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While perhaps the most effective form of protection, firearms aren’t the be-all and end-all of self-defense. This is where less-lethal weapons come into play. While commonly referred to as non-lethal weapons, this is a glaring misconception, as any form of weapon can be lethal. This guide will detail several self-defense weapons that aren’t guns or knives, but it’s crucial to note that many of these items may be restricted in your jurisdiction. Always check your local and state laws before purchasing and incorporating any of the following into your everyday carry (EDC) loadout.
Mace & Pepper Spray
When it comes to mace vs. pepper spray, it’s important to note that mace spray was originally a CN teargas compound. Mace is now a popular brand name, which is why many people refer to pepper spray as mace. Self-protection pepper spray, or OC spray, utilizes a capsaicin compound, the same chemical found in chili peppers. When it comes in contact with skin and eyes, it produces a severe burning sensation that can temporarily blind assailants and induce choking, gasping, and confusion, providing you with a valuable window of time to escape and get help.
With discreet, compact options like pepper spray keychains and lipstick pepper spray, you can easily carry it on your person and instantly deploy it. Most manufacturers advertise their self-defense sprays with an effective range of around 10-15 feet, which covers plenty of distance. However, environmental factors like wind blowback could reduce range and overall effectiveness. If you live in notoriously windy areas, pepper gel spray might be a better option for you, as it produces a thicker stream that’s more resistant to wind and has a longer effective range.
Some self-defense pepper sprays also feature UV marking dyes so that law enforcement can easily identify suspects. It’s important to note that pepper spray may have reduced results on people who are under the influence or have a high tolerance for pain. You should also never use bear mace as a self-defense tool, and it is illegal to do so in several states.
TASERs & Stun Guns
Many people also inquire about the difference between a stun gun vs. TASER. Once again, TASER is a brand name, and TASER Energy Weapons are electroshock devices that fire two barbed probes connected by wires, creating an electrical circuit after both probes penetrate and make contact with the threat. To avoid further confusion, you should know that TASER also produces stun guns, like their Strikelight 2 discreet flashlight TASER.
TASER guns offer two distinct advantages over stun guns: distance and neuromuscular incapacitation (NMI). Most TASERs are advertised with a range of 12-15 feet, while stun guns require direct contact with attackers. NMI affects the entire central nervous system by impacting sensory and motor nerves. On the other hand, stun guns rely on localized pain compliance, which only affects the sensory nerves. This means that stun guns are extremely painful but do not immobilize attackers like TASER probes.
Some TASER guns, like the TASER Pulse 2, also have an integrated stun gun function that can be used when the cartridges are deployed or if there are no cartridges in the device. TASER weapons require some training to master and are more expensive than stun guns. However, stun guns are more affordable and can be recharged for continuous use. They are also discreet and portable, with some models featuring an arc warning signal that emits a loud electrical arc to intimidate and deter threats.
Self-Defense Batons
Police batons aren’t just for law enforcement, and they make an excellent self-defense weapon where permitted. Collapsible batons, or expandable batons, are very compact and lightweight tools that can easily fit in your purse, bag, and certain pockets. When expanded, tactical batons are around 16in to 26in long, depending on the model you select. This provides a good amount of space between you and your attacker.
Unless the situation is dire, you should aim for the meaty parts of the arms or thighs or the kneecaps to cause immense pain and compliance. The tip is much smaller than the handle, but takeaways are still possible. Make sure to securely grip the handle and keep the baton back when not striking to ensure they can’t grab it. If they do, a well-placed circular motion can help you regain control. Self-defense batons provide key advantages of distance and temporary immobilization in target areas, but they require training to effectively master.
Tactical Pens & Kubotans
Tactical pens truly bring “the pen is mightier than the sword” to life. These discreet, everyday writing tools serve a secondary purpose as a self-defense weapon. EDC pens blend in with your personal belongings but feature a pointed tip that can be used for striking or as an emergency glass-breaker. Self-defense pens enhance your current physical capabilities, so training is definitely beneficial to maximize the benefits.
To use a tactical pen as a self-defense tool, grip the handle so that the pen tip is pointed outward from your pinky side. Then, use the pointed grip near your thumb to strike key areas of the face like the nose or throat or aim for the solar plexus, which is the abdominal area just below the ribcage and above the belly button. Commonly taught as a target area in martial arts, a sharp blow to the solar plexus knocks the wind out of attackers, providing ample opportunity to escape.
Tactical pens are based on the Kubotan (sometimes spelled as kubaton). Discreet Kubotan keychains amplify your striking power. These versatile tools can be held like a dagger with the pointed tip towards your pinky side or like an EDC knife with the point towards your thumb side. Just like a tactical pen, you use Kubotans to strike fleshy or boney nerve-filled areas to incapacitate threats and escape.
Tactical Flashlights
Tactical flashlights aren’t your ordinary torch. They’re incredibly durable and filled with features that assist in self-defense scenarios. Perfect for nighttime joggers or backpackers, tactical lights have high-lumen outputs and SOS/strobe modes that can disorient attackers and signal for help. The ideal self-defense flashlight will have a toothed striking bezel at the bulb end that can be used as a blunt object of force. There are plenty of compact yet rugged EDC flashlights that are easy to carry, serve as everyday lighting tools, and are reliable for personal defense.
Personal Safety Alarms
While these last two items aren’t exactly weapons, they are non-lethal tools designed to ward off threats and draw attention to the situation. Keychain alarms are incredibly compact and easy to activate, sending out a loud distress signal to alert bystanders. Sometimes the shrill noise itself is enough to make the attacker run away. Since personal alarms don’t have any self-defense utility on their own, they’re best for urban areas where others can hear the high-pitched noise.
Emergency Whistles
Emergency whistles provide the same utility as personal alarms without requiring batteries or other power sources. These high-pitched whistles are more reliable in cold weather where battery-operated devices may fail. Again, whistles are better suited in urban environments where others may be present.
Protection Is Paramount
While these less-lethal and non-lethal weapons are ideal self-defense tools, the best defense is staying vigilant, prepared, and knowing your escape routes. Get all your personal protection gear at OpticsPlanet.com and read through our EDC Checklist for more everyday essentials to help you expect the unexpected.
