Self Defense tools (a.k.a Gadgets I carry for self defense)

I happen to be a gadget guy. Even if I don't need a gadget, and cannot realistically foresee using the thing, I will probably end up buying it anyway. Thankfully this, as a rule, applies only to gadgets that are meant for self defense. A few of the gadgets I own I have found useful and actually use on a somewhat regular basis. I thought that I would share with you those that I can recommend for purchasing and not be a waste of money (i.e., learn from my reckless spending).

First off, I think that a cell phone is invaluable fore everyday use and especially in emergency situations. I'll leave it up to as to which one you get. I carry mine in my left font pocket so that I can access it if my right hand is engaged with a weapon.

Next up is a flashlight. If you haven't thought about buying a new flashlight since Mag-lights came out, boy are you in for a big surprise. Now they are called "tactical flashlights" (when used for self defense and professional use of force) and Surefire is the industry standard, although there are a lot a good up and comers including Blackhawk!'s Night-Ops brand. Along with a flashlight I would highly recommend a "Tactical Impact Device" such as those pioneered by GG&G. I own two and have them on my Surefire e2e' s. Buy at least one set and spend some time thinking about and training how to use them. I wear mine at my mid-line clipped in my front left pocket so that I can have access to it if my right hand is engaged with a weapon.

A Kubotan is also a good idea and it is very practical, if for no other reason than to hold on to your keys. This is a self defense tool developed by Tak Kubota as a variation on Yawara stick, and the koppo stick, and from his experience of using a Cross pen in self defense. I started off with an inexpensive (about $5) black aluminum one (which should be more than effective and sufficient for most people), and then progressed to a way too expensive ($100) Rick Hinderer modular titanium version, which is cool as heck but probably only worth getting if your a gadget guy like me. There are a number of inexpensive variations on the Kubotan that I can recommend and they can almost all be purchased at kubotans.com. I can also recommend those made by Alpha Inovations.

Incidentally, the great Mas Ayoob became a fan of the kubotan after becoming one of Mr. Kubota's first certified trainers and has worked diligently to get them into common use among police departments and the general public. I wear mine at my mid-line in my waistband between my front pocket and my zipper flap.

I have also recently discovered the concept of the "defensive stylus". I decided to buy one after I showed up to the local courthouse to testify for a Grand Jury and they wouldn't let me in with my kubotan (apparently it is considered a "martial arts weapon" and is not allowed) but they completely overlooked my Parker pen which I could do just as much damage with.

I have looked at many different variation including the Berry Jones version and those made by JSP Bladerigger , but I finally settled on one produced by Mil-Tac that has the added benefit of actually being a working pen. I haven't yet had the opportunity to use it yet in real life, but woe to the poor bastered who ends up on the receiving end of this fine instrument. I wear mine at my high-line clipped either in my shirt pocket or in my shirt placket, depending on the shirt I'm wearing. It can be seen poking out of my shirt pocket in the picture of me to the right.

Last but not least I would recommend a good folding knife of the tactical variety. This would be a knife that can be opened with one hand via a thumb hole, stud, disk, or a assisted opening or switchblade mechanism. Because the state I live in allows it, I carry an automatic knife (a.k.a. switchblade). For many years I carried a Benchmade Auto Stryker and it is a very fine knife and would recommend it to anyone. I have however recently purchased a Blackhawk! M.O.D. CQD Mk I. With the exception of not having a training drone available for it, I beleive this is nearly the most perfect self defese knife (see my "how to choose a self defense knife" post). As a rule I wear the knife I'm carrying at my mid-line clipped in my front right pocket, but if I'm dressing up I will wear it clipped in my waistband between my right front pocket and my zipper with the clip between the outside of my pants and the inside of my belt, as to look less conspicuous.

Please let me know if this was helpful to you or not.