Top Daily Carry Self-Defense Weapons
One of my viewers asked a question about what are the top 10 self-defense weapons for students… Frankly they are the same ones for non-students.
And I don’t think we need 10… in fact I’ll narrow it down to my top 4 favorites and then list a few honorable mentions.
I carry at least one of these everywhere I go.
Considerations for Daily Carry Self-Defense Weapons
With that out of the way here is my list of my top 4 daily carry self-defense weapons.
#1 A Concealed Carry Handgun
Advantages… distance, intimidation factor, effectiveness especially against multiple attackers.
Disadvantages… it is the bulkiest and hardest to carry of all of the ones on this list, you have to make sure it is legal where you carry it, it requires a lot of ongoing training to be effective and safe.
With so many disadvantages why would I put it as the number 1?
Simple… put the handgun up against any other reasonable daily carry self-defense weapon and it will always win except potentially in very close quarters.
I absolutely DO NOT recommend people who are irresponsible in any way to carry a firearm. If you are constantly losing track of your car keys, leaving your cell phone or wallet at the restaurant, etc. then you are better off with a different weapon…
Frankly society is better off with you carrying a different weapon.
#2 An Assisted Opening Folding Pocket Knife
Yes I realize there are other types of knives out there and each has some advantages and disadvantages but I personally feel the assisted opening folder is the best overall.
Advantages… it is legal nearly everywhere, super easy to carry, requires little training to be effective, has high damage output, very safe… I mean if you can’t hold a knife without something going wrong then you have other issues in life to deal with first.
Disadvantages… aside from not being a distance weapon like the gun there really isn’t one… unless you want a weapon that doesn’t actually injure someone in which case you might need to do some soul searching because if you have to use a weapon then it is because you or a loved one is in danger of death or severe bodily injury and you NEED to use a weapon.
#3 A Tactical Pen
A tactical pen while not as good as a knife uses the same combat tactics and skills so it is an easy transition if you train with a knife but can’t carry one.
What makes a tactical pen… well tactical… is that it is made from a very durable metal that can smash through objects like windows and even bricks and not break. Some of them have added features like flashlights and whatnot.
Oh and of course they are still writing pens and usually quite good ones.
I has all of the same advantages as the knife except it isn’t illegal anywhere… although some security checkpoints may not let you through if it looks too much like a weapon.
It is just like the knife except that it does not have a blade for cutting so it is a stabbing only weapon. Still super effective.
Whenever I travel where I can’t take a firearm or knife I always carry a tactical pen. Even out of the country.
The trick to not having TSA or other security take your tactical pen away is to make sure it looks like a normal pen.
The pen above might get taken away by TSA but the one below won’t have any problem passing.
#4 A Ball Point Pen
I’m a simple man. If for some reason you can’t take or don’t have access to a tactical pen then a regular ball point pen will do almost as well.
Sure they are not as durable but they will poke holes in hands and faces just the same.
I recommend the Zebra brand F-301. It is made of stainless steel, is very light, writes wonderfully, and is refillable.
It is just a normal pen that you can get at the grocery or office supply store or online.
Carrying a Knife or Pen for Self-Defense
One of the great things about carrying a knife, tactical or ball point pen for self-defense is that they are super light, easy to carry to the point where you won’t even feel that you are carrying them. A HUGE plus for most people.
Simply put it in your front pocket.
However if you are wearing clothes that do not have pockets as many women’s clothes do not then simply attach it to your waistband BEHIND your hip bone.
If you put it in front of your hip bone you could feel it poke into you when you sit down.
Conclusion
At the end of the day the weapon is only as good as the person using it.
Regardless of what weapon you carry whether it is on this list or not it is up to you to practice with it.
Safety, deployment, and use.
Until next time,
Brian
