More than meets the eye

I use 2 tac pens, flash!ight and my cane.

How about a cane?

Tactical pens have me thinking lately too.

Screwdriver?

TSA took my tactical pen in OKC two weeks ago. Been carrying it in my carry-on for years, and now it was an issue. Don't get me started on those highy-skilled TSA folks.

hso said:

I adhere to hiding in plain sight as much as possible to avoid drawing interest. During the week I carry a heavy silver Schaefer pen. I may carry a Powertac Scholar or a Zebra 701. In restrictive places like last night, one of these.

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Yup, that's what I've resorted to. Better than nothing...not by much.

hso said:

Having pens, flashlights, umbrellas and spotting every other tool within reach gives options not everyone recognizes.

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hso, this thread sort of sparked some additional thinking on my issue regarding working in a gun free environment that we had discussed in other threads and via PMs. The notion of thinking creatively about what I could use brought up an unexpected candidate for a make shift weapon in the event of a disgruntled employee or being unable to escape an active shooter. In the later of course everything would be contingent on surprise, but it's better to think these things through and strategically place items.

As you are already aware. I am a professional forester. One item that foresters frequently have siting around in their work space are deer and elk antlers. Deer antlers can easily be gripped on the main beam by anyone with even small hands and used as jabbing weapons. They are non-porous and obviously plenty hard to severely wound someone. Elk antlers can be rather heavy, but can frequently have 5 forward facing tines some around 18" in length, and if the main beam is gripped with both hands, could be jammed forward in a very destructive way. Elk antlers are porous but very strong.

These are not the most practical, but the nice part is a person keeping them in their office would simply be seen as a hunter. It's funny because Now that I'm looking, this little spike antler could be fashioned into a dandy little jabbing weapon, like a tactical pen. If someone asks, well it's just a stylus.


Even more interesting is this small antler from a year and a half old bull elk. I realized I still had it sitting around somewhere and it now sits on a shelf on my desk, because no one will bat an eye. It is light, as in only about a pound, but it will serve as a nice makeshift club if the spur end is used, or to deflect an attack. One could use the pointy end to jab as well if need be. I actually am thinking about sawing off the top of the knob end, and boring out the shaft a bit. Then talk to a bullet caster I know about pouring some molten lead into the cavity to make a loaded stick. Then glue the top back on, drill a few piolet holes and put some screws in the cap.


In any case, you got me thinking creatively, and I thought I'd share.

Retired Industrial Arts teacher here. Most people don't realize it, but schools and LE were concerned about and had plans to deal with school shootings LOOONG before the shootings at Columbine. We had plans back in the 1980's. But prior to Columbine the plans centered around a terrorist attack, not deranged students. That was a big part of the reason for the delay in getting LE inside the building in Columbine. All the training and planning had them thinking they would be dealing with trained professionals inside the school. The training and planning now is much different.

Before I retired I kept about a dozen 2X4's cut to 3-4' long in the scrap bin that I'd never let anyone use. Those, along with a classroom full of potential weapons gave my kids a little better chance if someone had ever tried to get in. If a shooter came through the door they'd be met with a flurry of saw blades, hammers, files, wrenches etc. as well as a bunch of high school boys with 2X4's. It might not stop them, but it might just make them try somewhere else.

sparkyv said:

Yup, that's what I've resorted to. Better than nothing...not by much.

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I work at a trauma center in the Bronx, and keep a Sharpie in the V of my scrub top. Mine, as most hospitals is a NPE.
But consider, if your covering incoming, and like most, carry weapons at waist level, you need to uncover to access. That ubiquitous Sharpie turns your back fist into the woodpecker from hell. It concentrates the total force of your back fist, into an area less the 1/4", it's lite enough for binary strikes and though I've tried, I can't break it. And it's just a Sharpie.

A rock or a D cell battery or use your imagination, in a sock will knock the daylights out of anybody.

TikkaShooter said:

I'm pretty quick with a clip folder. When traveling via air; I throw it in my baggage. Although, it is no where close to a pistol; it sure beats a sharp stick.

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The truth of this message depends on what you are planning for.

If you plan to surpise-attack someone swiftness with a folder is desirable.
If you plan to defend your person a stick, even a non-pointed one, is certainly superior to a short piece of steel.
Add a point to the stick and its even more effective.
Remember: Distance is your friend!

Carsten

And combining a few different threads, no matter what else your carrying EDC, the cane, stick, staff or "functional" flashlight you have in your hand, depending on the situation, may be what you need to use, until you can access better. And as repeatedly stated, the tool in your hand, apposed any other tool, is already in your hand, and that decrease in time, can be lifesaving.

I had to venture out into the World today, on a mission to pick up a few things for my folks. They're in their 80s and wish to avoid trips to crowded stores for the foreseeable future. There have been reports of fistfights and hair-pulling matches at some local stores, with some goblins simply taking goods out of people's hands or shopping carts both before and after checkout. I won't throw down over a pack of paper towels, but neither will I accept assault.

My "load out" was-
> small 9MM pistol with a spare mag, both concealed (Nuclear option)
>Spyderco Endura Wave (Mostly for cutting up my chicken-fried steak; I view it as less useful for SD than a cane, but notice I didn't choose an Opinel)
>Milwaukee Inkzall, a Sharpie-style marker pen with a grippier surface and a chisel point on one end ("Woodpecker from Hell", lol! Sort of a main gauche to go with my cane.)
>Tractor Supply stock handling cane, cut down to be useful to me on those days when my sciatica flares up. This was not such a day. (Creates distance and/or lumps, at the assailant's choosing. If things get really sporty, this would be the go-to, just before the pistol.)
>Safety-toe boots. (If I need to kick somebody, I want it to count.)
>Cell phone, keyring. (911 calls, pictures, and the ability to get in the truck and create LOTS of distance.)

The only thing I could have added was a carbine. I fell plenty well-protected, and the only attention I drew was from my waitress when I stopped for breakfast (never shop hungry!). "I haven't seen you with the cane for a while, everything OK?"

I kept my eyes open, avoided stores that have a clientele that might tend to be slightly less inclined to civility, and I never had to employ any of my gear. I may have had a "moment" with a panhandler when I stopped for gas, but I had gotten out of the truck with the cane and I made direct eye contact with him as soon as he started moving in my direction. He took the hint and moved in another direction, too quickly for me to get a picture of him to show to the attendant. I moved to a better vantage point to see if he had any companions, but couldn't spy any potential accomplices. The pumps were all occupied, and nobody else seemed to wonder why this disheveled, smelly pedestrian was hanging around the gas station. I didn't pump any gas until he was 200 yards away. I'm sure he returned after a while; I hope nobody was accosted.

I continue to shake my head at people who don't take the simple precaution of LOOKING AROUND. Even those who use Bluetooth devices with their phones are completely disconnected from their environment. The call they're on is the only thing they can process. I wonder how many folks get mowed down in crosswalks, earbuds in place and chatting happily away when the Goodyears roll over them.

Stay aware out there, brothers and sisters. As this COVID19 thing ramps up, people will become even more short-sighted and desperate.

I carry a bandana and a regular, old combination lock in my backpack when I’m in non-permissive environments. Tie the bandana through the hasp of the lock and you have a pretty effective weapon. In over a million miles of flying, I’ve never been questioned by airport security in a by country. On the street, the lock can be in your pocket with just a bit of the bandana sticking out for easy access.

"how many people get mowed down..." in NYC, scads. Cell phones are a leading cause of death, no matter where you are. There is nothing so important on your phone that it worth your or another's life. Coming out of a parking lane at a local mall, lady crossing, pushing the cart with one hand, texting with the other, with a baby in the cart seat, completely oblivious. I'm waiting to make a left hand turn, and when she finally sees me, she gives me a dirty look. If I was the typical in a hurry, distracted, F-you, me first driver, (never mind somehow impaired) she and her baby would have been toast.

Please be careful of the bandanna tied to the lock, here in NY that's called slung shot, and is considered a concealed weapon. It's a whole category of weapons, starting with a loaded monkey fist, then the lock/rock/bar of soap in a sock, then flails, weight attached to a stick with chain/rope...

Regards, Jim

I've been taught the mantra, "speed equals life." Slow, stun and flee. Sharpie or hard pen to the eyeball or jabbed hard into the center of the armpit or groin to loosen a grip. Stab and rake deep to break a choke hold. Keys or cellphone corners hard to the eyeball, collarbone, temple or mouth. Your goal is to puncture skin or break teeth and bone. With spray, the objective is eyes or mouth to make time.

Never zone-out in public. Be a quick draw fighter then run like hell when you make your chance.

I lived through a personal attack. I suspect that many of you have not experienced a real physical assault. It is unbelievably violent and as fast as breath. Adrenaline is released quickly. I did not know but I do know now that it is the sharpness of that adrenaline rush to be harnessed and utilized to advantage.

I read much on here about how we should or have or will or hope to react if confronted with a situation. Much of it to do with legal aspects. I did not carry then. I carry now. Believe me when I tell you that if I am ever challenged past my degree of comfort and I have a gun, I will shoot.

There are weapons everywhere. You have to see them and you have to have heart enough to use them.

This is sayounara for awhile. It has been fun. I will remember some of you with fondness and respect. I thank you.

JPH

JShirley said:

The antlers clearly have defensive potential, and I'm glad you see it.

OTOH, if you're in a weapons prohibited area, the modifications you are thinking about could legally change an object of opportunity into a (prohibited) deliberate weapon. I don't think the additional potential effect is nearly worth the legal trouble you're inviting.

John

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The funny thing is after I thought about it longer I came to the same conclusion awhile ago. I think modification could be an unnecessary risk that would likely lead to no benefit.

I’ve had a blackthorn shillelagh sitting in the corner right behind me for a few months now, and it would be far more effective. No one has said anything because it’s just a walking stick.

Think I’ll stick with that.