Makeshift Defense Weapons

There are many ways to make yourself a harder target. That is, to become less tempting to predatory criminals. Traveling in groups or at least pairs, dressing less-provocatively, avoiding solitary places, an d becoming more aware of your surroundings using the color-coded awareness elevation discussed previously are a few of the actions, which you can take to make yourself a harder target.

Another way to make yourself a harder target as well as providing a means of self-defense in the event you are attacked. This technique involves carrying a visible item that could be used as a weapon. In some cases, carrying a weapon that is not visible is most appropriate too.

The following is a list of items which you may consider carrying for defense. The list, however, is almost endless.Check your local jurisdiction for legality

1. A cane
2. A half-staff or Escrima stick
3. An expandable baton (this can also be concealed in a purse.)
4. A carefully thought-out, swingable purse.
5. A metal steering wheel locking bar.
6. A plastic-coated bicycle chain with a pad-lock.
7. A large Aerosol can of almost anything. Wasp spray is particularly stringent, and hair pray is better than nothing.
8. Mace, or pepper spray.
9. A large key-chain attached to a pen-knife, or Cuba-ton. A Cuba-ton will be covered separately later; it is a six inch piece of wood, plastic, or metal that can be used to strike pressure points and to bend joints.
10. A set of Nun-chucks folded or slightly taped together for ease of carrying and to reduce questions as to what it is when entering places. When traveling abroad I sometimes carry the hardware necessary for attaching two pieces of wood such as broomsticks or drumstics together to form nun-chucks, once my destination is arrived. Carried separately, sticks usually raise no questions either.
11. Surgical hose or elastic and a “y” brand to make a slingshot.
12. A “decorative” sword. Few people will question you boldly carrying a decorative sword in a sheath. It looks scary and makes a formidable weapon—even while encased.
13. A bicycle pump designed to fit onto your bicycle.
14. A tuna can with one end removed and the other end half opened and bent upward. Reinforce handling area with black tape or duct tape. Be very careful. This is the original serated blade. It can inflict lethal wounds to an assailant.
15. A large MAG-light. This can both blind an opponent and knick them silly. It is a deadly weapon.
16. A one foot piece of garden hose filled with sand, pebbles, or bee bees. This can be folded and concealed in a purse or pocket, to be removed only when threatened.
17. A large wrench
18. Two large wrenches with clips to hold them together to be used as nun-chucks. Note: Nunchcks require a little practice to keep from hurting yourself.
19. A golf club. An iron is best.
20. A hammer.
21. A large screwdriver.
22. A skate board.
23. A fold-up chair or stadium cushion.
24. A glass bottle.
25. A pocket full of ball bearings or medium sized nails.
26. A large spike or nail or several.
27. An inexpensive but heavy camera.
28. A chair leg.
29. An eclectic cord or piece of extension cord.
30. A sock full of pebbles or other hard objects such as a full bar of soap. It can be tied and swung to inflict pain upon assailants.
31. A hack-saw blade.
32. Candle holders and/or large candles.
33. A small empty paint bucket.
34. A glass cosmetic mirror that can be easily broken and used as an edged weapon.
35. A telephone.
36. A roll of duct tape. There is a technique to use this effectively.
37. Try to think of ten items that you could carry to be used as a defensive weapons.
38. Think of objects of opportunity that would be available on -location if you had to suddenly arm yourself.