I have always been an advocate of keeping things simple. This is particularly true when it comes to self-defense. When presented with danger, fine motor skills will be diminshed. As humans, we are designed to do one task at a time. We do not multi-task, rather we switch task. In a self-defense situation, you must react to danger in a swift, simple and effective manner.
People are constantly asking about the best everyday carry for self-defense. They are confused by the plethora of self-defense devices being marketed such as tasers, stun guns, lipstick knives and the list goes on and on. The reality of the matter is this. When it comes to non-lethal options for self-defense, there are four essentials that no one should be without.
A purpose-built, “tactical” flashlight is one of the most important tools you can carry for self-defense. A flashlight can be used to safely illuminate dark areas from a distance, as an impact weapon, and to identify targets before using force. When acquiring a flashlight, it’s important to understand how it will be used, as the use dictates the requirements.
The ability to determine if someone is carrying a weapon is crucial to your self-defense. Often times there are telltale signs that someone is carrying a weapon before it is overtly displayed. Here are some things you need to know in order to determine if someone is armed.
There is an endless supply of self-defense products on the market claiming to stop attackers in their tracks. Companies and individuals promoting these products are pretty good at spreading misinformation and inflating the effectiveness of these devices. Below are the most common self-defense weapons and some of the pros and cons of each.
Off-body carrying of a firearm is simply carrying your weapon in a manner that it is not attached to your body in a fixed, stable location. Off-body carry includes things like purses and stowing a gun under the seat of your car. Off-body carry has many drawbacks, many of which will render your firearm inaccessible in the dynamics of a lethal force confrontation. For the average citizen, off-body carry should be a last resort.
The concealed carry of firearms is legal in almost all states. More citizens are carrying firearms for personal protection than ever before. Each of these citizens makes a choice, either intentionally or not. As an armed citizen are they going to be an asset or liability to society? The training required to get a concealed carry license does little to make a person proficient in weapon manipulation.
Pepper spray is proven to be extremely effective for self-defense. It is safe with proper handling, yet effectively diminishes the capacity of an animal or human threat. Canisters are widely available and legal to carry in jurisdictions. When used properly, pepper spray is a valuable part of your personal protection plan. Here are five things you need to do in order to effectively deploy pepper spray.
Spoiler alert. If I could have only one pepper spray it would be the Fox Labs flip top 2oz canister with a stream spray pattern. In a future blog, I will discuss pepper spray for self-defense in great detail. This article cuts to the chase and looks at the benefits of what is considered to be one of the best pepper spray units for self-defense. Benefits of Fox Labs pepper spray are as follows:
A self-defense force multiplier is an attribute that dramatically increases the effectiveness of a technique or weapon. Force multipliers are often justified when a disparity of force exists. Disparity of force is defined as a situation that any reasonable person would conclude places you at an overwhelming disadvantage in your effort to protect yourself against immediate and serious bodily injury. Understanding force multipliers and when to use them will help you prevail when the odds are against you.
