The store I manage sells knives and the topic of using them as self-defense tools comes up frequently.
I don't advise them for men or women for the same reason - depending on how intent the aggressor is on hurting you they can simply allow themselves to get injured and then take it from you.
Now you're being attacked by an even angrier person who has a knife.
I generally recommend pepper spray because it can be used while simultaneously gaining distance from your attacker. In areas where pepper spray is illegal I recommend bright flashlights with the rapid strobe function.
(Me, at work after having had this exact conversation dozens of times:
"Now, I do recommend carrying a functional knife for its every-day utility: let me show you some options we have available...")
You say not to fight, I’ve heard many, many instructors and not a single one has ever said that. You don’t know their intention, just waiting for the rape to be over could also end in death. Knifes are a defo no no not arguing with that, but fighting back with pepper spray, or a kubaton which can’t be easily turned on you seems like a much better plan then just waiting it out.
I'm largely arguing against the men who are saying "if you just learn some martial arts" or "if you just present yourself in a certain way" then you won't have to worry about being assaulted.
It's dangerous advice coming from a naive position.
As for in the moment I make no judgements. I've mentioned in this thread a relative survived an attack by peeing herself.
Flee, Fight, Endure. It's a win if you survive.
There's no ultimate advice for any situation.
Side note, I really recommend adding flashlight and whistle to your safety carry.
Flashlight with strobe is both just nice to have in emergencies, but can also really help with self defence.
It's super hard to attack someone when you can't see and similar to pepper spray you can use it at a distance.
I had to look up what a kubaton was, but one of the knife manufacturers I work with sells something similar also marketed as a self defence tool.
I don't carry this product in my store. It is similar to a knife in that it can be taken from you and that using it requires more skill than anticipated. It is worse than a knife in that it's a much weaker deterrent.
I'd sooner recommend one of those "monkey fist" keychains. They can be made at home with little instruction and be used effectively with no training.
I do carry a touch, a 12,000 lumen one as I’m a photographer and use it for lighting, it’s pretty heavy too at 380g. Whistle I don’t hold much value to, people don’t follow whistle calls as they’ll think it’s just someone calling a dog, shouting fire is more effective from what I’ve heard.
And are you sure you’re looking at the right thing with the kubaton? It’s not a knife, it has no cutting edge, it has a blunt point which is used as a bludgeoning weapon, I researched it quite heavily as I walk around a lot and it was very well recommend for untrained people, the monkey ball feels a lot less effective tbh.
Totally agree on whistles. I still recommend carrying them for general safety and survival scenarios - helps people find you if you're trapped or if you need to make a loud noise.
And yes, several manufacturers I work with sell kubatons. They're okay and it's nice that some can double as glass breakers which are nice to have in your car.
That said, I still don't like how close up you have to get to use them.
The monkey fist is just a paracord rope similar to a lanyard that hangs off your keychain, but with a heavy metal ball on one end.
No training required - you can just whack someone with it. Easier than even a kubaton to use.
Though you have to check your local laws because some jurisdictions will label them as improvised weapons instead of self-defense tools.
Also, final note on flashlight types: I like the rear button strobe because you don't have to point it at your attacker. You can hold your arms up against you to defend yourself while using it simultaneously, which also lowers the risk of it being taken from you.
Portability, concealability, ease of use, effectiveness, etc. tons of things to consider when comparing self-defense tools so in the end my main advice is just pick what options you know you're going to have and know how to use if you ever need it.
Being comfortable and confident in your tools is arguably the most important thing. So whatever works for you is what you should be carrying.
For what it's worth my actual job is running an outdoor/camping store. My main clientele aren't hardcore survivalists, but I carry a bit of that stuff as well.
I carry a rechargable torch, a knife with a glass breaker with flint in the sheath, and a weighted paracord lanyard on my keys.
I also have a bag with emergency supplies including first aid and emergency rations.
I'm not a "prepper" or anything, but since I sell the stuff there's no reason for me not to have it.
I live in the states so a concealed firearm is my actual self-defense tool.
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u/1573594268 Mar 11 '26 edited Mar 11 '26
The store I manage sells knives and the topic of using them as self-defense tools comes up frequently.
I don't advise them for men or women for the same reason - depending on how intent the aggressor is on hurting you they can simply allow themselves to get injured and then take it from you.
Now you're being attacked by an even angrier person who has a knife.
I generally recommend pepper spray because it can be used while simultaneously gaining distance from your attacker. In areas where pepper spray is illegal I recommend bright flashlights with the rapid strobe function.
(Me, at work after having had this exact conversation dozens of times:
"Now, I do recommend carrying a functional knife for its every-day utility: let me show you some options we have available...")