in sparring, in a street or military situation, I’ll do everything I can to tilt the odds unfairly in my favor. While gimmicky and effective is still something, I prefer common items that have defensive purposes. That way you aren’t freaking out the neighbors with your weird ninja thing. Flashlights are good. So are pens. They both have a practical function and can be used as weapons on demand. Skill and innovation can identify weapons where others do not see them. The author makes a good point about the danger of getting attached to your toys. Have options. Use them as appropriate. – Pahlawan