Self-Defense Options You May Not Have Seen Before

Everyone wants to feel secure whether at home,you're carrying one around outside.
in your car, or just out going about your business.7. For home defense, a large dog or two is an
Unfortunately there may come a time when youexcellent choice. And if you don't have or don't
need to have some means of self-defense, somewant to have a large dog, a continuous loop tape
way to protect yourself, your home or youror cd of dogs barking can work too.
family. If you've spent any time checking out8. Kevlar gloves can provide some protection
different types of self defense weapons andagainst a knife attack.
training you've no doubt seen stores and web9. Some experts recommend biting - not a
sites offering everything from pistols andnormal bite, but something more on the order of
shotguns to pepper sprays and courses in martiala pit bull type bite, preferably on an ear or finger.
arts. If none of these standard methods appeals10. One of the "unbreakable" umbrellas for sale on
to you though, here a few other suggestionsthe internet offers a way to keep an attacker at
(some serious, some not so serious):a distance; and if you've ever seen commuters
jockeying for position in the London Underground,
1. Instead of pepper spray, use a can of waspyou can appreciate the use of the umbrella as an
and hornet spray. It's easily available and has anoffensive weapon.
effective range of up to 20 feet, compared to11. If you want a firearm for self-defense, you
six to eight feet for most pepper spray products.might take a look at the Palm Pistol. It's a
2. Gloves with steel shot sewn into the knuckles.single-shot.38 caliber pistol that fits in the palm of
They look harmless but work like a blackjack andyour hand. It's specially designed for seniors or the
are available from a couple of different vendorsdisabled who have limited physical dexterity and is
via the internet. You can also find baseball capsfired with the thumb instead of your index finger.
that are similar, with steel shot sewn into the capAnd it's been classified as a "medical device" by
itself -- not sure how comfortable that would bethe FDA.
to wear though.12. If you're really intent on avoiding any
3. A can of WD-40 and a butane lighter make aconfrontation, you can try leaving some money
nice miniature flame thrower. Collateral damageor valuables on a table near your door or window
could be a problem however.and hope that anyone breaking in will simply "take
4. The sharpened edge of one of your creditthe money and run." Hopefully these suggestions
cards can make a fairly efficient (andwill provide you with some new options for
innocent-looking) weapon for slashing someone atself-defense. And if you're really into home
close range.defense you might take a tip from an Army
5. How about a wrist-braced slingshot and a bagranger I heard about. He rigged his porchlight so
of golf balls or ball bearings. It takes a good dealthat if you flipped the light switch up the porch
of practice to become proficient but it can dolight came on; if you flipped the switch down it
some serious damage if you use a good qualityset off a small explosive charge -- more than
slingshot and can actually hit your target.enough to discourage someone intent on breaking
6. A hockey stick has a number of advantages inthe front door down. In any case take some time
terms of self-defense. It makes a very goodto think about self-defense -- you never know
weapon for slashing at something or someonewhen the moment may come when you'll need to
and it doesn't look particularly out of place ifhave some way to protect yourself.