When you can't carry a gun or a knife...

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I've got to admit that when I'm in a locale where I can't legally carry a gun or a knife, I feel absolutely naked - totally defenseless. I'm not as young as I used to be, and hence not able to reliably defeat an attacker with my bare hands.

On the premise that SOME defensive tool would be better than none, on a recent airline trip to Washington DC, I was able to carry this implement without question, yet it afforded me some means of self-defense. Went right through the airport inspection process - no comment from any of the personnel there.

It's a pen. It actually works as a pen. But one end of this substantial pen is a skull crusher point. It's made out of aircraft grade aluminum - very tough. It can be deployed quickly, and recognizing that action almost always beats reaction, it would give me a second or two of surprise and potential deadliness.

Sure as hell isn't a gun or a knife. But in DC, having traveled by air, and trying to obey the DC laws that basically prohibit carrying either guns or even a small knife, it's something. The accepted tactic for this thing would be to fist it into the side of an opponent's skull, and then keep jabbing down into the throat or collarbone area. If it doesn't kill, it might disable or confuse enough to allow time to boogie out of there.

Not ideal. But when you can't carry anything better, it's an alternative to nothing.

Comments welcomed.

John

PEN_00_zpsfxohqo1z.jpg
 
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Generally if I can't carry a gun or a knife I don't go. I live very quietly and can't afford to fly. :)

The pen you displayed is, I would guess, somewhat heavier than a Cross, and the knurled barrel would definitely improve the grip when you are attempting trepanning on an assailant.
 
I like a cane

Good reason Not to "bother" older Asian men or women

I've found similar canes and walking sticks at local CVS for under $20,

[ame]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j5rNyGaoYC8[/ame]
 
Good post John. It would be a heck of a lot better than nothing. As to the comment that a cane is better: why limit your options? Why not have both?

I don't think any old office pen would work as well.

YogiBear:
If my upbringing did not deter me from "bothering" the elderly, (whatever their ethnicity), that video surely would! :eek:
 
A crooked-top walking cane is one of the most effective, innocuous weapons available today. If made from rattan cane, it is virtually unbreakable. I have never been questioned about my carrying my cane in any scenario, as I occasionally have legitimate need of it. There are a number of videos available to teach you how to use it as a weapon of self defense/offense. I encourage you to search Youtube any see what a great item they are. And, they are very inexpensive, also. I am not associated with the below firm, but this is what I'm recommending.

Combat Cane Discount Martial Arts supplies Century Martial Arts:Karate,Samurai, TaeKwonDo,martial arts equipment, Martial Arts Supplies, Martial Arts Supply, martial arts uniforms, martial arts videos, martial arts weapons, tae kwon do equipment
 
I used to do a lot of international travel.

Between the time you could carry a 'small' knife and the advent of the 'tactical' pens I always carried a stout pen for potential use as an impact weapon. As soon as the 'tactical' pens showed up I snagged one.

Currently I have a CRKT Tao, carry it all the time, mostly because it's a descent pen.
 
Tactical pens are technically banned as carry on items on domestic flights, but enforcement is likely sporadic. They fall under the TSA prohibition on kubotans and similar instruments.

My prison pen pals suggested fine point Bics, the kind with the Crystal label and clear body, as first rate shanks.
 
I have a Kershaw tactical pen that I got at Walmart. It came in a set with a Brawler assisted opening knife and a cheap flashlight and the package had been opened and it was marked down to around to about 14 bucks. The pen is heavier, longer, and fatter than most pens and has very deep knurling to give you a good grip and it has sharp pointed tip, but with that being said I would still want a little more substantial weapon. Maybe a 3C cell maglite or a ball peen hammer.
 
I have a cane I carry because sometimes I need it. Arthritis and knees don't mix very well, but I have watched and tried several video's and have a few moves with the cane that make it fairly effective, especially in the throat area. I carried it all over Europe last year, and never questioned at any airport. (But I agree, I feel naked without a knife. Only when I fly it goes in my checked bag, other wise there is one in the pocket.)
 
I carry a relatively inexpensive stainless steel pen, a Retro 51 Tornado.

It uses Parker refills, so it writes real well. :)

That said, I carry it because it's stainless, looks like a regular pen because it is, and is a deadly weapon.

I gave one to my Seifu. He carries his too.

Travel silently.
 
As a little kid I was impressed when I saw Friar Tuck use a staff as a weapon in a Robin Hood movie. A friend and I started sparing with broom sticks, naturally broke a few fingers and started wearing football helmets heavy coats and gloves. When I went into law enforcement an ex NY cop was my Sergeant. He was a true artist with a night stick, could plan an entire Rosinne Overture with out missing a note in about 3 seconds on someone who needed a little education.

All you have to do is develop a convenient limp and none dare question you for fear of discriminating against the handicapped.

The nicest thing about it is: the walking stick is a socially acceptable non lethal form of self defense if you are careful.

Warning: don't hit them in the head if you can help it, scalp wounds bleed a lot!
 
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A good solid crook top cane. Learn to perform traps and sweeps as well as strikes.
"Tactical" pen ? Bics are fine, I prefer Papermate Write Brothers myself.
 

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