Fox Labs Keychain Pepper Spray
This is a tough keychain/pocket-clip holder containing a 1/2 oz can of
the most effective pepper spray currently available. Pepper spray is not
a "sure thing" defense, but nothing is, and pepper spray is the least
damaging of the common non-lethal methods.
This spray contains a 2% OC solution rated at 5.3 million SHU (Scoville
Heat Units). It is more than twice as hot as most other sprays. This mix
also includes a UV dye, which can be used by police to help identify an
attacker.
ASP Key Defender
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ASP
Key Defender
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This is a versatile defensive device that combines pepper spray with a
rod designed for blocking and striking. If you have enough keys or other
items attached to the ring it can also be used as a flail.
Hold the rod in your fist with both ends protruding and your thumb near
the button. Use a "hammer" blow with the bottom end for both blocks and
strikes. The same grip can be used when activating the pepper spray and
when flailing.
This pepper spray is rated at 2 million SHU, which is not as strong as
the Fox Labs version, but still fairly effective. The Key Defender
includes an excellent locking mechanism that makes accidental discharges
very unlikely while still allowing quick activation in an emergency.
Combat Technologies Stinger
This is probably the simplest of these devices to use. Grasp it in your
hand with the "point" extended between your index and middle fingers and
both cross-bars inside your fist. Punch for both blocks and strikes. The
"point" is designed to line up with the bones of your arm and wrist for
maximum power.
If someone asks about your peculiar keychain you can always tell them
it's a Pagan fertility symbol.
Summary
When used for blocking or striking all of these items work on the same
general principles. Hands are relatively soft and easily damaged.
Blocking or striking against anything hard is likely to hurt and may
incapacitate you. Using a weapon protects you from most of the impact.
You can block or strike against any part of a target without hurting
yourself.
The other aspect of these devices is that they focus the area of impact
down to a much smaller surface than your hands. When you apply the same
amount of force to a smaller area you achieve a far greater effect.
All of these can be used with little or no training. They are designed
to be used naturally as extensions of your body. However, training in
almost any system of self-defense will dramatically increase their
effectiveness, as well as giving you a wider range of options in a
defensive situation. Self-defense training also gives you a "weapon"
that can be carried anywhere and cannot be taken away from you.
Make sure you are familiar with your local laws before you decide to
carry any self-defense weapon. Those listed here are presently legal in
most areas of the US, but there are exceptions. Also, there are may be
better options available to you that I have not listed because my local
laws prohibit them.
For most people under most circumstances the best defensive weapon is a
firearm. If you are willing to use lethal force to defend your life you
should consider this option. Check into your local regulation and
licensing of firearms for home defense and concealed carry. And if you
do decide to own a gun get training in how to use it
safely and proficiently then practice with it
regularly.
